28 £1.00 SERVICES AT ST. OLAVE’S

St Olave’s is a member of the SERVICES IN AUGUST: THE BREAD FOR LIFE PROJECT Finsbury Park Ecumenical group of churches that includes the 2nd August: Roman Catholic Church, 10.00am Sunday Parish Since Monday 16th August 2010 The Bread For Life Project the Methodist Church and other Anglican Churches. Communion and Anointing has been providing hot meals (150 containers of jollof rice and chicken)

to homeless people, under the direction of Mrs Folake Roberts VICAR’S REST DAY : 9TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY The Vicar’s rest day is Monday. and the support of some dedicated volunteers who help with cooking Please try not to disturb him on SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESENTATION and distribution of the food as well as those offering financial support that day, unless it is urgent.

9th August: Our vocation as Christians and human beings is to love and be touched 10.00am Sunday Parish SUNDAY WORSHIP : by the pain of other people. Your support would be appreciated in order 10.00am PARISH COMMUNION Communion and Anointing followed by refreshments. to enable the continuance of this important work. All ages and families welcome. 10TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Please make cheques payable to the "Bread For Life Project" 2nd Sunday in month : Parish Communion including 16th August: and addressed to Ven. Preb. Tunde Roberts or Mrs Folake Roberts. Anointing and Laying-on of hands. 10.00am Sunday Parish Communion and Anointing Sunday School and Crèche in the Parish Room 11TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY If you prefer to pay directly into the account, the details are as follows: MIDWEEK SERVICE : Communion Service 10.00 am every Wednesday. 23rd August: BREAD FOR LIFE PROJECT 10.00am Sunday Parish BIBLE STUDY: Communion and Anointing Every Wednesday (except last BANK : METRO BANK

Wednesday) in Parish Room 12TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY ACCOUNT NO: 11062571 7.30pm—9.00pm

REVIVAL SERVICE: SORT CODE: 23-05-80 takes place every last

Wednesday of the month 30th August: 7.00pm—10.00 pm in church. 10.00am Sunday Parish

Communion and Anointing Thank you and may the good Lord reward us POWER NIGHT/NIGHT VIGIL: Every second Friday 13TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY for all that we do in His name. of the month at 10pm-2am Amen 2 27 FROM OUR RECORDS VICAR'S LETTER THOSE WHO CELEBRATED THEIR BIRTHDAYS IN JULY Dear Friends, Mr Vincent Osun—1st Chinasa Onyugwu—19th APPRECIATION Fedora Fasheyitan—6th Dapo Ladipo—20th I want to use this opportunity to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Chief ( Mrs) Felicia Fakorede—7th Mr Ishmael Borde-Kuofie—21st you, for your prayers, care, visits and generosity during the time of my Mrs Bukola Osun—7th Seun Sojinrin—23rd illness, which I mentioned at the end of my letter last month. The months Mr Kelvin Ugbodu—8th Mrs Olubukola Oluwasakin—23rd of July and August were difficult and trying times, regarding my health. I Akosua Affiyie – 8th Claudia Adu-Gyamfi—26th have spent some time to rest and recuperate, and even though I have Mrs Bolaji Ewenla—9th Mrs Funmi Nwachukwu—27th not fully recovered, I am much better. Mrs Clara Adeleke—12th Joseph Koumah—27th I give God the glory for His divine intervention and continuing healing Victoria Akinmolayan—15th Mr Adesina Falade —29th and please continue to remember my family in your prayers. Mr Magnus Adewunmi—18th I pray that the Lord will not forget you and may His goodness and mercy follow you and all yours all the days of your lives.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK EVENTS AND MAJOR SERVICES AT ST OLAVE'S Chief (Mrs) Felicia Fakorede Mrs Funmi Olubodun PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND PARISH BARBECUE Mrs Jose Mrs Rosemary Obilana The highlight of the month of August is the Feast of St Olaf, King and Mrs Susan Laleye Sarah Rebeca Wider Martyr which we celebrated with a Service of Holy Communion on Ms Sonia Smith Ven. Preb. Tunde Roberts Sunday 2 August 2015. It was a time of thanksgiving for the life, ministry Mrs Clara O. Adeleke and vision of Saint Olaf. We had a wonderful time of worship and gathered afterwards in the vicarage gardens for our Annual Parish Barbecue. Families and friends CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS that were invited for the St Olaf's special service also joined in the celebration. As usual there were varieties of food, with plenty to eat and drink and soft music in the background. It was a great time of enjoyment and fellowship and those who attended stayed until late. Thank you to the Social Secretary and his Deputy for their effort and for Across: Down: organising this excellent gathering. 1, John. 1, Jonathan. 2, Heavenly. 3, And James. HOMERTON HOSPITAL PROJECT 4, No meat. 8, Near. Some of the members of the St. Olave's Mothers’ Union Branch left 5, Justifying. 9, Omission. during the barbecue to deliver gifts to the Homerton Hospital, Maternity 11, Theocratic. 6, Maid. Unit. This is one of their community projects and they have been doing 14, Asleep. 7, Sins. this for the past eight years. This year 25 packs containing various baby 15, By-path. 10, Acceptable. goods were given to the Maternity Unit to be distributed to new mothers. 17, Stalingrad. 12, Marriage. Up, up, Mother's Union and long may it last. 20, Backbone. 13, Shadrach. 21, Baca. 16, Plenty. APPOINTMENTS This summer has been very good news for the Stepney Episcopal Area 22, Whose eye. 18, A bow. regarding senior appointments in . 23, Seth. 19, ECHO. 26 3 1. Rev Liz Adekunle is coming back to the Stepney Area after about 5 BUT GOD! - GOD CAN WORK FOR YOUR GOOD – years away working as Chaplain of St. John's College, Cambridge. The announcement of her appointment as the new of EVEN WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE AGAINST YOU

