Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” John 1 : 50 – 51

Readings this week :  1 Samuel 3 : 1 - 10; Revelation 5 : 1 - 10;  John 1 : 43 - 51

So many new beginnings start with an invitation. Did you ever end up following an interest or pastime, or even changing career because someone invited you to experience, see, or try something new?

In John’s Gospel Jesus meets with the first disciples. He says to them ‘Come and see’ where He is staying, and Philip later says to Nathaniel he has met the Messiah, ‘Come and see’.

No church ever gets everything right, but I hope our churches are welcoming and inviting. I hope and pray we enable people to meet with Jesus, to hear His word, to experience His welcome.

Who could you invite to church this week, this month or this year? Not only on Sundays, but in the week as well. Maybe even stepping foot in the building when it is quiet is a beginning.

Please invite those you know to whatever you think is appropriate. I believe the Lord will show us who we should invite and what to. There is also our Alpha course coming soon which is a wonderful way to explore the Christian faith.

A simple invitation can lead to a life – changing encounter with Jesus.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new:

transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,

and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory;

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

Eternal Lord, our beginning and our end:

bring us with the whole creation to your glory, hidden through past ages

and made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

People to pray for :

Those making plans for this year

Those grieving at this time

For our new Alpha course starting soon