Church

Signs & Symbols: CANDLES 2    

Have you ever considered all the symbolic meanings there are for having candles in church?

Often at a Baptism service where there are many non-church people, the vicar will use the reading where Jesus says he is the 'Light of the World'. 

To explain the value of this, one vicar even built an obstacle course in church and invited the children to have a go at it.  Then they were made to do it again blindfolded; with the help of the godparents to hold their hand and talk them through it. 

At the end the vicar asked: 'Which was easier?  When you could see the obstacles or when you were in the dark?'  Needless to say one helpful child loudly said the answer not wanted!  But the point?  Having God in our lives does not make the obstacles go away, but we can see them better and so deal with them or avoid them.

Candles can represent the light of life itself;  hope, like a single flame flickering in the darkness.  We light a candle to help us think of someone special;  we keep a light burning to help others guide their way home.  Lights direct people's attention to what we want them to notice – perhaps to a person speaking or to an item on display.

The candle can be an illustration of Christ - the wax symbolizes Jesus' body born of Mary, the wick his soul, the flame his divinity, thus giving us the Mystery of the Incarnation; the presence of God, who gives light to us, who enlightens us by his word.

The flickering candle flame can show the fragility of life, and the ease with which it can be snuffed out.  Or it can be burning love; consuming love; the easy passing of love one to another as the flame is easily passed to another candle; we are not alone.

It's light to lighten our darkness; moving out of darkness into light, for we make progress in our faith - we do not stay still.

From as far back as the second century the church has used lights to represent the spiritual side of our nature and of Christ's.  Tertullian wrote: "We never hold a service without candles, yet we use them not just to dispel night's gloom - we also hold our services in daylight - but in order to represent by this Christ, the Uncreated Light, without whom we would in broad daylight wander as if lost in darkness."

And so it goes on.

This month

Light a candle in church or at home and just think and watch it for a while.  Just enjoy being in the light of God's presence.

ACTS FOR TODAY:  'The Growing Church in the Acts of the Apostles'

No. 2: The Church at Prayer

When you consider your own church, what are the important things you do together? Prayer was a clearly a priority for the early church, and we shouldn't be surprised that it grew significantly!! Also when prayer becomes a priority for our churches, it will become more important in the lives of Christians.

We read about the Jerusalem church praying together in Acts 4:24ff. Following their release from prison, Peter and John went straight back to the fellowship and they prayed. But what can we learn from their prayer?

* it arose naturally from their circumstances (23)
* they were united in prayer (24)
* they didn't come to God with a list of needs, but focussed on him and his sovereignty (24)
* it was informed by Scripture, as they sought to pray according to God's will (25-28)
* in coming before God, they were not looking for a way out of their situation, but asked for 2 specific things:
* 'Lord, look' - on the threats they faced from the authorities.
* 'Lord, grant' - boldness to face their circumstances without fear (29-30).

We go on to read 'they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God boldly' (31). Prayer is the gateway to spiritual power for witness and healing. A survey several years ago revealed that the average Christian prayed for one minute a day, while the average minister for two minutes! Therefore, turning the tide of apathy and scepticism in our generation will not happen without fervent prayer. When they prayed, 'the place where they were meeting was shaken' (31); to what extent do we need to be shaken out of our complacency today?

STATISTIC OF THE MONTH:  Decline in Mission Workers

The number of Mission Workers (as missionaries are now called) went down 500 from the total of 7,000 in 2003 to 6,500 in 2004. This was partly because a number who had been serving for a long time overseas retired, but also because of a shortage in short-term recruits last year.

Those going abroad to help in Third World projects are always welcome in their gap year – or at any other time! Short-termers form about a fifth of the UK's mission force. The variety of opportunities is huge, from building extra classrooms in schools, to encouraging young people in church activities, or painting murals on walls. Often time is taken to see something of the beauty of the locality and key tourist attractions as well.

However, important as short-termers are, those staying for longer (who will usually spend time learning the local language) are very important for building lasting relationships. They can encourage churches in evangelism, or help professionally in a wide range of key ways. The average length of service is now 7.4 years, possibly two terms of 4 years before people come home.

