April sees the end of the Barak Obamas first 100 days in office. This period that will define his presidency and begin a change in the world for good. The first expectation is very likely but the second is quite frankly not so likely. I am not going to suggest that I know anything about US or even global politics but to think that one man can make such a difference is asking too much surely? What I am sure of is that Barak Obamas hope would be to make a difference in whatever way he can to a violent, uncertain and broken world. You cant argue that in voting for Obama the US has itself turned a corner. A corner where the colour of a mans skin no longer determines his status and that he would live in fear and suppressed by discrimination. In that there is hope for new things.
However to think that anybody has changed their attitudes, character or prejudices because of the election of one man is just plain daft. There will still be violence, greed, fear and anger in the world. That is a fact of life. What is the real difference between us arguing with our neighbour and the problems in the Middle East? Our obsession with image, and the reality that the greater proportion of the world constantly faces disease and famine? The truth of it all is that our attitudes and actions are shaped by our own needs, desires and wants. What can change the world is to find that fear, anger, greed and hopelessness no longer have a hold of us.
Another event is celebrated in April. An event that provides hope the world can change. That human beings are capable of so much more. Easter presents to us the reality of new life. Life saved from fear, anger, greed and hopelessness and then shaped by faith, love and hope. The world has a Saviour but it is not Barak Obama.
Love Jason The Man in the Manse
Church News
On February 15th, some of us went to St Marys Church at North Mimms to join the evensong, in which the Chiltern West Gallery Quire took part. It was very enjoyable and good to see old friends again. We also had a delicious tea there!
The ladies from the 6 local churches met at the Baptist Church for a shared lunch, the proceeds of which will be sent to the Womens World Day of Prayer organisation for distribution to several charities, together with the offering
Baptist Church News continued
from the service which was held at Bovingdon Baptist Church this year. The lunch also provided the opportunity for us to go through the service and organise readers etc. (See a separate article about the service in this issue).
The first of our monthly Bring & Share lunches was held after church on the last Sunday in February, and it was good to meet together in this way. The following week was Tear Fund Sunday, and we had a local representative from Tear Fund to speak about the work they do. Bovingdon Baptists joined us for the service and a frugal lunch afterwards. At 6pm there was a Family Evening Service which was a lot of fun for young and old alike! These are held monthly and you would be very welcome to join us.
We have a special Easter lunch on April 4th, so if you would like to come please callBrenda on 01923 269574 to book your place, you will be very welcome.