Daily Scripture‘An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” ‘ (Luke 9:46-48)Daily ReflectionWe often look up to those who have achieved status, or power, or fame. Or perhaps all three. I met the Archbishop of Canterbury on Saturday. He would certainly qualify, with his flowing robes and his golden mitre, a man at the top of his organisation, yet a humble, down-to-earth individual. To see him wash his hands to prepare for Communion was so touching, like he was in his own kitchen, getting ready to cook. And as knelt in front of him, we were only two ordinary people doing something both human and extraordinary. If you cannot be a good ordinary person, then it doesn’t matter how high you rise, nothing you touch will ultimately turn to gold. Only the person who serves others well is worthy of our admiration.Revd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie <span style="font-size: 1rem;">(Newly ordained Deacon)</span>
Daily Scripture: From today’s Collect ‘O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them…’Daily Reflection: Most of us genuinely want to ‘do the right thing’, but discerning what is the right thing is not always easy. We need only to consider the dilemmas faced by governments in the face of the present pandemic to realise the truth of this. In how far is it possible, for example, to safeguard both the health of the nation and the economy? If compromises have to be found, on what basis should they be made? It is an unenviable position for decision makers to find themselves in.In our own lives, too, it is not always clear what we should do for the best. And so we pray that we, as well as our leaders. may perceive what should be done, and that by God’s grace we may be strengthened to do it.Revd Rosemary
Weekly news and services for the Benefice of Benenden & Sandhurst, Kent.Sunday Services: Sunday 27th September8 am Holy Communion at St George's, Benenden led by Revd David Commander10am HARVEST Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst led Revd David Commander
Daily Scripture:‘As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, O God.My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God?’ (Psalm 42 1-2)Daily Reflection: I have a vision in my mind of a majestic animal, a deer, standing at the side of a stream, drinking in the cool water to quench its thirst. How amazing it must be to be able to drink in the pure unadulterated water of a mountain stream. How amazing it would be to be able to drink in the pure unadulterated love of God and to be washed clean with His forgiveness. When can I go and meet with God? The answer is now! God is waiting for you to drink from the stream, to accept his love and to live with Him as your constant companion.Lyn Hayes, ALM