The Third Sunday before Lent
Our Gospel reading today Luke 6. 20-26 known as the ‘Sermon on the plain’ or ‘the Beatitudes,’ corresponds with Matthew’s ‘Sermon on the mount’ Matthew 5. 1-12. There are differences but they both take accepted standards and turn them upside down. The ‘blessings’ and ‘woes’ in Luke’s passage challenge our perceptions of the Christian life and we are encouraged to look outwards to the needs of others. But this teaching is more than general advice it tells us about the nature of God’s kingdom and God’s love for each one of us, whatever our circumstances.
This year on Valentine’s day we are called to broaden our vision of love, and in our prayers reflect on the nature of love; that unconditional selfless love, the love of God, manifested in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Prayer by Joyce Rupp
Faithful God, you have lavished us with love. Keep us ever mindful that you keep your promises. On our difficult days help us to remember that you are a refuge for those who need shelter, a comfort for those who feel empty and poor in spirit. On our joyful days fill us with a deep sense of thanksgiving as we experience your everlasting love . Help us to share your graciousness with all those who need a touch of generous love. Amen.
Revd Maree Wilson Locum Priest
Interregnum Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one in love, and we echo this prayer during the time of interregnum. Help us to support the ministry in Christ church as well as supporting one another. We pray for all who are responsible for the smooth running of our church: for our wardens, David and Michael, our Church Council, our Reader Angela and our Locum priest Revd Maree.
Give them the spiritual and physical strength for the demands now placed upon them. May each of us lighten their load in all that we say and do and help us to work towards a spirit of mutual trust and fellowship.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This Sunday's service will be celebrated in church and will be led by Revd. Maree Wilson. To protect from the current Covid pandemic masks are required for adults and children from 6 years of age.
You will also be able to join us online and the link for this week's Sunday service is https://youtu.be/v1J5NHuKQE4 and the order of service can be found here.
The previous sermon from 6 February 2022 - The Fourth Sunday before Lent by Lay Minister Angela Fall can also be viewed at https://youtu.be/K07-cFBCTuI
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Please join us online for a brief compline prayer liturgy led by Sophie & Jordan Johnson. You can follow the prayers by downloading the App here: Daily Prayer (chpublishing.co.uk)
This is an opportunity to slow down, reflect on the week, and be in prayer together. We hope that you can join us at 6:30pm on Thursdays via BlueJeans at https://bluejeans.com/340779695. Prayers will end at 7:00.
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Lent reflection 2022
Our Lent group this year will explore the theme of Hope based on the book:
‘Hope and the Nearness of God’ by Teresa White FGJ Bloomsbury
We will be meeting online for three sessions on Tuesdays at 6.30 to 7.30 pm on 8th March, 15th March and 22nd March.
Hope is a word that we use freely but in these days of pandemic, war and political turbulence hope seems to be in short supply. Sister Teresa White’s book shows us that hope is not a matter of wishful thinking but is ‘born in us through God’s nearness, hope beckons us forward on our journey of faith.’ The author points out that hope is an especially appropriate theme for Lent, when we recall the suffering and death of Jesus, spurred on by the sure and certain hope of his resurrection.
The book is written with beautiful simpleness and directness drawing on inspiration from other writers, poets and artists whilst also using scripture to great effect.
I hope that you can join us!
Revd Maree Wilson
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