“Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children”. Matthew 14 : 20 – 21This week’s Gospel reading: Matthew 14 : 13 - 21Thought for the week Today we are looking at the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. How do you read it? Is it really miraculous or an exaggeration? Should we read it literally or symbolically? Does our reading of it heighten the miracle or lessen it?The whole passage is laden with miracles. That Jesus fed so many with so little is a miracle. That someone was prepared to share the little they had is a miracle. That there was so much left over is a miracle. That the disciples joined in with what Jesus was doing is a miracle. That people’s needs both physically and spiritually were met as they ate bread and fish as they heard Jesus teach and heal is a miracle.Miracles are sometimes extraordinary and sometimes miracles occur slap bang in the ordinary.The alternative reading for today is of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The disciples bringing their ordinariness to encounter Jesus’ power and light.May we have eyes and ears and hearts open to the miraculous in the extraordinary and the ordinary. RachelPrayers for this weekLord God, your Son left the riches of heavenand became poor for our sake:when we prosper save us from pride,when we are needy save us from despair, that we may trust in you alone;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.For the TransfigurationFather in heaven,Whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain,And spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:Give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our crossThat in the world to come We may see him as He isWho is alive and reigns with you,In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God now and for ever. Amen.People to pray for :For all those experiencing difficult health issues and changes at the momentFor those being baptised this weekFor those on holiday – for rest, safety, and for their journeys
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 6th August 9:30am Mustard Tree Church with Baptism – informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 6th August 11:15 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 6th August 11:15 am Online Sunday service (livestream)Monday 7th August 5.00 pm Monday prayers (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 8th August 10:00 am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments10am til12 noonWednesday 9th August 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 9th August 1:00 pm Burial of Ashes (at St Ed’s)Thursday 10th August 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 10th August 7.00pm Reflection with Compline (at St Ed’s and livestream)Friday 11th August 9:30 am to12.00 noon Arts and Craft Group , - bring anything – art or craft - you fancy doing and coffee and tea are provided cost £1. (at St Ed’s)Saturday 12th August 11am til 3pm ‘Discover your church’ Day (at St Ed’s)Also Sunday 13th August, At St Ed’s 8am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Mustard Tree Church,11:15am Service of the word, Plus online 11:15am Informal Service. Additionally at 8am daily (except Sunday) we will be posting a ‘Daily bitesize prayer’ on the St Ed's Facebook page.For on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyRingland: future services/events at St Peter’s: 13th August 10:30 am Holy Communion 10th September 10:30 am Harvest Service Youth for Christ “are looking for a host for one of our gap years who starts in September : a room and meals (we can pay £40 a week towards their living costs). If you know anyone who could offer a place to stay for the academic year then we can arrange a visit to talk it through. Thank you “ Cycle for your church - Sat 9th September 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Join a sponsored bike ride or walk discovering beautiful churches, which also raises money for their repair and preservation. Simply get sponsored for each building you visit or make a donation. Cycle Ride Registration : can be online this year through norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk, or paper copies in St Ed’s. Tools With A Mission who collect tools and other items to send to people who need them in Africa, are in great need of haberdashery items . There are comprehensive lists and contact information at the back of St Eds if anyone has anything they can donate. Many thanks. Paul Scarff Bible groups – we have a range and variety of different groups meeting together to read God’s word and to pray together. The groups are a great encouragement in our discipleship of Jesus. A number of the groups have vacancies. if you are interested in joining a group, please speak to Rev Paul.
On Saturday 5th August 2023, over 150 classic cars are due to leave Norwich Cathedral between 8:30 and 9:30. They head off into the countryside to visit 4 churches.Their first stop of the day is Ringland St Peters.Light refreshments will be available in the church with some activities taking place at Ringland village hall.Why not pop along to see a host of classic cars? (see attached poster to preview a few of the cars expected.)All welcome.
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ Matthew 13 : 31 - 32This week’s Gospel reading: Matthew 13 : 31 – 33, 44 - 52Thought for the weekOften we think in terms of how the Kingdom of God can be served so well through small things. Acts of kindness. Words of encouragement. Our prayers however simple and brief, or even hurried. A heartfelt act or word of witness to Jesus, however tentative or afraid. In each of these ways our service to Jesus matters!So Jesus in His parables, especially the ones we hear this week, are of relatively small things. A tiny seed. A small amount of yeast. A box in a field. A jewel. A catch of fish.Yet each one shows that however small seeming the scale, in the Kingdom the Lord always works on the most massive of transformations. The impact of each of these items is huge, massive, life – changing. In a word, ‘Biblical’. Jesus replied when He was before Pilate, ‘My Kingdom is not of this world’. (John 18 : 36). The Kingdom of God breaks out wherever Jesus’ name is revered. Wherever prayers are offered in His name. Situations are transformed. Peace breaks through. Priorities are turned upside down. The poor, the vulnerable, are showered with grace. This is the kingdom Jesus brings, beyond all human imagining. Rev PaulPrayers for this weekO God, Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also.In this hour, we come bringing our treasures— all that we have and all that we are.We come seeking your treasure— treasure that does not fade, decay, or disappoint.Share with us the treasure of heaven, that we may boldly share it with others. Amen.~ written by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl, https://bjhlog.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/nl-mark-1017-31-the-rich-young-man-march-1-2020/Lord God, your Son left the riches of heaven and became poor for our sake:when we prosper save us from pride, when we are needy save us from despair,that we may trust in you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenPeople to pray for :Youngsters attending New DayFor Rachael and Justin in their new married life.For all those experiencing difficult health issues and changes at the moment