Hackney was made by the on the 1st July, 2015. In the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis there is a passage near the end that illus- She succeeded the Rt Revd , who is now the Bishop trates how God works in our lives and circumstances in the most remarkable ways. of Gloucester. Before going to Cambridge, Rev Adekunle was and Priest-in-Charge of St Luke's Homerton. She will not take up her When Jacob died, his sons feared that their brother Joseph would exact vengeance for appointment until April 2016, because of her commitment to cover for the evil they had done to him. When they knelt before Joseph, now a great lord in Egypt, the Dean of St John's College who is away on a sabbatical. they feared the worst. Joseph’s reply was generous and magnanimous. ‘You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good’ (Gen. 50:20). 2. The Revd , Rector of St John at Hackney,Area Dean of Hackney and Acting Archdeacon's appointment as the new Bishop of Both halves of this sentence tell a great story. The first half, ‘You meant evil against me’ is a reminder of family favouritism and jealousies that had tragic consequences. Jacob’s Edmonton was announced by Downing Street on 9 July 2015. preferential love for his son Joseph made the boy proud and arrogant and his brothers’ He will be consecrated on Wednesday 23 September in Canterbury jealousy turned to revenge. They sold him to passing desert traders and told their father Cathedral. that a wild beast had killed him.

3. The Revd , Rector of St Paul's Shadwell and Diocesan Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt but his wise counsel and good conduct made him Adviser's appointment as the Bishop of the new See of Islington was a valued servant to Potiphar, an Egyptian general. His refusal to compromise with Po- also announced by Downing Street on the 9th July, 2015. Although his tiphar’s wife landed him in gaol and even when his predictions for others proved true, he role is inherently Episcopal, he will have no Episcopal Area, but will was kept in prison. work across boundaries with the agreement and invitation of the Area Brought before the Pharaoh, Joseph’s interpretation of dreams brought him release and rapid promotion. When the famine he had predicted struck Egypt, he was made virtually Bishops on missionary work and church extension. The Archbishop of Prime Minister in the land and his scheme of storing crops saved the land. His eleven Canterbury will consecrate him at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday 29 brothers came to Egypt to buy corn and although Joseph recognised them, they did not September. recognise him.

There will be a welcoming service in St Paul's Cathedral at Evensong on Later, when he discovered that his father was still alive, he told his shocked brothers who Tuesday 6 October when Rob and Ric and the new Bishop of Kensing- he was. They trembled with fear but Joseph was not planning revenge. As he looked ton will be installed, along with new . back over the hard years of being a slave and in prison, he saw the hand of God in all of it. ‘You meant evil against me,’ he told his brothers,’ ‘but God meant it for good.’ We rejoice with them and let us continue to remember them in our ‘But God’! How precious, how wonderful, how providential, how reassuring those two words are! Against all the odds, God was working on Joseph’s behalf. In spite of his prayers. brothers’ cruel hatred, in spite of Potiphar’s wife’s dangerous solicitations, in spite of be- ing forgotten by those he befriended in prison, Joseph triumphed because through it all CONFIRMATION God was on his side! We look forward to our confirmation at St Olave's on Sunday 20 September at 11.00 am when Bishop Adrian, the But God! is a glowing testimony to God’s great plans and purposes for his people. Its will be presiding and preaching. Please put this date firmly in your diaries New Testament equivalent is when Paul says that ‘in everything God works for good for and let us come and support the candidates and welcome our Bishop. those who love him’ (Romans 8:28). The Sovereign Lord of earth and heaven, of time and eternity, of life and death, holds his people secure in every circumstance. One day when we will look back on our lives and on all the things that baffle us now, and often I wish you all a fruitful month. cause us hurt and pain and anguish and doubt, we will say with Joseph, and Paul, and all who have travelled the road of faith – ‘but God meant it for good.’ With every blessing, Parish Pump 4 25 Your Life, Your Choice: HIGH DAYS, HOLY DAYS

