This dropped into my inbox today. I could have spent hours trying to dream up some clever caption, but instead I’ll simply tell you what Rod Russell told me…
Hi, John, another Rod’s (geriatric) tours, this photo in Barmouth, staying in Llandudno, cumulative age 637 years !!!!
That ladies and gentlemen is an average of 79,625 years per person.
Left to right in the top pic – Malcolm H and Sheila, Malcolm R and Rosemary, Frank and Kathy Harrison and bus driver Rod.
To coincide with the COP26 meetings in Glasgow, last Saturday was designated Global Day of Action for Climate Justice. There were around 100 demonstrations in the UK and 100’s in other countries worldwide. In Leeds a small group of local Churches from Chapel Allerton and Meanwood joined a throng of organisations – including many Environmental groups, Trade Unions, Fair Trade organisations, The Salvation Army, and Tearfund – in Millenium Square prior to a march round the city centre. They included one member of MBC and several former members now with other churches.
We followed the banner of the Chapel Allerton and Meanwood churches, with one side reading “No Copping Out”. The atmosphere was friendly and enthusiastic as we listened to speeches urging us to chant “What do we want? Climate Justice. When do we want it? NOW”. The emphasis was on the need for fine words to lead to real change and particularly for justice for the developing nations, many of which are experiencing the most immediate consequences of global warming whilst being the smallest emitters of greenhouse gases. Surely all Christians can join with others in working for Global Justice?
We then set off following the Unite union brass band to march into City Square (where we passed the impressive 8 metre cube which shows what just 1 tonne of CO2 looks like); then along Boar Lane to The Headrow and back up Cookridge Street to Millenium Square.
Here we were entertained by the band and could begin to reflect on the event:
In many ways going on a demonstration is an uplifting and enjoyable day out, with a strong sense of belonging with fellow marchers. BUT it is what we do now, after COP26 is no longer in the headlines, which will be the real test.
3.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5 v 5 KJV
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. The Message
“Blessed (inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect) are the gentle, the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled, for they will inherit the earth. AMP
Contentment is a beautiful word. I am told that the word contentment comes from the Latin word contentus which means ‘held together’ or ‘intact, whole’. Contentment is a sense of being complete, of wholeness, accepting who you are, what you have and your situation. The ability to be satisfied despite circumstances.
In our western society we pursue goals, happiness, our desires, ambitions, financial gain, control, validation, success, and stuff. We look for external sources of happiness. We compare ourselves with others and with who they are and what they have. But perhaps contentment is about appreciation, the reality of the present and satisfaction.
A group of isolated nomads, high in the Himalayas of Eastern Bhutan, were shown images of various emotions and asked for their own words to describe each emotion. When asked for the word that described contentment one of them said “It’s hard to translate it exactly, but the closest word is chokkshay, which is a very deep and spiritual word that means ‘the knowledge of enough.’ It was the idea that right here, right now, everything is just right as it is, regardless of what you are experiencing outside.” Daniel Cordaro Research Anthropologist.
I need to know that ‘I am enough’. I am who I am, and I will not compare myself with someone else. How whole do you feel inside? Of course, it is always possible to change and to grow as an individual. ‘My situation is enough’. It may not be ideal, it may be challenging, it may be painful, but I can have an attitude of gratitude for the bits that are good. I can accept the reality of the present without kicking against it. I can be intentional about accepting my situation and choose to be content, while making any adjustments that are possible.
I want to be in this ‘enough’ place- held together, intact, whole, and content. If I can reach for this then I may become a gentler person, sweet spirited, self-controlled, kind, gracious, not brash or boasting, and my life will have a positive influence on others. If I can be at peace with myself and willing to wait and let God take control of my life and my circumstances, then I will have more of the meekness and contentment that He wants for me.
I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult, and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general, and in particular, I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me. Paul Philippians 4
Dear Friends
It was great to see some of you on Sunday at the light café, hear from you through messages or catch up with you on Monday at Beacon.
This week we began our Reading Romans experiment with over twenty people attending Haddon’s expertly led “seminars.”
Whilst we are talking about the bible some of you might want to check out the www.bibleproject.com that has ways to explore the bible for all ages including cartoons book overviews, podcasts and accessible videos.
Also a reminder about Karen Ross’s email from last week that if you have made anything in lockdown (don’t be shy!) and its transportable could you bring it to put on display as part of our worship this coming Sunday which under the theme of ‘The body focusses on hands’.
Then on Sunday 14th November we discover ‘The body…the feet’ as well as sharing communion and commemorating Remembrance Sunday. Some of you have offered to make symbols of peace and remembering for this day as you did last year so if you’d like to bring anything, we’d love to include it.
Please keep an eye on the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk as all the latest news is on there.
Finally, Christmas is one of the most special times in the year for Christians as we remember the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel ‘God with us’! We know some people feel the pressure of Christmas in different ways but I’m really keen that Christmas at its heart is a time to creatively encourage everyone with this truth that God is with us. So, I’ll be around for a Christmas Catch up 12.15pm-12.45pm on Sunday 7th November in the church building and on zoom on Monday 8th November at 7pm-7.30pm. It’s an informal time, for any age where you can share your thoughts and ideas, ask questions and I’ll share my ideas too.
Details for zoom below…
Topic: Christmas catch up
Time: Nov 8, 2021 07:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83343273159?pwd=REh0VU8wTXYrNUtPWkdZTDlETDVJZz09
Meeting ID: 833 4327 3159
Passcode: 945053
If you can’t make those times but want to share something then do get in touch with me on the church number, my number if you have it or shelley.dring@moortownbaptistchurch.onmicrosoft.com or pass it onto the leadership team
In Christ
Shelley
Did you know that each Friday MBC hosts a bible study group. It starts at 10am in our Music Room and is led by Robert and Carole Owen.
Like everything else here at Moortown it’s open to anyone and everyone.
So for more information call Robert or Carole on either 0113 2692939 or 07973741051.
