Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. John 14 : 19 - 21Reading : John 14 : 15 - 21Thought for the weekWe’ve had a lot of instructions over the past few months, beginning with when we were still meeting together. I remember, ‘Do not physically share the peace’. ‘Do not sit near others if you feel unwell’. And later, ‘receive Communion in the bread only’.How many have we all received since then! At one point there was a debate between guidelines, instructions and commands. Jesus tells us in our Gospel this week, those who love Him will keep His Commandments.Jesus gave many commandments. ‘Repent’, ‘follow’, ‘seek’, ‘forgive’, ‘be reconciled’, ‘trust in Him’. All the Government instructions we’ve been given have been for our own good. To save lives and end the pandemic.The Lord is the source of life and love. His commandments bring life, and freedom, purpose and hope for the whole world.So Jesus summarises them all. ‘Love the Lord your God’. And ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. Jesus showed us what true love is on the Cross. This is the kind of love, His love, that changes everything. May we love as He loves us. Rev Paul
The following services will be made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 17th May: 10.30am, by Rev Phil for the sixth Sunday of EasterSunday 17th May evening with Rachel 6.30pm (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Wednesday 20th May: 10.30am Rev PaulWednesday 20th May evening 9pm: Rachel’s Rectory Ramblings (with slippers) Additionally this week on Thursday 7.00pm Deanery Zoom service for Ascension Day Rev Phil will be leading, Stella Noons preaching – see separate newsitem for details of how to join – or email Rev PaulWatch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'Everyone welcome.Also online : Rspace Zoom for teenagers every Tuesday at 7.00pm. Details Rev PaulTuesdays 10.00 am - 11.30 am virtual coffee morning – split into groups with people logging in at different times during the 90 minutes. If you’d like to join please contact Stella: midday1940@gmail.com and she will give you a time. The zoom number is 317 328 9088. Also the option to join Stella for a chat on Sunday mornings from 11.20am after the service. The number is the same.
Picture above is of Faith Muvili with her son in Kenya. Credit: Christian Aid/Adam Finch Paul Scarff has now pulled together the recipe book mentioned in our previous news item.He has received a lovely selection of favourite recipes from a variety of churches in Norwich, Norfolk and beyond. To receive a copy you need to visit his justgiving page here (or put the following into your browser https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-scarff ) to made a donation (there is a suggested minimum of £2).Once you have made a donation via justgiving you need to email him at the address shown on the justgiving page. He will then send you a copy of the recipe book and hopes you will enjoy trying the recipes.[Note: justgiving cannot pass your details directly to Paul hence the 2-step process to go through].
“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14 : 2 Reading : John 14 : 1 – 14Thought for this weekOne of the features of this time I will remember are the daily bulletins from Downing Street. Each day the solemnity of the Cabinet member flanked by experts, and each day the statistics and the revelation of some aspect of the campaign against the virus.Jesus’ life with His disciples was a constant revelation of the Kingdom, the Lord’s values and power to change lives, and of who Jesus is, the bringer of the Kingdom and ultimately the bringer of salvation and peace.Our Gospel reading were words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper. They begin with, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled’. The words repeated in many places in the Bible, especially at the times of the Lord’s revelations to His frail and fearful people.We can celebrate that the Lord has revealed Himself to us, and goes on revealing His love to whoever will open their hearts to Him, will listen to Him. He has revealed His love through His Word to us, the Bible, and longs for us to grow in that truth revealed for us each day.This is the Lord’s love who longs for us to know Him as our Saviour and our Friend. Rev Paul
