Matthew Parker , the new new Bishop of Stafford was consecrated at Lambeth palace last week. We all wish him well now its official !'I am the good shepherd,' says Jesus in this weeks gospel reading from John10:11-18. Why does Jesus describe himself as a good shepherd and why is his role as one very important especially in the light of the events of Good Friday ? Nicky Beasley writes this weeks message and Val Adams has prepared our intercessions.
To other news the WI celebrates its centenary this year and local WI members from Yarnfield and Swynnerton have been exploring its history!This weeks message prepared by June Steed is based on this weeks gospel reading from Luke which describes the appearance of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection. He showed them his wounds to prove to them that he was the same man who had been crucified and was now alive!So what do those wounds suffered by Jesus mean for us today ? And what do they show about what God thinks about us ? Read more to find out....This weeks prayers have been prepared by Gwyn Williams.
It is with great sadness that that we join the nation in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness , Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh . He lived a life of service and was totally committed and dedicated , a man of honour. Our prayers go to HM the Queen, the Royal Family and all who mourn.Most merciful God,whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,surround the Queen and the Roayal family with your love,that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,but have confidence in your goodness,and stregth to meet the days to come.We ask this throughChrist our Lord.Amen.
This Sunday is the most important date in the Christian year. Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the risen Lord Jesus . Without his rising from the dead there is no gospel story . He suffered an agonising death on a cross as an atonement for all our sins .He was the perfect sacrifice and paid the debt of our sin himself. Having conquered death he rose victorious on that first Easter morning . The debt was paid and our sin forgiven restoring us to a relationship with the living God . A relationship that he longs to have with everyone of us. ! Through Jesus we have been reconciled to God. Dont allow any past mistakes or wrong doing keep you from thinking that God wont forgive us it is through Jesus that we are made right with God .On Easter day and as we celebrate the ressurection of Jesus we are given a promise . In the bible it says in John11:25-26 ' Jesus said to her , I am the ressurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this ?' Come along to St. Mary's to celebrate Holy Communion at our Easter Sunday service at 10 am service everyone is welcome .
