At the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.   Mark 10 : 6 -- 8

Readings this week : Genesis 2 : 18 -- 24; Hebrews 1 : 1 – 4, 2 : 5 - 12; Mark 10 : 2 - 16

Thought for this week

We have had weddings this weekend. Weddings in church have become more unusual in these days, and for that reason they are all the more special, joyful and faith – filled events.

Marriage is so special to the Lord, so much so that at the end of the book of Revelation the Lord chooses the image of a bridegroom and a bride to express the relationship between Jesus and the church, His bride, who He gave His life to save. “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21 : 2).

Yet marriage is also something that is worked out day by day, in the pressures and busyness of daily life. We all benefit from marriages, whether we’re married or not, because it is something that strengthens us as individuals in family life, and beyond into wider society.

In the modern wedding service the family and friends of a couple promise to support the couple. Marriage involves and benefits all of us in different ways. Christian marriage often provides support to others, hospitality and friendship. Amidst the uncertainties of this world, I believe Christian marriage is a gift, and is something close to Jesus’ heart in this confusing world.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

May we honour your name, not by paying it lip service, Lord Jesus, but by trusting the vision it speaks of and the way it calls for

May we honour it by following you, speaking into the word with our actions
and showing who we’re chosen to follow

May we love in your name, speak in your name, care in your name, that willingness to touch the outcast, feed the hungry, remember the sick, visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty
in your name. Amen

by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Listening to the Stones http://newkilpatrickblog.typepad.com/nk-blogging/mucky-paws/

People to pray for

For Matt and Jas, Lesley and Neil in their marriages