Archived News - Focus
The Vicar's Letter, February 1964
My dear People,
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 12th, and we are planning to do two things this year. First, instead of the traditional mid-week services in church it is planned to hold meetings at 7.30 p.m. each Wednesday from February 19th in the Vicarage for prayers and discussion of vital Christian topics, beginning with listening to a short programme on sound radio.
Then on Sunday evenings, beginning on February 16th, I hope to arrange a special course with material provided by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. We would begin with shortened Evensong in church at 6 p.m. and then go over to the National School for the remainder of the programme, which would include film strips, recordings and materials for discussion. The title of the course is Raise the Cross. Its principle subject is Apartheid and its results for our fellow Christians in South Africa. Its aim is to bring a fuller understanding of what is involved in committing ourselves to Jesus Christ.
Lenten resolutions ought to be such as will help us to love and serve God and our fellow men better. One of the best things to give up is the selfish use of our spare time. I suggest to all Church people that they might consider these three:-
1 and 2. To go to Holy Communion and Evensong every Sunday in Lent.
3. To attend the discussion meetings each Wednesday at 7.30 p.m.
The purpose of Lenten resolutions is not to strengthen our willpower but to deepen our communion and fellowship with Christ and to enter into His sufferings. He did so much for us. Can we not do a little more to show our love for him?
Annie Bleaney, who died in hospital on January 12th, was one who loved her Master with true loyalty and devotion. Many will miss her. But we must never regret the dying of those whose faith in Christ assures them of everlasting joy and bliss with Him the other side of death.
Even the most assured of believers is liable at times to moments of doubt and depression. But our job is to hang on faithfully and to assert: "Yea, though He slay me, yet will I put my trust in Him."
God bless you all.
Your friend and Vicar,
PETER GRAHAM.
Source: Parish Magazine, February 1964, Page 4
The Vicar's Letter, January 1964
My dear people,
The week ending January 25th is set apart as a week of prayer for Christian Unity. And this year we are bound to be thinking particularly about the possibility of union between the Church of England and the Methodist Church, for we in the parishes and circuits have to declare our minds this year on the scheme put forward by the 12 Anglican and eight Methodist representatives who signed the report on the conversations between the two Churches which have been going on for the last seven years.
My own view is that there is such a lot that we still have to learn about our own beliefs and practices as well as those of our fellow Christians that we shall not be ready to give a properly considered opinion this year. On the other hand I know that we must do our best and give all the time we can to studying the problems and seeking to understand each other. The matter is of great urgency.
I have spent a lot of time studying the Report and in spite of the difficulties I believe we should go forward towards union on the basis laid down in it. The great obstacle is the Minority Report signed by four of the Methodist representatives. These four clearly represent a large body of Methodists; and it would seem very unlikely that people sharing their views would be happy to go through with the proposed scheme of union.
What then is likely to happen in 1965 when the Convocations of the Church of England and the Methodist Conference have to make their decisions? In the Convocations there would be an overwhelming vote in favour of going ahead providing the Methodist Conference found itself in the same position. But I would expect to see a large part of the Methodist Conference voting against the scheme. The Church of England would certainly not desire union with the Methodist Church is such union meant a split in Methodism. It would be far better to wait some years in the hope that further study and discussion might lead to agreement.
However we have to face the fact that the split in Methodism might take place if the scheme is rejected. Many members might join the C. of E. And this would be a tragedy. For the C. of E. needs reforming; and union with the Methodist Church would bring many reforms with it. We don't want to swallow the Methodists. They'd give us indigestion. We want union with them and with union reform.
A happy New Year to you all.
Your friend and Vicar,
PETER GRAHAM.
Source: Parish Magazine, January 1964, Page 4