Saint Michael’s Church
Serving God and Bishop’s Stortford since 673
Clergy Letter For February 2008
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CLERGY LETTER FOR FEBRUARY 2008 |
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The Revd June Knight writes....
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To have and to hold from this day forward . . I was listening to the Publicist Max Clifford talking recently about his childhood. His background was very humble, no inside toilet or central heating, no car or formal education but what he lacked materially he gained emotionally. He came from a very loving stable supportive family – one father and one mother! He claims this simple stable start in life helped to make him the person he is today. Over and over again we hear politicians coming up with the latest statistics and solutions on things such as crime, drugs, unsocial behaviour, truancy, binge drinking etc. Am I alone in thinking that one of the main reasons we have all this unacceptable behaviour is because there has been a breakdown of family life and values? Marriage is almost an old fashioned word. Have you noticed how the words ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ have been replaced by the word ‘partner’ so not to offend those who have chosen a so called modern alternative to marriage? Why is it we never hear a politician say in his Manifesto that Marriage is going to be a top priority in his term of office? I believe that where possible children need the nurturing of a mother and a father. We can all still hear Tony Blair’s words of ‘Education, Education, Education’ ringing in our ears. My manifesto would be ‘Marriage, Marriage, Marriage’ St. Michael’s are holding a Wedding Fayre on Saturday 16th February. A Wedding Fayre gives prospective brides and grooms, whether or not they are getting married in Church, the opportunity to come and get ideas to help them plan their special day. The joy of a Fayre is that all the different functions for a wedding are brought together under one roof. We have been wonderfully supported by local businesses. Couples will be able to view wedding dresses, enjoy a very superior fashion show, talk to various caterers and hoteliers, book their honeymoon, flowers, photography, video, stationery, toastmaster, view wedding rings and beautiful jewellery, watch demonstrations of makeup, hair and nail artists at work and enjoy many other exciting stands. The whole idea of holding a Wedding Fayre in our Church is unique. We hope that couples who would not normally come to church will visit the Fayre and experience the very special atmosphere a church has to offer. They will be able to listen to the bells, the organ and the choir. Who knows this first step might just be the beginning of a faith journey and an opportunity to experience the love of God. We at St. Michael’s are totally committed to the Holy Estate of Marriage. We know it can be a blessing. So come on Bishop's Stortford let us take the lead in promoting Marriage, encouraging couples to make a commitment to each other and supporting them on their journey through their married life. June Knight |
Office Address:
Saint Michael’s Church
Windhill
Bishops Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 2ND