Minister letter archive
Letters from Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden our previous minister
Easter 2019
Dear Friends,
New beginnings and possibilities, keeping hope alive during times of desperate loss when the tunnel is dark, and we cannot even see a glimmer of light. Holding on to the promises of God and allowing them to unfold, to take shape in ways we could not even imagine. That is the gospel we preach, teach and share. God cares deeply for his people and when the injustice of life breaks us, God is still there, saying trust me my plans for you are not finished! It could be the end of the church magazine that has been a source of comfort to many over the years and now being reinvented. It could be the acceptance that the longed-for relationship is no longer possible , or that there will be no children from the marriage, or the company that once met the needs of the people and flourished are no longer meeting the same needs. In life, we all face loss of one form or another and as a Christian, I face my loss with the knowledge that God is with me. There might be dark days when God does not feel close, then I rely on God’s words, hymns, testimonies, past experiences and friends and family to hold me in faith until the light breaks through and slowly new possibilities emerge. One of my favourite hymns (by Matt and Beth Redman) has the following words:-
“Blessed be your name, in the land that is plentiful,
Where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name.
And blessed be your name when I’m found in the desert place,
Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name when the sun’s shining down on me
When the world “all as it should be”
Blessed be your name
And blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering,
Though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.”
On Good Friday, there was such injustice, pain, brokenness, sadness, disappointment and loss of hope. The followers of Jesus had no idea that death on the cross was not the end. On Easter morning, the sun rose, the tomb was empty, and Mary met the Risen Christ in the garden. Her joy was unbelievable! God’s possibilities will surprise and amaze us if we hold on to him, trust him, let go of our hopes and allow him to speak his hopes into our lives.
My friends, I hope that this letter finds you in a place of joy but if it does not, take a moment and give the situation on God and then rest in him. That does not mean “do nothing” although sometimes it does! Prayerfully allow God to guide and seek his counsel. God loves and cherishes you and it is only finished when he says it is finished!
Have a blessed Easter!
Rev’d Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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Revd Vindra
Maraj-Ogden
April 2019 Letter to the AGM
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the last six years plus, I want to thank you for being part of my journey and for the privilege of growing with you, sharing in your joys and sorrows. There have been challenges along the way, times of frustration, but all overshadowed by the presence of God in this fellowship and how we are working together to share his message, to tell the story. There are so many shoots of growth and slowly we are building on a strong foundation. I want to leave you with three thoughts:-
1. Hospitality and radical hospitality are the essence of the gospel. Let us really get to know people and assure them that their stories are important. A welcome begins with the advertising, the noticeboard, the banners. It continues with a smile, the helpful person at the door and then the meeting for coffee, a meal in a home, a church meal. Over food we share in each other’s cultures and learn about one another. Jesus shared so much sat around a table with his friends. Let us be known for our hospitality.
2. So often in churches and in the circuit, we do not link our work and we advertise too late or not at all. Let us support each other in the way we each being called to use our different gifts. Let us build up each other, link all that we do and hear what God is saying.
3. Finally , prayer. It is not the last resort it is what we do ceaselessly. Everything we do is grounded in prayer. When churches ask me how do we grow, these are the verses, I share with them.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
One day in the future, my time here will be a distant memory. It will be nice to be remembered as the minister who got you through the building project, but I would prefer to be remembered as the minister who believed in the power of prayer, as individuals and as a people of God and who truly believes as a child of God that, “Nothing will be impossible with God”. God’s will be done.
Thank you, Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church, for your love, support and prayers.
With every blessing,
Rev’d Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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February 2019
Dear Friends,
As I write this letter, I trust that most of you will be aware that by the end of April, I will no longer have pastoral charge of Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley and Ley Hill Methodist churches but will continue to fulfil preaching appointments until 14th July 2019. Whilst I am excited and looking forward to the future, there is also a sense of sadness, of leaving the familiar and recognising at some level the sense that this time would never come back, that this chapter of my life is coming to an end. In a few months I will not only be changing jobs but moving to a new house, two major events happening at the same time! I find myself drawn to reading the Old Testament, starting from the beginning, identifying with the call of Abraham to leave all that was familiar and to journey. The journey changed Abraham along the way, and it changes us as we rely on God to provide direction and to meet our needs. For some of us the journey is a physical one, new house , new job. For all of us, we journey through the rhythm of life, birth, childhood, youth, adult, more mature adults (as Ley Hill says, “well -seasoned”) and death. As we journey through each of these phases, we must face the changes that they bring, the loss of the familiar and the embracing of new things.
It is often said that churches do not cope well with change and yet as individuals we manage change in our personal lives constantly, even if we have lived in the same place all our lives! It is always hard to leave the familiar and to embrace new things but if we are to live our lives to its full potential, then we must be open to God’s possibilities for us and to trust that he wants the best for us and that if we are where God wants us to be there is no better place.
I stand in this in between place where I have not yet said goodbye to the familiar and the loved but am making plans for a brand-new future. It feels wobbly! And yet I know that all of this has been done prayerfully, asking God to open and close doors accordingly. Ultimately, we trust God as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all disciples have done. We are part of their story.
My churches are having to prepare for that change as well as for a new minister, who will have a different style, different gifts and his own journey with God, but who will take them on the continuing journey.
Together in this interim period we will pray that God will be in the change that we are all facing, and we will give thanks that through change our discipleship deepen and God’s promises become a reality. From time to time we are surprised by all that God has in store for us! Trust him in the changes you face today. Do not be afraid!
