One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people? John 6 : 8 - 9Bible reading : John 6 : 1 - 21Thought for the weekAs Jesus comes to feed the five thousand he is already surrounded by the huge range of human challenges and needs. People are coming to Him for healing and for hope. They are gathering in great numbers for comfort, to hear His voice, to listen to His teaching, to receive from Jesus hope of rescue, and a glimpse of a better future.How extraordinary that Jesus somehow manages to meet all these needs. He deals with people individually through countless healing miracles. He meets the needs of the crowd by the miracle of the loaves and fish, not only physically feeding so many, but assuring them of the Lord’s Presence with them, gathering them as His people, sharing with them His hope for each of their lives. Later He even walks on water to meet the disciples in their boat.Our lives are full of hurdles, difficulties, needs and seeming impossibilities. Jesus somehow turns all of these into opportunities, into new horizons, into hope. With Jesus all things are possible, and more than this, from needs and challenges Jesus brings hope and new life. What do we need to bring to Him today? How do we need to trust in Him more, in His power and love? Rev PaulPrayer for today (A confession)Merciful God,You see deep into our hearts and know us better than we know ourselves.Forgive us we pray.For the times we turn away from Your word,remind us that You are the Lord our God,our eternal protector and guide.For our impulses of anger and jealousy, scorn or spite,grant us Your healing peace.For our resistance to forgiveness, generosity and mercy,inspire us with Your compassionate loveFor Jesus’ sake. AmenAssurance of ForgivenessWelcome now the abundant grace of God:in Jesus, our sins are forgiven.And let God's love comfort and heal our souls.
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below):Sunday 25th July 9.30am Mustard Tree Church – informal service for families and children (at St Ed’s)Sunday 25th July 11:15 am Traditional Sunday Service (at St Ed’s)Sunday 25th July 11:15 am on-location Sunday Worship (livestream)Sunday 25th July 6.30pm Sunday Club (livestream)Tuesday 27th July 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s and livestream), refreshments (outside)10am til12 noonTuesday 27th July 5:00pm Rspace (for details contact Rev Paul)Wednesday 28th July 9am Midweek Moments! (livestream)Wednesday 28th July 10.30am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Thursday 29th July 6:00pm Wedding rehearsal (at St Ed’s)Friday 30th July 9:30 to 12 noon St Eds Art Group (at Trinity Church)Friday 30th July 1.30pm Wedding (at St Ed’s)Saturday 31st July 12.00noon Baptism (at St Ed’s)Sunday 1st August 2.00pm Baptism (at St Ed’s)Additionally at 8am daily (daily except Wednesday and Sunday) we will be posting a ‘Daily bitesize prayer’ on the St Ed's Facebook pageWatch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyGUIDELINES FOR COVID SAFETY POST 19th JULY· We will continue to have hand sanitiser at the door· We ask everyone coming into church to continue wearing masks and maintain a sensible distance where possible· We will not have singing indoors – just outside· We will now offer the option of receiving the Host dipped in the wine by the priest. People can continue to receive the Host only or a blessing if preferred· We will continue to meet outside where possible · We will continue to record the names of those who attend services and other meetings/events in church, and everyone attending is asked to fill their names and contact number in the book at the door please.Ringland: future services at St Peter’s: Sunday 8th August 11.00am Morning Prayer – Jane Dryden Sunday 12th September 11.00am Morning Prayer – Jane Dryden Tuesdays are back! We now have Tiny Tunes in St Ed's church from 10.00am and will be serving teas and coffees (outside) 10.00am to 12.00pm. Everyone welcome!Norfolk Churches Trust Walk/Cycle/Drive Saturday 11th September 2021, 9.00am to 5.00pm. A chance to call in at as many churches as you can and raise money for Norfolk Churches. Details and sponsorship forms from rev Paul.Or visit Norfolk Churches Trust website at https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride-walk/Dippy at the Cathedral The dinosaur has arrived – on show from 13th July. Details on the Cathedral website : https://www.cathedral.org.uk/dippy-on-tour
He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6 : 31Bible reading : Mark 6 : 30 – 34, 53 - 56Thought for the weekIn each of the readings from Mark’s Gospel set for this Sunday Jesus is recognised. In each there has been a flurry of activity, and amazement at Jesus’ miracles. Feeding the great crowd from a few loaves and fish, and then going out to meet the disciples by walking on the water.Yet the emphasis in these readings is on the in – between times. Between the great miracles, Jesus is setting Himself aside to be with the disciples. To rest and retreat. Getting into the boat to be away from crowds. Yet He also always responds to the needs of those around Him, those who are brought to Him. He is always ready to listen and respond.The in – between times fill much of our lives. When our agenda is light, or we are waiting for things to happen. When we are at rest maybe, or feel we are drifting. In these times do we recognise Jesus? These are times that are as precious as any other. Times when we can see Jesus in the ordinary. When we are just being ourselves, maybe alone, maybe feeling lonely.Yet Jesus is always with us, especially when we are just being ourselves. These are growing times just as much as busy times, because Jesus’ heart is for us. His love is always present. Rev PaulPrayer for todayLord of all power and might,The author and giver of all good things:Graft in our hearts the love of your name,Increase in us true faith,Nourish us with all goodness,And of your great mercy keep us in the same,Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,Amen.
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below):Sunday 18th July 9.30am Mustard Tree Church – informal service for families and children (at St Ed’s)Sunday 18th July 11:15 am Traditional Sunday Service (at St Ed’s)Sunday 18th July 11:15 am on-location Sunday Worship (livestream)Sunday 18th July 1.00pm Baptism (at St Ed’s)Sunday 18th July 3.30pm Baptism (at St Ed’s)Sunday 18th July 6.30pm Sunday Club (livestream)Tuesday 20th July 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments 10am til12 noonTuesday 20th July 5:00pm Rspace (for details contact Rev Paul)Wednesday 21st July 9am Midweek Moments! (livestream)Wednesday 21st July 10.30am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Friday 23rd July 9:30 to 12 noon St Eds Art Group (at Trinity Church)Friday 23rd July 1:00pm Wedding (at St Eds)Saturday 24th July 1:30pm Wedding (at St Peter’s)Saturday 24th July 1:30pm Baptism (at St Ed’s)Additionally at 8am daily (daily except Wednesday and Sunday) we will be posting a ‘Daily bitesize prayer’ on the St Ed's Facebook pageWatch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyRingland: future services at St Peter’s: Sunday 8th August 11.00am Morning Prayer – Jane Dryden 19th July we have received updated guidelines from the Church of England, but the overall message is to be careful and cautious. There will be some freedom from restrictions over the coming weeks, but we are being told to go slowly. Our Standing Committee are considering what the guidelines mean for us. We will inform everyone once we have worked through the implications.Tuesdays at St Ed's are back! From this Tuesday (20th) we will have Tiny Tunes in church from 10.00am and will be serving teas and coffees 10.00am to 12.00pm. Everyone welcome!Norfolk Churches Trust Walk/Cycle/Drive Saturday 11th September 2021, 9.00am to 5.00pm. A chance to call in at as many churches as you can and raise money for Norfolk Churches. Details and sponsorship forms from Rev Paul. Or visit Norfolk Churches Trust website at https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride-walk/Church Times – we got a mention! Our livestreams were mentioned in the Church Times this week, following an interview I did with Ecclesiastical Insurance as part of a survey for the Bible Society. The full article is at the back of church regarding the use of technology in worship and its future.
