From P. J.: Scripture helps us defend our faith. The apostle Peter instructs believers to be ready with an answer for our hope and faith in Jesus. Scripture also helps form our character. Paul makes it clear that the Word of God is alive, active, and pierces our souls. And since God’s Word is so powerful, we should commit some passages to heart so God can work in and through us. March 2nd – Romans 12:21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
It was a wonderful service to celebrate the life of Joan Green on Wednesday. And hearing the organ playing was a bonus. Thank you everyone who helped out.
The Kingswood Foodbank is in need of tins of meat, toms, potatoes & veg, oil, crisps and cleaning products. Thank you very much.
It is time to start planning the Coffee Mornings up until August. Actually, there are only 3 dates to find hosts for as we already have them for 2. The dates are 14th March (Helen), 11th April (the Knight family), 9th May (BB), 13th June (free) and 11th July (free). Offers to Peter please.
Eastern Christianity: In many Eastern churches, the 40 days of "Great Lent" start on Clean Monday (March 2) and are observed without interruption, focusing on strict fasting and prayer.
Friday (6th) is World Day of Prayer. The World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a worldwide movement led by Christian women of many traditions, who call the faithful together to observe a common day of prayer on the first Friday in March. More than 120 countries participate in an annual day of celebration, which brings together people of various races, cultures and traditions, sharing God’s word and worship. The theme was prepared by an ecumenical group of Christian women from Nigeria, with a focus on the invitation of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28–30, as they call us to come closer and find rest in God.
Next Sunday (8th) is International Woman’s Day.
An episode of Songs of Praise is being recorded at The New Room today (Sunday 1st March). Doors open at midday and recording starts at 1pm andwill last until 5:30. Hymns that will be sung include ‘And can it be’, ‘Love Divine, All Love Excelling’, ‘Ye Servants of God’ and ‘O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing’. There will be a 30 min break for free refreshments at some stage.
Lectionary 1st to 7th March. Genesis 12.1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5,13-17; John 3.1-17. Keep asking questions. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, goes to see Jesus, acknowledging him as a man of God. Jesus says that to see the kingdom of God, you must be ‘born from above’. Nicodemus doesn’t understand, although Jesus says that, being a teacher, he should. Nicodemus persists in asking questions to try to understand what Jesus means. This week think about questions and the important part they play in our faith.
The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.