September Letter 2024
There was once a king who loved his people, and his people loved him! The king would walk around talking to the people, and there was freedom to talk and know each other. The loved the king so much that they built him a house to live in. The house was on top of a hill so that the people could all see him and he could see them.
Then the people decided that the king must be protected so they built huge walls around the house on the hill that the king lived in. The people could look up and know that the king was there but it wasn’t so easy now for the king to come for a walk with the people. Messengers were appointed from the people to be the ones who went up the hill and through the walls into the house of the king to talk to him and bring back messages of what the king said.
The king missed the people deeply.
Soon, only the messengers were allowed to go and see the king. Not long later a moat was dug around the hill and it became even harder to go and visit the king.
The king was fed up of this, so one day he left the house on the hill, walked through the huge walls, down the hill, and swam across the moat.
When he was finally in the village with the people he was surprised by their reactions. Those that recognised the king bowed and quickly ran to the other side of the street. They didn’t think they were allowed to talk to him and even if they were allowed, they didn’t know how to talk to a king anymore. But more shocking to the king, was that many people didn’t even recognise him anymore. As he talked with the people, it became clear that many people didn’t know that there was a king still living across the moat, up the hill, inside the walls in a house. They thought it was just a beautiful monument.
All the king wanted was to talk and walk and laugh and live with the people. To know them and for them to know him.
My passion and deep desire is that people might once again know The King. That they would know that they are known and loved by God. That the God who created the world wants to walk and talk and love and live with them. That they are made in God’s image and that they matter.
My hope is that, through all we do, this truth is proclaimed. That as we walk around our communities we might point out where God is at work so that people might recognise the God was with them all along, not in a distant far-off tower where only certain people can go.
Our Saturday ‘Stay and Play’ Service began two and half years ago for the whole benefice with this at its heart – that God may be accessible and approachable to even the youngest members of our communities.
Now, some of our little ones have grown up, siblings have joined in, and adults have come along and enjoyed the type of space and worship available. As such, we want to adapt and now make space that is suitable for all ages (while still ensuring the youngest are safe and able to be part of it!)
So, this September, we are (re)launching our Saturday mornings with a wider vision, of creating a welcoming, safe and fun space with Bible stories that are accessible and a chance to move about and explore things of God in different ways, that people of all-ages might enjoy.
Raise and Praise will start on 7th September, 9.45 – 11.15, at St Oswald’s Church Hall. It will be held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
Raise and Praise will start with a short listening time with songs and Bible stories, there will then be a longer time to explore the story through crafts, toys and activities and a café will open at 10.30 with help yourself refreshments. We will finish by gathering back together to share what we have done, to pray and sing a final song.
It is an informal service with plenty of space to chat and move about, as we recognise The King walking and playing and singing with us!
How great the Father’s love for us, that we should be called children of God, for that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
If you want to help out or come along or find out more just turn up or speak to Naomi (07872 056471).
Rev’d Naomi