Hi Everyone,

One of the most surprising and precious things about this time has been the outpouring of kindness, of generosity and gratitude. People willing to share what they have to help out a friend or a stranger. Despite the negative media, more often than not, when I encounter others I am blessed and I hope that they are blessed too. Our connection to others matter and it is often in our shared humanity and our shared vulnerability that we connect.

Before I was at Brunswick, I was in a group of churches that used to do foot washing on Maundy Thursday. I never felt comfortable with it. I was really happy to wash the feet of others but the thought of allowing someone to serve me in the same way filled me with horror. How could I allow anyone to kneel before me and serve me? Yet I have found some of the deepest connections have been made with others not when I have helped them but when I have allowed myself to become vulnerable enough to let others help me. 

In a time when many of us feel disconnected, perhaps one of the best things we can do is to show kindness to others but also allow others to help us too.

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 pray together:

Draw us into your love Christ Jesus and deliver us from fear.

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 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

This is said by Jesus as part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this section of the sermon, Jesus is encouraging the crowds not to worry.

• How worried do you feel right now and what sort of things are you worrying about?
• How do you experience God’s care for you?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Jesus, you tell us not to worry but I confess that it is difficult. As I acknowledge your presence with me, give me courage to face those things that cause me to worry. 
Amen

Say a prayer today for all key workers.

On our church list today we pray for:
Georgina and Bronwen Bull

Let’s finish by praying this blessing:

May God give us 
his comfort and his peace, 
his light and his joy, 
now and forever. 
Amen 

i Everyone,

Today I am very confused - this is the first day where I have struggled to know what day it is and, even when I was assured that it is Wednesday, I still had to check. This does not bode well for Sunday! I hope you are managing this challenge much better than I am.

I was sent this poem yesterday based on Psalm 23 and I thought you might enjoy it and find it of some comfort whatever challenges you are facing today.

Psalm 23 (Covid 19 version)

The Lord is my companion in social isolation. I am never alone.
He gives me rest in the comfort of my own home.
He leads me along familiar pathways as I take my daily exercise.
And he restores my peace.
He leads me forwards, day by day through this strange existence.
Even though death and sadness are all around me,
I am not afraid, because you are with me.
You hold my hand, you steady my anxious thoughts,
You remind me, it’s one day at a time. I am well fed,
in spite of all the turmoil. I am blessed in an abundance of ways.
Surely you will be with me,
Surely your love, patience and peace will surround me
Throughout this time of uncertainty and far beyond. I am with you,
and you are with me, always, to the end of time.

© Clare Stainsby 2020 


Whatever your circumstances, may you know God's presence with you today and always.

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 pray together:

The Lord is with us. Let us praise his name together.

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 8:17

For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light.

These are the words of Jesus when he is talking to a crowd of people. It comes just after the parable of the sower. Here, he is talking about letting light shine out rather than hiding it away.

• How does your faith shine out in the world?
• Are their times or places when you feel you want to or need to keep your faith hidden?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Father God, we confess that we do not always shine bright in the world with your light. Help us to know the best way to do this in our lives. Amen

Say a prayer today for the persecuted church around the world

On our church list today we pray for:

Ina Harrigan, Sally, Nick, Charlotte and Daniel Jones

Let’s finish by praying this prayer:

In darkness and in light, 
In trouble and in joy, 
Help us, heavenly Father, 
to trust your love, 
to serve your purpose, 
and to praise your name 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 

Hi Everyone,

I am officially dubbing today Challenging Tuesday. This morning has been a battle. Despite all of my best efforts it feels like I'm wading through treacle. I hope you are fairing a bit better.

An alternative name for today could also be Change Tuesday. There are definitely changes afoot. Outside the window I can see the grass in Gartside Gardens being cut, a letter has come out from school explaining the next steps and I have been involoved in various discussions where we have tentatively started to imagine what the next stage for us all might look like in various parts of life. There is a sense in which change feels imminent (or at least inevitable) but we have no idea what it is going to look like.

Perhaps I can offer you this as today's theme song.

Okay, so it's not perfect, but I think it captures this idea of change, moving forward into something unknown and the mixture of anticipation as well as fear and concern. 

