Page 3 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • December 2001 3
R'eligion & R'elationships in an uncertain world

It's the second week of November, the autumnal colours are at their best, I've just helped lead a
Remembrance Service at the Memorial Ground, the home of Bristol Rugby, we've just witnessed
an abundance of fireworks on 5 November, the world at large continues to be evermore precarious,
and here I am composing a Christmas message for the folk who read The Link!
Many of us will re- The first two Rs are a ability, the uncertainty, and the
member the educational given and are a very spe- brokenness of humanity. For that
3 R's of our childhood cial part of my life — the is what God, our Creator Father,
with differing emotions third however causes me wishes all the time — to make con-
—for me, as the years have much angst and discom- nections, to be in'relationship' with
unfolded, they have ac- fort. In fact, I can't stand the us, to be truly 'with us' in every
quired a different conno- word anymore — it smacks circumstance.
tation. They stand for of prejudice, hatred, divi- Its so important that we have
R'osemary (my wife), sion, and man-made ritual particular days and festivals
R'ugby (will England and regulations. planned each year so that we can
overcome the mighty Australians The dread of young children focus on the essential 'truths' of
at Twickenham tomorrow?); and walking to school amidst a bar- our existence. And the Truth of
R'eligion. rage of obscenity and vitriolic Christmas is that 'God with us'
abuse; in many eyes, two world came to live among us, to share in
THE faiths vying for control and world our earthly relationships and ulti- 'WE COME TO YOU'
domination; ethnic and religious
mately, to present Himself, the Per-
factions fighting mercilessly for a son Jesus, as a sacrifice for all of us. Free collection
BATTERY SHOP homeland — all in the name of 're- What is Christmas? It is about & delivery
ligion.' joy and laughter, the giving and
Goldstar Services * Servicing &
But thankfully, a fourth 'R' has receiving of gifts, the time with
46 Manchester Road developed for me year by year and family and friends, the special oc- repairs
Swindon replaced religion - namely the casions at the end of the year and BIKE * No call out charge
01793 421509 word Relationship. And this is for far too many, much loneliness WE ALSO SELL
what Christmas is all about. and heartache.
www. thebatte ryshop.co. uk ,t New & used cycles
Each and every Christmas is a But it can be so much more than
time to remember'Immanuel' -'God that. Amidst the fear and unknown Christmas Club now started.
Every battery with us' - the Christ-child who of the future, it is once again the Small deposit reserves
came to dwell within the vulner- beginning of living in hope and in
you'll ever - the light of the One who came
,(
down from heaven - it's about
need Collect up your coins making and continuing a
Car batteries from £22.99 and fight the freeze R'elationship - with Him, with each
Cordless phone batteries from £7.99 All those European coins buried other and within ourselves.
in drawers around the house are May this Christmas be a time of
Golf trolley batteries from £43.99
going to become worthless on 1 new and wonderful relationships
Camcorder batteries from £26.99 January with the launch of the for you, both human and divine. We have two large
Also batteries for: torches, pagers, Euro. barns full of top
But Age Concern Swindon can Christingles in Peatmoor quality furnishing
remote controls, computers, key fobs, LOOSE'
cash them in and use the proceeds Peter is leading a Christingle Serv- fabrics (often more ENDS
alarms, toys, electric toy cars,
to help older people survive the ice on 2 December, 4pm, at than 50 metres) which
remote control model racing,
winter by providing blankets, Peatmoor Community School.
cameras SLR/compact/digital are the ends of ranges.
warm clothing, heaters, hot meals, Children and families are espe- Also wallpapers. All are from
Battery refurbishment service for: companionship and advice. cially welcome to join in with this
cordless tools, laptops, camcorders, etc. There are more winter deaths in special service organised by SP4SP leading manufacturers at
Britain than any other European (Sunday People 4 Sparcells and greatly reduced prices.
NEW: NI-MH AA1800MAH Why not come and see us?
country. Peatmoor). "It's a time of fellow-
re-chargeable batteries
Currency can be taken to the ship in the school hall where we Sheira Brookes. Giles Green,
for digital cameras Age Concern shop in Fleet Street, will make the Christingles, fol- Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.
X1111 Energlzei or Alliance & Leicester Bank, Hali- lowed by a time of worship and Tel: 01666 510685
A
VIJA f M fax Bank or Travelcare shop. praise," said Peter. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm
A DURACEL L 7
VARTA
It's Christmas - treat yourself odybliss
St Tropez self tanning from £19.
Probably the best self tanner on B Beauty &Aromatherapy
the market.
=^a Swindon's laser
Y4'Nail extensions - gels and tips, nail hair removal
art and airbrushing designs. New °°Cy , clinic for men
Bio Sculpture gel - kind to your
and women
own nails & permanent colour gels. ° Excellent rates
.
4 SGmwrap for that instant result £38
Monthly skin clinic Monday 5th December, appointments 4pm - 9pn:
m
Collagen repair from £150.00 a Scleropathy leg thread vein
O Radient Health consultations - is removal - £125
this the most amazing diet ever? Skin resurfacing consultations -
From £25. advice and products from £35
01793 825525 Creche*, ample free parking
Stratton Leisure Centre, Grange Drive *open late evenings and Saturdays