Weekly news for 3.9.23

Dear Friends

Hope you are ready for the new term as lots of things re-start after a summer break.

A little word

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Mark 7.24-30

We read earlier in Mark 7 how Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their callous hearts. Jesus teaches them how important it is to have a heart which is pure and often it is something within our own hearts which needs addressing rather than something outside of ourselves. In this passage, Mark reveals to us the kind of faith which Jesus honours. The Pharisees looked to themselves and their ability to keep the law, however the gentile women in this story displays a humble and genuine faith. As we look into the weekend and this coming week, let’s be encouraged to be more like the gentile women. Where we look to Jesus with a desperate and expectant heart and hear Jesus’ invitation to a relationship with him through a humble and genuine faith.

Things to pray for

For the start of school after the summer break. For both teachers and parents as they navigate the start of term and new routines. For children as they settle into new schools and classes. Especially for friendships to develop.
For the different groups and community activities starting back here at Christ Church.
As we look into this busy term, may we stay focused on Jesus with expectant hearts. Especially for the times when we feel we need him the most.

Services

Sunday Gathering at 9.15am.

All-age Worship at 10.30am. A time for everything

Reading Ecclesiastes 3.1-8

Refreshments to follow.

Sunday evening at 7pm

This week is Taizé.

10am on Thursday 

Holy Communion, followed by Coffee. Lunch club restarts this week.

Stay and Play

On 13 September we re-start the Toddler Group on a Wednesday morning. If you are interested in helping have a word with Will or Lucy Gowers.

Mission Action Planning

MAPPING our Way

The Diocese has produced another MAP booklet – standing for Mission Action Planning. On Saturday 23 September, at 9.30, in Church.

We are going to meet for an intensive couple of hours to look at it and use it as a way of inspiring and guiding thoughts about our mission as a church. This is open to all of the church, and we’d encourage you to come along and share the process.

The MAP booklet can be found here:

https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MAP-2023-for-screen-viewing.pdf

It would help to have an indication of who is coming – can you message or email Huw (huwthomas75@googlemail.com) if you plan to be there?

Eco-church Celebration – 9 Sept at the Cathedral