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John Writes  …….

As I was wondering what to write for this month’s letter, I was thinking about how important it is to be part of a community. But have you noticed how everything now has to be personalised? From personalised number plates and unique ring-tones and covers for our mobile phones to the way we have our coffee in a coffee shop; everything is tailored to the individual.

It seems to me that we have come to place more and more emphasis on personal choice and we now have the means to be distinctive and different with so much more choice available to us, especially via the internet.

In Andrew Marr’s book The History of Modern Britain he describes how, after the Second World War, people showed themselves discontent with the Government’s plans to be the provider of what they needed. They wanted more and more personal choice. That trend has certainly continued.

The Church has not been immune to these changes either: weddings and funerals are now far more personal than in the last century. Special readings or music which have personal meanings for the couple or the bereaved are now the norm.

People don’t want to be treated as if they were numbers. We want a personalised service. I find it so irritating when you have to phone a call centre only to have it answered by a recorded message offering you a menu of options – sometimes not even with the option you need? I suspect that most of us would prefer to speak to a real person.

There are plenty of examples in the New Testament of Jesus treating those he met as individuals, without preconceptions on his part. It is part of the way he taught us how God treats us. There is no doubt we are called to do the same.

However, there are dangers: we can over-emphasise the personal. Personal choices should be taken seriously, but they may not always be right.

I’ve often heard it said  that faith is a matter of personal choice and to a degree I suppose it is. But if we accept that, then in effect it is saying that what we believe in is just a matter of opinion,  that it has no objective reality and is not rooted in real life and history. If we accept that, where does truth come in?

Jesus’ summary of the Law is very clear and could not be more applicable. When he urged us to love our neighbours as ourselves, he meant that we should treat others as people, just as we expect them to treat us as people. This is why we are baptised and confirmed by name – as people – and sent out to treat others in the same way. 

We are all aware of the recent events in Chard that have led to an outbreak of violence and arrests. And if we think about the effect that those personal choices has had on our community, now more than ever we have to pay heed to Jesus’ command to love our neighbours. And as we share the love of God by our words and actions, who knows what may happen? 

With every blessing.

John

We were very pleased to welcome Peter Stefanovic to our meeting last month when he gave a presentation about the work of the Men’s Shed.

The group has been active for five years now through St. Mary’s, and meet at the Barn, at Hornsbury Hill Farm by kind invitation of Liz and Ian Jones and are members of the National Association of Men’s Sheds. It was started in Australia in the 1990s and has grown a lot over the years.

Membership is for men of all ages – not just retirees – in some areas  there are ladies  groups, and even some ‘ladies only’.  The aim is for them to meet together on a fairly regular basis for companionship, talking with others and sharing skills – giving them a sense of belonging and, of course, helps with personal growth and wellbeing.

Every member has to be individually assessed for insurance purposes.

They meet two days a week (not in winter January to March) and pay £12 a year, or £3 a day – Wednesdays 2 – 5pm and Thursdays 1 – 5pm. The group do receive a grant from the Voluntary Service to help with expenses. They have referrals for members from carers, Social Services and local groups. For people with dementia, they need to have a carer to stay with them.

There are various helpers/experts with skills both in training for use with tools and teaching to make items, mainly woodwork. They now have three lathes  (donated by the family of someone who died) and a variety of other tools. A  number of smaller items have been made and sold at fundraising events – occasionally at St. Mary’s – but some very impressive items have been made for the community – like the Remembrance figures displayed outside Manor Court School and the large Christmas crib scene by the Beacon and a remake of a seat in a public place.

The group would welcome donations of suitable pieces of wood – please contact Peter or Ian.

As Peter said, the Men’s Shed is more than just a place for making things with tools – it is being part of a community giving men a sense of wellbeing, confidence and personal growth – creating a powerful force for change.

There was a very good discussion between us, so thank you again Peter for an inspiring time together.

We shall be running a cakes and preserves stall at the Christmas fair on 25th November, so donations for that please.

Next month there will be a slight change to the programme. There will not be an Advent Carol service with the Deanery but instead a smaller meeting in the parish rooms on Friday 8th December at 2.30pm. Rev. Val Hoare has kindly agreed to lead us with some thoughts, readings and music for Advent through to Christmas,            followed by our usual Christmas tea.

Best wishes,

Heather Elphick, Branch Leader