30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #52: Sunday 28th March 2021 – Palm Sunday
From the Minister Emerging into the Light
Last week a friend told me that they have embarked on a ‘spring clean’ of their flat, adding, ‘that’s my second lockdown spring clean.’ I don’t think any of us ever envisaged lockdowns would include two Palm Sundays and two Easters. God willing, and government road maps permitting, there is the prospect of something like ‘normal’ society, and something like ‘normal’ worship to go with it. Our Church Elders Meeting is pondering the route back to worshipping in the building. Do we start with physically distanced worship, as we have had during 2020? If so, when? Or do we wait until we can sit together (on the comfortable chairs) and sing together? In the near future we will be consulting with church members to discern the best way forward.
If you want to join a service or other meeting, online or by phone, and are unsure about how to do so, please contact Mathew Hall (07792 782647) who will talk you through the process.
Bible readings for Sunday (from the Revised Common Lectionary)
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 ‘Open the gates of righteousness that I may enter in’
Mark 11:11, 15-19 Jesus enters the city and causes upset in the temple
Isaiah 50:4-9a ‘I gave my back to those who struck me …’
Psalm 31:9-16 A prayer to God for help in time of distress
Philippians 2:5-11 ‘Obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross’
Mark 14:1-15:47 From Passover plot to burial in the tomb
Copyright 1990 by John August Swanson – image licenced under Creative Commons
John August Swanson’s painting of Jesus riding into Jerusalem is full of colour and excitement, and we hope that that’s reflected in our Palm Sunday worship. But take another look at the picture. Note the clouds that are gathering. Even as Jesus enters the city, forces opposed to his vision for the world are plotting and preparing. Overturning merchant tables, so challenging economic interests, will only make things worse. And within the week, another crowd will be calling for his death. Putting the world to rights will be costly, but, in Jesus, God is putting the world to rights.
A story that responds to the readings The Trader’s Tale – Simeon the temple trader gets upset by Jesus upsetting his table.
Annual Church Meeting and Election of Elders
Our AGM will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 21st April, at 7.15 p.m.
This will include the election of Elders.
Induction of Elders will take place during morning worship on Sunday 2nd May.
St Columba’s Coffee and Conversation
on Saturdays at 10.00 a.m.
Meet friends for conversation and company, online or by phone.
Last week a friend told me that they have embarked on a ‘spring clean’ of their flat, adding, ‘that’s my second lockdown spring clean.’ I don’t think any of us ever envisaged lockdowns would include two Palm Sundays and two Easters. God willing, and government road maps permitting, there is the prospect of something like ‘normal’ society, and something like ‘normal’ worship to go with it. Our Church Elders Meeting is pondering the route back to worshipping in the building. Do we start with physically distanced worship, as we have had during 2020? If so, when? Or do we wait until we can sit together (on the comfortable chairs) and sing together? In the near future we will be consulting with church members to discern the best way forward.
