I wonder what your best celebrity encounter story is? Like the time I sat next to impressionist Alistair McGowan at the theatre, or Olympian Beth Tweddle on the train or met footballer John Barnes coming out of the chippie. What is interesting in all three of these stories, is that they are essentially things that people do around me all the time, but it is who it is that offers significance to the event.
There are times when the identity and authority of a person makes something that happens everyday transform into something entirely extraordinary. Take, for instance, crucifixion. In the early part of the 1stcentury of the Common Era, this was a regular part of life in the Roman Empire. A demonstration of power, authority, law and order over a subjugated people. But, when Jesus is on the cross, the outcome is entirely different. Rather than Rome’s authority being demonstrated, it is the power and authority of God that is shown. Rather than the people being subjugated, they are set free form the burdens and shackles of sin and shame, redeemed as the people of God. Who is on the cross matters enormously.
Perhaps that is why, just before Lent each year, the crucial question of Jesus’ identity is asked and answered as the Lectionary offers us the chance to read about the transfiguration. It is an incredible moment in Jesus’ life where his full glory is revealed for the disciples and us to see. It provides evidence to the questions that we wrestle with, who is Jesus? He is the Son of God, the Messiah. This truth will be essential when we come to walk alongside him in his passion, his crucifixion and the resurrection. It is the truth that changes everything.
This Sunday, we will hold that truth as we gather to pray for the world at 9.30am in church. Do join us if you can, but if you can’t be there in person, pray with us using the prayer points at the end of this email.
At 10.30am we have a Baptism service where we welcome Charlotte to be part of the family of God. If you can’t be there in person, do join us on zoom by following this link or using these meeting details.
Meeting ID: 795 391 015
Password: Luke
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. We will hold a service of Holy Communion with an act of penitence starting in church at 1.30pm. This service is a good way to mark the beginning of Lent as we remember the frailty of our creation and the abundant grace of God.
Albert Roderick’s funeral will be held in church on Friday 27th February starting at 12.30pm. We give thanks to God for Albert’s life and pray for his family and friends as they mourn his death.
The next meeting of the Women’s Book Group is on 5 March at 7.30pm. They will meet at Anne Littler’s home, 9 Orchard Close, Upton. They will be exploring ‘Framed’ by Frank Cottrell Boyce. For more information, please do talk to Jenny Gilbertson.
The next New Wine Chester Celebration is on Sunday 8 March at St Mark’s Church in Saltney. This is an evening of extended, passionate worship with Bishop Jill Duff as the speaker. Doors and refreshments are from 6.30pm and the celebration starts at 7.00pm. This event means our March Praise & Prayer will be a week later on 15 March.
On 25th April there will be a day conference on sharing our faith led by the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA). This will be at the Mercure Abbots Well Hotel in Chester and there will be a cost of £10 including lunch subsidised by a local sponsor. This should be a really good event and if you’re interested, do chat to Andy about coming.
If you want to receive the Church of England’s lent reflections by email, you can do so by following this link. If you have signed up to previous seasonal reflections, you will probably still be signed up to the mailing list and receive them this lent. They are free and can also be accessed through the Everyday Faith app.
Prayer Points
In the News: Pray for the leaders of the nations and wisdom as they lead
In the News: Pray for places where warfare rages including Ukraine and Sudan
Faith & Discipleship: Pray for the vision to know who Jesus is in your life.
St Luke’s Mission: Pray for our Start course – that those who attended would know Jesus
Our Parish: Great Boughton (from Boughton Heath to Caldy Brook)
Society: Agriculture, food production & service industries
Children & Youth: Our conkers group aimed at pre-school children who can walk
Mission we support: The work of Compassion and particularly for Mariam who we sponsor.
St Luke’s Mission: Home communion ministry
St Luke’s Fellowship: Relationships and work with other churches across the deanery and city of Chester
Sunday Focus: The congregation who attend our services
Sick & Bereaved: For those we know who are sick and bereaved at this time
Faith & Discipleship: For a deeper life of prayer
Loving God
form us in the pattern of our Lord Jesus Christ
that as we pray for your world,
we would be moulded by your compassion.
As we are shaped may our passion grow for your Kingdom
and our lives be formed for your glory.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.