The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.   John 1 : 41 - 42

This week’s reading : John 1 : 29 - 42

Thought for the week

So many new beginnings start with an invitation. Did you ever end up following an interest or pastime, or even changing career because someone invited you to experience, see, or try something new?

Jesus’ encounter with two of John the Baptist’s disciples begins with a simple invitation to come and see where He is staying. They end up spending time with Jesus, and following Him. Even, in the case of Andrew, bringing others to Jesus.

No church ever gets everything right, but I hope our churches are welcoming and inviting. I hope and pray we enable people to meet with Jesus, to hear His word, to experience His welcome.

Who could you invite to church this week, this month or this year? Not only on Sundays, but in the week as well. Maybe even stepping foot in the building when it is quiet is a beginning.

Please invite those you know to whatever you think is appropriate. I believe the Lord will show us who we should invite and what to. There is also our Alpha course which is a wonderful way to explore the Christian faith.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new:

transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,

and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

Eternal Lord, our beginning and our end:

bring us with the whole creation to your glory, hidden through past ages

and made known in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen