As we embark on the season of Trinity, a season that lasts till All Saints Day, we return to the gospel of Mark. Mark’s gospel brings with it a sharpness and urgency to Jesus’ ministry. This week we are reminded of the conflict that arose early on between Jesus and his fellow religious leaders of the day.
Conflict, discord, disagreement between individuals, groups and nations is something that we are all very aware of. Some conflicts are easily resolved, and although challenging at the time, they can be significant moments of learning and understandings. Other conflicts can be overwhelming and messy and seemingly impossible to find resolution.
Yet learning to live well together is a holy calling. That doesn’t necessarily mean coming to some middle ground and compromise, indeed it can be a call for all people in that conflict to be changed – for everyone to move to a different position or place.
Sometimes, when pondering and praying, just by physically moving to a different place and position can help adjust how I think and feel about an idea, a situation or a person. Lying on my back looking up at the stars, moving closer to a window to stare at it more fully, bending in prayer or rising to stetch my limbs can bring a fresh way of observing and being in the world. A reminder that we are rooted in our bodies, as living and breathing gospel people and recognising that the other person staring back at me, is also just as precious in God’s sight.
Our worship this Sunday 2nd June
10am – Creative Church – Looking at the Saints – St Marys
10.30am – Holy Communion with Junior Church – All Saints
6.30pm – Evensong – St Marys
THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday 3rd June
10.30am – Tiny Tots – All Saints
Tuesday 4th June
10:30am – M4T – St Marys
Weds 5th June
9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints
Thursday 6th June
10:00am – Holy Communion – St. Mary’s
Saturday 8th June
12.00 – 2:00pm – Saturday Lunches – St Mary’s
Sunday 9th June
8:00am – Holy Communion – All Saints
10:00am – Holy Communion – St. Mary’s
10:30am – Muddy Church – All Saints
7:15pm – Generations – All Saints
Please find attached the readings, weekly sheets and also the Holiday Bible Club Poster 2024 – places are filling up so book soon to confirm a space.
Blessings
Revd Lizzie
St Mary's, Fishponds 