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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December 2018
Dear Friends,
As you read this letter we would be in the period of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation as we prepare for Christmas day and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We reflect on the journey of God’s people as they waited for the messiah, the one who would rescue them from the might of Rome and would see their suffering and bring healing and wholeness. We reflect on our own journey as we wait. We wait for prayers to be answered, direction and vision and the second coming of our Lord Jesus. What does that mean for us today? In the waiting and reflecting, the Holy Spirit speaks fresh revelation into familiar stories and on Christmas morning we can sing with conviction, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”
As I write these words, I reflect that increasingly people come to me and say how much they struggle with this time. The advertisements scream that a perfect Christmas is being surrounded by loved ones and if you have not got that then you are not having a wonderful Christmas. It is lovely to share the day with loved ones, but this is only one aspect of Christmas Day, it is not entirely what the day is about. It is an important, wonderful part of the celebration. It is not the celebration! Someone recently remarked to me that in church we are family and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ until we get to Christmas Day. Christmas Day then seems to be only for “blood” family. I was challenged by this remark and wonder what your thoughts are as you read this.
For many people, in a variety of circumstances, Christmas Day will be spent “alone”. If you are in this position, please do not despair, because that is the reason that God left the majesty of heaven and came to his people. We are never alone if we know the love and power of Jesus Christ in our lives. We celebrate the birth of the saviour of the world, the God who deeply cares for each of us. We can have that joy in our hearts whether or not we are surrounded by people. If you are alone, you have not failed some important test. That is just how life has unfolded for you. Plan this time with events and activities that bring you joy and ask God that you discover more of him as the time unfolds. You have choice and the power to make this time what you want it to be.
In case you are wondering, I have spent Christmas with family (last time 2012), doing charity work on the day and I have also spent that time alone. They were all wonderful times, because in the Advent preparation and all the services that lead up to the day, the wonder of God’s amazing gift of himself to his people gives strength and hope and joy.
If you are alone over Christmas and there are moments of sadness, be kind to yourself, it is okay. Remember that the birth of our Lord Jesus changed everything, and your joy is in him. Make plans on how to spend your time and embrace all that God has to offer. Please do not hate this time of year. Celebrate God’s love for you. May your Christmas be filled with joy and surprises from God!
A blessed Christmas!
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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November 2018
Dear Friends,
In the US television sitcom “Frasier”, the main character, a psychiatrist concludes his radio broadcast with the words, “Good mental health”. As a society, we are probably more aware of mental health issues than we have ever been and many reading this letter will be dealing with their own issues and indeed supporting others. How do we ensure that we not only look after our bodies but also our mental health? We know that we need to exercise and eat healthy foods, but how do we look after our minds? How do we find peace, when the waves are crashing around us? How do we support those who are struggling with debilitating mental illness? There are no easy answers and we must each walk this path according to our circumstances. This may involve taking the medication prescribed, finding groups of people who have similar interests, forcing ourselves to go for a walk each day, especially as the darker evenings draw closer, depending on a close circle of friends and finding joy in the little blessings, taking one day at a time and not trying to plan too far forward in the future.
I am a person of faith, so I find my strength, my anchor in the psalms and in the hymns, knowing that each life has its challenges and the Bible testifies to great and faithful men and women of God, experiencing difficult times and holding fast to God until the resolution came. Hymns testify to ordinary people, facing the brokenness of life and still having peace and joy and being able to see the work of God in little blessings.
I am aware that as autumn draws to an end and winter comes upon us, many will be affected mentally by the reduced daylight hours. If you are reading this today, please put life enhancing events in place and find resources biblical and other helpful material that you can turn too, to ensure good mental health. Most churches have fellowship groups which meet regularly for discussion of various topics and support. You would be most welcome!
During the month of November, it is a good time to start Advent preparations, so that you have resources and plan of action, so that when Advent begins on 2nd December you are ready to start that amazing journey with God to Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus, the saviour of the world.
May you find joy and peace in the blessings of life.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
(Methodist minister, Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley and Ley Hill)
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September 2018
Dear Friends,
At a meeting of the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire District Synod about eighteen months ago, I was elected to be one of the District’s representatives to the Methodist Conference of 2018, held at Nottingham from 28th June to 5th July. It was an amazing, prayerful, emotional time as I engaged with the workings of the Conference for the first time. I came away affirmed in ministry with hope that God is not finished with the people called Methodists!
During the week of Conference, the number 188,000 came up regularly. This is the number of members in the Methodist Church in Great Britain in 2017, although adherents are about 575,000. Whilst this was recognised, it did not deter the positive nature of the Conference and the enthusiasm of the people to serve God and to highlight social justice issues. The agenda dealt with items like, the Ethics of Investment, and Climate Change and Fossil fuels. There were Notices of Motion on, Universal Credit, Homelessness, Human trafficking, Displaced people, Gaza and Memorials on Anti- Semitism and the use of plastic. I came away wanting to share this with local churches as we can sometimes be so involved with the day to day challenges of being church in the community that we fail to see that we are part of something much bigger, a Circuit, a District, a Connexion and therein lies much strength and encouragement and hope.
During the Conference, I was particularly touched by the debate that centred around the report by “The Marriage and Relationships Task Group”. There was much disappointment that no conclusion had been reached and the pain of many were obvious. Yet the Conference recognised that more work was needed, and a process had to be followed. It was agreed that the Task Group would bring a report to the Conference in 2019 and subject to acceptance, would be referred to district Synods for a year long process of consideration. A final decision would the be made at the 2020 Conference, with any provision implemented with immediate effect.
