He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ …. Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.     Matthew 16 : 15 – 16, 20

Readings this week Isaiah 51 : 1 - 6; Romans 12 : 1 - 8; Matthew 16 : 13 - 20

Thought for this week

You may have watched the BBC TV series “Who do you think you are?”.

Having not actually seen the programme I assume that the answer produced - a surprising or unexpected outcome.

This can be a welcome or disturbing occasion and change your whole view of yourself and the influences that made you who you are. Possible even changing your feeling of self-worth for the better, hopefully.

When it comes to hope Jesus was the expert. Turning people’s expectations on their heads. But first folk had to understand who he was.

So that is why the answer to the question “who do people say the Son of Man is?” would be life - changing for all the disciples, especially Peter.

Once we realise that Jesus is the Son of God it can be life changing for us. When we trust Him as our Saviour we join Jesus family - that is life changing!

Granville

Prayer for this week

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

God of constant mercy, who sent your Son to save us: remind us of your goodness, increase your grace within us, that our thankfulness may grow, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We give thanks for…..

The groups meeting for Streams and the opportunities to share our faith

For Rev Canon Stella’s faithful and dedicated ministry amongst us

For those being married over the summer