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NEWS FROM ST MARY'S CHURCH
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This Sunday sees the last week of our sermon series on the book of Hebrews, and next Sunday we move into our new series "Rule of Life", an opportunity to re-examine our lives and work out how we want to live.
The book of Hebrews talks about an ultimate time when everything in heaven and on earth will be shaken, and it's likely that these last few weeks have been a time of shaking for lots of people too; a time that causes a person to re-evaluate and notice what's important.
When things are shaken it's not pleasant, but it can bring into focus the things that that are enduring. The Bible mentions a few things that can never be shaken: God's love (Psalm 21:7), the person who keeps their eyes on the Lord (Psalm 16:8), and God's kingdom (Hebrews 12:28) are just a few.
And this is how the book of Isaiah puts it, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10) |
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At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’
Hebrews 12:26-29 |
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AT HOME WITH...THE SCHOFIELD-LINNELLS
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This week we visit the Schofield-Linnells who share with us the ups and downs of living in a household of nine during lockdown.
Steven and Melissa and their children Jasper, Caleb, Esther and Ruth take hospitality to a whole new level by opening their home and sharing their family life with mothers and babies at a time when they most need support.
We hear about patience being tested, family relationships being built and the blessing of being able to cycle on unusually quiet roads... |
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These times have raised some pretty big questions for us all. It may be that you, or someone you know, has got questions about life, death, the future, God and…well, everything.
We’re running Alpha Online; a chance to watch a video about some of the questions around the Christian faith, and then chat about it together online.
If you know someone who might be interested, perhaps you could point them in the direction of our website, Facebook page or Instagram page to find out more.
Then ask them to get in touch, so we can send the Zoom link: office@stmaryscnorton.com or 01608 646202.
Alpha starts Tuesday 16th June and runs for six weeks. Meet at 7:30pm to watch the 20ish minute video. Or watch the video beforehand and join at 8:00pm to discuss.
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ENCOUNTER GOES LIVE ONLINE
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Join us for a live online Encounter Service on Sunday 21st June at 7pm.
We will be gathering on Zoom to worship and open up God’s word together. We would love you to join us for this modern worship gathering, so you may be encouraged but also refreshed by joining as one body, to worship King Jesus.
We look forward to seeing you there.
-Jonny
Zoom details:
Topic: Encounter
Time: Jun 21, 2020 07:00 PM London
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89781319908?pwd=QWN4OHZRazFiNnZKMUtLZUlqVUFydz09
Meeting ID: 897 8131 9908
Password: 471716
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We're so mindful of our key workers who are keeping going with their work under such testing times, sometimes with a high degree of personal sacrifice to commit to what they need to do.
We've been thinking of different ways to brighten up people's days and remind people that we're praying for them. This week trays of tomato plants have gone to the carers in our Care homes with a message and a prayer.
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| We asked Mark Carpenter, "If you could only take 2 songs, 1 book and 1 luxury item into lockdown what would you take?" We take a wander through some of Mark's favourite tunes and share with him the difficulty of picking just one book! |
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In a hurry? Try J.John's 60 Second Word for the Day.
J.John's "Word for the Day" is literally that; he unpacks one word in one minute.
Toby says, "I have really appreciated these during lockdown". These bitesized videos aim to bring inspiration and a little bit of challenge to your day.
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So many people in our community feel the weight of debt, and we are passionate about helping to release anyone we can from a life sentence of debt and poverty. At St Mary's we are working with Christians Against Poverty to bring good news, hope and freedom. If you need support, we'd love to hear from you.
Everyone has questions about what life is all about. We believe that everyone should have a chance to share those questions, explore the Christian faith and give their point of view.
Alpha is a place where you can ask those questions in an honest, friendly and open environment. We'll be running a course again in the Autumn, but in the meantime, find out more here...