Dear Friends,
This week we have a dramatic Gospel reading in Luke 8:26-39 – Jesus heals the Gerasene demoniac. There is a lot to unpack and think about here, much that many of us might find hard to connect with or find challenging. A reading that is worth sitting with for a while to see what the spirit is drawing our attention to and letting that soak in.
For me, after the drama of the encounter abated, my ‘Velcro’ (what stuck to me) moment if you will, was of Jesus’ power and authority over the dark forces imprisoning or holding this man back. Authority that the legion recognised immediately and without question. After the miraculous healing, Jesus tells the man to go and tell others what God has done for him. I wonder what stuck with you?
I was reminded that Jesus does the heavy lifting, not us. That there is nothing he cannot handle. That with him there is liberation and freedom. In acknowledging and sharing what he has done for us and where our hope comes from, we become his light bearers, his hands and feet in this world. Living, loving and working to his praise and glory.
So, dear reader, for me all of this is powerful community building stuff, and is at the heart of what we as a church are being called to do.
It creates sanctuary, a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It is Kingdom building. Internally and externally.
For those who contribute to this work in a myriad of different way, thank you.
It takes a lot of people (a village perhaps) to run and sustain a church, especially in vacancy.
To help us acknowledge this together, we are celebrating and giving thanks for Jesus’ light bearers, hands and feet in this place at the upcoming BBQ on 29 June.
It will be a joyful occasion…and a tasty one 🥰 Come join the celebration! Rest in fellowship and help us to share and praise God for all he is doing in and through us.
Psalm 22:3 (KJV) says, “ God inhabits the praises of His people” Praising God’s name ushers God’s presence into even the darkest of moments. And with His presence comes His character. He is love. He is peace.
Bernie and the ‘usual suspects’🥰 are organising this for us. Do sign up in Church or let the office know if you haven’t done so yet. As always, if you can help on the day we would love to hear from you. Hope to see you there. All are welcome ❤️.
Love, Julia
Julia Jones, Churchwarden