Today in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of Newcastle in the Church of England and for its bishop, the Rt Revd Dr Helen‑Ann Hartley.
Inspired by the call to be "Seeking, Sharing and Sending", the diocese invites us to join them in prayer as they grow in mission, diversity and energy:
🙏 We pray that hearts and eyes will be opened to notice what God is already doing, especially in places of pilgrimage and prayer such as Cuthbert’s Island on Holy Island, where the quiet speaks of God’s presence.
🙏 We give thanks for innovation and bold witness, especially for new expressions of mission like Tommy’s Coffee at St Thomas’, the diocesan Resource Church. May such ventures draw people into community and into Christ’s story.
🙏 We pray for a renewal in vocations, giving thanks for all who offer themselves in ordained and lay ministry. We remember with gratitude the recent ordination of deacons, joined by Bishop Methla of Botswana, and pray for those continuing to discern God's call.
#Anglicans
@NclDiocese
Mr. President, Ukraine did not “start” this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.🇺🇸🇺🇦
“Russia Invades Ukraine in Largest European Attack Since WWII” @FoxNews (February 24, 2022) https://t.co/ra8R9PI9oj
💨 Windy Christmas Cafe today at @stthomasncl, but the power of the Holy Spirit was even stronger!
Our youth led us in sharing Jesus, praying with guests, and offering radical welcome to all.
One man lost power at home, came to the cafe & left full of the Holy Spirit!
5. Signs of the Kingdom
The miracles attributed to Nicholas point to the power of God at work through his people. They remind us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us! We are to expect and pray for signs of the Kingdom of God today!
Today the church celebrates St Nicholas— whose life and faith inspire us to follow Jesus with boldness and generosity. He is so much more than Father Christmas! Here are five reasons to be inspired by him today...
4. Compassion for the Vulnerable
St Nicholas had a heart for the vulnerable, particularly children. Accounts describe how he helped rescue children who had been kidnapped and exploited. He actively stood against injustice. May we be challenged to bring God’s love to broken lives.
Lots of people anxious about the US election. Christians do not need to be. Presidents, empires, all come and go. God is still on His throne. All is well. And it ends well. Revelation 21:4 ‘there will no longer be…any mourning crying or pain.. the old order has passed away’
There are (at least) three dimensions of “sin” that I see in the New Testament:
1. Sin is a CONDITION (a Power we are under that keeps us enslaved)
2. Sin is a CONTAGION (an infection that inhibits our capacity and spread easily)
3. Sin is a DECISION (a choice we have moral culpability in)
Without understanding 1 and 2, we are likely to overplay guilt and shame, preventing people from longing for freedom and healing. Without acknowledging 3, we are quick to blame environmental or situational factors for our actions and behaviors.
But when we see all three layers, we can stand in awe of the salvation that Jesus brings:
Jesus FREES us from the power of sin.
Jesus HEALS us from the infection of sin.
Jesus FORGIVES us from the guilt of sin.
On Sunday with @BishopNewcastle, @stthomasncl celebrated 5 years since being planted as the Resource Church @NclDiocese! We heard stories of lives transformed, whole families meeting Jesus and God at work. Thank you, Jesus, for all you've done... the best is yet to come!
Free pizza and cafe underway @stthomasncl to celebrate 5 years since our launch as diocesean resource church. Looking forward to the celebrations continuing with @BishopNewcastle!