Today: This morning we shall be concluding our series on Jesus’ “I am” sayings, with “I am the true vine” (John 15). Our preacher will be Mary White.
On the premises this week:
Monday: 2-3.15 Bowls Wednesday: Nellie’s 2-4
Tuesday: 10.00am The Ark Saturday: Journalling, Hall 10.30-12
Next Sunday, 29th October: Postscript to the “I am” series: John 20:31 – “These things are written that you may believe.” Martin will be preaching.
Praying for our streets: This week in our 5-week cycle we are praying for Gunville Road (1-318, including the new houses). You might like to have a walk, perhaps with a friend from church.
Israel / Palestine
We include two prayers about the present situation. The first is from Methodist leaders:
A prayer from the President and Vice-President of Conference
God of peace and compassion,
We pray for all impacted by the escalation in conflict in Israel-Palestine
For all who are mourning
For all who are fearful, today, and for what may lie ahead
For all traumatised and re-traumatised by what they have experienced.
Enable us to stand in solidarity with people of peace
May your Spirit bring peace and healing to your troubled world
Amen
It’s not just about Jews and Muslims. Among the Palestinians are 40-50,000 Christians. Most of these are in the West Bank area, but around 1,000 are in Gaza. “Embrace the Middle East” partners with Christians in the area, and has prayer material on its website.
A prayer from the Embrace the Middle East organisation
God of light and salvation, our refuge and our strength,
We pray for the people of Israel and Palestine amid the escalating violence.
We pray for those killed and injured by rockets from Gaza in southern Israel. May your rod and staff comfort them. We pray for those who are grieving. May they know your ever-present help.
We pray for the protection of those who have been taken hostage by Hamas. As they walk through this dark valley, may they fear no evil.
We pray for the civilians of Gaza. May they know that their help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. We especially remember all of those who have been killed and wounded in Gaza – may you comfort and heal those who are in pain and those who have lost loved ones.
And we pray for those in leadership in Gaza and Israel. May you guide them along the right paths. We ask all this in union with Christ and trusting in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Kipling’s “If” – for a Christian
I have always felt that Kipling’s “If” doesn’t express the ideals that I have for life.
Then Ruth gave me this version. What do you think? – Martin
If you can stand before false accusations,
And lift your head in grace and face the lies;
If you can join in others’ celebrations,
While your life falls to bits before your eyes.
If you can grieve with others who are grieving,
Yet find in Christ a peace beyond all griefs;
If you can love those who are unbelieving,
And yet stand firm and sure on your beliefs;
If you can lose all wealth and earthly treasure,
And count it as the loss of so much dust;
If you can scorn success by mortal measure,
And strive for the rewards that cannot rust;
If you can put your hand to Christian labour;
And die with Christ, your sins all put to end;
If every day you can still love your neighbour,
You will receive the crown of life, my friend.
APPOLOGIES THAT THE QUIZ HAD TO BE OMITTED THIS WEEK-COMPUTER GLITCH, HOPEFULLY THERE SHOUD BE 2 IN NEXT WEEK !!
Material for next week: Please send items to Martin by Tuesday morning martin
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