Tube Legs...

Dear All Saints

"I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel."

How man of us have perfected the 'London Underground legs' - they are a bit like sea legs, and enable you to stand on the tube, as it sways and lurches, whilst managing still to focus on your book or newspaper, and at the same time not spilling your hot drink. It takes a little while, but once you've got the hang of it, keeping balanced while the world sways around you, it can be quite fun. Try it this week, and grin at your fellow passengers, saying under your breath 'look, no hands' as they marvel!

Paul uses the same term here in Phil 1:27 to say 'stand firm' - language borrowed from wrestling to mean, holding a firm foothold whilst you are buffeted and challenged. Unless we are fans of Japanese Sumo wrestling, or perhaps grew up in the USA where wrestling is also popular this little reference might pass us by.

Paul is not writings to the Christians and hoping they will never face challenges, but he is praying for them, that under strain they might stand firm, and hold together as a church family when they face challenges - to be 'as one man'. Perhaps we can come to church and immediately whizz over to greet our friends, inadvertently ignoring or passing by those around us. When we do, we are not living up to our call to be like 'one man'. Perhaps we come to church and intentionally keep ourselves to ourselves. Might I recommend joining a small group in the church, or a mid-week opportunity for fellowship and service so 'WE' can be like 'one man', rather than a collection of little islands.

Also, the message of Jesus is worth being buffetted around for because what brings life to you and me, also can bring life to others. To go back to the tube - perhaps we are meant to stay upright and firm so we don't spill the hot drink, but can deliver it safely to someone else at the next station. The gospel can be a warm and envigorating gift which we can share with others. Alpha starts this week - why not sign up or invite a friend or two.

With love,

Frog

Dear Saints of God...

Dear All Saints and visitors, When Paul speaks to the church at Philippi he calls them 'Dear Saints of God' - it is addressed 'To all God's Holy People at Philippi'. Now, though I often have letters addressed to me in different ways, very few people write to me in this way, and yet this is how the apostle spoke and wrote to the people who were so dear to him. This shouldn't take us by surprise, though it often does, because Jesus doesn't withhold any tenderness from us, knowing our hopes and fears, our dreams and concerns. As we begin this term, lets us be mindful of the affection that God has for us, and how He writes to us with such care and dignity, like a father bending down to give us his full attention, then lifting us up to his face to get a better look and telling us how much we mean to him. Through the next week take a moment to recognise, as you turn over different decisions and thoughts in your mind, that you have an extraordinary status in His eyes and in His plans - the letter is addressed to all of us - and none are forgotten. As A.W. Tozer wrote in 'Pursuit of God' [p.3] "The continuous and unembarrassed interchange of love and thought between God and the soul of the redeemed man is the throbbing heart of the New Testament religion." We will be introducing new volunteers and team members today, and over the next few weeks aim to complete our registration as a charity in compliance to new laws issued by the government. Why not take some time over the next week to find out more about the life and ministries of the church, join small groups, pray and worship and get to know one another better. In particular we are looking for more volunteers to help with welcome and refreshments (email: parish.secretary@allsaintspeckham.org.uk) as well as youth and childrens' helpers. (esther.barnett@allsaintspeckham.org.uk) or ring the office on 0207 639 3052. I will be standing by the door at the end of the service and would love to meet you if you are new or would like to find out more and would especially love to meet you if you are visiting us. Yours in Christ Frog