South Cliff Methodist Church MINISTER: Rev. Peter Cross www.southcliffmethodistchurch.co.uk

email: [email protected]

February/March 2015

Oh, I wish I could be like Him so that men could plainly see Christ in all His wondrous beauty living on, His life in me. Harry D. Clarke

Issue 8

Included in this issue: From the Manse Calendar of events Sing Up Kids! Bible Study The Diaconal Ministry Out of the mouth of babes Courageous Faith Awaiting the Spring There’s a place for us

From the Manse: Dear Friends, Shortly after moving to Scarborough I became aware that I was very unfit. Simple jobs would tire me out and the shortest of walks would leave me breathless, so I decided to do something about it by taking regular exercise. From Monday to Friday each week, I started getting up at 6am to go for a forty minute walk. At first the walks were fairly short, but gradually over the weeks, they got longer until I was clocking up a good three and a half miles a day. By Christmas that year the benefits were clear. I was stronger and fitter and lighter by about two stones. The circumference of my waist decreased by two inches, I had done myself a power of good. So as a reward, I gave myself permission to have a rest over the Christmas period. It proved to be a big mistake! The thing about exercise is that it releases endorphins into your body. These are hormones that make you feel good, but their effects are temporary. When they wear off, the pain takes over and the stiffness of muscles and creaking of joints remind you that you no longer have the body of a 25 year old. Also when you are tucked up snug and warm in bed and a glance out of the window shows that it is cold, dark wet and uninviting outside, there is little motivation to drag yourself out and put yourself through the self inflicted pain and discomfort of a tough workout. So the break in my exercise regime stretched from Christmas to New Year to Epiphany to Lent… need I say more! You get the picture! All the benefits faded away, and not only did I go back to square one, it was worse. I put on more weight than I had lost and increased in waist size to a size bigger than I had been before I started. I know what I have to do but ... I don’t think I want to! February 18th sees the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time when we traditionally engage in spiritual discipline in preparation for the wonderful celebration of Easter. Most people give something up for Lent as a symbolic way of showing the offering of ourselves to God. Often in the church we hold extra Bible Study groups and discussions. I always read a book of some kind of meditation each day through Lent and in our weekly worship we explore the themes of repentance, judgement and self denial, and focus our thoughts on the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem to offer his life on the cross for our benefit. This is spiritual exercise and it is good for us. It makes us fitter as Christians, better servants of our God, but it is hard work and though it makes us feel good for a while, the cost of maintaining this level of spirituality often proves too high and we heave a

sigh of relief on Easter Day when we can get back to “normal”. I commend to you the practice of some kind of spiritual discipline and exercise through Lent and I pray that through it you may find yourself drawn closer to God through his Son our Lord Jesus. But dare I challenge you to keep it up when Lent is over through the rest of the year, to pray and study regularly so that your whole life becomes a journey deeper into God, not just a series of day trips or excursions. With my love and prayers Peter Can you imagine the number of words it took to write a 30 volume set of the Encyclopedia Britannica? It must be an awesome number. More amazing is that only 26 different letters were used. The authors did not go outside the alphabet to assemble that massive collection of knowledge. It provided for them everything they needed for this task. Jesus Christ called Himself the Alpha and Omega and we do not have to go outside of Him for anything we need. He is God's 'everything' - for all situations! Unknown

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A Story of Courageous Faith Those of us who were at 3D recently greatly enjoyed hearing and seeing more of the Statons’ African cruise. For me it brought back vivid memories of my visit to the District 6 Museum in Cape Town and I thought readers might be interested to hear more of Buitenkant St. Methodist church which is its home. District 6 was a thriving area of mixed race and many friends living happily together and respecting each other until 1966 it was declared a ‘white group area’ and its demolition began. The church then had 700 members and many adherents, a large choir and a flourishing Sunday school. In waves between 1966 and 1981 forced removals wrenched young and old from their established homes and removed them to the dreadful ‘townships’ miles away. Over this period the church played a noble part in the battle against apartheid. In the late 1980s the church was increasingly a place of sanctuary and one incident is well worth telling. On September 4th 1989 the police took the unprecedented step of banning a service due to be held in the church as well as beating and arresting people on their way to the service. The church took the police to court and at 11pm that night Acting Justice Foxcroft declared the service ‘lawful’ and awarded costs to the church. Victory! Despite the scattering of the members the people of Buitenkant St. sustained a uniquely strong caring community. It is now part of the Central Methodist Mission and the old church, by honouring and recalling the vibrant community which it served, has brought healing to its shattered membership. This moving plaque is on the front of the building All who pass by Remember with shame the many thousands of people who lived for generations in District Six and other parts of this city and were forced to leave their homes because of the colour of their skins. Father, forgive us… Joyce Dark

