Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20 : 31Readings today : John 20 : 19 - 31Thought for this week In our Gospel reading Jesus appears to the first disciples while they are in lockdown. The situation could not be more appropriate today!. The disciples gather in fear and confusion. All normality has been displaced by Jesus’ Resurrection and the resulting outcry. There is general confusion, even anger, and a mixed receiving of truth.Jesus enters, and His words command authority and breathe new life into the disciples, and into the whole world, ‘Peace be with you’. These are the words of the Risen Lord to His broken and hurting world, to His people and to us.Thomas voices what others are feeling. Dismay, denial, avoidance, sadness, depression…and then acceptance. Big events have these mixed effects on us. There was no bigger event than the Resurrection of Jesus, that changes the whole world and the arrival of true hope for all who would turn to Him.Thomas does turn to Jesus, and utters the most faithful and believing cry in the whole of the Bible. ‘My Lord and My God’. Doubting Thomas he is not! Thomas perhaps alone of the disciples realises the huge implications of Jesus’ conquering sin and defeating death. Life is truly to be found in Him. Thomas’ is a cry of those who truly believe. A cry of acceptance and of heart – felt praise. Jesus speaks to us. Is this our cry today? Rev Paul
The following services will be made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:19th April Sunday morning 10.30am Rev Phil for the Second Sunday of Easter19th April Sunday evening with Rachel 6.30pm (for Sunday Club)22nd April Wednesday 10.30am Rev Paul 22nd April Wednesday 9.00pm Rachel’s Rectory Ramblings (with slippers) Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'Everyone welcome.
Please the attached service sheet to use at the 11am Easter Sunday service or on your own as a private liturgyreminder of services for the coming weekEaster Day - 9.30am Rev Phil pre - recorded 'spiritual communion' Easter Day - 11.00am - non - Communion celebration service Rev Paul Easter Day - 6:30 pm - Sunday club led by RachelWednesday morning (15th April) - 10:30 - serviceWednesday evening (15th April) - 9.00pm evening prayersSunday 19th April - 10.30am Rev Phil - Jesus appearing to the disciples, Thomas' declaration of faithSunday 19th April - 6:30pm - Sunday Club - led by Rachelall of these services are delivered through the St Edmund's Facebook page.All welcome to join us live or 'catch up' later.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Matthew 28 : 6 – 7 Readings today : Matthew 28 : 1 - 10Thought for this weekMatthew’s Gospel account of the Resurrection of Jesus begins with a violent earthquake, an angel hurtling from heaven, throwing back the stone like a curtain, with the appearance of lightning, clothing like snow. With the events of the past weeks it has felt there is no longer ‘normal’. The virus has had such a major impact on every household, every business and organisation, big questions now need to be asked, and maybe the biggest questions, ‘What do we really need?’, ‘what is most important to us?’.However we emerge from the virus, Jesus’ Resurrection reveals how He is making all things new. New beginnings and new hope. As we come like the first disciples amidst so much that is unprecedented and uncertain, the power of Christ to conquer sin and defeat death is supreme. Jesus is alive! He has broken fear and offers eternity. Praise be to the Lord revealed in His Son Jesus. Rev Paul
