The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

It is important that the place where we live is not just a roof over our head, but a place where we feel safe and can relax. There are a variety of things that will turn a house/flat/bungalow/bedsit etc. into a home. What may make one person comfortable and happy may have the reverse effect on some one else. What about our spiritual homes?

We have just agreed plans to develop our church building. We have ticked off many of the practical things that we have wished for over the years to help us function better. At last a kitchen with room for more than 2 people and a fridge. I know I welcome the idea of a private vestry, without a door in each wall! It is exciting to think that we will have good facilities, but we must also remember that these alone do not make a home. The church building is the base for us to meet together, but it is the people who are the Church and will ensure that the building is a spiritual home. Improved facilities should enable us to be more welcoming and inclusive and to offer more to the community in Chesham. This is the challenge, but if we remember the body of the Church is supported by Christ as the head, our prayer for guidance will be answered.

Jesus Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. (Colossians 1:17-18)

Christ is the head, the brains to guide us, but he is also a safe, strong base on which to build.
Paul wrote:
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:9-11)

There are plenty of references and guidance for building up the Church in the Bible! As we come to the end of the Vision4Life Bible year, you might like to look up some quotations on buildings. We could try to put a list together for the next newsletter. (The next Vision 4Life year starts in December and will focus on prayer.)

As we prepare for the building work to begin, let's pray regularly for the challenges ahead and let's give thanks for the great mix of people and talents we have. I hope as part of the Quiet Day in October we will have time to pray for our future plans.

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:15-16) Christ our head and Christ our foundation will show us God's love in action. It is God's love echoed in the love of our actions, which will keep our buildings safe as a spiritual home. With love Bridget

Prayer for future building: Jesus Christ we pray that in all we do we will build on the foundations you have laid for us. Guide us in all our planning and show us how best to make our Church safe, inspiring and an echo of your love. Amen