BH Bulletin - Tuesday 16 June 2020

Thought for the Day by Dave Howarth
​(Lead Pastor Holy Cross Church)

​We can now pray in some church buildings. But how should we pray? Jesus says this just before the Lord’s prayer:
 
​“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." – Matthew 6.5-8
 
Jesus tackles two praying sins – hypocrisy and paganism. Do we commit them?
 
Hypocrisy is to do with the motive in our praying. I don’t pray out loud on street corners; and Jesus’ hyperbole doesn’t restrict public praying. Rather, it is getting at the motive, challenging my hypocritical praying, when I “love to be seen by others.”
 
Some examples? What about the quick “arrow” prayer, so that we can message someone, saying, “I’ve just been praying for you…” Isn’t this the same thing? Ouch. Or how about when “pray” in a prayer gathering, but I do so more concerned with how my words sound to the others than with addressing my Father in heaven. Ouch again.
 
Paganism is emptying prayer of its meaning. Jesus calls this babbling. He warns against prayers of many words which lack content. (There’s nothing wrong with praying all night – Jesus himself did it.) Too often, I pray on auto-pilot. Or consider the type of praying which takes a list and says “please bless so and so, etc,” repeating the same thing for each person. It’s empty. Think too of how we can unthinkingly chant the Lord’s Prayer. How ironic. Ouch again.
 
"Hypocritical" and "pagan" wouldn't have been words I'd have chosen, but my Master does, and they challenge me deeply. I need to reflect and think, confess and plead, about my praying. How about you? Father, help us! And he will – especially as we speak to him as our all-knowing, all-caring Father.
​Dave

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Books Alive has reopened

Just thought I would make you aware of our exciting news - we reopened yesterday on Monday 15th June!  We plan on normal hours - 9.30 until 5.00 every day except Sunday.  Obviously we have had to put a number of things in place to be within the government guidelines, these include the use of hand sanitizers for everyone as they enter the shop, the need for social distancing as customers move around the shop etc.  Since we do not usually have a large number of customers in the shop at any one time I am hopeful that this should be easily managed but we will all need to be patient!  

I know that some of you have really missed the chance to come in and browse and we have also missed you.  We have some great special offers for when you return including a large range of books at just £1 each! There is the usual large of books, gifts and cards for all occasions The second hand section is also open and is always worth a visit.
Please spread the word about this ...
​We look forward to seeing you soon.
Gillian Carr

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Coffee and Chat reminder

This week there will be 2 'lockdown' coffee and chat sessions on zoom that anyone can join.

Tuesday 16 June 10.30
Thursday 18  June 15.30
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​The easiest way to join this is via the events page  on MyChurchsuite.  If you don't have or having problems logging into MyChurchsuite please contact the church office office@bhmc.org.uk 01273 732965. ​

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