REFLECTION
by Revd. Tony Berry, Rector
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians ch 4 v 14
St Paul wrote this to the church he founded in Philippi. As you read his letter to them, you get the feeling of the close relationship he had with them. After he had moved on they continued to support him in his work in other places. Yet clearly this was more than just support, he uses the word “share”.
During recent months we have become more aware of people’s needs and what they may be going through. There are the obvious situations where people have been ill and needed care, but we have also seen other needs where people may not have family around to help. We have seen the loneliness of people who have been home alone, In these and other circumstances we have also seen how people have responded to these troubles. Just as the Philippians showed their care and concern for Paul, our communities have shown a willingness to share in the troubles of friends and neighbours around them.
Real community is not based on a geographical dwelling place, it is based on such a willingness to share. It is not a given, and should never be taken for granted.
On behalf of all us may I say “ it was good of you to share in those troubles”
Loving Heavenly Father, may we never take others for granted, but always be willing to share and support those in need. Amen
A message from Revd David Grundy, Associate Minister
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our church website. We are delighted that you are visiting it, whether you are new to the site or the area, or regularly involved in the life of the church.
We are coming out of lockdown! Lockdown has taught us so much: as individuals, it has made many of us appreciate the more simple blessings of life; as a church, it has led us to a far stronger online presence, and we are so pleased that many people have taken part in our online services. We certainly have no intention of turning our back on those people now.
I am delighted that once again the church can rediscover its identity as the visible body of Christ, as we meet together again: on July 19th (Morning Prayer, 10am), July 26th (Holy Communion, 10am), and August 16th (Holy Communion for the Leith Hill Benefice). We hope then to go back to regular services in September, at some point in the future including the monthly Funday for children.
As we start to reopen the building for worship, we will continue to provide services online every Sunday, using the sermon, hymns, prayers and readings from the service in the church that day, and on July 19th, we will also host the second of our newly formed monthly 'Christian Mindfulness' sessions on Zoom. Click here for more details.
Whatever your situation and wherever you are, we wish you all the best and God's richest blessing,
David
“God is light; In him there is no darkness...”
[1 John 1:5]
St Mary's, the parish church of Holmbury St Mary, is a beautiful place to seek & know God.
Holmbury church is not, though, just a building; it is a community of worshippers who are here to serve each other, the Holmbury parish and the world beyond in witness to the Christian faith.
St Mary's offers friendship, fellowship and support throughout the village and further afield, not just for those who come to services but for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation and belief.
If you would like to find out more or speak to someone in confidence, please contact
Revd. David Grundy on 01306 731142 or at
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knock, and it will be opened to you.”
[Matthew 7:7]
