Dear friends,
I hope you all are keeping well. As ever, please be in touch if I can be of any help. Included today:
Today's Lent course material for you to use at home
An update and resources for children and youth
Volunteering and community support
A Prayer for COVID-19
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
"Who do you say I am?"
Our Lent course this week is looking at Mark 8:27-38. It is another of Jesus' provocative questions. The conversation begins generally about what others think, but Peter is then asked directly. You could read it now or find it here (Mark 8 at biblegateway.com). You could consider these questions on your own or with a friend (perhaps by phone or social media)
What did the people in Jesus' time think of him? What views do people hold today about Jesus?
If Peter's answer is correct what is so surprising in Jesus' response (verse 29-30)?
Jesus being the Christ is more than just a religious title. The Christ is the promised and perfect king of the Old Testament. Like Aslan in the Narnia stories, this is the king who would bring in God's perfect rule, unite and purify God's people from every sin, defend them from every adversity and restore his broken world to a global peaceful harmony. Until his rule is complete he tells us to expect wars and uprisings, earthquakes, famines and epidemics (Luke 21:9–11). That's why news of a Christ is such good news of eternal and universal significance.
What was Peter not understanding? What was his mistake?
If we are to have in mind the concerns of God (verse 33), how should the cross shape our view of the world?
... in understanding Jesus (v31-32)?
... in understanding how to live (v34)?
... in understanding the future (v35-38)?
If you are someone with extra time, I'd encourage you to invest some by spending time reading an account of Jesus' life afresh. Then pray in your own words to be shaped by God's cross-shaped priorities.
Lent Course next week?
Would you like to meet in video conference next week to study the Lent Course? If you would be interested, just let me know.
Church on Sunday
I will email again on Sunday morning with some resources so that wherever we are, we can all set the same time apart to pray, read scripture and worship together. I will include some resources for families. As we plan to have "church at home", though we're scattered for a time, we can know the comfort of meeting with God in word and prayer.
Resources for Families
All of us need spiritual help to keep going. In normal times, we would be in partnership with these groups for children and young people in the area. Whether you usually join in or not, feel free to get in touch with Mark Addison (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com):
On Sundays he is sending resources to help you run a Lighthouse Sunday School from home. Email Mark to sign up.
SPLAT is for children of school years 3-6. Contact Mark to receive a weekly email with resources to do at home, "Splat Splash Newspaper"
For ages 11-18 the usual groups are still meeting virtually on Zoom. If you know a young person who would like to join them, drop Mark a line
Volunteering and community support
Many of you have been so kind in offering support to others in need. So many have mentioned how much it means to them to receive a call or offer of help. I am happy, when able to coordinate offers of help locally as people have needs so please get in touch if there is anything we can help with.
Also please consider helping as a NHS volunteer responder. There are a variety of roles to help with. See https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS
Mailing List Admin
Our mailing list is now being sent using a mailing list service called 'Mailchimp'. This means you can invite others to receive these using this link: http://eepurl.com/gXHAkr You can also unsubscribe or update your details using the links in the footer of any email.
With warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve