“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6 : 33 - 34This week’s reading : Matthew 6 : 25 - 34Thought for the week We have all seen the scenes of desperation and shock caused by the earthquake this week on the Turkish – Syrian border. So much suffering and heartache.Yet also the jubilation when one more survivor emerges from the rubble. One among tens of thousands. Each life is precious. Each life so much more than a number.This Sunday is Racial Justice Sunday, a reminder that the Lord’s love spans the diversity of the human race. We each have so much to learn from one another. Without question each life is so precious to Jesus.He speaks to us today from our Gospel reading. ‘Do not worry about your life’, when so much pre-occupies us that just doesn’t matter. Jesus came to call us to focus on the Father’s heart of love for the world. To step away from all that hurts and damages us in our sin. And to respond to His call in love in Jesus, made real in the clearest way through the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice, calling each of us to Him.We are called to respond to His love. To set our hearts and lives on Jesus, to whom every life is treasured, full of gift, deeply loved, and full of hope. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekRemembering those hurt by the earthquakeGod of the shadows sharing our pain and our tears and our struggle draining the cup of what it is to be human - we watch with you. God of the night sharing our fears and our prayers and our restlessness measuring the road between living and dying - we watch with you. God of the dawn sharing the questions we never dare ask you, yearning in us for the light of your glory - we watch with you.from Praying for the Dawn, ed Burgess & Galloway, www.ionabooks.com Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image:teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 12th February 8:00am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 12th February 9:30am Mustard Tree Church – informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 12th February 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Peter’s)Sunday 12th February 11:15 am Service of the word (at St Ed’s)Sunday 12th February 11:15 am Online Sunday service (livestream) Sunday 12th February 6:30 pm Sunday Club (livestream)Monday 13th February 5.00 pm Monday prayers (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 14th February 10:00 am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments10am til12 noonTuesday 14th February 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 15th February 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 15th February 5:00 pm Evening Prayer (at St Ed’s)Thursday 16th February 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 16th February 7.00pm Reflection with Compline (at St Ed’s and livestream)Friday 17th February 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 £3. (at Trinity Church building) Saturday 18th February 11:00 am Baptism (at St Ed’s)Also Sunday 19th February at St Ed’s: 9:30 am Mustard Tree Church,11:15am Holy Communion. Plus online 11:15am Informal Service, 6:30pm Sunday clubAdditionally 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: 12th February Holy Communion 10.30am12th March Holy Communion 10.30am9th April (Easter Day) 10.30amRacial Justice Sunday is 12th Feb. The churches of the UK are called to remember the importance of racial justice; to reflect on human diversity and thank God for it; to respond by working to end injustice, racism and ignorance through prayer and action.DEC Appeal for Turkey and Syria Earthquake donations can be made through the Christian Aid website, or use this link : www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/dec-turkey-syria-earthquake-appealThe Big Pancake Party everyone is welcome to come to St Ed’s for pancakes on Tuesday 21st February (Shrove Tuesday) between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. Bring your friends!Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 22nd February. There will be services at St Ed’s at 10.30am and 7.00pm Sad news Eric Osborne has passed away at Two Acres care Home. He was a faithful preacher and prayer for the Lord, and is with Jesus nowAlpha will begin on 1st March at 6.00pm Please pray as we embark on another exciting Alpha journey. St Edmund’s Coronation Fair Save the Date! Monday 8th May 11:00-4:00. Live Music, BBQ, Beer Tent, Competitions, games crafts &; the usual stalls around the Coronation theme. In line with King Charles wishes to celebrate and promote Volunteering we will invite local charities and groups to provide information cards/flyers on their volunteering opportunitiesOnline discipleship: Intro to the Old Testament An online course offered by Diocese of Norwich. Mon 16th Jan 2023 at 12.30 - Sun 26th Feb 2023 at 11.30 Details through the Diocese website Events page. Cost £15, waived for AWA’s.
Please find attached the liturgy for the Reflection and Compline service to be held at 7pm on Thursday 9th February 2023You can attend this service at St Ed's or join on-line via the St Ed's Facebook page Wherever we are, we gather in the Name of God, Source of life, love and hope.All welcomeThe attached sheet will help you participate in the service. Please join us on Thursday evening or watch later 'on catch up' Please note: St Ed’s has the following licences to support all our livestream services/activitiesCCLI 184420Streaming Licence 333710 Music Reproduction Licence 184420 SongSelect®Advanced
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?...... ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5 : 13 - 15This week’s reading : Matthew 5 : 13 - 20Thought for the week In Matthew’s Gospel the Sermon on the Mount comes at the outset of Jesus’ ministry. After His baptism, and the call of the first disciples, Jesus reveals how He speaks to us in our emptiness, in our need, in our openness to receive, to be healed and filled with His Holy Spirit. The Kingdom begins and flourishes in us. ‘Blessed are the poor in Spirit’. ‘Blessed are the meek’. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart’. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.As Jesus goes on to speak of salt and light, it becomes clear the Kingdom is to be shown and made real in our daily lives. Amongst the everyday conversations and details. Salt and light are common, yet at the same time precious, and a little goes a long way.Jesus calls us to be His disciples amongst everyday things. To be immersed and pray amongst the everyday concerns, trials and joys of all those around us, so that His glory may shine and His love and mercy be shown. Everyday, faithful people of the Lord who is the same yesterday, today and for ever. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekCommission & Benediction: Salt of the EarthThe Spirit of God is upon you and has anointed you.You are the salt of the earth and you bring light to the world.You are not too young or too old, you are not too rich or too needyto bring good news to the impoverished, to give a hand to the broken-hearted,and to live out freedom and pardon through the gifts you have been given.So remember to pack peace in your toolbox, hope in your briefcase,love in your lunch box, and may integrity, honesty, and joy be your designer wear of choice.Do not be frightened, for you are never alone.The God in whose image you are made will walk with you and guide you today, tomorrow, and every day.— Copyright © Connie Epp. Used by permission
