Cromer Parish Church with St Martin`s

February Leader

‘Holy means set apart. Not like a set of cutlery that only comes out on Sundays, but more like a Swiss army knife - to remove a splinter, cut a rope, open a bottle, anytime, anywhere, whatever the boss needs.’ So, as you know from last month’s CFN Extra, says Milton Jones in his book ’10-second sermons’.

‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy’ says God to Moses. Sometimes the Church has got that horribly wrong, and divorced, separated itself from the world, acting as if was scared of being tainted by what it might find. Yet surely, if we want to know what it actually means we only have to look at the most holy man who has ever lived on this earth - Jesus - who was far from divorced from the world, rather thoroughly involved in it.

One of my favourite paintings of him, is what is known as the ‘laughing’ Jesus - a young man, full of life, energy, clearly enjoying all that life has to offer. How do we become like that? There is no other way than time spent with him, allowing him to shape our lives, allowing his holiness to shape and become ours. [Click here to see the full article with this picture included.]

And yet in a 10,000 rpm world, slowing down to allow that to happen - at least for me - is a constant challenge. Slowing down from 10,000 to 500 rpm to allow him space to make the changes that need to happen in me - to read, to pray, to simply spend time in his presence is something I need to be held accountable for - and so, I suspect, do you.

So challenge me, ask me if that’s what I’m doing. Do the same for those in your small group or wherever it is you find your Christian support - and you never know, you may find someone who will do it for you too!

Rev Canon Dr David Court
Vicar of Cromer

David Hayden's retirement

David Hayden, Archdeacon of Norfolk and the previous vicar of Cromer, is retiring at the end of February. There is a farewell service in Norwich Cathedral at 3.30 p.m. on 12th February at which David and Ruby would love to see people who remember them from Cromer.

Activity Morning

Our next Activity Morning, for children age 5 to 12, takes place during half-term on Thursday 16th February - 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon - at St Martin's. Contact us for details but, if you do decide to come along, please don't wear best clothes!

Two training opportunities

...on Saturday 18th February. Bishop's Day of Prayer - 9.45 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at Norwich Cathedral and New Wine Training Day 'Learning to Heal' - 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at Southrepps Church (Cost £15 - includes ‘free’ book). Paul Neale is going to the Bishop's Day of Prayer (contact Paul for details), while Fred is going to the 'Learning to Heal' day (contact Fred for details). Both events require prior booking, and Fred and Paul have details about how to do this. They are also happy to try to co-ordinate lifts. Don't miss out on these two great opportunities to learn more.

'Let Justice Prevail'

On Friday 2nd March 2012 women from around the world will celebrate Women's World Day of Prayer. This year's ecumenical service has been written by the women of Malaysia. Although Malaysia's multi-ethnicity has added to the rich heritage of its land and people, it has also given rise to many problems. In the service those issues are named and the women voice their hope. Their prayer is, "let justice prevail." In Cromer, we will be meeting at 2.00 p.m. at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church. Do come and join us with Christians from other churches in our town. Everyone will be most welcome.