I know for many of us that change is going to come at different rates and times depending on our circumstances. Regardless, it can be something that either fills us with fear, frustration, comfort, relief or excitement depending on our perspective. Take courage today that, while the future is unknown to us, we have a God who is the Alpha and the Omega and none of this is unknown for him.

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 pray together the ancient prayer:

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

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 Hebrews 4:16:

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This reading comes in the midst of teaching referring to Jesus as the Great High Priest who makes it possible for us to approach God.

• What does it mean to you to approach the throne of God with boldness?
• Simon often coins the phrase “God Almighty not God All-Matey”. What do you think the difference is in these points of view?
• How can we balance the understanding of friendship with God with an understanding of his holiness?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Father God, thank you that through Jesus I can approach you and know you. Help me to remember that and to live that out, today and everyday. Amen.

Say a prayer today for those who feel isolated today.

On our church list today we pray for:

Helen, Simon, Jed and Millie Gatenby, Gloria Slippe and Kaeden

Let’s finish by praying this blessing:

To our troubled world: peace from Christ. 
To our searching world: love from Christ. 
To our waiting world: hope from Christ. 
Amen 

Hi Everyone,

How is Monday going so far? In answer to Simon's question yesterday, Monday is most definitely the first day of the week for me with Sunday being the celebration at the end of the week. Somehow Mondays always feel like a fresh start to me. The day the diet begins, the resolutions are restarted, the to do list refreshed and looks manageable (check in with me again on Thursday and it might be a different story!). 

In our house today we are a hive of activity. School work has been reluctantly recommenced, emails and phone calls are being answered with a bright and cheery response (that does not quite match the bags under our eyes) and I am in the midst of a first shift supporting volunteers on a phone line (amongst other tasks).

It is sometimes in amongst all the doing that I find a sense of purpose and connection to others. Sometimes it is also the way that I find a connection to God. A paraphrased quote of Sister Julienne from Call the Midwife comes to mind: our work on behalf of others is our prayer. And for those who are unable to work right now: our prayers are our work.

Whatever kind of work you are undertaking today, may it be like sweet smelling incense rising up to the throne of God.

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 say together:

The Lord is here, his Spirit is with us.

Let’s share together in the 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 Acts 7:57:
But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him.

This is part of the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr and comes just after he has given his speech explaining that the Old Testament points to Jesus and has seen a vision of Jesus standing at the side of the Father.

• How easy do you find it to share your faith publicly?
• Why do you think people reject the good news of Jesus?
• What is Jesus saying to you today?

Pray

Jesus, forgive me for the times that I am afraid or ashamed to speak openly about my faith in you. By your Holy Spirit, help me to proclaim your good news in my attitudes, words and actions. Amen.

Today we pray for all Christians, that we would be good news in the world.

On our church list today we pray for:
Sarah Kefyalew, Ann Cain

Let’s finish by praying the grace:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the love of God, 
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit 
be with us all, now and evermore. Amen. 

Good Afternoon all!

Early morning chat on the radio this morning was debating whether Sunday was indeed the end of the the week or the beginning of the next one. For me I’ve always gone with the understanding that Sunday was the start of another week. However as for many, the identity and nature of lots of days and indeed weeks seems very similar, perhaps it doesn’t matter all that much.

So, whether our great Sunday service this morning, came as an encouragement at the end of a hard week, or it marks the start of all that lies ahead of us, may we know and experience the freedom that Jesus has won for us.

Keep Safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith

Simon

Sunday  17th May

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

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;  love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12

Think:

• “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer” – is there a time limit?
• What are the “good” things you are holding fast and on to? 

Pray
 
"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." 
Max Lucado

Pray this evening, reflecting on the good things of God that you have received from him today

Pray for those whose suffering seems unending.

Church members: Latoya Reisner,  Suzette, Lilly, Shakim & Shamar Guthrie

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. Amen

And a final blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with us,
wherever He may send us.
May He guide us through the wilderness,
protect us through the storm.
May He bring us home rejoicing 
​at the wonders He has shown us.
May He bring us home rejoicing
once again into our doors. Amen