There’s a place for us

and that place is South Cliff Methodist Church Filey Road, Scarborough I was listening to a programme on the radio and there was a very interesting section about keeping well as we grow older and it occurred to me that there is an obvious way in which help is available; and it is nearby! The first point was that we must maintain our interests - or develop new ones - that will keep our minds and bodies in as good order as we can. One of the special interests that we can help with is music. Once a month, on a Monday evening, we hold a “do-it-yourself” concert from 7:30-9:00pm. We entertain each other by playing an instrument or singing or with any other talent that we happen to have. Some people are able to do that, which is good. Others are very pleased to come and listen. It’s a very nice and totally relaxed evening out. In addition, on Tuesday afternoon each week, there is another chance for an outing. At 2:30pm there is a Meeting called 3D. The 3D’s are Discovery, Diversion and Devotion and there is great variety from week to week. Recently we have had travel, history, hobbies, a party, life stories, quizzes, lots of conversations and refreshments every week. Some people attend every week. Others pick and choose the topics that appeal to them. All are welcome.

Frequently on Wednesday mornings there is a an open coffee morning, which does not need any explanation. Coffee and chatter is one description. Tea and sympathy is another. Come and go as you please between 10:15am and 11:45am. “Thursday Friends” meet from 2pm to 4pm each week and caters for the energetic as well as those who prefer sitting down. Two full size table tennis tables are normally well used and every one can take a turn if they wish. Alternatively, there is always the option of scrabble, dominoes, rummikub and other similar activities. There is a weekly charge of £1. On Friday evenings from 7:00pm the weekday activities come to a finale with Short-mat Bowls. The friendly competition is much enjoyed by bowlers of all abilities. Bring your own woods or use those provided by the club. A modest payment of £1 is requested from each person attending. There is easy access and disabled facilities, although it is helpful if we have advance notice so that no one is inconvenienced in any way. The arrangements are straight forward provided that we know what preparation is needed. Anyone can turn up to these various events and will find a friendly welcome. A member of the group (that you would like to try) could arrange to meet you and introduce you to others if you would like that. If you would rather find out a bit more first you can call me on 377861 and I will be pleased to answer your queries. In the meantime please accept our very best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015. Malcolm Peart (Senior Steward of South Cliff Methodist Church)

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU! An INVITATION CARD has been produced which may be distributed by members of our various groups. First, to friends and neighbours. Secondly, throughout the neighbourhood by anyone who feels that he/she would like to help. In order to avoid duplication please volunteer to cover a particular street (or part of a street). The aim is to invite people who are within comfortable walking distance of the Church. Please speak to Malcolm Peart if you would like to be involved. Thank you.

Love Bade Me Welcome Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back. Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lacked anything. ‘A guest,’ I answered, ‘worthy to be here:’ Love said, ‘You shall be he.’ ‘I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee.’ Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, ‘W ho made the eyes but I?’ ‘Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve.’ ‘And know you not,’ says Love, ‘who bore the blame?’ ‘My dear, then I will serve.’ ‘You must sit down,’ says Love, ‘and taste my meat:’ So I did sit and eat. George Herbert

News from Sierra Leone As some of you know Francis Nabieu has been able to find out something of what is going on in Lalehun, where we sponsored a well. Francis himself has lost family members and close friends as a result of the Ebola outbreak. Marion, our contact in Lalehun, has survived but has lost seven members of her household. The people cannot move around and are unable even to reach food supplies and so are dependent on hand-outs. However, the well is in use and we can be thankful that at least we have been able to provide a water supply. Marion asks for our continued prayers. All We Can is reaching out to 9,000 people in 180 communities through its support to the Council of Churches and its outreach and providing resettlement and psycho-social support for survivors at Nixon Memorial Hospital through a new eight month partnership with the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone. Joyce Dark

