30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #98 6th March 2022
Love God with a whole heart, as He loves us. Clipartmax
Hello everyone, from John.
As I am writing this, wondering where the Ukraine situation will lead, I am reminded of St. Luke 4v 5-6 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him,” I will give you all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me,…”
Can we believe that God has a hand in Mr. Putin’s actions?
I do not, but I do believe that God will have a hand in the outcome.
Prayer
Lord, the world around us seems to be in chaos. Many countries are suffering with the Covid pandemic, lack of vaccines and treatment while other countries are deciding when to give the 3rd or 4th doses. World trade is disrupted and now one of the major economies decides to inflict war and mayhem on another country.
We pray for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones for any reason today, those who are scared of what will happen next in their lives, those hard-working peacemakers, and those who have a job to do and have no choice in the matter.
Jesus taught that we must love our enemies, and so we pray for them as well, that they may see the error of their actions sooner than later and that division may be healed.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace”.
Amen.
Worship Services in the Building
SUNDAY 6th March 2022
10.30 A.M. SERVICE Led by Roberta Ritson, with Trevor Jamison preaching on Vladimir Putin (and us) being tempted today.
Remember! This evening6.30 p.m. – Communion Service on Zoom
Led by Trevor Jamison, with Roberta Ritson preaching. A further exploration of what the Book of Job says to us about living in today’s imperfect world.
To join the service Click Here
Meeting ID: 859 2554 7267 Join by phone: 0131 460 1196
Bible readings for this week (from the Revised Common Lectionary)
Deuteronomy 26: 1-11. How to present the 1st offerings to God, in thanks & joy.
Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-16. God loves his people and will rescue and protect them.
Romans 10: 8b-13. Anyone who believes in me will never be put to shame
St Luke 4: 1-13. When the devil had finished..he left him until an opportune time.
In our world of instant communication and constant activity it can be easy to forget what God does for us as we go through our days. Recently I was challenged to remember the times when God had intervened in my life lately. I have to admit I had to think hard. All 4 of these readings remind us that we are under His protection and love, as the Psalm says “Because he loves me, I will rescue him, I will protect him for he acknowledges my name.” Even the devil tempted Jesus with that promise and Jesus answered him simply so the devil left him, to wait his chance to try and tempt him again. For the devil will do that to us, he will take every opportunity to tempt us and attack us. We do need to remember that the God we love, loves and protects us. In the world around us that is not always easy to understand and believe. Give thanks for His promise and the blessings we receive from Him.
Notices
Collection for Christian Aid Work in Afghanistan – Sunday 6th March !This Sunday!
Drought, war and the COVID 19 pandemic have combined to cause a catastrophic rise in hunger in Afghanistan, and all this in the midst of a freezing winter. Christian Aid are making a special appeal to support their work with partners on the ground. We will hold a retiring offering at our service on Sunday 6th March, with the money going to this appeal
Election of Elders.
We are coming to the time of electing the next Elders to serve St. Columba’s URC. If you would like to share this work or know of someone who might, please have a word with Alison before the end of March.
Synod meeting.
The URC Northern Synod will be meeting at our church on March 19th. From 10.00 a.m. Synod officers and church representatives meet twice a year to discuss and plan the recent and future activities of URC in this Synod. Any church member is welcome to share this meeting so if you are interested have a chat with John, about it.
Lent events at St Columba’s
Three Pictures for Lent
7.15 p.m. Thursday 24 and 31 March, and 7 April – on Zoom
Gentle conversation and prayer, around pictures of the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus ‘cleansing the temple’, and the Last Supper.
Thoughtful Art for Lent
2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., Friday 18 and 25 March, and 1 and 8 April – at St Columba’s
Creating a shared artwork, where your gender, age, previous experience (or lack of artistic talent!) is no bar to taking part. Each session will end with a short act of worship, followed by a cuppa and a hot cross bun.
Prayer Walk on the Beach
Saturday 9 April at 2.00 p.m.
A guided stroll with pauses for listening and for praying, both with and without words.
