The Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hardwick writes …

1st June 2020 By Martin Pendle

PENTECOST PASTORAL LETTER

The Parishes of Tavistock, Gulworthy and Brent Tor

The Parish Office, 5a Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8AU Tel: 01822 616673 Email: parishoffice@tavistockparishchurch.org.uk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well. Thank you for everything you are doing during lockdown, the church is lively and active in so many ways, despite immense challenges.

You may have seen in the news and on C of E websites, that tentative plans are being discussed nationally to re-open our buildings in accordance with Government guidelines (yet to be published). Whilst this is good news, as yet, no specific date has been set for this, and much preparatory (and on-going) work will be required to achieve this, and to maintain everyone’s safety when it happens. I will keep you fully informed and I look forward to resuming our activities in our churches as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. For everyone’s wellbeing, we are asked to proceed cautiously and in accordance with national guidelines.

Today is the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost is often described as the birthday of the church and that’s always sounded rather sentimental to me, because it’s not a sentimental story. It’s a dangerous one. The story opens with that small group of believers isolating themselves: “they were all together in one place”. Perhaps they were afraid of outsiders so they all stayed together. Hindsight can sometimes be a wonderful thing. Had the disciples known better they would have been afraid of not dispersing because of what was about to happen. Yes, they were in danger, but not from outsiders. As they sat all together in one place the danger they were in was from God. God will suddenly speak with tongues of fire and with the sound of a violent and rushing wind: Divided tongues fire, will appear among them and rest on each of them. All of them would be filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gives them ability.

Fire, wind, voices and languages: All this happened on the day of Pentecost day, and it’s all seems very strange. In some ways, first century Palestine now seems to resemble what the Church has become today – people “locked in the house”, and isolating, but not for fear of the Jews, but because of fear of Coronavirus.

Today, because of the pandemic, we live with anxieties and isolation due to the lack of safe spaces to be. As we reflect again of the circumstances of the first disciples, perhaps we can see something of ourselves? At the very beginning, and today, there we all are. Possibly anxious and possibly confused. And these are the very people to whom God sends the Spirit.

The good news for us today is that God hasn’t changed. Those who are anxious or confused, are the very people to whom God sends the Spirit. People of different colour, races, nations languages, and situations. And just like that first Pentecost, God still breaks into the world. The time of living in fear and isolation will pass. These things will come to and end. We need have no fear. This is what is so amazing about the way in which God works. This shouldn’t surprise us.

The Holy Spirit, often symbolized as a Dove, and often called the comforter, brings a kind of comfort we might not expect. The Spirit brings the comfort of the truth – the truth that can set us free from fear and isolation – and that isn’t sentimental – it’s powerful, and dynamic, and life changing. Strengthened by the Spirit, our faith, and our commitment to one another, remains strong. We pray and worship together, we serve others in the best ways we can – we look forward to the reopening of our buildings and the easing of lockdown.

We are an expectant people, and I think it’s important for each of us to foster that sense of expectation in these difficult times. And that means being attentive to our hopes and aspirations as we seek to discern our gifts and to use them wisely in these challenging and changing times. It means holding on to, and sharing the vision of what is possible together – being realistic and hopeful, courageous and faithful.

It’s worth remembering that of the gifts of the Spirit, four of them: wisdom, understanding, counsel and knowledge are directed to our minds and our ability to think. It’s a constant temptation to blunt the cutting edge of our faith by substituting the ordinary for the sharp, the conventional for the fresh. God hasn’t changed. The Spirit brings the comfort of the truth – it’s powerful, dynamic, and life changing.

Through the Spirit, God speaks to us and asks at least two questions. Firstly: “Do you believe this today?” Do you believe that in Christ, you will find all that is necessary and sufficient for the life of faith – for the life of the church in our communities, and for your life in the world in the 21st century? Do you believe that if you turn to Christ honestly, trustfully and expectantly, and above all prayerfully, your needs will be supplied – that the Father will give you whatever you ask in his Son’s name? And Secondly: As a disciple of Christ and rooted in prayer: “What are you capable of being and becoming?” St.Paul says that the gifts of the Spirit given to each of us at Pentecost differ according to the grace given to us. If our gift is prophecy, let us prophesy; if serving, let us serve; if teaching, let us teach; if encouraging, let us encourage; if leading, let us lead thoughtfully; if showing compassion and empathy, let us do so cheerfully (Romans 12.6-8). The list, of course, is almost endless. The Day of Pentecost reminds us that we all have our own gifts, each of which is infinitely precious.

