Elizabeth Rowe was inspired by the description of light through the stained glass windows in my story. Beatrice Goodden painted this work drawing togther a number of themes from the opening worship including the roots of the Chaplain's Cross. Beatrice says "Here is a photo of the painting I made today called ‘make clean our hearts within us’ " Beatrice writes, "another image I began last year at the end of a retreat and am still working on "
Click to go to The Barnabus Fund Website This morning at the Reader Training Day School, Matt Frost who is in his second year of training led a thought-provoking service of prayer for persecuted Christians. As you might expect the main focus was on Christians persecuted around the world and especially in highlighted trouble-spots. Matt concluded with a reading from a Tweet he received earlier from the @BarnabusFundHis service sheet is below followed by my reflection and thoughts which went a little wider as my brain began to wander through the subject. A Service of Prayer for Persecuted ChristiansGREETINGThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.(from Isaiah 49) Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing!For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones INVITATION TO PRAYERLet us pray for the persecuted church, for their oppressors, for nations that foster persecution, and for those who ignore it.Let us read the Holy Scriptures, finding there the stories and witness of hope borne by those who lived through ordeals to the glory of God, and hear the promises of the gospel for all who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.In our prayer for persecuted Christians, let us not narrow our compassion for all who suffer, whatever their profession or creed; let no hatred or prejudice enter our hearts for anyone.Called by the Holy Spirit to unity with the persecuted, let us enter into their suffering, repenting of our ignorance, refusing to be silent, ready to reach out to them in their isolation.SCRIPTURE READINGSREADING 1. Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love: Romans 8:31-39Reader: We also recognise all the martyrs and persecuted Christians who have gone before us. Hear the account of the persecution and martyrdom the young woman Perpetua.A violent persecution being set on foot by the emperor Severus, in 202 {AD}, it reached Africa the following year; when, by order of Minutius Timinianus, (or Firminianus,) five catechumens {new Christians being instructed in preparation for baptism} were apprehended {and jailed} at Carthage for the faith: {among them} Felicitas and Vibia Perpetua. Felicitas was seven months {pregnant}; and Perpetua had an infant at her breast, was of a good family, twenty-two years of age, and married to a person of quality in the city. The father of Perpetua, who was a pagan, {wanted her to offer sacrifice to "the well-being of the emperor."} Perpetua, before her death, wrote: "We were in the hands of our persecutors, when my father, out of the affection he bore me, made new efforts to shake my resolution. I said to him: 'Can that vessel, which you see, change its name?' He said: 'No.' I replied: 'Nor can I call myself any other than I am, that is to say, a Christian.'"Perpetua and Felicitas and the others refused to offer sacrifice and they willingly accepted death in the amphitheater at the hands of gladiators and wild animals.READING 2: A Vision of the…
This October for the Readers Service I have been asked to preach which is a huge privilege. So I said I would of course! Then a week went by and I started thinking about readings and a sense of mild panic set in- a blank sheet - what readings? I don't usually choose my own - I have always preached whatever the lectionary has allotted for the week. So I asked the Readers in training who initially suggested Isaiah 6:1-8 or 1 Samuel 3:1-21 but while excellent choices for those about to be licensed I wondered if they were a tad obvious. I asked the Readers in Training Management Group and Derek suggested on of the old testament harvest readings.... but he couldn't remember exactly what it was.... So what are your thoughts? Any good suggestions serious or teasing, challenging or comforting, suitable or the opposite? Let me know!