Abbots Langley Methodist Church
Magazine
September 2007

FROM THE MANSE

from Revd. Christopher Jones
(Revd. Gill Hulme is on holiday)

An important letter from our retiring Superintendent Minister, Revd Christopher Jones:

Dear Friends,

When Jesus commenced his ministry, although he worshipped in the synagogue he spent most of his time out and about meeting ordinary folk and preaching and teaching and helping (and challenging) people to encounter God. He did not sit in the synagogue and wait for them to come to him.

John Wesley adopted the same pattern. Although he had his roots in the church and its worship and particularly the sacrament of Holy Communion yet he went and preached to wherever he found people, in fields and in town squares. Wesley recognised that the way the church was organised was alien to many people, and so he went out to meet them where they were.

I believe it is the same situation today, that what is delightfully familiar and enriching to its members is totally alien to those who seek God but are not used to our pattern of worship.

This is where a new initiative “ Fresh Expressions ” finds its rationale.

Set up jointly by the Methodist and Anglican churches, it is a network of those who are trying to enable people to encounter God and God’s church in a new way that is relevant to modern culture. It is not meant to replace traditional worship, but to be a way that enables others to encounter God.

Some house groups have viewed the DVD which is available from me and found it a valuable starter for discussion and ideas.

Some trials of “ Fresh expressions ” have started in this section, most notably the “ Breakfast Church ” on the first Sunday of the month at St Andrews .

The Circuit is now preparing to take this concept further.

Next January (26 th.) there will be an ecumenical “ Vision Day ” for all who can come. Particularly Anglicans are being involved, but members of other churches are equally welcome. The day will have examples of Fresh Expressions presented by the national leaders of the initiative, opportunities to experiment with ideas, and the chance to form local ecumenical networks to carry them further forward.

There will be plenty of publicity nearer the event, but for now please book the date in your diaries and talk to others who might be interested.

And remember Jesus went about talking of the good news. That is something we need to do “in season and out of season”, because it is only the enthusiasm and life-style of Christians that can really enable others to encounter God.

Have a good summer and may God’s love and peace be yours.

Christopher G. T. Jones

September Text from Psalm 40, v 1 and 3.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.