19 February
Dear Friends,
Here we are in the season of Lent, a time traditionally of fasting and when people ‘give things up’ – whether it’s chocolate or caffeine or some other ingredient of life which we enjoy. This year it seems a bit strange to be thinking in terms of giving up when so much has already been given up due to Covid-19. Life has been stripped enough of things that are pleasurable – we may be reluctant to give up more. The aim, however, of Lent is not just to give things up for the sake of it, but to try to draw a little closer to God – to deepen our spiritual life. And that is something that we can do, even in Covid.
This Sunday we will be looking at the story of Jesus’ time in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry. In the wilderness Jesus is baptised and then encounters the tempter, Satan. But he also met God and spent time to be with the one who, in his baptism, had just declared him to be God’s Beloved. For many Covid is a bit like the wilderness – a time of isolation and deprivation. But perhaps, as with Jesus, it can also be a time for drawing closer to God, of deepening our relationship with the one who loves us.
There are many ways we might do that – below is the programme for this week which might offer you some opportunities.
Every blessing to you. keep safe and keep well.
Lance
THIS WEEK:
Sunday, 10.30 hrs
Live- streamed service . You can access the live-stream just before 10.30 am:
directly via this link: https://youtu.be/ykxYij0dHqM
through the new website (https://www.erc.amsterdam ).
Below that you will also see other activities going on during the week.
Our reading for this Sunday, for the first Sunday in Lent, is Mark 1:9-15, the story of Jesus’ baptism, his time in the wilderness being tempted, and the start of his public ministry.
Sunday, 21.00 hrs
Compline (short evening prayers): join us using Zoom by clicking this link.
Tuesday, 08.45 hrs:
Psalm Reciting (this week Psalms 92-101). We will not meet at the church for this, but you might like to participate from your from our home at 8.45 or some other time.
Wednesday, 19.30 hrs:
Bible Study, looking at Mark 8:31-38. All welcome. Please join using Zoom by clicking this link.
Thursday, 21.00hrs.
Compline (short evening prayers): join us using Zoom by clicking this link.
Prayer:
In this time there may be people who feel especially in need of prayer either for themselves or for someone else. There is a small group of people in the congregation who take it in turns on Sundays to be available after the service to pray for anyone in need - so, if you would like prayer or have a a particular prayer request please contact Margaret Richards on margaretanne_richards@hotmail.com and she and the others will pray accordingly.
A word about finance….
Please note that in this period when we are not meeting together there is a way of giving to the church on the website.
God bless you all and keep us united as a church family – and safe and well.
Lance