CAFE-STYLE WORSHIP As you may be aware we have been experimenting with the idea of "Cafe Style" Meetings and Services. Fellowship Meetings and parties for 3D and MNisMN are easy and seem quite natural. Adapting our plans to Worship Services is new to us so steps in this direction have been taken with great care. The preChristmas Evening Service was very successful with sacred songs, a fascinating talk by Rev Ann Staton, carols and splendid refreshments organised by our resident expert, Gill. All involved felt that it had been a very worthwhile experience and that they had learned a lot about how the various arrangements could be improved for next time. The confidence we have... the trust we hold... the hope we carry... rest in His faithfulness. Every promise He has made, He purposes to fulfil. He has the authority to accomplish all He has spoken. His power is limitless... His character changeless... His love endless! Roy Lessin

Awaiting the Spring When days are dull and we grow weary, And all around seems drab and dreary Mother Nature has her reason, For she is preparing our Spring season. When flowers and trees all bloom again, In colours of beauty, in garden and lane. A time of re-birth for animals too, Lambs and chicks as Easter’s soon due. So as we await for this time of change We too may consider to re-arrange. Time for us to sit back for a while, Think of changing our thoughts, or even our style Just like the sun, when it shines, days are lighter A smile may help someone’s day seem brighter Showing warmth and love to all whom we meet May help towards making our world more complete. So ‘though weather is cold And we close the door, Share friendship with others, And we will gain more. Carol Beamson

My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who walks beside; Who floods my weaknesses with strength and causes fears to fly; Whose every promise is enough for every step I take. Sustaining me with arms of love and crowning me with grace. Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

What’s on at South Cliff Methodist Church Sunday 8th February 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Rev. Peter Cross 6:30 p.m. Evening Service - Rev. Peter Cross Sunday 15th February 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Rev. Rosie Coles 6:30 p.m. Evening Service - Rev. Jason McCullagh Sunday 22nd February 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Mr. Colin Davies 6:30 p.m. Music and Message Service led by Rev. Peter Cross and The Celebration Singers Sunday 1st March 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Rev. John Staton 6:30 p.m. United Service at Queen Street Sunday 8th March 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Local Worship 6:30 p.m. Evening Service - Rev. Peter Cross Sunday 15th March 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Rev. Peter Cross 6:30 p.m. United Service at Westborough Sunday 22nd March 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Mrs. Marjorie Dobson 6:30 p.m. Music and Message Service - Rev. Peter Cross Musical Items by Peter and Helen Sunday 29th March 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship - Deacon Helen Webster 6:30 p.m. Evening Service - Local Worship

REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS Wednesday at 9.45 a.m. Holy Communion Thursday at 9.30 a.m. Prayer Meeting at Flat 2, 9-11 Granville Road Thursday at 10 a.m. Blue Door Play Group Thursday at 2 p.m. Thursday Friends Friday at 7 p.m. Short Mat Bowls Club

Calendar of Events February 2014 Monday 9th Feb

7:30 p.m.

Monday Night is Music Night

Tuesday 10th Feb

2:30 p.m.

3D Autism - Anne Mortlake

Wednesday 11th Feb

10:15 a.m.

Church Coffee Morning

Tuesday 17th Feb

12:00 p.m.

Shrove Tuesday Soup and Pancake Lunch

2.30 p.m.

3D 36 Memorable Hours Joyce Dark

Monday 23rd Feb

10:30 a.m.

Action for Children AGM

Tuesday 24th Feb

2.30 p.m.

3D OT Heroes ‘Daniel’ Rev Peter Cross

Tuesday 3rd March

2:30 p.m.

3D Working in Guyana Brian Heap

Tuesday 10th March

2:30 p.m.

3D Family Tree Research Gill Renshaw

March 2015

Wednesday 11th March

10:15 a.m.

Kidney Research Coffee Morning

Monday 16th March

7:30 p.m.

Monday Night is Music Night

Tuesday 17th March

10:00 a.m.

Pastoral Committee Meeting

Tuesday 24th March Wednesday 25th March Tuesday 31st March

2.30 p.m.

3D ‘Reflections’ Rev Peter Cross

2.30 p.m.

3D Musical Afternoon with Monday Night is Music Night

10:15 a.m. 2.30 p.m.

