Christ Church Moreton Hall

Despite all the doom and gloom and cuts, there are many things to look forward to.  First, and perhaps most prominent of all is the Royal Wedding.  It is really good that the Prince and his fiancée are setting such a good example by first of all marrying, and secondly by doing so in church. 

All the evidence shows that those who get married seem to enjoy life more and live longer.  It is also true that children who grow up within a stable relationship, particularly a married one, seem to do better at school and have better and happier lives.  Finally, those who seek God’s blessing on their nuptials find that God does answer their prayer and church weddings seem to be not only popular but also lead to blessed and happy lives. 

You will be pleased to hear that the Church of England is taking this seriously.  There is a new programme called “The Weddings Project” in which we are actively encouraging people to consider coming to church for both their wedding and their blessing.  If you are thinking about doing this, why not get in contact with us. 

The second thing is the Quiz aid evening (with wine & cheese) our young people group Delta is hosting for Christian aid on 1 April 7:30pm. See poster for details. Come along and join a fun evening for a very good cause 

The Third thing to look forward to is the Good Friday Passion Play.  We are hoping to be able to repeat the spectacular event we did over two years ago, films of which went all over the world via the internet and picked up two national awards.  But we are not doing this for awards or for publicity.  We are doing it because Jesus has made a difference to our lives.  We also want to remind people what it cost Jesus Christ to offer us the gift of faith, hope, salvation and of course a place in heaven.   

We are celebrating too the fact that the Christian story is a British story.  People have been Christian in Britain since the earliest times and Britain has made a significant contribution to world Christianity through the many denominations that started here as well as the society that has been produced here.  We have a wonderful Christian heritage and it is right to celebrate it.  Going back to the Royal Wedding, it is wonderful that the Royal Family think that this heritage is an important part of their lives and they want to celebrate it too.   

Which leads us to the best thing of all, Easter Day.  This is when we come together to celebrate the source of our faith.  It is because Jesus died and rose again that we have hope, we have faith, and we receive His Holy Spirit so that we know the love of God in our lives – a love that enables us to love Him with all our hearts, our mind and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves.  

In a time of darkness, despair, cuts, sadness and, of course, the worry of the future, it is good to know we have hope.  Hope that comes from our faith in Christ; hope that comes from a God who changes things; hope that gives us a sure and certain future; a hope that we can celebrate in church at any time, whether being married or not.  So, my message to you all is please look up from your worries and receive the gift of God, the gift of hope, the gift of love and above all, the gift of faith.   

Yours sincerely,  

Revd. Canon Jonathan Ford.  

Minister Christ Church Moreton Hall