 I would describe myself as a beginner gardener. I started about 5 years ago All things bright and beautiful - StF 100 Touch the earth lightly - StF 729 Prayers of praise Let everything that has life, Let everything that has breath. Give all the glory and honour and praise. To the one that overcame death. Let every living thing. Sing of the mercies of our God. Let us exalt Him wherever we live with thanksgiving. and joy in our hearts. If we don’t praise Him, The mountains will. If we don’t exalt him the rocks will cry out in our stead, ‘God is not dead!’ Let every living thing. Sing of the mercies of our God. Let us exalt Him wherever we live. With thanksgiving and joy in our hearts. Amen (Lawrence Chewning - Celtic Daily Prayer) Prayers of confession Lord we come before you, knowing that we have not always been good stewards of your gifts. There have been times when we have forgotten all that you have given us and all that you do to sustain us. There have been periods when we have been careless in the ways we treat the world and everything in it. For the times we have fallen short - Lord forgive us. Lord forgive us. Lord, we confess that there are times we do not care for those around us. When we are short tempered or frustrated with the people in our lives. Times we would rather think about our own needs than those we love. For the times we have been careless - Lord forgive us. Lord forgive us. Lord, there are times when we forget that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We do not care for ourselves as we should. We eat and drink things that are not good for us, we ask too much of our bodies and our minds, we fail to rest as you have taught us. For the times we are neglectful of ourselves - Lord forgive us. Lord, forgive us. Loving and compassionate God, We know that when we come to you and confess our failings you are patient and forgiving. Walk with us in the days ahead and encourage us on the good paths you have laid out for us. Amen. Lord’s prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen For the beauty of the earth - StF 102 Readings: Genesis 1:28 - 2:3 and 2:15 Matthew 6: 25-30 Address. I would describe myself as a beginner gardener. I started about 5 years ago after a period of ill health. My brother, who has a low level obsession with growing ferns, recommended gardening to me and encouraged me to start small and not make too many changes at once. I began where a lot of people do - by planting some bulbs. When they successfully grew I felt quite pleased and started reading up on gardening and how to start taking care of our bit of green space which, up until then, had mainly been ignored save from an occasional mowing of the grass (and, erm, fertilising by the dog). Around the same time my son had a homework project where he needed to encourage nature in his garden. We read up on wildlife gardening and, somewhat ironically for a nature project, we really went to town. I helped him build a bug hotel out of some old wooden pallets. We collected sticks and sheep’s wool for birds to build nests with. We planted containers with bee-friendly flowers and put out a bird feeder with a range of tasty snacks. And then a wonderful thing happened. It worked! Somehow, the local wildlife realised what we’d done and they started turning up. Birds filled the trees, there were bees on every flower and squirrels bounded along the fences (much to the displeasure of our dog). After a couple of years we put in a small pond and the next year we had blackbirds nesting in the hedge and a small frog family. It’s not exactly the garden of Eden but it brings me joy every day. This is quite a significant change for me. Growing up I was not what you’d call an outdoorsy child. I remember watching ‘My family and other animals’ on the BBC when I was about 8 and thinking that I couldn’t imagine anything worse than running around on a baking hot island looking for bugs. I have the sort of skin that burns on a cloudy day… under a tree… in April. So at the first hint of sunshine I have to slather on suncream whilst listening to lots of well meaning people tell me that they had never used suncream and they’re fine. Winter isn’t much better. I am, as they like to say in Nottingham, nesh. So whilst on mild days my friends would run around in t shirts, I was huddled inside my school cardigan and usually a coat and gloves too. Nature was always too much for my liking. Given the choice, I would much prefer to be indoors with a book than outside. But as I’ve grown up, all that has shifted. My initial, tentative steps into gardening have grown into a deep appreciation of the natural world. Last week at the Local Preachers meeting I was asked the question: ‘Where do you see God?’ and I answered, as I always do these days, ‘In nature.’ I connect most readily to the divine when I’m in creation and my garden allows me to do that every day. Now, I could stand here and tell you that I’ve worked on transforming my garden and learning about the natural world because I believe we are called to care for creation. I could refer you to Genesis 2:15, ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’. I could remind you that at his lowest point, Jesus retreated to a garden and called out to God in desperate prayer. I could tell you that damage to the environment inevitably affects the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities and that the church should be opposed to any exploitation of the poor. And the fact is, these are all good reasons to care for creation, but they are not the only reasons We’ve known for a long time that time spent in nature is good for us. Fresh air and exercise has been a cure for generations. But more recently scientists have started to look at how good it is for us and why. There is still a lot to learn but there have been some interesting discoveries. In one experiment looking at recovery times from surgery, patients who could see the outdoors had shorter recovery times, fewer complications and needed less pain relief than those who could only look at a wall. It’s been reported that certain bacteria in the soil can trigger the release of serotonin in the brain in much the same way antidepressants do. So weeding the borders is actually helping your mind. And Japan has 48 officially designated ‘forest bathing trails’ where you can go to walk in nature. There are even medical points you can go to at the start and end of your visit which will record how much your heart rate and blood pressure have dropped during your trip. I believe that Genesis 2:15 is right and that God did indeed charge us with caring for creation but I also believe that God has enabled nature to take care of us. Matthew 6:25 tells us, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?’ Jesus actively tells us not to worry. Our needs will be met. There is enough. And when we spend time in nature we see this. When we care for creation it cares for us. And the more we care for it the more we see God’s love for all living things in action. We see the cycles of the year and come to understand that despite what the world may tell us, being in a constant state of production is unnatural and unsustainable. We need times of rest and dormancy just as much as we need times of growth and expansion. We see that plants thrive in different conditions and at different times. Trying to grow tropical plants in the UK is always going to be an uphill struggle but when we find plants that are native to our region there is little work needed to see them blossom. We learn that tiny little seeds can produce enormous trees that can outlive a human by hundreds of years. And we see how God has created an ecosystem that is constantly readjusting to maintain its equilibrium. When the weather is too hot and dry, flowers draw up their petals and conserve their water. They put down deeper roots and restrict their growth. Do we do the same? When the hard times come and we are being scorched by life do we deepen our connections with the things that matter most? Do we conserve our energy to survive the drought or do we try to carry on as normal and hope no one sees that we’re wilting? My little wildlife garden is doing well. I’ve followed my brother’s advice and not made too many changes at once. There’s lots of trial and error. After several seasons I’ve accepted that I can't grow heathers unless I keep them in pots and any delicate plants will instantly be fertilised to death by a dog or obliterated by a football so it’s best to choose sturdy species. The little pond has been redug and expanded by my daughter and is proving very popular with the local birds who seem to think we’ve built them a private lido. We have miner bees digging burrows in the grass and mice living in the ivy on the back wall. Last year I tried my hand at growing some annuals from seed and found I quite like the rhythm of potting things on and seeing how they develop. You see? I can even use special gardening phrases like “potting things on” now. I have made a difference to my local environment and I have tried to care for the world in the way God commissioned Adam to do. But the impact on my spiritual life has been immeasurably larger than anything I have achieved in my garden. Nascent as my knowledge is, I now understand so much more about the world around me and the interconnectedness of all things. And I see in nature how God cares for all living things and how he wants us to care for ourselves and others. Humans and plants aren’t radically different. We need light and dark, warmth and food. We need a bit of care and attention and we grow best when we’re in the right place and have the right things around us. So after you leave here this morning I would encourage you to do one thing. Find something natural and take care of it. It can be a house plant, a seedling or a whole allotment if you have the resources. But look at what it needs and help it to thrive. And as you’re doing that remember that God wants all of these things for you. If we care for creation it will care for us and in doing so we will understand a little more of the fathomless love that our God has for us. Hymn: Be still - StF 20 Prayers of intercession for Gods creation Dear Lord, as we think of your wonderful creation – this planet on which we live and go about our daily tasks, we ask you to open our eyes to everything around us and help us to see what could be if only we would change our ways. Loving God, help us all to change our ways. We pray for a world that is just and fair to all God’s creatures. We think of all those living in poverty and deprivation wherever they are in the world. We think of so many parts of our world, your world - Lord God, affected by climate change and extremes of weather. So many places affected by flooding, or drought and wildfires. Homes, lands and lives lost as a result of human activity, selfishness, thoughtlessness and greed even when we are confronted by overwhelming evidence. Loving God, help us all to change our ways. We think of so many creatures and species that are being driven to the point of extinction by human behaviour. Dear Lord, help us to see the damage