I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.  John 12 : 24 - 25

Readings this week :  Jeremiah 31 : 31 – 34; Hebrews 5 : 5 - 10; John 12 : 20- 33

Thought for this week

In our Gospel reading Jesus speaks of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying, in order to bring new life. He is speaking of course of His sacrifice on the Cross, and of His giving of Himself for our salvation and New Life.

Yet how often the Gospel grows in the very smallest of ways. In small acts of kindness and service. In the ways we can give someone a moment of our time, or a word of encouragement.

Terry Waite, one of the Beirut hostages, when he was eventually freed, spoke of a postcard a lady had sent him depicting John Bunyon in prison. The card had given him great encouragement to know he was not forgotten. Joy Brodier had written on the back, 'We remember, we shall not forget, we shall continue to pray for you and to work for all people who are detained around the world.'"

We hope and pray our gratitude cards will bring hope and encouragement to those who serve others in our community.

As we follow Jesus in lives of humility and service, let us ask the Lord to show us the small things we can do so that the Gospel can grow and flourish. 

Rev Paul

People to pray for

For the Junior School children coming into church at the moment

For those being baptised at this time

A Prayer for this week

O God, who makes all things new, new stars, new dust, new life;
take my heart, every hardened edge and measured beat,
and create something new in me.

I need your newness, God, the rough parts of me made smooth;
the stagnant, stirred; the stuck, freed; the unkind, forgiven.

And then, by the power of your Spirit, I need to be turned toward Love again. 

Amen.

~ by Pamela C. Hawkins, in The Awkward Season: Prayers for Lent (Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 2009), 30. Posted on Prayer and Creeds, https://prayersandcreeds.wordpress.com/