First Service, Second Service, Third Service...

Tennis has some quaint terminology. Until I began to understand it's Anglo-French derivations, I used to think that the call "deuce" was a command to the man holding the bottle to get serving the barley water at Wimbledon. (think about it...). Thirsty work, tennis, especially if the 30 degree plus temperatures of this weekend continue into the solstice on Tuesday and beyond. No, it's bound to rain- the clouds have just been gathering especially for the start of play on Centre Court.

And as for the various services, what's all that about? Like any activity with which you are unfamiliar, the esoteric rules,ways and parlance of a new pastime, job or office can seem daunting at first. Such thoughts are much on my mind today, as I enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon before settling down to paid work again- at least for a week, but that's a story for another post- bright and early tomorrow morning. Will I be able to pick up all the new skills and information I need to learn or apply in this job? Can I format the weekly e-mails correctly? Will I get my figurework right? It's both an exciting and a daunting time as I contemplate these things, but on balance I'm looking forward to this new opportunity even if it does mean a daily commute. I'll keep you posted and tell you more about the job as the weeks go on and my confidence builds.

This morning though it was divine service for me, as I substituted on the elder's rota at Christ Church for another member who is on holiday at present. I have to admit that the elder's tasks of a Sunday morning or evening at our church are not particularly taxing, normally limited to such tasks as putting the hymn numbers up on a board and "furnishing" the lectern with water and books for the preacher, and placing cross, offering platter and bible stand on the altar. All these things are small but necessary tasks to remind us of the majesty of the one we serve and that we gather to worship.

However, this morning there was a little bit more involved. It had been designated as an elder's dedication service, partly due to me coming back into this important role in the United Free Church of Feltham. It was an opportunity for leaders and congregation together to celebrate and recognise an office which, within the United Reformed tradtion which forms one half of our bi-denominational congregation, is an "ordained" ministry. So from that point of view, I'm already wearing the dog collar some would love to see me carry as my professional badge of office. Personally, I prefer to think of whatever shirt I am wearing as including a God-collar, for Christ is for life, not just for Sunday morning. That was something we are reminded of every time we sing "O Jesus I have promised", one of the hymns this morning.

After the dedication came the response of love and remembrance which is the proper function of Holy Communion. This service always means so much to me, as I contemplate the Lord's blood shed on the cross, and his body broken for me, that all my shortcomings, weaknesses and deliberate disobedience, selfishness and plain Sin might be forgiven once and for all. Holy Communion is an important time to reverence the Lord and remember him again, every time we celebrate it, until he comes again.

Today however, I was more than mere partaker of the bread and wine. Just as Our Lord washed his disciple's feet on the night he was betrayed, as a demonstration of what true servanthood means, today it was my task to serve the bread and the wine to our minister, and then to offer the small vessels of communion wine to the congregation. This was the first time I recall doing this, or certainly the first time for many years, but it was a very humbling and worthwhile service. Who knows whether the Lord actually still wants me to try for the full-time ministry ultimately? I don't know, and neither does anyone other than The Lord himself. Certainly not the hideous example of a God-substitute to whom the Daleks were beholden in Dr Who. I do know, however, that whatever the rest of my life brings, it needs to be offered humbly and obediently in his service. Of course, my talents, skills, graces and aspirations matter- God gives us our personalities for a reason, But what matters most is not what we are given, or how much, but how we use them.

That was the underlying meaning of Jesus' parable of the talents. Today as I type this, the community of Feltham has been given another rare and special gift with the opening of a new church. As I type, the Riverside Vineyard Church are holding their first official service, a Community Opening celebration, in the former factory just yards from where I slaved over a hot exam paper thirty years ago. But Riverside are not the usurpers of the all too small community of faith in this place. Far from it. If we look at it aright, God is giving a whole new group of brothers and sisters with whom we can share the great work of serving him in this needy town. Exciting times, and I wish them well and hope to go to a service there soon. However, just not today. Three services might well have been the pattern for some believers of old and even more so for their ministers, but I need some r n'r now for an hour or so before going to the potentially poignant Memorial Service at St Dunstan's, our Anglican parish church. Along with the other recently bereaved, Matthew and I will be remembering our dear Mum, taken from us nearly three months ago now and of course never far from our thoughts. On this Father's Day, alright a commercial creation but still one when with those with paternal ties still will celebrate them, we will remember no doubt those two dear souls who served us selflessly for so long. For can there be a better act of devotion and service than parenthood? Surely not. And can there be a better memory of our dear Mum than to think of her today, as I contemplate a new job and many new opportunities. God is good, God is love, God is forever. He is for life, not just for Christmas OR midsummer.