We have started 2 new groups for young people in year 7 and above. We hope this will enable the maximum number of young people can attend either, or both groups. Fridays at St Peter’s 7-8.30pm: Sept 26th, Oct 10th, Nov 14th and Dec 12th Tuesdays at St Andrew’s Hall 5pm -6.15pm: Oct 14th, Nov 4th, Nov 18th, Dec 2nd Contact Louise for more information (01702 292778)
LETTER FROM REVD LOUISEDear Friends,This morning, I was at a local school taking a Bible story assembly. (Yes, we are allowed to talk about Jesus and the Bible in schools!) I shared with the children the story of the Lost Sheep, a story or parable, we have recently reflected on in our Sunday morning services.We thought about times we have got lost. We agreed it is a horrible feeling: confusing, bewildering and we feel stupid for getting ourselves in that predicament. We thought about how we get lost in our lives. Sometimes we deliberately choose to go in the wrong direction. At other times we get lost because we aren’t paying attention to what we are doing. And other times we think we are taking the right path and then realise we have made a huge mistake. When Jesus told this story he was trying to explain to the local religious leaders why he was happy to spend time with people who had got lost. People who didn’t follow the religious laws of the day; people who had hurt others, made poor life choices, made mistakes, messed up relationships. He understood and wanted to help them find their way again.Perhaps you have had times in your life when you have got lost? Perhaps you have times when you drift off from God? Perhaps you feel lost and bewildered. You’re not sure how you got to where you are but right now, life is puzzling and a bit scary.Irrespective of how we got lost, we wonder how to find our way back. We wonder if God will welcome us back. We wonder if other Christians will welcome us back. We wonder if we will ever come home.Jesus’ story is very clear. The lost sheep is brought back by a patient and determined shepherd. The return of the sheep is celebrated with a great party. The neighbours are invited to join in with the celebrations. It seems that what God longs for each of us is to be reunited with him and his community. To be restored, forgiven, loved, renewed. Irrespective of why we wandered off God has not lost us or forgotten us and he longs to bring us home.If you have lapsed from following Jesus, why not make this the month you start again? Everyone is welcome to our services. If you are very unsure, maybe just come and spend some time in St Andrew’s: it’s open every day. 8Or attend Be Still, our short, gentle service every Thursday? Or any of our other activities. Don’t put it off: you are welcome!The Parable of the Lost Sheep One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling. ‘This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them.’So Jesus told them this parable: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them -what does he do? He leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in the field and goes looking for the one that got lost until he finds it. When he finds it, he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders and carries it back home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says to them, ‘I am so happy I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate!’ In the same way I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent. (Luke 15.1-7)Will you let Jesus find you and bring you home? God bless you, Louise.x
PILGRIM GROUP We have been using Pilgrim booklets for many years to help teach the Christian faith. These include prayers, Bible readings, teaching content and discussion. We find them very helpful and user friendly. Each booklet lasts for 6 sessions. We have found that this works well on Zoom and plan to start a new 6-week session soon. We will be learning about the Beatitudes. We will meet on the following evenings from 8-9.30pm: Sept 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th (October dates to be confirmed) There is no charge but the booklets cost about £5 each so, if possible, we appreciate a contribution for that. Please let Louise know if you would like to attend.
DONATIONS TO THE SOUTHEND FOODBANK Thank you to everyone who places items in the Foodbank collection boxes at both St Andrew’s and St Peter’s. These contributions are much appreciated by the team at the Foodbank and they go to help people in our town who need emergency food. Each week the team publishes a list of the most urgent needs - although some items often appear week after week. Here’s a list of what the Foodbank is currently running low on: · Tinned chicken in sauce · Tinned Irish Stew, curry or meatballs · Tinned fruit · Dried Pasta · Pasta sauce · Long-life Fruit Juice · UHT Milk (semi-skimmed or full-fat) · Jam · Biscuits · Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo and deodorant No donation is too small. Please don’t give perishable goods, such as fresh fruit and veg. For anyone with a smartphone, there is an app called “Bank the Food”. Once downloaded, add Southend Foodbank where prompted and they will update you weekly on the latest urgent needs (but there is no pressure to give). Nikki & Ivan King
