Afternoon all! - I’m not doing very well at getting this out before midday am I? A reminder therefore to reply to Gordon’s email requesting mobile phone numbers so that a (much) slimmed down text edition, can come to your phone shortly.

Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith

Simon

Pause
 

• Mark this time as one set aside for God by focusing on your breathing. 
• Count to 5 as you breathe in, hold your breath for another 5, and then exhale slowly again counting to 5. 
• You might want to think about the things you want to receive from God: holding a word in your mind as you breathe in, and equally share with Him a word concerning something particular that you want to hand over and leave with Him (perhaps a worry, care, concern or failing) when you breathe out.

 
Ponder

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’  Luke 9. 57 – end 

Think:

• How easy is it for you to offer excuses up when confronted with the challenges of Jesus?
• Does Jesus seem pragmatic or harsh to you here? 

Pray

“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” George Herbert
 
Church family Gina, Rosalia, Mathilde Alfonso; 
Judith and Paul Keeble

Pray for the ability to follow Jesus avoiding the temptation to look back.
 
Pray for those whose decision to follow Jesus brings tension from family members.
​ 
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
 
Keep us, good Lord, 
under the shadow of your mercy. 
Sustain and support the anxious, 
be with those who care for the sick, 
and lift up all who are brought low; 
that we may find comfort 
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love 
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Afternoon all! - apologies for this late edition! A short window (weather wise) of opportunity meant that I nipped across to the house I run in Salford to sort out the lawns before winter.
Do if you can, make the most of the sun we shall have with us for the next few hours - the forecast isn’t wonderful for the next few weeks ahead! 

Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith

Simon

Pause
 

• Mark this time as one set aside for God by focusing on your breathing. 
• Count to 5 as you breathe in, hold your breath for another 5, and then exhale slowly again counting to 5. 
• You might want to think about the things you want to receive from God: holding a word in your mind as you breathe in, and equally share with Him a word concerning something particular that you want to hand over and leave with Him (perhaps a worry, care, concern or failing) when you breathe out.

 
Ponder

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’  Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ 
Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. John 1:47-end

Think:       

• What great things have you seen or experienced as a follower of Jesus
• What more would you like to see for yours or the world’s sake?        

Pray

“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” George Herbert
 
Church family: Alex, Lee and Nicky Ellis   Angelina, Didi and Alicia.

Pray for those currently in unexpected lockdown.

For a unity of purpose amongst world leaders in their response to the challenges of Covid.

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
 
Keep us, good Lord, 
under the shadow of your mercy. 
Sustain and support the anxious, 
be with those who care for the sick, 
and lift up all who are brought low; 
that we may find comfort 
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love 
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Morning all! - Autumn is definitely with us, and I for one have pushed the boat out and handed our home heating back over to the auspices of the timer switch. As for other changes of course we remain a bit in limbo, and there is no easy fix. 
As we look to the future, thank you to those who replied to the question I posed concerning what it has been in these daily emails that folk have valued. Certainly, the daily list of concerns to pray about, and the opportunity to be reminded to pray for our sisters & brothers within our church family was seen as important. As Jess and I plan through the rest of this year, we are looking rationalise correspondence from church, perhaps offering as an alternative, a daily text service, whereby these names and concerns can be easily shared. Watch this space! In the meantime;

Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith

Simon

Pause

• Mark this time as one set aside for God by focusing on your breathing. 
• Count to 5 as you breathe in, hold your breath for another 5, and then exhale slowly again counting to 5. 
• You might want to think about the things you want to receive from God: holding a word in your mind as you breathe in, and equally share with Him a word concerning something particular that you want to hand over and leave with Him (perhaps a worry, care, concern or failing) when you breathe out.

 
Ponder

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest.  But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’
John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’   Luke 9:46-50 

Think:

• ​Do you feel valued by Jesus?
• Do you think God soley works through His church?

 
Pray

“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” George Herbert
 
Church family: Alison, Michelle and Claudine and Malique     Dilu, Anna, Daniella and Danet Varughuse

For the “little ones” –those whose needs might be overlooked by the world

For the governors of Medlock school as they meet this evening, and for wisdom for all school leaders.
​
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
 
Keep us, good Lord, 
under the shadow of your mercy. 
Sustain and support the anxious, 
be with those who care for the sick, 
and lift up all who are brought low; 
that we may find comfort 
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love 
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hi Everyone,

It was so good to see so many of you this morning on screen and in the building to worship together. I love the way that, each time we meet, we try something new to make sure that we can connect with God and one another. It was also great to have the worship team back in the building this morning. Even though we have to do things differently for now the one thing that hasn't changed is God's presence with us. 

Why not take a moment now in God's presence as you snuggle up with your hot chocolate (or whatever evening drink takes your fancy) as we stop to pause, ponder and pray.

With love

Jess

Pause

Take a moment now to recognise that you are in the presence of God. It might help to slow your breathing. Take a few deep breaths in and out.

Let’s proclaim together:

This is the day that the Lord has made. 
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We say together our family 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.

Ponder

Today’s reading is Matthew 21:23-32

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

• Why do you think Jesus was so harsh towards the chief priests and elders?
• Which son do you most identify with from Jesus’ parable?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Father God, thank you that you show us mercy when we mess up and get things wrong. Help me to see myself as you see me and to respond to your call. Amen

Say a prayer today for those in leadership positions.

On our church list today we pray for:
Kelly and Callum Moore 
Pete, Alex and Bella Chadwick

Let’s finish by saying this blessing:
​
May the Lord bless us and watch over us, 
the Lord make his face shine upon us 
and be gracious to us, 
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.

Hi Everyone,

As I am writing this I hope you are all enjoying a lovely Saturday morning lie in (if you're not working of course!). There is lots on the to do list today but I am genuinely full of joy. This is my favourite time of year. I can see the leaves on Gartside Gardens and they are looking gorgeous wearing this season's colours.  I'm all warm and cosy in my hoodie and fluffy slippers with a beautiful scented candle at my side and a warm drink to sip as I type. It truly is possible to find peace in the midst of busyness and calm in the middle of the storm. 

Why not grab yourself a brew and get cosy as we all take a moment to Pause, Ponder and Pray.

With love

Jess

Pause

Take a moment now to recognise that you are in the presence of God. It might help to slow your breathing. Take a few deep breaths in and out.

Let’s proclaim together:

We are in the presence of God 
who knows our needs, 
hears our cries, 
feels our pain, 
and heals our wounds.

We say together our family 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.

Ponder

Today’s reading is Luke 9:43b-45

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

• Why do you think that Jesus’ disciples were afraid to ask what he meant?
• Are there any lingering questions that you feel afraid to ask?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Father God, thank you that you always hear me when I pray. As I bring my questions to you, please help me to hear your voice and know your presence. Amen

Pray for all who feel lost or anxious about the future.

On our church list today we pray for:
Anne and Gordon Flear 
Naomi, Matt, Charlotte, William and Emily Harrison

Let’s finish by praying this blessing:
​
May the Lord bless us and watch over us, 
the Lord make his face shine upon us 
and be gracious to us, 
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace 
Amen