27th July
The version of the Lord’s Prayer used in the Book of Common Prayer, uses the word trespasses instead of the word sins, which is used in other worship texts. One of the many examples of how words from the original Greek text of the New Testament are interpreted slightly differently into the text we read in the various translations of the Bible that are available to us.
We perhaps tend to think of sins as doing something we should not. Yet the word trespass conveys a sense of location and place. Like the sign we often see on fences and gates to orchards, farms, property etc – trespassing means we are in a place where we ought not be. In his letter to the Colossians (2.6-19), Paul is urging them (and us) to be in a place where Jesus and God is at the centre. Our relationship with Jesus and God is essential for a full life and it is the foundation on which we are nourished and grow. Paul is warning us to avoid distractions that separate us from God and leads us into places we ought not be.
It is through prayer that we encounter God. Wherever we are and however we feel there are many ways to connect with God and prayer provides the space where we make this connection.
During the interregnum we prayed for the discernment of our future vision and for God to guide us. Having celebrated our 50th Anniversary of the current church building and given thanks for what has been achieved over the last 50 years we now look forward. Where is God leading us? How are we being called (individually and as a worshipping community) to a place where Jesus and God are at the centre?
At the PCC meeting earlier this week, Rev Claude set us a challenge or holiday homework if you like. What do we think of when we see the word MISSION? What does it mean for us? We were asked to include this in our prayers over the summer. It need not stop with the PCC, what do you think of the word MISSION and what does or should this look like in our parish. Please join us by including this in your prayers.
God of all our journeys, be with us on our adventure.
Open our eyes to your presence.
Open our ears to your call.
Open our mind to your wisdom.
Open our heart to your Spirit.
Amen.
Nigel
Churchwarden.