By Dr Peter Brierley Executive Director, Christian Research

Cathedrals count! -

New research reveals economic and social value of England's Anglican cathedrals

Nearly nine million people visited England's Anglican cathedrals in 2003 - two million more than visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach, five million more than went on the London Eye and almost twice as many as visited the British Museum in the same year.

This is just one of many compelling findings in a recent report on the value of England's cathedrals which has been published as part of 'Heritage Counts'.  This is the annual audit of the historic environment carried out by English Heritage on behalf of the sector.

The research, commissioned jointly by English Heritage and the Association of English Cathedrals, provides the first comprehensive evidence of the substantial economic and social contribution made by cathedrals in their local communities.

Cathedrals are first and foremost places of worship, and well recognised as places of great spirituality and beauty, but until now little consideration has been given to the boost that their presence gives to the local economy and the range of opportunities they offer for education, events and volunteering.

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: "Our cathedrals are at the very heart of England's heritage and... their contribution reaches far beyond bricks and mortar. ...these great edifices are vital forces for social cohesion and focal points for both celebration and mourning, not just in their cities, but in the large areas they serve."

The Very Revd Colin Slee, Dean of Southwark and a member of the Association of English Cathedrals Executive, said: "We welcome this report... It underlines the key role played by England's 42 Anglican cathedrals in the nation's life.  It shows the enormous economic benefit that English cathedrals provide for society - in addition to their vital spiritual and community role.

Highlights of the research:

* Visitors attracted to an area by the presence of a cathedral spend £91 million in the local economy per year. When the amount cathedrals themselves spend on goods, services and employment is taken into account the figure rises to £150 million per year.

* The 42 Anglican cathedrals account collectively for the direct employment of 1,885 full time workers. Through spending in the local economy they support 5,500 workers in total.

* Cathedrals provide huge opportunities for volunteers and benefit significantly from their time and skills. The survey suggests that the number of cathedral volunteers is in excess of 12,000. This is equivalent to over 500 full time employees and is more than the total number of volunteers for the RSPB across the UK.

* The cathedrals spend approximately £25.9 million per year on wages and salaries.

* Cathedrals spend £11 million per year on repairs and maintenance, much of it raised from the public.

* Cathedrals are open 365 days a year. They are open to all and have more contact with non-churchgoers than any other part of the Church.

* More than 300,000 schoolchildren benefited from organised educational visits to cathedrals in 2003.

* All but five of the smaller cathedrals have a designated education officer.

* All cathedrals have, on average, between three and five special events (concerts, plays, lectures, art exhibitions etc) per week. More than 50% reported an increase in the number of events they hold.

* Almost 50% of the cathedrals reported an increasing trend in congregation size with attendance at its highest on Sundays.

* An average of 23 regular services takes place at each cathedral every week and an increasing number of requests for special services were reported.

* The report concludes that there is a pressing need to reinforce these findings with more in-depth research.  It suggests that future research should focus on the characteristics of visitors to cathedrals, such as age and nationality, for which there is currently a lack of information.

While many people have intuitively understood the value of cathedrals, until now their wider social contribution has been largely overlooked. For the first time, this new research puts figures on the significant economic and social contribution made by cathedrals locally and nationally. It demonstrates the need to treasure and protect these great buildings, so that they can maintain their invaluable contribution to the  nation's life.

Preparing for emergencies? – now there is an alternative

The Government's 'Preparing for Emergencies' document has sparked a vivid response from two faith-based organisations.

Premier Christian Radio and the Christian Publicity Organisation (CPO) have joined forces to launch their own version: 'Preparing for emergencies - an alternative guide.'

This eight-page booklet, explaining a Christian response to emergency situations, aims to present hope to readers facing a crisis.

The booklet is available free from Premier Lifeline on 0845 345 0707. Multiple copies in packs can be ordered from CPO on 01903 263354 or www.cpo-online.org.uk.

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