musings from G&M's during Jan, Feb, Lent, Easter & post-Easter 2008
Sunday 29th June
"second chances"
The Bible is full of characters who were glad of a second opportunity, including both Peter and Paul whose Feast day we celebrate today.
St Peter and St Paul were influential characters in the life of the Early Church, yet they held different views. Acts 15 tells how they met to work out the way forward.
I wonder what there might be for us to learn from these two men?
+ + +
Sunday 22nd June
"what about the Church?"
Today is the Anniversary of Forest United.
When we talk about "Church", do we mean a building or a community?
What's the Church for?
+ + +
Sunday 1st June
"sad news, bad news and a god of love?"
What do we make of the difficult questions about suffering in the world?
Where's God in it all?
+ + +
Sunday 25th May
"what's it all about?"
A look at some of the negative perceptions of Christianity . . .
Where have these come from?
More importantly, what are we doing to change them?!
+ + +
Sunday 18th May
Trinity
I wonder how important the doctrine of the Trinity is to us?
What difference does it make to believe that God is revealed and can be known in three distinct ways, as Creator, Saviour and Sustainer?
+ + +
Sunday 11th May
Pentecost
After Easter and Christmas, the third most important festival in the Christian calendar!
The Spirit comes with healing, renewing and transforming power.
As a result of the new presence and power in their lives, the disciples become apostles and go into all the world to tell the story.
I wonder why we find it easier to stay in the comfort of our churches and wait for people to come in . . . ?
+ + +
Sunday 27th April
Easter 6
We hear from Acts 17 about Paul preaching to an audience that included educated and sophisticated Athenian philosophers.
I wonder what we might learn from the way Paul approaches the task of preaching the Good News of Jesus? Notice how he takes into account the context, listening to the language of the people and finding the common ground.
I wonder what attempts we are making as the Church today to listen to and learn to speak the language of the people?
+ + +
Sunday 20th April
Easter 5
This Sunday we think about Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
We take time to pause and remember the people around the world today who are persecuted as a result of their faith.
We pray for them and for ourselves as we seek to be faithful in our witness.
+ + +
Sunday 13th April
Easter 4
The Fourth Gospel records how Jesus described himself as "The Good Shepherd" (John 10).
Our culture and context is a long way removed from that in which Jesus spoke these words.
I wonder what the image of Jesus as Good Shepherd means to you?
Psalm 23, probably the best known passage in the Bible, speaks of The Lord as Shepherd.
Have another look at these words. Why do you think people through the centuries have found such comfort in this Psalm?
+ + +
Sunday 6th April
Easter 3
+ + +
Sunday 30th March
"Holy Humour Sunday"!
This week is often called "Low Sunday" but the "high" of Easter continues.
What makes you laugh?
How many references to parties and joy and laughter can you think of in the Bible?
Often in the Church, we do a good job at stressing the seriousness of faith to the extent of missing out the joy!
Jesus says, "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10)
+ + +
Sunday 23rd March
EASTER DAY
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Sunday 16th March
Lent 6 - Palm Sunday
"living differently"
This week we think about the final pair of Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
(Matthew 5 : 9,10)
Does peacemaking inevitably bring trouble (persecution)?
Is being a peacemaker the same as being a pacifist?
How is our life lived "against the flow"?
+ + +
Sunday 9th March
Lent 5
"living lovingly"
This week we think about the third pair of Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God"
(Matthew 5 : 7,8)
What is "mercy"?
Do acts of mercy always spring from motives that are "pure"?
What's the link between being merciful and being pure in heart?
Sunday 2nd March
Lent 4 Mothering Sunday
+ + +
Sunday 23rd February
Lent 3
"living purposefully"
This week we think about the third and fourth Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
(Matthew 5 : 5,6)
How and why has "meekness" become confused with "weakness"?
"Gentle Jesus, meek and mild" - Is this a helpful image?
Which righteousness issues are you most passionate about?
+ + +
Lent 2
"living openly"
This week we think about the first two Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"
(Matthew 5 : 3,4)
What is the link between spiritual and material poverty?
What are the things over which you mourn?
What are the consequences of failing to mourn?
+ + +
Sunday 10th February
Lent 1
"living well"
Each Sunday during Lent we focus on the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes. (Matt 5 : 3-10)
What does it mean to be "blessed"?
Is there a difference between being "happy" and being "blessed"?
Who would you choose as an example of someone who has lived life well?
I wonder what the attributes might be of a life lived well?
+ + +
(All references from NIV & "Life Attitudes" by Robert Warren and Sue Mayfield isbn 0715140469)
Sunday 3rd February 08
"holy encounters"
The Gospel for the week is Matthew 17 : 1-9.
The disciples experience sacred mystery, holy presence and are called to listen to Jesus.
Where have we encountered holiness?
How have we been changed by such experiences?
How are we listening to Jesus today?
Sun 27th January 08
"we're in this together"
This Sunday comes after the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Why do we get so hung up about our differences?
How can we celebrate diversity and maintain unity at the same time?
Sun 20th January 08
"come and see"
In the 4th Gospel, Jesus doesn't so much call followers, rather people are intrigued by him and attracted to his lifestyle and teaching.
The Gospel for the week is John 1 : 29-42.
We read in this passage about Andrew, who shared his excitement about Jesus with his brother, Simon.
I wonder what other people deduce about Jesus from our lifestyles, attitudes, words and actions? Do we make people intrigued to know more about Jesus?
Sun 13th January 08
"beloved of God"
We think this week about the story of the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3 : 13-17).
I wonder how important Christian Baptism is?
In times of doubt and depression, Martin Luther used to remind himself "I am baptized, I am baptized". For Luther, baptism was the guarantee of God's unconditional love and acceptance of him.
I wonder how we express acceptance and affirmation for one another?
+ + +
Sun 6th January 08
Epiphany
"Roundabout Routes"
Where are we in the story of the Magi? (Matthew 2 : 1-12)
Like them, we are called from security and comfort to journey in search of truth and light.
Who are our "guiding lights" as we journey through life?
Who are the wise men and wise women in the world today?
What makes for wisdom?