Holy week

For many people, Holy Week is a time of fluctuating emotions as we reflect on the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. It begins with an ‘up’ on Palm Sunday, then works through the trauma and ‘downs’ of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, before ending with the incomparable ‘up’ of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Day.

This year, more than any other in most of our lifetimes, it is a doubly strange time. All around us, people including our Prime Minister are struggling with coronavirus, and dealing with its consequences such as lockdown. At times like this, it is good to remember that we have a God who has endured the worst of trauma and understands our situation, however grim it may be. More was written about the traumatic last week of Jesus’ life than anything else He said or did (see John’s gospel chapter 12 onwards to discover more).

Whatever you are experiencing at the moment, you have a God who understands, hears, and is with you in it all. Jesus died on Good Friday to defeat death and sin, and rose on Easter Day to bring new life. I pray that you will know this new life for yourself.

On this website, I will post a video reflection on Good Friday and another on Easter Day. I hope you find these helpful.

Wishing you God’s best,

David

Where is God in all this?

Recently this question has been occurring to many people. It’s a natural question to ask. I believe the answer is ‘right in the middle of it’.

Psalm 46 points to this. It begins, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear …”. The word ‘therefore’ is the key to understanding the psalm. It is because God is the psalmist’s strength and refuge that he does not have to fear. Indeed the psalm goes on to repeat in verse 7 and verse 11 that God is “with us”. The psalm was written centuries before Jesus but points forward to Him - after all, Jesus’ nickname was ‘emanuel’ which means ‘God with us’.

The verse on the posters outside St John’s at the moment is also taken from this psalm: “Be still and know that I am God” (verse 10). In the current crisis, many of us have no choice but to be still (and housebound), it is in this context that we are reminded that God is God, and we are not. Let us resolve to know Him.

Wishing you His best,

David

Church@home for families - Sunday 29th March

As we can’t meet together this morning, here are a few more ideas for families to engage with today.

Games

I am…Find out the sticky notes, each person has a sticky label on their forehead with a character, person or animal written on. The person wearing the label does not know what it says but must find out by asking other people questions that can only answered the answer yes or no. For example, ‘Am I an animal?’ ‘Am I fierce?’ etc. Or have a game of Charades where each of you have to act out a character, person or animal

What does your name mean? Does your name have meaning? Jesus means ‘He saves’, Immanuel means ‘God with us’, Let us know…Also what names can you think of to describe God & Jesus, maybe write them down and share a photo

Exploring and responding to the bible & God

Read the story of the woman at the well

It’s found in the bible in the book of John chapter 4 verses 1 to 26

Jesus (a Jew) meets a woman from Samaria (sort of like the rival town) at a well. The woman has made some wrong choices, but Jesus tells her that he is the ‘living water’ who can forgive her and help her, and ultimately in verses 25 and 26 that he is the Messiah, the anointed promised deliverer from our sins, the one who will go to cross for all the wrong choices we make.

Draw or paint or collage

Using what ever creative materials you have at home, to create a picture of thanks to God (keep some resources back for our next challenge though, more information coming soon!) We’d would love to see pictures

Sing out loud (Youtube)

Our God is a great BIG God!

Revd David Price our vicar has posted on Youtube a short reflection on these verses in John, so here’s a few idea’s of things to do with children to explore this passage slightly. David talks about the church being the people, not the place. We can think about, learn more of and praise God where ever we are. Also in these strange times where we are maybe physically drinking that bit more water, we can also spend time with Jesus the water of life, who promises to be with us and help whatever we are going through.

Church@home for families - week 1 - Noah

Hey everyone, hope you're all well, getting to grips with home schooling and managing to enjoy the sun in a safe way. My plan is to touch base each week with a few idea's of things you could do at home, possibly during the time SonSeekers, Toddlers, or church would normally be happening - games, craft, bible story, thought and song (find links to a story and song in comments) Hope you enjoy and do let us know if the church can do anything to help you in anyway. Every Blessing, Bex (Children & Families worker at St John's)

GAMES

Don’t drop the ball - How many throws and catches to someone 2m apart can you do within 60seconds

Animal Pictionary - Draw an animal getting those around you to try and guess what you’re drawing – take it in turns

Origami boats - Make a boat out of paper then float it in the sink or the bath, be careful though you don’t want it to sink

Exploring and responding to the bible & God

Read the story of Noah

-it’ll be near the start of a children’s bible

- in the bible it’s Genesis chapter 6 verse 9 to the end of chapter 8

-or check it out on Youtube ‘Noah-God’s Story’

Praying Hands - Draw around your hand and write things that you would like to pray for on each finger. You may want to pray for family members, friends doctors/nurses, people who are ill, etc

Sing out loud (Youtube) - Check out - ‘Every Step’ by Nick & Becky Drake

Noah was a man who lived a life pleasing to God, he trusted in Him. When God gave him a job to do, he did it, even though it was a bit strange. He ended up on a boat for 40days and 40nights with lots of animals, whilst the earth got completely flooded, again a bit strange (stuck in with your family AND animals, fun times) but Noah continued to trust God, and God continued to be with Noah, He kept him safe and protected him every step. When the flood was over, Noah said Thank You to God for looking after him, and God put a rainbow in the sky as his promise that he wouldn’t flood the earth again. TRUST, HOPE, God always keeps His promises, he is with us in these strange times!