On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”   John 7 : 37 - 39

Thought for the week

Today is the celebration of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first disciples, and on all those who believe in Jesus today. While there are several images used to represent, or to suggest, who the Holy Spirit is, including wind, flames, and a dove, the celebration of Pentecost is perhaps the one Christian festival of the year that is the least well known or understood, especially by people who are not yet believers or members of the church community.

Yet in our Gospel reading Jesus uses an image for the Holy Spirit that can be understood by everyone. The image of water, particularly in these unusually hot days of the Bank Holiday! Refreshing, thirst – quenching, life – bringing, free – flowing. Jesus declared publicly “ Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7 : 38).

The life of the Holy Spirit may well remain a mystery to many people. After all, Jesus said, “The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14 : 17). Yet I believe every human being will understand their own need. The thirst we each have in life for love, for hope, for meaning. For forgiveness and assurance. For acceptance. Jesus has won all these for everyone who believes. We can each receive these through the power and love of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, ‘Believe. And ask’ 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We give thanks for…..

Our Annual meetings

The work of Christian Aid

For those who visit our churches and the welcome we are able to give them