Reflection: Sunday 24th October and for the week ahead: Scripture: For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)Reflection: God’s word is incredibly powerful! God created the world by speaking. Think of that for a moment. “Let there be light!” Those were his first words, and they brought something completely new into being. God sends his word into the world, not randomly, but with purpose. We do not always understand that purpose, as we have a very limited, time bound capacity for discernment, but we can learn to trust God and his ways. To learn that trust we must seek him. There are many different ways to do that. One way is watching out for all the signs of God’s creative activity in the world around us. The rain and snow that falls, the seed that sprouts, the harvest that ripens; all signs of God’s word in action. But God’s ultimate word to us is Jesus. God sends him into the world, and he does not return to God before he has succeeded in the thing for which he was sent out: Salvation of the whole world through his death on the cross and his resurrection!Revd Ylva
Services Sunday 24th October 8am Holy Communion at St George's- led by Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen10am Holy Communion at St Nicholas - led by Revd David Commander & Vicki Young
Reflection: Sunday 17th October and for the week ahead: Scripture: But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:43b-45)Reflection: Jesus’ words are as counter-cultural now as they were then. Being a “Servant” is not something we strive for. Being a “slave” has a very powerful and negative connotation! So how do the words apply to us?Let’s not get caught up in the evocative nature of the words, but think about the “big picture” that Jesus is trying to get us to see. What does a servant do? They help provide for the needs of others. But not just provide when asked, they are alert to the needs of those they are serving. They are watchful and anticipate what might be required; and are ready to act, to help, to assist.Jesus is calling his disciples to love and to serve “all”; not just our friends and family; not just the people we like; not just the people who are like us……but “all” people. That is the way greatness in God’s kingdom is measured.Revd David
Services Sunday 17th October 8am Holy Communion at St Nicholas - led by Revd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie10am Sung Eucharist at St George's - led by Revd Pete Deaves