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July 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 53Loving the Fab 4 (John, Paul, Peter & Judas)Big family celebrations don%u2019t happen very often, but recently I have had the delight and privilege of two: a Naming Ceremony and a Wedding. And such occasions can be simply the best chance to %u2018waste time%u2019 with family, friends, others, long-standing and completely new ones. There have been some diffi cult things going on for me, so these two celebrations have been incredibly precious oases, space to slow down, pause and to simply be in, and be thankful of, the presence of others, and of God.The celebrations have also helped me to pause and think about how we mark the best moments that we share, what words to use, and what does it mean to be the best human beings that we, and others, can be? Usually some of the key people in baptisms, weddings, and funerals, etc. will not be able to say with meaning and integrity all the more traditional words and theology used in those Church services. Even so, I am growing in these convictions: (1) That letting God%u2019s Spirit shape us to become and live like Jesus more and more truly is what it means for anyone to be the best human being living the best way possible (1 John 4:17);(2) Some of the short-term consequences and costs of growing in becoming like Jesus and living by his grace, should evoke challenge, humility, fear, hope, passion, and change, in both Jesus%u2019 apprentices and others. If not, that probably means that those of us who say we are his followers are getting it very wrong about the character and ways of the Spirit and Kingdom of God. (3) That those character and ways are best expressed, fi rst by the way Jesus loved the best and worst of his followers, e.g. %u2018the Fab 4%u2019: John (whom he loved), Paul (who initially persecuted Christians), Peter (who spoke fi rst and thought later), and Judas (who betrayed Jesus), and also by the way Jesus called his followers to love one another as he did.(4) That those character and ways are best expressed, second by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 (altered and paraphrased a bit):Can you speak the most profound and truthful words? Can you fathom all mysteries? Can you know everything about everything? Can you do things that no-one else ever has or will? Even supposing that you can, but you do not have love: What are you? Actually, nothing! And what do you achieve? Actually, nothing!Do you really want to be the best human being that God has made you to be? Here is ho authentic, extreme, precarious: Love.Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and even if when it is, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not relish what%u2019s wrong but rejoices, delights, even dances with whatever turns out to be true. It protects whenever it must, trusts whenever it can, hopes always, perseveres always. Love never fails%u2026Out of everything, what really is essential? What is foundational to, and connects with inseparable continuity, everything that there is now, and all that there is to come, and beyond? Ultimately, it is only three things, these three and nothing else: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is? Authentic, extreme, precarious: Love.Dave Haseldine, Methodist Minister in Newport Pagnell.Churches Together NEWPORT PAGNELLAll welcome %u2013 come together to celebrate our community%u2019s past, present, and future.Organised by Newport Pagnell Town CouncilNewport Pagnell Town Council40th Anniversary CelebrationSaturday 13th September 202512.30pm till late, at Bury CommonJoin us for a free community event celebrating 40 years of Newport Pagnell Town Council. Enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.%u2022 Dog Show & Flyball Display%u2022 Treasure Hunt%u2022 Older Kids%u2019 Competition%u2022 Car Boot Sale%u2022 Food Stalls & Bar%u2022 Live Music%u2022 Big Screen Entertainment %u2013 Cartoons by day and a nostalgic 80s fi lm in the eveningProgramme highlights include:
