The Church of England Evangelical Council produced this film. They made it to help us join in the Church of England organised discussions about human sexuality. The presenters are ‘a diverse group of leaders’. That means we won’t agree with them on everything. But we do agree on the Bible’s clear teaching on marriage and sexual relations. And we agree that it is important to make a stand on this issue.
There was never anything by the wit of man so well devised, or so sure established, which in continuance of time hath not been corrupted: As, among other things, it may plainly appear by the Common Prayers in the Church, commonly called Divine Service. The first original and ground whereof if a man would search out by the ancient Fathers, he shall find, that the same was not ordained but of a good purpose, and for a great advancement of godliness. For they so ordered the matter, that all the whole Bible (or the greatest part thereof) should be read over once every year; intending thereby, that the Clergy, and especially such as were Ministers in the congregation, should (by often reading, and meditation in God’s word) be stirred up to godliness themselves, and be more able to exhort others by wholesome doctrine, and to confute them that were adversaries to the truth; and further, that the people (by daily hearing of holy Scripture read in the Church) might continually profit more and more in the knowledge of God, and be the more inflamed with the love of his true Religion.
But these many years passed, this godly and decent order of the ancient Fathers hath been so altered, broken, and neglected, by planting in uncertain Stories, and Legends, with multitude of Responds, Verses, vain Repetitions, Commemorations, and Synodals; that commonly when any Book of the Bible was begun, after three or four Chapters were read out, all the rest were unread. And in this sort the Book of Isaiah was begun in Advent, and the Book of Genesis in Septuagesima; but they were only begun, and never read through: After like sort were other Books of holy Scripture used. And moreover, whereas Saint Paul would have such language spoken to the people in the Church, as they might understand, and have profit by hearing the same; The Service in this Church of England these many years hath been read in Latin to the people, which they understand not; so that they have heard with their ears only, and their heart, spirit, and mind, have not been edified thereby. And furthermore, notwithstanding that the ancient Fathers have divided the Psalms into seven Portions, whereof every one was called a Nocturn: Now of late time a few of them have been daily said, and the rest utterly omitted. Moreover, the number and hardness of the Rules called the Pie, and the manifold changings of the Service, was the cause, that to turn the Book only was so hard and intricate a matter, that many times there was more business to find out what should be read, than to read it when it was found out.
These inconveniences therefore considered, here is set forth such an Order, whereby the same shall be redressed. And for a readiness in this matter, here is drawn out a Calendar for that purpose, which is plain and easy to be understood; wherein (so much as may be) the reading of holy Scripture is so set forth, that all things shall be done in order, without breaking one piece from another. For this cause be cut off Anthems, Responds, Invitatories, and such like things as did break the continual course of the reading of the Scripture.
Yet, because there is no remedy, but that of necessity there must be some Rules; therefore certain Rules are here set forth; which, as they are few in number, so they are plain and easy to be understood. So that here you have an Order for Prayer, and for the reading of the holy Scripture, much agreeable to the mind and purpose of the old Fathers, and a great deal more profitable and commodious, than that which of late was used. It is more profitable, because here are left out many things, whereof some are untrue, some uncertain, some vain and superstitious; and nothing is ordained to be read, but the very pure Word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is agreeable to the same; and that in such a Language and Order as is most easy and plain for the understanding both of the Readers and Hearers. It is also more commodious, both for the shortness thereof, and for the plainness of the Order, and for that the Rules be few and easy.
And whereas heretofore there hath been great diversity in saying and singing in Churches within this Realm; some following Salisbury Use, some Hereford Use, and some the Use of Bangor, some of York, some of Lincoln; now from henceforth all the whole Realm shall have but one Use.
And forasmuch as nothing can be so plainly set forth, but doubts may arise in the use and practice of the same; to appease all such diversity (if any arise) and for the resolution of all doubts, concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute, the things contained in this Book; the parties that so doubt, or diversely take any thing, shall alway resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same; so that the same order be not contrary to any thing contained in this Book. And if the Bishop of the Diocese be in doubt, then he may send for the resolution thereof to the Archbishop.
