Rev Matt iBlog

This week is Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints’ Eve.  All Hallows Day (or All Saints Day) has been celebrated on November 1 since around 998 AD and celebrates the belief that those who die with genuine Christian faith have nothing to fear from death as they continue their relationship with God beyond the grave. Over the years the festivities evolved such that on the night before All Saints Day children began dressing up in spooky costumes. However, the commercialisation of Halloween means the message today as got lost because it’s all about scaring people.  Mine & Helen's pumpkin  I think we are currently living in a dark place and scary place, so the last thing we want is scaring people. I see darkness when people are living in austerity, knife crime rising and not forgetting the unknown outcome of Brexit. The world is in a dark place needing love, hope, and light.   The recent atrocity carried out at the Tree of Life Synago...

My Home Communion Set At my first stewards meeting I wanted to discuss communion with them. I asked them the following question... "What does Holy Communion mean to you" I listened to their understanding on communion. The majority of my church members are African and Caribbean which means they like people to receive communion when confirmed. I shared my theological understanding on Holy Communion i.e. open table which means you don't have to be a church member to receive communion. We had a fantastic theological conversation which lasted 30 minutes. Methodism inherited from John and Charles Wesley a devout appreciation of Holy Communion as a divinely appointed means of grace.  Methodism is inclusive and diverse, and the importance of Holy Communion reflects this by inviting all people to the Lord’s Supper that Wesley believed was a converting ordinance.  Dean writes ‘Methodism’s Arminian theology lends a distinctive character to its Christian faith ...

On my day off I walked around London. During my walk I saw a young man singing ‘how great is our God’ on the millennium bridge. I also witnessed a Sikh Welfare & Awareness Team van parked up on the Strand giving out free food bags to the homeless. The queue was massive! Homeless people in the UK are getting free meals thanks to a centuries-old Sikh tradition.  It is so easy to focus on the fear without looking at hope. I see hope on our streets when people can worship openly, volunteers give up their time and the hungry are fed!! Last Saturday I was on my way to represent my churches for a URC/ Baptist minister welcome service. I arrived early and stupid me forgot my wallet and it was raining, so I sheltered on Crouch End when a volunteer giving out ‘Foodbank’ leaflets looked at me and said ‘I’ve not seen a chequered clerical shirt before’. This opened up a conversation. Evangelism on the streets can be something simple as responding to a question. I am current...

Yesterday was Harvest Festival at Middle Lane Methodist. Theme of the service was 'let your light shine' using material from All We Can. In some places in our world, people are working hard and putting all their energy into farming, yet still struggle to grow enough food for their needs. In Malawi, All We Can is helping people use solar energy to pump water into shared gardens to water the vegetation. Solar energy.... Yesterday, we gave thanks to God for his gift of the sun, the role it plays in giving us harvest and energy through its magnificent light. This something we take for granted. Jesus has a lot to say about light too... "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in he...