Pastoral Letters - July/August 2010
Dear Friends
Recently Jerry, our student friend from Nigeria, and I visited the Epworth Rectory near Doncaster. We wanted to find out more about the Wesleys and their role in the Evangelical Revival of the 18th century.
The Rectory is now a museum. That word suggests drabness and boredom to many. In recent years, however, museum staff around the country have often shown a lot of imagination, for example, in providing interactive displays. Guides often not only know their facts and stories but are sensitive to tailor their presentation to the needs of visitors.
We were not disappointed with Epworth. We saw the famous picture of John Wesley as a child being rescued dramatically from an upper floor window as fire swept the house. We followed John Wesley's life story, his visit to America, and his experience at Aldersgate Street. We were amazed to discover that at the end of his ministry he had covered a quarter of a million miles (no cars, trains or planes remember) and delivered 40,000 sermons and yet found time to write 200 books! His brother Charles wrote 7,000 hymns.
John Wesley's "Seven Rules for Singing" were on display. They amused us but also have a serious side. I quote: Rule 4: "Sing lustily with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength." Rule 5: "Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony" Rule 7: "Above all Sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing God more than yourself or any other creature..."
Whilst the primary source of inspiration for Christians will always be the Bible, we should not overlook the lives of our forefathers in the faith. In the Midlands we have the Bunyan Museum at Bedford. At Olney there is much to learn about William Cowper and John Newton, and at Central we have our own William Carey Museum, and there are others. If you want an even more active approach you could try the Mary Jones 25 mile walk in Wales!
Some times by looking back, we can gain encouragement to be, in our day, a vibrant, welcoming church, joyfully spreading the good news of the gospel.
Every blessing
John Russell,
Deacon
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