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Friday 9th July 2021

The Friday Thought from our Vicar, Fr Simon Well, they’re through to the final of a major international tournament - the first time since that famous year: 1966. The England team are doing the nation proud and perhaps even exceeding our expectations.

But, whilst they looked comfortable against the Danes for large parts of the game - dare I say it - their victory was by small margins, won on an own goal and what even the English pundits described as a ‘soft’ penalty decision. And then it took the penalty taker, Harry Kane, a couple of bites at the cherry to beat the Danish ‘keeper. I think the Danes have every reason to feel that Lady Luck was sitting in the English dressing room on Wednesday night. (In fairness, it’s probably our turn to host her. So often, she seems to be sitting with the opposition!)

But then, such are the fine margins at the highest level of so many crafts. Be it top-flight football, Formula One where the stopwatch measures hundredths of a second in an attempt to decide between winners and also-rans, the subjective verdict of those judging an Olympic ice- skating championship or a Masterchef final, or the difference between a good performance of Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto and a platinum-standard virtuoso performance - the difference between winners and losers is often paper-thin.

Mind you, at least in sport we often have the ability to use science and technology to measure accurately. The handheld stopwatch and a person’s eye is no longer needed when Usain Bolt crosses the finishing line of the 100 metres in 9.58 seconds. And in football, many contentious decisions have been ironed out of the game by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The strengths and weaknesses of VAR have been the talk of the footballing world for a number of seasons now. It's a review system by which decisions made by the pitch referee are reviewed by another panel of referees sitting in a closed room in front of a bank of television monitors and computer equipment with which they're able to view any contentious decision repeatedly and from multiple angles. Then, using an audio headset, they report their findings back to the head referee on the pitch who can take the appropriate action.

It's probably the nearest thing the world of football will ever come to having a plumb-line - the simple device made of a weight hanging from a piece of cord, used to ensure something such as a wall is built absolutely vertically. We’ll be hearing about one in our first reading this Sunday.

In Amos' vision, the 8th century BC prophet witnesses the Lord using a plumb-line to see if the nation of Israel meets with the Lord's approval. This, however, is not about measuring perfection - after all, not a single one of us can be perfect - but about God assessing what we do and who we are relative to his expectations for us.

In the past couple of decades though, we’ve seen a western world develop in which it seems experts are no longer trusted and where everybody's opinion is deemed to be equally valid. The notion of a non-negotiable divine plumb-line measuring morality is now often dismissed with an insistence that one has the right to define one's own morality, standards and truth.

President Trump was, of course, the embodiment of that. Putting to one side the President's frequent eagerness to dismiss what he perceived to be "fake news", he made a reputation for himself of saying one thing to one audience before - sometimes only moments later - Tweeting a completely different opinion or perspective to another audience.

So it seems that, in so much of our world today, fixed relative standards and truths have made way for individual relativism.

Of course, if we're looking for the ultimate plumb-line, Christians look to the life, words and work of our saviour Jesus Christ. But, as he's not the focus of our gospel reading this Sunday, we can quite easily make do with John the Baptist. The great camel-hair-wearing, locust and wild honey-eating prophet certainly met God's expectations and is somebody against whom we can assess ourselves.

To help us out, the yardstick or benchmark is further delineated in our gospel reading by the contrast made between John the Baptist and all that's going on around him. We have the worldly power of King Herod contrasted with the religious poverty of the great prophet; the immoral life of the king compared to the righteous, ascetic life of the Baptist; the luxury of the palace contrasting with the barrenness of John's prison cell; the young dancer naively holding a platter on which has been placed the head of the great, uncompromising and wise prophet.

Here, in the accounts of John the Baptist's life, we have a plumb-line which, unlike so much of our society, isn't relative to our self-centred whims. Instead, the Baptist's life is completely concurrent with God's desires for all of us; a life which, down through the centuries, continues to demand answers from each one of us:

When we're faced with the Herods of today murdering the John the Baptists of today, is it not our duty as Christians to stand up and be counted? Is it not our duty to work for a world where vanity, amorality and brutality are replaced by kindness, self-control and reconciliation?

It’s not just the England football team which can do the nation proud and exceed expectations. In our attitudes and behaviour to one another, we can all do that.

Yours in Christ, Fr Simon

The collect for the Sixth Sunday after Trinity Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SUNDAY’S READINGS

The book of the prophet Amos, chapter 7 verses 7-15:

This is what the Lord showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb-line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘See, I am setting a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.’

Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, ‘Amos has conspired against you in the very centre of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, “Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.” ’ And Amaziah said to Amos, ‘O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.’

Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycomore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” ‘

St Mark’s Gospel, chapter 6, verses 14-29:

Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when King Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Details of Sunday’s 9.30am Eucharist, also streamed on our website and Facebook  President: Fr Simon (Vicar)  Preacher: Di Kitson (Lay Reader)  Reader: Margaret Frost  Intercessions: Shirley Dodgshon  Sunday Club: Charlotte Vivian  Mass setting: A New Pilgrim’s Mass (music: David Wood)  Processional: On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry (tune: Winchester New)  Gradual: Fight the good fight with all thy might (tune: Duke Street)  Offertory: God is love: let heaven adore him (tune: Hyfrydol)  Communion: In heavenly love abiding (tune: Penlan)  Motet: Give us the wings of faith (music: Ernest Bullock)  Recessional: Take up thy cross, the saviour said (tune: Breslau)

INTERCESSIONS FOR THIS WEEK

For the world-wide Church  Bishop Alan, Bishop of  Bishop Michael, of Hertford  The Venerable , Archdeacon of Hertford  Archbishop Justin,  In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer: for the Episcopal Church in the Philippines  In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: for the parish of Kings Langley in the deanery of Hemel Hempstead  In the Deanery Cycle of Prayer: for the parish of St James’, Thorley

