Reflections from the Pews with June DavisWith persecution of Christians at its worst since the early Church, Christians around the world need our prayers more than ever. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5: 10 – 12 In countries such as China, Nigeria and North Korea persecution and oppression is some of the most intense in the world. However, the Church continues to grow. In China Christians almost outnumber the Communist party. Pray that the Church may continue to grow in these places. We know prayer is powerful and God hears our prayers, and we can lift people in prayer even if we don't know their names for God knows who they are and what they need "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore, l will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12 : 9 Prayer for the persecutedAlmighty GodYou are our defender and shield against evil and oppression we beg your divine protection upon all your children who face persecution and violence for the sake of your name may Christians around the world unite in their struggles with the cross of Christ whenever they are faced with mockery, injustice, exile or bodily harm. God of mercy and justice Father, son and holy spirit, we place our trust in you. Amen. Anyone wishing to support our brothers and sisters in Christ by prayer or donation. If you Google Open Doors it will show you can help. If you wish to support Indian Christians, Google Mission to India, believe you me what these people go through will bring tears to your eyes. It certainly does to mine. Such Faith and strength. I pray that we too maybe able to make our stand and tell others of our Lords love for them.
Reflections from the Pews with June Davis I would like to draw attention to the marvellous work being done by Regeneration NE. How they have reached out to people in the community of all different abilities and brought them together. They are now open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to cope with all the people who wish to take part in their Arts and crafts sessions. It has brought people together that would otherwise be left on their own. They now feel wanted and enjoy one another’s company and companionship. Long may their work continue.The Seven Times Jesus said I AM1) l am the bread of life. Jesus said this just after feeding the 5000. The teaching of Jesus was not just empty talk, he made a claim and substantiated it with action. 2) l am the light of the world. After healing a man born blind. Proving he is the light of the world. 3) l am the door. No-one can enter heaven by any other way, but than through Christ himself. 4) l am the good shepherd. In this Jesus is displays his great love and care. He is the one that protects his flock. Even to the point of death. 5) l am the resurrection and the life. Jesus made statement after raising Lazarus from the dead. Without him there is neither resurrection nor eternal life. 6) l am the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to God. Scripture says the very essence of God's word is truth. 7) l am the true vine. Emphasises the sustaining power of Christ. We are the branches and he the vine. A branch cannot bear fruit unless it is joined in union with the vine. Only those who are in Christ and receive their power from him produce fruit in the Christian life. A further two metaphorical statements: In reply to the pharisees Jesus says "l tell you the truth, before Abraham was born l am". The last comes in the garden of Gethsemane when the mob came to arrest him. He asked who they sought. They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” He replied, " l am he". Then they drew back and fell to the ground, in simply saying "l am!" Applied God's covenant to himself, Jesus demonstrated his power over his foes, and that his surrender to them was completely voluntary. See John 10. Vs 17 - 18.Hymn: I Come to the Garden Alone I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. I'd stay in the garden with Him Tho' the night around me be falling; But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling. Author: C. Austin Miles (1913) Charles Austin Miles USA 1868-1946. Born at Lakehurst, NJ, he attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of PA. He became a pharmacist. He married Bertha H Haagen, and they had two sons: Charles and Russell. In 1892 he abandoned his pharmacy career and began writing gospel songs. At first, he furnished compositions to the Hall-Mack Publishing Company, but soon became editor and manager, where he worked for 37 years. He felt he was serving God better in the gospel song writing business, than as a pharmacist. The Torah The reading of the whole Torah which is read in linear fashion, weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays the sabbath, took three and a half years. Equal to the years of Our Lord Jesus’ mission. The Torah signifies the first five books of the bible (our Old Testament) also called the law or the Pentateuch in Christianity. These books are ascribed to Moses, recipient of the original revelation on Mount Sinai.
A Sunderland church has announced the successful applicants for an innovative Artist in Residence project which celebrates local creative talent. Musician, Tony Bowler, and Fused Glass Artist, Ken Maynard, will take up the year-long roles at St. Paul’s Church in Ryhope, from 1 September 2023. This is the second year this opportunity has been advertised. Applicants had to live in the local SR2 postcode area but there was no restriction on age, education or chosen media. The vicar at St. Paul’s, Rev. David Chadwick, said he had been very impressed by the calibre of this year’s candidates and the strength of their ideas. Linzi Saunders, who was one of last year’s artists, has agreed to become Creative Producer for the project to support Tony and Ken’s work. She said, “I am really looking forward to seeing how they are going to respond to the church, the village setting and its rich heritage.” Musician and music teacher, Tony, said he is very aware of the impact of music on community mental health and wellbeing. Consequently, he plans to establish a choir and get more people involved with music and singing. “Now I am retired, I have time to spend doing this project,” he said, “I would like to explore the themes of World War I, village history and its mining past but also to look to the future.” Ken, who has lived in Ryhope all his life, has previously volunteered for Ryhope Engines Museum, and been a Scout Leader in the village. Now he wants to pass on his love of glass to other local people. He explained, “I would like to give talks about the history of glass and do fused glass workshops. If the funding is available, I also want to make a larger glass panel for display in the church.” Rev. Chadwick added, “St. Paul’s is one of the oldest buildings in the village. I appreciate that not everybody is religious but the church is here when people need us. This project helps us to be better connected with the whole community.”
<br>In conjunction with our friends at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RegenerationNE?__cft__[0]=AZVAzDHVZR0-wd0oXTPzFUpAmF0zZsAjFeZYv8PZBAaLKZDpXIy5Od-8NbGOFiKHraniVZXSRGqIgsGqFnBg6EgNwXLbEu2nAv5Mfl0kR5qdB61K9uAC5snHQvjXSg7Wno82xFX6TAVQUDkWDB2HYGpjEOGFlI8wwcsVC2_OWNadOg&__tn__=-]K-R">Regeneration N E</a> we're pleased to announce our first artists in residence, to be based at St Paul's for twelve months. They are Kevin Rudkin and Linzi Michelle Saunders.Kevin has an interest in the church and local heritage such as St Paul's architecture, its wood carvings and impressive stained glass windows. He also wants to explore local folklore and oral history.Linzi, who is native to Ryhope, plans to become a teacher. She wants to organise educational and community events, especially for younger age groups.We look forward to working with Kevin and Linzi over the the coming months
