Dear friends,
For everything there is a season
There is a well-known quotation from Benjamin Franklin: “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” I would add a third certainty that we encounter in our lives and world: change.
Someone once advised me never to use family members as examples in sermons or reflections. But I’m a wee bit of a rebel. Ten years ago, Maisie came home with me for the first time and my life changed forever. Nine years ago I became an Aunty for the first time and my life changed forever. Three years ago, I moved to Leeds and my life changed forever.
Change is always happening. And it is accompanied by a myriad of feelings and emotions.
The writer of Ecclesiastes in our Bible expresses so eloquently:
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
The writer is reminding us that there are many different kinds of seasons; that is the nature and rhythm of life itself. The good news is that God is faithful in all seasons. God walks beside us when it’s snowy and when it’s sunny. When it’s dry and when it’s pouring. When life seems to be going along well. And when life feels like life has been turned upside down.
One of the traditions we had in my family growing up took place in August – the start of the school year in Scotland. We spent time together looking back at the previous twelve months and picking out our highlights. Then we spent time looking to the year ahead and picking out what we were looking forward to.
So, I wonder: what have been the highlights in the last year and what are your looking forward to? Let’s share them and give thanks to God.
In peace,
Nicola
The Ages of Man
| CALENDAR | |||
| 3rd | SUNDAY | 10.45am | Morning Worship led by Rev Phil Chilvers |
| 10th | SUNDAY | 10.45am | Morning Worship led by Rev Angela Hughes, Leeds URC Partnership Ministry Team We shall be joined by our friends from West Park URC. |
| 12th | Tuesday | SORRY—NO LUNCH THIS MONTH | |
| 17th | SUNDAY | 10.45am | Morning Worship led by Rev Phil Chilvers We shall be joined by our friends from Headingley Methodist Church |
| 24th | SUNDAY | 10.45am | Morning Worship, including the Sacrament of Holy Communion, led by our Minister, Rev Dr Nicola Robinson We shall be joined by our friends from West Park URC |
| 31st | SUNDAY | 10.45am | Morning Worship led by Terasa Raddings, Beeston Hill United Free Church |
In Memoriam: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mr Chris South, much loved husband of Susan. Chris had battled ill health for many years and Sue has been a constant, loving support throughout. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life will be held on Tuesday, 5th August at 9.15am.
CHURCH CHARITIES
The varied fund-raising activities from December 2024 to the end of June 2025 have resulted in the excellent sum of £892 being raised. Cheques have been posted out or delivered to the Retired Ministers Housing Trust (£300); Caring for Life (£160); Wheatfields Hospice (£160); the Bible Society (£136) and the Leeds Samaritans (£136).
My thanks go to Brenda and David Stephenson for all that they give and do; Susan Bollon who collects in the Sunday Morning tea donations; Christine Tweedie who assists with the Festival Chorus T Bar mornings and Norman Madill who plays his part in the fund-raising group.
My thanks go to everyone who donates items for the table and to all those who purchase those items, the books and the magazines.
On we go . . . Margaret Madill
In August, many branches of the Christian church celebrate the Transfiguration. An event that Matthew, Mark and Luke all recount in their gospels; one of the five key events in the narrative of Christ’s life, his Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.
The life of Christ has been depicted by great artists throughout the ages but perhaps the Transfiguration gave them both the greatest challenge and the greatest freedom. The basic element of the story is simple: Christ takes three disciples to pray in a quiet place, (easy to imagine) but then everything changes and how to depict this?
We read that Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. But, whilst there, Jesus was transformed, shining with a heavenly light and then Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets spoke with him. As Elijah and Moses began to leave, Peter tried to ask Jesus if the disciples should make three tents for him and the two prophets, but before Peter can finish, a bright cloud appears, and a voice from the cloud states: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”
So heaven and earth are bridged, Christ is transfigured and his oneness with God confirmed. How to portray this mysticism must have challenged artists in every way. The picture above by Raphael is perhaps the best known, but you may also find truth in these other representations.
The play of light in stained glass windows gives an extra dimension to a depiction of the Transfiguration.
Transfiguration icon by Theophanes the Greek, 15th century
The Transfiguration by Ivanov
LUNCH AT THE SKYRACK
Feel like a break from cooking Sunday Lunch?
Then why not join with friends from ‘Churches Together in Headingley’ for lunch at the Skyrack Public House on the first Sunday of each month. Joan, Sue and Elissa are already regular attenders with more joining each month.
There is no need to book. Just join them for the easy stroll along Headingley Lane after Morning Worship.
Not only a Sunday Lunch but also the opportunity to enjoy the friendship of members of our local churches.
GUILD LUNCH
We apologise that there is no Guild Lunch this August as some of the staff are on holiday! Normal service resumed in September when we look forward to being together again.
CHURCH FLOWERS
Gladys Strawbridge has asked me to take over from her the responsibility for organising church flowers from September.
Following a discussion with interested parties, it has been decided that more plants will be displayed in future with fresh flower arrangements reserved for special occasions.
On behalf of the church, I would like to thank Gladys for her support and all that she has achieved over the years.
Kate Henderson
