Team Letter
Getting old!
I am aware that I often forget names, even people that I know well. I seem to spend a lot of time running through the alphabet to get the first letter and even that sometimes doesn't work. So I was relieved recently to read about some brain research that says that this process begins in the mid-forties when brain functions begin to change. It's even got a name 'cognitive ageing', I feel better already.
So does this mean that once you are through the first half of life, then we are just set on a process of decline. As one who is 67 and still vigorous and excited by life and faith, this surely cannot be true. That is why I like the work of the priest and writer called Richard Rohr. He says that life can be divided into two parts. The first part of life is spent trying to build our identity - make a name for ourselves - seeking security. But this does not mean that the second part is a struggling then to keep young and up to date. This phase is not about managed decline; it's about something far more interesting. It is what he calls 'falling upwards.'
No longer are we struggling to stay young, to run with the pack, but now we can be more relaxed, less concerned with the battle for ourselves and our identity, and are more able to let go, to begin to explore our real selves, the treasure within. It is what St. Paul says, 'when I am weak then I am strong'.
This rings bells with me as I move towards the end of my paid ministry. I am conscious that I am enjoying ministry more than ever. I am more fascinated by prayer and spirituality. Bible truths seem richer than I had realised and my preaching more exciting (if only for me!). Spending a great deal of time with older people, many of whom have achieved this, really does make visiting enjoyable.
So, if you see me wearing purple, and spending my pension on brandy and summer gloves don't worry. I am making up for the sobriety of youth. I am 'falling upwards'.
A happy new year to you all.
Charles
Youth Alpha
Our youth Leader, Arron Townsend is looking at running a Youth Alpha Course for young people in Secondary School on Sundays from 5th February.
For more information, email:
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Miller Centre Club, Charity of the Month
"The 39 Steps" by John Buchan
22 - 31 March 2012
The Miller Centre Club and Players have nominated St. Mary's Church Hall Renovation Projectas their charity for March and tickets for this production will go on sale to the public on 30 January. The Box Office is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, telephone 01883 349850.
Please encourage all your family & friends to buy tickets so we can get sell-out performances!
We will also need volunteers at the performances to supervise a table - please contact the Parish Office if you have any ideas or can help out.
Memorial Plaques - St. Lawrence's Churchyard
The temporary black plastic markers in the St. Lawrence's churchyard are gradually being replaced by lightly engraved stone plaques, approximately 200mm x 150mm (8" x 6"). These stone plaques will be laid flush with the surface of the ground and will bear just the names of the deceased with their dates of birth and death. A typical plaque, together with the original brass plate, is illustrated.
The brass plaques are still in safe keeping in the St. Lawrence's vestry. Should families wish to put them back in the churchyard, or keep them at home, please contact either the Guild of Friends (0208 763 0013) or St. Mary's Church Office.
When all the new stone plaques have been laid in place, it is proposed to make maintenance easier by laying a weed-proof membrane, covered with bark chips, in the grave areas by the west wall of the church and near the south boundary wall. Your comments would be welcomed.
It is sad that we need to take such measures, but we need to react to a sick society.
John Gilbert
