THE LORD’S PRAYER

PART 3
Give us this day out daily bread

So far we have centred on God in worship, trying to focus our will on His. Now and only now can we turn to Him with our petitions, asking not just for food but forgiveness and guidance for we need nutrition for our souls too. Given its widest interpretation it could be said to include all who are undernourished and those on the edge of starvation, sadly a very large part of our world. Especially, it's a prayer for all refugees and homeless, for those living without hope and for the sick, the weak and the suffering.

Give us... implies a day by day trust in the providence of God but it doesn't completely remove our responsibility to plan ahead, to be prudent and concerned for those around us. We have to work out for ourselves the balance between this and living one day at a time so as not to worry unduly about the future. Tomorrow and all its needs and problems are in God's hands. We trust our existence to God and in doing this we are released from the fear of what tomorrow will bring.

And forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.

We live through forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive then we put up a barrier against receiving forgiveness, even God's forgiveness can't get through. Unfortunately we hurt ourselves more than we hurt the other person. But if we hope our faults won't be held against us then we have to forfeit the right to hold other people's faults against them. It's also a prayer for help to understand the problems other people have: their needs, the wrongs they suffer, the concerns and worries they face.

If we don't forgive, if we don't try to understand, we're shutting ourselves away from God's forgiveness but that's only the negative side. The positive, the creative side we can see worked out in the life and example of Jesus Christ and His disciples down the years. Jesus prayed for His executioners as they nailed Him to the cross. “Father, forgive them,” He said, “they know not what they do.” So did Stephen when they stoned him to death and if Stephen hadn't prayed the Church probably wouldn't have had Paul.

In the old cathedral ruins in Coventry, there are a couple of charred roof beams made into a cross. Below, chiselled into the stone not “Father, forgive them” but simply two words, “Father forgive.” For we all have a share in the world's sin and its shame. We all need God's forgiveness somewhere in our lives.

Forgive us our trespasses.

[See also Christmas Fayre at Charlecote 15-16 November Poster .]

WELL I NEVER!

Did you know that we fund somebody called an Active Communities Officer at Stratford DC? They promote the benefits of physical exercise to people 45 and over, so 'GET-SET-GO' and get active with Stratford District Council! Your Active Communities Team is here to support you.

Want to know more? Then telephone the: Active Communities Team on (01789) 260648 or 260650.

What is the Amasango School?

Jane Bradshaw spoke to 40 of us whilst we enjoyed coffee and doughnuts. She told us the children in the school come from backgrounds where family life has disintegrated through unemployment, drugs, prostitution, and alcohol abuse. It is estimated 50% of the children in the school are taking drugs because that helps to block out the difficulties of everyday life. In this environment they cannot adjust to the traditional education system. Jane said these children need to have their childhood unlocked so they can develop their potential and independence.

Children who come to Amasango come because, as Mvuleni and Zalisite, they ask to come and no one is turned away. When they arrive they are given clothing, school uniform, toiletries and emotional support, where giving a hug is an important part of this holistic approach. Food is provided as three meals a day (but only if the child remains in school) so they learn that making choices has consequences - bunk off and no meal! Playing games like snakes and ladders is also important in teaching the children about winning and losing, taking turns and concentration. Alongside all this the children learn basic literacy and numeracy skills moving up through the grades according to ability not age.

Although the Government provide money it is not enough for the extra things these special children need. This falls to the Friends of Amasango School who, through donations, can send money to support this work but as Jane also reminded us, money alone is not enough. The work is emotionally very hard, sometimes violent, and it cannot be done in one's own strength so all those at the school rely on our prayers.

The Government have agreed a new site where a purpose built school may be erected. It is planned to include workshops for vocational training so that students will be able to learn skills that they use in the workplace to earn their own living. This will in turn break the cycle of poverty from which they have come.

What an amazing place this is!

Wendy  

Chocaholics ahoy
Wine Tasting & Shopping Evening

A fantastic event is coming up on November 6th for everyone who likes wine, Belgian chocolate and superb gifts.

Cana Import are an enterprising family firm importing some of the most exclusive small vineyard Italian wines, olive oil and mineral waters all at reasonable prices - and with informative tasting guidance, you can discover a new pleasure in your regular tipple!

We are also lucky enough to have support from Truffles of Henley Street, Stratford - renowned for their amazing chocolates, including the luxury brand Leonidas. Astounding quality, remarkably reasonable prices and more sampling opportunities! Amongst many other stalls, there is also a surprise for shoe lovers everywhere - but shush - can't say too much more yet! At only £5 a ticket, join us for our Wine Tasting and Shopping event including plenty of samples and nibbles it has to be the must-attend event in Wellesbourne this autumn.

Don't miss this great evening starting at 7.30pm, November 6th at Wellesbourne School. For tickets or more information please call Heather on 01789 840660.