The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

As I opened my laptop to begin thinking about this letter, the random image on the log-in screen was of some rock towers in Utah (see picture below). These majestic structures are also known as pinnacles. Pinnacles! Not a word many of us had come across before, but which has become very familiar to us over the last year. Thankfully, the restoration work on our church pinnacles is now complete and they are looking very grand.

The builders of early cathedrals believed that the nature of the building was part of the worshipping experience. Spires and pinnacles drew eyes upwards and away from the ordinariness of the world. We hope that once the steps are cleaned and the new noticeboards are up that people’s eyes will be drawn towards us - not just the building but the community within and the God we worship.

What draws you nearer to God? As we journey through Lent we are reminded that Jesus took himself away from the rest of the world to prepare for his ministry. But in that empty space, the devil was able to get into his thoughts and tempt him (check out the King James Version of Matthew 4:5 for another pinnacle connection!) Jesus remained strong by immersing himself in prayer, relying on his knowledge of the Scriptures and putting his trust in God.

Rock pinnacles are formed when weather formations cause cracks in the rock. As water and ice get into those spaces the softer rock is worn away. The stronger and more resistant rock remains. Let us be like those pinnacles, resisting outward pressures and standing tall as beacons of our faith.

So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. 1 Cor 15:58

With love,

Heather P