The Vicar's "Two Penn'orth"
June 2020:
Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks
Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake, writes ...
Did you know that the word “Eucharist” actually means thanksgiving? Every time we come together to celebrate Holy Communion we give thanks for Jesus the son of God, for what he achieved for us, as we call to mind his death on the cross. His death, tragic though it was became the door to eternal life - so yes a lot to give thanks for! Scripture informs us in: 1 Timothy 4:4-5: "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
This week I have been pondering on our time of social distancing and for the many in isolation. Who would have thought such a terrible event could open the door to indescribable kindness and generosity for which we have much to say thank you?
This terrible event produced an immediate response from many. The soup and cake ably run by Jane, with the cake made by Lesley and the wonderful team of helpers who have delivered the lunches. Also, the buddy scheme set up by Sue and a team of people, phoning, shopping and helping in any way they can - it has been truly fantastic.
Who would have thought we would be having services on Facebook! But thanks to Nigel that has been possible. Keeping in touch with the weekly news sheet (“The Weekly Beacon”) is a great credit to Jill and especially the two Peters and ALL those who have contributed. We owe them all our thanks, so also to Michael Nash for the “Dispatch”, a great read and a huge amount of work.
In the middle of all this we witnessed the arrival of asylum seekers all fleeing from persecution, many Christian men but all needing to find a welcome. It has been heart-warming to see the response of the churches including our own, providing food, clothes and friendship. Scripture does remind us in Romans 8:35 ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
There is much more we can do, and I will be saying a little more about that next week.
The amount of food that has been gathered by our community for the Food Bank again has been fantastic! So, thank you all. I would also like to thank everyone for their prayers and continual devotion which I know has been taking place throughout this period. You have heard me say many times that prayer is the powerhouse of the Church - and it is so freely available to us all, in our everyday lives. St Paul speaking to the early Church in Philippi says this (Philippians 4:6-7): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This week I have been pondering on our time of social distancing and for the many in isolation. Who would have thought such a terrible event could open the door to indescribable kindness and generosity for which we have much to say thank you?
This terrible event produced an immediate response from many. The soup and cake ably run by Jane, with the cake made by Lesley and the wonderful team of helpers who have delivered the lunches. Also, the buddy scheme set up by Sue and a team of people, phoning, shopping and helping in any way they can - it has been truly fantastic.
Who would have thought we would be having services on Facebook! But thanks to Nigel that has been possible. Keeping in touch with the weekly news sheet (“The Weekly Beacon”) is a great credit to Jill and especially the two Peters and ALL those who have contributed. We owe them all our thanks, so also to Michael Nash for the “Dispatch”, a great read and a huge amount of work.
In the middle of all this we witnessed the arrival of asylum seekers all fleeing from persecution, many Christian men but all needing to find a welcome. It has been heart-warming to see the response of the churches including our own, providing food, clothes and friendship. Scripture does remind us in Romans 8:35 ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
There is much more we can do, and I will be saying a little more about that next week.
The amount of food that has been gathered by our community for the Food Bank again has been fantastic! So, thank you all. I would also like to thank everyone for their prayers and continual devotion which I know has been taking place throughout this period. You have heard me say many times that prayer is the powerhouse of the Church - and it is so freely available to us all, in our everyday lives. St Paul speaking to the early Church in Philippi says this (Philippians 4:6-7): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Your friend,
Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake
Vicar of Hoylake
