Ephesians 3:14-21 – May Christ dwell in our hearts
Luke 2:41-52 – Mary treasured all these things
questions
• The Bible tells us very little about Jesus’ youth and early adulthood, when he seems to have lived an ordinary life in Nazareth. How are you conscious of God’s presence with you in the everyday things of life?
• In your church or group of churches how do you nurture your children and young people to walk with God in their everyday lives, and how could you do this better?
• What does the churches having a ‘presence’ together in the community look like in your area?
The start of the journey is an encounter between a human being and God, between the created and the Creator, between time and eternity.
Abraham heard the call: “Go to the land I will show you”. Like Abraham we are called to leave that which is familiar and go to the place that God has prepared in the depths of our hearts. Along the way, we become more and more ourselves, the people God has wanted us to be from the beginning. And by following the call that is addressed to us, we become a blessing for our loved ones, our neighbours, and the world.
The love of God seeks us. God became human in Jesus, in whom we encounter the gaze of God. In our lives, as in the Gospel of John, God’s call is heard in different ways. Touched by his love, we set out. In this encounter, we walk a path of transformation – the bright beginning of a relationship of love that is always started anew.
“One day you understood that, without your being aware of it, a yes had already been inscribed in your innermost depths. And so you chose to go forward in the footsteps of Christ….
In silence in the presence of Christ, you heard him say, ‘Come, follow me; I will give you a place to rest your heart.’”
[The Sources of Taizé (2000) p. 52]
prayer
Jesus Christ, you seek us, you wish to offer us your friendship and lead us to a life that is ever more complete.
Grant us the confidence to answer your call so that we may be transformed and become witnesses of your tenderness for the world.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave (=8!) of St. Peter and St. Paul.
On the eve of the week, (Sunday 17th 6:30pm) we shall meet together (online – see below) and each day share a short reflection. Stay tuned!
For 2021, prayer, worship and reflection materials have been prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The theme that was chosen, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses Grandchamp Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the Church and the human family.
The service, hosted by St Michael’s Sandhurst, will have the theme of the unity of the person, of the church, and of all creation, based on Churches Together in England (CTE) material. It will start at 6.30 pm and last about 45 minutes.
You can access the service via the public Facebook page, www.facebook.com/StMichaelsSandhurst/live . It is not necessary to log in to Facebook or sign up for an account in order to watch. Those with Facebook accounts will be able to participate by leaving comments during the service.
Following the service, there will be an opportunity to chat via Zoom, please contact your church or churchestogetherincrowthorne@gmail.com for details.
Revd Sharon Gardner, Minister of Bagshot, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Churches provides a short reflection on the reading – the real meaning of Christmas is that the baby grew up…
The churches in Crowthorne wish you a very happy Christmas!
We were overwhelmed by the positive response to our debut video in September. So with updated footage and photography, we offer a Blessing for Christmas…
All is calm….All is BRIGHT…in Crowthorne High Street – our tribute and MASSIVE thanks to Caroline Silvester (Newman’s Shoes) and Nick Abbott (Abbott’s Health Food) for their 40 year legacy to Crowthorne (we promise to look after it…).
…just meeting differently! You would be welcome to join in worship with us, online or in church (or both!)
Online and/or ‘in church’ Sunday Services – other churches “meet” during the week too. check the website!
Pre-recorded service on the websiteLivestreamed service 10:30am on the website. Services in Church restarted Easter Sunday (April 4th 2021)Services have restarted in church. Details of mass times on the websiteServices restarted on Easter Sunday (Apr 4th 2021). Live streaming at 9:30am and 11am via Facebook or YoutubeServices in church restarted Easter Sunday (April 4th 2021)Pre-recorded 10am service via the website. Services in church restarted Easter Sunday (April 4th 2021) Pre-recorded 10:45am (including Kids Church) on the website
