“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.
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.