We stand united with Christians the world over – strengthened and encouraged in the life of faith, in worship and prayer, and in our ministry as disciples wherever we may be. With Christ at the centre of all that we do, God has blessed us, and we are called to be a blessing to others.

I will continue to keep in touch by telephone, email/letter, and upload worship, prayers and reflections on our website, on Facebook, and on YouTube. If you would like to join me for our weekly ZOOM coffee morning (Wednesday at 10.30 am) please email me at veryrevdchristopher.hardwick@btinternet.com and I will send you the link on the day.

Please be assured of my continued love and prayers.

Christopher Hardwick Vicar

Pentecost 2020

Parish Magazine – June 2020

28th May 2020 By Martin Pendle

As the current restrictions continue, we cannot publish the magazine in its usual format, but the links below will open up the individual articles for you to read:

From the Vicarage – V. Revd Chris Hardwick

Prayer of the Month – Elizabeth Maslen

A poem for our time – Anon

Lockdown thoughts from Brentor – Christopher Pancheri

Brentor News – Helen Harris

Make sure you have enough Vitamin F! – Anon

The Old Testament Books of Nahum and Habakkuk – Ian Silcox

Tales from the Tower – Donna Baker

Walks in May – Pam Hunter

New Sound System for the church – Martin Pendle

Mission of the Month – Farm Community Network – Sue Tucker

The Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hardwick writes …

30th April 2020 By Martin Pendle

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

What might the future Church of England look like? What will be the “new normal” for the world in which we live when we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic? And where will we find lay and ordained leaders who will help shape the Church for future generations?

Two of the most profound questions that people ask are: ‘who am I?’ and ‘what am I here for?’ People ask these questions at different times in their lives. When Christians talk about ‘vocation’ or ‘calling’ we usually mean God inviting us to make a choice, for a particular job or to a way of life. But it is important to remember that vocation is about the whole of who we are. Vocation Sunday, which is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, 3rd May, and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, is an opportunity to think and pray about the nature of our calling.

At baptism all Christians are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. This means following Jesus and serving him in all that we are and all that we do. We believe that it is in this way we become more fully the person God created us to be. Vocation simply means what you are called by God to be and do. The good news is that if you are baptised you already have a vocation because you have already been called. Our primary calling as Christians is to live life in all its fullness and be representatives of Christ in the world. God loves us and wants us to be the person he has called us to be. For some we may identify our calling as a role in the world that allows us to follow Jesus as a disciple and share our God given gifts and abilities to the benefit of others. There is also another calling, sometimes called ‘having a vocation’ which is not for everyone, but may be for you. This particular calling is to serve God and all people through one of the Church’s authorised lay or ordained ministries, for example as a Deacon or a Priest, as a Reader, or as a Church Army officer. For this particular calling you have to allow your sense of vocation to be tested by the Church through its discernment processes.

Many people feel called to serve God through ministry in various different forms, for example, as a churchwarden, musician, in children’s or youth ministry, as part of a pastoral care team, or as part of a prayer or study group, to give only a few examples. God calls all people to follow him, and some to exercise authorized minister in his Church. God calls young people and older ones, men and women, the wealthy and poorer from all walks of life, social classes, ethnic backgrounds and educational abilities. God has a place set aside for us all in his world.

You may feel certain about what God is calling you to, or you may be quite unsure. You may feel confident and excited, or you may be confused and reluctant. Maybe a number of people have been saying to you “have you ever thought of …?” Maybe you have had an experience of God speaking clearly. Or maybe you have a persistent nagging feeling that what you are currently doing ‘is not enough’. Understanding God’s calling can be challenging – you might feel excited, anxious, scared or not sure of what to do next. Prayer, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you discern your calling, whatever it may be, is a good starting point. Pray through what you are thinking and feeling and ask God to guide you. Often, the first step to exploring a sense of calling is for you to speak to someone, either to me, or to a member of our ministry team.

Here in Devon, The South West Ministry Training Course (SWMTC) is one of the best ways of discovering more about the Christian faith locally. Courses are held regularly for those wishing to study various aspects of Christian theology or to pursue a specific vocation and this work continues as best it can even during these difficult and challenging times. Again, I have details of these courses and information can also be found on the SWMTC website www.swmtc.org.uk. Please do speak to me if you are interested to know more about this as well.

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Please be assured of my continued love and prayers and stay safe and well.

