At our churches
St Leodegar's Church
Today’s service was led by Revd Nigel Mason, with Jo Hutchinson doing the readings and Terry doing the intercessions. There were 16 people present.
The sermon was about the parable of the land owner asking his two sons to go and work in his vine yard. The first son says no but later changes his mind. The second says yes but doesn’t go. We were asked to reflect on which son had done the correct thing.
We were reminded that it is never too late to start to follow God. And that tax collectors and prostitutes who say yes to God and change their ways will enter Heaven before those who say yes to God but do not change their ways. We also reflected that God uses a vineyard as a metaphor for God’s close relationship with us as Christians – symbolising fruitfulness and accountability.
St Stephen's Church
We were very happy to welcome back Revd Graham Steele and his wife Mandy to our church today.
In the Philippians reading, Paul is encouraging the young church to be united. The church was facing persecution, heresy and disagreements. They needed to be united to stand strong against these threats. Paul urges them so seek unity amongst themselves even before they unify in Christ.
We are living in a secular society, and even though we are not being persecuted, we can be on the receiving end of animosity when we speak out from a Christian perspective!
Paul urges the Philippian church to be humble. Humility is often seen as a weakness in today’s life but it requires strength and courage for a Christian to choose humility.
David and Marjorie Coward celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary earlier in the week and Revd Graham said a special blessing for them.