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Church News
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE - A REPORT FROM MARCUS BRAYBROOKE FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS ‘A Celebration of Difference' was how one of the organisers described the Fifth Parliament of the World Religions held in the brand new Convention Hall in Melbourne, Australia from 3rd to 9th December 2009. A Sufi Whirling Prayer Ceremony, Deep Chanting by Tibetan monks, Plainsong and Gospel Music, Traditional Song and Dance by Australia's First People and much more were, for example, all part of a Concert of Sacred Music. Celebrating the rich diversity of religious beliefs and practices is more important than it may sound. Still today, as in past centuries, ethnic and religious differences are a cause of mistrust, hostility and even massacre. Several programmes were devoted to ‘Respecting the Other.' Not all difference, however, is to be respected. As Katherine Marshall of World Faiths Development Dialogue insisted, religions need to challenge the economic injustices, which allow the few to live in plenty and millions to subsist in abject poverty. Religions have a vital role in working for peace and reconciliation and in protecting the environment. As the Dalai Lama insisted, the root cause of the world's problems is the failure to recognise that this is a moral universe. With about six thousand participants and more than six hundred programmes - lectures, seminars, religious observances, concerts, films and much more - there was certainly plenty of variety. No one could do more than sample the rich banquet. Like the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, where there are perhaps twelve matches on court at the same time, one can only watch one of them. At the Parliament, Mary led a session on 'Older People: Revered or Redundant,' which was a very personal and inter-active sharing. She also was a member of the panel at a session on ‘The religious situation in Europe.' I arranged an interfaith service on 'Respect for the Earth,' and, with Sister Maureen Goodman of the Brahma Kumaris, lead a half-day retreat on 'The Inner Voice of Peace: Interfaith, a Life Changing Experience.' We were both asked to moderate other sessions. In Melbourne I was asked to preach at a United Methodist and Presbyterian Church. In Australia we also attended a lively evangelical Community Church, whereas in New Zealand we were good Anglicans going to an inspiring sung communion service at Christchurch Cathedral and a small church in Wanaka, where the welcoming congregation invited us to a retreat held in a beautiful garden. So we have indeed celebrated difference, although also recognising again a deeper unity with others as we share experiences of the universal love of God. If anyone would like to hear more about the Parliament of World Religions please join us at our home, 17 Courtiers Green, Clifton Hampden on Tuesday 9th February at 7.30 p.m. Marcus Braybrooke CLERGY Revd Janet Russell Janet was in parish ministry in South Oxfordshire for several years before becoming the Parish Development Adviser for Berkshire in 2005. She has three grown-up daughters and lives in Marsh Baldon. She enjoys helping churches to develop and communicate their faith. Hannah Cleugh Hannah is our curate, currently studying at Ripon College, Cuddesdon. She grew up in the north-east and studied Theology at Worcester College, Oxford. After graduating, she stayed on to do research into the Church of England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. She is married to David, who is also a curate working with Sue Booys in Dorchester. Revd Dr Marcus Braybrooke Marcus was vicar for the Baldons from 1993 to 2005. He and his wife Mary now live in Clifton Hampden and continue to play an active part in the Dorchester Team. He has for many years worked for understanding and co-operation between world religions and is author of over 40 books. FROM THE REGISTERS Valerie Elizabeth Bryant: funeral at Oxford Crematorium on 5th November, with interment of ashes at St Peter's, Marsh Baldon on 12th November Ivy Frances Lincoln: interment of ashes at St Peter's, Marsh Baldon on 19th November Barbara Mary Sadler: funeral at Oxford Crematorium on 23rd December, with interment of ashes at St Peter's, Marsh Baldon on 4th January PARISH FELLOWSHIP We meet normally twice a month to look in greater depth at our understanding of our Christian faith. This can be by studying a Bible passage together, inviting a speaker to come and discuss a particular topic of interest or reading a recommended book together. Marcus and Mary Braybrooke will be speaking about the Parliament of World Religions on 11th February, while our second meeting in February is the first of five weekly meetings during Lent when we will be preparing for Easter by looking at Stephen Cottrell's book ‘The Things He Carried'. Each chapter of this slim volume considers one of the things that Jesus carried on Good Friday, not only physical things like the cross itself but also other burdens laid upon Him. Writing in the introduction Bishop Stephen says ‘I hope the book will stimulate thought, provoke discussion and create space for contemplation.' Everyone is welcome to come and join in our discussions whatever their point of view and if anyone would like to know more please contact Jennifer Morton (343302 or jennifer.morton@givemail.co.uk). 11th February 7.30pm: Keeper's Cottage, Baldon Lane 25th February 7.30pm: Keeper's Cottage, Baldon Lane 4th March; 11th March; 18th March; 25th March all at 7.30pm. Please see March Newsletter for venues @7 IN DORCHESTER ABBEY If you haven't been to one of the informal services, then do come along in 2010. They are normally on the 4th Sunday of the month at 7pm in the Shrine Area of Dorchester Abbey, none last longer than an hour, and they take three different formats. • Taize is a service of reflective prayer through singing and silence, in the style of the ecumenical community of Taize in France. • Praise is an informal service of praise, prayer and thanksgiving. • Peace is an opportunity to spend time quietly with God in the company of others in the candlelit Abbey. On 28th February it is Praise@7 after which Bishop Stephen will talk to us about his book "The things he carried". This book is a reflection on the spirituality of Jesus in the events leading up to his trial and death. SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 7th February 9.30am Holy Communion Janet Russell Toot Baldon 11.00am Informal Worship Service Berinsfield 6.00pm Holy Communion Drayton St Leonard 14th February 9.30am Holy Communion Drayton St Leonard 11.00am Holy Communion Berinsfield 6.00pm Traditional Evensong Toot Baldon 17th February Ash Wednesday 9.30am Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes Berinsfield 8.00pm Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes Stadhampton 21st February 9.30am Holy Communion Marcus Braybrooke Marsh Baldon 11.00am Holy Communion Berinsfield 28th February 8.30am Said Communion Janet Russell Marsh Baldon 9.30am One4All Hannah Cleugh Marsh Baldon 11.00am Holy Communion Berinsfield 7.00pm Praise@7 Dorchester Abbey 7th March 9.30am Holy Communion Martin Coombs Toot Baldon 11.00am Informal Worship Service Berinsfield 6.00pm Holy Communion Drayton St Leonard Morning Prayer in St Peters: Every Thursday at 8.00am SIDESDUTY Marsh Toot 7th February 9.30 am Jenny van Dijk 14th February 6.00 pm Graham Hobbins 21st February 9.30 am Erik Anggard 28th February 9.30 am John Mason FLOWERS Marsh Toot 7th & 14th February W Barclay & R Dill Anggard A Druce & D Brook Lent No Flowers
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