The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

We have now been back in our buildings over a year! It will soon be time to celebrate Pentecost again. A lot has happened in the last year and there have been signs of the Spirit at work in the life of the Church. Sometimes we can be frustrated or impatient that things haven’t happened quickly enough, but the Christian journey is about being on the move. There is always another step to take and if we think we have arrived then we are aiming for our own goals not those of the Spirit who we need to listen to.

In the weeks following the Easter weekend, we have thought about Jesus risen from the dead and appearing to the disciples. As I write, we remember Jesus’ ascension and then it is time for the promise of the Spirit to come at Pentecost.

Jesus said ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth... (John 14: 15-17)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly `from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2: 1-4)

Are we on fire with the Spirit and trying to use the talents we have been given?
Are we listening and praying for the things we need rather than the things we want?

Phones have become an essential part of our lives today. We are used to instant communications and the benefits they bring. They can also bring annoying cold callers, in spite of the safeguards that are put on them. Just today I have picked up the phone to hear nothing but silence and then again to be told my computer is not working properly. Unwanted calls that are not helpful. The silence meant there was no communication and so was a waste of time; the second call was a scam because there was no way the person knew whether I had a computer or if it was going slow! Unfortunately, as is often the case, the person tried to keep me engaged in conversation and in the end I had to politely put the phone down. Probably the person whose job it is to phone is on a minimum wage and is paid by the number of positive responses they obtain. Not a good job.

How do we communicate with God? Does he sometimes get a silent call or do we go on and on with our own ideas and not pause to listen to his guidance. It is a good thing God is more patient than we often are. How we need the Holy Spirit to help us and make us better communicators. What a wonderful free gift to be offered!

A Pentecost Prayer: I give thanks for the free gift of the Holy Spirit, I give thanks for Jesus who shows us the way. I give thanks for God, who like a father or mother calls us his children and cares for each one of us. Lord, help me to listen and respond and so to be always moving forward on the journey towards your kingdom. Amen