Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Jesus’ love never fails

John 13v1-15 “Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father … he now showed them the full extent of his love”

This evening is the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples. He then headed out to Gethsemene to pray and was betrayed and arrested. The following words are used by permission from today’s reflection in the readings Dawn has been sharing on WhatsApp:

Meditation: Does your love waver when you encounter bitter disappointments and injury from others? As Jesus’ hour of humiliation draws near he reveals to his disciples the supreme humility which shaped the love he had for them. He stoops to perform a menial task reserved for servants – the washing of smelly, dirty feet. In stooping to serve his disciples Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of them and that the rest would abandon him through fear and disloyalty. Such knowledge could have easily led to bitterness or hatred. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and disloyalty with the greatest humility and supreme love.

Let the love of Christ rule in your heart and actions
Jesus loved his disciples to the very end, even when they failed him and forsook him. The Lord loves each of us freely and unconditionally. His love has power to set us free to love and serve others with Christ-like compassion and humility. Paul the Apostle tells us that Christ’s gift of love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us (Romans 5:5 and 8:35-39). Does the love of Christ rule in your heart, thoughts, intentions and actions?      copyright (c) 2020 Servants of the Word, source:  www.dailyscripture.net, author Don Schwager

May you know the full extent of God’s love towards you this Easter,

With love and blessing,

Roland

 

News/Programme – Contact Roland of you wish to join any of the  Zoom groups.

Good Friday –

  • An opportunity to reflect on the Good Friday story with a mix of songs and Luke’s Gospel readings is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_U7MhYTHq4. The songs are from the West household and the readings are by 10 members of our church family.
  • 10am – Meeting together on Zoom to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for us.
  • 6.45 for 7pm – Zoom Quiz evening led by Rebekah. Please let Rebekah know if you would like to join a team as opposed to having your “own household” as a team.
  • Easter Sunday – Youtube – search for “Hope Community Church Admaston Songs Sunday”.

Small Groups on Zoom –  If you are not yet part of a small group, we encourage you to join one in this time of isolation. Please message Roland or Tony to join one.

  • Prayer on Zoom this week – Wednesday morning 8th – 8am-8.30 every week
  • Coffee shop on Zoom – 10 – 11.30 weekdays – this is a chance to just come on to the Zoom meeting room with your coffee and have a chat with whoever is there.
  • Crochet & Craft on Zoom – 10-11.30 Saturday – Lisa is leading a group who can meet over craft this Saturday and is offering to teach those who are not sure of how to crochet.
  • Pastoral Care – We are seeking to make sure everyone is cared for during this “lockdown”. Natalie is ready to coordinate responses to need.
  • If you are in isolation as per government advice and not able to go shopping or get a prescription, please contact Natalie on by phone/message on 07864 977050 or email natalie@hopeadmaston.org.uk . She will then make the request to the volunteer “Hope Help” team.
  • Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be on the “Hope Help” team J.
  • Neighbourly care – Do watch out for your local neighbours.

  Prayer

  • Give thanks
  • For all that is ours in Christ Jesus
  • The young people have started a Youth Alpha today on Zoom which is running twice a week.
  • For our church community.

Prayer

  • Use your prayer diary to pray for each person in our church family.
  • For the communication of the gospel this Easter weekend.
  • That God would work in a mighty way in our community and nation at this time and bring salvation to many.
  • For wisdom and patience as we change how we do things.