Minister's Musings

"Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words can never

harm me -remember learning that at school? I think it is the

most erroneous thing we can teach our children. A broken arm

will heal in time; a broken soul may take a lifetime, if at all.

Some time ago, following the dubious behaviour of two Radio

Two presenters we saw the power of words; words can destroy

relationships, a career, a reputation; they can also destroy a

childhood, a love, a faith. Many people recognised a boundary

had been crossed, and what was suggested as funny or

entertaining was anything but."

I wrote the above words as my introduction to a piece I was

asked to write on 'Right Speech' for the latest edition of 'With

Heart and Mind 2' published by the Worship Panel.

One of the hardest, yet, most important skills in building a

community, particularly a caring, spiritual, beloved community is

how we treat one another, and especially how we speak to one

another. Do we use language to build the community or to

undermine it? To open ourselves to one another or to continue

to build walls of separation and division?

I have recently been reading Satish Kumar's book "Earth

Pilgrim" where he reflects upon, not only the physical

pilgrimages that he has made during his life time, but also that

life itself is a pilgrimage, a journey.

One of the most moving moments in the book is when Satish

speaks of pilgrimage as not only a physical reality but also a

state of mind. We can all be pilgrims in the present time and

place.

"A pilgrim lives a life of meditation. Every word you speak

becomes a meditation if you speak with awareness. Then you

can know what effect your words will have on the listener; will

your words inspire confidence, or will they agitate the listener?

You are aware of the consequences of your words, the results of

your words. If you are aware of all that, then even your

conversation becomes a speaking meditation. The language of

the pilgrim is to speak the truth but say it sweetly. Develop the

skill and the technique of speaking without using abrasive

offensive words." (Earth Pilgrim. 2009. p112)

I often find that when I have spoken foolishly or without thought

it is not only the person to whom the words were directed that

suffers, in the quietness of the nights solitude, the words often

come back to haunt my dreams, also.

Let us learn to be aware of the power of words; words that may

harm or bless others and ultimately ourselves too.

Remember always the words of Psalm 19; 'May the words of my

mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in

thy sight O God.'

Love and peace

Chris

A DATE FOR YOU DIARY

Saturday 12th September 2010.

While not putting on any special displays for the

Heritage Weekend, the Chapel will be open during the day for

visitors to look around, and will also be a sign in point for the

annual Ride and Stride event participants.

In the evening at 7.30pm, the Gresley Male Voice Choir

will be giving a concert in chapel, details of which will be

announced in more detail in the August calendar.

MONTH AT A GLANCE

All Services by Rev Chris Goacher B.A.

Saturday 3rd

Midday Barbecue -12noon

Mon 5th

Craft Class meet at 10am

Wednesday 7th

Garden Club Domino Drive & Fish and Chip Supper at 7.15pm

Monday 12th

Craft Class meet with Guests before Summer Recess.

Civic Society meet in lower room at 7.30pm

Wednesday 14th

Chapel Committee meet at 7.30pm

Saturday 17th

Strawberry and Cream Coffee Morning for Breast Cancer

Wednesday 21st

Quilting Group meet at 9.30am

Friday 30th

Meditation at 1pm

Saturday 31st

Coffee Morning at 10am to raise funds for Sunday School

Please note:

On Monday 5th July, the much needed decoration of the

vestibule and corridor area is scheduled to start. Some

disruption is bound to happen, but please bear with the

painter while this work goes on.

Thank you.