The Revd Nigel Bourne
Contact Details:
01474 567906 vicarofchalk@hotmail.com
The Vicarage, 2A Vicarage Lane, Chalk, Gravesend, Kent DA1 4TF
The latest vicar's magazine letter and any other relevant information:
(There is no new magazine in January.)
Dear Friends,
Before Christmas comes the season of Advent. The word ‘advent’ really means a coming or an arrival and for hundreds of years the Church has used the season of Advent as a time of preparation marking two arrivals! One arrival has already happened, ie Jesus coming as a baby all those years ago at Bethlehem, and one is yet to happen, ie the ‘Second Coming’, as it is sometimes known, when Jesus will return as Lord and King of all.
The preparation for marking the first arrival is more obvious and tends to dominate our culture, often focussing on turkeys, tinsel and the like! While much of this is fun and good for us, it can tip over into excess and miss out on the important lessons that emerge from the Nativity of Jesus, not least that Jesus came to be our Saviour – a rescuer, if you like.
The second arrival tends to get even less attention in our general culture. Perhaps we don’t like the idea that the Lordship of Jesus brings a judgement against the things that are wrong, but another real difficulty is that we are often so busy there isn’t time to think and reflect on any of these important themes. Coming to church for one of our services - like ‘Carols by Candlelight’ - is one way to do that. Another way to reflect is via art. Art in general, including drama, story and music can be enjoyable or thought-provoking – and sometimes both! An example of this is a show by our local man-of-many-talents, Gary Cordice. A great time will be had by all and will be a lovely way to reflect on some big themes – as well as to enjoy a mince pie etc. It would be lovely to see you!
God bless you and all those you love at this special time,
P.S. Thank you for all who have helped our little community of Chalk over the past year in so many varied ways, I hope you feel bleed as much as you have been a blessing. It has been a difficult year for many - I hope 2023 will be good (and better) for all of us.