15 January 2012 – Simply Christian
Jared’s Blog –15 January 2012
Good morning everyone, and a warm welcome to Priestfield Church. It’s hard to believe we are already half-way through January!
Tom Wright – Simply Christian
Over the course of the last thirty years or so I’ve become a great fan of the books of Tom (NT) Wright. I’ve just counted about 25 of them (big and small) on my shelves. He is one of these folks who can write for the scholarly community in academic life and yet also write for me. The first of his books I bought is called, Small Faith, Great God and it was published in 1978 – I smiled when I saw his photo on the back cover! Not only is he a scholar and writer, he is a churchman: in these decades he has been a University Chaplain, held several positions in cathedrals including Bishop of Durham, and is now a Research Professor of New Testament at St Andrew’s. His reputation is global.
Having said all that, he would consider it a failure if he were not able to communicate what he has learned about the Christian faith to people like ourselves who worship and witness in congregations across the land. Tom has a passion for helping us to understand the Christian faith and to share it.
A few years ago he wrote an introductory book called Simply Christian, which I have used helpfully with enquirers’ groups. I know there are a few people in Priestfield who are interested in reading and discussing it as a group. If you would like to be part of that group do tell me. If suitable, it could be that the group meets during the day. His most recent publication is called Simply Jesus and I’m looking forward to reading that too! (To see what’s in Simply Christian click on the picture and it will take you to the Amazon website.)
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – 19 January
WPCU details are elsewhere in Connections this week, but I just want to emphasise that at Priestfield we host the meeting on Thursday 19th January at 7.30pm. If you are free to come to it, or any of the other gatherings that week, you would be very welcome. One of the points on our Reviewable Tenure is strengthening links with other local churches, and this is an excellent opportunity.
Reminder: Special Congregational Meeting 22 January
Just a quick reminder of next week’s meeting after the service when we’ll receive an update about the dry rot work and decide on our grant applications.
Have a good week!
Jared.
Questions for thinking about last week’s message:
Who are the people we most despise and avoid?
Who are the people in greatest need around us?
How are we being challenged to reach out and touch these people with God’s love and grace?
Priestfield Church,
Dalkeith Road
2 Marchhall Place
Edinburgh
EH16 5HW
Rev Dr Jared Hay
13 Lady Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5PA
0131 468 1254
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- 10.30am Worship (including all-age Godspace)