Create a peaceful space to pause, and allow yourself to feel God’s presence alongside you, as near to you as your own breath. In following the reflection below, as a church we will draw closer to God and to one another as we grow in faith and deepen our sense of belonging to God.
Acts 2:43-47 ‘Life Among the Believers’
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Romans 10:14
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?
At this time of year, young people are preparing to take exams but this year many will be relying on the marks given by teachers. All youngsters have had disrupted learning and, like us, friendships have been interrupted. Whilst the mental health of the country is poorer, very often it seems young people, particularly the very young, are resilient, as are our grandchildren! However, it is not easy for them as for many people. I have recently signed up to the Scripture Union ‘95 Campaign’, which aims to reach, by encouraging and teaching, some of the 95 per cent of those under age 18 who do not go to church, but who, according to their survey are ‘open to faith’, and what Christ can mean to them.
Whether it is by action or prayer we all have a part to play to encourage and support the lives of the nursery group and other young people, their parents or carers and siblings as we move out of the present restrictions and to our new premises. This could be with parenting or other support groups, as the church mission group recently discussed. Our youngsters are growing fast and we need to support and encourage them, their leaders and church members who help on a daily basis.
We read in Acts of the Apostles, widely attributed to Luke, that Peter and John continued the work of Jesus in Jerusalem. We are told that they and other apostles were in close fellowship and shared their possessions according to each one’s needs. Luke says that outsiders looked up to the group and many were added to the community. Paul’s letters describe support given to one another of various ages and ethnicities in various churches and communities. Today, we have to be more subtle in our mission as lives are often at a more hectic pace and social media has crowded out minds. However, opportunities to show and talk just like Peter and John are given to us, according to our God-given abilities in many ways.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray particularly today for our young people and their families.
As we gradually come out of lockdown, let all be safe and secure in your loving arms.
Be with teachers and governors and support staff in schools
and those who teach and work with them at church.
We pray for the government and local authority who make decisions that affect lives.
In the name of Jesus, we ask it. Amen.
Reflection and Prayer © 2021 Matthew Earl.
Image freely available online.
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All material within this order of worship is reproduced by permission under CCL 1226356