Church Coffee Morning 3D ‘Holy Week’ Rev. Peter Cross

Out of the mouths of babes... We were on a visit to a centre where there were cages containing parrots, exotic birds and in the middle a family of monkeys each with large red backsides. Daddy monkey was playing with the baby, my three year old’s eyes opened wide and to the amusement of the crowd said in a loud voice ‘oh his mummy should put some germolene on that shouldn’t she’. On another occasion when he was six he returned from playing at a school friends’ house. I asked if he had enjoyed himself, ‘oh yes’ he said, ‘Andrew’s got a wonderful bedroom, it’s got secret passages and real cobwebs’. When my brother was small having been to Sunday school he asked how Mary knew she was having Jesus. The answer was the angel Gabriel ‘Oh yes’ he replied ‘in olden days we had angels, now we have telephones’. A little boy saying his prayers asked ‘Dear God, is it true that Dad won’t go to heaven if he keeps using his football words at home?’ After being shown photographs of his parents wedding a small boy said to his father ‘was that when you got mummy to come to work for us?’ My great grandson Liam, four, went on a school trip to Wales when he got back his mum, Kerry, asked him what he thought. ‘Well’ he said outraged ‘there weren’t any’. ‘Any what?’ she asked ‘whales’ he replied. submitted by Rosemary Kidd

THANK YOU Thank you so much for your church’s recent support this year. Your congregation has helped thousands of families to celebrate having clean water for the first time. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your support in making this happen. We wish you and your congregation much happiness and good health in the coming year. Felicity de Ste Croix WaterAid Community Team.

CIRCUIT UPDATE At last the ‘stationing process’ is complete and at the start of the New Methodist Year in September 2015, subject to Conference approval in July, we look forward to welcoming 3 new members to the North Yorkshire Coast Methodist Circuit Ministerial Team. Revd Graham Morgan will become our Superintendent Minister, with pastoral oversight of Burniston and Filey churches, Revd Emma Morgan will have pastoral oversight of Northstead, Scalby and Wreyfield Drive churches and they will live in the Lady Edith’s Avenue Manse. Probationer Deacon Phillipa Kirby-Girdlestone will also join the Circuit Team and will occupy the Alexandra Park Manse along with her husband Kevin. The key objective of this appointment is to enable, encourage and support the development of work in the community, initially within the communities around the 18 churches which lie in the area including and between Ravenscar in the north and Burton Fleming and Wolds Valley in the south. Diaconal ministry is complementary to presbyteral and lay ministry. With a commitment to servant ministry, there is an emphasis on working in collaboration and helping others to explore and maximise their own skills and gifts. Diaconal ministry helps to bridge church and community, working with and alongside people, drawing them together where relevant. The Nature of Diaconal Ministry The ministry offered by deacons is not exclusive to deacons. Rather their work overlaps with that of others as part of the bigger picture. Their main charge is to model, integrate and encourage others in the servant ministry of Christ. "... to model, integrate and encourage others in the servant ministry of Christ"

A deacon may: •

Like church stewards, be found greeting people at the door rather than in the vestry before worship.

•

Like ministers or class leaders, lead groups for prayer and study, be available for people pastorally, caring for the young and old.

•

Like all members of a congregation, seek out the needs of the local community.

In each area of ministry deacons take extra steps, for example: •

by walking the streets of the local community, making contacts and bridges between people, social services and other agencies as well as people and the Church,

•

using all opportunities available to them to strengthen and encourage people's Christian faith in every aspect of their life: home, neighbourhood and workplace.

•

by enabling church people in their daily ministry and, through intercession, bringing the needs of the world into the heart of worship and challenging the church to respond.

In these ways, the servant ministry of Jesus Christ and of his Church is strengthened. Deacons have a public role representing the Church to the community and the community to the Church, working on behalf of the Church and God. Thus Deacons have a role of reminding the Church of its responsibility to serve the community. They have been called by God, trained and ordained to the ministry in which they remind and help the Church to live out their role as servants of God in the world. Deacon Phillipa is also a local preacher and we look forward to welcoming her to our pulpits. Diane Robinson

SHROVE TUESDAY

COFFEE MORNING

Tuesday 17th February 2015 from 12 noon SOUP & PANCAKE LUNCH

Wednesday 11th March 2015

Donations to World Church

from 10:15 a.m. WEAR PURPLE!

Lent is: •

a choice to look to Christ

•

a movement of our heart towards Him

•

a setting aside of any emotions that would keep us from trusting Him

•

renewing our heart and mind in His promises and assurances of His love so that in trust and confidence we will more fully open our hearts to Him and allow the mighty torrents of His grace to rush in and transform us.

