During the Easter season, our lectionary readings follow the development of the early church with a series of readings from the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday, as we approach the mid-point of the season, we have a short description of the life of the church in Jerusalem, shortly after the day of Pentecost. This can be found in Acts 2.42–end.

It was this reading that inspired Andrew Roberts to identify ten “holy habits” that can nurture our faith. They can help us, both as individuals and as a Christian community, to follow Christ faithfully and fruitfully. These holy habits are:

• Biblical teaching
• Fellowship
• Breaking bread
• Prayer
• Sharing resources
• Serving
• Eating together
• Gladness and generosity
• Worship
• Making more disciples

We had a first look at some of these habits in our Lent groups and Holy Week reflections. I will think a little bit more about them on Sunday. If you would like to know more, you can find a more information on the Holy Habits Web site. There is a lot to think about on the Web site, along with resources for further study, both individual and in groups.

This Sunday we have one service for everyone in the benefice. This will be a benefice service of Holy Communion in All Saints at 10.30 am. There will be no 8.00 am service at All Saints and no service at St Mary’s.

10.30 am All Saints Benefice Holy Communion

We have our usual weekday services for the coming week. Next Sunday, in addition to our usual Creative Church at St Mary’s and Holy Communion at All Saints, we have Evensong for the coronation weekend. This gives the following services for the coming week:

Wednesday 3^rd

9.00 am – All Saints – Celtic morning prayer

Thursday 4^th

10.00 am – St Mary’s – Holy Communion

Sunday 7^th

10.00 am – St Mary’s – Creative church

10.30 am – All Saints. – Holy Communion

5:00 – St Mary’s – Coronation evensong

In addition, we have events for the coronation on Saturday. Please see the relevant notice sheet for details.

As we reflect of the image of Christ, the good shepherd, in our gospel reading for Sunday, we also pray for King Charles as he prepares for the coronation and for all who have authority in this land.

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, bless our Sovereign Lord, King Charles, and all who are in authority under him; that they may order all things in wisdom and equity, righteousness, and peace, to the honour of your name, and the good of your Church and people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Yours in Christ.

Mark