THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff – 27th May 2026

Transformed

One of the most wonderful things about meeting Jesus and responding in faith to his invitation is that we are transformed.

Now you might be thinking, I am happy as I am. I don't want to change. That is a legitimate response. But if we are honest with ourselves there are always ways we can be better, and by better I mean more like Jesus. You see, Jesus is the example of what it is to be perfect, and while there is no way we can ever be perfect in this life we can always be better. I'm thinking of those little things like when we respond in an unhelpful manner, when we make that comment with can come across as somewhat hurtful when we have those thoughts that we are so glad no one else knows about - except God, of course!

The kind of transformation that God is about, is about becoming more like Jesus. In other words we begin to live in the way that Jesus would. We see lots of examples of this in the New Testament. Jesus was generous, compassionate, loving, kind, sensitive and so on.

The way this can happen for each of us is to submit ourselves to God's rule in our lives, which then allows him to begin transforming us. You see when we submit ourselves to Jesus we are saying, Lord Jesus, I can't do this on my own, I need help. I think of submitting myself to Jesus as similar to learning to drive in a dual controlled car. When you first start the instructor is doing most of the pedal work, but over time we begin to do it, until we are ready for our test.

Submit yourself to Jesus and let Him begin to transform you by His Spirit.

Geoff

Pray for ...

• A growing closeness of the wider ABC Churches (Acaster Malbis, Appleton Roebuck, Acaster Selby, Askham Bryan, Bolton Percy, Colton, Copmanthorpe) and all that God has in store for us, moving forward together.

• Christians in our communities and around the world engaged in continuing the work of Jesus, however big or small the deed.

• That each of us be open to following God’s will and move forward in faith.

Give thanks for ...

• The commitment of our brothers and sisters in Christ

• The opportunities we have to meet across our parishes throughout the week, to engage in worship and share our Christian lives.

• The Reverend Geoff Mumford, for his faith, commitment and tireless efforts to support the demands of our individual churches and communities.

We pray for all who live and work in the following streets in our communities:

In Copmanthorpe - Tadcaster Road, Tadcaster Mews, Weavers Park, Weavers Close, Smithson Court

In Bolton Percy & Colton - Oak House

In Askham Bryan - Bog Lane

In Acaster Malbis - Brocket View, Airfield Lane, Beech Avenue - Mount Pleasant

In Appleton Roebuck - Briar Court, Briar Drive

In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.