I would commend to you the “Mission and Ministry in Covenant” report. This report had been welcomed by the Church of England’s General Synod in February and it was recommended that additional work be undertaken, “on proposals for bringing the Methodist church and the Church of England into closer communion with one another.” It was agreed that further work will be done on this looking particularly at the proposed model of the “President- Bishop as the way of the Methodist Church receiving a sign of the historic episcopate and it was recognised that it cannot entirely be prescribed how its expression will develop.” Additionally, there are concerns as to how the interchangeability of ministries between a Church of England priest and a Methodist Presbyter would unfold.”
Finally, worship at Conference was led each day by the young people from 3Generate. They received an agreement from Conference that 2019/2020 be designated a “Year of Testimony” recognising the importance of testimony in the life of the church. The testimonies they gave ranged from growing up in the Methodist Church to coming to faith at a later point. They were all powerful!
Please take time to peruse the Methodist Church website and read the Conference reports. “We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road; we are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.” Let each church make the effort to become more circuit minded, recognising that one of the gifts of Methodism is the Connexion!
On a separate note the news would have been shared that I am curtailing this appointment in the next twelve months. I know that this will come as a surprise to many, but I want to assure you that it has been prayerfully done and that I value your love, support and prayers as I discern where God is leading.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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July 2018
Dear Friends,
Summer is here and many of us will be having that longed for break to recharge and refresh ourselves. It would be an opportunity to spend time with those who are significant to us. Genesis 2:2 tells us, “By the seventh day God had finished the work that he had been doing; so, on the seventh day he rested from all work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from the all the work of creating that he had done.” We all need to rest, to take time out, to have a complete break. This gives us the opportunity to be alone with our thoughts, to reflect, to hear the voice of God speak into our lives, to be prompted by the Holy Spirit. Like the fuel tanks in our motor vehicles, there are times when we simply need to fill up before we can give to anybody else.
In the gospel of Mark, John the Baptist has been beheaded and the people are coming to Jesus for healing, to change their lives and Jesus, seeing the busyness of the disciples and recognising that they had not had time to process the bad news says in Mark30:31,” Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”Many of us feel guilty when we take that time to rest because we have so many responsibilities and so much depends on our availability, but we need to trust that whatever time we sacrificially give to God to rest, to refuel, to just be, he will honour and interestingly things still get done!
My challenge in any time of rest is not looking at my phone! If has become and inherent part of my life. In a compromise move, I look at my phone twice a day when I am on holiday. I do not read the emails and I certainly delete the junk. The day before I return home, I do check emails so that on my last day I do not have to worry that I am coming back to many challenges. I would love to get to that place of not looking at the phone at all and almost achieve that when I visit my parents!
Whether or not you have booked a holiday or are going abroad, carve some time out this summer to just be. Have a holiday at home and do the things that feed your soul and bring you joy! Have a lovely summer and please note that the next letter from me will be in September.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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June 2018
Dear Friends,
The month of June begins with the continuation meeting which follows on from the annual church meeting. This happens on Sunday 3rd June and lunch will be served. It is an opportunity to move forward as we continue to seek God’s vision in this community. Please remember this meeting in your prayers and attend and become part of what is happening! In addition, June is the month when we study the book of Jonah. May I suggest that you read this very short book beforehand and come to the services ready to take notes and discuss in fellowship groups, so that it becomes more meaningful.
GDPR which deals with how the information organisations, including charities have on us are used and stored came into effect on 25th May. At present we are doing an audit to find out who holds what information in the church. If you hold any information for any clubs or societies in the church, please can you send me an email and I will contact you in due course. Once this is established letters will be sent out and we will seek to meet the requirements of GDPR. We will keep you informed as we progress.
I am pleased to advise that the Seniors’ Holiday Club is happening this year. The dates are 14th,15th and 16th August and you will be delighted to know that it is being coordinated by Mrs Jan Gilfoyle and the catering is being done by Mrs Lesley Blencowe. If you would like to help, please contact Jan, she would soon use your gifts!
Finally, the flower festival is well on its way and it is booked for the weekend of the 21st to the 23rd September. I am sure that we will hear from Madeleine and Gretchen as time progresses!
It is important for everyone to get involved, so prayerfully read this letter and ask to be guided by the Holy Spirit as to how God might be calling you to become more involved in the church and the community.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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May 2018
Dear Friends,
If you did not attend the church’s annual general meeting, the following story was shared as part of the opening devotions. I do hope that it inspires you!
Finally, Carolina Weekly also wrote of “The Church Moved by the Hand of God” that:
Swan Quarter is a charming coastal North Carolina village that serves as the county seat for Hyde County. Though modest in stature, it is by no means hidden from the sight of God as indicated by local tradition.
It was in the 1870’s that local Methodists in the village decided to work together on constructing a church for their worship services. Their hopes were to acquire the highest ground in the sea-level village. The building committee of the church approached the owner of the most suitable vacant lot and offered to purchase it.
The owner, Samuel Sadler, declined to sell to the church, indicating his desire to use it for his own plans and would not sell at any price to the church. While disappointed, the church members chose an alternative, but less suitable site for their church and began to build.
It would be in September of 1876 when the church was nearly completed. Before its dedication, a violent hurricane blew in off the ocean and flooded Swan Quarter with considerable water from the sound. It was then, that many say a miracle occurred and one that has been long remembered.
As the tempest winds blew their mightiest, the foundation of the unfinished church gave way and was lifted by the floodwaters. According to local tradition, citizens watched in awe as the little Methodist church floated like a ship and move from its lot. It is said that the church floated down the street, passing houses and storefronts and made a right turn at an intersection amidst the winds, rain and floodwater. It moved upon the highest vacant lot in the village, the very same land that the church had requested to purchase from the unwilling property owner. Before it settled, it is said to have miraculously rotated around to face the street and there is would stay.
