DISTRACTIONS
RECENTLY, I was out walking in Waterworks Valley re-discovering the beauty of this tranquil part of our Island. As I became more absorbed in my surroundings, I was amazed at the variety of species of trees bordering the tracks. My gaze followed the sweep of the branches reaching up to the sky, with leaves like, upturned palms, as though in rapturous worship to the Lord.
Further along the bank where the constant tempo of water trickling into the reservoir provided the accompaniment, to the songs of the birds, I spied a duck and a solitary offspring in close attendance. They waddled with difficulty along the slippery bank, before launching themselves on to the shimmering surface of the reservoir. The baby duckling seemed to relish the freedom of paddling away in the water in what appeared circular movements, whilst the mother effortlessly headed straight towards the opposite bank.
This scene set me thinking how our own lives as Christians are sometimes like this. We follow the Lord with great intent and then before we know it we appear to be wandering off on our own course, influenced by all the daily routines and distractions. We are constantly tempted to steer our own course and shut God out of our lives. We need to be constantly reminded that He came to us, so that we may receive the gift of salvation and that we are commissioned to go out and tell others so that may receive this most precious gift.
DIANA LE TOUZEL
FAITH COMES TO LIFE...
HAVE FAITH IN THE REAL WORLD
TRYING to relate faith to life is not always easy. The events and concerns of life in 1997 often seem far removed from those of biblical times, and when Christians try to attach a particular Bible text as guidance in some situation, it can seem rather contrived.
How, then, was it possible for the authors of a report like the recent one on "Unemployment and the Future of Work" to reach conclusions and to speak with Christian conviction? Its compilers go back to a Biblical vision, of men and women "made in God's image" and with steward-ship of a world that God himself saw "was good."
But they also apply broad principles of faith, conscious that God's kingdom is one of harmony and justice, not merely for a few, but for all. It is this universal nature of the kingdom that challenges any social or economic system that allows people to be divided into powerful and powerless, rich and poor.
If we are to relate faith to life, we need to be aware of the broad themes that run through faith, themes which are expressed and explored in scripture and through the life and worship of the church.
But, as the Bishop of Liverpool points out in this report, linking faith to life means taking care to understand what is happening in life too. Only then can real faith come to real life.
RECENTLY, I was out walking in Waterworks Valley re-discovering the beauty of this tranquil part of our Island. As I became more absorbed in my surroundings, I was amazed at the variety of species of trees bordering the tracks. My gaze followed the sweep of the branches reaching up to the sky, with leaves like, upturned palms, as though in rapturous worship to the Lord.
Further along the bank where the constant tempo of water trickling into the reservoir provided the accompaniment, to the songs of the birds, I spied a duck and a solitary offspring in close attendance. They waddled with difficulty along the slippery bank, before launching themselves on to the shimmering surface of the reservoir. The baby duckling seemed to relish the freedom of paddling away in the water in what appeared circular movements, whilst the mother effortlessly headed straight towards the opposite bank.
This scene set me thinking how our own lives as Christians are sometimes like this. We follow the Lord with great intent and then before we know it we appear to be wandering off on our own course, influenced by all the daily routines and distractions. We are constantly tempted to steer our own course and shut God out of our lives. We need to be constantly reminded that He came to us, so that we may receive the gift of salvation and that we are commissioned to go out and tell others so that may receive this most precious gift.
DIANA LE TOUZEL
FAITH COMES TO LIFE...
HAVE FAITH IN THE REAL WORLD
TRYING to relate faith to life is not always easy. The events and concerns of life in 1997 often seem far removed from those of biblical times, and when Christians try to attach a particular Bible text as guidance in some situation, it can seem rather contrived.
How, then, was it possible for the authors of a report like the recent one on "Unemployment and the Future of Work" to reach conclusions and to speak with Christian conviction? Its compilers go back to a Biblical vision, of men and women "made in God's image" and with steward-ship of a world that God himself saw "was good."
But they also apply broad principles of faith, conscious that God's kingdom is one of harmony and justice, not merely for a few, but for all. It is this universal nature of the kingdom that challenges any social or economic system that allows people to be divided into powerful and powerless, rich and poor.
If we are to relate faith to life, we need to be aware of the broad themes that run through faith, themes which are expressed and explored in scripture and through the life and worship of the church.
