Two new films about Jesus have just been released. One is “King of Kings”, a cartoon story of our Lord Jesus Christ as told by Charles Dickens and seen through the innocent eyes of a child. Amongst the voices are Kenneth Branagh and Pierce Brosnan. The other is “The Chosen: Last Supper”.
On Saturday 10th May the BB are hosting a coffee morning which will be followed by a lunch. The menu and sign-up sheet will be available shortly: keep your eyes peeled!
Kingswood Foodbank needs are men’s deo & shower gel, tinned veg, toms & fish, cartons of long-life milk, small fruit juices and tin openers.
Talking of coffee mornings, we have no one to host those for scheduled for 14th June and 12th July: any volunteers?
We ran the first of our 2 Easter Fun Finders on Thursday. We had 7 families with 16 children between them and it seems a good time was had by all. More than 1 mum praised the church for offering them something free to do in the Easter holidays. Thank you Mollie and Sue for helping out: it does make a real difference having church members present to talk to the families. We go again this Thursday (17th).
There is a Quiet Day on Easter Monday (21st), from 10.30am-2.30pm or any time during those hours, at Wesley Cottage, 5 Talbot Avenue, Contact Anthony Hick on 07726 342744 for more details.
The Methodist Church in Britain is issuing a formal apology to anyone who has been hurt or abused in any of the Mother and Baby Homes that it was responsible for in the past. Peter can provide more details if you would like them.
Lectionary 13th to 19th April. Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 118.1-2,19-29; Philippians 2.5-11; Luke 19.28-40; Luke 22.14-23.56. Not the obvious choice. In preparation for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus sends his disciples to find a colt that has never been ridden – not the obvious choice for the Messiah. As he enters the city, Jesus is acclaimed by the crowds as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. The Pharisees object, but Jesus refuses to silence his followers, telling them that if they were to be silent even the stones would cry out. The image of a servant king riding on a donkey leads us on this Palm Sunday to explore the nature of servanthood, and how God calls us to serve – even when we feel like the most unlikely choice.
On 8th May – the 80th Anniversary of VE Day - there will be a celebration in Kingswood Park, from 6:30 to 9:30pm at which time a lantern of peace will be lit, the same time as others will be lit across the UK. There will be live music during the evening.
Message from Holy Trinity Church: “Come along to our Hall on Saturday 26th April, at 2pm, to take part in a two-hour community BioBlitz, where you'll help to record all the different plants and animals found in Kingswood Park and the Holy Trinity Churchyard. There will also be nature themed crafts and nature walks, free fun for all the family.”
Also on 26th April, from 10:30 to midday, Turnaround is having an open morning. A chance to hear how their work is developing.
The University of the West of England Brass Band and Choir are giving a concert at Staple Hill Methodist Church, at 7:30pm, on Saturday 10th May. Tickets are £10 on the door or can be purchased in advance from (0117) 937 3988.
Lectionary 6th to 12th April. Isaiah 43.16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3.4b-14; John 12.1-8. What’s your passion? Jesus visits the home of his friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, having recently raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary pours costly perfume over Jesus’ feet and washes them with her hair. Judas objects to what he sees as a waste of money, but Jesus defends Mary, knowing that her extravagant gesture is a sign of her deep gratitude and that he will soon be leaving them to go to his death. The readings this week prompt us to question what really matters to us and to think about the important priorities in our lives – what are our true passions? It is time to begin to look ahead to Palm Sunday and on the intense last days of Jesus’ life.
On Saturday 5th April, at 7:30pm, at Staple Hill Methodist Church, a concert by the Bristol Voices Community Choir. From classical to pop, folk to jazz and world music to old English. Tickets £10 on the door.
In the latest Newsletter from Turnaround (Bristol Methodist Centre) there is a mention of items they need. These include Bath Towels, Men's Joggers (s/m), Women's T-shirts (8-14), Women's leggings (8-14), Women's underwear (8-10), Popup Tents (or regular one-man tents) and Roll mats. Additionally, over Easter, they would welcome donations of Chocolate Oranges and Hot Cross Buns Easter. Any such donations will be delivered to the Centre by Peter. Your prayers for the Centre will also be much appreciated.
The Methodist Church response to this weeks Spring Statement is this: “Overall, it was not good news for those concerned about poverty or peace.” Poverty and inequality in the UK are on track to increase. Rather than addressing these concerning trends, which cause so much harm to people’s lives, the measures announced in this Spring Statement will exacerbate them. The Statement confirmed the removal of money from the long-term work of international development, that can build peace and real security. The Statement did include some welcome investments, especially in housing, but overall, it was not good news for those concerned about poverty or peace.”
The Methodist Church is providing throughout Lent “Soul Food – daily deliveries of spiritual nourishment”. This will be done via an email to your in box: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/soul-food/
During the Easter school holidays, the New Room is holding a ‘Wonderful Water Community Arts Festival’. Various activities are available, all free. More details can be found on their web site. Or ask Peter what is happening.
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.