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
Reflection: Sunday 10th October and for the week ahead: Scripture: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one (Jesus) who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace. (Hebrews.4.15-16) Reflection: There are few things more annoying than well-meaning people who say: ‘I know just how you feel’! A mother of four once said this to a childless friend of mine. How could she pretend to know the pain and disappointment of my friend? To stand alongside people in their grief or need, to offer comfort and support, is the work of a good friend; but we are all different, and can never know what it is like to be the other person. But God created each one of us in his own image, and knows us through and through. We can come to him boldly, without pretence, confident that even knowing us as he does, he still loves us, and from him we ‘receive mercy and find grace’. Revd Rosemary
Services Sunday 3rd October 8am Holy Communion at St George's- led by Revd David Commander10am Holy Communion at St Nicholas- led by Revd David Commander & Vicki Young