Chris Hardwick

Parish Magazine – May 2020

30th April 2020 By Martin Pendle

As the current restrictions continue, we cannot publish the magazine in its usual format, but the links below will open up the individual articles for you to read:

From the Vicarage – V. Revd Chris Hardwick

Prayer of the Month – Hugh Walkington

Gulworthy Notes – Gill Reed

The Old Testament Book of Micah – Ian Silcox

Tales from the Tower – Donna Baker

An April Walk – Pam Hunter

Mission of the Month – Christian Aid – Ian Silcox

Daily Hope Phone Line – The Archbishop of Canterbury

Gulworthy and Tavistock WI – Trish Wall reports that because of the current crisis there are no meetings, so there is no monthly update until things change.

Easter Message

12th April 2020 By Martin Pendle

Easter Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Easter is the revelation of Good News. As we worship and pray together as a Church community, I share with you my Easter message, recorded for our Easter Sunday Eucharist, and broadcast on Easter Day:

“Alleluia, Christ is risen” we triumphantly proclaim, and speak of resurrection life, and yet, I suspect if we are really honest, Easter raises as many questions for us, as it answers, for much pain and suffering and death remains in the world: the coronavirus, warfare, injustice, hunger and poverty have not yet been fully defeated.

Today, the total number of global cases of the coronavirus has exceed 1.5 million, including more than 100,000 fatalities, with over 8000 in the United kingdom. Thankfully, more than 370, 000 people worldwide are reported to have recovered.

People are suffering and continue to suffer. This year as we celebrate the victory of Christ over death, Easter is surely a time for questions – questions that call for honesty as well as for faith.

This is why I am struck by the openness and honesty of St.Luke, who in his Gospel says of the disciples: “While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering” (Luke 24.41a). While in their joy. The resurrection is Good News. With great integrity, the Gospels hold the tension between the themes of joy, disbelief, questioning, and the disciples’ experience of not fully understanding. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead brings joy and hope to the world – overcoming fear and uncertainty, and offering a new hope for the future.

St.Matthew records that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning. This is Easter Day. The stone has been rolled away and they can see inside the tomb. We can picture the scene in our minds. It is dark, cold, and uninviting. The body of Jesus is not there. We can see the discarded linen shroud, but little else. And suddenly there is a great earthquake and an angel of the Lord appears. “Do not be afraid” the angel says, “I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised.” (Matthew 28.5-6)

St.John records in his Gospel the meaning of the Resurrection: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3.16-17).

Now, just imagine you are with Mary Magdalen and the other Mary on that first Easter morning as dawn is breaking. What is your perspective – where are you standing “in the picture” as it were? What do you see? What is your understanding? Perhaps you see a cold, dark empty tomb, and little else? But just imagine for a moment that you are not standing outside the tomb looking in, but rather, you are in the tomb itself, on that first Easter morning surrounded by the darkness and silence – and, you are looking out through the entrance where the stone has been rolled away. In the darkness of disbelief and questioning, you can see outside the tomb. Christ has risen. The tomb is empty.
Christ is in the world! And you can glimpse, just glimpse, the joy the breaking Easter dawn – the first dawn of the light that has now come. In the silence where Jesus’ body had been, there is stillness, and a space for questioning and wondering – space to be honest about not fully understanding how death has been conquered and what this “new dawn” might mean. But this has taken place and the world will never be the same again.

Being honest about not fully understanding is to be human. I can easily identify with the questions and uncertainties of the first disciples: “While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering” (Luke 24.41a). It is St.Paul who has to remind us: “Now we see in a mirror, dimly”. Even after the resurrection: “Now we know only in part” (1 Corinthians.13.12). We are people of faith and of hope who trust in God’s ultimate good purposes.

The Good News of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, is a message of hope for us and for the world. I want to affirm that God not only creates us, but sustains us throughout our lives. We live in God’s world, in his kingdom – his kingdom in which Jesus is alive and active – his kingdom where there is still a great deal of “not yet” about life in this world. We are called people of the resurrection, because we are people of the resurrection, and God journeys with us and comes alongside us in our suffering, and offers comfort, love, hope and healing.

I want to assert and proclaim today, as loudly as I can, that the resurrection assures us that we are accepted and loved by God, and that we are not alone in the world. In these difficult and challenging times we are united in our prayers, and united in affirming together our faith and hope in the risen Lord.

I pray that today you may experience the reality of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Remain strong in faith and love.

Please stay safe and well, and follow Government advice. I look forward to resuming our activities in our churches as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

In the meantime, I will continue to keep in touch by telephone, email/letter, and upload worship, prayers and reflections on our website, on Facebook, and on YouTube.

Please be assured of my continued love and prayers.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Christopher Hardwick
Vicar
Easter 2020

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The Very Reverend Dr Christopher Hardwick writes …

PENTECOST PASTORAL LETTER

Parish Magazine – June 2020

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