A group of puzzled disciples take leave of their master and return to the city in what becomes a story of expectant hope. They did not know what would happen next. It’s a time of waiting and a change will come upon them which transforms them from a frightened, weak and scattered people to a revolutionary mission force who will carry the good news to the end of the earth. This is the power of the Holy Spirit poured out on the Apostles.As we mark the feast of Pentecost this weekend, we are reminded that the same Spirit who stirred those puzzled disciples breathes life into us, equipping us to be Christ’s witnesses in our communities and beyond. Let us be open to that Spirit — to be renewed, emboldened, and sent out in love. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in us the fire of your love.” May this Pentecost be a time of renewal, both personally and in our life together as the church of God and we look forward to serving Christ in the year to come.Fr Simon
This week’s Gospel comes at the end of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel (Chapters 14-17). It’s a sort of after-dinner speech – half sermon half prayer – which follows the Last Supper. For the last few weeks, it has made up our Gospel readings. It is meant to offer the Disciples hope and comfort before Jesus faces his arrest, trial and death. There is a danger, however, that it can be misunderstood as an incitement to form closed, pious and inward-looking sects of Christian believers, given its repeated encouragement that we love one another and oppose ourselves to the ways of the world. But in our passage today it is clear that this is not what Jesus wants. Instead, he wants us to use the love he has for us – which we have learned, through him, to have for one another – and to radiate that love out into the world to call others to his side.Rev Richard
We look forward in the coming weeks to welcoming Revd Jassica to join us here in Great Yarmouth. It’s a big step for her and her family as they travel to a region they know little of and to serve among people they don’t know. However, I am confident they will be made welcome.This week, our first reading seems like a small step in the grand scheme of the Acts of the Apostles but was actually a huge step in the early church’s mission. Paul receives a vision of a man pleading for help in Macedonia, and he and his companions immediately respond, crossing into new territory to preach in a new land to new people. In Philippi they encounter Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who becomes the first recorded convert in Europe. The faith is spreading.This passage is rich with encouragement. Following her encounter, Lydia and her household are baptised which reminds us that God often guides us in surprising ways, opening doors we might never have considered. Lydia also shows openness in listening to a new voice and a new teaching, even if she was not expecting it. Her faithful response helped sow the seeds of Christianity in a new continent.Fr Simon
This Sunday’s Gospel reading is one of the many passages of scripture which set off an instant ear worm of a well-known hymn, song or anthem that I have sung since my youth. From John 13:34, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you’ instantly started me singing. Singing is such an integral part of our worship, and not just because it’s an uplifting way to worship God. We learn so much theology from the hymns that we sing and the anthems we hear. St. Augustine said ‘He who sings, prays twice’, or words to that effect and there is no doubt that singing has a powerful way of connecting us to the divine. So, next time you are in church, don’t be afraid to sing your heart out!Rev Liz
