30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update #223 – 27th October 2024
From Andrew All Saints
In the coming week, we celebrate All Saints’ Day, on 1 November. In the Roman Catholic calendar, just about every day of the year is dedicated to at least one saint, but for one day in the year, we remember them all. Some saints are found in the Bible, indeed some of them wrote books of the Bible. Others lived holy lives during the hundreds of years since the Bible was completed, some spread the Gospel, and a few were martyred. Churches may be dedicated to particular saints, as St Columba’s is. Nations and professions have their patron saints. Many stories are told, to help us value these people of the past, and learn from their example.
When St Paul and others wrote their New Testament epistles, they were addressed to the saints in a particular city or region, meaning the members of the Church that met there. Today, one could write to the saints of North Shields, those who follow Jesus and have committed their lives to God in our town. It may sound strange to think of saints being people of today, people we have met and learned from, and yet it is in keeping with New Testament writing.
At this time of year, we often pause to remember departed saints whom we have known, especially those dear friends from within our own fellowship who have passed away during the last twelve months. The image above is from the church website, and was taken eight years ago, reminding us of present and past saints.
Andrew Photo: St Columba’s congregation in 2016, by GO.
Prayer
Loving God, we give thanks for all the saints; for those we know, those we have met and those we have read or heard about. May their lives of faith be an example to us all. Bless each one, and remember them in your heart, we pray.
Amen.
Worship SUNDAY 27th October 2024
Don’t forget to put your clocks back one hour!
10.30 a.m.A service led by the Revd Louise Sanders of St Andrew’s, Monkseaton, and Trinity, Ashington.
6.30 p.m. A service led by the Revd Stuart Dennis, of North Shields Baptist Church.
10.30 a.m. A service led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison.
Bible readings Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Job 42: 1-6, 10-17 Job’s fortunes are restored at the end of his suffering
Psalm 34: 1-8 (19-22) God saves those who put their trust in God
Jeremiah 31: 7-9 God brings Israel back from exile
Psalm 126 Israel rejoices when God restores its fortunes
Hebrews 7: 23-28 Jesus is High Priest, made perfect by his sacrifice
Mark 10: 46-52 Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus
Beggars seem to have become a more frequent sight on our streets in recent years, and it can be tricky to know how best to relate to them. Giving time and understanding can be as valuable as giving material things, and indeed supporting charities can help to address some of the underlying issues.
In our Gospel reading, we meet a beggar who has lost his eyesight. He shows amazing faith. Despite his inability to see, he shows spiritual insight in recognising who Jesus is, the Messiah, the Son of David.
Some of the crowd want to hush him up and keep him out of the way, but Jesus stops and makes time for him. Jesus calls him, and he gets up, leaving behind his past life, and his cloak, which may have been used to collect donations. Even before he has been healed, he lets go of everything, and moves forward to become a disciple.
Jesus asks him what he wants before acting. The beggar knew his own mind and was persistent and committed in his requests.
I wonder whether perhaps we could be like the beggar in this story. Do we clearly recognise our own need? Are we calling out to Jesus, seeking his help? Most challengingly, are we committed to follow wherever he calls us?
Image: Bartimaeus by Harold Copping, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
A funeral service will be held for Brian (who was a pianist at our Sunday evening fellowship group) at the Fishermen’s Mission, Eskdale Terrace, Cullercoats at 2 p.m. on Friday 25th October, followed by a private cremation service. Afterwards everyone is invited to join the family at the Crescent Club, Cullercoats. Brian had requested that those attending wear something colourful.
Planning the Christmas Eve Carol Service
Monday 4th November 7.15 p.m.
It’s time to start planning the Christmas Eve Carol Service! If you would like to take part in doing that, then there is a meeting to do so on Monday 4th November at 7.15 p.m. at church. Everyone welcome to come along and to contribute.
Next Update – Sunday 3rd November
Trevor Jamison will edit the next Update. Please get your information to him by Tuesday 29th October.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
Don’t forget to put your clocks back one hour!
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
Beggars seem to have become a more frequent sight on our streets in recent years, and it can be tricky to know how best to relate to them. Giving time and understanding can be as valuable as giving material things, and indeed supporting charities can help to address some of the underlying issues.