Experiencing Solitude 6 The Transfiguration - a glimpse of Jesus’ future glory The story is told in Matthew (17:1-9), Mark (9:1-9) and Luke (9:28-36). Having seen the importance of solitude in listening to God effectively, how can It was a time when Jesus’ ministry was popular, when people were seek- we make the most of such times? Here are some simple steps to guide us: ing him out. But on this day, he made time to take Peter, James and John, his closest disciples, up a high mountain. In the fourth century, Cy- Find a quiet place:- Jesus himself recognised the importance of finding the rillic of Jerusalem identified it as Mount Tabor (and there is a great right place to be alone with his Father: ‘Then, because so many people were church up there today), but others believe it more likely to have been one coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, of the three spurs of Mount Hermon, which rises to about 9,000 feet, and "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went overlooks Caesarea Philippi. away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.’ Mark 6:31-32.

High up on the mountain, Jesus was suddenly transfigured before his Like Jesus, we need a place set apart for meeting with God which is quiet and friends. His face began to shine as the sun, his garments became white free from distractions e.g. a set room or special chair. Otherwise we can be and dazzling. Elijah and Moses, of all people, suddenly appeared, and pulled away by the desire to use our time in other ways. Why not personalise the talked with him. A bright cloud overshadowed the disciples. space with something to remind you of God’s presence? Try using a candle or a picture. Peter was staggered, but, enthusiast that he was - immediately sug- gested building three tabernacles on that holy place, one for Jesus, one  Quiet yourself in God’s presence:- Too often we rush into our time with God; take a few moments to quiet yourself by deep breathing and attuning to for Moses, and one for Elijah. But God’s ‘tabernacling’, God’s dwelling his presence. with mankind, does not any longer depend upon building a shrine. It de- pends on the presence of Jesus, instead. And so a cloud covered them,  Tell God about your needs:- Speak to God about your current needs eg en- couragement, forgiveness, guidance or the reassurance of his love. and a voice spoke out of the cloud, saying that Jesus was his beloved  Focus on Scripture:- Approach Scripture prayerfully, inviting God to speak son, whom the disciple should ‘hear’. God’s dwelling with mankind de- to you. Read the passage several times, slowly and deliberately. Take notice pends upon our listening to Jesus. of any words and phrases that stand out, as well as the thoughts or emotions you experience. Then, just as suddenly, it is all over. What did it mean? Why Moses and  Be fully present:- It is important to give God your undivided attention. Being Elijah? Well, these two men represent the Law and the Prophets of the fully present involves being true to ourselves by acknowledging our thoughts Old Covenant, or Old Testament. But now they are handing on the baton, and feelings e.g. anger, gratitude, boredom, joy etc. It also involves knowing if you like: for both the Law and the Prophets found their true and final what to do with distractions. If you are distracted, make a list of your con- fulfillment in Jesus, the Messiah. cerns and return to them later. Don’t forget that wandering thoughts can be promptings of the Holy Spirit, showing us where we need to be talking with Why on top of a mountain? God. In Exodus we read that Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the sa-  Respond to what God is saying:- Speak to God about what you are sensing, cred covenant from Yahweh in the form of the Ten Commandments. Now feeling and hearing, either directly or by writing these things down in a jour- Jesus goes up and is told about the ‘sealing’ of the New Covenant, or nal. New Testament of God with man, which will be accomplished by his  Express gratitude and commitment:- Close your time of solitude by thank- coming death in Jerusalem. ing God for his presence with you. Talk with him about how you might re- spond to what you have heard from him - and then do it! That day made a lifelong impact on the disciples. Peter mentions it in his Parish Pump 24 5 second letter, 2 Peter 1:16 - 19 - invariably the reading for this day. The Eastern Churches have long held the Transfiguration as a feast as THE PRIVILEGE OF READING GOD’S WORD important as Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension and Pentecost. But it took a long time for the West to observe the Transfiguration. The feast starts Reading the Bible, along with prayer and Christian fellowship, is a key appearing from the 11th and 12th centuries, and the Prayer Book in- aspect of discipleship. We don’t have to read the Bible to be a Christian cluded it among the calendar dates, but there was no liturgical provision – after all, most people had to manage without a copy of the Scriptures for it until the 19th century. until the first printing press was set up in 1476. Until the advent of free education, the ability to read was far from widespread and engaging with 29 The beheading of St John the Baptist the Bible would have meant hearing it read aloud in church. Although, thanks to translators such as William Tyndale, it was at least available in When you go back to work after the August Bank Holiday this month, a common language. spare a thought for John the Baptist: however rough your local sandwich bar may be, it probably doesn’t serve you locusts with a honey dip; you Being able to read the Bible for ourselves is, then, a wonderful privilege won’t be imprisoned for saying derogatory things about the local MP’s that we should not take for granted. It is important that we sustain our wife, and even the boss from hell is unlikely to have a daughter who delight in this privilege and we can do so in a number of ways. wants to hip-hop about with your head on a platter. Firstly, we can ensure that the translation we use is one that enhances John the Baptist, by our standards, had a terrible life. Yet the Bible tells our understanding of the passage. This does not necessarily mean a us that of all the people in history, no one has even been born who was modern translation. After all, we may find that we have grown so familiar as great as him. Why? Because of the unique job God gave him to do, with our usual up-to-date version that what we read somehow begins to which has to be the best PR job of all time: act as God’s press officer. lose its freshness. This was quite literally the PR job from heaven: with God as his client, John the Baptist’s job was to broadcast the news that the Messiah had Secondly, we can develop our understanding by using Bible reading come. Not even Church House Westminster has ever attempted any- aids, which range from ‘thought for the day’ Bible notes to in-depth com- thing like that. mentaries. If we have been using the same approach for a while and we are starting to find it a bit stale, the answer is not to abandon Bible read- It always helps if PR people recognize their own clients, and the same ing, but to try a new approach! For example, we may have grown as was true of John: he was the first person to recognize Jesus as the Mes- much as we can on a ‘thought for the day’ diet and we should try the siah. PR people also help their clients prepare for their public role, and ‘stronger meat’ of an accessible commentary. John did the same for Jesus: he baptized him in the Jordan at the start of his ministry. Finally, whenever we turn to the Scriptures, we should do so prayerfully. If we read the Bible as believers, it is more than a cultural treasure, or a PR people also stand up in public for their client’s point of view, and in collection of moral insights or inspiring stories. It is a means of connect- John’s case it led to his arrest and imprisonment. His death was finally ing with the living God, whose Spirit inspired those who wrote it and brought about by the scheming of Herodias and Salome, and here the those who helped to shape the canon of Scripture. As we read and re- similarity ends: for not even the most dedicated press officers literally flect, so, amazingly, we will find that over time we continue to be trans- lose their heads over a client. formed into the likeness of our Creator.

