Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1 : 10 - 11Readings this week : Matthew 2 : 1 – 12 (Epiphany); Genesis 1 : 1 - 5; Acts 19 : 1 - 7; Mark 1 : 4 - 11Thought for this weekThis is the season of Epiphany, beginning with the journey of the Wise Men to find the infant Jesus. It is a reminder to each of us that to believe in Jesus is a constant journey throughout our lives of revelation of His truth and light, and all His promises mean for us personally and for our world.We also focus on the Baptism of Jesus today, as we are plunged into the truth of Jesus’ divinity sharing our humanity. It is about the sheer depth of Christ’s love for us that He is so committed to us.Over Christmas I discovered this quote from JR Tolkien from the Fellowship of the Ring :“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frostAs we travel through this new year and new month, we each have so much to discover in our faith that is challenging and new. Our everyday experiences, our conversations, our Bible reading and our prayers are all so significant in our journey with Jesus.I pray we may each discover more of Jesus love in the everyday.Rev Paul A prayer written by Justin Smith, member of Mustard Tree ChurchLord we pray to you with all our hearts that one day you will bring peace to this world. I and many others have witnessed this world in all of its light and darkness. Right now this world seems so unjust and without hope. We pray for all the violence over the world to cease, we pray for justice and for love to prevail through all these days, and spread your loving light over the world that fills our hearts with your peace and joy. Lord we pray that we leave this in your capable hands as we put our hands together in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.People to pray for :Those in hospital at this timeThose planning celebrations this year
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 7th January 9:30am Mustard Tree– informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 7th January 11:15 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 7th January 11:15 am Online Sunday service (livestream)Monday 8th January 5.00 pm Monday prayers (at St Ed’s)Monday 8th January 7.30 pm PCC (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 9th January 10:00 am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people) (at St Ed’s), refreshments10am til12 noonTuesday 9th January 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 10th January 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Thursday 11th January 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 11th January 7.00pm Reflection with Compline (at St Ed’s and livestream)Friday 12th January 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)Also Sunday 14th January, 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: January 14th 10:30 am Holy Communion in Ringland Village HallFebruary 11th 10:30 am Holy Communion in Ringland Village HallTiny tunes and Tuesday café will restart on 9th January 2024 at 10.00amThank you from Rev Paul and all the ministry team at St Ed’s and St Peter’s for your very kind wishes, gifts and cards over the Christmas season. We really appreciate all your good wishes, and our prayers are with everyone in our church family for a very blessed, peaceful and holy 2024.Sad news We were very sorry to hear that Michael Greengrass has died. Our prayers are with Barbara and the family.Julie Hagan – Palmer Our thoughts and prayers are with David, Freya and Tasha at this sad time. Julie’s funeral is at Old Catton Church on 10th January. We pray they may know Jesus’ love holding them at this time.Alpha our next Alpha course will be starting soon. If you know of anyone who would be interested in joining, please let Rev Paul know.
This article includes the service sheet for the livestreaming service at 11:15am on the 24th and the liturgy sheet for Thursday 28th.Sunday 31st December 9:30am Mustard Tree– informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 31st December 11:15 am Sunday Service (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 3rd January 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Thursday 4th January 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 4th January 7.00pm Reflection with Compline (at St Ed’s and livestream)Also Sunday 7th January, At St Ed’s 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Holy Communion, Plus online 11:15am Informal ServiceFor 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: January 14th 10:30 am Holy Communion in Ringland Village HallFebruary 11th 10:30 am Holy Communion in Ringland Village Hall Tiny tunes and Tuesday café will restart on 9th January 2024 at 10.00am at St Ed's
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. ” Luke 2 : 8 - 11Readings this week : 2 Samuel 7 : 1 – 11, 16; Romans 16 : 25 - end; Luke 1 : 26 - 38Thought for this weekThe shepherds carried the excitement of the Good News that Jesus had been born. They had experienced the announcement of the angels (I imagine shepherds were people not easily phased by hardship, danger or even unexplained phenomena – but this was clearly something else!). They ‘hurried’ to Bethlehem, and then spread the word about what they had seen, who they had met.Yet in the very next verse Luke records, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v19). Luke repeats these words when the new family come into the temple and meet Simeon and Anna (v51).Christmas is a time for excitement, wonder, joy. Yet we are also called over the next days and weeks to take Jesus’ birth deep into our lives. To retreat for a while. Ponder, reflect on our lives and all that has been happening to us. What Christ’s birth says to us about being restored in Him, renewed. How what we see and know has been changed.We all need a time of retreat, of quietness, of peace and renewal. Jesus’ birth comes in the depths of Winter. As we draw into our homes, into ourselves, we can allow the Lord to speak into our lives and renew us. Rev Paul Prayers this weekAlmighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Sonto take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace,may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AmenLord Jesus Christ,your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you, our Saviour and our eternal God. AmenPeople to pray for :Those away from their families this ChristmasThose showing Jesus love to those in need or suffering