Though it be appointed, That all things shall be read and sung in the Church in the English Tongue, to the end that the Congregation may be thereby edified; yet it is not meant, but that when men say Morning and Evening Prayer privately, they may say the same in any language that they themselves do understand.
And all Priests and Deacons are to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer either privately or openly, not being let by sickness, or some other urgent cause.
And the Curate that ministereth in every Parish-Church or Chapel, being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered, shall say the same in the Parish-Church or Chapel where he ministereth, and shall cause a Bell to be tolled thereunto a convenient time before he begin, that the people may come to hear God’s Word, and to pray with him.
Text from The Book of Common Prayer, the rights in which are vested in the Crown, is reproduced by permission of the Crown’s Patentee, Cambridge University Press.
Prayers about PLF and THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
Everlasting God, creator of the ends of the earth, whose understanding none of us can fathom, and who has promised to keep your people and continue your work. Bring a resolution to the current situation which will enable your people to serve with clear consciences, bearing fruit for eternity.
(Doctrine of Marriage)
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful provision in the Church of England liturgy of the marriage service and the truth that is behind that. Use our churches to promote this truth, for the good enjoyment of intimacy, for the blessing of children and for the good of society.
(The gospel of repentance)
Your word is clear that we are all sexual sinners in some sense: misunderstanding or misusing this good gift. Please forgive us because your son suffered for sinners. Help us to joyfully repent and live in new life.
(Radical inclusion)
Your son welcomed prostitutes and ate with them. Give us the same welcoming heart for all sinners, whatever sexual orientation or sexual relationships. Let them hear of your love for all who come to their senses, turning to you.
(Reforming church)
Lord Jesus Christ, master of your church, enable Anglican churches to continue to reform – changing to serve changing societies – and to do so within humble obedience to what you say in scripture.
(Denomination officials)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open and all desires known, please bring change in the hearts of archbishops, bishops and archdeacons in our denomination. As they frequently hear your word in church services, let them, and us, hear your voice without hardening our hearts so that we trust and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.
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We want to make clear what the Bible says about men and women’s ministry – their service for God. What is the same and what should be different in how we serve Him? We also want to make clear how we put this in to practice at Dagenham Parish Church. This is written by Joel Edwards, the vicar, with help from others in the church family.
God is a person who speaks. Christians follow Christ Jesus who said that God speaks in the words of the Bible. So, we try to follow God’s voice in the Bible as our guide for how we live and how we serve God together as men and women.
In the Bible, God teaches that he created two complementary sexes of humans, male and female, to bear His image together (Gen. 1:27-28; Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6). This distinction in gender is an essential aspect of who we are. Gender is not just something we choose or that we are assigned by others. It is a reality given to us by God when we are conceived. Men and women are not interchangeable.
The Bible is clear that this difference makes no difference to God’s care for us. God cares just as much for men and women. They are absolutely equal in value. Both are made for life with God, both have turned away from God and face his wrath, both can be saved by faith in Jesus.
The Bible is also clear that God intends for men and women to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the church and home. We tend to give people more or less value and respect according to their role. With God our value comes from Him creating us and loving us. It is not from our role.
God sets out the different ways for men and women in healthy families and churches. They are part of how he has made us and intends his people to live (Gen. 2:18-25; 1 Cor. 11:2-16; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).
What is the same for men and women?
Within church, all Christians are expected to serve God. That is part of being a healthy human.
What is different between men and women?
God tells men to take responsibility for leading in the church and in the home. God does not give detailed role descriptions for fathers and mothers in the home or for leaders in the church. Christian leadership means caring for others, in particular, caring by teaching God’s word. Men should take the responsibility of leading in the home and of leading the church family by teaching.
How we try to put this into practice.
In Dagenham Parish Church, we seek to be faithful to God by inviting only men to teach the church family when we are all together. We hope all women and men in our church might speak God’s message to others, declaring the news of Jesus, the Christ, and comforting and urging others to live for Him.
