Water and Worship

This week there seem to be two themes emerging in our worship – water and worship. The reading from Revelation takes us into the vision of St John as we are transported to a world of ritual and worship which binds heaven and earth. There we are asked to gaze on the lamb, and are challenged with that question – who is the Messiah that we worship? Nathaniel in the gospel reading is also challenged with that same question as Jesus passes by and he makes the decision to follow him.

Water is a theme that runs through Epiphany, with the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. This is picked up in our muddy/messy church worship this week as they start to explore the 4 elements, water, fire, earth and air.

Our services this Sunday – 14^th January 2024

8am – Said Holy Communion – All Saints

10am – Sung Holy Communion – St Marys

10.30 – Muddy/Messy Church – All Saints

7.15pm – Generations – All Saints

We look forward to worshiping together and continuing the bonds of fellowship and peace in Fishponds in our Church families. Please find attached the weekly sheets for this week and the roots materials for creative fun and reflection.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday 17^th 09.00 Celtic Morning Prayer

Thursday 18th 10.00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church

Saturday 20th 12.00-2.00 – Saturday Lunches at St Marys Church

19.00 – Winter Quiz All Saints

Sunday 21st 10.00 – Sung Holy Communion St Marys

10.30 – Holy Communion with Hymns All Saints

18.30 Epiphany Carols – St Marys

Epiphany for me is a beautiful season, a way to continue the joy and blessing of Christmas without some of the pressures of it. It is a season that helps me through the still dark days of January and leads me to the lighter months of spring. It is a time I can still hold onto the sparkly lights yet one that I know propels me forward. Still to come in Epiphany for us as churches is the lovely Epiphany Carol Service at St Marys ( Sunday Jan 21^st) and the Winter Warmer Quiz at All Saints (Saturday Jan 20^th) – save the dates and see you there.

The Epiphany Collect this week is beautiful and so I leave it here for your prayers this week.

Almighty God

In Christ you make all things new

Transform the poverty of our nature

By the riches of your grace

And in the renewal of our lives

Make known your heavenly glory. Amen

Blessings – Revd Lizzie