By 1881, the church had acquired the lot where the members had originally wanted to build the sanctuary and the little church that God divinely guided to that site inspired the name, “Providence United Methodist Church.” The church’s membership had grown considerably by the 1900’s. In 1913, a brick sanctuary was built to replace the original frame structure.
Today, the small frame church sits behind the modern brick sanctuary of the Providence United Methodist Church on Main Street in Swan Quarter and serves as church classrooms.
Note that none of these sources describes the property owner coming “with trembling hand to sign over the title deed to the church” immediately after the flood deposited the Methodist church building on his land. As they all confirm, the land in question was eventually sold to the church several years after the events described.
LAST UPDATED: 23 October 2014
There will be a follow up meeting to the AGM on Sunday 3rd June after the service. There will be a light lunch and all are welcome.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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March 2018
Dear Friends,
The Church is in the period of Lent, which will lead to the events of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and finally Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection, Jesus’ victory over death and evil and brokenness. What are you doing to make this Lenten period meaningful as we journey towards Easter? In my message last Sunday, I made the comment that if we give up chocolates, but it does not draw us any closer to God, then what is the point? Lent is a time for self-examination and reflection, for looking at the dusty areas of our lives and allowing God’s sunlight to break through and give us new perspective and new possibilities. If we choose to deny ourselves during Lent, then when we are tempted, we do not overcome in our own strength, but we read God’s word, pray and sing hymns as we seek God’s help to overcome and to grow.
Lent could also be an opportunity to hear what God is saying about his call on our lives. Are we where God wants us to be? Should we be moving on or doing something differently? At Hemel Hempstead we are doing a series of lectures on a Tuesday evening at 8.00pm, entitled “What is on your heart? “. We are looking at what issue God has given you a burden for. We have looked at depression and will in the next few weeks consider the Refugee Crisis, the Missing Generation, the work of Christian Aid, Freedom to Prisoners and finally Stop the Traffik. At Kings Langley, Churches Together are embarking on a Monday morning Lent course (details on the website). The church offers worship, but we also have a heart for social justice issues and for our community. If you are interested in finding out more about what we do or if you would like to attend any of these sessions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I pray that your Lenten journey would be meaningful and special and that you will be renewed in your faith and enthusiasm for God’s word.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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January 2018
Dear Friends,
A new year is here, and we welcome 2018 with all that it will bring. My friends fall into two categories, those who bring in the new year with celebration and those who go to bed, waking up the next day to a new day and the first day of a new year. I wonder which category you fall in and why? I love to be awake and in the company of the people I care about. In my family, we have a tradition of going outside and spending a few moments in the freshness of the first moments of the first day of the year. It says for me that there are new possibilities, that surprises await. It does not mean that everything will be perfect but that there will be opportunities for change and growth. How do you feel about 2018? What do you need to discard? What do you need to embrace? Our lives are busy is the mantra we hear, from those in full time work and raising children, from the retired, from children. It is good to remember at the beginning of this year that when God journeys with us in our activities, it makes a difference! The great Swiss theologian wrote these word,
“We must once and for all give up trying to be self-made individuals. Let us cease preaching by ourselves, being right by ourselves, being sensible by ourselves, improving the world by ourselves. God wants to do everything, certainly through us and with us and never without us, but our participation in what he does must naturally originate and grow out of his power, not ours. O, how we could then speak with one another. For whatever does not grow out of God produces smoke, not fire. But what is born of God overcomes the world.”
Let us as we embrace a brand-new year and delight in its possibilities, remembering that we are not called to be disciples of Jesus in our own strength. Let us examine our lives and where the guidance of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit is not there, let us repent and ask for guidance, wisdom and strength. Let us stop trying to do it all without the help of God. I wish you a very happy 2018 and look forward to your continuing love, support and prayers as we journey together to serve our risen saviour in this time and place.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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December 2017
Dear Friends,
The month of December has arrived with all the expectation that the celebration of Christmas brings. The Church is in the period of advent as we prepare and wait with expectation. We focus on the birth stories of Jesus and what it meant for God to come and dwell amongst his people and we think about his promised second coming and what that means for each of us individually. Each year as I prepare for this season I am struck by a line or a verse in the Christmas story and I find myself reflecting on the words. This year is no different and the words that I will meditate on are Luke2: 7. “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” At the birth of Jesus there was no physical room for him but do we have room in our hearts and lives for him today?
Many years ago I heard a sermon preached on Psalm 137. The children of Israel have lost their home. All their possessions are gone. They are defeated and broken and are being taken as slaves to Babylon. They say to those who have enslaved them, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord in a foreign land?” The preacher I referred to earlier, talked about the challenge of sharing the Christian message and that for many people in the UK, that story of faith and hope and a God who dwells with his people is a foreign language. I have been a Christian for just over 30 years and when I venture outside the church and talk about my journey of faith; it can feel like singing the Lord’s song in a strange land.
And so that leads to the question, is there room in our hearts and lives for Jesus? Christmas is a time to reflect on how amazing it is that a God who is creator and sustainer took on frail human flesh to dwell amongst his people. He was not born in a palace but to a poor teenage couple. He came at a time when his people lived under Roman oppression and rule. The birth of Jesus brought the promise of justice, peace, and a time when all people would be valued and achieve their full potential. Too often knowledge of the Christian story is from the media and films and so this Christmas I invite and encourage you to go to the source. Open the Bible and read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Reflect and engage with the material. Let it speak to you and make room in your heart for Jesus, the same Jesus for whom there was no room at the inn.
