Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   Matthew 28 : 19 - 20

Readings this week Isaiah 40 : 12 – 17, 27 - end; 2 Corinthians 13 : 11 - end; Matthew 28 : 16 - 20

Thought for this week

Sometimes we have to go to a higher place to get a better view. For a more embracing perspective. A clearer view away from the distractions of everyday. To focus on the way ahead. Jesus takes His disciples to a high place at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, and in just a few words brings His earthly ministry together, connecting it with His heavenly mission, and involving His disciples in all He has achieved, and in the new age that has begun.

This is exciting! And it involves each one of us. The disciples were still a mixed bunch. The Gospel tells us some praised Jesus, ‘but some doubted’. But Jesus sends them anyway! By living out the Gospel, sharing the love and compassion of Jesus, learning to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, discovering more and more of the love of the Father, we grow in our faith.

Jesus gathers us all together, diverse as we are, and tells us to go out into the world. Into His world. To His people. Whoever crosses our path this week, whatever words are spoken or unspoken. Whatever relationships need to be mended, each day is an opportunity and a gift. Let us ask Jesus to help us in His mission, to live out the reality of His love, and His call to everyone to believe and trust in Him 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

We give thanks for…..

Deidre Porter who has come forward as Safeguarding Officer for the next year

For all who came to the St Ed's plant sale and craft and arts display last week