30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update #240 – 9th March 2025
From The Minister Journeying through Lent
Are you giving anything up for Lent this year? It’s not compulsory to do so, but many people do so for a variety of reasons, some of them religious. The practice of giving up the things that in ordinary circumstances might tempt us – alcohol, coffee, chocolate for example – is intended to provide a daily reminder of the temptations Jesus faced, but which he overcame for the sake of the world. Instead of giving something up, or perhaps in addition to that, some choose to take something up for Lent, rather than give something up; perhaps read a good book, or learn something new. This year we are offering an opportunity for moments of reflection and prayer during Lent; a dedicated prayer space will be available in church each Tuesday morning. Why not drop in to Café 2.21 for coffee and a cake (or more!), and take the opportunity to slip into church for a moment of quiet?
Trevor Photo by LM
Prayer
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that by the observance of this Lent we may advance in the knowledge of the mystery of Christ, and show forth his mind in conduct worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (From the Gelasian Sacramentary, 5th Century)
Worship Sunday 9th March
10.30amCommunion service, led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, including pondering prayer and ashes
Livestream of morning services from Saint Columba’s
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
Sunday 16th March 10.30 a.m. A service led by Dr Ann Sinclair, St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton
Bible readings
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 A people saved from slavery
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Even the devil quotes vv.11-12 of this psalm
Romans 10:8b-13 Everyone who calls on the Lord’s name shall be saved
Luke 4:1-13 The temptation of Jesus
Reflection on the Readings “He was tested by the devil …” Luke 4:2
Have a look at the image on the left. It comes from the Roman Catholic priest and artist, Maximo Cerezo Barredo, whose ministry has been in situations of poverty and injustice in Latin America. In this picture the temptations Jesus faces are transposed into a present-day setting. The stones are still there, though maybe the temptation is to change them into money rather than bread. The world can be both seen and dominated not from a mountain top but through satellite and other media. The Church, rather than the temple, here represented by a clergy figure offering a crown, might become a route to domination and power over others. Today, a charismatic figure, like Jesus was, would face temptations such as these. I’m never going to amass great wealth, become a media tycoon, or lead a vast religious organisation, however, so these are not the temptations I face. I must keep alert, then, to what does tempt me with regard to sustenance, power and religion. And when I do own up to them, then Jesus is there as an example for how I should respond. (And when, despite his example, I still give in to temptation, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus did not.)
“Jesus, tempted in the desert, lonely, fasting, filled with dread” – a hymn by the American Lutheran minister and hymn writer, Herman G Steumpfle (1923-2007), which we will be singing at church on Sunday morning!
Prayer Space for Lent – Open Every Tuesday and Sunday
During Lent the church will be open every Tuesday, 10.30 am–1.30 pm to allow for quiet reflection and prayer. A prayer table and seating at the front of the church is available for anyone to use. The space will also be available before and after each Sunday morning service.
There will be a different theme each week.
Week 1: “Fasting”, featuring a bowl of ashes created from palm crosses, readings, and a prayer.
“The Whole Easter Story” – Lent Conversations
Six discussion group sessions for Lent, taking place on Thursday evenings at St Columba’s URC, starting March 6th, then repeated on the following Mondays at 2.00 p.m. at St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton, and 7.15 pm. that night on Zoom:
Celebration Events at URC St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island, 20 – 23 March
The United Reformed Church on Holy Island is offering a series of story-telling, music-making, and environmental workshop events, plus an archive exhibition and a concert by Christian folk duo, Celtish https://www.soundsofwonder.org/artists/celtish/ For more information about the events see HERE and the Celtish concert see HERE.
Next Update – Sunday 16th March
Please get your information to Trevor Jamison by Tuesday 11th March.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
Are you giving anything up for Lent this year? It’s not compulsory to do so, but many people do so for a variety of reasons, some of them religious. The practice of giving up the things that in ordinary circumstances might tempt us – alcohol, coffee, chocolate for example – is intended to provide a daily reminder of the temptations Jesus faced, but which he overcame for the sake of the world. Instead of giving something up, or perhaps in addition to that, some choose to take something up for Lent, rather than give something up; perhaps read a good book, or learn something new. This year we are offering an opportunity for moments of reflection and prayer during Lent; a dedicated prayer space will be available in church each Tuesday morning. Why not drop in to Café 2.21 for coffee and a cake (or more!), and take the opportunity to slip into church for a moment of quiet? 
Have a look at the image on the left. It comes from the Roman Catholic priest and artist, Maximo Cerezo Barredo, whose ministry has been in situations of poverty and injustice in Latin America. In this picture the temptations Jesus faces are transposed into a present-day setting. The stones are still there, though maybe the temptation is to change them into money rather than bread. The world can be both seen and dominated not from a mountain top but through satellite and other media. The Church, rather than the temple, here represented by a clergy figure offering a crown, might become a route to domination and power over others. Today, a charismatic figure, like Jesus was, would face temptations such as these. I’m never going to amass great wealth, become a media tycoon, or lead a vast religious organisation, however, so these are not the temptations I face. I must keep alert, then, to what does tempt me with regard to sustenance, power and religion. And when I do own up to them, then Jesus is there as an example for how I should respond. (And when, despite his example, I still give in to temptation, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus did not.)
During Lent the church will be open every Tuesday, 10.30 am–1.30 pm to allow for quiet reflection and prayer. A prayer table and seating at the front of the church is available for anyone to use. The space will also be available before and after each Sunday morning service.
Celebration Events at URC St Cuthbert’s Centre on Holy Island, 20 – 23 March