to know, grow and show the love of God
The Beatitudes in Matthew are essentially attached to what you might call inner, spiritual qualities – things like meekness, righteousness and mercy.
In Luke they are attached to external, physical conditions of poverty and suffering.
But one thing is clear. Both lists are a series of bombshells – statements which blow apart the standard worldly values. Standard values which have for millennia been accepted as the normal aspirations of human life.
My wife has a thing about trees – and not in a good way if you’re a tree. When I said I was talking about trees today she said “Shall I chop one down and you can use it as a visual aid?”
You see she has both means and motive. According to her, there are too many trees, they’re too tall and they grow too close to houses. If they fall down then they’ll damage the roof and even if they don’t then the roots must be undermining the foundations.
Trees are ok – as long as they are small, in pots and answer to the name of ‘bonsai’.
We’re returning to St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Formby for our annual Retreat. This will be from Wednesday May 22nd to Saturday May 25th 2019.
The Prayer Centre is in a really lovely position, close to both the sandy beach and the National Trust Forest. The break is a mix of time spent together, plenty of personal space and trips out in the local area.
If you’ve not been before then go on, give it a go!
Our next Sunday@Seven service will be on February 24th meeting in the back room at Christ Church Hall.
The theme this time will be ‘filled to the measure’.
Here’s our February 2019 magazine. The hard copy version is available in both our churches.
It includes news and views as well as prayers, reflections and what’s on. Plus a great letter from Margery Spencer about preconceptions.
Our next Sunday@Seven service will be on January 27th. The theme is ‘Then it dawned on me’.
This is a chance for more informal worship, prayer and meditation.
We’ll meet in the Barritt Room at St John’s Hall. Brews and cake will be on hand!