At Glastonbury Festival the Sanctuary Tent is run by local Christians. It’s a place people come to in search of water, away from the heat. Volunteers notice that a cup of water is often the prelude to deeper conversations. Visitors are happy to find a listening ear, and frequently ask for prayer.

A simple cup of water is all it takes, says Jesus, to offer a welcome that cares. Hospitality stands at the centre of Christian discipleship.

But Jesus also warns his disciples that missionaries and prophets of God are not always made welcome. It’s tough but also a reality. In the time of Jeremiah and Isaiah there were prophets a-plenty who were happy to get paid for telling people what they wanted to hear. ‘Don’t worry, ’bout a thing. Cause every little thing’s gonna be alright’ (springs to mind).

But God’s free gift of forgiveness, his grace, gives us the courage to break through the veil of denial, when we are tempted to forget the meaner and more broken parts of us. Instead of turning a blind eye, we can turn back towards Christ in trust, because he knows and loves the whole of us and can transform us from the inside out. Stormzy’s ‘Blinded by your Grace’ is a great counterbalance to Marley’s ‘Don’t worry’. Stormzy says it like Paul after his Damascus Road encounter with Jesus.

Lord I’ve been broken

Although I’m not worthy

You fixed me

I’m blinded by your grace

You came and saved me

SERVICES THIS SUNDAY 2nd JULY

10.00am – St.Mary’s – Creative Church – Theme: St.Mark

10.30am – All Saints – Holy Communion with Band and Junior Church

6.30pm – St.Mary’s – Evensong

UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS

Mon 3rd July – 10.30 – 12 noon- All Saints – Tiny Tots

Wed 5th July – 9.00 – 9.30am – All Saints – Celtic Prayers

Thurs 6 July – 10.00am – St.Mary’s – Holy Communion

Sat 8th July – 12.00-2pm – St.Mary’s – Saturday Lunches

SERVICES NEXT SUNDAY 9TH JULY

08.00 – All Saints – Holy Communion

10.00 – St.Mary’s – Sung Holy Communion

10.30 – All Saints – Children’s Celebration Service

19.15 – Vicarage – Generations Youth BBQ

HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB 24-28 July mornings, at ALL SAINTS

There are now forms for a space for all 4-12 year olds at the back of Church. Our theme this year is Jonah with tons of games, bible stories, crafts, drama and singing. Speak with Revd Diane or Lizzie for more information

ORDINATIONS. On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July the Ordination of Deacons and Priests by Bishop Viv will take place at Bristol Cathedral. Among the deacons is Kester de Oliveira (our curate designate), Dr Simon Atkins (who is known to Fishponds people as a local GP) and James Manning (who did a placement with us in Holy Week). Among the priests are Revd Sharon Gleed and Revd Sarah Heywood, whose vocations came to life during their time in our parishes. Please pray for them all as they continue to be God’s blessing in the parishes they now serve.

Father God, we pray for all those preparing for ordination at this time. We ask you to strengthen them as they serve your people. As congregations may we welcome support and encourage them in their work. Fill them with the fire of your Spirit, that their ministry may reveal the loving presence of Christ on Sundays and weekdays, both in church and in the forgotten corners of their parishes, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen

Thanks be to God!

Revd Diane, curate.