Stockton Road Church News
March 2024
Mark 12: 30-31 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and you shall love your neighbour as yourself”.
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We are a union of Presbyterian and Congregational churches at the heart of Sunderland city life, growing from a past rich in mission and hospitality. We embrace this heritage utilising the Five Marks of Mission to guide and enable us to take forward current opportunities for mission and service. |
Reflection
JOHN 3: 14:21 (Lectionary Reading for 10th 16th March 2024)
(also read Numbers 21:4-9.)
‘Loving God, we know that “It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness’’ (Eleanor Roosevelt).
And
‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness’ (Desmond Tutu).
The perspective of the world portrayed in John’s Gospel is one of contrasts: life and death, light and darkness. There is no ‘in between’, no shadows, no half-light. People choose: life or death, light or darkness. John picks up the imagery of the bronze serpent in this week’s Old Testament reading. Just as anyone who chose to look up at the bronze serpent would live, so anyone who believes in Jesus will live. The act of looking at the serpent was an act of faith, of looking for healing; so too is looking to Jesus for healing which brings life. John’s explanation of this is God’s unconditional love.
The newly formed people of God in the Old Testament reading needed tangible ways to understand God and to express themselves to God. So, they were given ways of doing this – the sacrificial system, offerings, the bronze serpent. The need persists; but now, says John, God loves the world so much that God comes to the world in person – a truly tangible way of demonstrating how to live in the light.
A Prayer
Wonderful God, in the very beginning,
the first thing you gave us was your light,
your heavenly light,
even before you made the sun.
In your light we flourish.
And we call your Son, Jesus Christ,
the light of the world.
He reaches into our darkness,
and heals us, and makes us whole.
Today, help us to learn how
to be children of your light.
Amen.
Lectionary Readings
3 – 9 March – God’s framework for living
Lent 3: Exodus 20.1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1.18-25; John 2.13-22
10 – 16 March – How we stay in the light
Lent 4: Numbers 21.4-9; Psalm 103 (1-7),8-13; Ephesians 2.1-10; John 3.14-21
17 – 23 March – God’s new covenant
Lent 5: Jeremiah 31.31-34; Psalm 51.1-12; Psalm 119.9-16; Hebrews 5.5-10; John 12.20-33
24 – 30 March – What kind of king is Jesus?
Palm Sunday: Isaiah 50.4-9a; Psalm 118.1-2,19-29; Philippians 2.5-11; Mark 11.1-11
31 March – 6 April – What it means to be Easter people
Easter Day: Acts 10.34-43; Psalm 118.1-2,14-24; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; Mark 16.1-8
Bible Study Group
The Bible Study Group meets on Tuesdays at 10.30am in the Church. It provides a welcoming and informal space to discuss, learn and reflect on God’s Word.
A 6-week course for Lent led by our Minister, Rev Jane Rowell, exploring Faith Through Art has just started. Why not come along and join us.
Church Services March
Services at 10.45am in the Lower Hall unless indicated otherwise
March 3 Coffee and croissants – Elisabeth Meikle
March 10 Christine Hutchinson & Barbara Mitchell
March 17 Rev Jane Rowell – Communion
March 24 Barbara Ledger – Palm Sunday
March 31 Easter Sunday Rev Jane Rowell – Communion in the sanctuary
Easter Arrangements
Thursday 28 March 12 noon Maundy Thursday Lunch and Communion – Rev Jane Rowell
Good Friday 29 March 3pm a short service of readings and reflections – Rev Jane Rowell
Dates for your Diary
Tuesday 26 March 2.30pm Church Meeting (please note change of date)
Food Cycle Lunch
A reminder that Food Cycle is operating at Stockton Road Church every Tuesday lunchtime.
Just pop in at 12,30 for a warm welcome, a delicious free meal and friendly conversation.
Heritage Event
Following the success of last year’s Heritage Event, it has been agreed that another will take place this year. Further details and dates for your diary will be available soon.
Click on link to view previous News letters
March Newsletter 2024