W/C 16th May

This week's Bible reading is Revelation 1:1-6

John Tells About This Book

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must happen soon. And Christ sent his angel to show it to his servant John, who has told everything he saw. It is the truth that Jesus Christ told him; it is the message from God. Great blessings belong to the person who reads the words of this message from God and to those who hear this message and do what is written in it. There is not much time left.

John Writes to the Churches

From John,

To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is coming; and from the seven spirits before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness. He is first among all who will be raised from death. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Jesus is the one who loves us and has made us free from our sins with his blood sacrifice. He made us his kingdom and priests who serve God his Father. To Jesus be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Our collective worship

This week we have been thinking about what Heaven on Earth might look like and how we can help to achieve it. We thought about things such as kindness, listening, being welcoming, friendship, caring, enough food and water for all, peace and harmony and sharing. 

Rev. Maggie Whiteman visited us from the parish church of St. Leonard's in Lexden, Colchester about how she believes she lives out Heaven on Earth through the work she does. 

Prayer for the week

Our Father,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us, 

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

Forever and ever,

Amen

(The Lord's Prayer, based on Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4)