Welcome to The Weobley & Staunton Benefice

Matthew’s gospel records a singular moment in the life of Matthew the tax collector.  The moment is captured quite simply:

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him (Matthew 9:9).

It’s worth considering this situation more deeply. Matthew was reviled by the Jewish community. In collecting taxes for the Roman government, he was openly collaborating with the enemy. Every day he would have faced hostility from his own people: sneering, curses, threats and perhaps even the odd beating. But collecting taxes was also lucrative, and he was able to set aside a good portion of the taxes for his own upkeep. The tax collector’s booth was housed in a busy public area and visible to the Roman authorities. It was therefore simultaneously both a safe space and a despised space for Matthew.

When Jesus enters the town, he calls Matthew to follow him and leave the booth. Matthew is called out of the situation in which he finds himself trapped; out of the prison of his choices and his addiction to the increase of wealth. In accepting the invitation to follow Jesus, Matthew is embracing the possibility of a new identity and a new life ahead. Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus is incredibly risky, but it’s ultimately liberating.

It’s like this with us also. While we may not be social outcasts or earn our living from dubious means like Matthew, we are always being called by Jesus to follow him and thus open ourselves to change. Jesus’ love for us is not passive or maudlin. It is always challenging us, encouraging us, testing us and calling us forward out of the self-defined cages in which we so often operate.  To follow Jesus means to consciously make the choice of entering the risky and unknown territory of putting faith into action. It is the road less travelled but taking it can make all the difference.

Rev’d Philip

During our recent sunny afternoon Rogationtide walk through the orchards between Byford and Monnington we were accompanied by several happy dogs. The question was ventured as to whether our four-footed friends could be counted in our ‘statistics for mission’ that we submit to the Diocese each year. Unfortunately, the statistics for mission only include human attendance at services. This got me reflecting on how the mission of the church is so much wider than what can be measured by numbers in the pews.

When Jesus gives his final commission to the disciples before his ascension, he says to them ‘You are my witnesses’.  They were commissioned to live their lives in joyful recognition of Jesus teaching, death and resurrection and to spread this news wherever they went. This is also our calling, and we can do this in many and myriad ways other than just attending church services.

All of our interactions with others, our involvement in the wider community, our giving to charity and for the support of the church, our care for neighbours and the practice of hospitality – all these things are part of our witness to the reality of Christ’s presence in our lives. Also, our witness does not have to be spectacular to be effective. Every month I try to attend the Tuesday coffee morning held in Weobley church. While our numbers vary, the quality of the cake, and the warmth of the welcome, does not.   Everybody is made welcome, local or visitor: the hand of Christian fellowship is extended to all, and this includes those bringing their dogs.

Rev’d Philip