Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8 : 38 - 39Bible reading : Acts 8 : 26 - 40Thought for the weekHow often have you ventured out and had a seemingly chance encounter with someone you know, or a complete stranger? A conversation that led to more, was clearly meant to be?In our reading today the apostle Philip meets an Ethiopian who just happens to be reading from the Book of Isaiah in God’s word. The conversation leads him to hearing from Philip about Jesus, and being baptised there and then!We are all called to be on the alert for these moments. If someone reveals how they are feeling, or a particular concern, or a conversation that is about faith, often starting with a question, that is often a God – led moment.We may not feel we have all the theological answers (I certainly don’t!), but we can point to Jesus. We can all listen carefully, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.We can all speak of our faith and trust in Him. We can share what faith and prayer means for us personally. We can share what we are giving thanks for in our lives. We can offer to remember that person in our prayers. The Ethiopian went off rejoicing. How much joy in Jesus a ‘chance’ encounter can bring. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekRisen Christ,your wounds declare your love for the worldand the wonder of your risen life:give us compassion and courageto risk ourselves for those we serve,to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below):Sunday 2nd May 9.30am Holy Communion (at St Eds and livestream)Sunday 2nd May 11.15am Sunday Morning Worship (livestream)Sunday 2nd May 6.30pm Sunday Club (livestream)Tuesday 4th May 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (livestream)Wednesday 5th May 9am Midweek Moments! (livestream)Wednesday 5th May 10.30am Holy Communion Rev Phil/Rev Paul (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.AdditionallyAttended services we now have a 9.30am service at St Ed’s weekly, a Wednesday 10.30am service at St Ed’s and services fortnightly at St Peter’s. We are trialling a period where it is not necessary to sign up in advance. Just come along!Services at St Peter’s: Sunday 9th May 11.00am Holy CommunionSunday 23rd May 11.00am Service of the Word – Stella Noons followed by Vestry Meeting and APCM for 2020 and 2021Sunday6th June 11.00am Morning Prayer – Jane DrydenSunday 2oth June 11.00am Holy CommunionDeanery Ascension Day ServiceThere will be a Deanery service for Ascension Day from St Cuthbert’s Church Sprowston on Thursday 13th May in the evening. It will be possible to join this service online. Further details to be announced.APCM Ringland The Annual Meeting for St Peter’s – including an update on the Architect’s works, will be on 23rd May (Pentecost Sunday) at 12.15pm, following the morning service at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome.Books by local pastors :Vic Ready, Senior Pastor of Taverham Evangelical Church, has written a book entitled, ‘Glorious Things’, about the revival through the Holy Spirit at Mount Zion Church in the 1970’s and 1980’s when the church was led by Sedley Pimlott. The book is £6.95 email vicready28@gmail.com or text 07799 000 066 to order one.Jon Norman Senior Pastor of Soul Church, has written a book entitled ‘Unmasked’. “a journey to peel back the layers, to unmask areas in our lives that can keep us from living the abundant life that Christ has destined us to live”. Available on Amazon at £9.99.Network Norwich For all news of events and activities amongst the Christian community in Norwich, you can access the website for Network Norwich athttps://www.networknorwich.co.uk/
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10 : 14 - 15Bible reading : John 10 : 11 – 18Thought for the weekThe Lord has led me to have several conversations this week with people who keep sheep. About how hard they are to look after. They need constant attention for their feet, their heads, their eyes, their fleeces. Hearing some of the more graphic detail (!) It takes massive commitment to the sheep. And patience. I know I couldn’t do it.Jesus speaks of those who might do half the job, or not even that. When it gets tough, or even dangerous, they are away. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows the sheep need a lot of looking after. Not just now and again, but all the time. In fact sheep simply cannot survive without a shepherd. But more than this we have a shepherd who does not only care for us each day, but saw that we need a rescue, forgiveness, cleansing and hope.Jesus has laid down His life for us, His sheep. Not only in an incredible act of sacrifice and loving commitment, but also to gather us, as people. To be one flock, from our different backgrounds and races and nationalities. One flock and one shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd who is the source of all that is good in our lives. Praise Him! Rev PaulPrayer for this weekRisen Christ,faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:teach us to hear your voiceand to follow your command,that all your people may be gathered into one flock,to the glory of God the Father. Amen
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below):Sunday 25th April 9.30am Holy Communion (at St Eds and livestream)Sunday 25th April 11am Morning Prayer (at St Peter’s)Sunday 25th April 11.15am Sunday Morning Worship (livestream)Sunday 25th April 6.30pm Sunday Club (livestream)Tuesday 27th April 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (livestream)Wednesday 28th April 9am Midweek Moments! (livestream)Wednesday 28th April 10.30am Holy Communion Rev Phil/Rev Paul (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.AdditionallySundays - we will have a 9.30am service at St Ed’s weekly, and a service fortnightly at St Peter’s, with sign – up sheets in St Ed’s. Please look on the noticeboard for details.Midweek Moments every Wednesday morning at 9.00am, a short time online of Bible reading, reflection and prayer, through the St Eds Facebook page. Deanery Ascension Day ServiceThere will be a Deanery service for Ascension Day from St Cuthbert’s Church Sprowston on Thursday 13th May in the evening. It will be possible to join this service online. Further details to be announced.APCM Ringland The Annual Meeting for St Peter’s – including an update on the Architect’s works, will be on 23rd May (Pentecost Sunday) at 12.15pm, following the morning service at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome.Prayers Our prayers are with Dian, and the family at the death of Peter Frost at Ringland. Peter was a gentle and loving Christian man with a solid faith.
