Rivertown United Reformed Church

DEESIDE PASTORATE

Minister's letter for August 2011

"The voice of God goes out to all the world"

It was Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, who said it: 'this loan is good for us and for the euro. It will come back to us in time". The countries of the Eurozone finally came up with a rescue package of nearly £200biliion, to save their almost bankrupt companions in Greece. And for once the banks are actually going to help! Yes - they had to do it to save the euro, and themselves, but maybe a seed of biblical truth has somehow forced its way into the debate. Just like the tiny irritant that causes the oyster shell to produce the pearl, that we were thinking of at our Cafe Worship on 24th July. The simple truth that, ultimately, we all stand or fall together. Or, it is better to do good than to do evil by doing nothing, whatever the situation. As Jesus said (Luke 14 v5).

As I write, some 10million East Africans from Somalia, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia are at risk of dying from severe drought and famine. It is said that some £150million is needed - but nothing like that has yet been received. It was more than moving watching former Irish First Lady Mary Robinson, in the misery of the vast refugee camp, in tears as she tried to explain her feelings.

As I write, we have just celebrated the uniting of Rivertown and Garden City congregations. It was a truly great occasion which I believe, lifted us all. We will have much to learn and receive from each other in coming years. The same, in a very different way, applies to our ongoing work in Cytun Churches together in Deeside, as we seek to forge closer relationships and greater mutual understanding with our ocal Muslim community. And the same also goes for our current "Working in the Community" under the guidance of our good friend and Church related Community Worker (CRCW) Mal Breeze. (something there about letting the breeze of the Spirit blow, perhaps?!). Would you consider engaging with the TLS Lite Course "Valuing Community Experiences"?

But unity, peace, justice and the kingdom of God is not all give on the Christian's part alone. Archbishops Rowan Williams and Vincent Nicholls (RC Westminster) have take the initiative by co-hosting a 2-day conference on the decline of Christians in Palestine and Israel, conferring with Jewish and Muslim delegates as well. "We cannot wait for politicians to sort things out, we have got to make a difference ourselves", said Dr Williams. Amen!

Holiday time finds most of us rubbing shoulders with crowds of people we have never met before, and may never meet again. Do we see such times as opportunities for witness and service in Jesus Christ - or are we tempted to kid ourselves that we're "off duty"?

We reveal our roots, our real selves, by the way we live. In the words of ex-East Enders star Daniella Westbrook: "I hope others can find Jesus". And Take That singer Robbie Williams: "I haven't found God or anything like that but she (sic) just might have found me." Never underestimate the reach of God - through the Holy Spirit, through you or I!

After all, wasn't it God, who in Jesus stood with humankind when humankind killed His Son? Wasn't it God who bailed us out at the immeasurable cost of Jesus death on the cross? Isn't it God who becomes our "security" through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the divine presence in our lives? Isn't God there with you, around you, within you, right now? Wanting you to know just how great is God's love, God's purpose for you? To be part of God's voice going out across the world! Across the street, the doorstep, the shop floor. One small step for you could be a huge step for someone else. And a whole new sense of peace all round. Happy holidays!

Your friend and minister,

Colin

• • • More information and articles on our website: rivertown.org.uk * * *

02/08/11