30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #104 17th April 2022
He is RISEN!!!! Mary and the other 2 ladies at the open tomb
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Happy Easter everyone, from John.
The picture shows an empty tomb emitting bright light, the rolled away stone, the women amazed and the empty crosses in the far background. He is risen, the everlasting light has been released, nothing can keep Him hidden and the crosses are a distant memory that remain with us. Today is the day for rejoicing, sharing the news with others, as Mary, Peter and the other disciple did, but perhaps you will quietly break open a decorated hard-boiled egg instead. The outer preparation of the shell showing love, care and careful selection by the creator, before being broken open like the tomb, the inner contents now freely available to everyone to receive them.
Our lights are back on, the doors are open to all. After an Easter without a church service 2 years ago we are able to share it together again, though still being careful of Covid.
It has been said that God’s people need to meet and share worship together. Covid 19 has upset all our church fellowships, so what better time to come together again than Easter ‘22.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we celebrate the day you rose from the tomb and showed yourself to your followers. We ask that you will continue to guide us as we rise from the trauma of Covid and seek the way ahead in your mission to the community and world around us. May we shine your light, share your love and your message to those we encounter in our daily lives. In your name we ask it, amen.
WORSHIP SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA’S
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES
Easter Sunday Easter Breakfast 8.30 a.m. – 9.30 a.m. in the Lishman Hall There will be a short act of worship during the first fifteen minutes of breakfast. Diners and worshippers are free to arrive and go at any time during the hour.
Easter Morning Worship 10.30 a.m. at the Church A celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a service including communion.
Easter Evening Worship 6.30 p.m. on ZOOM Music, prayer, and celebrating the Gospel account of meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
To Join Zoom Meeting, Click Here
Meeting ID: 843 8891 3082 Phone: 01314601196
Sunday 24th April 2022
10.30 am Service Led by John Drew “Have you ever been lost”
Bible readings for this week
Isaiah 65: 17-25. God’s promise of a new heaven and new earth for all his creatures.
Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Acts 10: 34-43. Peter takes God’s message to those he thought unworthy to receive it.
St John 20: 1-18. Mary discovers that Jesus is right beside her, no longer in the tomb.
Reflection on the readings: – A story to tell to the nations!
Isaiah writes of a new world created by God, a place of rejoicing and plenty, where man’s labours are not a burden. A place where animals will have no enmity between them and ‘His Holy Mountain’ will not be harmed or destroyed. All His creations will be united and at peace with each other.
The psalmist reminds us, again, of God’s wonders and goodness, His strength and His enduring love. Instead of succumbing to the travails around him, the psalmist will call on God’s mighty right hand and he will continue to live and proclaim His word to all and give thanks for His salvation. What was cast out will become the highest point in God’s kingdom. This is His Day, we must rejoice and be glad in it.
Cornelius wanted to hear more about Jesus Christ and, following a vision, summoned Peter to tell him and his household all about this special man. One of the best people to talk about Jesus was Mary Magdalene, a faithful follower who talked to Him at the tomb and immediately went to tell the other disciples about her experience.
On Easter Sunday do we have an exciting story to tell everyone? Can we go out in His strength and tell those who we don’t know, and those we know, about His rising from the tomb today, and are we rejoicing as we share that wonderful event with them? Do we look forward with Isaiah to God’s new world?
Now I have picked just one hymn of the many that celebrate this day!
‘See what a morning’ by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend sung by himself and others.
