Prayer is such a fundamental part of being a Christian and we see this in the whole of Jesus’ life recorded throughout the New Testament. At the most challenging times, when he was in the garden in Gethsemane (Matthew 26.36-46) and at the time of his crucifixion ( Luke 23.46),  to happier times when he gave thanks to God for his revelation (Matthew 11.25) and at the feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14.13-21). But one of the most powerful passages that I have found about prayer is in John 17, as Jesus prays for his disciples.

Prayer is all about a conversation with God; it involves listening as well as speaking. So often we only pray to God when we are in the darkest places or want something, and more often than not we will suggest to Him what the solution is.

We have to trust God to decide what the best answer is for us in our current situation.

Jesus gave us that special prayer that most of us use at least once a week where we pray ‘Your will be done.’ We have to trust in God; that is what faith is all about; and as it says in Proverbs 3.5 ‘trust in the Lord with all you might and be not wise in your own sight.’

I believe that a regular prayer life is so important. Not only does this give each of us an opportunity to be still and to share with God our worries and concerns, but also to give thanks for all the amazing things that we have in our lives. It gives us the chance to start the day afresh and to be empowered to carry out the tasks that we need to do, or to end the day by giving thanks for the good things that have happened and to share the burdens that we may have been carrying.

If you are not already doing so, I would encourage each of you to try to set aside a little time each day for prayer, just quietly telling God what is in your thoughts. Why not give it a go, it really can make a power of difference both to your life and the world.

With every blessing

John

After a very successful series of concert at St Mary’s earlier this year Speranza have agreed to new dates for the remainder of the year. See below for the ‘Music for Summertime’ dates.  Don’t forget to join us for a community lunch beforehand in the church rooms. 

Let me begin by offering you all, the joy of the Easter Resurrection in all its fullness, hope, and peace.

Alleluia he is risen

I have been so encouraged this Lent by seeing God at work in our lives and community.

As a group we have been exploring in the Lent Course the words “Come and See” what they mean for us in our community here and for each other. As always, I find it such a deep privilege to hear your stories and to be part of them too.

The words from Scripture that have spoken into my heart are found in John Ch 12 as Jesus is making his way slowly but surely to Jerusalem. They have been part of our Sunday readings, part of the Lent Course, and part of the story I have heard.

John ch12 20-24 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”  Philip went to tell Andrew;  Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Two weeks ago, the Diocesan Synod met in a Church in Weston, there as we gathered at the beginning with worship, James shared his story with us all. He was nervous to begin with, but as he got into the narrative, he became bolder and his words flowed with a mixture of surprise, enthusiasm, and conviction. He had to begin to tell out his story for it to take on life, he had to find an inner courage to sit there

in front of so many folk and speak out what had happened in his life. And it was powerful, he spoke about years of addiction to alcohol, living on the street and thinking himself worthless in the world. But someone had spoken to him and suggested he come and see, Jesus, who spoke into his heart, lifted him from the pit of despair and gave him new life. He hasn’t touched alcohol for a year now, (which earned him applause for his determination)

He is keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus as his Saviour, that doesn’t mean the struggles have miraculously disappeared, it means he gets to walk the way with Jesus by his side, in and through the Spirit.

I though I would tell you his story today, because for me, in his face, his voice, the way he held himself, he has seen Jesus, he knows his Lord and he is living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ who dies for us all.

How absolutely amazing, and mind blowing is it, that 2000 and more years later, the one who died for us and rose to new life, can still call us and bring us into new life with him.

Let’s be the people of the Resurrection and call others to come and see who Jesus is, like the one who invited James to come and see. Let’s continue to hold and nurture each other in our Faith journeys as God continues to hold us in that Love which knows no bound.

Be blessed and challenged and comforted in your joy this Easter.

 Rev Georgina

I was walking through St Mary’s Churchyard and loved the feel of spring in the air. 

Anne 

John Writes  …….

On Wednesday afternoons we run our warm/community space which is becoming increasingly popular and we really could do with some additional help if possible. The numbers seemed to increase, particularly when there was the additional attraction of the lunchtime concerts, which I am pleased to see are planned to continue for the next few months. If anyone can offer us some help it would be much appreciated.

We are now well into the season of Lent and rapidly approaching Easter. Lent is typically a time of reflection, preparation and fasting.  Reflecting on our relationship with God, with each other and the world. It marks our own journey to the cross, travelling slowly and deliberately with Jesus until we reach the glory of his resurrection, and it gives us the chance to consider any necessary changes in our own lives and in our pattern of prayer. We might give up something for Lent or we might start something that builds our faith, through spiritual discipline.

If you haven’t done so already, you are very welcome to join us on our Lent course which started on the 19^th February, where we are looking at some of the Gospel references to ‘Come and See’ and we are exploring how we can share our own faith with others in an authentic and engaging way.

My thoughts now turn to Ruth Rogers who was such a fundamental part of our church community with a passion for children and a wonderfully pastoral heart that shone through in her funeral ministry.

Ruth has left us such a great legacy, particularly with the tot’s group which she started in 2010, and with her easy and gentle manner which enabled her to build a really close relationship with the staff and pupils at Manor Court school.

As a result of her support and guidance, I am endeavouring to continue to build on everything that she had started. The tots group is thriving and our connection with Manor Court continues and grows.

Ruth exuded trust and love and consequently people were happy to support her in her ministry. May I take this opportunity to give my thanks to Ruth and to all those of you who continue to support me as I endeavour in my ministry. Ruth will be greatly missed but we should rejoice that she is now held safely in God’s loving arms.

With every blessing

John