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Preparing for Pentecost together
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.
After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total – on our own we can do nothing.
Through the centuries Christians have gathered at that time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ picks up this tradition. Over the years more and more worshipping communities have dedicated the days between Ascension and Pentecost to pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby
Join this initiative - go to Thy Kingdom Come - resources - to download a free Prayer Journal - and a Novena Booklet.
Source: Rev Roni Goodman
Date: 8th May 2021
10 - 16 May 2021
The climate emergency is one of the greatest injustices we face. Together we stop this climate crisis.
This climate crisis hurts us all. But people living in poverty fight the worst of it every day.
From drought to flooding, climate change robs people of control over their lives. Extreme weather means people are struggling to survive without a reliable source of water.
Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms.
Every gift. Every challenge can change lives.
You can make a donation online directly via the Christian Aid website, where you can also learn more about this year's campaign
Despite the pandemic, we are celebrating Easter in church today. There are still many restrictions however, including our inability to perform the joyous sermon of Hippolitus.
So, here's a video of the last time we were able to do it (a nice sunny day, just like today):
And in case you didn't get it all (quite a bit of traffic noise, sorry), here's a transcript:
Pascal Sermon - HIPPOLYTUS of Rome
Are you God's friend and lover? rejoice in this glorious feast of feasts!
Are you God's servant, knowing God's wishes? be glad with your Master, share his rejoicing!
Are you worn down with the labour of fasting? now is your payday!
Have you been working since early morning? you will be paid fair and square.
Have you been here since the third hour? you can be thankful, you will be pleased.
If you came at the sixth hour, come up without fear, you will lose nothing.
Did you linger till the ninth hour? come forward without hesitation.
Even if you came at the eleventh hour? have no fear; it is not too late.
God is a generous employer, treating the last to come as he treats the first arrival.
God gives to the one and gives to the other: honours the deed and praises the intention.
Join, then, all of you, join in our Master's rejoicing.
You who were the first to come, you who came after, come now and collect your wages.
Rich and poor, sing and dance together.
You that are hard on yourselves, you that are easy, celebrate this day.
You that have fasted and you that have not, make merry today.
The meal is ready: come and enjoy it. The calf is a fat one: you will not go away hungry. There's hospitality for all, and to spare.
No more apologizing for your poverty: the kingdom belongs to us all.
No more bewailing your failings: forgiveness has come from the grave.
No more fears of your dying: the death of our Saviour has freed us from fear.
Death played the Master: but He has mastered death
Isaiah knew this would happen, and he cried: "Death was angered when it met you in the pit."
It was angered, for it was defeated.
It was angered, for it was mocked.
It was angered, for it was abolished.
It was angered, for it was overthrown.
It was angered, for it was bound in chains.
Death swallowed a body, and met God face to face.
It took earth and encountered heaven.
It took what is seen and fell upon the unseen.
O Death, where is your sting? O Grave, where is your victory?
Christ is risen and you are overthrown.
Christ is risen and evil has fallen.
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen and life reigns.
Christ is risen and not one dead remains in the tomb.
Christ is risen indeed from the dead, the first of all who had fallen asleep.
Glory and power to him for ever and ever!
Christ is risen! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Christ is risen! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Christ is risen! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Video: Stephen Lines
Date: Easter Sunday, 4th April 2021
Dear All.
I hope this letter finds you safe and well.
Good news!
Our PCCs have approved a return to “corporate worship” in our Benefice from the 14th March - which means that our first Communion Service in St Michael’s will be on Sunday 14th March at 9am.
Services as we return to having Services in the Church
We will continue to observe Covid safe practices. Please contact me, Roni - well in advance - if you intend to be at Communion services so we can plan seating. Remember to wear your mask and bring your red service book if you have been given one already.
As we have it at the moment:
- Friday 12th March Private Prayer in Church (10.00-3.30pm)
- Sunday 14th March 9am Holy Communion in Church
10.30 on line Morning Worship, Facebook and YouTube - Friday 19th March 10.30am Holy Communion in Church
Private Prayer in Church (10.00-3.30pm) - Sunday 21st March 10.30 on line Morning Worship, Facebook and YouTube
- Friday 26th March Private Prayer in Church (10.00-3.30pm)
- Sunday 28th March 9am Holy Communion in Church
10.30 on line Morning Worship, Facebook and YouTube - Good Friday 2nd April to be confirmed
Do you need prayers?
We have a small group of intercessors who will continue to pray confidentially for those who ask for prayers. If being held in prayer in that way is something you would like, please talk to Roni or Jenny.
Together or apart - let us continue to hold one another in prayer, and where possible to reach out in love and service.
With my love and prayers,
Be safe, keep well, and God bless you,
Roni
The vaccination programme is being carried out by the various parts of the NHS. This is a huge logistical endeavour and partners have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to plan and prepare for vaccinating thousands of residents as soon as the supplies of the vaccine become available.
Vaccinations will be available through:
Mass vaccination centres - The nearest regional centre to Central Bedfordshire (so far) is at Robertson House in Stevenage, the full address of which is:
Unit 6, Six Hills Way
Stevenage
SG1 2FQ
May you all be blessed by your jabs!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1348532604413353986
If you receive an invitation to attend this centre but you do not want to, or cannot, travel to Stevenage don’t worry you will be able to attend an appointment locally through your GP but this might take a little longer.
GPs - In Central Bedfordshire the GPs are grouped into networks (called Primary Care Networks) and each PCN will have a centre where they will vaccinate people. Some are already up and running, others will be starting to vaccinate in the coming weeks.
The latest information we have is provided below (please note this is subject to change):
The PCNs will also be responsible for vaccinating those people who, for medical reasons, are not able to leave their homes, such as care home residents.
Community vaccination centres - Like the Mass Vaccination Centres above, these are centres which are being set up to vaccinate around 500 people per day. These are unlikely to be available for a few weeks yet. Again, invites will come to residents to book an appointment online on a priority basis.
Wait to be invited for your vaccination
The vaccination at this stage is only for those invited. Residents should not contact their GP practice, hospital or other sites to request the vaccine. Residents will be contacted when it’s the right time to come forward.
The government has set out the order in which groups of people will be prioritised for vaccinations.
The top four priority groups are the current priority. If you do not fit into one of these groups, you will not be invited for a vaccination yet. Further detail about the priority groups is available on the Government website.
COVID-19 health advice
We have just received a letter from Bishop Alan, Bishop of St Albans which we'd love to share with you.
You can download a copy of his letter here.
Source: Revd Roni Goodman
Date: 29th October 2020
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