Page 54 - Phonebox Magazine October 2006

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
Moderator’s Letter – Coming to terms with uncertainty
The Mission Partnership is looking forward very much this month to a workshop day on October 21, at the Church of the Servant King in Furzton. Entitled "Praying with the Saints," it will be exploring icons and prayer. Eleftherios Foulidis, an orthodox hagiographer, will be working on an icon and explaining his work. Do contact Liz Morris 01908 507123 for more information.
One of the most well-known to us of Russian icons, Rublev's "Trinity", figures on the publicity for this event. Little of certainty is known about the life of Andrei Rublev, who was born in the latter half of the fourteenth century: so little in fact, that when in the 1960's the great Russian film director Tarkovsky released his film about the life of Rublev, he cast the character of Rublev as much in the role of an observer of others, as of an active player. At one very powerful moment of the film, Rublev follows the progress of a young bell-maker, Boriska. A powerful prince commissions Boriska to cast for him a great bell, on the understanding that before he died, Boriska's father, a renowned master-craftsman, passed on to his son the secret of his bell-making. "Trust me," Boriska assures the Prince: "I know my father's secret."
The film traces the young artisan as he agonises over every aspect of the task: the choice of materials, the timing of the work, the management of the work-force. When others find his methods and choices unwise, he silences them angrily and defensively. After all, he's the one with his father's secret. Months go by and finally the bell is ready. It is removed from its cast, winched into place, and for the first time it rings out, deep and resonant. The sound is beautiful and the crowds applaud rapturously. But afterwards Boriska is nowhere to be seen. Far from the crowds he sits with tears streaming down his face. Rublev, who has followed him, asks why he is crying: his bell is such a success. And Boriska, clearly
exhausted, finally confesses the burden of uncertainty and doubt he has been working with: "It's not true," he says, "that my father told me the secret. He never told me. I never knew it."
In the life of faith, as in the life of an artisan, it can be a painful struggle to come to terms with our uncertainties and be open about our fears. We wish we knew the secret! Yet if we all knew the secrets of perfection and pilgrimage, there would be no room for faith, and no need to depend on the mysterious and surprising grace of God.
I was very moved recently, talking to one of our church leaders. "When I came to Milton Keynes," she said, "I thought I was going to learn the 'secret' of ecumenism. I imagined I was going to discover the formula, and then take the answer to other places. Yet working here”, she went on, "I have learnt that there is no 'secret formula.' There is only strong commitment and the desire to work it out on the ground, a pragmatism that's always seeking new ways." Her words spoke to me powerfully of the nature of the life of faith we share. We cannot pretend to have all the answers, but dare to trust that as we work and grow together, something beautiful may by the grace of God come of our humanity, and that we may speak of our experience in ways which resonate and ring deep and true.
By the time you receive this letter, I shall be on sabbatical leave. I am enormously grateful to the Mission Partnership for allowing me this time for rest, prayer and reflection. I shall not expect while I am away to crack the secret of ecumenism! But I am excited at having the opportunity to learn more about the journey we are engaged in, and I shall look forward very much to seeing you again on my return before Christmas.
Mary Cotes
BRIDGEBUILDER BARN DANCE
The Bridgebuilder Trust barn dance is being held at Lovat Hall, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, on Sunday, October 7, at 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets at £9 include a fish and chip supper or a veggie option. Telephone 01908 270670 for details
MINDING THE GAP
In One World Week when people will be thinking about "Minding the Gap" Murdoch MacKenzie, the former Ecumenical Moderator in Milton Keynes, will be leading a multicultural weekend for people of all faith communities and ask how can we so share in each other's identities as to learn how to live in harmony.
The event is from the 20th to 22nd of October at the Well at Willen. It will begin with supper at 7.30 on the Friday evening and end Sunday lunchtime. The cost will be £25 including meals. Early booking essential.Tel: 01908 242190.
ONE WORLD WEEK
This year the popular craft fair to celebrate One World Week will take place in the Guildhall at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone Milton Keynes on Saturday, October 28, from 10.30am to 4pm. Admission is free and the hall will be packed with stalls selling gifts that make a difference from around the world, all fairly traded and environmentally friendly.
UN DAY COMMEMORATION
On Tuesday, October 24, United Nations Day will be celebrated at a special commemoration from noon to 12.30pm in the City Square near Marks and Spencer. Everyone is invited to join local MPs and councilllors.
HARMONY FOR CHRISTMAS
Following the success of the first venture last year MK Acapella, the Milton Keynes Men's Harmony chorus, is organising a second men's Community Chorus to sing at a Christmas Concert in Newport Pagnell
Parish Church on December 9. Rehearsals start on Monday, October 16, for seven weeks. There will also be a second concert on December 2 at another venue. Men wishing to join the chorus should contact Eddie on 019080 678558 or go to http://www.mkacapella.com/xmaschorus.
GARTH HEWITT SINGS
Garth Hewitt, Director of the Amos Trust, will be singing songs from his new album "Stealing Jesus Back" at the Church of Christ the King, Kents Hill, on Sunday, November 19, at 7pm. Admission £8, children £5.
HISTORIC CYCLE RIDE
People taking part in the Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust annual sponsored cycle ride on September 9 were able to sign in at all six churches in the town. At the Parish Church was visited by more than 90 riders and walkers – many of whom stayed for cups of tea and coffee. Now all they have to do is collect their sponsorship money and hand it over, as soon as possible, to the local organiser at 3 Lakes Lane, Newport Pagnell. The amounts will then be sent to the Trust headquarters for Grant Aid to be added. The final figures will be divided equally between the Trust and the churches nominated by the riders.
INDUCTION AT CROWTHORNE
Some 30 people from Newport Pagnell Parish travelled by coach to Berkshire on Tuesday, September 5, to attend the induction of a former curate, the Rev Lisa Cornwell, as Vicar of St John the Baptist, Crowthorne. The service was conducted by the Bishop of Reading and the Archdeacon of Berkshire and among the clergy present were several from North Bucks. Afterwards there were refreshments and an opportunity to chat with Lisa and her husband Mike and wish them well in their new careers.
58 Phonebox Magazine