30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update # 208 – 23rd June 2024
From the Minister Any Ship In A Storm?
Take a look at the logo for Churches Together in North Shields (left). It’s a simple image of a boat on the waves. CTNS wasn’t being radical or original in choosing that image. Down through the years the church has often been portrayed as a boat, with the mast echoing the cross. For many years now the boat has been the symbol of the World Council of Churches. It also features as the logo for Churches Together in England. Some people see echoes of Noah’s Ark – the church as the ark of salvation. Others think of it as a life boat, saving those who are drowning. There might even be a few who misguidedly envisage the church as a cruise liner, offering entertainment to paying customers! More helpfully though, we’re reminded that even in the midst of life’s literal and metaphorical storms Jesus is present with us, and God has ultimate control of what will happen in this world.
Keeper of our lives,
you know the hardness and gentleness of human hearts.
You call your people to faithful living.
Through the storms of life
that bring suffering and fear, joy and laughter,
teach us to turn to you for all we need,
so that we may come to know your presence
even in the midst of the trials that surround us. Amen.
10.30 a.m. A service led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison. 6.30 p.m. A service led by the Revd Dr David Whiting, retired URC minister from Sunderland.
Bible readings
Job 38:1-11 God laid the foundations of the earth and controls the seas
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 God stills the storm and hushes the waves
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 ‘See, now is the day of salvation!’
Mark 4:35-41 Who then is this Jesus who stills the storm?
Reflection on the Readings
There are several things to ponder in the reading from Mark’s Gospel. Some wonder why Mark chose to mention that ‘other boats were with him’ (4:36) as Jesus and his close disciples sailed in theirs. Some notice that Jesus was asleep whilst the storm raged (4:38), and there have been many sermons preached on that. Others note the fear of the disciples (some of them fishermen, well used to sailing on the lake). Yet others note Jesus’s rebuke to the disciples – ‘Have you still no faith?’ – which follows after he has ‘rebuked the wind.’ (4:39, 40) We who read this Bible passage may choose to focus on something other than what was at the centre of the Gospel writer’s thoughts. On this occasion, though, concentrate on the question with which Mark chooses to conclude his story: ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the seas obey him?’ (4:41)
Image: “Tempest” by Kathleen Peterson. Permission granted for non-commercial use of image.
We are sad to share the news of the death of Joan Elliott, and we extend our sympathies to her family and friends. On Thursday 27th June, following a committal at Tynemouth Crematorium, a service of thanksgiving will be held at Saint Columba’s at 10.30 a.m., led by Trevor Jamison.
Churches Together – Dorothy Robinson Retirement Service
The Revd Dorothy Robinson is retiring at the end of this month. On Friday 28th June at 7.00 p.m., there is a reflective service at Christ Church, followed by refreshments in the parish centre, to which all from the churches in North Shields are invited. For catering purposes please let the parish office know if you are attending, at northshieldsparish@gmail.com.
URC General Assembly 2024 – papers available to view
The United Reformed Church General Assembly will be meeting this year from Friday 12th July to Monday 15th July at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. If you want to see what representatives will be discussing then you can view the Assembly Book of Reports here.
Image: United Reformed Church.
Next Update – Sunday 30th June
Trevor Jamison will edit the next Update. Please get your information to him by Tuesday 25th June.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
Take a look at the logo for Churches Together in North Shields (left). It’s a simple image of a boat on the waves. CTNS wasn’t being radical or original in choosing that image. Down through the years the church has often been portrayed as a boat, with the mast echoing the cross. For many years now the boat has been the symbol of the World Council of Churches. It also features as the logo for Churches Together in England. Some people see echoes of Noah’s Ark – the church as the ark of salvation. Others think of it as a life boat, saving those who are drowning. There might even be a few who misguidedly envisage the church as a cruise liner, offering entertainment to paying customers! More helpfully though, we’re reminded that even in the midst of life’s literal and metaphorical storms Jesus is present with us, and God has ultimate control of what will happen in this world.
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
There are several things to ponder in the reading from Mark’s Gospel. Some wonder why Mark chose to mention that ‘other boats were with him’ (4:36) as Jesus and his close disciples sailed in theirs. Some notice that Jesus was asleep whilst the storm raged (4:38), and there have been many sermons preached on that. Others note the fear of the disciples (some of them fishermen, well used to sailing on the lake). Yet others note Jesus’s rebuke to the disciples – ‘Have you still no faith?’ – which follows after he has ‘rebuked the wind.’ (4:39, 40) We who read this Bible passage may choose to focus on something other than what was at the centre of the Gospel writer’s thoughts. On this occasion, though, concentrate on the question with which Mark chooses to conclude his story: ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the seas obey him?’ (4:41)
The United Reformed Church General Assembly will be meeting this year from Friday 12th July to Monday 15th July at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. If you want to see what representatives will be discussing then you can view the Assembly Book of Reports