Cheddington Methodist Church
Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee tel no: 01525 240083
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
“Gobsmacked”
During the cascading eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano my dad lost his goats. Goat farming was predominant and most natives preferred mutton mainly in Goat Water which is the national dish of Montserrat. On the face of it, goat farming was no easy feat - the goats were wild and dwelt on the shrublands and rocky areas which made it difficult to reach them. Conversely, my husband was very much involved in sheep farming where he guided them into green pastures. So, innately he has this keen interest towards sheep. He is always admiring them with a beaming smile. Even taking a video of a lamb kicking Emmanuel’s football and a compelling request, “Come and see the sheep.”
I was hushed in amazement by one of these irresistible insistent invites gobsmacked to the point of being speechless how the sheep ran to the farmer like a toddler to their mum. Surely, sheep can recognise their shepherd’s voice and follow their leader based on that recognition. They learn to associate the shepherd’s voice with guidance and trust. And this is the theological point Jesus is conveying to his audience in the Gospel of John “But you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, I know them, and they follow me.”
This astounding theological claim leaves us gobsmacked where it necessitates knowing Christ the Shepherd’s voice to inherently become a part of the fold. Unequivocally, for the natural man this sounds hypothetical. The world categorises this as a myth, something fanatical or some phonological exercise. But for the believer it is a real experience. But how undoubtedly do we recognize the Shepherd’s voice? How do we know it is not an illusion?
Perhaps, having an acquired relational contact like the shepherd and the sheep also means having a progressive relationship with Jesus. The Psalmist David knew this too well, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” By spending time in prayer which allows us to admit our failures, weaknesses, and limitations to One who responds to human vulnerability with infinite mercy; meditating and reading Scripture that develop that mysterious connection with Christ the Good Shepherd that propels us to follow him.
It may be that we also recognise the Shepherd’s voice through the faith community. BBC news has been covering the election of the new Pope. The Conclave met to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and elected Pope – Leo XIV after four rounds to lead 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. We wait to see whether it was personal inclinations instead of divine guidance based on the outcome of his papal tenure.
Think for a moment: what are the ways you hear Jesus’ voice today? Jesus promises that his sheep hear his voice and follow him is comforting. It tells us that being part of his flock you are never alone; his guidance and protection are always with us. As we reflect on what this reading may mean, how can we strive to be attentive to the voice of Jesus, guiding us through the Holy Spirit?
Noreen
SERVICES FOR 2025
We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.
| Sunday 4th May |
3pm Rev Richard Atkinson |
| Sunday 11th May |
Mr Ken Harris |
| Sunday 18th May |
No Service at Cheddington – Joint Service at Wingrave Methodist Church – Rev Noreen Daley-Lee
3.30 pm at Cheddington – Messy Church |
| Sunday 25th May |
Rev Hayford Ofori-Attah – Service of Holy Communion |
| Sunday 1st June |
Mrs Louise Atkinson – Reader Service |
| Sunday 8th June |
Mr Ken Harris |
| Sunday 15th June |
Café Church – Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 22nd June |
No Service at Cheddington – Circuit Service at Aylesbury Methodist Church |
| Sunday 29th June |
Rev Arthur Cowburn – Service of Holy Communion – United Service with St Giles at the Methodist Church |
"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES
For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:
OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
This is an opportunity for all to meet/socialise each Friday morning and have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit/cake. Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.
MEN’S GROUP: This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon. Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.
The Singalong Café will be held on Tuesday 10 June 2.30 – 4.30 pm at the Methodist Chapel. It will be led by Karen, Cathy and Trevor who are all accomplished musicians. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone. Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers.
BOOKS and JIGSAWS: A collection of paperback books and jigsaws for buying or borrowing; if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated. Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you. The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon. If you have paperback books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.
WARM SPACES: The Methodist Schoolroom will be open on Fridays 12 noon to 2.00 pm for a soup lunch for all those who would like to meet together. Donations of tins of soup or bread, tea/coffee or biscuits can be dropped off at the Chapel on Fridays from 10.30 am. This is a Churches Together initiative in conjunction with the Parish Council to whom we are most grateful for their financial support. All enquiries to Cathy Craft email:
DO YOU LIKE BOARD GAMES?
And card games? Would you like the opportunity to play with different people? If you are interested come and join us at the Methodist School Room on Wednesday 18th June at 2pm. Cheddington WI together with the Methodist Chapel are hoping to run an event monthly on the third Wednesday of the month EVERYONE is welcome. We have a few games already including Chess, Scrabble, Triominoes, Rummikub, Boggle, Skyjo and new one since last month Five Crowns. We offer these as a starting point but please bring your own favourites. This is a great opportunity to join something new and help to shape it. Initially we are charging £3 a session which includes refreshments. After expenses any profit will go to the WI charity of the year. This year it is ‘DAFS’, a Drugs & Alcohol Family Support charity operating locally. We look forward to seeing you.
LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.
Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available. For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham, Tel. 660205 or email .