He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 24 : 44Bible reading : Luke 24 : 36b - 48Thought for the weekOur Gospel reading today involves all the senses. The Risen Jesus appears to the disciples, and they hear His voice. They also see for themselves, Jesus even says “Look at my hands and feet”. Going further, Jesus tells them to touch His hands to be sure it is Him. And He asks for a fish. There would have been the smell of the fish, and the taste (as Jesus eats it!).It is a reminder that Jesus’ Resurrection is by no means an abstract concept, or vague hope. It is not something that can be reinterpreted or reinvented over time. It is not remote from us, but about God breaking into our lives. It means we can speak not only of Resurrection hope, but also Resurrection reality. All our relationships, how we spend our time and money, how we fill our days, and view life, death and eternity are determined, brought to life, given meaning through the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus. Maybe this week we can use our senses to experience the reality of Jesus’ Resurrection. The Risen Jesus is with us each day. He fills the earth with His power and love. He calls the whole world into His hope. To know Him as Saviour and Friend. Christ is Risen! Rev PaulPrayer for this weekGod of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, for his love of our country, and for his devotion to duty. We entrust him now to your love and mercy, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.Risen Christ,you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope:strengthen us to proclaim your risen lifeand fill us with your peace,to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The livestreams are continuing with the following services being made available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below):Sunday 18th April 9.30am Holy Communion (at St Eds and livestream)Sunday 18th April 11am morning Prayer (at St Peter’s)Sunday 18th April 11.15am Sunday morning worship (livestream)Sunday 18th April 6.30pm Sunday Club (livestream)Tuesday 20th April 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (livestream)Wednesday 21st April 9am Midweek Moments! (livestream)Wednesday 21st 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.AdditionallyServices after EasterSundays - 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.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.
Prayer in Commemoration of Prince Philip on the eve of his funeralGod of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, for his love of our country, and for his devotion to duty. We entrust him now to your love and mercy, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.St Edmund’s Church, Taverham will be open from 6.00pm to 7.00pm on Friday 16th April for personal prayer and reflection on the life of Prince PhilipFlowers can be brought and laid in the churchCandles can be litnote: Face coverings must be worn and social distancing maintained while inside the church building.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20 : 19 - 20Bible reading : John 20 : 19 - 31Thought for the weekWhen Jesus appears to the disciples in the evening of that first day of His Resurrection they are full of fear. They have locked the doors and are hiding. They are together, with the exception of Thomas, maybe for safety, maybe because they could not think of anywhere else to go. They are not even planning what to do next.Jesus’ appearance not only fills them with hope, but He also breathes on them with the Holy Spirit. This is not to preempt Pentecost, but to strengthen the disciples for the next part of their journey. To give them the courage to even get outside the door! To begin the work of the Kingdom that Jesus is entrusting them with.As a nation we have received the news of Prince Philip’s death. There is a rawness, a need for reflection, a giving thanks for his life and service.Our Gospel reading reminds us it is the Risen Lord who is the source of our strength, our hope, our new life in Him. In all the uncertainties and difficulties of our lives we are called to look to the One who has conquered and overcome. Who is alive. We are called to ask the Lord to fill us with His Holy Spirit, so that day by day we may show His love and Life, and live as His people. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekChrist, you are risen with the sun; you are light in darkness, warmth in our cold. You are peace and hope and joy, for you went willingly to death. You turned defeat and failure to victory for all. You live eternally and with you all the living and the dead who trust in you. May we who in baptism die to sin, rise again to new life and find our true place in your living body. May the covenant sealed in your blood through us bring healing and reconciliation to this wounded world.
