Dear Siblings in Christ,
Happy St. George’s Day! Find some interesting facts here. Did you know that: During the Middle Ages, people believed that St George was one of the ‘Fourteen Holy Helpers’ – a group of saints who could help during epidemic diseases. St George’s protection was invoked against several nasty diseases, many fatal and with infectious causes, including the Plague and leprosy.
On Sunday, I am beginning a new sermon series that I have called Tales of Peter’s Discipleship Journey. We will look at the life of the disciple Simon, whom Jesus called Peter, which means the rock. Many Christians today identify with Peter’s weaknesses, not least his knack of opening his mouth and putting his foot in it! Peter is known for being spontaneous and impulsive while also becoming a courageous and faithful disciple. How does Peter’s story speak to us today? As we see the transforming power of God at work in Peter’s discipleship journey, how will we better express our own story?
26th April – From Fisherman to Disciple – Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11
3rd May – Bold and Impulsive – Matthew 13:4-9, 14:22-32, 17:1-4
10th May – Betrayal and Regret – Matthew 26:31-35, 36-48, 69-75
17th May – Forgiven and Restored – John 20:1-10, 21:1-19
24th May – From Simon to Peter – Matthew 16:13-23, Luke 24:50-51
31st May – From Disciple to Apostle & Church Planter – Acts 2:1-42
I am hearing from a few of you that you have had to miss funerals of beloved friends and relatives. The Methodist connexion has produced an At Home Funeral Service with a short act of worship to help you say your formal goodbyes whist in your home.
Last Sunday our scripture was John 20:19-31, the story of Jesus appearing to Thomas who had been doubtful as to the truth of whether Jesus really had appeared to the other disciples a week earlier. I share with you now a prayer from the Church of Scotland on which I based the title to my sermon:
A Door to Discovery
(inspired by John 20: 24-29)
How strangely comforting, Lord,
That so many of your servants
Have doubted you.
So,
If I cannot always see the sense
Of your Word;
If I do not always feel confident
About my faith;
If I wonder where your love is
In the face of pain and death;
I am not the first.
A great company of saints and martyrs
Has felt this way before me.
Now, in your presence,
They see face to face
And know as they are known.
Teach me, like them,
Not so much to fear doubt
As to see it
As a sign of the mystery of life
And a door to discovery.
For a dose of humour, here’s a meme on the Episcopal Church Memes Facbook page today by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham. No comment as to how much truth there is in it!
Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:26)
I am keeping you in my prayers. May God’s peace be with you all,
In Christ
–Pastor Joan
Joan’s Jottings are written to the churches at Museum Street, Landseer Road and Chantry where Joan is the minister, and shared here for all to read.