Benefice
Newsletter
20 January 2021
Brother Saul.
What a story is contained in those two words!
On Tuesday the Church celebrates the conversion of Saul, whom we know better as St. Paul. We remember his Damascus Road experience of meeting Jesus. And maybe wish that had been our experience, too? Rather than a gradual growing into faith. (And certainly wish that those who had such a lightbulb moment wouldn’t make assumptions about our faith journey!)
Who we probably wouldn’t want to be is Ananias. Sent by God to Saul. That’s sent to Saul who has letters of authority from the religious leaders in Jerusalem to arrest anyone found to be a follower of Jesus. No way would I be undertaking that errand. But, after a panic moment, Ananias goes. And utters those words of grace, and hope, and love:
Brother Saul.
Not ‘Saul, let me remind you of those who you have had put to death. Let me remind you of your presence at the stoning of Stephen. Let me...’
Brother Saul.
Such grace.
The key, of course, is in the rest of the sentence. Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me. Ananias has been listening to Jesus.
Here ends the Sunday School lesson. Except (of course) for your homework.
To whom, this week, might you utter words of grace and hope and love?
To whom, this week, could Jesus send you?
With love and prayers for your ministry
Join Rev Christine on Zoom on Sunday 24 January at 10:00 for Morning Prayer.
Follow this link, or use meeting ID 864 5707 0420. The passcode is 464716.
Because of the different format of our worship this week there is no folio attached to the newsletter.
Mental Health
Dr David Smart offers helpful tips for ensuring mental wellbeing. His pre-recorded talk and slides can be viewed online, here.
The English Civil Wars
Thursday 4 February 10:00-11:30, via Zoom.
Join Bishop Donald for a live webinar looking at the English Civil Wars, with an opportunity for questions and discussion afterwards. This is a Zoom event you can attend by registering here in advance.
The Letter to the Hebrews
Saturday 13 March 10:30-12:00; then repeated Saturday 17 April 10:3012:00; via Zoom.
Bishop Donald will release seven half-hour video talks on Hebrews in early February. This Zoom event is a live, hour-long summary of those talks from the Bishop, with a time for questions and discussion afterwards.
You can attend by registering in advance either here for 13 March, or here for 17 April.
Malta, June 2021
9-day trip lead by Rev Chrys Tremththanmor, inclusive of flights, hotels, entry fees, and all meals except lunches. The pilgrims will visit sites associated with St Paul, as well as the island’s natural wonders. For details contact Rev Chrys (revdchrys@gmail.com / 01604 902051).
Austria, Oberammergau, 27 July - 3 August 2022
Join Rev Heather Wilson for a visit to Austria, and attend the Oberammergau Passion Play. Details from Rev Heather (revdheather@gmail.com / 07702 033727).
Those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, among them Sue P, Roger P, Richard H, Tim C, Kay G, Pam B, Philip B, Oliver D.
The housebound: Ruth S, Margaret O, Diana B.
The Church of Bangladesh; The Porvoo Churches: Birmingham, Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Elsinore.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please first obtain the consent of the person you wish us to pray for. Then tell Rev Christine whom to pray for and the reason why.
Those whose anniversaries fall on this week: Bernard Richards, Alan Palmer, Margaret Anne Rivers Morris, Mary Houston, Neil Campbell, Ray Quartermain, Chris Webb, John Earth, Charles Hurl, Gordon Fisher, Grace Roper, Denise Angel Rosemary Bailey, Kathleen Estelle Mallows, Paul Andrew Wells, Alan George Mitchell, Walter Armstrong, Albert Charles Liley, Winifred (Trudi) Freeman, Caroline Deaton, David John Paradine, Harry William Miles.