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From the Sanctuary From the mmoravianoravian Sanctuary DECEMBER 2018 mmessengeressenger Ever since my mother died on 20th December, seven years ago, With the birth narratives placing so much emphasis on the I have found myself re-evaluating Christmas each year. 'coming of Christ' as a baby, it is easy to ignore or overlook the Christmas comes at the time of year when the year is dying - death, transition, journeying and fear that are imbedded in the and at a time when many significant folk in our congregation experience of Christ's birth. and community are dying. That is not morbid, but merely an acknowledgment that what for many is a joyful occasion, is Strange as it may seem, that gives me comfort; for whilst others also contaminated with paradox and death. Indeed, the celebrate I have permission to both celebrate and grieve. The celebration of Christmas is there to bring light into that darkness. birth narratives show us that life is very much about holding, That itself is a paradox. and living with, the tension between its paradoxes. Life and This sense of paradox and death are very much reflected in the death are both parts of the same entity. That is our reality. So, Christmas stories. In spite of our attempts to dress them up whilst we righty focus on the celebrations that make Christmas with cute children and animals, the narratives are full of death, joyful and meaningful, don't ignore the fact that some are in cruelty and paradox. We see contrasts between those who pain at this time of year. Our challenge is to sensitively hold No Room at the Inn: come to Christ, in the form of wise men and shepherds; in the both in creative tension by not pretending that the other doesn't lovingness of God for humanity as against the destruction of exist; and to find the presence of God in both. May you find humanity by Herod; in the security-of-self embodied by Mary Christ in all that is going on for others, and in yourself - as well that enabled her to step out so hugely in faith, as opposed to as in the manger. Inn Churches the culling of vulnerable children to protect the security of he Br Peter Gubi, who was so insecure in his kingdom; we see death verses life. Dukinfield It is a very sad fact that homelessness is This Act requires local councils to help forces, some have lost a job, some have on the increase. The charity ‘Crisis’ those who are homeless or at risk of just left prison, some are asylum seekers, published figures which state that becoming homeless. However, countering some have mental health problems, some homelessness in general is up 8% this this are the problems, including the threat have been sleeping in cars, some in tents, An application is invited year. When most of us think of of homelessness, being caused by the the list goes on ... for the position of homelessness we think of those rough introduction of Universal Credit because sleepers that we see all too often on the some people are receiving less money So how does it work on Musical Director streets; there has been a shocking rise of with this new benefit and there is often the ground? of the Yorkshire 15% in rough sleepers this year. a gap in payments as people switch from Every winter Hornsey plays a vital role in the old benefits onto the new District Singers ‘Crisis’ categorises homelessness into supporting and helping the homeless as Universal Credit. The position would include: three main groups: part of the winter shelter scheme where •Rough sleepers are single people Two of our Moravian congregations are we provide a bed, meal and shower in • Sourcing music and planning the who sleep on the street or in hostels involved in helping homeless people in the hall for up to 16 people one night per annual Advent Choral Festival week for the months of January and and The Palm Sunday Service and shelters. their area. These are Hornsey in north February every Sunday night until with readings. •Homeless households are families London and Horton in Bradford, Yorkshire. without accommodation. Monday morning. This is organised with How does all this information translate • Leading and conducting the •Hidden homeless are those in over- our partner charity ‘All People All Places’. into the people that are our guests at choir for the performances and crowded accommodation and The guests are welcomed to our hall these shelters? There is a complete cross weekly rehearsals, Sept - March. those who ‘sofa surf’, spending a where they choose their bed. The hall is section of society represented: men, few days with family or friends a laid out in a mixed dorm style with • Any additional performances as women, old, young, people from a variety before having to move on. mattresses on the floor, but more privacy requested. of cultural backgrounds and from many can be provided with screens if necessary It is encouraging that homelessness has different countries. Each person's story It is hoped that there will be many trees • A good knowledge and and in the past some people, in experience of choral singing been given high profile in parliament with as to why they are homeless is unique. adorning the event, giving a dramatic exceptional circumstances, have been display in the run up to Christmas. One would be essential. the passing of the Homelessness Many have experienced a relationship given a separate room. Guests are then tree will be decorated with old Reduction Act this summer. break down, some have left the armed photographs of members and ministers All applications to Chair of the Continues inside on page 134 past and present, so making the link Yorkshire District Conference, Rev. between the generations and that Kenneth G. Evans. email: Christmas is for all, old and young alike. [email protected] The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and Editorial Team, Church House, Design & Artwork all communications 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ David Bull Official Journal of the Moravian concerning [email protected] [email protected] Church in the British Province. distribution and supply should Contributions for the Messenger Printed & Distribution Connect 18 John Cennick, European Mission A Moravian Shipwreck Published monthly by the be sent to the should reach the editorial team by G. R. Walkden a brief biography Conference Part I authority of the Provincial Synod. Editorial Team. the 7th day of the preceding month. Tel 01253 681338 (page 135) (page 136) (pages 137) (page 140) Continued The longest day was our trip to the Czech Republic, and it was No Room at the Inn certainly a good one. Following our drive across the border we were Poem: welcomed by a local youth group, who accompanied us to Chalice provided with a three course meal which up Inn Churches for me. He had been Connect 18 Rocks. The scenic walk took us to this historic spectacle of early usually consists of soup, a choice of two evicted for non-payment of rent because Moravian history. High in the hills, the terrific rock formations mains with a vegetarian option, and a he was having problems organising his A Memory System created a unique and quiet pocket of countryside. Together, we pudding that is usually fruit salad and ice benefit payments. On the face of it this read our watchwords, prayed, and then we sat, explored and in cream. There is access to a shower that seemed like a desperate situation but in some cases, climbed, amongst the rocks for a while. It was a very they can use but we operate a timetable fact it was a blessing in disguise. It Forget each kindness that you do tranquil place, and we could appreciate the joy it would have been for that because there is only one shower. transpired that this man had a serious As soon as you have done it; all that time ago, despite a long journey, to come together to Games are also provided but generally medical problem with his feet that no worship there. the guests go straight from dinner to bed. one knew about. Inn Churches was able Forget the praise that falls to you Continuing the day, we drove on to Prague, meeting the minister In the morning they are provided with a to get the medical care that this person The moment you have won it; and a member of the Milicovy Kapel. Eva, the minister, was eager cooked breakfast, in addition croissants needed, new shoes, plenty of clean socks to tell us all about their church, showing us through photograph and pain au chocolate as well! Each guest and supportting him in his self-care Forget the slander that you hear albums of their history. This included the buildings history and their is provided with a small packed lunch for regime. By the end of the winter we had Before you can repeat it; recent renovation process. It was evident around us that a lot of the day before they leave. We also saved his feet and he had a new home. © Sr Eleanor Noden effort had been put into creating an adaptable and provide assistance from the charity to Homelessness is just the most visible Forget each slight, each spite, each highly functional space. In that space, local help find permanent housing and jobs community are being reached, from problem, as you dig deeper there are but unfortunately this is not always sneer, young children through to the many underlying issues that need to be successful.