"Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”    Luke 15 : 23 - 24

Readings this week  Joshua 5 : 9 - 12; 2 Corinthians 5 : 16 - end; Luke 15 : 1 – 3, 11b - end

Thought for this week

In the picture at the start of this newsitem this week, it is both the father and the mother who welcome the wayward son home in Luke’s Gospel reading. The son who claimed his ‘inheritance’ by right, without any sense of grace or gratitude, and in the process scorned the relationship he had with his father.

Yet the father forgives. On this Mothering Sunday it is so powerful to remember not only the forgiving heart of the father, and of our heavenly loving Father, but also the nurturing, caring love of God as a mother loves her children. With a heart full of love, and nothing more than kindness, compassion, and sacrifice.

So many mothers are affected by the situations in the world today. Mothers trying to care for their children. Trying to support their families. Mothers making difficult journeys. Mothers shouldering so many burdens.

As humans we do not always make good choices or fulfil all we could be.

Yet today is ‘Mothering Sunday’, because we are human. Jesus Himself revealed the nurturing, caring heart of God for each of us. Our heavenly parent who welcomes, accepts, wipes away our tears. He welcomes each of us back to His love.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful: watch over us and hold us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Christian Aid Prayer for Myanmar

God, our strength and our refuge,

We pray to you for the people of Myanmar.

We hold in mind those who are injured or have been bereaved.

We ask your protection for everyone awaiting rescue.

May those who have lost homes and belongings be comforted.

May emergency workers and medical staff be safe as they pour their energy

Into saving the lives of others.

May the international community respond quickly to support those affected.

God, our strength and our refuge,

Be with our global neighbours today. Amen

People to pray for

Please pray for our outreach to the schools as we approach Holy Week and Easter