From P. J.: Scripture helps us defend our faith. The apostle Peter instructs believers to be ready with an answer for our hope and faith in Jesus. Scripture also helps form our character. Paul makes it clear that the Word of God is alive, active, and pierces our souls. And since God’s Word is so powerful, we should commit some passages to heart so God can work in and through us
November 24 – Ephesians 2:4. But God’s mercy is so abundant, and God’s love for us is so great…
This week’s Kingswood Foodbank needs are tins of tomatoes, potatoes and tuna, custard, crisps, chocolate bars, cartons of long- life milk, hot chocolate, biscuits, shower gel, deodorant and cat food. Thank you everyone.
Thank you everyone who provided a whole Shoebox or the contents of a shoebox. We passed 76 on: 44 of our own and 32 from other sources.
Today, the last Sunday before Advent, is Women against Violence Sunday, in the Methodist Church. One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. Women’s rights activists have observed 25th November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s then ruler.
Today is also Stir-up Sunday. It is the traditional day for families to make and stir their Christmas puddings, a tradition that gives the day its name from the Anglican prayer that begins "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord". Making the pudding now allows it to mature with rich flavours before Christmas Day.
I have previously announced that the annual KMC Christmas Lunch would be on Saturday 6th December. Regrettably, I am not well enough to be able to cook the lunch, and it is therefore cancelled.
Thank you everyone who played a part in last week’s KMC Christmas Fayre, whether it be in coming and buying some items, providing raffle prizes, in setting up, the selling or the packing up. It raised £419 compared to £506 in 2024 (and £612 in 2023). Whilst the amount raised is not insignificant, it is reducing rapidly. And the question has to be asked whether it is worth the very considerable effort put in by a few number of people? Something to ponder.
Lectionary 23rd – 29th November. Jeremiah 23.1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1.11-20; Luke 23.33-43. King of the turning world. The psalmist proclaims God as our refuge, strength and help in times of trouble – therefore, we should not fear, even when the world around us is in turmoil. In a world just as tumultuous as in biblical times, God still offers refuge – for humans and the whole of creation too. Yet what does refuge look like? Is it what we expect? Is it where we expect? On the Feast of Christ the King, we are reassured that Jesus is the king of this turning world.
Turnaround - Christmas Gifts for Guests. As many of you are aware, each year they provide their guests with a small gift at Christmas, this may be the only present that they get at this time of year and so they have made a short list of what they need; Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Spray deodorant for men, Notebooks (A5), Pens, Puzzle Books and Packs of pocket tissues.
“With levels of child poverty rising, Church Action on Poverty and JPIT are inviting local church leaders to add their names to a letter to the chancellor to urge her to ‘take strong action to drive down child poverty and enhance the life chances of the UK’s children. The letter argues that the ‘immoral’ two-child limit should be removed from benefits, and for a social security system that ensures no child goes without essentials. You can find, and sign, the full letter here.”
The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.