we are doing to the world and to work to conserve, protect and restore all that you have created so that all life may live together in harmony. Loving God, help us all to change our ways. Lord, we see the damage and destruction brought about by pollution, greed, negligence and carelessness causing great suffering and damage in many parts of the world to humanity, vegetation, many other species and the environment. Give us the courage to stand up to all of those responsible and to challenge them to change and start to put right the damage they have caused! Loving God, help us all to change our ways. Lord, we see so many places in your world affected by war, terrorism, and violence. We think of all those people in such situations and those living under oppression and cruel regimes and pray that they may know freedom, hope and your love. We pray too for the oppressors and the warmongers – that their eyes may be opened to the ways of peace and hope and justice. Loving God, help us all to change our ways. We think of Governments, Leaders and all those in places of power and authority. We pray that they will lead justly and with fairness in ways that embrace all people as equal, worthy, and without discrimination because of race, colour, creed, disability or gender. Loving God, help us all to change our ways. We pray for all who are sick or suffering in any way, whether it be from their physical or mental health. We think of those who have lost loved ones and those who are dying and pray that they may know your love and find peace and hope in you. Lastly, we pray for ourselves. In whatever situations we may find ourselves, give us courage to share your love, your hope, your peace. and your joy with those we meet on our daily journey. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Saviour. Amen All creatures of our God and King - StF 99 Blessing and dismissal
Go with confidence into the days ahead Trusting in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. God will not abandon you, for you are the work of His hands, His own creation, and His love endures forever. So go in joy, to love and serve the Lord! Celtic Daily Prayer) Message by Louise Lawrenson
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 Today what we are thinking about how we don’t always see what is in front of us. StF 353 Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it Prayers of Praise adoration and thanksgiving All praise to you heavenly father , All praise to the risen Christ, and to the spirit by whom all thingsare possible. We give thanks to you Lord for the great sacrifice you made so that we may be forgiven and saved, so we might join you in your kingdom. Nothing is beyond your reach, and there is nothing you cannot overcome, even death itself. You are all powerful mighty Lord, and by your design all things come into being. We are your children and in you we see our salvation. We worship you, we praise you, before you we are naught but what you make us to be. Intercessions Lord Jesus, we bring before you all our concerns, for others, for the world and for ourselves. We ask that you be with all those for whom daily life is not a time of purpose or joy, but one of fear, pain or worry. We ask that you walk with them and make your presence felt so that they may feel their burden lifted and know that they are not alone, but that they can follow you into a new life. Lord in your mercy... We remember all who like your family and friends at Easter 2000 years ago, feel the loss of loved ones at this time, or who, like so many that you helped during your ministry, suffer with long term illness. May they feel your healing touch and take comfort from your blessed love. May they know that they are in our prayers and that you are with them. Lord in your mercy.. We pray for your world, pillaged for its resources, abused, polluted and torn apart by war. We remember those who still suffer because of natural disasters, brought about by climate change. The people of Syria and Turkey, still in need after the earthquakes in that region. The people of America who have had their homes and communities ripped apart by storms. May you strengthen the hearts of those who feel powerless in the face of the need for great change, and help us all take responsibility for how we treat the home you have given to us. Lord in your mercy... We pray for the leaders of the world in this time of political unrest - may they be guided by you into the paths of peace, and no longer feel the need for posturing, when all are equal in your sight. Help them to focus instead on leading all people into a better way, where trust and cooperation rule over strife and discord. Lord in your mercy Finally lord we pray for ourselves and in a time of quiet bring before you all that weight on our hearts at this time. We pray for those who are known to us and need our prayers, and ask that you are with us all through the coming weeks and years as we try to be your people on earth and do your will. We ask all these prayers in the name of your son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen Lords prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. Address 1 Today what we are thinking about will be how we don’t always see what is in front of us. In our gospel reading we will hear about two followers of Jesus who spent some time with him without recognising him. Sometimes we see things without realising what it is we are seeing, even though it is right in front of us. Some of the ladies I work with call it having a “Man look”, my Gran, who was very wise, would say “you can't see for looking”. I actually had an eye test this week and my prescription has only changed enough for them to be able to say I need new glasses. At an exorbitant cost. But that means that for the most part my eyes are not the problem. So if it isnt the eyes then it must be the brain they are talking to. Seeing is also a bit of an odd term - it of course refers to vision, but we also use it as an indication of understanding - “ah, yes I see...” - being used to show we are able to visualise something in our mind’s eye. Being able to see things as they are, and identify what is important and what isnt, what to share and what to not worry about is an important element of art, design and effective communication. Including teaching and learning.  