This coming Sunday, 2nd February the theme at our worship services is “Radical Love”, the Bible reading is from Matthew chapter 5 where we read “the Beautitudes” These sayings from Jesus’ teaching take us to the heart of living the radical life that God desires for all creation, and the promise of blessing to the outsider and marginalised.
Matthew 5:3-10 Good News Translation
[3] “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! [4] "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! [5] "Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! [6] "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! [7] "Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! [8] "Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! [9] "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! [10] “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! …
They are apt words on the first Sunday of our Brexited nation, words that embody a radical call to recognise the good in, and needs of others... others we are called to love... even when we disagree.
Come and share in worship, fellowship, wonder and care... you will be very welcome at Kiel Church 10am, Strontian Church 12noon or at Ardgour Church 4pm.
A Joint statement from Church Leaders issued this week ends:
“We will only be able to move towards having a sense of common purpose, despite our differences, when we choose to act with kindness, humility and respect towards those with whom we disagree. We call on our political leaders to set an example over the next weeks and months as we move towards negotiations which will require further decisions about priorities for the nations of the UK.
For our part, our Churches will be working and praying for:
- a society where the poorest and most marginalised are at the centre
- a society that welcomes the stranger
- a just economy that enables the flourishing of all life
- a planet where the environment is renewed
- a world which actively works for peace
- a politics characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness.
We pray for the people of the UK, for our leaders, and for the whole of Europe, as we mark this significant moment together.”
For full text: www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/statement-from-church-leaders-ahead-of-31st-january-2020/
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