Dear Friends
Here is the latest news, but do please also check in with the facebook page www.facebook.com/ccpitsmoor/ and website www.pitsmoor.church/ during the week.
A little word
The Lord shall laugh at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming. The little that the righteous have is better than great riches of the wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. Psalm 37. 13,16,17
For the Psalmists things are very black and white. You are among the wicked or the righteous; the losers or the winners. I like its simplicity, even though it can at times border on the glib. I also like its eternal perspective. Riches are not inherently evil; but what is important is not how much, but how you use it. The mark of the wicked is that they just don’t get it.
For the people of Israel, always with their backstory of slavery leading to freedom in a promised land, the constant challenge is which side will they choose. I’m not sure it’s much different for us. As a Church and as a nation we have sometimes chosen the wrong side. May God give us the humility to repent and the wisdom to discern the right side in the future.
New for this week
Services
If you’d like to join us on Sunday morning, here is a reminder of the link
https://zoom.us/j/303159289?pwd=NXdpQkFJQWdLTlpIYTc2alZ6VUhqUT09
Meeting ID: 303 159 289 Password: 597076
Alternatively, for audio only, you can phone in to this number: 0131 460 1196, and follow the instructions.
We start to gather online from 10.00, our service starts properly at 10.30.
Thought before the Service: What is more important to you than anything?
For the young at heart:
https://www.rootsontheweb.com/i-am-looking-for/public-copies/worshipathome21jun
- Scroll down to the end of the page for a very thoughtful ‘thinking’ sheet!
Things to pray for
Give thanks for all fathers, that they might know and show the father heart of God.
Students at schools & universities
For all those experiencing or fearing job losses
We need to talk about race
In the light of the current Black Lives Matter conversations going on widely it would be really helpful for us as a church to think through these issues. I’m sure the best way to do this would be together in a room, but that is not possible in the short term.
For a start can I suggest the following video and book. (the book is currently available as a download for 99p! until 19/6)
https://spckpublishing.co.uk/we-need-to-talk-about-race
We might try zooming, but accept its limitations. Any other suggestions as to how we get a good discussion on this going, most welcome.
This needs to be ongoing and not one-off, so it might well be both and, not either or, as regards virtual and in person conversations.
Fresh air opportunities
After 3 months of inactivity the church grounds are looking rather scruffy. If you fancy a bit of exercise you could volunteer for some pruning, weeding, or similar duties. As we need to maintain social distancing Mike will co-ordinate it to make sure we limit the number of people at any one time. Offers of help on 07805672715.
Creation Care Group
Five of us had a very enjoyable Zoom meeting: COVID adds a whole new dimension to Creation Care.
We are going to be looking at Chapter 4 of ‘Saying yes to Life’ by Ruth Valerio on 12/7. If you don’t have a book, you can down load one for free at https://spckpublishing.co.uk/free-ebooks
Do join us!
Earlier week’s news
Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.