20th September
I wonder how many of us watch a film to the end of the story and then turn the TV off or turn our attention to getting our things together to leave the cinema? This past week I started watching a film, only to doze off and wake up just as the credits began to roll. They continued for minutes afterwards…all the many hidden people who played a part in the making of the film. From the catering to the make up to the grip-(whatever they do!), to the camera crews, location team etc etc the list seemed endless.
All of them had played a part, significant or otherwise but nevertheless a necessary part in the making of the film. It reminded me of those many people who play a part in our lives and our stories. Some of them are well known and remembered while others might have had a small but important part to play at the time. Try telling the actors and actresses that there is no catering van on set and they will soon realise the importance of those making their meals. Months later they might not remember the people by name or even their face but at the time they were important to enable the end product.
Tomorrow 20th September 2023 we look forward to welcoming Revd Fiona Jack as our new chaplain. She joins a list of those who have been in leadership in All Saints since the ground for the church was broken on 7th May 1890, the church building was completed on June 14th, 1891, and the church consecrated in 1893. Since then there have been many whose names could have been listed in “the credits” of church worship and church family.
When we open our bibles there are many named there who are more well known than others. Moses and the parting of the red sea, Joseph and his technicolour coat, Daniel in the lions´ den might be known about from the Old Testament. But there are others who are barely mentioned. If you read Judges you will find in chapter 4 a man by the name of Lappidoth. He is barely given a mention. He could be called today “the stay-at-home husband” of Deborah. Deborah is one of the most influential women of the bible. As a prophet, Judge Deborah was said to hear God´s voice and share God´s Word with others. As a priestess she led worship and preached. She is known for her wisdom and courage and is the only woman of the Old Testament who is known for her own faith and action, rather than because of her relationship to her husband.
Deborah and her story can teach us so much. Susan J Nelson describes 3 lessons that stand out.
1. Be Obedient. If God is telling you to do something or go somewhere, despite your fears, listen to His call. He has plans that we can not begin to understand but hearts and lives may be changed by our obedience.
2. Be Courageous. The old saying “God doesn´t call the qualified, He qualifies the called” applies here. Doing something out of your comfort zone to glorify Him can be terrifying, but faith was never promised to be easy. Be Bold and Be Courageous for His glory.
3. Stand True. Never waiver in your faith. We may not always know what the road ahead will look like, but we only need to remember that God will faithfully guide us and lead the way.
So today as we pray for Revd Fiona we pray that she will be a Deborah, obedient and courageous. May we as a church community encourage and welcome her, praying for God´s guidance, protection and strength in the coming weeks. Together we are part of the unfolding story of All Saints in September 2023.
Judith Rigby
Congregational Worship Leader