As previously announced, the theme of next Sundays Local Arrangement is ‘Prayer’. What does prayer mean to you? Have you a favourite prayer? Is there something you want us all to pray about? Has there been a time when your prayers were clearly answered? Unfortunately, I have had just the one input which is leaving me struggling. You have up to Thursday to make a suggestion.
Yesterday – Saturday – was Nelson Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated globally every year on July 18th. Officially established by the United Nations, it marks the anniversary of Mandela's birth and encourages people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes to community service, honouring the 67 years he spent fighting for human rights and social justice.
What do John Wesley, Pavarotti and Taylor Swift have in common? On the surface very little but they all appeared together, in scarecrow form, at the Hunshelf Scarecrow Trail in South Yorkshire. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘ICONS! – Someone who inspires you!’ John Wesley fitted the theme perfectly, and his horse Gospel (named after a character in a recent children’s book) came along for the ride. The public cast their votes, and it was nail-biting stuff; other contenders included Liam Gallagher, Freddie Mercury, and not one but two Paddington Bears – but Wesley emerged the victor.
The Kingswood Foodbank is in need of tins of veg & toms, long-life milk, men’s and women’s deo, men’s shampoo, flour, rice pudding, custard and dog food. Thank you all very much.
Lectionary 19th to 25th July. Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12,23-24; Romans 8.12-25; Matthew 13.24-30,36-43. God is in this place. Jacob is alone and on the run, having deceived his father and stolen Esau’s birthright and blessing. As he rests for the night, Jacob dreams of a ladder, connecting heaven with earth. Jacob realises that he has encountered God in this spot and marks the place, naming it Bethel. Think about what it means to know God’s presence, even in the midst of troubles and anxieties. And how God’s presence can make all the difference to our lives.
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.