St.Nick’s newsletter for Sunday 23rd February
Dear Friends,
In the midst of controversy threatening to overwhelm the church and tear it apart, a Christian leader was recently asked what the one essential message was that all its members needed to hear. Instead of the expected answers like ‘Maintain the unity of the Spirit’ or ‘Love one another’, his response was surprisingly simple: ‘Don’t panic!’
Panic makes us stop trusting that God is present among us. But God is indeed present in every storm, and the way forward always begins with trust. This lesson was vividly learned by the panic-stricken disciples of Jesus when they were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.
The God we see in Jesus is a calmer of storms. God’s will is for harmony in the world and peace in every heart.
Storms in our own lives can easily undermine our trust in God and make us panic, just like the disciples. The disciples were rebuked for their lack of faith, not for calling out in their genuine need.
As we look beyond our own lives to the storms in God’s world, it helps to remember that what we often call ‘miracles’ are usually referred to in the New Testament as ‘signs’. These signs point to something greater than themselves. When Jesus healed, fed hungry crowds, or calmed a storm, these were pointers to something greater—a foretaste of God’s kingdom of lasting wellbeing, justice, and peace.
Engaging in the prayer of Jesus inherently guides us to join in his work of calming storms.
With every blessing,
Alison Mills
ALM and Churchwarden
Sunday 23rd February, second Sunday before Lent
This Sunday we will welcome a special guest, Bishop Mark Davies (Bishop of Middleton) to preach and preside at our service. We hope you can join us.
Music will be provided by Elizabeth Bray our assistant organist, with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served after the service.