May the Lord help us to pursue Him with our whole heart this Lent. extract taken from An Anglican Blog

On Monday, 23rd February at 10.30am we have our annual meeting to arrange our coffee morning for Action for Children Funds which will be held on 13th May. We have permission from the Church Council to have envelopes in the pews on Action for Children Sunday, 12th July. If you are interested in joining in to help make money for "children in need", come to our AGM on Monday 23rd February at 10:30am. We will be very pleased to welcome you.

CHURCH AUDIT Someone who knows our Church well attended a Meeting where discussion was taking place regarding new ideas for our local Churches and was delighted to find that South Cliff is not so far out-of-touch as some people seem to think. Indeed, some are impressed with the fact that we are already examining our routines and premises to see what changes are necessary to meet our calling. Please keep your ideas coming and do try to attend the "South Cliff Methodist Church Audit Review Meeting" which will be announced in the near future. A summary of the completed "audit forms" will be produced and distributed to all those who submitted a form. Copies will also be made available to others on request from any Church Steward.

THE LORD’S PRAYER I cannot pray - “OUR FATHER” if my faith has no room for others and their need. I cannot pray - “WHO ART IN HEAVEN” if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things. I cannot pray - “HALLOWED BE THY NAME” if I am not striving, with God’s help, to be holy. I cannot pray - “THY KINGDOM COME” if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life. I cannot pray - “ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service, here and now. I cannot pray - “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD” without expending honest effort for it, or if I would withhold from my neighbour the bread that I receive. I cannot pray - “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” if I continue to harbour a grudge against anyone. I cannot pray - “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION” if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted. I cannot pray - “DELIVER US FROM EVIL” if I am not prepared to fight evil with my life and my prayer. I cannot pray - “THINE IS THE KINGDOM” if I am unwillingly to obey Him. I cannot pray - “THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY” if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first. I cannot pray - “FOR EVER AND EVER” if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs. I cannot pray - “AMEN” unless I honestly say “cost what it may, this is my prayer.”

For the past 20 years a weekly concert has been held, throughout the Summer, at the South Cliff Methodist Church. Local choirs, groups, bands, vocal and instrumental soloists: musicians from schools and senior citizens organisations: many and varied entertainers have come from near and far to share their talents. The opportunity to perform in public has been valued by artistes interested in developing their skills. Twelve years ago the Church decided to support a new group of singers. Under the title of Tenor X1 they have frequently performed throughout Scarborough and a wide surrounding area. Rehearsals are held in the Church Hall and men come from several different areas in the town and district to practice on a regular basis. More recently there has been a further development with the establishment of “Monday Night is Music Night” which meets on a monthly basis for a popular evening of informal music and song. All are welcome to come, perform or listen. The items offered are very varied. There are very polished performances from experienced musicians and trial runs from those seeking to prepare items and test their ability and memory in front of a live audience. This is another success story which continues to develop as numbers grow month by month. Finally, a fresh venture has been launched recently which is aimed at a younger age group. This initiative, just like the others, is offered as a community project. We have started a singing group for children aged 7 and over. The name which has been chosen by the founding singing members is “Sing up Kids”. In addition they have decided upon a slogan “Better Tomorrow”! There is an open invitation for other children to attend. Parents or relatives of the children are also welcome to come if they wish. The group meets on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the South Cliff Methodist Church Hall. The Church is sponsoring this project so there are no fees or charges to be paid. Personal recommendation makes a big difference and we hope our congregation will support the development of this new approach to work amongst children. Please be positive, prayerful and generous. Feel free to talk to Janet Calvert, Gill Renshaw, Peter Cross or myself, we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Malcolm Peart