Now the image here is one suggested for use today. I have to say it's not my kind of art. But my favourite image also relates to this idea of not always seeing everything straight away. It is Hunters in the Snow, and is so detailed that I see something new nearly every time I look closely at it. The story of Jesus, and his teaching is a bit like that. Every time we read it we see something new, even though what we are seeing has been right in front of us all the time. The more we look, the more we see, and the more we see the more we understand. And the more we understand, the more we see... We need to keep looking at what Jesus taught us so we can keep understanding, we need to see. Hymn 2 StF 296 Christ has risen, while earth slumbers Reading 1 Luke 24: 13-35 Reading 2 1 Peter 1: 17-23 Hymn 3 Stf 594 Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us Address 2 As I said earlier, sometimes we need to keep looking to see what is right in front of us. In the familiar story of the road to Emmaus we encounter two followers of Jesus who are leaving Jerusalem on the day of the resurrection. They encounter a stranger on the road and the three of them fall into a discussion about the recent events. We are told that the followers were prevented from seeing that the stranger was Jesus - not that Jesus was in disguise, or looked different, but that they were prevented from seeing clearly who he was. The course of the discussion tests the understanding of the two followers, and then calls their attention to the aspects they have failed to grasp and clarifies them. By the time the journey is over the day is ending and it is getting late. Jesus is invited to stay with the two. As he breaks bread with them they recognise who they have been talking with and they understand more fully what is happening and who Jesus really is. As a teacher, when I was preparing for this service and reading through the different translations I recognised Jesus’s technique with these two followers. It is a classic teaching strategy - give the learners information they need to engage actively with, then at some point test their understanding by getting them to recount what they have seen and what their understanding of it is. Then correct any misconceptions that come to light, and finally get the learners to recount their revised understanding to cement it within their memory. An OFSTED inspector would be quite happy with what they observed, although my experience is that they would also want a bit more pace to the teaching, but then they have to find something to criticise. The two followers' lack of seeing is both literal - they are prevented from recognising Jesus, and metaphorical in their lack of understanding what he had been teaching them during his ministry. Because of this all those who read the account would have their understanding clarified as well. How often do we fail to see what is in front of us? How often do we see something new when we look deeper at something we have seen before? And how often do we share that with others? When we look at Jesus’ teaching, when we read scripture, sometimes the spirit will move within us and reveal fresh insight and understanding. But what do we do with that? When was the last time you shared seeing something new in scripture with someone else? I don’t know where you are on your journey with Christ. You may be new to the church, and just finding your way, setting off on your travels by his side, or you may feel that you have come a great distance, and are a seasoned companion of Jesus on your road with him. Either way we are probably reluctant to share new insights, in case we look silly. Students at work often say they don’t like to share what they have found out, in case they look stupid because everyone else already knows what they have just found out. In reality that is rarely the case, and in contrast they like to hear others share what they have learned because it makes them feel they can learn things too. Jesus was revealed to his followers when he needed them to recognise him. When Jesus wants a person to know something, no power on earth can stop that happening. The maker of all creation is not going to be stopped by anything. BUT, unlike the followers on the road to Emmaus, Jesus will work through others. He appeared to those followers because he needed them to see the risen Christ, to be witnesses and bear testimony as to his resurrection, and victory over death. But following his ascension, Jesus, though the spirit, has worked through the voices and actions of others who walk with him. Like us. Where he needs someone to joining the dots, and put things together, the information will be there for them to see, but the hints and clues will come from others, and that might include us! So if you feel you have discovered