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GRACE
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We hear much these days about twitter storms. Someone in the public eye is caught out having acted (sometimes long ago) in an inappropriate way – for the 21st century - and the twittersphere comes alive with condemnation, demands for apologies and almost gleeful calls for retribution. There seems to be, in these group-thinking antagonists, no self-awareness, no introspection and no apparent understanding of the human condition. Of course, by its very nature, twitter allows for no nuance or thought-out views. It could be argued that twitter does much more harm than good (what good does it do?).

As Christians, we know that redemption and restoration is always available, although we sometimes behave, even within the Church, as if we have lost sight of the basics, expressed by Paul in Romans 3:23:
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
 
No apology is needed, no retribution is demanded, no condemnation is involved. Just an acknowledgement before God that we have failed to live as he would have us live and be truly contrite; because God has a perfect understanding of the human condition – He made us and came to live amongst us. That said, a sincere human apology, accepted with good grace, can do much to restore earthly relationships.
Paul goes on:
(we) are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
To God be the glory.

Dave Frost
Please click below to participate in an online survey for parents (and anyone who would like), to give feedback on the current youth & children's ministry.
Survey - youth & children's ministry

Sunday 29th September

Harvest and Giving Sunday

Please bring non-perishable foods for the Food bank and for Kings Ripton Court.  Children may bring gifts up after the return to church.  Financial gifts will be given to our Mission Partners.
 

9.00am Morning Prayer

11.00am Morning Worship
11.00 am Junior Church and Youth

 Youth & Children's Ministry Survey

We would love to hear your thoughts on the current youth and children's ministry at St James. Our aim is to see children and young people come to know & love Jesus Christ and to make him known to those around us. We would be very grateful if you could spare 5 minutes and complete a short online survey by clicking on the link below. If you have any further comments or would like to get involved please contact our youth minister Ben Pearson: ben@churchbytheriver.org.uk. Thank you.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/J3J3PRC
Paul Lilly would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ for everyone’s kind words of support and donations during his recent attempt to cross from one side of Scotland to the other. Thanks to your generous giving, the £1000 fundraising target was met and the money has already gone to Christian Vision for Men to support the publication of their new book ‘The Code’. Many thanks again. Paul.
Thank you for your support!
Paul

This Wednesday 25th September 7.45pm Mission Prayer Meeting Parish Centre

Sunday 6th October, after the 11am service, Family Seminar at the Parish Centre. Please let Ben know if you wish to attend for catering purposes 
General Synod 2020
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