Scripture:'Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.' (1 Cor. 12.4-7&11) Reflection:Here is an encouraging piece of scripture from Paul, written to believers in the early church in Corinth. He speaks of varieties of gifts, varieties of service, and varieties of activities. All of them being given by the same Spirit, the same Lord; all being given by God.Do you notice though that these gifts are given to everyone? Paul says they are given to each individual – as God chooses. “Everyone” and “each individual” includes you. You have gifts given to you by God. Here’s a question to ponder as you continue your walk or as you go through today: “What are you doing with the gifts you have?” Because Paul also says that they are given “for the common good.” We should all be using the gifts we have been freely given to help those around us. Enjoy your God-given gifts; and use them!Revd David
8 am Holy Communion at St George's10 am Sung Eucharist at St George's
Epiphany: The Wise MenAs with gladness men of old did the shining star behold,As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright, So, most gracious God may we evermore be led to thee ReflectionIt’s fascinating to learn of the different ways God makes himself known. I don’t know of anyone else guided to God by a star, but then stars were what these magi, or wise men, knew about. They were astrologers, whose whole business was the study of the firmament, so it’s hardly surprising that this was God’s way of communicating with them.I have a friend who found God while birdwatching on Romney Marsh. Another came to faith through the miracle of his son’s birth. Some find God through the contagious faith of friends; some through scripture, music, art, sport, science, grief or joy. For God there is no ‘one size fits all’. He speaks to each of us in our own situation, in ways we understand. Lord, open our eyes and our ears that we, too, may be ‘led to thee’ Revd Rosemary
ScriptureSo deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2 v 8) ReflectionA very Happy New Year to you all and I hope that as we journey through this new year that it will prove to be a little better than the last couple of very challenging and different years. Now I don’t know about you but I tend not to make any huge New Year’s resolutions as I am only likely to set myself up for a big fall. However, that does not mean that taking very small steps should not be on the agenda - especially those steps that help me to get closer to God. Sharing of ourselves to others: by a simple phone call to find out if someone is ok, or checking on a neighbour you haven’t seen for a while or just simply saying “Good morning’ with a smile is a good way to start this New Year. Lyn Hayes