something, share it, don’t be afraid, it might be that Christ is sharing that insight, so that you can share it with others who need to hear it. And if you hear someone explain something, and as a result the clouds part and you can see clearly what was in front of you all the time, but hidden from your sight, let those who were instrumental in helping you see, know because they may be feeling that sharing that knowledge was not a good idea, and may be making them look a bit silly. Amen Hymn 4 Stf 519 Father I place into your hands... Confession, penance and forgiveness Lord as we stand before you, in awe at the sacrifice you have made for us, we recognise that we have fallen short of what you want us to be. We have sinned against each other and against you. As you have taught us, we confess these sins to you, and to ourselves, and fully repent them, seeking your aid to be better people, more like your plan for us from this time onwards. So we ask your forgiveness, Lord, and so that we might in turn be forgiven, we truly forgive those who have sinned against us, for until we do, we may not seek or receive your blessing. We bring before you then the things we have done wrong. Hear then the good news, through the sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, our sins may be forgiven. Amen, thanks be to god. Stf 297 Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. Blessing & dismissal
Father God we ask that you bless the gifts we bring to you today for the work of your church here on earth. We thank you for the great gifts you have given to us, and ask that you strengthen us and continue to work in and through us in the coming week as we go forth to live and to serve you. In the name of Christ. Amen Words by Peter Gray  Our theme this morning is Caring for God’s creation - or put it another way, how affective is our personal Stewardship of God’s creation remembering that Stewardship is what we do, after we say “I believe.” StF 94 To God be the glory Lords prayer Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. StF 136 Morning has broken Our Gospel reading this morning in the parable of the Faithful Steward or the Parable of the Bags of Gold or the Parable of the Talents which may be more familiar to us. But whatever this Parable is called it doesn’t detract from the challenging, hard-hitting message it contains. Genesis 2; 4-15 Adam &; Eve Matthew 25; 14-30 Parable of Bags of Gold StF 407 Hear the call of the kingdom Message As some of you may know, I have a somewhat eccentric, some say wicked sense of humour. Had you ever met my father, Ron Sykes, or his two younger sisters, Marjorie and Winnie and experienced their sense of fun, as I did as I was growing up, you would understand – it’s in my DNA – it’s all their faulty. Spike Milligan has always been a comedy hero of mine for more years than I can remember – who can forget the Goon Show, I’m walking backwards to Christmas, the Ying Tong Song and so on Spike Milligan had Irish citizenship, thanks to his father's birthplace and being made a stateless person by Great Britain. This would explain why, in part the epitaph carved onto his gravestone was in Gaelic, because the diocese of Chichester where he was buried (in St Thomas's Church, Winchelsea) didn't think it was appropriate for the words of his epitaph to appear on his gravestone in English. His family reached a compromise with the Diocese - a compromise that would have delighted Spike, a compromise he would very have very much approved of, because only those who knew Gaelic, would understand the epitaph, and thus be amused by it. The Gaelic translates as “I told you I was ill". The Nobel Peace Prize is the Supreme award given to those who have made an exceptional contribution to the betterment of the world. Other Nobel prizes are given to those who have made outstanding contributions in the Arts and Sciences. There is a Story about a Nobel prize that is rarely told. Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist, who made his fortune by inventing powerful explosives and licensing the formula to governments to make weapons. One day, Nobel’s brother died, and a newspaper by accident printed an obituary notice for Alfred, instead of the deceased brother. It identified him as the inventor of dynamite who made a fortune by enabling armies to achieve new levels of mass destruction. Nobel had the unique opportunity to read his own obituary in his lifetime and to see how he would be remembered. He was shocked, to think that this was what his life would add up to - he would always be remembered as a merchant of death and destruction. As a direct result, he took his fortune and used it to establish the awards for accomplishments contributing to life rather than death. and today, Nobel indeed is remembered for his contribution to peace and human achievement not explosives. Can any of us imagine anything more wonderful than hearing the God of all creation pronounce the final benediction on our lives with the words we have heard this morning from Matthew 25, 21 “Well done good and faithful servant for “making a difference in Caring for my Creation”……………...come and share your Master’s happiness”. Some men were chatting about how far they had travelled in their cars during their working lives soon the discussion got competitive. One said that he had covered 10,000 miles - another said that he had done 12,000 - yet another bragged that he had always gone more than 15,000 miles each year, that he had had his car. The last one boasted his car had clocked up 19,000 miles that year. The oldest man