Knowing You Jesus, There is no Greater Thing

Knowing you, Jesus
Knowing you, there is no greater thing
You’re my all, you’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

In these few words (and the rest of his song, All I once held dear) Graham Kendrick draws out the heart of Paul’s message in this Sunday’s reading from the epistle to the Philippians 3:4b-14. Here you can read the fascinating background to Kendrick’s song and what stirred his heart to come up with those words.

Joy is a key theme in Philippians. And Paul’s joy is not momentary or flippant. It’s a deep lasting contentment and sense of assurance, that no matter what happens to him – and so many trials came his way to test his faith – his hope remains buoyant. So too for us. Why? Because Jesus suffered and came through victorious by rising to new life, we also can share in Christ’s resurrection life.

Oh, to know the power of your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like you in your death, my Lord
So with you to live and never die.

I myself have felt in the doldrums only to be surprised by God’s joy puncturing my gloom. This was our experience just today, when the local school for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Autism and Complex Needs, visited All Saints Church for Harvest. The joy of their enthusiastic engagement despite everyday challenges and limitations they live with, felt like the grace of God sweeping through the building and into each other’s lives. Thanks be to God!

SERVICES THIS SUNDAY 8th OCTOBER 2023

Holy Communion Readings: Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-end

08.00 – All Saints- Said Holy Communion

10.00 – St.Mary’s – Sung Holy Communion

10.30 – All Saints – Messy Muddy Church

THIS WEEK’S SERVICES AND EVENTS

Mon 9th October – 10.30 – All Saints – Tiny Tots

Wed 11th October – 09.00 – All Saints – Celtic Prayers

Thurs 12th October – 10.00 – St.Mary’s – Holy Communion

Sat 14th October – 12.00 – St.Mary’s – Saturday Lunches

SERVICES NEXT SUNDAY 15th OCTOBER

10.00 – St.Mary’s -Harvest Service of the Word

10.30 – All Saints – Holy Communion

UPCOMING BAPTISMS AND CONFIRMATIONS

Please pray for our candidates, both adults and young people who are being baptized on 29th October (10.30 at All Saints during the Joint Benefice service) and 5th November (6.30pm during Evensong at St.Mary’s) and come along to support them along their faith journeys and to share their joy.Confirmation is Wednesday 8th November in All Saints with Bishop Viv.

We look forward to seeing you at All Saints or St.Mary’s on Sunday. In our worship I pray that you too will share in the joy of the risen Christ in the midst of your trials and triumphs.

To God be the Glory, great things He has done and is doing among us!

Revd Diane (curate)