The 6th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed. In 1944, <a></a>Operation Overlord saw over 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 130,000 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe.To commemorate this anniversary the bells of St Paul Ramsbottom will ring out from 6.30pm tomorrow Thursday 6th June. This will also tie in with our usual Thursday practice from 7.30.This is part of a nation wide campaign organised by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers to mark the D-Day anniversary and roll of honour.
#WatchAndPray reflections - Happy Easter! Morning Holy Week: Easter Day Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. Reading Matthew 17.22-23 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. Reflection When reading through Matthew’s Gospel we may wonder why the disciples were surprised by Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus had been preparing his disciples along the journey to Jerusalem. He utters the same words, almost verbatim, three times (in Matthew Chapters 16, 17 and 20). Jesus tried to make things as clear as possible for his disciples. It is reminder that even the Lord of life must endure darkness. But the darkness and despair foretold is hard to conceptualise until it arrives. Within seasons of darkness and despair resurrection is unthinkable. Let us give the final word to Selina Stone, whose book Tarry Awhile exploring Black Spirituality has inspired these reflections: “This is what it means for us to be people of the resurrection. We inhabit a world that is not yet what it will be, as people who continue to be formed into the likeness of Christ who embodied life and love in their fullness. The scars we bear are not cause for shame, nor must they define us in our entirety. They remind us of the work of God which continues to be needed in the world and in each of us, as we tarry ever more, for the reign of God to be made known among us in justice and peace.” Watch Spend some time noticing how these forty days of watching and praying, tarrying and reflecting have helped to deepen your faith. ...and pray Holy God, grant us the faith to trust you in times of struggle. Give us courage to dwell with you, knowing that you will bring us to new life. Amen. Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.
#WatchAndPray reflections - Holy Week: Easter Eve We shall weep Holy Week: Easter Eve Reading Matthew 24.15-27 ‘So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”—do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, “Look! He is in the wilderness”, do not go out. If they say, “Look! He is in the inner rooms”, do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.' Reflection Matthew Chapter 24 is a difficult part of the Gospel full of apocalyptic predictions. Many have used it to predict the present age and the future in definitive ways. It is tempting to use it to predict, for example, the coming of the Son of Man, and the how the end time judgement will take place. However, the chapter ends by stating that all should be prepared since the Son of Man will come “at an unexpected hour” (verse 44). Nonetheless, it does warn that what will certainly take place is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verse 51). These difficult passages, like apocalyptic passages generally, remind us of the utter reality of the human condition. Deep suffering is a part of life. Black spiritual traditions remind us that trial and pain are part of being human. But they also remind us that weeping is not the final experience. Watch Call to mind places and people in the world today who are in the grip of weeping and grief. ...and pray for glimpses of the new heaven and earth God promises to bring about. Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.