No, we don’t HAVE to read the Bible – but who could turn down the Parish Pump chance of such blessing?

Parish Pump

6 23 THE HUMAN CAMERA ACROSTIC

Steven Wiltshire, who has been called “the human camera,” has the amazing ability to recall tiny details about anything he has seen and then LISTEN! CHANGE! LIVE reproduce them in drawings.

For example, after Steven was flown over the city of Rome, he was asked to draw the city center on blank paper. Astonishingly, he accu- Lowly, compassionate, caring, innocent suffering without complaining: rately reproduced from memory the winding streets, the buildings, the I windows, and other details. n His Manhood, Jesus set examples for safe and sound communal living; Speaking to us in the Bible, God bids each of us to be Christ’s imitator, Wiltshire’s memory is remarkable. Traits of our Saviour we can grow, if we would listen to and obey our Creator - Yet there’s another kind of memory that’s even more amazing—and much more vital. Ears, heart and mind opened, to actively engage in the process of spiritual rebirth; New life in Christ changes human mind-set from living by sight, to living by faith. Before Jesus’ return to heaven, He promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to give them supernatural memory of what they had experienced: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit . . . will . . . bring to your re- Cooperating with our Guide means willingness to live in trustful obedience, membrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). Hearts that submit to God’s presence and power in them, stand to be transformed by grace; The disciples heard Christ’s marvelous teachings. They heard Him com- A mand the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the dead to be raised. Yet llowing the Holy Spirit to have His way with us, defeats inner fears. when the Gospel writers recorded these events, their words were not the Neglecting God’s word and laws could lead to despair and even regretful tears! product of a gifted human memory. Grasp and hold tightly to the life-changing opportunity Christ freely offers; Their recollections came from a divine Helper who made sure they com- E piled a trustworthy record of Christ’s life. ndurance, may God grant us daily to submit to spiritual discipline.

Trust the Bible with confidence. It was written with guidance from the L “divine camera,” the Holy Spirit. ooking to Jesus for help is the only way to live and be fruitful, as we should, In harmony with oneself, as well as with God and others in our world.

