Holocaust Memorial Day is marked on 27th January.2025 is a particularly significant year as we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.Do come into St Peter’s Church to reflect upon the Holocaust. There is a mini exhibition in the church, which is open to visitors daily between 10am and 3pm except for Wednesday mornings.We will offer a service in the church on 27th January at 7pm.You are welcome to attend, whoever you are.
We have entered the season of Epiphany, meaning revelation. Our Gospel reading is about the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordon. This reveals that Jesus, long awaited Messiah, has come as our servant king.The Baptism of Christ revealed many things. It was a time, like the birth of Jesus, when wonders abounded, when Heaven came down to earth.People flocked to be baptised by John the Baptist who wore camel hair and a leather belt, like the prophet Elijah. He was cousin of Jesus teaching about sin, hellfire and repentance, and knew that his mission was preparing the way for the Lord. He didn’t mince his words but people came to him looking for God. The spiritual centre for Jews was the temple in Jerusalem but it was not very accessible, having a Gentile Court, a Women’s Court, an Israelites Court and only high priests were allowed in the Holy of Holies once a year! The system separated and distanced people from God. It portrayed God as cold, distant and separate from his creation. Jesus came to show us that God wants to have a close relationship with us, to love and care for us and be central in our life.Jesus was without sin so why did he need to be baptised? 1. To show solidarity with us. Jesus is our friend and brother and stands in our place when it comes to sin. He stood in our place at his baptism at the beginning of his ministry, and was crucified for us at the end on the cross. 2. To start the Church. Jews did not have baptism for babies as boys were circumcised and girls had naming ceremonies so Christians were distinctive in being baptised. When we are baptised we are welcomed into a worldwide church family. How wonderful is that!3. To show Jesus’ relationship with the Trinity. God the Father and the Holy Spirit are present with Jesus in a tangible way. A voice from heaven says that Jesus is beloved and The Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove, symbolising Shalom that we interpret as peace but means much more: restoration, redemption, healing, wholeness and wellbeing.At our baptism we receive all that came down from heaven to Jesus.4. We are each one beloved of God as we are created in his image and are uniquely and wonderfully made. God seeks relationship with us but so often we play a game of hide and seek. God asked Adam and Eve when they were hiding in the garden ‘where are you?’ He wants us to be with him.5. We are anointed with the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, the Holy of Holies. We are all high priests.6. We are given power from on high. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The God who created the universe lives in us. Therefore wherever we go we have God with us. We are a Holy Presence, a fragrance to change atmospheres.Jesus baptism was closely followed by his temptations in the wilderness. Our path as Christians is rocky. John the Baptist lost his head and Jesus was crucified. However, whatever happens: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’ (Isaiah 43:1)Angela Stewart (lay minister).
Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.‘Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour..’(Psalm 29:1-2)Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s anointed...Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed. Let us open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for the day: Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit, that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children; 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. Amen.Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22Please see the Message from the Minister.Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord to be known to everyone:We pray for St Peter’s Church, that we may be starlight beams of his love in the world;We pray for our planet, that conflict will cease and all people will work together in peace;We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - that we may all share the love of Christ;We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know God’s healing presence;We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught Peter and all of us: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.Hymn: God is working his purpose out...May Christ’s holy, healing, enabling Spirit be with us and guide us on our way at every change and turn; and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always.Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.
