July / August Letter from the Vicar

'Back to Church and Alpha'

Big Change

One of the big changes in society over the past fifty years has been the place of Christianity. It is no longer the 'default setting' for religious affiliation. Other religions have been increasing, especially Islam, and we can see this in Peterborough. It is good that in our city there has been a history of co-operation and understanding amongst religious groups. This is to be strongly encouraged.

The place of any religion in society has also altered. Many people have no religious affiliation whatsoever and knowledge of religion, Christianity included, is very patchy. Some people have never heard of Jesus and have only the haziest, or rather distorted, picture of what Christianity really is.

Like the New Testament

This gives the Church, St Botolph's included, both a challenge and an opportunity. As has been observed quite often, the situation in our society today is rather like that of the New Testament. As St Paul and others took the message out to the cities around the Mediterranean, they encountered a very mixed society. They had to commend the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, to people from all sorts of background. As we know the message gradually spread during the early centuries and communities from China to England were established. It is a marvellously encouraging story. It is our story.

Nowadays we are learning that we have to take the initiative in commending the Christian way to those around us. No one else is going to do it for us. If we do not the Church will wither and die. Our new Bishop gives this message very forcefully. And it is true!

Back to Church

In response to this challenge we are once again having a 'Back to Church Sunday'. It is Sunday October 3rd which will be our Harvest Sunday. This is a time when people are often attracted to come to church. The whole congregation will be encouraged to think of someone to invite.

Alpha

Following on from this 'Back to Church Sunday' we shall be running an Alpha Course. Alpha is a tried and tested ten week programme telling people about the basics of Christian faith. It is run in the context of a social gathering with a meal. A presentation is given and then the course members work in a small group to ask questions. It is a course primarily for non-Christians, but new Christians or those wanting to 'brush up' on their faith are also welcome. Key elements of Alpha are that there is no pressure put on people and there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and express views.

It is important that the whole church is aware of this and that we start praying now. The New Testament is full of stories of people coming to faith and full of the wonderful Good News of Jesus Christ. Let is take our inspiration from this as we seek to be the Church here at St Botolph's.

Bill Croft (Vicar )