The stories in the Word of God Are there for us to see How God has Viable is this self-discipline of maintaining trust by an upward focus; worked in people’s lives Throughout all history. — Sper E ven so, feeding on God’s word, prayer, praise and worship would keep us alive in Jesus. THE SPIRIT OF GOD USES THE WORD OF GOD TO TEACH THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

Elsie Pabs-Garnon Our Daily Bread

22 7 ENGAGE THE WEAPON OF PRAISE REPENTANCE - A HOPEFUL WORD!

Once in a while, it is good to pause and think about our life. I want to challenge Much churchy language we use in worship is hard to understand for you to search your heart and ponder on what is going on within and around those who are unfamiliar with it. What, someone may ask in the C of E, you. Are you able to join the league of God's people who can proudly and is a ‘gradual hymn’? Why not ‘the next hymn’? Or what is a ‘collect’? boldly say the Lord is good and faithful? Why not a ‘prayer’? True, but there are some words we should explain rather than stop using.

In case you fall into the category of the people who shrug their shoulders in- Meaning is important and we should not dumb down a profound word stead of direct answers to the above questions, then a crucial ingredient is with a trivial one, like using the word ‘sorry’ instead of the Bible’s word missing in your life. If you truly desire a positive turn around in your life, you ‘repent’. Sorry is a weak word, best used to apologise for trivial trans- have to change your attitude on how you view situations and God. It will not gressions, like stepping on someone’s toes, or arriving late, or getting the surprise you to know that there are some people who are fighting their maker wrong end of the stick. When we confess our sins we need a stronger (God) due to some challenges they are passing through that seem unchange- word than sorry, which we can almost say without thinking. able. These sets of people need to ask for forgiveness of sin so that God can in- tervene in their situation. Repentance includes being sorry, but goes deeper; it is not just about what we say but about what we do. The word literally means ‘to turn

around’, to go in a new direction, to resolve to put things right. That is You are yet to experience positive desired result because you refuse to give why in our liturgy we say, ‘I repent of my sins’ rather than ‘I am sorry’. what it takes. You have been reacting like the Israelites; you complained and Our sincerity is proved not just by what we say we regret but our resolve murmured against God because your expectations are yet to be met. Instead of to change it. giving thanks to God for who He is and His many mercies in your life. The point is, God specifically requests for His praise from His creation. That is what gives In years gone by it was common to see black-suited men with grim faces Him pleasure. on street corners holding placards with a mortal warning to passers-by, ‘Repent – Flee from the Wrath to come’. It was unhelpful to put such menace into the word ‘repent’. Jesus certainly warned of the dire conse- What you don't know is that, God's original purpose for creating you and me, quences of failing to repent, but his attitude to repentance was far more including other creatures, is to give Him praise, through our lives. In essence, positive than that. When Jesus was scolded for keeping company with your primary assignment on earth is to worship your Maker and not for what sinners, he replied, in St. Luke’s Gospel: ‘It is not the healthy who need a you what to achieve or become. Your success and fulfilment in life is secondary doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to and it becomes a reality only when you truly serve God. repentance.’

One of the major reasons God made you in His image is to give Him pleasure. Repentance opens us to the forgiving love of God. When we admit our "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power, for sins, to God and to one another, we repent, we don’t just say sorry. Re- you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were cre- pentance leads to reconciliation and a new beginning. That’s why Jesus ated" – Rev. 4:11 also said, ‘…there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who have no need to repent.’

You are not getting good results because you have refused to follow God's Parish Pump 8 21 the faith of this heathen gentile and declares, ‘I have not found word. God is principled to the core. He will not change His word for your sake. such great faith, even in Israel.’ You are to change your ways to suit God's laid down principles. "Until you give to God what is due unto Him don't expect what is due unto you".

Beloved, it is good to pray but according to scriptural prescription your thanks- giving to God must supersede your request. I can go on and on quoting scrip- It’s something about the familiarity and easy access of the love tures in support of this. You too can imagine somebody you have always been and power of God that can blind someone to the urgency of given a helping hand and each time he sees you he does not even behave as if personal response. You can be living next door to a church that he had enjoyed any assistance from you. All his expectation is to have you help is brimming with the transfiguring love of the gospel, and never him again and again. I know you will not be happy with him. Definitely you will conclude that he does not deserve to be helped. An adage in Nigeria says "an darken its doors. ever thankful person will continue to enjoy more help".

