Luke Wathen, Development Officer for Smileswill be giving a presentation about Smiles work in Rumania on Tuesday 10th March in the West End at St. Peters at 7.00pm.
This is a good opportunity to find out how Smiles’ work in Romania is developing and perhaps to contemplate joining the Parish’s next mission trip in October this year. All welcome.
Coronavirus
The latest advice from the Church of England and Public Health England is:
“Whilst in places of worship, there is no need to avoid other worshipers who are well or to change normal faith practices – this includes taking wine from the communal chalice. Take usual infection prevention precautions including washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser (containing at least 60% alcohol) after using the toilet facilities; before eating food or snacks or if you are in close contact with someone who is unwell.”
Also, as an alternative method of participating in The Peace, please do not be offended if others choose not to shake hands, maybe one can instead put hands together (as if in prayer) while wishing peace on our neighbour.
We journey with Jesus as he leaves the countryside of Galilee to enter the city of Jerusalem.
The mileage to Jerusalem from Nazareth shown above is approximately 120 miles (193 km)! The most direct route would be about 90 miles, however this would be through Samaria. Travel through Samaria was to be avoided because of the mountainous conditions and because Jews and Samaritans generally really, really, hated one-another.
From Nazareth (nestled in the hills) we need walk down to the Jordan; here we would meet travellers walking from Capernaum at the northern end of the 'Sea'. Crossing to the eastern shore of Perea (part of present day Jordan and once a part of Israel with two and a half tribes of Israel living there) then south along the Jordan Valley to a further crossing near Jericho, then taking the Jericho road as it rises to Jerusalem.
You can find the discovery material on the Parish website
A Prayer as we begin:
Loving God, walk with us on our journey
as we enter a time of sharing and learning together.
Holy God, kneel with us in our humility
as we acknowledge those times
when we have lost sight of you.
Welcoming God, embrace us with your open arms
as we, strangers and friends,
find a space here to call our own.
Living God, open our eyes and our hearts
to those excluded from groups,
left out of society, abandoned and lonely.
A Prayer as we depart:
May the Christ who walks on wounded feet
walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves you with wounded hands
stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart
open your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,
and may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you
