Sunday 5th July 2020
This half term the Christian Value is perseverance so, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you some bible stories which give good examples. We are all having to persevere through this time of isolation but, like with these stories, we have faith and it is this which will bring us out of the tunnel smiling.
Trust Forgiveness Peace Thankfulness Compassion Friendship Love Hope
PERSERVERANCE
The Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree
Jesus told this parable. There was once a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He went looking for figs but found none on it. He told his gardener to cut it down as for three years he had been going looking for figs and had found none. He told him to cut it down as it was using up the soil. The gardener asked him to leave it alone for just one more year and he would dig round it and put in some manure. If the tree did not produce any figs the next year then he would cut it down, but if it did produce figs then so much the better.
A few words from Reverend Lee Gabel
Sunday School Reflection 5th July 2020 NHS
Matthew 11. 16-19, 25 end.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” These are some of the most powerful and comforting words in the Bible,
Today We also celebrate The National Health Service, which came into being on 5 July 1948. During post-war reconstruction, improving the healthcare of the nation was seen as crucial to the nation’s recovery. The words of Jesus are perhaps fitting for the NHS.
Those who have worked or work in the NHS will know difficult it can be. The truth is that God knows what we are like, through the incarnation God also knows what it is like to be human and also imperfect. And those who access the NHS may be in positions of need and suffering.
During the current pandemic, there has been immense national and local support for the NHS and its front line workers. The emergence of the Thursday ‘Clap for Carers’ was a significant experience in the lockdown. The contribution of carers and key workers who have given of themselves sacrificially needs to be honoured.
For the NHS
God of healing and compassion, we thank you for the establishment of the National Health Service, and for the dedication of all who work in it: give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who care for the sick, and your wisdom to those engaged in medical research. Strengthen all in their vocation through your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.