“The end is nigh” wails a lonely figure in the distance, as the clouds darken and huge waves appear out of the sea, threatening impending doom and destruction.
Whether it is disaster movies, or thriller novels, or bleak poetry, then there is a way in which there seems to be a human fascination with what might be depicted as “The end times” .
Armageddon, The Day of Judgement or The Final Reckoning is something that for centuries people have contemplated and worried about. A very natural response to times of change or shifts in power and environment.
Of course, in a disaster movie, then there is often a heroine or hero whose skills are tested to the limit, but who ultimately succeeds in rescuing the world and humanity and that is why I find them so good to watch. I want to see someone save the world!
This time of year we often start to hear in the readings at church things that resonate with that disaster picture. Jesus in Luke’s gospel this week talks about famines, fighting, persecution and rebellions and we are invited to reflect on how we cope with the ever changing world around us. The big question the disciples ask is “WHEN”…let us know when disaster will strike so we can prepare, get ready…..or run away.
Jesus avoids that question. He asks them to be aware, stay alert and put their faith and trust in a way that saves without heroics, but promises that staying in close step with Jesus and his way will bring us through the storms ahead that help us find life.
This week’s worship – Sunday 16th November 2025
10am – Sung Holy Communion – St Marys
10:30am – Holy Communion with Hymns – All Saints
The Week Ahead
Mon 17th Nov
10:30am – Tiy Tots, All Saints
Tue 18th Nov
10:30am – M4T, St. Mary’s Parish Rooms
Wed 19th Nov
9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints
2:00pm – Bible Book Club, Venue TBC
Thu 20th Nov
10:00am – Holy Communion, St. Mary’s
Fri 21st Nov
11:00am – Living After Loss, St. Mary’s
7:00pm – “Christmas Choir” Practise, All Saints
Sat 22nd Nov
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Saturday Lunches, St. Mary’s
12-3pm – All Saints Christmas Fair
Sun 23rd Nov
8:00am – Holy Communion, All Saints
10:00am – Holy Communion, St. Mary’s
10:30am – Café Church, All Saints
Blessings
Revd Lizzie
St Mary's, Fishponds 