“the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father”. Matthew 13 : 43Bible reading: Matthew 13 : 24 – 30, 36 - 43Thought for the weekAmongst the many ‘unseen heroes’ of the past few months have been the staff and the children of our local schools. The teachers have had to be massively creative and dedicated in ensuring each child has had provision for their learning and also their well - being, whether at school or at home.There have been so many challenges, including rapidly effecting Government directives, providing for the children of key – workers so they can carry out their essential roles, supporting children who are in transition phases of their education, and also helping those youngsters who have worked towards exams for years that have not now taken place.In our Gospel reading Jesus speaks of the good seed being threatened by weeds and all the dangers that the world can present to healthy and God – given growth. I believe it is so important we give thanks to the Lord for the teaching staff, for His protection and guiding of them, and for the Lord’s blessing on the amazing children and youngsters in our community who carry so much potential and are so precious to Jesus. Please pray for them over the summer, that they will know the Lord is with them and loves them. Rev Paul
The following services will be made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 19th July 9:30 am, with Rev Phil (using spiritual communion Trinity liturgy on separate webpage) For the 9:30am livestream service on 19th July we will use the general confession from the Book of Common Prayer:ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done, And there is no health in us: But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders; Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults, Restore thou them that are penitent, According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord: And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.And TWO Bible readings (from the lectionary for the day): Wisdom 12:13, 16–19 and Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43Sunday 19th July 11am, with Rev Paul (service sheet attached)Sunday 19th July evening with Rachel 6.30pm (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Wednesday 22nd July: 10.30am Wednesday 22nd July 9pm: Rachel’s Rectory Ramblings (with slippers) Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'Everyone welcome.Church opening for worshipWe are now holding small services in St Ed's once a fortnight, including services of Holy Communion. If you would like to come along it would be great to see you. Track and Trace means we have to keep a record of who attends. Please contact Rev Paul (by phone or e mail) and so he can ‘book you in’.We are also exploring other options, including outdoors and at Ringland.In addition Rachel will be resuming the Tuesday evening meditation with Compline during August at St Ed's– dates to be announced.The livestreams are all continuing, and we are hoping these will include livestreams from the church building soon! Watch this space.Also online : Rspace Zoom for teenagers every Tuesday at 7.00pm. Details Rev Paul
“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.” Matthew 13 : 23Bible reading: Matthew 13 : 1 – 9, 18 - 23Thought for the weekOne of the aspects of life that has not depended on a Government directive or media scrutiny is what is happening in the fields, gardens and allotments all over the UK. Crops are growing in the field next to our house. Vegetables and fruit are looking healthy. It looks like there will be a harvest this year. When what is certain keeps changing, there is speculation and rumour about the future. Yet Jesus speaks about growing. About plenty and seeds that just keep being sown. About a sower who overcomes all the odds. Whose sowing carries on, and eventually produces a thick and plentiful harvest.Jesus’ Kingdom has been taking root and growing all through the lockdown. Through times of uncertainty and tragedy. When so much has threatened and destroyed, the seed of God’s word has continued to be sown. The growing and the harvest just keep on, regardless.Jesus calls us to prepare for the harvest, for the sower to reap even ‘beyond his wildest dreams’. We can be sure in these times the sower is sowing and the seed is growing. Let us celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness and His blessing, and rejoice in all He calls us to share in. Rev PaulBishop’s Prayer PilgrimageBishop Graham is walking from the Cathedral to Walsingham over three days, starting on Monday (13th July). “Pilgrimage is a meaningful journey to a sacred place. It provides the opportunity to step out of the non-stop busyness of our lives, to seek a time of quiet and reflection,” says Bishop Graham. “I’m intent on using this time to seek God’s heart and healing for all those affected by coronavirus. Do look out for me if I’m passing through your neighbourhood and please do all join me in praying during this time.”The Bishop will be passing through Taverham and Ringland at some time on Monday morning (13th July) and will visit St Ed’s and St Peter’s
A reminder of the on-line services for the week beginning Sunday 12th July 2020 - includes service sheet for 11am serviceThe following services will be made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 12th July 9:30 am, with Rev Phil (using spiritual communion Trinity liturgy on separate webpage) Sunday 12th July 11am, with Rev Paul (service sheet attached)Sunday 12th July evening with Rachel 6.30pm (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Wednesday 15th July 10.30am Wednesday 15th July 9pm: Rachel’s Rectory Ramblings (with slippers) Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'Everyone welcome.Drive – in church is being planned by the Diocese for the summer.The diocese is hoping to hold a songs of praise style service at the Norfolk Showground to celebrate all that local churches and communities have been doing over these past few months and give thanks to God. See the Diocesan website for full details ( if link fails go to https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/news/special-drive-in-church-service-to-take-place/ )Also online :Rspace Zoom for teenagers every Tuesday at 7.00pm. Details Rev Paul
