Shipley Church Self-Service

Second Sunday of Easter 11th April 2021

Thought for the Week – You may believe that Jesus is the Christ

The Apostle Thomas, refused to believe that the resurrected Jesus had appeared to ten of the other apostles without witnessing the event for himself. Thomas’ doubt had a purpose. He wanted to know the truth. His doubt was not due to a lack of faith, but demonstrated a desire to have his faith founded in fact, not fancy. Doubt and uncertainty have been unmistakeable characteristics of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Such human struggle with doubt, never goes unrecognised by Jesus who invites us to believe in him as our Saviour, even if we’ve not necessarily seen him with our own eyes. (John 20: 19-31)

Our hymn today “Amazing Grace” has been a firm favourite with Christians everywhere for many years. It was written by a former 18th century slave trader, John Newton, whose gradual and difficult journey of conversion led him to become a deeply committed hymn writer. He found his own “route map out of lockdown” and taught about the infallibility of Jesus’s promises however tired or anxious we become, or with whatever misgivings or distrust we are afflicted.

Hymn for the Day

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I’m found;

Was blind, but now I see.

Special Prayer for the Day

We remember in particular this day the life and death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, gather all those unto you who die in faith and may light perpetual shine upon them. We also pray for the Her Majesty the Queen. comfort her of Lord in her time of mourning and bless her this day and always. Amen.

Prayer for the Day

Lord, we’re not able to see you face to face, but as we trust, as we yield, as we wait, and as we wonder – help us to remember the sadness and anger of those who unknowingly cast aside your gifts of faith, hope and love. 

Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.