Mike and Barney's

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

This Sunday, Trinity Sunday, is set aside to celebrate the revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each contributes to our particular understanding of God. The Trinity, however, is more than an assertion of these three God-glimpses. This doctrine also asserts the revelation of God in loving community. God revealed in relationship. 

Perhaps this insight gives context to Jesus’ call to love God and others. The church is a community re-learning the art of love under the tutelage of the three-in-one. We are constantly learning to use the tools of forgiveness and repentance to rebuild our broken relationships. The answer to alienating sin is an ever-growing community gathered around this loving, God-community we call the Trinity. 

So, if you would like to join us in this God-inspired communal pursuit, we will be sharing communion together this Sunday at St Barnabas from 9:00am and at St Michael and All Angels from 11:00am. All are most welcome. 

Pentecost Sunday

Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:26-36; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

This Sunday the church around the world celebrates the presence of the Spirit of God. Pentecost is a remembering of the day the church was graciously empowered with the very breath of God. Our readings abound with potent images: Breath of God; Spirit of God; Spirit of truth; Advocate from the Father. 

Each of these images point to a vital reality for the church: We are not alone.  Yes, we have a mission to the world, a message to share. We are not, however, alone in bringing this testimony. As our gospel reading for this special day reminds us, ‘the Spirit of truth goes out from the Father – he will testify about me’. Jesus’ next statement: ‘you also must testify’. Perhaps the order of these two testimonies is important. The Spirit of God is witnessing to the world. Your Spirit empowered voice, your Advocate enhanced story, is also needed. May this celebration give you courage to follow the Spirit into the world God loves.

Holy Communion will be offered at our 9:00am service at St Barnabas, Charnwood, and at our 11:00am service at St Michael’s, Hall. We will also celebrate this Sunday 70 years since the commissioning of the church building at St Michael and All Angels, Hall. Our guest preacher at St Michael’s is one of the previous Rectors of the parish, Reverend Simon Wooldridge. All are welcome to join us for either of these gatherings.