Today:
We begin a new series for February on Love (Love isn’t just for Valentine’s Day), based on 1 Corinthians 13. Today: Gifts are nothing without love (verses 1-3, 8). This will be a local arrangement.
This week:
Friday 10th at 7.15 pm: All-Island Worship Event at Christ the King College. Notice on the board at the back of the church.
Saturday 11th at 8.30 am: Prayer and Toast at 221 Gunville Road.
Sunday 12th February:
Our minister, Rev John Izzard, will be with us to preach and lead Holy Communion. The theme will be “Love is patient, love is kind” (verse 4a).
Favourite Song?
There have so far been four requests for songs, of which we have sung three. Any more? (Second requests allowed.)
For your diary:
Saturday 25th February: Church Vision Morning 9.30-1.00
Message from the Minister
For those of you with a literary mind, I’m sure that you don’t have to be persuaded about the powerful influence that words can have upon us. From the great novelists over the centuries to the captivating rhythm of commanding orators; from the influencing lyrics of popular musicians to the vote grabbing manifestos of politicians: all have played a significant part, whether we accept it or not, in shaping the way we live and what choices we make along the way. Words can be used to encourage, uplift, inspire, and make us feel special. They can also be delivered in a devastating way to convey the complete opposite, often with long lasting and damaging effects.
You can be sure that on Valentine’s Day much ink will be spent in trying to find just the right kind of words to convey unconditional love to someone. However, are our actions consistent with what we say? Do we show love and care in what we do and how we treat one another the rest of the year? It is often said that, ‘actions speak louder than words’, and they do!
This month we start the 40 days of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. We are encouraged to take an honest view of ourselves and to spiritually prepare for Easter. It is an opportunity to recognise the time when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Many will look to give up something over this period as a way of reducing dependency on material things, finding time to concentrate the mind and body on spiritual matters.
We often express our intention by using words like ‘self-denial’, ‘giving up’, or ‘going without’. We might also consider the possibility of ‘taking up’ something during this time as a way of conveying our commitment to Jesus. As we were encouraged to do last year, what about doing some intentional act of kindness each day that would make a significant difference to someone’s life?
Words are so important and we must choose them carefully. Jesus used them in a powerful and releasing way. However, it is what He did for us all on the Cross that is the mark of His transforming love. And that speaks volumes!
God’s richest blessings to you all,
Rev John Izzard
Coded Choruses
Groan Time
Let’s finish off Simon’s computer questions:
- What’s the best way to learn about computers? – Bit by bit.
- Why did the computer show up at work late? – It had a hard drive
- I changed my password to “incorrect.” Whenever I forget what it is, the computer will say”Your password is incorrect.”
- What was the spider doing on the computer? – He was making a web-site.
Again, if you don’t understand these, congratulations. If you do, get a life.
