There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1 : 6 - 8Bible reading : John 1 : 6 – 8, 19 - 28Thought of the weekThe appearance of John the Baptist in the Advent Gospel readings is a salutary reminder of the true meaning of these days leading to Christmas. It is about the Kingdom of God, with Jesus’ power, healing and peace, breaking into our world with all its distractions and constructions. It is about truth over deceit, and light in the darkness. John comes with his single message of turning back to the Lord.We need to hear his message more than ever this year of course. For Christmas to be truly Christmas this year we need to stop. To turn again to the goodness and grace of the Lord’s love entering our world. Of His cleansing and His power in Jesus. Of His invitation to us to draw close to the stable, and believe that this is the Lord who searches for us, who comes in sacrifice and offers us freedom from fear.This is a Christmas like no other any of us have ever known. Let us make it unforgettable by listening to John the Baptist’s words, that Jesus is the one who was long awaited, who has come to us with authority and grace. Let us stop in our busyness, and lift our eyes from the day to day, to eternity, and to the miracle of Emmanuel, God with us. Rev Paul
Welcome to the St Ed’s and St Peter’s Prayer Hub for the week beginning Sunday 13th December.This week sees us travelling deeper into our Advent journey and we light the third candle on our wreath. The third candle represents JOY. In a year where there has perhaps been seemingly little joy it is good to pause and remember what joy is about and why, even on the darkest of days we can still know joy. This is the joy that comes despite our circumstances but rather comes from our identity in belonging to Christ. In a year when we have longed for good news we are reminded that Jesus is The Good News. Angels and shepherds are filled with joy because there is Good News. Jesus is born. He is here. This is what our faith rests on, the Good News that God is not absent, but rather present in all that fills our lives - the good, the bad, the ups and the downs.In our prayers this week we invite you to focus on the word joy, as we reflect on what it might mean in difficult times, and how the Good News of Jesus Christ brings light, hope and peace to our world.St. Paul writes to the Philippians Christians May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again; rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7)Sunday: We give thanks today for the joy that comes from belonging to Christ and for the joy of belonging to one another.Monday: Hold in the Light of Christ any particular situations and circumstances where the joy of Christ’s love would make a difference.Tuesday: Ask God to give you a deep sense of joy that comes from belonging to him.Wednesday: Pray for those who are struggling with concerns about their businesses and livelihoods and whose futures are uncertain.Thursday: In all the uncertainty regarding Brexit pray for our leaders and ask for God’s wisdom for them in their decision making.Friday: Pray for our life and witness in our community as we seek to share God’s love over these next few weeks.Saturday: As we prepare to worship tomorrow pray that our worship may bring joy to God.Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference
We invite you to join us for our annual bereavement service at 3pm on Sunday 13th December 2020.Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the service will be held online this year via facebook livestream on the St Ed's facebook page Facebook.com/St.EdmundsChurchThe service will include readings and prayers, and an opportunity for the name of your loved one to be read out. We will light candles in remembrance of those we have lost and invite you to light your own candle to join with our prayers. There will also be prayers of remembrance for those who have died from Covid-19.If you would like the name of your loved one read out during the service please contact Rev Paul by email at vicarattaverham@gmail.com or phone on 01603 868217Join live if you are able or watch later 'on catch up'.All welcome.
See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ Mark 1 : 2 - 3Bible reading : Mark 1 : 1 - 8Thought for the weekIt seems the Christmas preparations have started really early this year. Not surprising with the year that is coming to an end with so much struggle and so much that has just seemed so wrong.The Lord spoke into another time when so much was disjointed and painful. The Roman occupation. The failure of the Jewish spiritual leadership. Hope disintegrating. Families struggling. Even philosophers questioning their own moral authority.The Lord’s prophets have always spoken into human time and events from His heart of endless and unfathomable love and wisdom. Speaking grace, speaking of new beginnings, speaking peace into turmoil and confusion.So preparation has become so important. Not just for Christmas, but the preparation of our lives, our priorities, our choices. We are called to prepare because we cannot know what is ahead of us. We cannot know the opportunities we will have to speak of the Lord’s love and witness to His grace.We are all called to prepare because the Kingdom is now. Jesus is alive, and calls us to follow Him with all that we are, all we are called to be. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekO Lord, raise up, we pray, your powerand come among us,and with great might succour us;that whereas, through our sins and wickednesswe are grievously hinderedin running the race that is set before us,your bountiful grace and mercymay speedily help and deliver us;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen
