The Abbey Church of the Holy Cross

Pershore, UK

From the Vicar

Fresh Starts is the initial theme for the first few occasions of new contemporary worship at the Abbey. Also, it's the theme for part of life. More about both of these.
For some time now, a group of us has been working on the possibility of some contemporary worship which we hope will be accessible for anyone who comes amp&; which will deal with issues relating to life. The Church at large deals with issues relating to life every time it meets for worship, but sometimes it's important to dedicate some time specifically to those issues.

This new Service will be on the fourth Sunday of the month at 5:00 pm, beginning in September. We're planning to have some music, some reading, some prayer, some reflection, some interaction from those who come and their comments about what they might like to see happen on these occasions. If, by any chance, anyone reading this would like to partcipate - especially by playing an instrument with us - we'd be most grateful to hear from you.

So what might we see as Fresh Starts? For many students, this is paramount. There will be those beginning school, going from First School to Middle School, from Middle School to High School, leaving school altogether and making a life at university or in employment. Whatever the situation, it's something which requires reflection on what they've learned so far and how it might help them in life or simply to look back on friendships.

For Christians, Fresh Starts happen all the time. People fall out and the gospel imperative prompts them to reconcile. It's easy for people to feel hurt and never do anything about it. It is harder - but more fulfilling - for people to face the issue and talk it through. Matthew's Gospel reminds us that we must be reconciled to our enemies before offering God our gifts. This applies not only to Christians but to everyone who might want to make a fresh start. It brings the positive out of the negative. It clears any form of misunderstanding and assumption (often the most hurtful thing) and enables real movement forward.

Taken from Abbey Link, Autumn 2007