The Lectern

The Lectern

A lectern is simply a stand used to support a book. In churches the book is the Bible. In our church, as in many others, it rests on the wings of an eagle.

Reading the Bible is essential for Christians. We believe that this is one of the ways in which God communicates with people. The books of the Bible are also called ‘the scriptures'. The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of 'the word of God ... living and active'. (Hebrews, chapter 4 verse 12)

Jesus knew the Jewish scriptures well. He believed they provided a direct link with God. He criticised people who did not know them: You are wrong, he told some religious leaders, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. (St Matthew, chapter 22 verse 29)

Jesus often quoted the scriptures when he was teaching. He made them relevant and exciting for people who were willing to listen. We Christians study our Bibles because we believe that

‘All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God might be proficient, equipped for every good work' .
(Paul's Second Letter to Timothy, chapter 3 verses 16-17).

 
So why is this Church here?

Churches exist to proclaim the story of Jesus. Even a building as ordinary as Christ Church can reveal a little of that story. It is summed up in one of the best loved parables of Jesus, 'the Good Samaritan', known to people of all religions and none.


Stained glass depicting
parable of the Good
Samaritan

This parable is depicted in the window on the north side of the All Saints Chapel. The story is found in the Bible in St Luke, chapter 10 verses 25-37.

A man is attacked by brigands and left for dead. Ignored by those who might have been thought most likely to help, he is rescued by an unknown person who willingly pays for him to be cared for until he is fully recovered.

The Christian story centres on Jesus who, at sacrificial cost, rescues humankind from the effects of evil. The Church is sometimes pictured as a hospital where people in need can be cared for, nourished with hope and restored to newness of life.

God proves his love for us, says St Paul, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Letter to the Romans, chapter 5 verse 8). Since God loves us so much, says St John, we also ought to love one another. (First Letter of John, chapter 4 verse 11)

So at Christ Church – and St Mark's Church too - Christians meet to thank God for his goodness. Then they go back into the communities in which they live and work and spend their leisure time, encouraged to do their best to share God's love and care with others.

Why not come and visit our churches and meet the people for yourself? You will be most welcome.

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