A Monthly Publication

Dear friends,

Sadly for the fans it’s come to an end. The films of Harry Potter. The last book was published in 2007 but our interest was kept going through the films. Now as the saying is, ‘Read the book(s), seen the film(s) and got the T shirt.’

Having read the books of course we knew what was coming in the films, only of course film makers often change the story line, including completely omitting some of the characters. Harry Potter lends itself immediately to all of the current effects available to today’s film makers. The effects almost make you believe in magic. And not only with Harry Potter. Through some of the younger members of St Edmund’s congregation I’ve been introduced to Nanny MacPhee. All of these films are fantasy, not magic. The film makers must have been especially challenged by the Harry Potter books. Writing fantasy is one thing, portraying it is an entirely different matter. Once completed, the film makers can make us believe that almost anything is possible.

Much has already been written about Harry Potter. As well as those of us who love it, there are still Christians who worry that it will lead people into witchcraft. I no longer waste time arguing with such people, I just ask them if they have read the books for themselves. In the majority of cases they have never read them. If you want to know what something is like, go direct to the source, never mind the hear-say. If you take the time to read the books they are full of Christian allegory. We have the Saviour figure in Harry Potter and the personification of evil in the character of Lord Voldemort (He who must not be named). There is an on-going battle between the force of good and evil.

Like Jesus on the cross, Harry has to sacrifice his life to save everyone else. Just as on Good Friday when it looked like the end of the battle and evil had won, it looks as if Voldemort has won when he kills Harry. Just as with Jesus there is resurrection for Harry. He returns to continue the fight and Voldemort is finally defeated. Goodness triumphs.

If we look carefully at what J K Rowling’s writes we see that it as more than just good winning the battle against evil. All through the books Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School, continually emphasises the power of love which Voldemort has never known, and has no time for. Harry through his dedication inspires his fellow pupils not to give up, nor to be content with an easy life, but to accept that there are battles which must be faced and fought.

If children (and adults) who read the books mull over the stories then much of the Christian teaching has been planted within them. For which, rather than criticise, we should be thankful. God is not confined to the Bible, nor to the life of the Church. Sometimes we Christians can be too narrow, and fail to see where God is working and what is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Be thankful that there are those who use their gifts to communicate all that is good and godly.

Your priest and pastor,

Fr John Bloomfield

Tuesday September 6th the Deanery Synod meets to vote on the consecration of women bishops. The clergy & lay representatives on the Deanery Synod meet on this issue. The process continues with a vote being taken at Diocesan Synod before returning to the General Synod. It might be good to make your views known to the representative from our two parishes who sit on the local deanery synod. At St Edmunds they are: Josephine Griffin, Derek Kilsby and Marguerite Wright. And at St Andrews it is John Crofts.

Saturday 10th September is the annual cycle ride to raise money for historic churches. Stephen Andrews, Daniel & Evan are once again taking part. They would be pleased to receive your support. If anyone would like to take part please speak to Stephen. We also hope that you will volunteer to sit in both our churches to welcome those taking part and to offer refreshments.

Also on Saturday 10th September Hunstanton St Edmund’s are celebrating Harvest Thanksgiving. Decoration of the church takes place from 9.45am onwards with everyone invited to decorate the church and bring their harvest gifts. There will be a sung Evensong at 6pm followed by a Harvest supper. Names for the meal to Marguerite Wright £7 for adults and £3.50. This will be followed by some more home made entertainment. So, if you can dance, whistle, sing, recite poetry (or anything else) and would like to perform in a friendly atmosphere please speak to Fr John.

Sunday September 11th Harvest celebrations continue at St Edmund’s with a Family Eucharist. This will include the baptism of Toby Jenkins (son of Jessica & Martin).

Sunday September 18th Harvest at Ringstead. The church will be decorated on the Saturday. Please come along and bring your harvest gifts and celebrate God’s goodness.

Saturday September 24th Messy Cathedral Day. A day of fun around the Christian Gospel has been arranged for our young people of the diocese. A coach has been booked for the deanery. If you would like to attend speak to Marguerite Wright or Josephine Griffin.