Weekly News Sheet

St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 11th August 2024

We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and

is a voice of hope to the community we serve.

Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671

Sunday 11th August

8.30 am Holy Communion in Church

9.30 am Worship on Zoom

10.45 am Holy Communion in Church

12.30 pm Baptism of Mable McGuirk in Church Welcome and set up Dorothy Warren

4.00 pm Family & Co in Broadway Rooms

Tuesday 13th August

11.00 am Singing for pleasure in the Jubilee Room

2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church

Wednesday 14th August

12.00 pm Memorial Service in Church for Russell Heaton

Thursday 15th August

10.00 am Community Coffee Morning in the Jubilee Room

Sunday 18th August

8.30 am Holy Communion in Church

9.30 am Worship on Zoom

10.45 am Holy Communion in Church

4.00 pm Family & Co in Broadway Rooms

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The Southport Riots: How did a Taylor Swift dance party tragedy in Southport degenerate into the carnage we have witnessed on the streets of Britain this last week? We have seen the targeting of hotels, homes, and businesses believed to be owned or occupied by asylum seekers and refugees, including our own Metropole Hotel in Blackpool. An incredulous response to the pain of so many families in Southport! We’ve witnessed old and young threatening police, smashing windows, and setting streets alight, courtesy of this angry mob of destruction. All driven by fear and loathing of those who are perceived as ‘other’ – those the rioters believe do not belong. This resort to violence is so painfully wrong.

What then does it look like for us as Christians to support the bereaved and fight for justice? Jesus, in his teachings in Mark 12:28–34, gives us a very clear commandment. In fact, it’s one of the two greatest commandments, which is ‘to love our neighbours as ourselves’. To love both the grieving families, friends of the young girls who died, and the marginalised who have consequentially got a target on their backs. Immigration concerns and policy aside, the people we live alongside are our neighbours. Of course, we should engage in dialogue about the legality of and legislation around asylum seeking. But, when we are faced with the person in front of us, what should our first and ultimate response be? Jesus says it is to love – to unconditionally commit to work for their welfare. We are called to respond with ‘love in action.’ Jesus said we should love our neighbours. How could you be loving yours?

Lord God, at this time of unrest, we ask for your Spirit to bring unity to our communities.

For those who feel anxious, scared or intimidated – we ask you to fill them with your peace.

For those who feel unwanted, abandoned or alone – we pray that you would fill them with your love.

For those who feel in despair – we ask you to bring your hope.

We pray for those causing disorder on the streets, that they will turn from darkness and hate,

to be responsible upstanding citizens of their country.

Fill this land with your spirit of peace we pray.

Please remember in your prayers: Jeff Chambers, Katie, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Rev Jane Everett, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Tom, Michael, John McLellan, June Larkin, Rob Williams and David Richardson. And we remember the family of Jacqui Bidle whose funeral is due to take place.