Before long it will all be over. A return to the previous life will be attained. For others of this world, it all depends upon their own actions, all they can be given is love and support. Traumas will continue to varying degrees; celebrations will be held while personal failures and triumphs will ensue. Many will receive and obey guidance and instructions given to them, and lives will be changed. Death will continue to play its part but not to the same extent.
Oh, that it could all be over!
Prayer
Lord, as Lent draws to a close and The Cross looms ever larger, we look forward to the celebrations of Easter Sunday. As we impatiently wait for lock down to be removed, we know that illness, hospital treatment, and even death, will continue for some time afterwards. But we also know that a ‘new’ life awaits us, exactly what we cannot envisage yet. We are hesitant but a little intrigued by the prospect, just as we are when thinking of a new life with You.
Help us, Lord, to travel our personal ‘Covid Lent’ as resolutely and obediently as you approached your resurrection. Amen
John
We now offer worship online, and telephone, every Sunday morning, at 10.30 a.m.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY via ZOOM
10.30 A.M. MORNING SERVICE Led by Revd. E.H. Marley O.B.E.
Ted Marley is a retired minister in South East Northumberland.
Also, we will continue to worship online at 6.30 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. All of these services include Holy Communion.
To receive a copy of the hymn book, Rejoice and Sing, contact Alison Drew.
To request paper copies of orders of service in the weeks when the service is led by the Minister or members from Saint Columba’s, please contact Trevor Jamison.
Other options for worshipping at home on Sunday
Online URC audio service https://devotions.urc.org.uk/10.00 a.m. RadioRadio 4Sunday Worship 8.10 a.m. Radio Newcastle Sunday Worship 8.00 a.m.
Television BBC1 Sunday Worship for Lent 11.15 a.m. BBC1 Songs of Praise 1.15 p.m. Online YourChurch service Share nationwide worship 6.30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 965 1457 5443 Passcode: YourChurch
DISCLAIMER: TV and Radio schedules can change, so check the timings are correct!
Bible readings for Sunday (from the Revised Common Lectionary)
Jeremiah 31: 31-34. The promise of a new covenant between God and His people.
Psalm 119: 9-16. To follow God’s ways, we need to know what they are and obey.
Hebrews 5: 5-10. God sent Jesus as our High Priest, to mediate between mankind and our Creator.
St. John 12: 20-33. The Gentiles ask to hear Jesus, so His word spreads into the wider world.
People get impatient with God, why does He not act, where is His answer to my prayer? God’s timing is very different to ours. In Jeremiah God is said to be planning a New Covenant with His people where they will have independent access to God and each will know Him, so His people will be united in Him. He will forgive sin and no longer hold it against his people.
The Psalm reminds us of the only answer to sin, to follow God’s word, to be watchful, devoted, remembering His word, looking to Him for understanding, sharing his truth with others, allowing ourselves to receive His love and giving His word our concentrated attention.
The book of Hebrews brings the idea of Christ being the High Priest, mediating between us and God. He spent much of His physical ministry bringing God to the people through healing, and teaching, but He also spent time in prayer to God for the people, the Gethsemane prayers are just a small example. Though those prayers He knew what God needed Him to do, and He did it, thus giving us access to God.
Finally, John’s gospel tells us that before His trial and crucifixion, Gentiles had come to hear His teaching. God’s people were no longer just the Jews, all His people could now be united in Him. Thus, the New Covenant was made.
NOTICES
….and now a few notices for you: –
Firstly, a couple of reminders: –
Church Meeting and Nominations for Election of Elders
Church Meeting will be held on 24th March at 7.15pm via Zoomand phone.
Please join in if you are able so we can discuss and decide the work of the church during the next few months.
Closing date for nominations for election of Elders:
Monday 22nd March, that is this Monday! – names to Alison Drew.
Induction of Elders will take place during morning worship on Sunday 2nd May.
Church Magazine articles wanted by the end of the month!
Your articles for The Square, our church magazine, are wanted by March 31st.
They should be 300 words or less in length, and sent to Catherine Collins [email protected]
Or by post to 22 Lovaine Row, Tynemouth, NE30 4HF.
Easter Hearts – Keep Them Coming!
For Easter we are all encouraged to make a heart, by knitting or drawing, or copying from the computer. Some we place it in our windows to show the love of Jesus Christ. We are also placing knitted hearts on the church railings for people to take away. Shirley McKay or Norma McAvoy are delighted by the numbers received so far but are happy to receive yet more. Contact either one for further information.
Church Magazine articles wanted by the end of the month!