When it comes to dealing with God, He expects you to give Him unconditional Nazareth’s penalty was that nothing much was going to happen praise, whether things are good or bad. "Always be joyful (it is only a joyful for its people, except for ‘a few sick people’ (v. 5). heart that can praise God even when it is not convenient). Keep on praising. No matter what happen, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who be- long to Christ Jesus" - I Thessalonians 5: 16-18. Preachers! Bible class leaders! Speakers to young and old alike! We’re to seize on Jesus’ amazement in the face of unbelief – "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" - Col. 4:2. The unexpected takes place when you give God undiluted and seasoned praise. and help our hearers to learn from Nazareth the ever-growing Humanly speaking, the most difficult thing to do when you are unhappy is sing- solemnity of what may happen when you take offence at the ing joyfully as if all is well. Some see it as pretence so they can't just do it, yet carpenter’s son who was to be universal world Saviour: God demands it. Everybody finds it easier and necessary to sing praises when things are normal.

FIRST, the familiar becomes despised…. Though the responsibility God places on his children looks difficult but it is easy to do when we come to the understanding that true happiness can be found in any situation of life by giving thanks to God because we recognise that God is at THEN, God’s power becomes withdrawn…. work. We can act calmly in the face of painful and difficult situations. The more we commit ourselves to knowing God's will through prayer, praise and the FINALLY, the door becomes closed study of His word, the better prepared we are to receive from God, his many special miracles.

If it were to be an impossible task, God will not demand it from you. I am very sure of God's ability to move through praise to put an end to any seemly impos- sible circumstance that has defile prayers. Therefore, why not try praise for the

20 9 rest of this year and the remaining years of your life, I challenge you, the out- come will daze you. THE DANGERS OF FAMILIARITY

‘“Where did this man get these things?.... There is an amazing story of two men in the Bible, who employed the use of praises plus prayer at a crucial period in their ministry; and God of heaven, who Isn’t this the carpenter?”…. is equal to the task of bringing to fulfilment his spoken word. God moved in a And they took offence at Him.’ (Mark 6: 2,3) mysterious way, through their heart-felt praise and set them free. This account of the rejection of Jesus by the people He’d grown After the conversion of Saul, his name was changed to Paul. He became a up with exposes a common fallacy. Too often unbelieving indi- staunch witness of Jesus Christ. During one of his missionary journey with Si- viduals have said, “Well, it was all right for people who saw Je- las, they came across a demon-possessed slave girl; the bible has it on record that "she was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her master" - Acts sus during His life on earth. Naturally if I could see Him for my- 16:16. self, then of course I could believe.”

SOME people often ask why must they worship God? What has God done for Nazareth - the home of Jesus for 30 years – has, for the most them to deserve their worship of Him? part, never believed in Him. There would have been items But there are several reasons why we must worship Him. As the creator of made for its inhabitants at the carpenter’s shop. It might have heaven and earth, He is worthy of our praises. He is the one that built all that been thought that householders – after Christ’s resurrection – we are and have - our families, homes, even our country. So he deserves our worship. would have reverently brought out doors, tables, chairs and cabinets made by “the carpenter’s son,” and said with wonder,

‘Why, Jesus actually made that cot for my baby!’ God heals the broken hearted and binds their wounds. He is just, great and de- serves our worship. Our God protects. His security over us is unimaginable and He has assured you that your time to celebrate has come. But no. One of the values of this account by Mark is that it helpfully brings to light the sheer normality of Jesus’ earthly My brothers and sisters, whatever you are passing through; it may be sickness, family life; He had half brothers and sisters. Indeed two of His it may be joblessness, it may be unstable marriage, your family may be in trou- brothers – James and Jude – were to write part of the New Tes- ble. Certainly, God deserves your worship. There is no problem that he cannot tament. Each described themselves humbly as a ‘servant’ of Je- take away. Just trust in Him and do His will. sus Christ.

God bless you. At the unbelief of His own township, Jesus is said to have been ‘amazed’ (v.6) Only once again does the same Greek word oc- Adeoluwa Banjo cur in the New Testament. When in Luke 7:9 a Roman centu-

rion demonstrates his faith in the Lord, Christ is “amazed” at

10 19 WHERE IS GOD? A LUTHERAN VIEW

Sometimes unbelievers ask that, with contempt. Other times, believers ask it, when feeling overwhelmed by tragedy, trial or How much do you see the wonder of God’s creations in nature? sorrow. What does the Bible tell us? One way of exploring the wonder of the natural world is to visit the

