Reflection from Nigel PriceMark 8.11-13The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. (NIV)ReflectionMany these days are asking for signs, but do they recognise them? The Pharisees were testing Jesus and he recognises it – for had he not already given them enough signs, but they still refused to acknowledge him. So he responds rather tetchily and goes away.There is an old story about a man who finds himself in the midst of rising flood waters – quite topical at the moment! A neighbour goes by in a rowing boat and asks if he would like to be taken to safety – no thanks, I believe in God and he will keep me safe. The waters continue to rise and the man has to go upstairs to his bedroom and then the inshore lifeboat comes by – jump in and we’ll take you to dry land. No thanks he replies, I believe in God, he will keep me safe. Well the waters rise even more and the man has to climb out on his roof. The Air Sea Rescue helicopter comes by – we’ll winch you up to safety. No thanks he replies, I believe in God, he will keep me safe. Well, the waters keep rising and the man drowns. He is a believer and he does get to heaven, where he berates God – I believed in you but you didn’t save me! My son, replies God, I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more could I do!I pray that when God sends you signs, you do indeed recognise them – keep safe! So let us pray: Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Lent Wise Course by Paula GooderFive Weeks titled Compass, Nourishment, Light, Shelter and Water.
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
