Weekly Update – 28th June
It is interesting what one encounters when exploring. On a recent trip to Ireland, I visited Ennistymon Waterfalls. Whilst looking around the rocks next to the waterfalls I found this piece of scripture, alongside the customary graffiti of lovers visiting the place. I am not comfortable about having graffiti anywhere but clearly the person responsible for this particular inscription found inspiration from the beauty of the waterfalls. Perhaps they were reminded of the waters of baptism and Jesus who is the water of life. It serves to remind us that through Jesus, the grace of God flows abundantly into the heart, body and soul of everyone who has faith. Through Jesus we have everlasting life.
Last Sunday, Rev Claude set us a challenge for the summer. To read at least one Christian book. To help us get started she brought along a trolley full of a wide range of books to choose from. If anyone is looking for other suggestions, I can recommend Bishop Rose’s autobiography “Girl from Montego Bay”. It is a wonderful and inspiring read, outlining the experiences of her journey as a child in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to her life now as Bishop of Dover. Her story offers so many insights into the way God calls each one of us to serve in the mission of sharing the grace of God with those we meet in our daily lives.
Another book you might consider is a small devotional booklet titled “Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives”. It is a booklet published by the Church of England that has readings, reflections, questions and prayers for each of 24 days. As quoted in the introduction: “each of us has our own story, but we are also part of bigger stories. The greatest story ever told is that of God becoming human in Jesus to offer us a transforming relationship with him.” The booklet focusses on the lives of people from Anglo-Saxon England who were transformed by God’s grace. They were inspired to follow a path illuminated by the Gospel, which in the 21st century still serves as a signpost to a purposeful relationship with God.
There are five copies of the booklet at the back of church which can be taken free of charge. Or you can follow on the “Everyday Faith” App each day (First one was on 25 May and last one on 20 June). More details can be found by visiting this link https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/pilgrim-places-holy-lives#na
Gracious God, open to us a door of opportunity,
that we can share something of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
with someone, somewhere this week.
Empower us for the building of your Kingdom here on earth.
Amen.
Nigel
Churchwarden.
