Life in all its fullness
Dear All Saints and St Mary's
I am in the privileged position of being in a role that means that each day is never the same. Strangely there is a pattern to each week, but the nature of the church and how it intersects with the community, is that those spaces are open and public and so each day brings with it the possibility of a variety of different connections and conversations. Whether that is at All Saints when the church is open on a Wednesday, or at St Marys when we have run the Hangout Spaces. It means that there is often a rhythm, but it is one that is full of interesting and welcome interruptions. I thrive on that. These conversations and perchance or planned encounters add richness to each day - whether that is playing a board game with a young person or experimenting with a pop-up cinema screen! It means that there are many different people with their outlooks and gifts that I get to see and be part of (I hope in a helpful way). The readings this week for our communion service's touch on these different members and their giftings. Whether that is Paul giving thanks for and recognising the many different gifts of all members, or Jesus recognising Peter and giving him the "role/responsibility" of being the Rock on which God will build the Church.
I am a firm believer and often find great encouragement from seeing those different gifts that we have all been given help to bless communities and churches. Paul says, "So make full use of the gifts that you have been given!" That is a challenge and a reminder to me to be thankful for all the different ways I see people blessing others with their thoughts, joy and creativity.
At Cafe Church this week we focus in on a chapter in Jesus in John's gospel that asks that question - "What is our deepest desire" - What is it that you most need? What is it that you most want? It is interesting to dwell there for a moment and think on that - and then ask what gifts I might have been given, that can be put to full use and service to God and others.
May we through our prayers, encounters and conversations remain on that journey of discovering our gifts and offering them fully to the world around us.
Services this Sunday 23rd August
8am - Holy Communion - All Saints
10am - Sung Holy Communion - St Marys
10.30am - Cafe Church - All Saints
Please find attached weekly sheets, readings and notices for both parishes.
The week ahead
Wed 26th Aug 9:00 am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints
Thu 27th Aug 10:00 am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s
Sat 29th Aug 12:00 am-1:30pm - Saturday Lunches, St Mary’s
Sun 30th Aug 08.00 am - BCP Holy Communion, All Saints
10:30 am – Benefice Service, All Saints
Revd Lizzie
Vicar of All Saints and St Marys.
Vicar of All Saints and St Marys Churches, Fishponds