Picture above is of Faith Muvili with her son in Kenya. Credit: Christian Aid/Adam Finch As Christian Aid Week approaches, we would normally be preparing to deliver and collect envelopes, hold a church collection, and meet together for Big Brekkie, and other food related fundraisers! In the current extraordinary circumstances, none of this can go ahead.In the space of just a few months, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a seismic shift in society. The outbreak has affected all spheres of life. It has brought suffering and uncertainty for so many, both here and overseas, taking centre stage in our thoughts, conversations and prayers. As individuals, families, communities and organisations, this crisis continues to have a significant impact on how we go about our daily business. We have all had to adapt to new ways of living. As this virus spreads across the world, love rises up in response. You’ve already shown incredible kindness to your neighbours. Now is the time to reach out to your neighbours again, both near and far.The incredible work of Christian Aid, supporting some of the poorest and most vulnerable people on our planet continues. We hope you will get involved in the virtual Christian Aid Week activities – keep reading for more details.Locally we would like to highlight two options:-1, Paul Scarff is pulling together an online recipe book – he has received a lovely selection of recipes from a variety of churches in Norwich, Norfolk and beyond. Once he has pulled this together into a single publication he will provide details of how to obtain a digital copy. 2, If possible, and appreciating people's current financial situations, can you make a donation, however small, to Christian Aid via the Christian aid Norwich Just Giving page? Use the link here (if the link fails go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/norwich-christianaid )Christian Aid (centrally)There are many ways we can all support this through the Christian Aid website. These include daily prayer reflections, quizzes and children activity sheets. Visit link here (or go to https://www.christianaid.org.uk/christian-aid-week/virtual-fundraisers) for more detailsChristian aid is live streaming various services and daily reflections which you need to sign up to be involved in. Events are as follows:Sunday 10 May, 1.00pm: Live-streamed Christian Aid Week service with Dr Rowan Williams. Monday 11 - Saturday 16 May, 11am: Live daily reflections from our staff and partners overseas.You can find out more information about the service and daily reflections by signing up on the Christian Aid website using the link here ( or if the link fails use https://www.christianaid.org.uk/christian-aid-week/daily-prayer-reflection )By supporting this Christian Aid Week, you can reach out and protect more of your neighbours today. We hope you will donate whatever you can afford so Christian Aid can continue its important work.
Join Rev Paul live - on the St Ed’s Facebook page - at 4pm on Friday 8th May for some VE Day thoughts and prayers.Or you can watch later on catch up.All welcome
All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture John 10 : 8 - 9Reading : John 10 : 1 - 10 Thought for the weekThe image of the Lord as our shepherd is a very striking one. The one who cares for us and guides us, and longs for us to be safe. A very powerful message in these difficult days.Even in the twenty – first century we have not changed. As the Coronavirus has shown us our lives are fragile, and always will be. Life is full of dangers as well as celebrations. The Bible reminds us constantly we are to look to the Lord for hope, for protection and for safety in Him. Our ultimate safe place is to be with the Lord for ever.The task of the shepherd to protect the sheep meant often the shepherd placing themselves between danger and the sheep. Even acting as the gate for the sheep pen at night.This is what Jesus has done for us. He has placed Himself between the full danger and destruction of our sin and us. He has endured sacrifice and death on the Cross because He is the Good Shepherd. He has opened the way to salvation and eternal life, because he is the Way. He is the gate into the Father’s presence and His love.I pray we may each know the loving care, rescue and safety of Jesus. Rev Paul
The following services will be made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 3rd May: 10.30am, by Rev Phil – spiritual communion (see attached service sheet) for the Fourth Sunday of EasterSunday 3rd May evening 6.30pm with Rachel (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Wednesday 6th May: 10.30amWednesday 6th May evening 9pm: Rachel’s Rectory Ramblings (with slippers) Friday 8th May: VE Day prayers for peaceWatch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'Everyone welcome.Also online : Thy Kingdom Come will be different this year! The Global call to pray will be from Ascension to Pentecost. More details here (if link fails go to www.Thykingdomcome.global )
