Renewal of
Baptism Vows
On Sunday 28 September
2008 there will be an opportunity to renew baptismal
vows. For this occasion we shall seek to contact people who were
baptised at St Andrew’s and encourage them to attend even if they have
otherwise lost contact with us. Please note that this is a new
event in the programme and further details will be announced in due
course.
HOPE 08
Hope 08 is a nationwide
initiative during 2008 to encourage Christians to get involved in their
local communities. It is good to know that this is an ecumenical idea and
at least 6 churches in Burgess Hill are getting involved.
What
is its vision? The dream is to change a nation, admittedly it's not a
small dream but since when did God ever tell us to aim small?
We
worship a wonderful God who we know loves every single one of the 60
million+ people living in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
He
longs to reach out to each one of them, and has poured enough resources
into his Churches to do just that. We've got all we need at our disposal
to do the job. The Church has been hidden for too long. We're known by
many for pointing the finger on moral issues and collecting money for
church renovations. We’re seen as a dying old-fashioned institution, so
why don't we blow our cover in style?
What
would happen if in 2008 every community saw the life of Jesus Christ
displayed through the passion and actions of thousands of Christians?
Wouldn't
it be amazing if everywhere people looked, there were Christians getting
involved with their community finding out its needs and being ready to
take action.
What
would happen if people were to see the church as the bible teaches it is
meant to be, reflecting the love and passions of God. If we God's people
are united in offering ourselves to God to reach and touch those around
us, we have the potential to see him change the history of the United
Kingdom, FOR his kingdom. To follow
Jesus' example and preach the good news in both word and deed.
This
is what we want to see in our town in Burgess Hill.
But
firstly and most importantly everything we do must be steeped in prayer as
we seek God's power and presence.
If
we as Christians can come together to Pray who knows what else we could
do.
At
this moment almost every church in Burgess hill has shown a willingness to
get involved in this year of action both together and on their own. We now
need to start turning this into action.
Nick
Borland
How can St Andrews
be more GREEN?
Church:
-
Less
paperwork, more use of electronic means of communication with
parishioners. Ask those on electoral roll if they would like to opt to
have this option. It would reduce the number needed of printed copies
of Parish Life, even Weekly Notices or other announcements. Have a
notice board and insist that instead of handouts, people read
information on the notice board.
-
Transfer
services to Rider Hall during Dec, Jan, and Feb which would reduce the
use of heating and electricity in the main Church building.
-
Encourage
car owners to bring a full load of passengers to services, possibly on a
rota basis.
Long Term:
put a false
insulated ceiling in the church to reduce the volume required for heating
the worship space. An expensive option, but might attract some government funding.
At
Home: Just me at home. I switch off
electrical appliances and lighting when not in use. Don't have TV or radio
on unnecessarily. Do not waste food, seldom throw away food because it is
not used. Use my bicycle quite often
and avoid making long trips in my car.
General
comments: I think global warming
may not be a doomsday scenario,
but every effort should be made to stop the waste of fossil fuels, oil,
coal and efforts made to share more fairly the world's resources, water
and food, and everybody encouraged to grow their own food, and buy less
processed food which often uses lots of energy to produce and transport.
Respect for the environment and all
the above issues should be made a priority in the education of children.
They are the next custodians of the world's resources.
Oswald Chorlton