natural history museum. As a member I go there quite frequently. God is above His people: ‘I will say of the Lord, “He is my ref- uge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…..He will cover I think the museum is like an iceberg, the parts available to the general you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find ref- public are equal to the visible part of the iceberg, while the main work is uge.”’ Psalm 91:2,4 carried out behind various closed doors, one whole wing plus an under- ground floor. God is beneath His people: ‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’ Deuteronomy 33:27 As a member I have attended many events in all parts of the museum in addition to the areas I have just mentioned. Before His people: ‘By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way…’ Exodus 13:21 I was thinking about writing on this topic for some time when I saw an article on the museum in the Sunday Times magazine. So I felt it was Behind His people: ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, time I told you about my experience in addition to the place itself. your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”’ Isaiah 30:21 Facts from the newspaper article - if you looked at each specimen for one minute it would take you 223 days to complete; that is just those on Around His people: The angel of the Lord encamps around general view. However if you applied the one minute rule to all the speci- mens housed in the museum you would still be looking for nearly 153 those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Psalm 34:7 years; to all of these you have to add the garden with its trees, mosses,

bees etc. Only 0.5% of the items are on view. (80 million items in all). With His people: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be These facts may seem strange; why is so much hidden? dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 The reason is that the museum is primarily for research; here is a source of D.N.A which enables one to trace changes over time to geography. Within His people: ‘Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to I personally have been on many back room tours over the years. A guide him and make Our home with him.”’ John 14:23 collects people from the members room (a quiet haven with tea and cof- fee) and you start on a route march through the museum to secret doors, So – God is all around you, and Jesus promised that He would up or down stairs and along corridors to whichever department the event never leave us or forsake us. is in.

The library is a common destination. Here you are given a preview of a Parish Pump future exhibition with an explanation about the reason. Some I have been to are evolution, botanical drawings, letters of famous naturalists etc. I have been to beetle and spider sections of which the museum has 18 11 80 million specimens. It can take time (if at all!) to achieve reconciliation.

This reminds me of a children's event I took Luke - Samuel to many  GOD GIVES PERFECT FORGIVENESS: years ago. We were shown lots of live specimens then a tarantula spider How often do we can find ourselves saying, ‘I’ll forgive, but I was taken out of her tank. All the children flattened themselves against can’t forget or things will never be the same again?’ We for- the walls while the adults gathered round to touch the spider. The base- give often on a limited and conditional basis, while God’s for- ment contains numerous dinosaurs’ specimens. I have been here sev- giveness is perfect, ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and eral times. One visit was designed to show how we can benefit from all will remember their sins no more.’ (Jer 31:34). Like God, it’s types of creatures and their special adaptions. Shark skins have minia- not simply a matter of forgetting, but choosing not to re- member. ture bumps, which manufacturers are trying to make to improve paint. A snake’s skin has another potentially useful ability which is to route water This involves not dwelling on resentment or hurts, but wish- into balls keeping the snake clean. ing people well, rather than seeking revenge.

I am sure some children would like this idea as they would not have to A young Christian confessed his sin to God and promised not to be told to wash every time they get grubby. The duck billed platypus, do it again. An hour later he was back, ‘God, I’ve done it again!’ have an electric sensor in it’s bill which the military are interested in he said. ‘Done what?’ replied God. copying. Squids have both suckers and hooks, a useful property which scientists investigated, and which led to the manufacturing of Velcro. Within nature, green is an impossible pigment; so they need another Parish Pump means of camouflage. Snakes achieve this by having blue scales and producing a yellow underlay, which combine to produce green. The mili- tary are learning from beetles about guidance and wing structure for air- GOD CAN USE EVERYTHING WE GIVE HIM craft.

The story is told of a man in charge of building a great church, who was The ability to store water in the eyes of some has led to biometric win- pestered by an apprentice who wanted to design the glass for one of the dows; other talks include the best ways to preserve specimens through windows. Finally, he agreed that the apprentice should be given one very trying so that D.N.A may be studied. small window. BUT – the apprentice would have to provide all the

materials himself. In addition to all its research work the museum assists the police in analysis work. I have been on two cases where we were allowed to use Undaunted, the apprentice carefully swept up all the stray bits of the instrument to analysis substances. They also have a department coloured glass that had been discarded, and set to work. Slowly, and where people can send in objects for analysis although this sometimes with great care, he pieced together a window of rare beauty. When the does not produce the expected answers - one person sent in a menial church was finally opened, many people stopped to stare in wonder at bay they were convinced had come from space; this turned out to be his small, but so beautiful, iridescent window. made of silver paper. I am sorry Dippy the Dinosaur is being replaced with a whale but this will not prevent me from enjoying lots more visits to Our lives can be like that - no matter how small we may feel, or that we the museum, where you can marvel at the vanity of life created by God. have only scraps to offer to God, He can still help us to use every bit of time and energy and love we do have, to build a life that is beautiful, and which will reflect the glory of God to others. Rosemary Warner Parish Pump

12 17 FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER REFLECTING ON THE BIBLE

