Reflection for Sunday 4th May 2025The Third Sunday of EasterZephaniah 3.14-end, Acts 9.1-20, John 21.1-19Called to New LifeOn the road to Damascus, Saul is utterly transformed. One moment, he is breathing threats; the next, he is struck down by the living Jesus and called to new life. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.In Zephaniah, we hear the joy of God's salvation: "The Lord has taken away the judgments against you." (Zephaniah 3:15) In John’s Gospel, Jesus restores Peter with simple, tender words: "Feed my sheep." Again and again, we see that Jesus does not abandon those who have fallen or strayed. He calls them — and us — into a deeper, more hopeful life.The Early Church Fathers spoke of such moments as second births, where the soul is awakened by grace. In Saul’s case, and in ours, Jesus doesn’t just adjust our course slightly. He gives us entirely new hearts, new missions, and new hope. Where might Jesus be calling us to change today? Where is he offering us a fresh start, a new road to walk? As he called Saul and Peter, so he calls us — not because we are perfect, but because he loves to make all things new. May we have the courage to follow, trusting that even when we are broken, we are never beyond being made new. Blessings and prayers, Emma
A huge thank you to all those who helped mow, strim, brush, trim, dust, polish, vacuum, mop and lots of other jobs in the church and churchyard last Saturday. Thank you to Dave and Mandy for co-ordinating and to Alison for the drinks and cake which kept us going. The sun shone brightly on the workers and many hands made light work. The church and the churchyard both look great. We are still looking for volunteers to go on a cleaning and/or a mowing and strimming rota. Hopefully it will be easier now that the job has been made manageable. Please email Dave on dd@cddickens.plus.com if you are able to help with the churchyard, Gill on ddh.gmjubb@gmail.com if you are able to help with the cleaning.
8th March: Village Walk5th April: Churchyard Spring Tidy9th May: Annual Village Quiz with Fish and Chips13th July: Garden Party21st September: Harvest Lunch14th November: Would I lie to you Wine and Cheese evening5th December: Wreath making workshop14th December Carols on the Green