I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.
May the joy of Christmas fill your lives,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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November 2017
Dear Friends,
I took a stroll into town this morning and noticed that shops had started to put out Christmas decorations and gift sets. For me this marks the beginning of autumn, my favourite season! I like that there is such beauty in nature as the leaves die. I always think that only God shows us that in death there is beauty and hope. I like getting an extra hour in bed and the dark evenings, when curtains are closed and a very ordinary room can become special with flowers and candlelight. For me, November is when I write my Christmas cards and I get all my theological resources on Christmas and start thinking and praying about what God wants me to talk about over the Christmas period.
One of the really important things that I do is prepare for Advent. Without solid Advent preparation, Christmas risks being overtaken by all the other things that are associated with this time of year. The first Sunday in Advent is 3rd December, which gives us sufficient time to start looking at resources on line and thinking about how we are going to spend time reflecting in the run up to Christmas. One of my favourite resources is a little book by Dr Paula Gooder, “The Meaning is in the Waiting”. I recommend this. Alternatively, you could reflect on all the passages relating to the birth of Jesus in the Bible. Another option is to reflect on a Christmas carols/hymns, one for each day of Advent. Some people undertake different tasks each day as part of the strengthening of discipleship, others give up something.
Please do not forget to plan for Advent this year and to spend this time of waiting and preparation, doing exactly that! Should you have any questions about resources or want to discuss this further, please contact me before 3rd December. God will honour your Advent preparations and with it the hope that the Christ Child brings. This will energise us to deal with the darkness that is still very much part of our beautiful world.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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October 2017
Dear Friends,
I write this letter after the Harvest service on 17th September. It was an all age service followed by lunch, where circa forty people were present. The food was of a wonderful variety with lots of leftovers. So well done and thank you to everyone who made it possible, especially in terms of setting up the harvest display and flowers. What is ahead of us? After a very successful and inspiring meeting with the junior church leaders we have decided that once a quarter, worship will be led by the junior church, their teachers, a local preacher or minister. We value people when we give them ownership and allow them to explore. What better gift for our children and young people? Please mark 29th October in your diary and come and worship and support our young people and their families. I will be leading this service. We will of course also need your constructive feedback as we seek to serve all generations.
At the Methodist church conference earlier this year it was suggested that each church allocated a day for praying and fasting. In Isaiah 58, the prophet talks about true fasting and I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on these words. A fast can involve giving up as well as taking on things. We can give up whatever steals the time that we would normally give to God. For me, it would be Netflix and the binge watching of television. For others it could be the snacks between meals or even the telephone. The Methodist Church is suggesting just one day!! At the recent leadership team meeting we designated February 14th, Ash Wednesday, as our day to pray and fast. On the evening of Ash Wednesday we will have a service of Holy Communion and Ashing. Over the next few months we will have more information on what that day would look like.
At the AGM, we designated this year as the one where we would focus on hospitality and getting to know each other better. It would be great to hear how that is progressing. The “younger” people in the church have started “Dinner Church” which involves a meal, prayer and worship at different homes. The first meeting was well received and there are dates for the next two in my diary. The dark evenings are coming and that time of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing will soon be here to entertain us. While they “Keep Dancing” we, God’s people, will not only dance but we will keep praying that his will be done and his Kingdom come!
Be blessed and be a blessing to others,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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September 2017
Dear Friends,
The month of September marks the beginning of a new academic year. Whatever happened in the last academic year is past and here is the opportunity to start afresh, to learn from past experience. May young people will be starting afresh in new schools, some with friends they have known since nursery school, others alone, having to establish new friendships. It can be daunting! Many young people will begin university life and discover just how difficult it is to juggle finances, keep a room clean, do laundry, cook and attend classes! Some will also have a part time job! September marks a fresh start and will bring challenges and joys.
You are not alone! You have been created in the image of a God of love who desires to be in relationship with you. You are unique, created with gifts and talents that God wants to use to his glory and to help human kind. On the days that you waver and we all have them, have a conversation with God, tell him what is on your mind, ask for guidance, and then look for possibilities. Psalm 119: vs. 5 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” John 10: vs10 says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” God cares about each and everyone us and gave himself on the cross, so that we could be in relationship with him through Jesus. He is always calling us and when we respond he is able to sustain, hold and guide us, so that our lives are meaningful and we are able to have that peace which passes all understanding.
Having to deal with new situations can be challenging and many schools and universities provide pastoral support. You do not have to navigate this journey on your own. The resources that schools and universities provide are there to help you. Use them! Remember that you can always have a conversation with God. He longs to hear from you! I often write to him. We are all different.
One of the best gifts I ever received was Bible on my 21st birthday. I was not impressed at the time, but as I navigated my way to adulthood, it is the best present ever. If this letter inspires you to get a Bible then get a version like the “Good News” and start with the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you ever feel particularly afraid, then go to Psalm 23 and tell a loving God your fears.
New beginnings! This is a very special time in your lives. Enjoy the academic year and do your very best!
