"Where's this week's blog?" I was asked this morning after church, to which I confessed that I had forgotten it! It had been a busy week and arriving back home on Saturday evening I had been happy just to sit and relax for a while. What is encouraging is knowing that Rob, who asked the question, looks for it regularly. The interest and prayers generated for our service for the Lord is so very much appreciated.
Last Sunday's theme was 'Servanthood' and we reflected on events in the Upper Room and the lessons the accounts in the gospels have for us. We thought also about how preparation had already been made: a room and a meal, and how this brought to mind the preparation Jesus has made for our eternal future and of the fellowship we shall enjoy at supper feast of the Lamb. Then we thought about passion: the earnest desire Jesus expressed and the events it foreshadowed. Finally we thought about the pattern of humble service motivated by love.
On Monday I had the joy of taking a school assembly with the set theme of "speaking out". Peter had the opportunity but chose denial. Jesus, who had been silent before Caiaphas answered clearly to the question as to whether he was the promised Messiah. It was that statement that provided the basis for his ultimate crucifixion. Speaking out the truth can prove costly and takes courage. Later in the day I went back to school to take pictures and notes of an Open the Book Club. There were games, a story, and an activity. I asked several children what they liked the most. All said, "the stories".
On Tuesday we had another planning meeting for the Holiday at Home outreach in Market Harborough this summer, after which I went to prison to work with the choir. The programme includes a set of three contemporary Christian songs which they sing with feeling.
On Thursday we held a re-enactment of a Passover Meal with Christian commentary. It was the culmination of our series of Lenten studies on meals Jesus shared. The feedback from both the Bible studies and the meal have been very positive for which we praise God.
Yesterday, Doreen and I travelled down to Bedford for the ordination and induction for a new associate minister at Elstow Bunyan Christian Fellowship. Elaine who was being ordained and inducted has been a student on the Congregational Federation's Integrated Training Course and I have some responsibility for her as the Area Pastoral Care Board member. It was a joy to share with the church and with other fellow students who are now in settled ministry. One of them gave an amusing and very helpful 'charge to the minister'. The photo will give you a little flavour of the joyfulness of this occasion.
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Because this blog/newsletter is late it gives me the opportunity to include a picture of our local Palm Sunday procession. We begin outside the little Catholic Church in the village and progress via our chapel and the reading room where Sunday School is held, ending at the Parish Church for the Palm Sunday service. There was a great quote from the sermon: "How is it that we have little time for God when he makes us his priority? He always has time for me, and I never get put on hold when I want to talk with him."
Key activities from this week's diary
Preparation for the Leaders Conference that follows immediately after Easter, for which I have some responsibility and will be speaking at the first session.
Tuesday - Final preparations at Gartree Prison
Wednesday - The prison concert
Good Friday - Communion at Yelvertoft
Easter Sunday - Yelvertoft. Celebrating the Risen Christ.
Finally, I have been clearing boxes of accumulated papers and other items in our spare bedroom as we have a guest from America coming to stay for a few days. I have found some amazing treasures among what was otherwise mostly rubbish. I wonder if there are any other treasures from your past journey with Jesus that might have been forgotten among accumulated trivia?
I pray that you will find time to ponder once again the passion of Christ as we prepare for the great celebration next Sunday.
Barry
Last Sunday's theme was 'Servanthood' and we reflected on events in the Upper Room and the lessons the accounts in the gospels have for us. We thought also about how preparation had already been made: a room and a meal, and how this brought to mind the preparation Jesus has made for our eternal future and of the fellowship we shall enjoy at supper feast of the Lamb. Then we thought about passion: the earnest desire Jesus expressed and the events it foreshadowed. Finally we thought about the pattern of humble service motivated by love.
On Tuesday we had another planning meeting for the Holiday at Home outreach in Market Harborough this summer, after which I went to prison to work with the choir. The programme includes a set of three contemporary Christian songs which they sing with feeling.
On Thursday we held a re-enactment of a Passover Meal with Christian commentary. It was the culmination of our series of Lenten studies on meals Jesus shared. The feedback from both the Bible studies and the meal have been very positive for which we praise God.
+compressed.jpg)
Key activities from this week's diary
Preparation for the Leaders Conference that follows immediately after Easter, for which I have some responsibility and will be speaking at the first session.
Tuesday - Final preparations at Gartree Prison
Wednesday - The prison concert
Good Friday - Communion at Yelvertoft
Easter Sunday - Yelvertoft. Celebrating the Risen Christ.
Finally, I have been clearing boxes of accumulated papers and other items in our spare bedroom as we have a guest from America coming to stay for a few days. I have found some amazing treasures among what was otherwise mostly rubbish. I wonder if there are any other treasures from your past journey with Jesus that might have been forgotten among accumulated trivia?
I pray that you will find time to ponder once again the passion of Christ as we prepare for the great celebration next Sunday.
Barry
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