had said nothing because he’d never owned a car. One of the men jokingly asked him. “How many miles have you done?” He calmly replied, “one Million miles.” Pressed to explain this startling statement he said, “I’ve driven an average of 70 miles each day, six days a week. That's over 20,000 miles each year, and that's more than any of you and I've done it for 50 years.” Just imagine a million miles. This man had gone the equivalent of 1000 return journeys between London and John O'Groats or Land's End, or 40 times around the world, or as far as two journeys to the moon and back! What pleasure he must have had driving to the countryside or to seaside resorts! He must have visited them all. But the imagination was spoiled by one of the other men who said, “But you haven't got a car!” He, of course, had to explain. “I drive a brand-new car everyday straight from our car factory to the car sales firm in towns within a radius of 70 miles mostly to London.” “Not much fun in that,” said one, “a bit monotonous and boring. You never got anywhere really - a million miles to nowhere.” “No, but it was necessary and useful,” he answered. Today, so many people are out too “look out for number one, for themselves, to get somewhere” in life, be it, at work, in the community, or even in the church. Some have achieved so much in life for themselves, have been all around the world or visited scores of countries for pleasure but have never done anything really useful. They have truly gone far and got nowhere, for they really have been of no use to anyone. Our hero had travelled a million miles, but every journey had been of real use to someone. Thousands of people had him to thank, for the safe delivery of their new cars. His ambition had been to do the best he could, with what he had, for the good of those he served. Everything he did was necessary and useful. Traditionally the parable of the Faithful Steward. or the Parable of the Talents has been seen as Jesus, urging His disciples to use their God given gifts, talents, abilities in the service of God, and to take risks for the sake of the Kingdom. Just as in the Parable, the servants are given different sums to take care of, but clearly everything still belongs to the master. They're merely administrators who will answer for how they invested the master’s belongings. This fact reinforces the principle of stewardship and today we’re thinking about Caring for God’s creation – STEWARDSHIP OF HIS CREATION. As believers, we are all given resources according to our skills and abilities, but those resources ultimately belong to God. We will eventually answer for how we have invested them. These gifts have been seen to include personal abilities, Talents in the everyday literal sense, as well what we have - our own personal wealth. However, let’s remember, that it’s only God that truly sees our hearts and our motives when we’re given an opportunity to use them in His service. Our ambition surely is to do the best we can, with what he have, to play our part in Caring for His Creation and building His Kingdom. Remember, Jesus never travelled more than 100 miles from Jerusalem and met his death at the early age of 33 on a cruel, barbaric Roman Cross of wood. Would you say he got nowhere? In those few years he did more good, to and for others, than any other person who's ever lived, and by his death and resurrection opened the gates of heaven for you and me. So, let’s not worry about how far we’re going, rather how much we can do as Faithful Stewards, as we reach out in compassion to use our God given Gifts, Talents & Abilities to help others on the way, because in God’s eyes. it’s both necessary, valuable and useful in building His Kingdom here on earth. John Wesley put it beautifully. 'Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.' Spike Milligan’s will be remembered for his sense of humour “I told you I was ill”. Alfred Nobel will always be remembered for the Nobel Prizes of Peace, Arts & Science. Can any of us imagine anything more wonderful than hearing the God of all creation pronounce the final benediction on our lives, when the time comes, with the words “Well done good and faithful servant……………...come and share your Master’s happiness”. There is a song with the important words “They’ll know we are Christians by our love”, because how we live, how witness how we use our God given health, money, time, talents, gifts, and abilities, but above all else how we love, really matters, because when we do, we can hear Jesus say, “it was all worth it!” StF 513 Take this moment, sign and space Blessing
Everyday God, I thank you for the presence of your Son wherever I approach you in worship. Help me now to fling wide the doors Breathe your Spirit deeply, That daily I might live as one of your faithful disciples Sharing the good news of the Kingdom Now and forever, Amen.  I wonder what you are looking for… (think a moment) Health, happiness, security, peace maybe – for yourself and for your loved ones and for the world. Some may also be looking for approval, for encouragement, for love, for a better job, a higher income, opportunities, fun… and so on. And where are you looking for these things? StF 348 He is LordReading, Matthew 28 1 - 10StF 305 Low in the grave he layPrayer |
ServicesThese are the Worship at Home versions of the In Person Services, led by our Minister :- Each Service has the videos of the songs and a transcript of the Sermon or reflection.
The Song references (StF) are from the Singing the Faith song book.
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