Sunday 10th May 2020

Our Bishops Visitor, Mrs Stothard, has selected some Bible stories which may give us hope (our current Christian Value) as we continue to stay safe at home, and these will be featured on this page over the next few weeks. All of the readings she has selected show times of trouble and hardship, but all of them had hope and faith in God and everything turned out well in the end, as it will soon for us.

Trust Forgiveness Peace Thankfulness Compassion Perseverance Friendship Love

HOPE

Noah’s Ark

Noah was told by God to build a big ark, so Noah and his family did just this. They went inside and waited for all the animals to follow. They came in two of each kind and when they were all there, God shut them in. After 7 days the rivers rose and rain fell from the clouds without stopping. To and fro the ark floated on the surface of the waters until at last, after many days, God caused the rain to stop. On the 17th day of the 7th month the ark rested on top of Mount Ararat and the waters began to go down. 40 days later Noah opened the little window and let a raven fly out, also he sent a little grey dove. The raven being a strong bird found it could look after itself but the dove came back. After a week Noah sent the dove out again, she came back but this time she had an olive branch in her mouth. Noah knew then that the green trees were above the water, so after 7 days more he let the dove fly again and this time she didn’t come back. Then having waited 7 more days Noah opened the door and him, his wife, his sons and their wives went out and the animals followed them. The floods had gone and Noah built an altar on the mountain top and gave thanks to God.

Genesis Chapter 7

 

A few words from Reverend Lee Gabel

We came together on this week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, when the sounds of war fell silent on this continent.

Imagine the joy of once more being able to set foot into a world that was now so much safer? People no longer had to live in as much fear. But VE Day was a beginning, there was much work to be done. A new way of living had to be found, a massive clean-up operation undertook and whole countries were re-formed and re-shaped, as well as much much more.

In remembering VE Day and other moments of Remembrance we have the opportunity to learn from history, from the people who lived through those times. We can look to the example given to us, of perseverance, and endurance through difficult times. To forging a new way of living.

As we consider our future after Lockdown we too can look to a better future where are not living in fear. And so we remember the many soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for the years of peace that the nations of Europe have enjoyed since the Second World War. We are joyful today, as those who gathered on that first Victory day were, glad of each other’s company, and grateful for the laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss.

God bless

Rev Lee