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Sunday, April 8th, 2012
Sermon Series: ‘Easter – Jesus the King’
Theme: ‘Jesus the Risen King’
Scripture: John 20: 1 – 18
Andrew Clark spoke about the wonderment that the disciples showed on that first Resurrection Sunday. We asked why they were so surprised the Jesus had risen. And why was their initial wonderment not about ‘salvation’ as we understand it? They had walked with him for 3 years and they had witnessed him raise dead people, heal the sick, cast out demons, change water into wine as well as hear his radical teaching. They were also well aware that it was God’s desire that the Messiah would make all things new.
However, their amazement was that they still didn’t expect what Jesus accomplished. They expected God to bring everything right at the end of time but Jesus triumphs over the enemy in the middle of history. So when Jesus appears to them, their absolute amazement is that God has started the new creation in the here an now…and that they get to play a part in that new creation breaking into our world. Jesus starts the renewal of what it means to be human which totally transforms every act of love, compassion and grace we enact. It transforms every note of music, stroke of the pen or paintbrush, every kick on the sports field. Why? Because as the redeemed people of God, we can being to see the great things of God’s Kingdom come in the here and now because of Jesus.
For further reflection: read Colossians 1:15 – 23 and consider Paul’s vision of Jesus. How central is Jesus in your own understanding of life, church and everything else?
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
On Maundy Thursday (5th April at 7.30pm), we explore a multi-sensory worship experience in the form of a meditation called ’30 Pieces of Silver’, focusing on the experiences of Jesus and Judas.
On Good Friday morning (6th April at 10am), we gather for worship at 10am around the theme of ‘In Royal Robes’ to consider the ways in which Christ clothes us with Himself, led by Tracy Clark, before joining with other Christians on the grass at the front of church for a joint act of worship and witness around the cross.
Easter Sunday at 10.30am – Our celebrations reach their climax on Sunday 8th April as we celebrate ‘Jesus the Risen King’ as we gather to give thanks for Resurrection Hope.
Early Morning Communion at 8am (Andrew Clark)
Main celebration at 10.30am (Andrew Clark)
Evening Worship at 6.30pm.(Peter Waugh)
Our Easter Journey continues on 15th April as Mary Bellshaw focuses our thoughts on the journey on the Emmaus Road.
Sunday, April 1st, 2012
Sermon Series: Easter – Jesus the King
Theme: ‘Entry of the King’
Scripture: John 12: 12 – 19
Andrew Clark spoke about the ways we sometimes have Palm Sunday ‘all sorted’ in our heads, that the moral of the story is that the crowd which worshipped him on the Sunday cried ‘crucify him’ on the Friday; that we should praise Jesus and not be silent as the Pharisees suggest; that we should follow Jesus and worship him from the right motive.
Yet, there is a large contrast happening in Jerusalem on the day. As Pilate gets ready to enter into Jerusalem from the west with his chariots, horses and military prowess to make sure the Jerusalem behaves during its national religious festival, he is there to show the world who is boss. As Jesus enters the east of the city on a donkey, he comes as the King of a Kingdom not of this world, founded on grace, mercy, peace, righteousness, joy and justice.
We noted, too, that we can enter every situation in our own lives either taking the example of Jesus and his Kingdom, or from the opposite spirit where we are the centre along with our needs and desires to be the centre of our worlds. Palm Sunday reminds us that there are two ways to enter a city!
For further reflection: Revisit the experience of Jesus week before his crucifixion and see if you can identify the ways of the Kingdom of God and the contrasting ways of the Kingdom of Pilate. What can you learn from them?
Friday, March 30th, 2012
Sermon Series: Easter – Jesus the King
Theme: Passion Sunday – ‘Jesus the Crucified King’
Scripture: John 19:1 -16
The Rev Martyn Skinner helped us explore the facets of the trial and cruficixion of Jesus, considering his poor treatment in spite of His innoncence, his treatment as a criminal although he was Lord. As we explored the prouncement that was placed on Jesus cross ‘The King of the Jews’ we note how a remark that was meant as derogatory was, ironically, truer than true. Jesus Kingship was not surrounded by pomp and circumstance, with privilege or with soft cushioned living, but with a profound sense of call and duty which lead all the way to the cross.
Yet even on the cross, Jesus words were words of grace and words of care, especially for his mother. When he cries out the ‘it is finished’ we realise afresh that Jesus was saying ‘I’ve accomplished all that has needed to be accomplished’ – a dutiful Servant King. Our response? In the same way that a Roman Soldier would take his sacramentum to Ceasar, his oath of allegiance, we join together in making our sacrementum through pledging our allegiance to the Crucified King as we share in simple things, bread and wine, confirming our commitment and service to Him.
For further reflection: Read Philippians 2 and reflect on the ways that Jesus laid aside so many things. How should this approach of Jesus shape our discipleship as we follow the King of Kings.
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
We gathered together for our All Age Worship Mothering Sunday. The Trinity big band was in full swing and the church was packed. We enjoyed a few sessions of ‘Wait ’til I get you home!’ with some of our mums and kids. We then shared from scripture key aspects of parenthood before considering Jesus relationship his mother.
On a few ocassions, Mary had one of those ‘wait ’til I get you home!’ moments….when he went missing at the temple, and then later in Jesus life when he told her off for hurrying him to change the water into wine. I’m sure she had words to say to him on that day! But yet, the day when she’d have loved to have taken him home was the day she looked upon him as he suffered on the cross. Yet, having watched Jesus her whole life, she would have known the path that was before him.
We are reminded of how our parents love can be a picture of the love shown to us. If this was Mary’s response to Jesus on the cross, what would our Father God’s response be? We are overwhelmed that this happened so that we could enjoyed renewed life through Christ.
Sermon Series: ‘Easter – Jesus the King’
