The Rector Writes – February 2010
Dear Friends
This month I would like us to consider the question, ‘What is a Christian?’ I have come across several definitions and have noticed that whilst many of them are in terms of a person’s character and virtues or maybe their membership of the Church very few make any reference to Jesus Christ.
At a baptism, the candidates, or the parents and godparents of a child, are asked, among other things, ‘Do you turn to Christ?’, and they reply, ‘I turn to Christ.’ This is highly appropriate because turning to Christ is the ultimate characteristic of a Christian. Jesus is the chief example for Christians, he informs their beliefs and makes possible their relationship with God the Father.
‘Turning to Christ’ is the title of this year’s Deanery Lent Talks which are detailed on the next page. I commend them to anyone who would like to reconsider their commitment to Christ. I will be attending all of them, and will do my best to offer lifts. This series of talks is also suitable for adults interested in being prepared for confirmation.
In addition to these excellent talks at two locations in Buckley there will be discussions in the extension of our own Parish Hall on the five Monday evenings in March from 7:30 to 9 pm, and we will be following one of the York Courses, as in recent years. It is entitled ‘WHEN I SURVEY … Christ’s Cross and Ours’. A feature of these courses is recorded interviews with well-known Christians to stimulate discussion: the Rev’d John Bell of the Iona Community; General Sir Richard Dannatt, until recently Head of the British Army; Canon Dr Christian Baxter, principal of St John’s College, Nottingham; and the Rev’d Dr Colin Morris, former President of the Methodist Conference, who will provide the closing reflection at the end of each session. A course booklet for those wishing to take part, priced £3.50, will be available for purchase before it begins or at the sessions.
Yours sincerely
Martin Snellgrove
Hawarden Deanery Lent Talks 2010: “Turning to Christ …”
During Jesus’ public ministry people turned to him for a number of reasons. Each of these has its equivalent in the life of a Christian today. Five of these senses of Turning to Christ will be addressed during the middle five Tuesdays of Lent during our Lent Talks in Buckley and Bistre.
Tuesday 23rd February “… for Understanding”
The Rev’d Dr Dick France – former Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.
Tuesday 2nd March “… for Healing”
The Rev’d Evelyn Davies – formerly of Pennant Melangell shrine.
Tuesday 9th March “… for Deliverance”
The Rev’d Robert Rowland – member of the Diocesan Deliverance team.
Tuesday 16th March “… for Forgiveness”
The Rev’d Dr Trish Owens – Assistant Curate of Buckley.
Tuesday 23rd March “… when our Requests are Refused”
Clint Haycock – PhD student at Chester University.
The subject of this talk is partly related to the events of Passiontide.
Each talk, followed by questions and discussion, will be held from:
1:30 – 3 pm in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Buckley, and from:
7:30 – 9 pm in Bistre Parish Hall opposite the Spar in Mold Road, Buckley.
Refreshments will be served before the start of each meeting.
Martin Snellgrove, Area Dean, Hope Rectory, Flintshire. LL12 9PH