Dear Friends
During these strange times, familiar relationships can be even more important than ever. Whilst we are unable to welcome guests to Scargill, one of the ways we would like to stay in contact is to write a fortnightly letter. These will include reflections and encouragements from different Scargill folk, news of upcoming online Scargill events and other community updates.
We are very thankful for the donations and messages of encouragement that we have received in recent days. Thank you so much for your generous support.
We continue to hold a rhythm of prayer and it would be a privilege to pray for you and the situations you are facing. You can e-mail us at: prayer@scargillmovement.org
We would very much value your prayers for us as we journey through this unfamiliar and challenging landscape. Please pray for the Community as we discover what is to be our ‘voice’ during this time.
If you would like to connect with us during this period, then we also have: hello@scargillmovement.org. For all booking related correspondence, please do continue using admin@scargillmovement.org
Audio recordings of our Morning Prayers and Sunday talks are now on our website (available for 7 days)
Generosity is a ‘Kingdom Value’ that we keep learning about at Scargill. Here are a few thoughts from Phil:
What we love about Jesus is that he shows us the heart of the Father. In John’s gospel Jesus says ‘I can only do what I see my Father doing’ (John 5:19). And we see that Jesus is always generous, always giving more than enough, some would say he is gloriously extravagant, others would say over the top. I mean water into wine (John 2) is a miracle of transformation and such generosity showing the heart of God – isn’t that just wonderful! And again, in Luke 5, enough fish that boats began to sink, and then later plenty of bread and fish to feed thousands (John 6). Jesus shows us the nature of God, who always has been generous, never more so than in wilderness situations. A wonderful example of this was the giving of manna (Exodus 16), where the people of God surprisingly found abundant grace. I photographed this art installation at St Anne’s, Manchester, portraying the wonderful gift of manna.
Our current situation has forced us into a wilderness, and it has been heart-warming to hear the stories of generosity from many people. I heard of a family who put a table at the bottom of their drive with toilets rolls and packets of pasta on it with a notice saying ‘please take one’. Walter Brueggemann points out:
‘That journey from anxious scarcity through miraculous abundance to a neighbourly common good has been peculiarly entrusted to the church.’
Our narrative is shaped by Jesus who calls us to be generous. What would that look like for you? In what ingenious way might the Holy Spirit be asking you to show the heart of God? Where can you bring hope in these wilderness days?
Gracious God,
Confront us with your heart of generosity,
Your extravagant love.
Unlock our hearts, free us from our anxious ways,
Show us through your Spirit how to be a generous offering.
In Jesus’ name – Amen
With our love