This is a photo of a memorial plaque inside the church which commemmorates the life of the wife of one of the 19th Century deacons and stalwarts of the church. More recently our attention has been drawn to

A Scripture for the Vision:

After the conference (considering the future of the church in November 2007) I took time out to be quiet and pray and opening the Bible more or less at random (and without being consious of the plaque on the wall) was drawn to Proverbs Chapter 31

10  A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

 

 11 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

 

 12 She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

 

 13 She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

 

 14 She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

 

 15 She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

 

 16 She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 

 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

 

 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

 

 19 In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 

 20 She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

 

 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

 

 22 She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 

 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

 

 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

 

 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

 

 26 She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 

 27 She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 

 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

 

 29 "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."

 

 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 

 31 Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 

What on earth, you may ask has this passage about a working wife to say to us in the present context? But when we understand that Scripture also speaks of the church, the congregation of believers as “the Bride of Christ” we can see the relevance. Though we often concentrate exposition on the “marriage feast of the Lamb”, marriage is a relationship which goes on beyond.  the wedding day (and night) into a relationship where a household is set up for the long term with economic and social implications..  So some of the key points for FBC at this time from Proverbs 31

 

V11-12  We trust God has confidence in FBC and we will bring good for His kingdom

 

V13-19  The capable wife is a paragon of hard work and viable/ profitable economic enterprise, producing and trading for the benefit of the household, and v 25 security for the long term future

 

V 20:  there is blessing for the poor and needy from this work

 

V 23 ff  Her practical godliness, and fear of the Lord, brings respect praise and honour, not only for herself but for her husband / her God.

 

V 28 Her household flourishes and grows through the addition of children

 

V23 & 31.. Interestingly all this takes place at the city gate and in the company of the elders of the Land… (well we are near to County Hall!)