St.Nick’s newsletter for Sunday 9th February
| Dear Friends, We’ve all experienced trying to complete an everyday task, like changing a wheel, replacing a tap washer, emptying the vacuum cleaner, or baking a cake for a special occasion, only to find that nothing seems to go right. Our determination rises as we insist that we can do it—we’ve done it before, after all! But as our persistence grows, so does our frustration, with perhaps a few muttered expletives. Then, just as we are at our wit’s end, a friend cheerfully suggests, “Why don’t you try…?” Our first impulse might be to tell them to go away, quickly. Immediately after, we may feel a stubborn urge to stick to our own methods. After all, we’re the ones who have been working at it. We know what the problem is and how to solve it, if only everything would just behave and fall into place. Yet slowly, we begin to see that our friend’s suggestion might actually work. New eyes bring a fresh perspective; a new outlook brings new understanding. We can see beyond the difficulties we’ve encountered, and with renewed clarity, we can accomplish what we set out to do. Simon Peter was an expert fisherman, having spent his entire life fishing. He knew there were both fruitful and fruitless fishing trips. After a particularly unproductive night, Simon Peter and his colleagues had empty nets. Then Jesus suggested they go out and fish again. We don’t know what went through Simon Peter’s mind—perhaps he wondered, “Isn’t he a carpenter? What does he know about fishing?” He had witnessed Jesus heal his mother-in-law, a remarkable feat. But fishing wasn’t about magic; it was about skill and experience. Despite his initial doubts, something about Jesus prompted Simon Peter to respond. Though he mentioned the poor catch of the previous night, he willingly followed Jesus’s suggestion. Here was a new approach—a man ready to tackle things differently. Jesus, speaking from the shoreline, connected with the people. His comments and the way he delivered them made a strong impression on Simon Peter, who immediately referred to Jesus as “Master.” So when Jesus told him to cast his nets again, Simon Peter obeyed, resulting in a miraculous catch. This experience made him realize that this extraordinary man truly knew better—He was the Master. Jesus gave Simon Peter the chance to become a fisher of people, an opportunity he eagerly embraced, as did James and John, who also followed Jesus. Simon Peter was transformed by an encounter with God’s power and glory. Likewise, we too need a fresh glimpse of God’s majesty as He forgives us, cleanses us, and equips us to go into the world for Him. With every blessing, Alison Mills ALM and Churchwarden Here are the reading and hymns for Sunday 9th February  We look forward to welcoming Rev Philip Dobson to preside and Chris Martin, a Lay Reader from St.James and Emmanuel to preach. Our MD and Organist Ollie Mills will provide the music with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served as usual, all are welcome. Reading team, please note the change to the previously published readers for this service. |
