From the Rectory

September  2001

Dear Friends,

One of the ‘buzz’ words of the present time is multi-cultural. In my dictionary, which is admittedly twenty years old but still doing good service, it is not listed. Obviously, it means many cultures but tends to be used as one size to fit all expression. Included in this is the concept that a least at a basic level all religions are the same. Just over a century ago when comparative religion began to take shape, some German thinkers embraced the idea that there is a highest common factor concerning a quest for God.

That sounds wonderful because if it were true then we should all get together and live happily ever after. However, the fact is that it does not bear close examination. Even a cursory check will reveal some startling and profound differences. Tribal religions worship many gods. That is polytheism. Hinduism tends to pantheism, which identifies God and nature. Buddhism is atheistic and Islam and Judaism are strongly Unitarian.

Before we look at Christianity and its differences, we need to assert quite strongly that all people have the right and indeed the duty to worship according to their conscience. There can be no place for intolerance. Tolerance means in a religious sense freedom to hold opinions that differ from others. However, that also means that there should be the possibility of a free and frank exchange of opinions and views. That surely is the hallmark of a civilised society.

How does Christianity differ from all other world religions? In a word it is Trinitarian. What do we mean by the term? To put a very profound truth simply, it is a belief that God is One and at the same time within the Godhead there are three distinct persons who are co-equal. How did Christianity come to this unique view? Christianity began with the witness to Jesus as the Son of God and that claim was confirmed by his resurrection from the dead and his appearance to many witnesses. The deity of Christ was strongly asserted and formed an essential part of the faith of the early Church.

In those early centuries, as Christians faced polytheism and idolatry, they maintained that God is One. However, an explanation had to be given of how God is One and at the same time how Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are also God. On that basis and from the witness of the Scriptures the teaching of the Trinity was formulated, which divides Christianity from all other world religions. It is a profound mystery but we must remember that we are dealing with the existence of Almighty God.

Yours sincerely, David Streater

(I am always ready to discuss any matters arising from what I have written in the magazine.)

Church Opening

Decorating the church for Harvest

Please come and help decorate the church for the Harvest festival, from 10.00am on Saturday September 29^th. Flowers, fruit and greenery are all needed, but most of all we need extra hands and enthusiastic helpers!

Harvest Thanksgiving Service

This year our service of thanksgiving will take place on Sunday September 30^th. It is a service for all the family. Any produce donated by members of the congregation will be donated to the elderly in the village. The service will begin at 10.00am.

Harvest Supper.

Sponsorship forms are now available from Michael Bliss in Harrold and the Post Office and Stores in Carlton from mid-August on payment of the entry fee of £2 for the Main Race. The entry fee on the day will be £5. Entry for the School and Wheelchair races is free. So get your sponsorship forms and get your sponsors! Don't forget half your sponsorship money goes to the organisation you choose from those listed.

The Main Race starts as usual at 3.00 pm, with the Lower and Middle School races and the Wheelchair race starting from 2.00 pm. There will stalls and, we hope, a band on the Green during the afternoon, so come along, support the runners and enjoy the atmosphere!.

Forward in Healing course in Bedford

We still hope there will be a Basic Lay Training Course in the Ministry of Healing run over six weeks, early next year, at St Andrew’s Church in Bedford. This will be open to anyone interested from any denomination and deanery. Please contact us if you want to be kept informed or if you can help in any way. Also please tell us what day of the week is best or worst for your church.

Some Enigmas of Healing. Saturday November 3^rd

Discussion Meeting at St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford.

Celebration of Christian Healing in the context of the Eucharist.

Speaker: Dr Gareth Tuckwell, (until recently Medical Director at Burrswood)

Music by ‘Face 2 Face’.

This is a very special service so do try to get there. More details later.

St. Luke’s was originally a hospital dedicated to serving the clergy and their families, but has now expanded and welcomes anybody who wishes to join their medical scheme. However, their first priority is still with the clergy so that they can be treated and return to work in their parishes as quickly as possible. For more information you can write to: St. Luke’s Hospital, 14 Fitzroy Square, London W1P 6AH.

Bethan Lee who will be 12 on September 16^th and

Daniel Bridgman who will be 11 on September 25th …

2^nd 12.00 noon Exemption Dog Show, Riverside Grounds, Sharnbrook Mill.

5^th 10.30am Meeting Point, Eileen Shakespeare’s, Corner House, 38 Wymington Park, Rushden.

5^th 7.00pm Scouts meet in Odell Village Hall.

8^th,9^th 11.00am Arts and Crafts Festival, St. Margaret’s, Knotting.

10^th Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall.

11^th 7.30pm W.I., Village Hall.

12^th 7.00pm Scouts meet in Odell Village Hall.

15^th 3.00pm Harrold Pit Run

2.00pm Lower & Middle School & Wheelchair Races.

19^th 7.00pm Scouts meet in Harrold Cub hut.

22^nd 7.30pm Village Hall Quiz.

25^th 7.45pm "Whodunnit", Sharnbrook Mill Theatre. Gala Night –

-29^th Wednesday 26^th.

26^th 7.00pm Scouts meet in Harrold Cub Hut.