Making Jesus known…At Christmas we celebrated the coming of Jesus into the world. Among the first to see him were some shepherds. The Bible tells us that ‘When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child.’ Then came the wise men, who were not Jews. They came from Persia, and laid their gifts at the feet of the Christ-child; then they returned home to tell other non-Jews what they had seen, and how important Jesus was for people of every nation. We commemorated the wise men on the feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany is another word for ‘revelation’. In the following Sundays we have a series of readings about times when God revealed publicly who Jesus was. The first occasion was at his baptism, when God was heard saying, ‘This is my Son!’ Today’s Gospel reading tells of the wedding when Jesus turned water into wine, ending with the words, ‘Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.’So, the theme of this season is mission. The mission of the Church following on from the mission of Jesus, to reveal to everyone on earth who Jesus is. This has two parts which are inseparable:1. Living out a Christ-like life, imitating Jesus in social action and love for our neighbours, building the kingdom of God on earth.2. Spreading the Good News of who Jesus was, and what he said, until all the people in the world know him and what he did for us all.In other words, we are thinking about the task which faces every Christian: that of evangelism.‘Evangelism’, meaning ‘spreading good news’, is usually thought of as winning converts and getting people into church. However, many Christians feel uncomfortable with the word. It is often associated with Evangelicalism. Evangelicalism can make us think of American politics, where Evangelicals and the politicians they support are opposed to abortion and divorce; they are overt supporters of Israel against the Palestinians and in favour of capitalism and wealth. Evangelicalism is often linked with fundamentalism, a literal interpretation of the Bible and opposition to science and especially evolution. Many worry that they seem to use manipulative methods to brainwash potential converts into an emotional conversion experience. Is this what we are signing up to when the Bible calls us to do the work of an evangelist?Of course not! Jesus promised that those who are baptised and believe will be saved, but that does not prevent him from giving eternal life to those who do not fit into tidy pigeonholes. He said to old Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again’, but that meant making a fresh start, dependent on God’s love, not our own virtues.But our suspicion of ‘bad evangelism’ doesn’t absolve us from our duty to tell everyone about the love of Jesus. We must choose our moment and our manner. We must express it in words and images that will be understood by all peoples of all cultures and that includes modern scientific thought. We must express Jesus’ love in our everyday lives through word, action and care. We must help people welcome Jesus into their own culture without rushing them into a change of religion and we should welcome what they have to teach us about God from their own experience. Despite our abhorrence of ‘bad evangelism’, we must put all our efforts into helping people of all backgrounds to learn and understand that they are God’s beloved children and that Jesus’ example of living can enable all of us to share in a divine love that can change the world for the better, for Christ’s sake.Make Jesus known…With every blessing,Christian
We have entered the season of Epiphany, meaning revelation. Our Gospel reading is about the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordon. This reveals that Jesus, long awaited Messiah, has come as our servant king.The Baptism of Christ revealed many things. It was a time, like the birth of Jesus, when wonders abounded, when Heaven came down to earth.People flocked to be baptised by John the Baptist who wore camel hair and a leather belt, like the prophet Elijah. He was an angry man teaching about sin, hellfire and repentance, and knew that his mission was preparing the way for the Lord. He didn’t mince his words but people came to him looking for God. The spiritual centre for the Jews was the temple in Jerusalem but it was not very accessible, having a Gentile Court, a Women’s Court, an Israelites Court and only high priests were allowed in the Holy of Holies once a year! The system separated and distanced people from God. It portrayed God as cold, distant and separate from his creation. Jesus came to show us that God wants to have a relationship with us, to love and care for us.Jesus was without sin so why did he need to be baptised? 1 To show solidarity with us. Jesus is our friend and brother and stands in our place when it comes to sin. He stood in our place in his baptism at the beginning of his ministry, and was crucified for us at the end on the cross. 2 To start the Church. Jews did not have baptism for babies as boys were circumcised and girls had naming ceremonies so Christians were distinctive in being baptised. When we are baptised we are welcomed into a worldwide church family. How wonderful is that!3 To show Jesus’ relationship with the Trinity. God the Father and the Holy Spirit are present with Jesus in a tangible way. A voice from heaven says that Jesus is beloved and The Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove, symbolising Shalom that we interpret as peace but means much more: restoration, redemption, healing, wholeness and wellbeing.At our baptism we receive all that came down from heaven to Jesus.1 We are each one beloved of God as we are created in his image and are uniquely and wonderfully made. God seeks relationship with us but so often we play a game of hide and seek. God asked Adam and Eve when they were Hiding in the garden ‘where are you?’ He wants us to be with him.2 We are anointed with the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, the Holy of Holies. We are all high priests.3 We are given power from on high. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The God who created the universe lives in us. Therefore wherever we go we have God with us. We are a Holy Presence, a fragrance to change atmospheres.Jesus baptism was closely followed by his temptations in the wilderness. Our path as Christians is rocky. John the Baptist lost his head and Jesus was crucified. However, whatever happens: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’ (Isaiah 43:1)Angela Stewart, Lay Minister
Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ‘Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour. (Psalm 29:1-2)Hymn: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness...Isaiah 43:1-7The sun of righteousness has dawned with healing in his wings. Let us come to the light of Christ, confessing our sins in penitence and faith: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son: may we recognise him as our Lord and know ourselves to be your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.Luke 3: 15-17, 21, 22Please see the message from the minister. Let us join in prayer, with our focus on Christ our Lord: We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world, that this season will be a special time of peace and joy; We pray for our world, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive; We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ; We pray for people who are sick or suffering, to know the Holy Spirit’s healing presence; We remember the departed, especially Jacqueline Pegg, Nancy Goodman and Joyce Lock, and pray for all who mourn. Let us join in the words of the Lord’s prayer, whoever and wherever we are: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s anointed...Father of all, you have given us your Son to be the Saviour of the world. Welcome us as your children into your kingdom, to enjoy your presence forever. May the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.
Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ‘May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. (Psalm 72:11,12 )Hymn: Brightest and best of the suns of the morning...Ephesians 3:1-12The sun of righteousness has dawned with healing in his wings. Let us come to the light of Christ, confessing our sins in penitence and faith: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for the day: Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child: guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Matthew 2:1-12Please see the message from the minister. Let us join in prayer, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2021 years ago: We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world, that this Christmas season will be a special time of peace and joy; We pray for our world, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive; We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ; We pray for people who are sick or suffering, to know the Holy Spirit’s healing presence; We remember the departed, and pray for all who mourn. Let us join in the words of the Lord’s prayer, whoever and wherever we are: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hymn: We three Kings of Orient are...Father of all, you have given us your Son to be the Saviour of the world. Welcome us as your children into your kingdom, to enjoy your presence forever. May the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.