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
(Methodist Minister Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley)
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July 2017
Dear Friends,
As I write this letter, it is the hottest day of the year and sitting at my desk looking at the garden, I remember writing another letter not so long ago, when there was snow and ice on the ground! Our lives like the seasons vary and it is said that the only constant is change. It has been a difficult few weeks, with terrorist attacks and the destruction of lives by fire, in Kensington and in Portugal. Out of these situations the survivors and those closest to them face the long task of grieving for their loss and rebuilding lives. I was overwhelmed by the response of men and women as they brought food, clothes, mobile phone chargers and gifts to those affected by the Kensington fire. There was so much compassion and it showed the best of what it means to be human, to care for each other in community. After the attack on the mosque at Finsbury Park, people of all faiths gathered to pray and to support each other. There is much that is evil in our world but as humankind is created in the image of God there is much that is good. As ever, there is hope. We hope that out of these dark times there will emerge resurrection possibilities. We continue to pray, to seek God’s wisdom, to highlight social justice issues and to love our neighbour. As you enjoy summer, be aware, be kind and if the opportunity arises share what it means to be a Christian. This is my last letter until September, so stay safe and give everything to God in prayer.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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June 2017
Dear Friends,
I hope that this letter finds you well. We had a very good annual general meeting in April and decided that the next year would provide more opportunity for prayer and hospitality as we discern how best to serve the community and share the love of God in Jesus. I therefore want to encourage you to take the opportunity to invite others for a meal or coffee and indeed and to accept invitations! Maybe it is through those conversations and shared meals that we will be able to understand each other better and the Holy Spirit help us discern new and different ways to be church. I have now had the opportunity to invite someone for lunch and I have been invited to dinner. I learnt so much about the families involved and we were able to share our joys and concerns. If you have not done so, then may I encourage you to prayerfully embark on this journey. With regards to prayer, we made available all the opportunities for prayer in churches in Hemel Hempstead from 25th April to 4th June under the “Thy Kingdom Come” initiative. I trust that you were able to avail yourself of these. There will be more opportunities to pray using different styles, so please read the notices! I would also add that if you have any suggestions or would like to lead an event I will be delighted to hear from you.
June is also a special month in Methodism in 2017 as we are being asked by the Connexion to preach on the letter of James for the month of June and that fellowship and bible study groups should focus on this book in the Bible. I hope that you find it enlightening and exciting! The excitement continues as the UK goes to the polls on June 8th, determining the policies for the next five years, especially in the light of Brexit. Please note that there is a hustings meeting on 30th May at New Life Pentecostal Church (details in the notices). Please pray for wisdom, help for the poor and disenfranchised and that the Holy Spirit would be heard.
Finally the church council is on June 20th and it would be great to see as many people as possible as we continue to discern God’s vision for us in this place and time. We will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost on 4th June and it is the same Holy Spirit today that can change the hearts of men and women. Let us continue to seek God and to be obedient to his will.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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May 2017
Dear Friends,
On 4th April, Sue Dyce, Lyndsay Campbell, Janice Lewis, Chris O’Reilly and I made our way to Spring Harvest, a Christian gathering at a Butlins holiday resort in Minehead in Somerset. It was my third time there and I was looking forward to the times of worship, the excellent teaching and seminars and the beach, which is just across the road. It is a time of spiritual and physical refreshment. This year the theme of Spring Harvest was unity and many of the sessions were on how to disagree as brothers and sisters of Christ. It was quite challenging and in the prayer room I discovered the “Disagreeing Well” . It was a well made out of a wooden pail and around it was pebbles and you were encouraged to think of a disagreement you had with someone, to pray and reflect on it and to drop the pebble in the well and to move on. I found it really helpful and may yet have a “Disagreeing Well” at Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church!
Every evening there was worship in the large auditorium with just under 2,000 people. It was amazing but could get a little loud. The alternative was a quieter style of worship which Sue and I found really helpful. I did struggle a little bit with some of the theology but theme was “disagreeing well”! There is something for everyone and families are well and truly catered for with the opportunity to use all Butlins amenities like water slides and swimming pools. They also had their own sessions for every age group!
My memory of Spring Harvest 2017 would be early morning walks on the beach, on my own, with the sunshine on my face and a cool air. God was very present in the beauty and the tranquillity and I felt my soul being restored. I also enjoyed meeting up with the others for refreshments and for sharing how God was speaking to us. It was a special time. My dream would be to take more people to Spring Harvest, especially the younger families and those who have just started worshipping with us. Next year the dates at Minehead are 3rd -8th April or 8th-12th April. If you are interested in this, please have a conversation with me as soon as possible so that we can start saving up! It might be possible to have some help from the church, if necessary. It is a wonderful church family time together, with the opportunity to have your own space. I commend it to you.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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April 2017
Dear Friends,
New life, birth, hope and possibilities are all part of our Easter celebrations. I wonder how you celebrate Easter Day. For many people extensive preparations go into the preparation of Christmas dinner and it is seen as a time to be with family and friends. What does your Easter Day celebration look like? In an ideal world, I would like an 8.00 am quiet service of Holy Communion. This would not involve preaching but just reading the gospels, prayers, reflection and Holy Communion. This would then be followed by breakfast and refreshments and the 10.30 am family service (allowing junior church teachers to worship) with an informal Holy Communion. At the end of that service people could go home as refreshments would have been served earlier. There would be no evening service. After these wonderful acts of worship, I would have a lovely lunch with family and friends. Let us not forget to celebrate Easter. Thankfully, most shops are not open!
At Easter we celebrate that death is not the end but through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the enemy of humankind has been defeated. We are promised that as followers of Jesus we will one day be in the presence of God and have eternity with him. This gives hope in the face of loss. Easter assures us that when we experience difficult times and loss, that there can still be possibilities. It is often said that we are a people of death and resurrection. Yet so often we hold on to situations that we need to let go off and allow ourselves to be blessed by God’s new possibilities for us. Easter reminds us that it is okay to let go and to look forward.
