Dear Brothers and Sisters
We now have to wear a mask during worship unless you are leading worship (and can remain 2 metres away from anyone else). As you all know I really don’t like wearing masks but I will not be taking advantage of this clause. It isn’t as if you can’t all hear me, even masked up. We are all in this together.
The pandemic news from around the world isn’t wonderful. Life isn’t returning to normal for so many in this country and abroad. And disease aside, 2020 is really shaping up to be a ‘bit of a year.’ Watching the port of Beirut blow apart ‘live’ on TV was something I will never forget. That beautiful city has been through so much over the past years and now this. Last week I was asking us to help the people of the Sudan. This week the people of Beirut are in our hearts and minds. There is so much need, so much to do. None of us can do it all. But each of us can do something. So pray for those in need. Help practically, if you can. Wear a mask when you should. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds (saying the Lord’s Prayer as you do is a good time guide). Don’t put yourself, or others at risk, and we will get through this year with God’s grace and love to guide and support us.
Sunday’s Readings
A Reading from the First Book of the Kings
At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’ (19:1-18)
The Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ (14:22-33)
Services next Sunday (16th August)
- Weston 9.30am
- Leathley 11am
- Fwston 2.30pm.
Farming Community Network Sponsorship Money
I will wait until the end of August to send off all the sponsor money that you kindly donated for my diet. If you haven’t been able to get your pledge to me by then don’t worry. These are exceptional times and there will always be another appeal. Thanks once again to you all.
Please remember in your prayers: Esther and Lloyd as they begin their new life together. The people of Beirut and the Lebanon and the people of the Sudan. The people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all who continue to live with the scars of war. All having to come to terms with new periods of lockdown. For the sick and ill and all who care for them. For the dying and the dead and for their families and all who mourn them.
Visiting
As the world moves on I should be able to visit on a limited basis. If you would like me to visit or to give you a call please let me know either by phone (01943 513340) or email. If you know of someone else who might like a call or visit let me know but please make sure that they are happy with this.
Over the rest of August I will be taking some local holiday during the week to try to beat the garden into submission. (One of us will win but I’m not sure who just yet!) I will also be away from Sunday evening till Tuesday evening this week attending a family funeral.
God bless you all.
Stephen