Welcome to St. Nicholas for Trinity 4 – Sunday 23rd June.
Dear Friends,
In the late 1970s, British television daily news programmes depicted streets that remained unclean, rubbish left uncollected, and trains and buses that didn’t run.Trouble seemed to be everywhere. Strikes were rampant, and even the deceased went unburied. This tumultuous period became known as the ‘Winter of Discontent.’ Upon returning from a trip abroad, Prime Minister James Callaghan faced a barrage of questions from journalists at the airport. When asked about the crisis, he reportedly downplayed it, saying, ‘Crisis? What crisis?’ Unfortunately, this underestimation of the situation ultimately cost Mr. Callaghan his job.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we encounter the beautiful story of the storm at sea. Jesus had suggested taking the boat across that evening. Despite the gale intensifying, He appears entirely unconcerned, remaining fast asleep on a cushion.
At first glance, it might seem that Jesus, like a politician, displays a cavalier and almost irresponsible attitude toward the danger faced by himself and the disciples. While the disciples struggle desperately to save their lives, Jesus slumbers, seemingly unaware or untroubled by the situation. Not surprisingly, the disciples express their concern, asking, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?
Jesus’ apparent lack of concern does not stem from indifference or weariness, but rather from an unwavering trust and confidence in God’s saving power. His intimate relationship with God leaves no room for doubt about his Father’s love.
As a Church and as individuals, we encounter numerous challenges—falling congregation numbers, lack of commitment to ministry or volunteering. However, today’s Gospel message doesn’t advocate naive complacency or indifference. Instead, as Christians, we’re called to cultivate a deep and intimate connection with God, rendering us impervious to external forces and internal emotions. Our faith, grounded in unwavering trust in God’s ability to save, is our ultimate strength and all we need!
With every blessing,
Alison x
ALM and Churchwarden
Sunday 23rd June, Trinity
This Sunday we will look forward to welcoming back our lead minister Rev Augustine Ihm to preside and preach. Music will be provided by ourAssistant Organist, Elizabeth Bray.