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In last month’s magazine
the article by Hubert Bradbury ‘Practices that make perfect’ was an
important contribution to our learning concerning’ the Practice of the
Presence of God.’ In particular I want to quote again Archbishop Rowan
Williams on Silence. He said ‘Silence is letting what there is be what
it is and in that sense is profoundly to do with God’.
This understanding of
silence as an opportunity to be still and encounter the stillness (and let
what will happen occur) and savour the experience runs contrary to much of
current lifestyles. We are enveloped by movement and noise of all kinds.
Even in our homes we have the radio on or background music. When we are
shopping or at the gym silence has to be avoided. There is also the general
noise of traffic and aircraft. It is literally true silence is golden.
Much of our conversation is also to avoid the silence of our inner lives.
Living in or near a
Capital city makes silence even more elusive and even when we can attempt to
be quiet others around us break the silence. Certainly the wilderness, the
mountains, and the quiet garden are places where Jesus went to have exterior
silence in order to develop the interior silence of the presence of the
indwelling God. Here was to be heard the voice of the Father. It was
recognised and obeyed. If Jesus required these quiet times then it is
likely that we shall need them even more than He did.
Lent
It begins on
Ash Wednesday 25th February. Lent provides another opportunity
for us to seek out silence and stillness, some of the necessary components
of our prayer life and pilgrimage through this life. For those who also
like to study in Lent, Merton Park Churches Lent House Groups will be
starting shortly. Full details of the course and groups will be available
on the pew sheets and in church. Meeting together in groups allows us to
reflect on our experience of silence and share it with others to encourage
each other.
Silence in Church
It has been suggested that there should be a period of silence between
the sermon and the anthem at our 9-30am Parish Eucharist. This will be now
introduced at this service. There is also the silence to be observed before
the collect and the Lord’s Prayer. Please help us to keep these periods of
silence.
Vision Sunday
By the time you read this Vision Sunday will have passed. The texts of
the presentation will be available to those who want them. We shall also be
able to tell you how our first Praise service went on January 25th..
Please note that the next Praise service is on Sunday 22nd at 5.00pm
in the church hall.
Evening Services
Please note that the pattern of Sunday evening services has changed.
On the second Sunday in the month the service will take the form of an
Iona/Taize or similar act of worship. In January it was an Epiphany service
which included a meditation on the theme of light and darkness.
Your priest and friend
Tom Leary
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