Reflection from Jon Ellis1Kings 11.29-32 & 12.1929 About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country,30 and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces.31 Then he said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes.32 But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe.12.19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. (NIV)REFLECTION Jeroboam is appointed by God through the prophet Ahijah as the new king over the torn off part of Israel. This is done by means of a symbolic act with a “new cloak,” representing the new, undivided realm. The tearing of the new cloak is a symbolic act of prophecy. Just as the cloak lies on the ground before Jeroboam’s eyes, so in God’s view, the division of the kingdom is already a fact. Interestingly, the lectionary adds verse 12.19, so Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.All our actions have consequences. The good as well as the bad decisions. When the consequences are not good, we have to try to make amends. In today’s reading, the tearing of the garment is both symbolic and irrevocable. What should we do when something as shattering as this happens? Somehow, we have to move on. The message of this passage concerns rebellion from God. God is always central to what we do. If we do not aspire to act in the way that God showed us through Jesus, we are rebellious and can expect problems. “Oh, how I wish I had consulted God before I did that or said that!” Umm. Too late now. Or is it? Can I change something? We don’t like to admit it, when we ask God to change a situation or someone we do not like, God simply replies, “My child, it is you that needs to change! I love you, love me and love your neighbour.”Otherwise, that sad statement in verse 12.19, will be the same for us.COLLECT 2nd Before LentAlmighty God,give us reverence for all creationand respect for every person,that we may mirror your likenessin Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright ? The Archbishops' Council 2000
Lent Wise Course by Paula GooderFive Weeks titled Compass, Nourishment, Light, Shelter and Water.
Wednesday December 10th to Saturday January 3rdDuring Services and when coffee@maggies is open
What’s on in TCMC Dates for your Christmas Diary5th December 5pm-7pm Candles on the Lake Kenwith Castle6th December 10am St Mary’s Coffee Morning-The Royal, Bude Street, Appledore3pm Community Carol Service St Margaret’s10th December to 3rd January Christmas Tree Festival St Margaret’savailable to view when the church is open12th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity13th December10am Christingle Making St Mary’s2.30pm Christmas Quiz St Margaret’s14th December3pm Christingle Service St Mary’s3pm Christmas Carols with Appledore Band Holy Trinity3.30pm Messy Church Abbotsham Village Hall16th December2.30pm Vintage Christmas St Mary’s Church Hall17th December7pm Recital by Heart and Voice Ensemble St Margaret’s19th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity21st December9.15am Family Church St Mary’s10am 9 Lessons and Carols St Margaret’s10.30am Morning Worship Holy Trinity10.30pm Morning Worship-9 Lessons and Carols St Helen’s10.30am Holy Communion-9 Lessons and Carols St Mary’s5.30pm Carols@Thirsty St Helen’s22nd December7pm Torchlight Service Appledore St Mary’sDecember 24th – Christmas Eve3pm Carol Service Holy Trinity3pm Crib Service St Mary’s4.30pm Crib Service St Margaret’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Helen’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Margaret’sDecember 25th – Christmas Day10am Christmas Day Service St Margaret’s10.30am Christmas Day Service Holy Trinity10.30am Christmas Day Service St Mary’sDecember 28th10.30am Team Service Holy Trinity