Author: stjohnstmarkchurchbury

‘Ruth’ is a live performance, blending acting and original songs. Memorised from the NIV, this is an emotive retelling of the Old Testament classic.

The September 2024 magazine contains articles on the Muslim Christian Forum, Churches Together and news of an exciting new production of ‘Ruth’.

In the September 2024 Bible readings we have hope for the future, the encouragement to do as well as to hear – and a better understanding of Jesus’ ministry.

That’s true of this Collect. It’s both pleasurably right and compellingly wise. Despite the virtual reality that our senses and our reason present to us, we live in a world in which God is more near, more present, more active than we ever dared to hope or to dream.

God calls us all, he equips us all. If, like the boy who brought the loaves and fishes we all brought the little that we had – our gifts, our abilities, our love and, yes, our fabulousness too – then there would be more than enough to share around. No-one would need to hunger. All would be fed and with plenty to spare…. ‘I am the gluten-free bread of life.’

As Jesus did with his disciples in our reading, he is telling us that, if we’re normally in a rush, then we must also slow down and pay attention to our own hearts, our own movements.

‘In every crowd are certain persons who seem just like the rest, yet they bear amazing messages.’ Is someone here called to be a prophet?

The July and August 2024 magazine includes a review of the Big Picnic and a ‘goodbye for now’ from the 9th Bury Scout group, plus news and views.

The Bible readings for July 2024 include stubborn people, plumb lines, shepherds, love surpassing all knowledge and the feeding of thousands.

We don’t know the significance of interruptions. But we need to allow them to happen. For our story to be intertwined with someone else’s.

Maybe the lesson of the mustard seed is that the kingdom of heaven is present around us whenever humanity and nature work together.

So, back to that question. If you hear God walking nearby today and God asks you: “Where are you?” what will your answer be?

You’ve probably heard the old joke about the Vicar who was convinced one of his parishioners had stolen his bicycle….

The June 2024 magazine pays tribute to Val Dawson. Plus Prayer in the Park, The Big Church Picnic and a Caritas disability awareness session.

The Bible readings for June 2024 have a letter from Paul to Corinth, the early ministry of Jesus as told by Mark plus some great Old Testament passages