Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Ascension Day

Mark 16v19  “ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.”

It was 10 weeks ago this weekend that we last met in person on a Sunday morning!

Jesus is no longer constrained by the limitations of this world. He is now in heaven. To be honest, I do not know exactly what that means in terms of the science, but I do know what it means in terms of politics. Jesus is now sat at God’s Right Hand. Jesus is in a place of authority and power. Jesus is in ultimate control. All other powers and authorities are beneath him. The power by which he was raised from the dead is still very much in action. The politics of this world has always been uncertain: in the long view, there has always been trials and traumas of suffering, rising and falling of nations, and the ebb and flow of societies. But the Christ’s kingdom and His Church are continuing to grow. In fact times of uncertainty and difficulty is where the love of God and our love for our neighbour shines through.

Tony has published a new lockdown release of “God is my Rock” (see link below). It expresses the truth of the certainty God gives us in uncertainty. Let’s commit in this time of uncertainty to focus our minds on Jesus, and to maintain that stance when times seem more certain too.

Another key reminder with Jesus’ ascension is that he is coming back “in the same way” (Acts 1v11). When will that be? I don’t know, but the day is definitely getting closer. Let’s keep a look out (Matthew 24v42).

With love and blessing,

Roland

News

  1. Hope Prayer Meetings – There will be no prayer meeting this Monday (Bank Holiday), but there will be on Wednesday at 8am.
  2. Thy Kingdom Come – Some of you will be aware that over recent years there has been a national initiative to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this nation between Ascension (today) and Pentecost (next Sunday). You can find all the details of the Shropshire programme and sign up to pray for an hour at https://www.24-7prayer.com/emailredirect/4e4f523705f88c7253fc492d5a45743a/
  3. Hope Socials – Join us for Quiz night this Friday 22nd evening 6.45 for 7pm on Zoom. If you are organising a round, please communicate with Rebekah by this evening!
  4. Lockdown worship – Tony has released a new version of “God is my Rock” for lockdown. It is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dqyQ8b_Z4M
  5. Telford Food Bank – There is a Drive-thru Foodbank donation day on Saturday at the Woolpack carpark in Shawbirch. More details here.

Calendar

If you would like to join any of the Zoom meetings, please contact Roland.

Sunday morning worship is live-streamed at 10.30am on: YouTube – In the Hope Community Church Admaston Songs channel; Facebook – On the Hope Community Church Admaston Page.

Fri 22-May 2.30pm Alpha on Zoom (20s); 6.45 for 7pm Hope Quiz evening – on Zoom

Sat 23-May 10.30-11.30am Crochet, Craft and Chat with Lisa on Zoom

Sun 24-May 10am Hope Kids on Zoom with Sue and Helen; 10.30am Hope Worship on YouTube and Facebook; 11am Hope Family time on Zoom – Communion; 7pm Roland & Sue’s Disciple Group on Zoom

Tue 26-May 7.30pm St Cs Men’s Group on Zoom

Wed 27-May 8am Hope Community Prayer – on Zoom

Fri 29-May 2.30pm Alpha on Zoom (20s)

Prayer

Give thanks:

  • For the progress being made nationally and internationally in dealing with the Covid-19 virus.
  • Those who are listening into our Sunday morning worship who would not normally be with us. This is exciting!
  • For our church community.

Prayer:

  • Use your prayer diary to pray for each person in our church family.
  • Pray for 5 people you connect with who are not yet believers each day this week.
  • Pray for the 20’s Alpha courses currently running. The Youth Alpha has now finished.
  • Let’s continue to pray for the successful vaccine trials and wisdom in the timing and process of lifting lockdown.

Other general information

Pastoral care – If you are in isolation and need support (eg shopping), please contact Natalie on natalie@hopeadmaston.org.uk who will arrange with the team of helpers.