Author: stjohnstmarkchurchbury

The encounter of Jesus with Simeon and Anna is one such moment. Our author is Luke, the master storyteller, and he’s setting his stall out.

The Bible readings for February 2024 include Elijah in a whirl, God giving a covenant to Noah, re-naming Abram and Jesus getting a make-over

Our readings are about being called and known. Our Gospel has Jesus telling Nathaniel to ‘come and see’. Our Psalm tells us that we are known from the womb. In the OT, Samuel is repeatedly called.

The wise men also teach us that being a seeker is active not passive. It doesn’t just happen while we twiddle our thumbs doing nothing.

The Bible readings for January 2024 include the Magi from the East, Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana and recognition by Simeon and Anna.

This Christmas may you unwrap hope and discover the presence of God. Look in the ordinary places. You’ll be surprised.

We’re all meant to be mothers of God. What good’s it to me if this eternal birth of the Son takes place unceasingly but doesn’t within myself

What sort of witness must I have been for Jesus? Not a very good one. Let’s pray, especially at Christmas time, that we are not afraid to speak and act in ways that show we believe that, in that birth in Bethlehem, the Saviour of the World was born.

Along with our friends from Strictly, what journey are you taking? What do you find along the way that helps you create the road as you go?

We’d love to see you at our Advent & Christmas activities and services this year at St John with St Mark’s, Bury and Christ Church, Walmersley. 

The December 2023 magazine includes news about all the upcoming events in Advent, Christmas and the New Year along with prayers and reflections.

In the December 2023 Bible readings we have a potter and some clay; valleys lifted up and mountains made low; and shepherds visiting a manger

A free Christmas Dinner will be available from the Hall at Bury Parish Church, between 1pm and 3pm on Christmas Day, Monday 25th December.

Let’s think too of our own lost loved ones. Some old and full of years. Others whose time was cut-short. Because we will remember them.

On this Bible Sunday, all these ancient and modern thoughts of remembering and reverence, of re-building, repair and restoration…