Our readings for the fifth Sunday after Easter tell us about Philip teaching an Ethiopian the Good News, and in John's account of the Gospel, Jesus compares himself to a vine, from which all true believers spring, and as a part of the vine, we are part of Jesus and are nourished by Him. if we cut ourselvees off, then we wither, like vine prunings, which get burned by the owner of the vinyard.
We celebrate Jesus this Sunday with our reflective service in the Iona Tradition at 10.30 am; Do come and join us for the service, and for refreshment afterwards,, as we share news of our community.
For those unable to attend our services, Astrid has prepared a sermon which becomes live on Sunday Morning, so please click on the link below. A copy of her sermon can be downloaded from our news section.
https://youtu.be/Siqkv5i_BQ4
Our readings for this Sunday are:
Acts Chapter 8, verses 26-40 Philip teaches an Ethiopian about the Good News.
John Chapter 15 verses 1-8 Jesus is like a vine, nourishing His branches, but God is the gardener, who prunes the vine to get mmaximum yield, ny removinmg weak and diseased stems,
Like a vine, Jesus nourishes his followers spiritually, and the branches are part of the living plant. If we cut ourselves off from Jesus, then we wither and decay, to be thrown into the fire and burned.
The world has a desperate need for peace, so our prayers continue to be focussed on the conflicts in the middle east. The Ukraine resisting the agression of Russia, and the Israelis locked in a conflict with Iran, as well as trying to eliminate the threat from Hamas in the Gaza strip. We pray for all those seeking an end to armed conflict, an immediate cease fire, and talks to secure a lasting peace.
God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear
which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering.
We pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace,
we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples.
Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children,
for to all of us you are our heavenly father.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