Men and women organise church life, both men and women serve as wardens, on the church council and on church committees.
Men and women serve in our main meeting on a Sunday, both men and women teach in Sunday school, lead us through the parts of the meeting, play music, read the Bible, lead prayers, give testimonies, encourage one another and serve refreshments. Only men teach the Bible to the gathered congregation.
When we meet in small groups, the Next Steps group is for women only. The men’s breakfast is for men only. Our evening growth groups are for men and women together. These mixed groups are usually led by men, but women and men encourage each other and ask questions and answer them and pray.
We thank God that He does give clear instruction for the best way of life. We are happy to keep thinking about His instruction and learning to follow it well. Please come and speak to me if you have suggestions, questions and concerns.
Joel Edwards May 2024
Many, many people watched the Queen’s funeral yesterday. Let’s use it as an opportunity to get to know others better, and when we can, to talk about Jesus. We can get to know others better by asking ‘Did you watch it? What did you think?’ People will have their own views about the Queen’s funeral – and we shouldn’t fall out over that. But hearing what they say will be a great chance to get chatting and know people better.
These chats might be a way for us to talk about Jesus. We can talk about the good aspects of the sermon (which was better than we expected!) The Archbishop spoke about grief for the Queen’s family, he spoke about gratitude for the Queen’s life, he spoke about the hope of glory.
Grief – death is a time of grieving, a time of sadness. It is right to grieve when a person’s death stops us seeing them anymore. This should always be remembered at funerals.
Gratitude – the Archbishop said that the Queen had been an unusually good leader because she followed Jesus’ example. Jesus said that he “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Glory – the Archbishop correctly said: “Christ rose from the dead and offers life to all, abundant life now and life with God in eternity.” And “Christian hope means certain expectation of something not yet seen.”
When I spoke with someone this morning about the funeral, I remembered this line from the sermon: Jesus does not tell his disciples how to follow, but who to follow
Joel Edwards (Vicar)
In my email last week, I gave this quote: ‘You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. So, I don’t need to bother with church.’ The first part is correct. Being in a Christian meeting does not earn you a place in God’s family. But the second part is incorrect. If you are a member of God’s family, you will be bothered about church.
In the Bible, ‘church’ means Jesus’ people gathering together. We do not gather together to find our way to God. We gather together because God has found us and gathered us around Jesus. The Bible says Jesus ‘loved the church and gave himself up for her’ (Ephesians 5:25).
The gathering of God’s people, the church, doesn’t have a mission or a task to do. But each Christian has the personal, individual mission of ‘building’ the church – praying for others, telling people about Jesus, inviting people to church, encouraging other believers. All these are things that ‘build’ the church – growing the gathering by increasing the numbers who come or by strengthening each others’ hold on Jesus.
Some of us can’t make it to church meetings because of illness or our boss prevents us or, in some cases, another service for God takes priority. It is harder for those people to ‘build’ the church – though they can pray, talk to others about Jesus, be in touch with other believers. For those of us who can make it to church meetings, let’s not just turn up and sit through the gatherings, but play our part in building the church – saying hello to others, joining in, listening to teaching and chatting with others, serving others.
You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. But Christians are bothered about church
In my email last week, I gave this quote: ‘You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. So, I don’t need to bother with church.’ The first part is correct. Being in a Christian meeting does not earn you a place in God’s family. But the second part is incorrect. If you are a member of God’s family, you will be bothered about church.
In the Bible, ‘church’ means Jesus’ people gathering together. We do not gather together to find our way to God. We gather together because God has found us and gathered us around Jesus. The Bible says Jesus ‘loved the church and gave himself up for her’ (Ephesians 5:25).
The gathering of God’s people, the church, doesn’t have a mission or a task to do. But each Christian has the personal, individual mission of ‘building’ the church – praying for others, telling people about Jesus, inviting people to church, encouraging other believers. All these are things that ‘build’ the church – growing the gathering by increasing the numbers who come or by strengthening each others’ hold on Jesus.