It is at a time of joy, especially if we engage with events like , The Last Supper, his washing of the disciple feet, Jesus wrestling with his call in the garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal by Judas, his trial and the witnesses who falsely testified, his being beaten and humiliated and finally crucified. To do that journey with Jesus is to celebrate the Risen Lord on Easter Sunday!! And a celebration it is!! Just think how much God was prepared to do to show his love for the world and for you! Could you be more loved? Yes, I know that there is injustice and brokenness, pain and suffering but God invites us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, to become part of his Kingdom, to use our gifts and abilities to make a difference, to make his Kingdom come and his will be done.
On Maundy Thursday there will be a service at Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a Good Friday service at 10.30 am and Easter Celebrations at 10.30 am on Easter Sunday. Come and celebrate God’s love and possibilities for you and for us! Have a blessed Easter!
Yours in Christ,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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January 2017
Dear Friends,
A happy New Year to you!! What will 2017 bring for the world, for the United Kingdom, for you and me? A brand new year, blank sheets of paper on which the stories which make up each life will be written. I always start the year with a sense of hope and anticipation and many people will make their New Year resolutions. Whether or not you make resolutions, the start of the year is a wonderful time to spend in reflection, looking at life’s journey so far and reassessing, asking questions like, am I in the right place? What are the things that bring me joy and peace? What are my hopes and dreams in 2017? You do not have to this alone. If you go the Bible there are many verses which remind us that God wants to guide and journey with us. The prophet Jeremiah says, ‘this is what the Lord says…For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me and I will listen.’ In Psalm 119, the psalmist says, ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Finally, Psalm 91 assures us, ‘He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’
We are not alone in this journey called life. God is with us and his promises are real, yesterday, today and forever. It does not matter if you have never had a conversation with God, be assured that he is a God who is constantly calling his people, wanting to hear their, stories, to bring healing, forgiveness and restoration of broken relationships. If you want to have a conversation about anything that you have read here or just a general conversation about church, please do not hesitate to contact on 01442 243553 or at Vindra.maraj-ogden@methodist.org.uk.
Whatever 2017 brings may you know God’s peace, joy, love and presence. Happy New Year!!
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
Methodist Minister
Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley
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December 2016
Dear Friends,
As you read this letter we are in the period of Advent as we wait and prepare for Christmas Day. How will you be observing this time of Advent? It is easy to get wrapped up in all that is needed to make Christmas special; the buying, writing and sending of Christmas cards, the shopping for presents and indeed the wrapping and delivery of them, the many functions to attend at work and at church, the shopping, preparation and cooking of food, the decoration of the house and indeed the Christmas tree! It is exhausting just listing it all down! So breathe and stop and think…how am I preparing myself to receive the Christ child once again? What did it mean for God’s people over 2,000 years ago? What does it mean for us now? What does it mean for you and me in our particular situations? Preparation for Advent may involve engaging with the Advent liturgy and spending time reflecting on the theme of each Sunday. It could mean praying with Advent hymns, like “O come, O come Immanuel”, “There is a light upon the mountains” and “Longing for light”. There are many Advent resources available to aid, so please speak to me if you need direction or just put in “Advent Resources “in your search engine.
Not only do we prepare at Advent but we wait. We wait with God’s people in their brokenness for the birth of Jesus. We wait for his promised second coming and what that means for us and we also think about the things that we are waiting for today in our own lives and how we wait as we trust God for the outcome. As we reflect on what it is to wait and prepare during Advent, we await Christmas Day in anticipation and joy, not only for the presents and the people we will spend the time with, but because we know that God is with us. Whether we are surrounded by many people on Christmas Day or we are alone, God is with us. In Jesus he broke into our time and space and lived as one us, dying on the cross so that we could know the forgiveness of sins, have a relationship with a Holy God and be assured of eternal life. God is with us!!!
I pray that this will be a very special Christmas, even if you experiencing some things for the first time. Life changes! There is birth, death, new relationships, and different circumstances. However and wherever Christmas Day finds you, do not be afraid, God is with you!
Have a blessed Christmas,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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November 2016
Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago I lead "Food for Thought" a monthly Saturday morning/breakfast discussion group at Kings Langley Methodist Church. I used the "Poverty and Justice" bible which prompted the letter below from Harold Taylor. I hope that you find it as inspirational as I did. On Sunday 27th November , the season of Advent begins. May I encourage you to think about how you will wait, watch and pray as Christmas Day approaches. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like Advent resources.
with every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
The Bible Full of Holes
In recent years, there has been a spate of new translations of the Bible, each claiming to make the great book (library) more accessible for the contemporary reader. In one sense, this is admirable - but the field is becoming rather crowded, so much so that perhaps the time has come to call for a temporary halt. Such paraphrases as The Message and the New World have much value for personal reading but, I feel, are not quite” right” in public worship. (My own preference is for the Revised English Bible (REV!) which is a lightly edited version of the New English Bible).
Now, in the light of recent experience, I would make an exception to the reservations expressed above. In the course of a recent session of Food4Thought at the Methodist church, our attention was drawn to the Bible Society's Poverty and Justice translation of the Bible (Contemporary English Version aka CEV). Its singular merit is that it traces throughout the Bible God's loving concern for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the alien by underlining relevant passages of the text in colour. In this way, splashes of red leap from the printed page.
