Reflection: Sunday 19th July - The Seventh Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:Scripture:‘For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8. 24 & 25)Reflection:Verse 25 says, “we wait for it with patience.” This doesn't mean sitting around doing nothing. It means choosing to keep trusting God, even when life is hard and we can't yet see what He's doing. The Greek word for "patience" describes staying strong, not giving up, and continuing to follow God through difficult times. As Christians, we don't wait without hope—we wait with confidence because we know God always keeps His promises. Even when we face disappointment, pain, or uncertainty, God gives us the strength to stay faithful and keep moving forward. Every time we choose to trust Him instead of giving up, we're showing that we believe His plan is better than what we can see right now. Our struggles won't last forever. One day, Jesus will make everything new & that future hope gives us strength to keep going today.Lyn Hayes ALM
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 12th July & for the week ahead: Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2)Reflection: These verses are a very efficient summary of what it means to be a Christian. The laws of sin and death would mean that without Christ, we would all go to hell for eternal punishment and see no redemption, but that has now all changed. We will live on after death and be free from sin. But this can be a bit distant for us to imagine, and we may not feel connected to sin as a concept. We may not go around stealing, committing extra marital affairs or murdering people. But can you think of a time when you’ve felt embarrassed, sad, disappointed or cheated out of something, like life isn’t fair. The emotions of the men’s football world cup have certainly displayed as many negative emotions as it has positive ones. But imagine being able to share all of those horrible feelings with God. He understands and tells you that you don’t have to feel that way. He can take the pain and hurt you feel and exchange it for freedom and happiness. Imagine that weight off your mind, that sigh of relief. It’s available to everyone, at any time. We only have to ask, and believe. Victoria Bray
Reflection: Sunday 21st June - The Third Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:Scripture: 'I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do'. (Romans 7.18-19)Reflection: We all know the problems of getting our bodies to conform to our ideals. In this season of sporting competitions we can admire the dedication and concentrated training and self-discipline of the winning athletes. Human mistakes and weaknesses are also on display. St Paul encourages us to focus on our own best intentions and (while accepting how easy and natural it is to do the wrong thing) to keep believing that we are not condemned to fail. Love brings hope.David Harmsworth
Reflection: Sunday 21st June - The Third Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:Scripture: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:29-33)Reflection:Did you hear Jesus words – when speaking about God knowing every sparrow, and you being of more value to God than many sparrows? “Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father.” Everyone! You! Jesus will acknowledge you when he speaks to his Father! Awesome!So, when was the last time you acknowledged Jesus?! Knowing that God, that Jesus, loves you should make a huge difference in your life. We should all be so joyful about that – that God knows us, loves us, and cares about us! Perhaps you have acknowledged that in your prayers – which is great - but we also need to live with God in our daily lives. And also share that, so others can know the joy of relationship with God too! (We should also take heed of the warning in the last verse.)Revd David