Some of us can’t make it to church meetings because of illness or our boss prevents us or, in some cases, another service for God takes priority. It is harder for those people to ‘build’ the church – though they can pray, talk to others about Jesus, be in touch with other believers. For those of us who can make it to church meetings, let’s not just turn up and sit through the gatherings, but play our part in building the church – saying hello to others, joining in, listening to teaching and chatting with others, serving others.
Everyone is welcome to our special church service on the long bank holiday weekend for Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee. In the Bible, God tells us to “pray for kings and all those in authority”. God is the ultimate authority and so we will be obeying his instruction by praying for Queen Elizabeth and others in authority. We hope to see you at Dagenham Parish Church on Sunday 5th June at 10.30am
These notes are based on a talk by Andrew Nichols at Oak Hill Theological College.
Anxiety
Anxiety is on the rise because of covid, because of social media, because of Ukraine war, because of rising energy bills. But there were always plenty of things that people were anxious about. People are anxious about money, children, health, relationships with others, relationship with God, visas, where will I live.
What is anxiety? I am anxious when I think something bad is going to happen to someone or something I care about and knowing that affects me somehow.
Every human experiences some kind of anxiety. Not all anxiety is bad – we should care when a loved one goes to hospital or when a church leader resigns. Paul says ‘don’t be anxious’ but uses the same word about the churches he is ‘anxious’ about.
Anxiety affects the whole of me – my soul and body. I feel anxiety in my body. Where do I feel it?
We can change some of the symptoms of anxiety at the body level. The headache, palpitations, tummy troubles. These come from adrenalin. Beta blocker drugs can block these. But that has not cured anxiety. It may be worth doing. It may help us address the underlying causes without the distraction of physical symptoms. Other drugs are often used – like alcohol – which may numb things. But like all drugs alcohol has side-effects. If your alcohol intake is concerning you or people who know you are concerned, then you’d be wise to explore ways back up that path. The fact that people go to this extent to deal with it, shows how powerfully affecting anxiety is.
Anxiety comes from our thinking. So talking therapy – used to be called counselling – that can help. Are the things we are worrying about worth worrying about? Will worrying make any difference? Can we address those worries? If your worries are about money, sitting down – perhaps with a friend – and looking at the finances, the budget, can help because your understanding of the issue is clear. But these don’t get us to the depths that scripture takes us. The Bible says God will use all things to make us more like Jesus. How will God use things that make me anxious to make me more like Jesus?
Anxiety can affect our social lives. Choosing to conceal anxiety from others, we end up isolated from others.
The Big Bible picture
Do we want to be cured of anxiety? Anxiety might be considered part of the course of life. No-one ever gets to be completely free from anxiety. We want to be free from the crippling anxiety. But normal anxieties: It is a healthy reaction in a dangerous world. Perhaps anxiety is good and healthy? The world says we’re animals who’ve learned to run away from predators. An antelope see a lion, the adrenalin surge enables it to run fast and breath fast. Anxiety is simply understood in terms of fright then flight or fight response. Those things happen in us. But more is going on.
Think about how anxiety is described across the whole Bible story. In the beginning, there was no fear. At the end, there will be no fear. In the present stage of God’s plan, fear and anxiety mark our lives.
In Creation, we were made for relationship with God. In Eden, fear and anxiety and worry are unknown and unneeded. Why need to worry – they are in a beautiful place, they have each other, they have the constant company of their creator. God created us with eyes, ears and all senses to appreciate things around us – including enjoying God.
But early on in the Bible story, we become separated from God and become afraid of God. Adam said, ‘I hide because I was afraid’. We have many threats in life – failure, pain, sickness, broken relationships and death. There seems so much to worry about, so anxiety seems inevitable. Most of all, death. If we are aware that we will die, no one can say to us: cheer up, it won’t happen.
We are surrounded by powers greater than us: human authorities, satan, death, other people who keep conflicting with us. The senses God gave us can see these things going wrong. The senses made to thrill us with him now present us with evidence that we are in a threatening world.
