Dear Friends, July 2007

May and June have been busy months – demanding our attention in house and garden, responsibilities at work, exams at school and all the preparations for the village fete. With the passing of midsummer’s day, we ‘turn the corner’ of summer and our thoughts begin to turn towards holidays and annual leave, towards that well earned break we’ve promised ourselves. Cue for a bit of theological reflection on the subject of rest!

In our modern western culture we have been conditioned to thinking of rest as time off from work – a time to recover, to recharge our batteries so that work, the ‘real’ business of life can begin again. When I worked in the civil service, our staff manual stated that annual leave was intended for rest and recuperation and that whilst on annual leave we should not engage in activities that would go against that.

It may surprise you to know that there are significant differences between this commonly held view of rest, and the view of rest that we find in Genesis. Rest is an essential part of God’s creation. The seventh day is blessed and made holy - those who observe the divine command to rest will enjoy God’s blessing and fruitfulness.

“Created in the image of God we are created both for responsibility and rest. Time and space for worship, leisure activities, play, developing relationships with family and friends are not optional extras but at the heart of being human.”

Not only is fruitfulness associated with rest, but being made holy, it is given a special status – in fact it is the pinnacle of the creative act. It is interesting to reflect on why God himself rested – it begs the question why. Surely God does not get weary as we do? What the Biblical account shows us is that the fruit of rest is appreciation and delight. Like a great artist, God delights not only in the great creation process, but also in what has been accomplished – “and behold it was very good”.

So whether you find yourself this summer, sitting on the beach, in your garden, or just at home in your favourite chair, take time to ‘rest’ in the biblical sense, to appreciate and delight in the fruits of your work. Take time not only to delight in the beauty of God’s creation which surrounds us, but your own share in it, and the precious gift of life which each one of us has received from our creator God.   Christine

run in churches of all denominations, all over the world, will be running again right here in Odell, on Tuesday evenings at The Rectory, Church Lane, from September 11^th through to November 20^th. Exploring the  basic beliefs of Christianity, each session begins with supper at 7.30pm followed by a talk and informal discussion and is an ideal opportunity to ask all those questions you always wanted to. This is a ‘Churches Together’ event in partnership with Harrold & Carlton. Further details and application forms are available from Rev’d Christine Clark (720234) or Jenny Quillen (720673).

A Confirmation Service is planned for Sunday 25^th November at 7.30pm in the Sharnbrook Deanery – venue to be announced at a later date. If you would like to consider going forward for confirmation, or if you want to know more about what is involved in preparation, please contact Rev’d Christine Clark on 720234 for more information.

Who do we pray for? Anyone whom we are asked to remember; these might be people from our church, from our local community or others known to us.

What will you pray about? Anything which you would like brought before God; maybe anxiety due to illness, stress or loneliness. You can also tell us of a special day you wish to be remembered – perhaps for an interview or an exam. Any information will be treated in strictest confidence.

How can I let you know if I would like you to pray for me? You can either telephone Christine (720234), or drop a note through the Rectory door, or complete a card (anonymously if you wish) and place it in a box kept near the church door. Prayer requests will be collected from the box each Sunday morning after the 10.00am service.

The first prize in the Fete Draw has not yet been claimed – Yellow ticket, number 160. Please contact Jill Cheadle (01234 720261) if you own this ticket!

Wednesday 11^th 10.30am at the Rectory.

Meeting Point will take a break in August and resume in September.

Ask anyone what is the first thing they think of when they hear the words 'proclaiming the gospel', and they will probably imagine a person standing on a street corner preaching loudly with a Bible in hand.

Depending on your point of view, it is either a compelling or an amusing image. But the truth is that proclaiming the gospel involves a lot more. 'Gospel' language in Paul's letters covers a whole range of activities.

People need to hear the gospel to become Christians at first, but they also need to hold on firmly to the gospel to grow in their faith and be part of congregations which are ready for the return of Christ.

CMS is committed to proclaiming the gospel through a wide range of ministries. Its fundamental motivation for proclaiming the gospel is to bring glory to God. It is the divine intention that on the final day 'at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'.

Founded in 1799, CMS has attracted upwards of nine thousand men and women to serve as mission partners during its 200-year history.

Today there are about 150 mission partners in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. A budget of £5.75 million a year is needed to maintain and expand this work.

The Tiger Kloof School provides a Christian education and plays an important role in the much needed process of social integration in South Africa.

Thanks to all who gave so generously to Christian Aid in May. The frugal lunch made a profit of £152, while collections came to £65.50, making a total of £217.50 to go to this charity.

1^st Nikki Freeman

8^th Jill Cheadle

15^th Sue Robinson

22^nd Margaret Jones

29^th Sarah Bennett

5^th Faith Hartwell

12^th Lynette Hall

19^th Georgina Harrison

26^th Eileen Shakespeare

Wed 4^th 3pm Senior Citizens’ Garden party, Linden House.

Sun 8^th 2-4pm Making kitchen tools, HOCP.

Tues 10^th 7.30pm W.I. trip to Yelnow Farm.

Wed 11^th 10.30am Meeting Point at the Rectory.

Mon 16^th 8.00pm Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall.

Wed 18^th 8.00pm Bedford Morris Men at The Bell

Mon 30^th 10am HOCP Conservation tasks.

Sun 5^th 6-8pm All Saints’ open for prayer.

Tues 7^th 3-5pm All Saints’ open for prayer.

Wed 8^th 6-8pm All Saints’ open for prayer.

Thurs 9^th 3-5pm All Saints’ open for prayer.

Tues 14^th 7.30pm W.I. barbecue Linden House.

Fri 24^th 6.30pm Wodehill Jazz Band at The Bell.

Mon 20^th 10am HOCP conservation tasks.

Sat 25^th 8pm –late Moth identification HOCP.

Please send all entries for the September 2007 magazine to Tricia Hudson (mag1 @ odellbeds.net) or Catherine Corkery by August 12^th 2007 at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the responsibility of the editorial team.