Daily Scripture:‘For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’ (1 Corinthians 1 vs 18)Daily Reflection:For Christians, the cross is the centre point of their faith. This simple wooden structure upon which the Son of God gave up His life for every person - past, present and future, has no significance unless we admit that our lives aren't perfect, that we say and do things we shouldn't. The Bible calls this sin, and it separates us from our good and perfect God. To get our relationship with God back on track, we simply have to believe that Jesus took all our sin away when He sacrificed Himself on the cross, and live our lives the way he shows us in the Bible... trusting God and loving others. Read the verse above again, and then decide whether this message is foolish, or wise?Vicki Young
Daily Scripture‘As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.’ (Mark 1:16-20)Daily ReflectionHere is a man with clear leadership qualities. Watch him do it: He just goes along, and, as soon as he suggests that they follow him, they get up and leave all behind. There is almost a hypnotic quality to this passage. Many people throughout the ages have had a similar ability to sweep people up, get them enthused for a cause and leave all behind. When you have that power over people, what do you use it for? We have seen in the last week how that power can be abused, inciting the crowd to do mischief, with tragic consequences for all. You might not be Jesus, or the President of America; but my question is for you as well, whatever ability you have to influence and enthuse, for what will you use it? Revd Ylva
Daily Scripture:‘Paul...came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit’. Then he said ‘Into what, then, were you baptised?’ They answered ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said ‘John baptised with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’On hearing this they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. when Paul had laid his hands upon them the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.’ Acts 19.1-7Daily Reflection:The group Paul encountered in Ephesus are called disciples (which literally means learners). They have made a start on a new journey of faith, but have not yet understood what is involved or where it will lead them. They have no knowledge or experience of the Holy Spirit, God’s powerful presence in the world, available to all who believe in him.Many in our own time who identify themselves as Christians have no idea of what God, through his Holy Spirit, is able to do in us and through us. Like those Ephesians, they are lacking the resources so freely available.How to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? We have only to ask.Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. (Matt.7.7)Revd Rosemary
Next Service:10am Holy Communion ONLINE Holy Communion Service. Please see 'Services and Events' for a cut and paste link to this service. A Zoom Coffee morning follows the Sunday service.
