30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #58 – 9th May 2021
From the Minister After the Elections Are Over Well, with the other things going on, and with not being back in the church building for worship yet, I missed my chance to get into the pulpit and give you my pre-election sermon. It’s the one that begins, ‘I’m now going to tell you how to vote in this election … but not for whom.’ In another congregation, when I paused for effect between ‘election’ and ‘but not’, one church member (a political party activist) audibly snorted with derision, though she did subsequently laugh. In conversations it’s clear that Church will not return to being just the same after the pandemic has passed. Surely that’s true for our society as well. Those elected will need to be as imaginative as they are committed, in creating a flourishing future for us all.
Trevor Image: Getting the church building ready to welcome worshipers, 04/05/2021
Prayer
O God give us a vision for a good future, for our church and our country.
Inspire those we elect as leaders. Give them wisdom and energy for their work.
Amen.
Returning to Worship in the Building on Sunday 16th May
We will have one 30-minute service at 10.30 a.m. Physical distancing and wearing of face coverings will still be observed, but those from the same household should be able to sit together. Seats will be filled from the front of the church to the back, and you must take the seat allocated to you by the stewards. Should it be necessary, we will consider holding two services each Sunday morning. You need to book your seat for a service in the building. To do so, please contact Alison Drew on Friday 14th May between 9.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, 9th May, via ZOOM and Phone
10.30 A.M. SERVICE
Led by the Reverend Trevor Jamison
To join this Sunday’s morning service, online or by phone
When the time comes, to join the service, click here
Other options for worshiping at home on Sunday
Online URC audio service https://devotions.urc.org.uk/ 10.00 a.m.
Radio Radio 4 Sunday Worship 8.10 a.m.
Television BBC2Songs of Praise 1.15 p.m.
DISCLAIMER: tv and radio schedules can change, so check the timings are correct!
Bible readings for This Week
Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit (and baptism) is for them too
Psalm 98 All the earth praises God
1 John 5:1-6 ‘Whatever is born of God conquers the world’
John 15:9-17 Love others as Jesus has loved you
‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ (John 15:13) Jesus has just described himself as the true vine and the Father as the vine grower. (15:1) He commands his followers to be fruitful, and fruitfulness is expressed by being loving. Now Jesus says the ultimate in fruitfulness/love is giving your life for your friends (as he himself will do on the cross). We, then, are not just followers or servants of Jesus, we are his friends. And this is not down to any good quality in us that led us to choose Jesus. No! Jesus chose us as his friends. (15:16)
(Plus another one that worth including, just because it’s beautiful!) Give to our God Immortal Praisesung at the Shenandoah Christian Music Camp in 2015
News
We are sad to report the death of our fellow member, Bob Frankland, and send our prayers and sympathy to his family and friends. His funeral service is due to take place at Tynemouth Crematorium on Monday 17th May at 12.00 p.m., conducted by the Reverend Trevor Jamison.
Christian Aid Week – Opportunities to Donate – Online and Locally
Christian Aid Week takes place from the 10th to the 16th of May this year. Like last year, Christian Aid faces problems receiving donations for what should be its biggest fundraising event. You can still donate to Christian Aid online at https://www.christianaid.org.uk/.
Alternatively, Shirley McKay is offering to help you donate locally. She has a supply of Christian Aid envelopes and is happy to post one (or more) through your door for you (and family or friends) to fill and then post back through her door. Please contact Shirley if you wish to do that.
Holy Spirit Discussion Group Series
Thursday 6th, 13th, and 20th May at 7.15 p.m.
A three-session discussion group series on the Holy Spirit, in preparation for Pentecost (Sunday 23rd May).
These will be led by Trevor Jamison. To join the meeting, click here.
Well, with the other things going on, and with not being back in the church building for worship yet, I missed my chance to get into the pulpit and give you my pre-election sermon. It’s the one that begins, ‘I’m now going to tell you how to vote in this election … but not for whom.’ In another congregation, when I paused for effect between ‘election’ and ‘but not’, one church member (a political party activist) audibly snorted with derision, though she did subsequently laugh. In conversations it’s clear that Church will not return to being just the same after the pandemic has passed. Surely that’s true for our society as well. Those elected will need to be as imaginative as they are committed, in creating a flourishing future for us all.
‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ (John 15:13) Jesus has just described himself as the true vine and the Father as the vine grower. (15:1) He commands his followers to be fruitful, and fruitfulness is expressed by being loving. Now Jesus says the ultimate in fruitfulness/love is giving your life for your friends (as he himself will do on the cross). We, then, are not just followers or servants of Jesus, we are his friends. And this is not down to any good quality in us that led us to choose Jesus. No! Jesus chose us as his friends. (15:16)
Christian Aid Week takes place from the 10th to the 16th of May this year. Like last year, Christian Aid faces problems receiving donations for what should be its biggest fundraising event. You can still donate to Christian Aid online at 