But God comes alongside us and redeems us addressing the problems created by sin and curse. Every one of our external enemies is weaker than our God. We are safe from all external threats and enemies, even from sin and from death. The eyes that he created can be opened again to see him in his majesty and in his humanity coming to save us. And he promises a paradise restored. There will be nothing to worry about in the new creation. The enemies are still there, but they do not have a future. We have in our possession by the grace of God, the best response to any sort of anxiety. The news of Jesus.
How God uses our anxieties
Our anxieties act as a reminder to us that we are still in the corrupted world. The Bible tells us that the solution lies in dealing with the greatest problem – sin, separation from God and death. Everything else is like a sticking plaster over that.
So don’t stop in thinking anxiety can be good as a motivator or that beta blockers and CBT can reduce it. We are grateful to God for the help from drugs and talking therapies. But the gospel tells us that the real issue is sin, separation from God and death. The gospel reminds us of help for today and bright hope for tomorrow. God gives anxious situations not just to develop fight and flight responses – so we survive – but that we learn to call on him and so really live.
Some Bible passages
‘Do not be afraid’ is the commonest command in the Bible – not ‘love me’ nor ‘have faith’. God knows we live in a scary world. He comes close and without losing patience, says again and again and again – do not be afraid.
V1 is not ‘he is a help FROM trouble’ but ‘help IN trouble’. If the whole world collapses, if the relationships on which we rely seem scarily fragile. If our health feels like it is fading. God’s people need not fear – he is an ever-present help IN trouble. If he can keep us safe whilst the mountains fall around us, then it is ok for the mountains to fall around us, because we will be safe.
Like a weaned child – full and content, not anxious about where the next meal comes from. In a world where so much is unknown, we can be less concerned. There are things we can’t understand, let alone control. We are always being invited to worry about things that we can’t understand and about which we have no control. We need to allow the Lord to worry about those things he is in charge of – know the difference between his responsibility and my responsibility. We often try to take on things that only he can do. I can’t save you. I can’t make you like me. I can try to love you and I can seek forgiveness when I get it wrong. Knowing what are my concerns and what are for God to be concerned about is a helpful way to deal with my anxieties. What are the underlying concerns that reflect this misapprehension?
There are two possible places to put our trust – serving God or serving money. But serving money continues to grow our anxiety – what happens if we don’t have enough or it gets taken away. Money is not personal – it makes no promises. But God makes promises to care for us. God the creator is better one to trust than money – and he calls himself our Father. And he is a Father who knows how to give his children what they need.
Paul is full of joy about the difference that knowing Jesus makes. So he doesn’t just say ‘do not be anxious’ nor ‘you’re clearly not praying enough’. He says ‘the Lord is near’ then tells them to pray. Present your requests to the Lord who is near. We can look at any fear in my life and say ‘Jesus look at that, I’m scared, it feels scary. What will we do about it?’ Jesus has feared facing death.
How do we love God in our anxieties? And care for others in their anxieties?
What am I aware of? What am I aware of that indicates anxiety? The symptoms?
What are the things that make me afraid? Rejection by others?
Why is that a fear – what am I afraid of?
What about God addresses this fear?
Think about his sovereignty – in everything – not just in the generalities. We need to make the connection to the specifics in our lives. He is not afraid to open an envelope – he was there when the note was written. He is sovereign over the surgeon and the knife tomorrow. He is sovereign, knowing about the person I’ve lost touch with. He know about the future.
We are frightened when there is too much information and we don’t know how to decide. He can give us wisdom.
What can we ask for from God? Please help me to remember that I am safe in your care when I speak to the person I’m afraid of.
Who might help me? Others may be able to point to parts of the Bible I haven’t read recently. Be in the habit of sharing your anxieties with others. It makes it easier for others to share their own fears.
Remember God’s intention may not be to remove my anxiety but to use my anxiety to draw me to himself.
Take others’ anxieties seriously – they are humans in a scary world. Seek to understand why they are afraid. Don’t brush people off who have expressed the vulnerability of admitting fears. What do they fear and why is it scary to them? Continue to show interest and ask them about things – pick up on the details.