30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #113 19th June 2022
From Andrew Fathers’ DayAll of us have fathers. We may have many memories of them, or few, good or bad. There may be other people that we remember who have been father figures to us.
Not all of us are parents, but we can all copy some of the characteristics of good fathers. They care for us, encourage us to learn and grow into maturity, and help us when we need it. We too can care for those around us, and can help each other grow in life and in the Christian faith.
“Father” is also one of the names we use for God, and that can be a helpful image, but it does not tell us everything about God. God is not a man, and although humans are made in God’s likeness, God is much more than we can imagine.
God, our heavenly Father, we thank you for our earthly fathers and those who have been like fathers to us. Help us also to give care, support and nurture to those around us. Amen.
WORSHIP SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA’S
WORSHIP SERVICES THIS SUNDAY – Sunday 19th June 10.30 a.m. Service at church led by the Reverend Dave Herbert, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Northern Synod.NEXT WEEK – Sunday 26th June 10.30 a.m. Service at church, led by the Reverend Dr Trevor Jamison.
This service will be followed by Church Meeting. You can find the agenda, along with the minutes of the previous meeting in the email version of the Weekly Update.
6.30 p.m. Service at church, led by Dan Morrell.
Bible readings for this week Bible readings for Sunday First Sunday after TrinityI Kings 19: 1-4, (5-7), 8-15a Elijah flees and finds God in the silence
Psalms 42-43 A plea to God from a psalmist feeling deserted
Isaiah 65: 1-9 God’s judgement on a rebellious people
Psalm 22: 19-28 Praising God for answered prayer
Galatians 3: 23-29 We are united in faith and freed from Law
Luke 8: 26-39 Jesus heals a man possessed by demons
The period between Trinity Sunday and Advent is known as Ordinary Time, and there is a choice of Old Testament readings – two following a continuous theme from week to week, or two related to the New Testament readings.
According to a survey in 2007, one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health problem each year. In today’s Bible readings, Elijah runs from conflict and in depression, wishes he was dead. The writer of Psalms 42 and 43 also experiences despair, feeling lost, alone, and abandoned by God. They remember the good times from before, in contrast to how things have changed for the worse. But even in the midst of that personal wilderness, they still turn to God. They pray, and hope, and trust in better times. Three times comes the refrain: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” (Psalm 42: 5-6, 42: 11, 43: 6)
The Gospel describes a man possessed by demons. We might understand it as some form of mental disorder. Here Jesus makes the first move, crossing the sea to reach the man, before he even knows that help is available. God stands with his hands outstretched, ready to help us, whatever our needs. (Isaiah 65: 2)
What a Friend we have in Jesus – take it to the Lord in prayer! Country-styled Southern Gospel music, sung by the Redeemed Quartet, Indiana.
News and Notices
Hymns from 12 June
Following last week’s service, John had a few queries and comments about the hymns we sang. It is probably simplest to give them all, in order.
I love the sun, Rejoice and Sing 65, words and music by Gwen F Smith.
God is in His temple, Rejoice and Sing 32, words by William T Mason, tune Groningen by Joachim Neander.
We come as guests invited, Combined Mission Praise 723, words by Timothy Dudley-Smith, tune Passion Chorale by Hans Hassler, arranged by J S Bach.
Open my eyes that I may see, Combined Mission Praise 544, words and music by Clara Scott, tune Open my Eyes.
Jubilee Update
The sum of £884-21 was raised over the Jubilee weekend. The Finance & Property Care Team has agreed to enhance this to £1,000 for the Young Carers on North Tyneside. A cheque will be presented to a representative of the Young Carers at the morning service on Sunday 26 June. Norma sends a huge thank you to everyone who helped and supported the Jubilee weekend.
Happy Anniversary
We send good wishes to our sister church of St Andrew’s, Monkseaton. They celebrate 90 years in 2022, with a service today led by Trevor Jamison, followed by lunch.
Image: St Andrew’s, Monkseaton
Next Week’s Update
Next week’s Update will be edited by Trevor Jamison. To get your information in both the online and printed editions, please have it with him by Tuesday.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
All of us have fathers. We may have many memories of them, or few, good or bad. There may be other people that we remember who have been father figures to us.
The period between Trinity Sunday and Advent is known as Ordinary Time, and there is a choice of Old Testament readings – two following a continuous theme from week to week, or two related to the New Testament readings.
Happy Anniversary