The Passion of the Christ
So it is official, the box office records set by the-Lord of the Rings have been broken by a film about the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ! Jesus said referring to his crucifixion, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." History has proved the enduring power of the cross to change lives.
Mel Gibson's film, 'The Passion of the Christ' is proving to be one of the most controversial films of all time. At one level I am wary of writing anything until I have seen the film but I also feel the churches voice shouldn't be silent in the run up to its UK release especially as we approach our Easter celebrations. Perhaps the major points of controversy concern whether the film is unnecessarily violent and whether it is in any way anti-Semitic?
Some people are arguing that this is one of the very few films where the violence is an absolutely necessary part of the story. 'This is violence with reverence, not violence with fun'. Others will say that the film focuses in graphically on the most gory aspects of what happened to Jesus and that the graphic slow motion shots are in stark contrast to the gospels brief and restrained description of the physical suffering that Jesus endured. 'Some will be fascinated. Some will be appalled and offended. Some will be engrossed in spite of themselves, unable to turn away from the inexorable progress of the torture and execution.' It's 18 rating clearly means it will not be a film to show children. My concern as a believer is whether this film brings honour and glory to Jesus. Will people be drawn to him perhaps realising just how much he was prepared to suffer for our sakes? I want my hero, the desire of my soul, to be honoured.
Some groups have accused this film of being anti-Semitic. This accusation arises because of the way the film portrays the Jewish authorities in an unremittingly negative manner, and portrays the non-Jew Pilate in a neutral or sympathetic manner, which flies in the face of Pilate's historical reputation as a cowardly bully. Of course we should not forget that the heroes of the film were all Jewish. Thomas Minarik, writing in Religion Today says, 'The real controversy isn't over the widely reported allegations of anti-Semitism? but that Mel Gibson places the blame for the brutal death of Jesus squarely where it belongs - on each of us.' I hope that the film forcibly reminds me that it wasn't a bunch of wicked Jews that was responsible so much as it was I that was responsible for Jesus' death.
Mel Gibson chose not to appear in his own movie, except at one point: it is Gibson's own hands that are seen nailing Christ to the cross. Gibson chose to do this because it was indeed his hands (and mine, and yours) that nailed Christ there. It was my sin for which he suffered and died, he did it for me so that I can say with Paul, 'The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.' (Galatians 2v20) He took the punishment and blame that should have been mine so that I might go free! Mel Gibson was surely right to say his film is based on 'The greatest love story of all time'.
John Hebblethwaite
Weekly Activities
10:45am & 6:15pm
All are welcome to join us.
There are tapes of the sermons preached in the church over the last three years. Please email Jerry Griffiths to find out more about what is available.
Sunday 10:45am
On average around fifteen children attend the Junior Church every Sunday morning. The children are aged between three and eleven. They are divided into two age groups according to their age, meeting for news and songs at the beginning and again at the end of the meeting. There are four teachers and four helpers that work with the children.
The Junior Church aims to teach about the bible and how it can be applied to everyday life. It also enables the children to talk about their lives and how God helps and guides them, giving opportunity for them to praise and thank God for what he has done. Children learn through many varied activities and get involved themselves by bringing books, stories and news to share.
Each Christmas the Junior Church puts on a play where all take part. This year "Time" was the theme. Children acted out the Nativity and Easter story showing the time when Jesus came to earth. It also asked poignant question about how we all use our time and efforts.
The Junior Church welcomes all to come and worship and learn more about the God of the bible.
For further information contact Louise Waters on (01509) 672633.
Last Monday of month
A club for fairly active retired or semi-retired men (50+) which meets on the last Monday in each month. Activities include easy walks - ussually in The Peak District or Leicestershire and visits to various places of interest, followed by a pub lunch. Good conversation and gentle humour abound.
Contact: John Dickens (01509) 673007
Tuesdays & Fridays 9.45am (term time)
Sutton Bonington Mothers & Toddlers group. Meet every Tuesday & Friday from 9.45am till 12 noon. Everyone is welcome from birth to 4 years of age.
Contact Katharine Hebblethwaite for more details.
Phone 01509 672889
Tuesdays 3.45pm
ASK? is a youth club for (yrs 3-6)
We run our programme during school term times. Our programme typically consists of craft, snacks, question times,creative Christian talks and activities and active games.
For further information telephone Beth Cumming on (01509) 843923 or email her.
Tuesdays 7.45pm
Rock Solid is resourced by Youth for Christ, which is an organisation specialising in providing resources for youth work. The material we use is specifically geared towards the 11-14 age group, with its particular tastes, interests and needs in mind and provides young people with an opportunity to explore major life issues and choices from a Christian perspective. The overall programme is high-energy, exciting with lots of activities and lots to think about.
Special events and nights out are also a regular part of the programme.
For further information contact David and Karen Gray on 01509 674762 or email them.
Wednesdays 8pm
A club for years 10 and above (14+yrs),
Meets Wednesday evenings 8pm-9.30pm
Leaders
Sarah and Paul Tremeer, Brian Butler, Paddy McGhee, Martin Steel
The club meets for social club nights, trips out, discussions about relevant issues from a Christian perspective and much more!
For more info contact Paul and Sarah Tel. 01509 672917
Small groups - Fornightly on Thursdays & Fridays
Prayer meetings - Fortnightly on Thursday's 7.45pm
We have a number of small groups meeting in peoples homes at different times and days to suit everybody. These groups for the purpose of supporting and encouraging one another. These meetings usually include an opportunity to pray together and study the bible.
The small groups meet once every two weeks.
The meeting on the alternate Thursday is an all together meeting for prayer and praise in the church lounge. We have a time of open praise followed by a special prayer topic. We also pray for people and events in the church and community as well as for friends and members of the church family serving God in different parts of the world.
From time to time we run enquirers groups for those who want find out more about Christian faith. This may be an Alpha course or something similar.
If you would like to find out more about the small groups please contact Pastor John Hebblethwaite on (01509) 672889
Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am
Coffee Break meets alternate Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12 midday in the Baptist Church lounge Sutton Bonington. It's a chance for retired people to meet and enjoy chat and friendship over tea / coffee and biscuits, followed by fellowship through varied and interesting speakers. A warm welcome is given to all and an offer of transport is also available.
Contact: Iris Bonner (01509) 672788 or Mu Miller (01509) 670231 email
Wednesdays 7.45pm
Meets weekly on a Wednesday evening at 7.45pm (in a home). All welcome! For further details of venue, or for transport, please phone Val Thomson on (01509) 670104, or e-mail Val.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Are you new to this country? Would you like to know more about life in the UK and enjoy friendship in a relaxed atmosphere (with opportunity to practice your English too!)? Perhaps you may like to share a little about your country and customs with us! You will be most welcome to join us, together with your children.
We meet on two Thursdays a month at 1.30pm in the lounge of the Baptist Church in Sutton
Bonington (next to the Post Office). We aim to finish around 3.20pm. On one Thursday we have a programme which includes outings, cooking, crafts, discussions etc, and on the other Thursday we have opportunity to look at the Bible to learn together what it has to say for our daily lives as women.
Once a month on a Friday evening we have fun having dinner together in someone’s home - a chance to relax without the children!
Please do contact Val if you would like further information.
Visit our web page to see what we have been doing recently.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Meeting on the alternate Thursday at 1.30pm, contact Val Thomson on (01509) 670104 or e-mail Val for further details or transport if needed.
Other special events throughout the year are also held, eg at the Lunar New Year, and at Christmas, contact Val for details.
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