THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff – 27th February 2026
Lifelong Learners
Some of our readers may be aware that we are currently running an Alpha Course in the ABC Churches. Those who are attending seem to value the journey our group is on, discovering more about the Christian Faith. It got me thinking that although we might have gone to church all our lives – I have although it wasn’t until I turned 19 that I had a revelation of what Jesus had done for me on the cross and I began my walk and relationship with Him – we never know enough that we can stop learning. I have been a guest and a leader on more Alpha courses than I can count on my fingers and toes, yet there is always something new that I learn and come away from the course continuing to reflect. The same applies to Lent courses and bible study groups I have attended.
Yet I sometimes wonder how many of us actually continue to explore the Christian Faith other than by attending regular services. God’s Kingdom is huge and there is so much to explore. As we journey through life there is always more to learn about the Christian Faith and our relationship with Jesus, which is why I believe following Jesus involves being a lifelong learner. We can grow in our relationship through reading, studying, fellowshipping with others, engaging in activities such as study groups and even participating in Alpha, because no one is too long in the tooth that we can’t grow more.
It is very easy to attend a church, sit in a pew and then go home again, but that is not what Jesus ever intended for His church. The church is a living, breathing community of people passionate about knowing Jesus more deeply. Each one is at a different point but each one moves forward into a deeper relationship with Jesus. But it does require active participation by each individual and involvement in the full life of the church community as well as personal learning through prayer and reading, especially the bible.
As a challenge, why not take the next opportunity available to you to join with other followers of Jesus to study the bible and pray together?
Geoff
Pray for …
Relationships across the ABC and AAA villages and churches as we move closer in partnership.
Preparations for celebrating Easter in our Villages and especially for the Easter Praise taking place on Easter Day and for John Bell our guest speaker
Those who feeling the pain of bereavement
Give thanks for …
Those preparing for confirmation by the Bishop of Selby
All who joined the Alpha away day on 28th February
Opportunities to share the Gospel with friends, work colleagues and neighbours
We pray for all who live and work in the following streets in our communities:
In Copmanthorpe - Church Street, Stakers Orchard, Horseman Lane, Horseman Avenue.
In Bolton Percy & Colton - Glebe Close
In Askham Bryan - Askham Bryan College
In Acaster Malbis - Brocket View, Airfield Lane, Beech Avenue - Mount Pleasant
In Appleton Roebuck - Main Street (from Chestnut House to West End Farm)
In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.