Dear Friends,
This week is our APCM in The Welcome Centre after the 10:30 service. It would be great to see you there.
A little word
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18 (NIV)
I love the readings after Easter which reflect on the followers of Jesus and what it meant to put their trust in him. We often think about the times Jesus showed himself to the disciples after his resurrection. Different, but the same. Thinking about how the disciples are left wondering what it truly means to embrace being a follower of Jesus and living it out without the comfort of having Jesus physically present with them. The reading from Mark is right at the start of Jesus ministry when the disciples, Simon and Andrew, first saw something in Jesus to ‘at once leave their nets and follow him’. Hope? Excitement? Conviction? Obligation? Or maybe all of them. I wonder for us how we respond to the invitation from Jesus to “come, follow me.”
Things to pray for
- Our APCM meeting
- For those who follower the ways of Jesus in places where it is illegal too.
- Containing to pray for those seeking God’s direction as they appoint a new Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope.
Sunday services in the Church
9.15am Gathering
Informal and relaxed space, often with a cuppa and discussion.
10.30am Holy Communion
Join us to share Holy Communion
Reading: John 10:22-30
CoGs kids church is on this week during the service
Refreshments will are available after the service as we move up to The Welcome Centre for our APCM.
7pm Reflective Service
This week is a meditation quiet space.
This Week’s Headlines
APCM
Our Annual meeting is on this Sunday (11 May). It will be after the service in The Welcome Centre. As part of the APCM, we will be electing new Churchwardens (2), Deputy Churchwardens (2) and PCC members (5 places). It will be a chance to reflect on the last year and give thanks to God for all that has happened as well as look to the year ahead with hope.
Christian Aid Big-Brekkie 
On Sunday 18 May we will be thinking about the work of Christian Aid. From 10am we will serve breakfast baps and encourage you to make a generous donation to Christian Aid. We could do with a little extra help with serving, please volunteer to Ali Salmon or Karen Rodgers.
We are hiring – Administrator post.
We had lots of interest and will be interviewing a number of candidates on 14 May. Please continue to pray for the appointment process and the candidates and panel involved.
What’s on?
Wednesday – Stay and Play 9.30- 11am in the Welcome Centre.
Thursday – 10am Holy Communion followed by refreshments. Lunch Club is back on this week.
Thursday – 7pm sitting room community meal.