For the ministry and vocation of the congregation of Great St Mary’s  For growth: o in our prayer life o in our depth of faith o in our fellowship o in our nurturing of new disciples

For the world  For just and peaceful governance throughout the world, particularly at this time in Haiti, the Holy Land, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, and central Africa.  For those suffering from the effects of the natural elements or natural disaster.  For those working to relieve suffering throughout the world. For emergency and key-workers, scientists and leaders, medical and care workers, and, in this country, particularly for the NHS.  For those, in this country and others, who, because of Covid-19, have died or who are suffering in body, mind or spirit because of the virus.  For those worried about their livelihood.  For those who are being persecuted for their faith or other reasons, including the Uyghurs of China, and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe being held captive in Iran.  For those who have been abused in body, mind or spirit.  For those who are victims of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.  For those who are victims of famine or poverty, particularly praying for the Shiksha Rath educational project in New Delhi which we support.  For those struggling with addiction.  For those who are homeless, and for the work of the Holy Trinity Night Shelter in Bishop’s Stortford which we support.

For our community of Sawbridgeworth  For those at our Central Surgery, for the staff and patients of the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and the Rivers Hospital, and for our local care homes and social services.  For local businesses and commerce in these uncertain times.  For the pupils, teachers and staff of our local schools including our associated school in Spellbrook.  For those feeling isolated and lonely; particularly those living alone.

For the people of Sunday: Bell Mead & Copper Court Monday: Ladywell Prospect Tuesday: Brook End & Burnside Wednesday: Brook Lane & Brookfields Thursday: Heron Close & Bonks Hill Friday: Cambridge Road & Walnut Tree Avenue Saturday: Parkway & Cedar Close

For the sick and bereaved including Linda Bowler, Una Bard, Pam Brown, Frieda Elfick, Pete Emery, Steven, Doug Knights, Phyliss Mason, Betty Taylor, Peter White, June Willis

For those who have died  Anthony Bayley  Rosemary Jones

For our dearly departed ones, remembered at their year’s mind  Eileen Kinge (17th July)

NOTICES  Services this week  Sun 11th July: 9.30am Sung Eucharist  Wed 14th July: 10am Midweek Eucharist  Mon-Wed & Fri: 9.30am Morning Prayer  Sun 18th July: 9.30am Sung Eucharist

 Confirmation class in the autumn A number of people have been in touch with Fr Simon to enquire about the possibility of a confirmation class. If you feel drawn to confirming your baptism or, if you haven’t been baptised, feel drawn to be baptised and confirmed at the same time, do please contact Fr Simon. You may also find this Church of England webpage useful: www.churchofengland.org/life-events/confirmations/confirmation-faqs

 Mayor to attend GSM Parish Vision Morning - Saturday 24th July - 10am On Saturday 24th July, we’ll be welcoming the Revd Harry Steele, the diocesan Church Growth Officer for Hertfordshire, to chair a morning of coffee, chat, inspiration, ideas, brain- storming and laughter so that, after the summer holidays, we can begin actively and productively moving forward together with our plans to reimagine Great St Mary’s.

Whatever your connection to the church - whatever your age or background - we need to hear from everybody. Indeed, along with other guests, we’re delighted that Cllr Greg Rattey, Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, will be joining us for part of the morning.

So do please put the date in your diaries and sign up on the forms at the back of church so that we know how many to cater for. Drinks will be available from 9.45am, and the morning will officially begin at 10am. We will finish by 1pm when there will be the opportunity to have our bring-your-own lunches together - if the weather’s good, we might even be able to venture outside! - with further drinks provided.

 Harlow Foodbank receiving donations again After a period of refurbishment, Harlow Foodbank is receiving donations again. Whilst you can leave things on a Sunday whilst attending the service, if you have donations for the foodbank while the church is closed, you can either take them to Cathy Battson or Ann Bard, or you can give Cathy a ring (07913 427930) to arrange for donations to be collected directly from you.

News from our associated CofE school in Spellbrook Mr Fisher - our Headteacher - writes: This has been a great week in school with lots going on. But unfortunately, I’ve missed a great deal of it, isolating due to a Covid contact. I’m so pleased that technology has enabled me to stay involved though. So I did see the Emerald class doing archery and, although the weather was not very good, it didn’t impact negatively.

I’ve seen lots of pictures of the moving round morning, where children spent time with the teacher and classmates that they’ll be with after the Summer break. They looked to be enjoying it and, although one class remained in their separate bubbles, they shouldn’t have to do so when we start back next term.

I was also able to remotely join today’s collective worship and see the awarding of this week’s certificates. Unfortunately I will miss the sports day, but am looking forward to seeing pictures and maybe a video or two.

 Final Thought If you buy a dog from a blacksmith, is it any wonder that, as soon as you get it home, it’ll make a bolt for the door?

 Content for the Newsletter If you have a notice for the Friday Email, please let us know by lunchtime on Thursday.

 Contact us Fr Simon Vivian (Vicar) [email protected] 01279 723719 Revd Debbie Hore (Associate Priest) [email protected] 01279 722948 Di Kitson (Lay Reader) [email protected] 01279 723212 Anthony Heard (Churchwarden) [email protected]

Website: www.sawbridgeworthchurch.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com and search for ‘Great St Mary’s, Sawbridgeworth’ YouTube: www.youtube.com and search for ‘Great St Mary’s, Sawbridgeworth’

Thank you for your continued support of Great St Mary's.