In his review of this publication, Jim Wallis, a prominent and influential American social activist, endorses it brilliantly. He writes: "When we were seminarians, the Early Sojourners community (of Christian social campaigners) decided to do an experiment. We cut out of an old Bible every reference to the poor, to poverty, to justice. After stripping out more than 2,000 verses, we were left with a Bible full of holes. Imagine my surprise to hear of the Poverty and Justice Bible with all those texts not only restored but actually underlined. The Bible full of holes has been replaced by the Holy Bible." One of the central messages of the Holy Scriptures has thereby been restored.
So I strongly commend to readers' attention this invaluable aid to understanding the Bible in vivid contemporary language. Unlike some other versions, it is a genuine translation by highly competent scholars rather than a paraphrase such as The Message is It includes helpful clarificatory comments on the text.
Fired with enthusiasm, I ordered a copy via the web at the huge cost of 1p plus £ 2.80 p&p. It duly landed on my doormat with a resounding thud a few days later- remarkable value. But hurry- stocks are very limited.
Harold Taylor
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October 2016
Dear Friends,
The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes says that there is a time and a season for everything, a time to live and a time to die. Our lives are dominated by the seasons. They inform how we dress, our extra curricular activities, how late we choose to stay out. Each season brings its joys and challenges. For people who suffer from hay fever, summer can be a devastating time. For those whose moods are affected by light and sunshine as the days become shorter, it makes them more prone to sadness and depression. I wonder how the seasons affect you and what preparation you make to enjoy each season.
September is my favourite month and autumn my favourite season. I like September because you can have beautiful summer days without intense heat and hay fever season for me is past. I love walking and it is perfect month for going on long walks. I also remember having a huge loss in September as a young Christian and really having to think about death and resurrection and what I believed as a Christian. It was towards the end of September when the leaves started to die on the trees. As I looked at the trees, I saw that there was great beauty in death. God is so amazing that as spring ends and we go into autumn we are surrounded by spectacular colour. For me September is a month that speaks of death and resurrection. The leaves will continue to fall off the trees as they lay bare for winter and then in Spring new life will begin. It is hard to take a loss through the winter, but sometimes we just need that time to grieve, to come to terms and to hear God speak of a new way of being and of new possibilities.
In the month of August, I presided at four funerals and came alongside those facing the death of a loved one. In each of these services there were words about resurrection and eternal life. When we lose someone, what we believe in can sometimes be challenged. I hold on that first Easter Sunday, when the disciples had lost all hope and the women went to the garden to anoint the body, only to be told that Jesus had risen! Mary encounters the risen Christ and she joyfully returns to the disciples to share her news. The resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost changed these disciples to men and women with good news to tell, that death was not to be feared, that we are promised eternal life.
When we have moments of doubt, let us look at the seasons, at the death and resurrection of each season, the cycle of life and be encouraged. Let us also be an encouragement to others as they struggle with loss and grief. Jesus says in John 10:10, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Let us live a full life!
September is also my favourite month because it marks the start of ‘Strictly’ season and I look forward to dark Saturday evenings, sequins, being with good friends and dancing!
Be blessed,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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September 2016
Dear Friends,
September is one of my favourite months as summer lingers and one can have truly spectacular days. It is also that time when we slowly move from summer to autumn and we become very aware that summer is at its end. September is also a time for new beginnings, a change of form at school, a completely new school or the beginning of life at university. In September, the Methodist year officially begins and we mark this by having the Covenant service on the first Sunday in September. This year it is particularly special as we will be receiving folk into membership, reminding them of what it means to be a member of the Methodist Church. It is also around this time that members receive their membership tickets. Do you know where your membership ticket is? Do you know that it says?
It says, As a member of the Methodist Church I am called to:
Worship within the local church, including regular sharing in Holy Communion, and through personal prayer.
Learning and Caring, through Bible study and meeting for fellowship, so that I may grow in faith and support others in their discipleship.
Service, by being a good neighbour in the community, challenging injustice and using my resources to support the Church in its mission in the world.
Evangelism, through working out my faith in daily life and sharing Christ with others.
As we begin a new year and reflect on the year past, I would like to encourage you to prayerfully consider what the membership ticket says and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and encourage you as you seek to fully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this time and place.
I look forward to seeing you at the Covenant service when we will one more acknowledge God’s promises to us and entrust all that we are into his hands for his purposes.
Every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden
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July 2016
Dear Friends,
We have over the last few weeks had productive discussions at the AGM and the follow up on Saturday 11th June. Thank you for sacrificially giving your time to these, for prayers and for support. It is always difficult to find a date that suits everyone. During those discussions we broke our goals down into short term- 12 months, medium term- 24 months and long term- 36 months.
Short Term
In the short term we will be looking at how Messy Church and Buzz work and how to accommodate this growing work given our resources. We are also keen to have music afternoons, different from the Songs of Praise but involving music, food and fellowship. Social events where we can come together and invite others will also be a priority and we agreed to have four of these each year including the Harvest Supper which will be on Saturday 15th October. In addition, we will continue to develop our relationship with Oxygen and work towards building relationships with the people who use our premises. We agreed that specific prayer is needed for our young peoples’ work and there will be an item in the notices asking people to contact Janice Lewis, if they would like to be part of that. At the Covenant service on 4th September we will ask people to wear name badges, to help us to remember peoples’ names.
Medium Term
Run a Holiday at Home Club for the elderly
A Christmas Tree Festival
Invite Pam Rhodes to lead a Songs of Praise style service
Long Term
Invite the Television Programme ‘Songs of praise’.
Parents and Toddlers Group
13-18 year olds- Fellowship
It is an exciting time and as we embark on these projects, please consider where you are able to give your time and resources and pray, because ‘with God all things are possible’.
With every blessing,
Revd Vindra Maraj-Ogden