‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in[ you. John 14 : 15 - 16

Readings this week Acts 17 : 22 - 31; 1 Peter 3 : 13 - end; John 14 : 15 - 21

Thought for the week

In our Gospel reading Jesus speaks about love. Yet in the same breath He tells us living out His love in our lives has a very practical consequence. Jesus tells us, ‘if we love Him we will keep His commandments’.

This is the beginning of Christian Aid week, which has such a practical impact on many people in the world who live in the poorest of circumstances. This year features an inspiring project enabling people in cities to grow their own vegetables by using urban farming techniques.

We have the Ten Commandments, that enable ourselves and those around us to thrive. Yet Jesus gave us many more. ‘Forgive those who sin against you’, ‘Pray always’ ‘Make disciples’, 'Love one another’, 'Pray in my name’, ‘Repent’. ‘Do this in Remembrance of me’ . As we keep these and all Jesus’ commandments they have a transforming effect in our lives, and in the world. They become visible signs of the Kingdom. They enable the world to see who Jesus is, and the difference He makes in our lives.

How inspiring it is that by following Jesus we can make such a practical difference often in the smallest of ways. 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; 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

Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples: help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the Father. Amen

We give thanks for…..

The work of Christian Aid

Sean and Charlotte’s wedding day

St Peter's Annual meeting on 10th May and  St Ed's Annual meeting on 18th May