Have you said “yes” before reading the small print first? There’s a cost, to discipleship – and Jesus warns us of this. Are we sometimes guilty of portraying the Christian faith as simple, not requiring full commitment? Of course we want to be welcoming …but are we guilty of making it seem too easy?
What are we doing when we pray for healing? Rachel shares something of her own experience of an encounter with God, the gifts of the spirit, through a lower point in her life in hospital. Do we accept who we are – do we let go of our need to control, to always get it right, our fears: allowing us to step back and know God with us now?
‘I Bow Down’: performed before intercessions on 25th August 2019 – words and Music Cindy Rethmeier, performed by Jane and Leigh of St Mark’s choir.
The miracles of this planet are simply mind boggling. So much life, so much diversity: created by a loving God who lends us this planet in trust. However, do we forget this, acting as if we own it – and in the process, abuse it for our selfish gain? Is it too late; or is there time to realise – and return through Jesus the respect this world deserves, by respecting who truly owns the land?
God asks us to give; but how often do we think of excuses or reasons why perhaps we cannot? If only we had more time, or were more skilled? But if we had the time, the skills, the confidence or the money – how quickly would many of us give this back to God?
‘Sing of the Lord’s goodness’ performed during Communion on 18th August 2019 – words and Music (c) 1981 Ernest Sands, performed by members of St Mark’s choir
Prayers given on our Family Communion service on the ninth Sunday after Trinity.
Red Sky at Night, shepherds delight; red sky at morning, sailors a warning. How good are you at predicting things? In our Gospel reading, it seems the Jews were unable to move from earthly interpretations of the weather to spiritual interpretations of Jesus.
Prayers given on our Iona Communion service on the eighth Sunday after Trinity.
Predictions for the end of the world are running at roughly one a year: the next is on track for 2020. In 2012, polls over twenty countries found that over 40% of people believed the end of the world would come within their life times. Does it mean anything to us: are we focusing on the treasure in heaven that matters – or on ourselves?