But, as the Bishop of Liverpool points out in this report, linking faith to life means taking care to understand what is happening in life too. Only then can real faith come to real life.
BIKER REVEREND REVS UP TO CHANGE LIVES
NEW Reverend and leather-clad motor-cyclist Alan Lowther, is revving up to reach bikers whose spiritual "tanks" are on empty. Alan (47), who has just been ordained, is working with the Bible Society to produce a New Testament aimed specifically at helping bikers realise that the road to true freedom is by getting alongside God.
As he continues to help organise Holy Joe coffee bars and "helmet parks" at biker rallies all over the country, Alan is confident that the New Testament —called the Manual for Life — will be a real turning point for fellow bikers.
President of the Christian Motorcyclists' Association (CMA), Alan is a driving force behind the "Biker's Bible" which has been published by the Bible Society using the new and widely-publicised Contemporary English Version translation.
The end result is the Manual for Life, using everyday language, with a striking cover depicting the motorcycle culture. It contains notes for guidance, and powerful stories from Bikers including Alan — on how the Bible has affected their lives.
Some 5,000 copies of the Manual for Life have been printed, and will be given free to bikers who are interested in becoming Christians, and want to know more. Leaflets will also be distributed at rallies, inviting people to write to CMA for a copy.
YOUNG PEOPLE APPOINTED TO WORLD YOUTH FORUM
TWO young people have been appointed by the Catholic Bishops Conference to represent England and Wales as delegates at the 6th International Youth Forum in France, 14th-18th August 1997.
Clare Waldron, 25, works as a residential youth tutor for the Diocese of Lancaster. Paul McManus, 20, is a full-time student at Oxford University, where he is studying theology.
The International Youth Forum, which is part of the 12th World Youth Day, gathers representative young people from each country for a four day meeting. The Forum aims to offer the young delegates a direct experience of the world-wide scope of the Catholic Church; to reflect on topical issues and offer Christian responses; and to foster international dialogue between young Catholics, the bishops and Rome. The World Youth Day events take place every two years.
Rt. Rev David Konstant, Bishop of Leeds, has been asked to speak at World Youth Day as one of the English-speaking Episcopal catechists. Twenty of the English and Welsh bishops are also due to attend.
NEW Reverend and leather-clad motor-cyclist Alan Lowther, is revving up to reach bikers whose spiritual "tanks" are on empty. Alan (47), who has just been ordained, is working with the Bible Society to produce a New Testament aimed specifically at helping bikers realise that the road to true freedom is by getting alongside God.
As he continues to help organise Holy Joe coffee bars and "helmet parks" at biker rallies all over the country, Alan is confident that the New Testament —called the Manual for Life — will be a real turning point for fellow bikers.
President of the Christian Motorcyclists' Association (CMA), Alan is a driving force behind the "Biker's Bible" which has been published by the Bible Society using the new and widely-publicised Contemporary English Version translation.
The end result is the Manual for Life, using everyday language, with a striking cover depicting the motorcycle culture. It contains notes for guidance, and powerful stories from Bikers including Alan — on how the Bible has affected their lives.
Some 5,000 copies of the Manual for Life have been printed, and will be given free to bikers who are interested in becoming Christians, and want to know more. Leaflets will also be distributed at rallies, inviting people to write to CMA for a copy.
YOUNG PEOPLE APPOINTED TO WORLD YOUTH FORUM
TWO young people have been appointed by the Catholic Bishops Conference to represent England and Wales as delegates at the 6th International Youth Forum in France, 14th-18th August 1997.
Clare Waldron, 25, works as a residential youth tutor for the Diocese of Lancaster. Paul McManus, 20, is a full-time student at Oxford University, where he is studying theology.
The International Youth Forum, which is part of the 12th World Youth Day, gathers representative young people from each country for a four day meeting. The Forum aims to offer the young delegates a direct experience of the world-wide scope of the Catholic Church; to reflect on topical issues and offer Christian responses; and to foster international dialogue between young Catholics, the bishops and Rome. The World Youth Day events take place every two years.
Rt. Rev David Konstant, Bishop of Leeds, has been asked to speak at World Youth Day as one of the English-speaking Episcopal catechists. Twenty of the English and Welsh bishops are also due to attend.
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