5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” 6 The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you! Luke 17 : 5 - 6

Readings this week Habbakuk 1 : 1 – 4, 2 : 1 - 4; 2 Timothy 1 : 1 - 14; Luke 17 : 5 - 10

Some thoughts for this week

The Lord does provide! Yet so often we need faith to keep praying, to be patient, and to have eyes to see the answer when it has arrived!

We have a newly designated Archbishop of Canterbury. The appointment has come after a great deal of prayer, of patience and waiting. Sarah Mullally is the Bishop of London, and comes with huge experience of the Lord’s compassion and love, first as Chief Nursing Officer for the UK, and now in Episcopal ministry.

I believe it is an affirmation not only of her ministry as a priest, but also of Jesus’ compassion and concern for His church as the Good Shepherd who loves His church, and longs to care for us, nurture us and lead us as we seek to live out our faith in this difficult and broken world. The church prayed for a leader, and the Lord has answered with someone who knows what it is to minister to people in desperate need, and comfort the dying and bereaved.

Jesus calls us to look to Him and to follow Him. To know that He answers our prayers and hears the cries of our hearts. When we are faithful and believe, we become the church that reflects Jesus. Our compassionate, faithful, loving and forgiving Lord. 

Rev Paul

A Blessing based on 2 Timothy 1: 1-14 :

As you go from here, may God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. Do not let your faith or your witness grow cold.

Remember: God’s gift of faithis like a flame;when the embers of that flame have cooled, you must fan them again to keep them ablaze.

So remember what you have been taught and what you have experienced. Live in such a way that all who know you may see the light of God reflected in you.

And may the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you and among you in the days ahead. Amen.

We praise the Lord and give thanks for…

The miraculous completion of the three projects at St Eds.

For our fellowship in the Gospel in our community

For all those who help our churches run smoothly