Christ Church Moreton Hall

Thank you very much for your wonderful response to last month's article and also to the Passion Play itself. I am told that in excess of 2500 people watched it and as we went round the coffee shops and other shops were emptied as people joined in to see the spectacle. It is great when a town comes together to celebrate the story of Jesus which of course affects all our lives.
See the Video
and the Photos

In the month of May there are two other important Christian festivals, Ascension and Pentecost. As we turn our attention away from the death and resurrection of Jesus, and focus back on the troubles that we face we can miss the significance of these occasions.

The Ascension (21st May) celebration helps us to remember that the disciples saw Jesus physically ascend into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. This is important because, according to some theologians, the new body he rose with is the body he has in heaven. This means that when we get to heaven we will meet a human-sized Jesus. When God can to earth as a baby has made Himself human-sized to be with us The ascension tells us he will remain human-sized until such time as we join Him in heaven.

The second event is Pentecost which this year falls on Sunday 31 May. That evening 6:30 pm we welcome Bishop Clive Young, Bishop of Dunwich, who will lead a service and confirm people who have found faith and also baptise people into the faith by immersion. These are wonderful occasions at Christ Church and if you have never seen a total immersion baptism, please come along. If you want to take part please contact sat the office tel:725391.

This ceremony is more than something of great personal significance for those who take part. When Jesus returned to heaven, He then sent the Holy Spirit on His faithful people and they became his body which we call the church. On Pentecost Sunday we not only remember the birthday of the church, we also remember that by the Holy Spirit God is inside us now. That is the distinctive thing about Christians. It's not just that they believe, but they have a living relationship with God who is somehow inside their hearts helping them, guiding them and strengthening them as they face life’s challenges.

The phrase the old prayer-book used to use is "quickening". It meant that somehow we live better, stronger, faster lives if we are filled with the God’s Holy Spirit.

As part of that "quickening" also in the month of May two other things are happening. We are going to have our Fun-Run on 9 May for Christian Aid to launch Christian aid week (10th-16th May). This is an opportunity for you to get fit, have some fun and join in a free barbecue and raise money for Christian Aid and help those in real need round the world. Also on 17th May we have "Back to Church Sunday 2 the cream tea". Come along at 10.30 that Sunday morning and I promise you will have a great time, laugh yourself silly and there will be a free cream tea at the end of the service for all who join us. The Christian life is not just about remembering events that happened 2000 years ago. It is about receiving God now and the using of events such as these for His presence to become real in our lives.

Right now the whole of the human race needs hope with its economic downturn. God gives us that hope. By remembering His death, His resurrection, His ascension, and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we realise that God has not left us alone. He has died for us, He has risen for us, He is in heaven waiting for us and He sends His presence to us now until we can join Him in heaven. Why not find out what is available for you and how much God can do to help you lead a better life.