Our readings for the seventh Sunday after Easter reveals Jesus praying for those he is leaving behind on this earth.. In Acts we read how the disciples draw lots to find a repl;acement for Judas, and Matthias is chosen. In our reading from John, Jesus prays for those he is leaving behind, asking His Father to guard them and inspire them to carry on the work He has started,
This Sunday we join our ecumenical partners in a Christian Aid service at the Church on the Green at 10.30am. The Service is followed by a Ploughman's lunch, tockets available from menmbers of the Christian Aid Committee.
For those unable to attend this service, Astrid has prepared a sermon which becomes live on Sunday Morning, so please click n the link below. A copy of her sermon can be downloaded from our news section.
https://youtu.be/AOe6EDemRos
Our readings are:
Acts Chapter 1: verses 15-17; 21-end Matthias is chosen by lots as a new disciple.
John Chapter 17 verses 6-19 Jesus prays to His Father for his discipl;es, that they may carry on His Mission.
The period between Ascension and Pentecost is a time of waiting, but perhaps a fitting time to support the work of Christian Aid, as they support those in need of food and shelter.
As Jesus ascends to heaven, he leaves his disciples, and all true Christians with this great resoponsibility, to show love, both to friends and enemies, so that the world may move foreward in peace.
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 aggression 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.
