He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4 : 40 - 41Readings this week : Job 38 : 1 - 11; 2 Corinthians 6 : 1 - 13; Mark 4 : 35 - 41Thought for this weekOur Gospel reading begins with a sense of weariness. Jesus has been teaching all day, there is a ‘great crowd’, bringing many needs. It is evening, and Jesus retires to a boat for some rest. Maybe we’re reminded of the first days of creation, when the Father needed to rest on the seventh day. Even the Lord Himself takes rest seriously!So many people recently have commented how weary they are. How difficult everything in life has become. We are post – pandemic, with so many changes. In everything there seems a weariness as everything is harder work and goals are more difficult to achieve.Yet we are drawn to our Saviour who lies in a boat on a cushion. It must have been restful initially with the movement of the water, until He is woken to deal with the storm.Jesus knows how draining our human lives can become. Jesus’ words to the wind and waves apply as much to us in our striving, our ambitions and plans, our weariness : “Peace. Be still!”.Jesus who calms the storm, calls us to trust Him. To know His power. To believe in Him. As the disciples ask, “Who is this?” Rev PaulPrayer for this weekTo leave the safe sheltered quay; to rest while strong men fear; to doze through a storm at sea: who is this Jesus?To display the might of the meek; to sleep while threats are near; to dream while fierce gales peak: who is this Jesus?To know what keeps you afloat; to let another hand steer; to be safe in a foundering boat: who is this Jesus?To see when there’s no light; to trust when nothing’s clear; to confront the powers of night: who is this Jesus?To speak the word that saves; to know God is even here; to command the wind and the waves: who is this Jesus?— Copyright Ó B D Prewer 2000. Posted on http://www.bruceprewer.com/People to pray forThose at seaThe Mission to Seafarers
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 23rd June 8:00am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 23rd June 9:30am Mustard Tree– informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 23rd June 11:15 am Service of the word (at St Ed’s)Sunday 23rd June 11:15 am Online Sunday service (pre-recorded livestream) Monday 24th June 5.00 pm Evening prayers (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 25th June 10:00 am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments10am til12 noonTuesday 25th June 2:00 pm APA course (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 25th June 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 25th June 7:00 pm Cubs in church (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 26th June 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 26th June 5:00 pm Evening Prayer (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 26th June 7:30 pm Alpha Bible Study (at St Ed’s)Thursday 27th June 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 23rd May 2.30pm Burial of ashes (at St Ed’s)Thursday 27th June 7.00pm Compline with meditation (at St Ed’s and livestream) Friday 28th June 9:30 am to12.00 noon Arts and Craft Group , - bring anything – art or craft - you fancy doing and coffee and tea are provided. (at Trinity church)Saturday 29th June 11.00am Taverham fair (Churches Together stall)Also Sunday 30th June, At St Ed’s 8am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Morning Worship, 12;45 Bring and share lunch. Plus online 11:15am Informal Service. For on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyRingland: future services/events for Ringland St Peter’s: July 8th 2:00 pm PCC meeting (in St Peter’s)July 14th 10:30 am Holy Communion (in St Peter’s)Alpha Please continue to pray for this exciting time, and those who are making this journey.Taverham fair we are organising the Churches Together stall. We will have crafts for children and some simple games, and TEC, Trinity and St Ed’s will be involved. Please let Rev Paul know if you are able to volunteer for a slot on the day (29th June).Fifth Sunday (30th) at St Ed's we will be focussing on the prophetic book of Jeremiah. This will also continue on 7th July.Bring and Share lunch on Sunday 30th June at St Ed's from 12.45pm. This is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rev Stella’s and Rev Paul’s Ordinations and Rachel’s 35th anniversary of Commissioning. If you would like to contribute some food there is a sign – up sheet at the back of churchStrawberry tea Thursday 18th July 2.30 – 4.30 pm in Deidre Porter’s Garden (23 The Street). All welcome. It will be in aid of the St Ed's church projects, and donations will be gratefully received.
Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4 : 30 – 32Readings this week : Ezekiel 17 22 - end; 2 Corinthians 5 : 6 – 10, 14 - 17; Mark 4 : 26 - 34Thought for this weekHave you ever been surprised by what springs up in your garden? Even in our cities seeds carried by birds will bring life and colour. How miraculous nature is.I wonder if we give enough attention to how the Lord speaks to us in all we see, hear and smell around us each day. The wonder of creation. The joy of new life, the mystery of seeds growing, the majesty of the seasons, and even death and Resurrection. It is all contained within a seed that seeks to survive, to grow, and to spread into branches and leaves.In our Gospel reading we hear about the seed growing slowly, and the Mustard Seed growing in such grandeur that even its branches grow long and provide refuge for birds.Jesus is speaking about His Kingdom. Often unseen, growing slowly. Often unknown, and yet with the gift to surprise, make us re – think, wonder again at all that is beyond us and yet is before us. Is within us in our lives.This is Jesus’ love. So much further than we can begin to imagine. Boundless, free, bringing life. How amazing if we could begin to understand this life. How amazing the Life Jesus offers. His free gift offered to us all. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekLord Jesus Christ, we remember with gratitude those who generously sowed the seeds of faith in our lives. We recognize how you have blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit so that our faith has miraculously and mysteriously grown. We confess the times we fail to involve ourselves in planting seeds of faith in the lives of others; the times when our personal agendas become more important than yours; the times when we have denied others the opportunity to expand their faith through our lack of interest or involvement; the times when our lives become so entangled with the values of the world that we forget what you have said and done and promised. Lord Jesus Christ, we know that when we become disconnected from you, our lives becomes parched and unfruitful and our faith becomes stunted and dry. Bless and renew our lives, we pray, so that we remain connected to you at all times and in all places, strengthening our faith to expand and, growing strongly and vigorously, to bear the fruit of your mercy, your love, your undying life. Amen.Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 16th June 9:30am Mustard Tree– informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 16th June 11:15 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 16th June 11:15 am Online Sunday service (livestream) Monday 17th June 5.00 pm Monday prayers (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 18th June 10:00 am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments10am til12 noonTuesday 18th June 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 19th June 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 19th June 5:00 pm Evening Prayer (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 19th June 7:30 pm Alpha Bible Study (at St Ed’s)Thursday 20th June 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 20th June 7.00pm Compline with meditation (at St Ed’s and livestream) Friday 21st June 9:30 am to12.00 noon Arts and Craft Group , - bring anything – art or craft - you fancy doing and coffee and tea are provided. (at Trinity church)Also Sunday 23rd June, At St Ed’s 8am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Service of the word. Plus online 11:15am Informal Service. For on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyRingland: future services/events for Ringland St Peter’s: July 8th 2:00 pm PCC meeting (in St Peter’s)July 14th 10:30 am Holy Communion (in St Peter’s)Alpha has started. Please pray for this exciting time, and please invite anyone you know for whom this would be helpful. Invitations are in church.Alpha meals Thank you to those who have volunteered to prepare a meal. if anyone else would like to make a meal for Alpha (12 people) please let Rev Paul knowFifth Sunday (30th) we will be focussing on the prophetic book of Jeremiah. This will also continue on 7th July.Bring and Share lunch at St Ed's on Sunday 30th June from 12.45pm. If you would like to contribute some food there is a sign – up sheet at the back of churchPastoral Visitors we are reviving our Pastoral Visitors’ team. If you feel the Lord is calling you into this ministry, please let Rev Paul or Rev Phil know. There will be a six week course beginning on 18th June.Prayers please join us for our evening prayers if you are able to. We meet in St Ed's Mondays and Wednesdays at 5.00pm, and Thursdays at 7.00pm
