27th February 2022 All Saints Church, Childwall
Read: Luke 9:28-43a
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”
41 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
Reflect:
This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday as we start the time of Lent. It is a traditional period of reflection, preparation and self-examination as we look at our journey with Christ and think about His sacrifice for us. These forty days before Easter encourage us to focus on discipline, prayer and study as we trace the period to the Cross and then onto the Empty Tomb.
The story of Jesus’ Transfiguration sets the scene for this period of Lent as it reminds us of two things: the Glory and Power of Jesus and about change. We see Jesus’ radiance shining through with two key characters from the Old Testament – Moses and Elijah. Jesus’ transformation on this mountain takes place as all three men were speaking of Jesus’ forthcoming departure, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. The word used for departure here is “exodus” with all the symbolism and richness of the Old Testament. The historic Exodus transformed the Israelites from slaves to free people. So for Jesus what will happen at Jerusalem takes on the same complexion; this is what will define Him, indeed reveal Him as he truly is. Yes it’s a departure but it’s a departure which allows coming to life.
The Transfiguration is about change in our lives and in the world. A challenge to be different as God wishes us to be. As Jesus found out Himself, this change comes at a cost but brings with it enormous rewards and benefits.
Respond: Think about how we will approach Lent this year. What will it mean for us? How diligent will our preparation be and how open will we be to change?
Pray: Heavenly Father, as we prepare for Lent, let us never take our eyes off You and what You did for us at the cross. Give us the strength, the wisdom and the insight to come afresh to this time and to be receptive to the changes You wish to see in us. And we pray for these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen
Alan Woods (Reader, All Saints)
Church services Sunday 27th February
9.15am – Holy Communion 11am – Baptism Service 6pm – Evening Worship (in the Church Hall)
Wednesday 2nd March – 7pm Ash Wednesday Communion Service in church
Thursday 3rd March – 10.45am – BCP Holy Communion
Living in Love & Faith – Session 3 on Thursday 3rd March at 8pm in the function room at Childwall Abbey.
Church Services Sunday 6th March 9.15am – Morning worship & Baptism 11am – Holy Communion 12.30pm – Baptism Service 6pm – Evening Worship (in the Church hall)
Morning Prayer – Monday and Friday at 8:00am – Common Worship Morning prayer service with words on screen. Optional Chat after the service. Meeting ID: 948 786 2454 Passcode: 4allsaints
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Weekly prayer meeting – Thursday 6.30pm on Zoom. Why not join a group of us at All Saints that pray regularly. It lasts 40 minutes, you can pray, sit and listen or just contemplate. – Aidan Holmes
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8802380315?pwd=cGxQTnQ0QVRjU1gyUnBrYnJMMzZldz09
Please note joining ID. Meeting ID: 880 238 0315
Passcode: yt76bq
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Singing in Church A small group meet in church on a Thursday evening, at 7.45pm, to practice the hymns for
the 9.15am service on Sunday so as to lead and encourage our Sunday worship. We also enjoy fellowship together, and sing all of our favourite hymns and songs. A warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to join with us – no musical knowledge is required, just a love of singing praises to our Lord.
Norman. Email: norman.mason@uwclub.net, Tel: 428 6250, Mob: 07850 383836
VESTRY HOUR – every Tuesday in Church from 7pm – 8pm
To book a Baptism or a Wedding or speak to a member of the clergy, please come to Vestry Hour which is held in the church every Tuesday, no appointment is necessary. Please use the wooden door to the left of the tower. You do not need to knock; just come in, take a seat and you will be seen privately in turn.
Fairtrade Fortnight 21st February – 6th March
The focus for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight is climate change & the increasing problems this poses for farmers and workers within the Fairtrade community. The Fairtrade organisation is helping farmers become more resilient to climate change whilst giving consumers, retailers & traders the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping look out for the Fairtrade logo on bananas, tea, coffee, flowers, chocolate items & cotton goods knowing that you will be financially supporting farmers, their families & communities in some of the poorest countries in the world today.
I have the Spring 2022 Traidcraft catalogue and am placing an order in March for anyone wanting to buy fair trade Easter items, also the usual coffee, jams, tea, biscuits etc. The Traidcraft catalogue can be viewed on line or if anyone would like me to post the catalogue through their door I can be messaged or they can contact me on 07895452761 or 0151 722 0771. Thanking you Brenda Shone.
Live Lent: Embracing Justice – The booklet is available at the back of church for a donation of £2.
For each day of Lent, this booklet for adults offers a daily Bible reading, a short reflection and a prayer, as well as a practical challenge. Each week follows a different thread through the many stories of justice in the Bible to explore how God works with humanity to bring justice, wholeness and salvation to all.
The Morris family would like to say thank you to all who attended Brian’s service of thanksgiving
and for the kind donations made in his memory.
Weekly Prayer requests – Please pray for all those who are unwell at this time particularly praying for Adeyinka Olushonde and Charlotte Fitzsimon. We also pray for the bereaved family and friends of Tony Ellison, Brian Morris & Graham McCulloch.
Andrew Colmer – Vicar – Tel: 07305 842257 – vicar.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com Helen Deegan – Curate – Tel: 07984 933467 – curate.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com Bill Forster – Associate Minister – william.forster1@btinternet.com Adeyinka Olushonde – Ordinand – adeyinka.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