Bible Study - Mark’s Gospel Reading: Mark 1:12-13 Verse 12 is the second time that the word immediately occurs. It is one of Mark’s favourite words. Jesus is driven into the desert as you might drive a herd of cows. This is a disturbing image because Jesus is led into great danger and straight into the hands of Satan to be put to the test. How can it be that this is the work of the Holy Spirit? It is not specifically spelled out but the impression is that Jesus wouldn’t have chosen to go there of his own free will. Does God lead us into a place where we may be in danger? Even against our will? There are other examples in the Bible of the Spirit carrying people off (compare 1 Kings 18:1-15 especially verse 12; 2 Kings 2:1-18 especially verses 11-12 and 16; and Acts 8:26-40 especially verse 39). When Matthew and Luke came to tell the story of Jesus facing Satan, they could not accept the idea of God’s Spirit acting in so violent a way so they “dumb it down” a bit. In Matthew 4:1 Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. This is a much more gentle action, and implies an element of the Spirit protecting Jesus and being there with him to keep him safe. Luke goes even further. In Luke 4:1 we read that Jesus was “led by the Spirit in the wilderness” (NRSV). He is not led into the wilderness, he is led in the wilderness. This completely reverses Mark’s implication and implies “even in the desert, Jesus was led by the Spirit” So what are we to make of the Spirit driving Jesus into Temptation? The crucial clue to accepting this is what we understand to have happened in the wilderness. Mark doesn’t give us any details, Matthew and Luke both do. What is important to Mark is to show that right at start of his Ministry, Jesus thwarts the Devil’s plans. The Spirit drove him to a place of testing, yes, but more importantly to a place of victory. From the very beginning, Jesus path on earth leads not into heavenly glory but into the wilderness. The Messiah might have expected Glory but the road to that glory is a steep and rough path. There is a lesson for us and an encouragement for us in that as most of us are still struggling somewhere on that rough, steep path. The forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness makes us think of the forty years in the wilderness for the Children of Israel. (Deuteronomy 8:2, 16) and there are lots of other passages which suggest significance for the number forty but it may just be that Mark wanted us to say “Jesus was in the desert for a longish period of

time”. During this time he was tempted by Satan. It is interesting to see the developing concept of Satan in Bible. In Hebrew the word simply means "The adversary" and it is used in this way in Numbers 22:22 where the angel of the Lord is the satan who stands in Balaam's way; also 1 Samuel 29:4 The Philistines fear David may become their satan; and 1 Kings 5:4 Solomon declares God has given him such peace that there is no satan to oppose him. In the early chapters of Job Satan becomes a particular member of the heavenly court. He is no longer an adversary he has become the adversary. Throughout the historical books (Joshua to Chronicles) there is no mention of Satan in the sense of “The Devil”, people are led astray by the religions of people around them, they break the covenant but it is never attributed to activity of Satan. In the New Testament Satan has become the Prince of Darkness, the one who tempts us to turn aside from the will of God, accuses us before God when we fall and seeks our destruction. Jesus’ ministry was to challenge and ultimately break the power of Satan in others but first he had to defeat him in the battleground of his own life. Compare Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. And Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Only Mark notes the wild animals and this is a detail which adds authenticity and emphasises the loneliness and danger of the area (Psalm 91:13). It could refer back to the Garden of Eden where the wild animals were created and where everything went wrong. Here in the temptations, Jesus is put to the same test as Adam, but unlike Adam, he passes the test therefore for him, the effects of the fall are reversed and wild beasts pose no danger. Jesus has come - says Mark - to counteract the fall. Therefore the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert because this confrontation was a vital part of God's plan. If Jesus had failed then here is where the whole thing would have ended but he didn't fail. Mark doesn't actually spell that out but it is implied (compare Mark 3:27) The Temptations do not end here (see Mark 8:11; Mark 10:2; Mark 12:15) but after this we know that Jesus will always resist. The victory begins here. Peter

LOVE...God’s

love, to be specific: God’s healing and liberating love. To be even more specific: God’s love as it heals and liberates you from the inside out. God’s love for a lifetime, every day, and it’s yours, all yours, in this world and the next. Mitch Finlay

Sermons in Snowdrops Wouldn't you think you were clever if you found that you could make something as perfect as a snowdrop? Now the white buds break opening their petals, forming bells that sway and swing. Wouldn't you think you were smart if you could make such a lovely thing? Yet God makes them every year - the same yet ever new. It always thrills you when you see the green points bursting through - but do you see them as the working miracle? proof of One who loves the world and makes it beautiful? Evidence of the Divine in little things expressed - a message from the realms of Spirit; hope made manifest. Patience Strong

WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON JESUS "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever" Hebrews 13:8 What does this mean for us?

1. It means that we can always count on Jesus being there in our life, even when it doesn't seem like He is. He doesn't change. 2. It means that we can always depend upon his character to never change. 3. It means that we can always know that His love for us cannot decrease. 4. It means that we can always depend on His commitment to us in all things, at all times, in all ways. 5. Though the world changes, circumstances change, people change, and we change, Jesus never does. 6. We can always count on Jesus. Matt Slick The reproduction and the recording of text and music complies with Cat B licences MRL/CCL 58288, PRS 562169 and PPL1673648 issued by Christian Copyright Licensing (Europe) Ltd.