His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. Matthew 25 : 21Bible reading : Matthew 25 : 14 - 30Thought for the weekJesus’ Parables often depict characters from the world. Wily managers, devious servants, harsh and heartless masters. It is the reality that as Christians we are called to remain in the world, and to be salt and light wherever we are called.The Parable of the Tenants depicts a master whose priority is to make a profit, even when he is away, leaving the task to his servants. The master is so unfair in his expectations that he gives the servants different amounts.Yet even the servant with only one talent has the potential to see it grow. Jesus uses this situation to teach us how the Kingdom works, how the Lord’s grace is shared, how the Lord’s name is lifted high and faith in Him grows. Often in small ways. Often with things that are unseen. Often with quiet faith, and persevering prayers. Jesus calls us to have faith, and to know that even the very little we can do, even the little we might feel we can offer, has enormous potential in the Kingdom Jesus has come to build.A prayer, an act of kindness, even a few words can have enormous consequences. We are called to have faith, and see Jesus transform, heal and bring His saving peace. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekHeavenly Lord,you long for the world’s salvation:stir us from apathy,restrain us from excessand revive in us new hopethat all creation will one day be healedin Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Ed’s and St Peter’s Prayer Hub.Week beginning Sunday 15th November 2020Welcome to the second week of our St Ed’s and St Peter’s Prayer Hub which we started last week. We hope you found the prayer suggestions last week helpful and that, if you were able, you joined in with saying the Lord’s Prayer at 12pm each day.Please join us live on St Eds Facebook page at 9pm on Saturday evenings for a time of quiet reflective prayer.Sunday: Give thanks for our life together at St Ed’s and St Peter’s, for the opportunity to worship together online. Give thanks too for those who join with us from further afield, including overseas.Monday: Pray for all those who are working to produce vaccines.Tuesday: Pray for those who will watch our Tiny Tunes livestream today.Wednesday: Hold in the Light of Christ’s love all those who are unwell with mental health illnesses, especially those who can’t access the right help and support they need.Thursday: Pray for Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and all places torn apart by disunity, chaos, fear and hatred.Friday: Spend some time today giving thanks for God’s goodness and love.Saturday: Pray for our worship tomorrow.Lord Jesus Christ,You are The Light of the world.Fill our minds with your love, And our heart with your peace.In your name O Christ,Our life and our nourishment. Amen.Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference
The livestreams are continuing with the following services being made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 15th November 9:30 am Service if the Word with Val Hooker Sunday 15th November 11:15am with Stella Noons (service sheet attached)Sunday 15th November evening 6.30pm with Rachel and Sophie (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Tuesday 17th November 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people)Wednesday 18th November 10.30am Rev PaulWednesday 18th November 9pm Rachel’s Rectory RamblingsSaturday 21st November 9pm Prayers together Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyShoeboxes Thank you to everyone who donated a shoebox this year. We gathered 62 – a fantastic total! Thank you. They will be hugely appreciated by those who will receive them.Advent begins on Sunday 29th November.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40 : 31Bible reading : Matthew 25 : 1 - 13Thought for the weekToday is Remembrance Sunday as we come to remember those who died in the wars defending our country, to give thanks for our freedom and to commit ourselves to the way of peace, in the strength of Jesus The Prince of Peace. This is of course all the more poignant as we face in these days an unseen enemy, and all the disruption that is causing to so many. We have today many who are making sacrifices, we have new front lines, a fight for a vaccine and for freedom, and the virus is affecting the lives of us all.Jesus tells the Parable of a wedding, and of bridesmaids called to take part, and yet some are unprepared. It is a reminder to us how we are all called by Jesus to take part in His Kingdom. We are all called to keep our lamps filled so we can shine brightly for Him. So we are ready to meet Him in the people we see and those on our hearts to pray for.This second lockdown has come with a call from the Archbishops to pray. Many of us have adopted the practice of pausing wherever we are to say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 o’clock each day. It connects us with one another and brings us into the conscious awareness of the presence of God. You may wish to join us.Alongside this, within the benefice, we will be giving a simple suggestion for each day of something you might like to pray about as we pray together for the world in all its trauma and anguish and also as we give thanks for God’s continued presence and faithfulness to us in this time of uncertainty and difficulty. - see separate news-item for this week's suggested topics.In this lockdown may we shine with Jesus’ Light, that everyone may know His presence and His Peace. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekGod, our refuge and strength,bring near the day when wars shall ceaseand poverty and pain shall end,that earth may know the peace of heaventhrough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
