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South 12 Woodham Focus
South Woodham Focus
Rich Young Ruler Story
I’m told that if I wanted to catch a monkey I must first stop it jumping into a tree and swinging itself higher
and higher out or my reach. To do this I must first get a nice ripe fruit, and then a jar with a neck that is
only a bit larger than the fruit, put the fruit into the jar and leave the jar where the monkey will see it and
wait. Before long the monkey will come and try and get the fruit, having closed his fist round the fruit –
yes you’ve guessed it, he can’t get his hand out. He won’t be able to swing away from me into the tree.
We are rather like the monkey in that respect. As I walk round South Woodham Ferrers I see lots of lovely
large houses, super big cars, well kept gardens – in other words the signs of affluence. Although I know
that unfortunately in some cases they are only signs and not the reality. But for many we work hard, we use our God given skills
and intellects to progress ourselves and we acquire the affluence that is so evident. A guy who today might very well have lived
in South Woodham Ferrers approached Jesus and asked the question “What might I do to inherit eternal life? I‘ve followed all
the rules of life, never knowingly done harm or injury to anyone, I’ve respected nature and creation, and I’ve been conscious
about keeping the effect of pollution to a minimum” - Yes just like you and many others in our town. But the reply he got came
as a great shock, because Jesus replied “Yes I know you’ve been a good guy and are living an honourable life but if you want
eternal life you will have to sell everything and give the money to the poor and needy folk in the community”.
Jesus didn’t expect the guy to sell the house, the BMW, give up the luxury holidays and all the other trappings of his affluence.
Jesus was wanting him to follow His teachings and His example of true life, and in particular to change his focus from acquiring
all that he was surrounding himself with to having a focus on God. To bring God into his life; into his thoughts and actions. I
can almost hear Jesus saying to him “Get a real life”.
Do you think Jesus would say that to you? The really wonderful thing is that it’s so easy to do. To give oneself to following Jesus,
to worshipping His Father the true and living God to allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of your life. My prayer is that you
will do this. If you do then God’s blessing will make your life even better and you won’t need a big bank balance or piece of plastic
to do it!.
SWF Christian Council
OVER 800 PEOPLE BRAVE THE RAIN FOR SWFEST ’18
SWFest recently returned to South Woodham Ferrers for its
second-year, bringing bank holiday fun to the William de Ferrers
School playing field on Sunday 26 August.
The event offered a range of activities for all ages, including a
free indoor bouncy castle zone, animal petting zoo, craft making
and archery. There was also a line-up of live entertainment
including local talent Beau Langdale, Josh Brough and Will Daly’s
Drum Groups.
The weather may have not been on the festival’s side, but the
residents of South Woodham Ferrers didn’t let that dampen their
spirit. Over 800 people braved the rain to enjoy the free family
event, produced by Chelmsford City Council’s Events Team.
Karen Frett, SWFest Event organiser said “We are thrilled that
this year’s SWFest was another success and myself and Events
team would like to send big thank you to everyone who came
along to have fun, despite the wet weather.”
For up-to-date festival information, including exciting
announcements for next year’s festival, follow us on Facebook
@SWFestEssex.
SOUTH WOODHAM
FOCUS
email: swfocus@maypolepress.com