Daily Scripture:Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:29-33)Daily Reflection:Finally, the penny drops. Jesus’ friends understand who he really is and where he comes from. All should be well – but is it? Jesus doesn’t seem to think so. He predicts that they will soon all leave him alone, run away scared and confused, as the events of Good Friday unfolds; his arrest, sentencing to death and crucifixion. But he doesn’t want them to be overcome in their despair, he wants them to have peace and take heart, and to know that he is not alone, as his Father is with him.He wants the same for us, for you and I, that we should take heart, even if in the world we have trouble. He has overcome the world, won the victory for us - take heart! Revd Ylva
Daily ScriptureThen they prayed, and said ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen...’ And the lot fell on Mathias. (Acts 1.24-26)Daily ReflectionMathias? This is the first and only time his name is mentioned. We hear a good deal about high profile Peter, James, John, Philip and others. But in the continuing story of the Acts of the Apostles Mathias is nowhere to be found. We know only that he had been a follower of Jesus throughout his ministry, and had seen the risen Lord for himself. He was clearly trusted by his fellows, and was God’s choice to fill the place left by Judas.It’s good to be reminded that most of us, like Mathias, are not called to be Peters or Pauls or Billy Grahams, but to live out our faith with quiet integrity in our daily lives. This, too, is a powerful form of evangelism, of drawing people to God. Even the least known of God’s servants have their own unique ministry. Including us. Revd Rosemary
Please see attached for weekly news. Sunday 16th May- The Seventh Sunday of EasterThis Sunday's services:8 am HOLY COMMUNION AT ST NICHOLAS, SANDHURST led by Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen & Revd David Commander 10 am HOLY COMMUNION AT ST GEORGE’S, BENENDEN led by Revd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie, Revd David Commander & Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
Daily ScriptureWhoever says, ‘I am in the light’, while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. (1 John 2 v 9-10)Daily Reflection How many times have we encountered people who seem so caring and kind to our faces but behind our back they are gossiping or being spiteful towards others - maybe towards us? How many times do we find ourselves behaving in such a way as to hurt someone close to us but all the while we are putting on another face to others? Sometimes we find it hard to emerge from a dark place in our lives, we may have unresolved trauma that needs addressing. Jesus is waiting for us to unburden ourselves - so why not come to him in prayer? When we put our faith in Jesus - the Light of the World - and accept the love of Christ in our hearts we are taking the first step in being able to show genuine love to our brothers and sisters. Lyn Hayes ALM
