To be a Pilgrim One of my favourite stories tells of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr Watson going on a camping expedition. In the middle of the night, Holmes woke up and nudged his faithful friend; “Watson, look up and tell me what you see?” Watson replied, “I see millions of stars”. Holmes asked, “What does that tell you Watson?” He replied; “Astronomically it tells me the universe is vast, it also tells me the time is about a quarter past three and I believe we will have a clear day tomorrow. What does it tell you?” Holmes paused for a moment, then said, “Elementary my dear Watson, it tells me someone has stolen our tent!” The opening chapter of St John’s Gospel famously speaks of Jesus becoming flesh and “pitching his tent amongst us”. The earliest Christians were called “followers of The Way” and we are called to be a pilgrim people, adventurously willing to go where God leads, pitching our tents where God is at work, constantly on our guard against becoming too settled or too comfortable. However, although nobody has actually stolen our tent, it sometimes feels as though we ourselves, having built a house, have put the tent away in the far corner of the loft along with our walking boots and rucksack. And we say to ourselves, we’ve it’s time to settle down! We forget our pilgrim calling and I’ve heard it suggested that the Church is “the best disguised group of pilgrims the world has never seen!” There is real spiritual danger in thinking we’ve arrived. The current season of Lent is an annual reminder to keep moving and growing in our Christian lives, to stretch ourselves and our faith. That’s why we are often encouraged to live differently, to give or take something up. It is particularly good if this new activity is challenging for us. Why not do something adventurous for God this Lent? One of my great heroes, the former Bishop of Coventry, Cuthbert Bardsley, used to describe the Saints as, “Christians who went far enough for fun!” How far will you go for God this Lent? With my prayers and best wishes, +John
A ‘Marvellous’ Film Night Marvellous, the BAFTA nominated movie, was shown to a packed Crick church recently. And Neil Baldwin, the man whose extraordinary life story is featured, joined the audience. Two hundred people watched the inspirational and true story of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, a man who refused to accept the label of learning difficulties. He is played in the film by actor Toby Jones. Neil and the film received a standing ovation during the evening. Rector David Lake, who interviewed Neil and his lifelong friend Malcolm Clarke after the screening described the night as, “one of the highlights of my ten years here.” The Treasurer of St Margaret’s wrote, “Personally, I think we are richer from this in many more ways than simply the income we raised.” The evening ended with Neil and Malcolm signing autographs and being photographed with members of the audience. Summing up the evening David said, “A truly inspiring film, reflecting an incredibly inspiring individual, a must-watch movie”. Recovery House opens its doors After four years of planning and consultation, the Recovery House has recently opened its doors in Rushden. The six-bed residential unit offers men a place of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. “We have a team of staff and volunteers, drawn from local churches in and around the town including those with personal experience,” says Project Manager Sandra Taylor. “Some of the team have been through rehab themselves and have a lot of experience and encouragement to bring.” “The Recovery House will be ‘home’, a place where family happens for the residents,” she says. “But it won’t necessarily be an easy ride. Life will happen largely within the four walls of the centre for at least six months for these men. No one is forced to attend, but our clients come because they really want to and because they are focused on recovery for themselves. It’s a courageous step to take.” The House is asking local churches to ‘buddy up’ with its residents, welcome them into their own church communities