S T A M F O R D U N I T E D R E F O R M E D C H U R C H S T A R L A N E, P E 9 1 P H J U L Y / A U G U S TThus far, I have enjoyed a very exciting journey and experienced-filled 2022. Starting in February with a study tour to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem; a Minister’s Retreat to Shropshire in March; a family break to Disneyland Paris in April; Pete’s stag weekend in Bristol in May and his marriage to Faye in June at Henley URC; followed by our delayed holiday to the Imperial cities of Europe and the spectacle of the Oberammergau Passion Play later in the month. On return I have to attend the URC General Assembly in Hertfordshire at the beginning of July. The result of all these commitments has been to disconnect me a little from the pastorate. I am back and looking forward to seeing more of you all again.
Our Lord was well travelled and Mark’s Gospel has him crossing Galilee at regular intervals. The Sea of Galilee is a vast freshwater expanse located in the Jordan Valley about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. Approximately 13 miles long and 7.5 miles wide at its broadest point near Magdala, the sea resembles the shape of a harp. Situated below the headwaters of the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee is fed with fresh water from snow-topped Mount Hermon and Mount Lebanon. The Jordan River continues out of the south end of the Sea of Galilee, flowing downhill until it ends at the Dead Sea. The Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea are all located in the Rift Valley, a geological fissure that forms the longest and deepest crack in the Earth’s crust.
The Sea of Galilee is the geographical focal point for the first half of the Gospel of Mark. By the sea, Jesus calls disciples (1:16,19,20) and teaches and heals the crowds (2:13; 3:7; 4:1). Jesus crosses the sea freely (4:35; 5:1, 18, 21; 6:53-54; 8:10-13) and at one point commands his disciples to cross the sea before him (6:45). Three voyages are dramatically marked by events or conversations of consequence: stilling the storm (4:37ff.), walking on the sea (6:47ff.), and conversation about bread (8:14ff).
Life’s journeys will inevitably enrich our experiences and fuel our imaginations. I hope that you all get some chance to explore this summer and look forward to sharing these times in the days to come.
Blessings, Peter July and August Services
As you can see from the table above there are two dates with no service. I have heard from Pastor Trevor that he is not coping well with his chemo and has decided to give up, permanently, preaching the word. He regrets not being able to continue and says how much he appreciates our friendship and the joy he has felt, being part of our fellowship. I will try and fill the vacant dates but it is becoming more difficult as there is more demand on preachers as people retire. Sue Samuels
Flowers for Church in July and August Would anyone like to contribute to a flower fund please so that I can do flowers through July and August? Anne Thompson
Message from Peter Some of you have, in the past, enjoyed the Thursday Teatime events that were planned and prepared for the fellowship and friends. The format was a speaker/entertainer followed by a shared tea that participants prepared for themselves. The following programme is suggested:
21st July Garden Party Anne Thompson’s Home at 2-4pm 18th August A talk on my trip to Jerusalem, followed by tea Depending on availability of the church hall
At this stage, I would like to know who will be coming along. Our folk will be supplying the hospitality on the same basis as used to happen. Please let me know as soon as possible. Many thanks, Peter
Notice from the Editor This is likely to be my last release as editor of the newsletter, as I plan to head to university in the coming months. Regardless, the newsletter remains an important part of the church and will need someone to continue the role. If you are interested please email urcstarnews@gmail.com. Thank you, Scott
WE HOPE EVERYONE IS STAYING SAFE AND WELL |