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Moseley Chimes
February 2008
‘All you need is Love’, sang the Beatles, and Robert Burns described love as a ‘red, red rose’. The shops and restaurants all cash in on love at this time of the year so why can’t we? It is Saint Valentines Day after all, even though Valentine was an early Christian martyr and nothing to do with the modern day celebrations of February
Christianity has always been associated with sharing of love. It is after all the central message of the Gospel, ‘That God so loved the world’, and that Christ gave his life as a sacrifice for ours, the greatest example of love ever. God’s love is a free gift to everyone, all we need to do is to be open to receiving it and respond equally with devotion and gratitude.
Christians have also put a great deal of emphasis on love being the driving forces behind all relationships and social action. Whether it be eros (erotic love) philos, (friendship) or agape (love of humanity) the principals of kindness, compassion and generosity makes Christianity an inclusive religion.
I have had the idea of a ‘Love Fest’ for some time. In particular I have known other churches have flower festivals and displays of wedding dresses so this aspect is fairly traditional. However we are also fortunate also to be able to draw on the talents of many gifted artists now joining in classes at the Parish Hall and this gives us a way of forging relationships with them.
It is my desire that this project can be seen in terms of outreach and mission not only to our local community but also to those who have perhaps had some connection with our churches but need encouraging to come back or re-establish a relationship. Consequently the Celebration of Marriage Service will involve us in inviting all who have been married in the Benefice in the last 5 years to attend a special service and tea. This service is not just for them, its for all of us, those who are perhaps married and need supporting in this and also those who are not, and want to pray for and encourage others.
The children’s workshop is an exciting addition to our children’s ministry and another way of providing ways into church for those who perhaps only have loose connections. We want to continue to build up links with local families and the schools and ‘Messy Church’, an extension of what we already do at M*A*S*S, could be a way forward with this.
Finally the ‘Party Nite’ on Saturday 21 February is for everyone, young or old, single or married, an opportunity to celebrate love in a communal way. It promises to be a great occasion with music and pancakes as well as the ultimate ‘Battle of the Sexes Quiz’. Teams will be formed on the night so why not come along and see who wins!