Thursday 25<sup>th</sup> February – Jesus, trusted friendJesus said: I watched Satan fall like lightening from heaven.On several occasions in the Gospels, people remark on the authority with which Jesus speaks. It is an authority that they find more compelling than that of other religious teachers. For he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. So, why is that? One reason might be that Jesus does not stand on ceremony. He is prepared to get his hands dirty (sometimes literally), to speak in a way that makes people want to listen, and to back up his words with actions. In the Iona hymn Inspired by love and anger, John Bell describes Jesus as amused in someone’s kitchen, asleep in someone’s boat. Jesus’ truths are told over the kitchen table, not the edge of a pulpit, and they are told directly, engagingly, compellingly and maybe with challenge. Today’s sentence comes from an incident where the disciples have found that they have power over evil spirits. They rush back to tell Jesus, and I can hear the laughter in his voice as he says, yes, yes, you were wonderful. I could see the devil falling out of heaven! It is a warm encounter. Jesus comes to us with warmth, into the nitty gritty of everyday life. Be prepared for the wonder of an encounter with Jesus in the most unexpected places, saying the most unexpected things – with warmth and directness.Dear Lord,Through our reading of the Gospels, may we come have a better understanding of you as a living, breathing, laughing and loving human being, as well as God. May we be aware of you in the most difficult times, and learn to listen to you and trust you increasingly. When we experience your presence and power in our lives, help us to share that with others. Amen.See the attached document for the previous reflections.
Sundays in LentDuring Lent this year, our Sunday reflections will be a series of Bible Studies that relate events in the Acts of the Apostles with issues in our society today. They are provided by Church Action on Poverty. Lent is a time of growth, and it is good to grow in our own understanding of issues that are faced by people in our communities.February 21<sup>st</sup> from Lenton: Speaking out for change – Acts 4.1-20February 28<sup>th</sup> from Sapperton: Wealth and poverty – Acts 5.1-11March 7<sup>th</sup> from Boothby Pagnell: Gifts and power – Acts 8.9-24<div> March 14<sup>th</sup> from Old Somerby: All Age Worship for Mothering Sunday </div>March 21<sup>st</sup> from Braceby: Identity politics and liberation – Acts 8.26-40March 28<sup>th</sup> – Palm Sunday Procession of Palms (in some form!) Preacher – Rev’d Sonia Barron, Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations Daily Reflections for the 40 DaysBeginning on Ash Wednesday, 17<sup>th</sup> February, there will be a daily reflection for each of the days of Lent, consisting of a one of the sayings of Jesus, a few words about it or a picture for reflection, and a prayer. Daily reflections for the 40 days will be sent out as emails to those who usually receive Sunday worship. If you wish to be included, email Anna at sorensenanna8@gmail.com They will also be available on the Benefice Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/ and Ropsley Church Facebook Page A Lent Action to consider: During this pandemic we have seen how many people have lost a large part of their income, and had to turn to food banks and other charities. This Lent we are supporting two Christian charities that support the poorest in our society – Church Action on Poverty – which offers practical help to the poorest in our society; and Christians Against Poverty – which helps people to climb out of debt. Look up the work that they do – it is amazing. https://capuk.org/<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> & </span>https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/Are you prepared to give up one meal a week and send the cost of that meal to Church action on Poverty or Christians Against Poverty (or another charity of your choice)? Giving to Church Action on Poverty & Christians Against Poverty: Donations can be given to both charities through their websites. If that is not convenient to you, drop of your donation at the Rectory, clearly labelled with the charity of your choice.
In the world: · The Uighur people of China, that world concern may bring an end to their plight and stop the abuse that they suffer. Also for the work of the WHO investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 virus, that there may be transparency, so that lessons can be learned, and future pandemics prevented.· While we give thanks for the millions who have been able to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, that we do not lose sight of the needs of poorer nations, and avoid the vaccine becoming a cause of profiteering and exploitation.· All those killed and injured by the Uttarakhand Dam disaster, and for the families of those who are still missing.In the community and society:· All who have kept our roads clear and our services running during this cold weather.· All care givers, especially those whose caring puts them at direct risk from Covid-19. And all those volunteering in the vaccination programme.· For families juggling work and home schooling.· We give thanks for all good neighbours.The sick: Richard Hanmer; Kathy Cheesmond, John Todd, Robert Arlott.The departed:Roger Heaton (Liz, and all who mourn him); Joan Todd (Diane and family); Adelene Brittain (Robin and family); Barbara French (Brian, Ruth and family),Marjorie Rastall (Vivienne, John, Sally and all the family).Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.A prayer for use on Saint Valentine’s Day:God of wonder and of joy: grace comes from you, and you alone are the source of life and love. Without you, we cannot please you; without your love, our deeds are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit, and pour into ourhearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may worship you now with thankful hearts and serve you always with willing minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Please let Anna know if you would like anyone included in the prayers – sorensenanna8@gmail.com
Zoom coffee morning and evening prayer Coffee Morning – Thursdays 11.00 Meeting ID: 879 4417 3918 Passcode: u9VTjA https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87944173918?pwd=WERhUVR6UTV6Y3ZudEc1eDRCdEVPQT09 Evening Prayer – Fridays at 17.00: Meeting ID: 771 3498 6391 Passcode: 9xGUEt https://us02web.zoom.us/j/77134986391?pwd=V1ZlYWlKVDlkWVlhWnYyQmFCa0J6UT09