‘Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have (or ‘Meditating on Scripture’) something to forgive.’ (C S Lewis). Many children enjoy boiled sweets – especially trying to see how long As we look at the challenge of forgiving one another, let’s re- they can make them last. The pleasure of holding the flavoured sweet in member Paul’s words, ‘Forgive one another if any of you has a your mouth is far better than crunching it up in a few seconds! grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Col 3:13). There is a way of doing much the same with a Bible passage, and it is

What do the four ‘gives’ of forgiveness look like in the called Lectio Divina or ‘holy reading’. Centuries ago, before Bibles Christian community? were widely available, the abbot of a monastery would gather his monks together and read to them the Bible passage that was set for the day. He  GOD GAVE HIS SON FOR US: would read it three times and the brothers were encouraged to listen at- Paul’s word for forgiveness carries the meaning ‘be gracious’, tentively and choose a phrase to remember. They would then go about as an expression of God’s grace i.e. His unconditional love their daily work in the garden, in the kitchen, in the infirmary or wherever. and acceptance of us. This is demonstrated on the Cross, when God who gave His Son to die for us. Through the day they would meditate on the phrase they had chosen and, rather like sucking a boiled sweet, would draw out the meaning for Therefore, forgiveness is not dependent on anything we do, themselves. but on what God has done for us! You might like to try something similar: choose a passage from the Bible and begin to read it very slowly as if it were addressed to you. A few  GOD GAVE US LIFE IN JESUS: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your verses from Psalm 103 would be a good place to start. hearts on things above, where Christ is.’ (1). Paul reminds us that Christians have new life and forgiveness through their Stop when a phrase captures your attention. Maybe it touches you in relationship with Christ. It is His forgiveness that releases us some way, attracts or even disturbs you. Repeat the phrase slowly over from the resentment and bitterness e.g. ‘anger, rage, malice, and over again, taking its meaning into yourself. Let it sink in slowly. slander’ (8). What does it have to say to you? Why do you think it caught your atten-

tion? Where is the connection for you? What memories does it evoke? Is We can only really forgive others, when we know God’s for- giveness ourselves. there a word, a phrase, a sentiment or an image that you can hold on to?

 WE GIVE FORGIVENESS TO OTHERS: Move into prayer, expressing to God the thoughts and feelings that have Forgiveness is never easy, as it requires effort and prayer. On spontaneously arisen in you. Let your mind be at rest and your heart the one hand, it is a choice we make; a decision of the heart open to the love and peace of God. When you are ready, carry on with to release others, and let go bitterness and revenge. On the reading the next bit of the passage or just leave it there for the day. other hand, it can be a process, in which we have to keep on forgiving others. In answer to Peter, who wanted to know how often to forgive, Jesus said, ‘I tell you, not seven times, Follow the example of the monks and return to your phrase or phrases but 77’ (Matt 18: 22). during the day.

16 13 CROSSWORD 11 Form of government under the direct rule of God or his agents (10) 14 How Jesus found his disciples when he returned to them after praying in Gethsemane (Luke 22:45) (6) 15 In The Pilgrim’s Progress, the name of the meadow into which Christian strayed, which led to Doubting Castle (2-4) 17 Glad sin rat (anag.) (10) 20 Spinal column (Leviticus 3:9) (8) 21 Valley of the Balsam Tree with a reputation of being a waterless place (Psalm 84:6) (4) 22 ‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one — — sees clearly’ (Numbers 24:3) (5,3) 23 Adam and Eve’s third son (Genesis 4:25) (4) Solutions on page 26 Down: 1 David’s great friend (1 Samuel 20:17) (8) 2 ‘The Lord... will bring me safely to his — kingdom’ (2 Timothy 4:18) (8) 4 ‘I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; — — or wine touched my lips’ (Daniel 10:3) (2,4) 5 Seeking to vindicate (Job 32:2) (10) 6 Female servant (Isaiah 24:2) (4) 7 ‘For Christ died for — once for all’ (1 Peter 3:18) (4) 10 ‘Offering spiritual sacrifices — to God through Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 2:5) (10) 12 Jesus said that some people had renounced this ‘because of the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 19:12) (8) 13 One of the three men thrown into the furnace for refusing to worship Across: Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image (Daniel 3:20) (8) 1 and 3 Two of the disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus 16 ‘You have — of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; (Luke 9:28) (4,3,5) eat, drink and be merry’ (Luke 12:19) (6) 3 See 1 Across 18 ‘There before me was a white horse! Its rider held — — , and he was 8 ‘Let us draw — to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of given a crown’ (Revelation 6:2) (1,3) faith’ (Hebrews 10:22) (4) 19 Equipment to Charity Hospitals Overseas (1,1,1,1)

9 O Simon is (anag.) (8) Parish Pump 14 15