St Columba’s United Reformed Church

From the Minister

‘When … the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews*, Jesus came and stood among them.’ (John 20:19) I don’t know if you have eaten all your chocolate eggs, but whatever the case, you should know that it is still Easter. From a Church perspective, just as the Christmas season runs all the way to Epiphany (6th January), not just to Boxing Day, so the Easter Season goes all the way to Pentecost (31st May this year). Although we have moved on a week in our lives from Easter Day 2020, in our worship it’s still ‘evening on that day’, and we’re stuck in the house with disciples who are afraid to go outside. They rejoiced to find Jesus among them; strangely unaffected by locked doors, yet available to be seen and touched. And for people in lockdown, his message was (and is) ‘Peace be with you.’ (20:21)

Trevor

* ‘the Jews’: John’s shorthand for those Jews who were opposed to the equally Jewish Jesus and his equally Jewish disciples, not to be understood to mean all Jews, then or now.

Pray

Gracious God, we pray for the presence and peace of Jesus,
In the lives of all who live alone;
Where people are packed together, and tensions rise;
In the “front line” workplaces of health and social care.
We pray for the presence and peace of Jesus in our lives,
This day and every day.
Amen.

Reflection on the Readings

‘Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.’ (Psalm 16:1) Whether or not we bring God into it, a lot of people are fervently making that request: protect me. Protect me by giving me the appropriate clothing. Protect me by having a ventilator ready, should I need it. Protect me by making me do the right, socially distant thing. Protect my company or job with financial support. No amount of fervour, however, absolutely guarantees our safety, not even if we invoke God’s name. The psalmist, though, is comforted by the conviction, that whatever our situation, God is there with us – at our right hand (16:8). ‘Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.’ (16:9)

Bible Exploration Meeting on Wednesday April 22nd at 7.15p.m.

Luke 24:13-35         Two disciples walk with Jesus to Emmaus 

Our second forty-minute online conversation about meetings with the risen Jesus. New participants are welcome to join the group. Just contact Trevor Jamison.

If you can’t join in online, contact Trevor to request a copy of the reflection and questions.

Keeping in Touch

We will keep in touch with each other. Elders will have a list of members and friends to contact each week, both to provide information and to ensure that people are safe and well. You can contact your designated Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.

Minister: Reverend Trevor Jamison                 Church Secretary: Alison Drew
minister.northshieldsurc@gmail.com               alison@jubileedeepdale.plus.com
0191 290 1193         07896 899538                 0191 251 9774

Registered Address:

St Columba’s United Reformed Church Charity is a registered charity in England & Wales, number 1164784.