Hazelwell Weekly Contact May 7th 2023 Easter 5
3 May 2023 • Weekly Notices
Hazelwell Weekly Contact May 7th 2023 Easter 5
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Hazelwell Morning Worship 10.00am
Led by Val Harris
Please pray for
The people of Sudan suffering the conflict there and all who are still trying to leave the country
King Charles and Queen Camilla as they prepare for their coronation.
Please also Remember in your prayers Evan Gershkovich, Kyla, Stuart and Anna.
Parish Update
A copy of our current electoral roll is displayed at the back of church. If you wish to add (or remove) your name from it please see Carol Gunning. This is a register of Anglican members. If you are included on the list of Methodist members no action is required.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82034815319?pwd=Mi9VdTlmRTNwOEtnMDFOaDd6dk1yZz09
Meeting ID: 820 3481 5319
Passcode: 827426
Diary Dates
Monday 8th May -3.00-5.00pm Afternoon Tea for Christian Aid
5 Middleton Hall Road Cotteridge
NEXT WEEK Sunday 14th May : APCM (following the service)
(Only 1 week to go!) all welcome
Followed by Christian Aid Lunch (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)
Choice of Casseroles plus dessert selection
Tickets available from this Sunday from Mary Bowen
Saturday 24th June : Summer Fair.
(set up Friday 23rd )
Friday 29th September : Macmillan Coffee Morning
Saturday 18th November : Christmas Fair
(set up Friday 17th)
Food Bank The Spearhead Trust has been grateful for contributions to their foodbank, collected at Hazelwell. Please bring your donations and leave on the table at the back of church.
Alternatively, consider donating to a local foodbank in the course of your weekly shop via local supermarket collection.
Reflection on John 14:1-14 from Douglas Douma
Jesus gives reasons for why the hearts of the disciples are not to be troubled any longer. It is not an empty statement but backed up with reasons.
The immediate reason why they are to take comfort is, as Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
The love that Jesus has for his disciples (and for us) is on display. And the love that God the Father has for us is on display, for He has arranged there be “many rooms” in his house; the house of heaven. And Jesus’ love is displayed in that he prepares a place for His people. Jesus is comforting his disciples in his soon departure. He is leaving, but he is preparing a place for them to come to. We find that Jesus did not ascend into heaven to dwell there alone, but is preparing a place for His people.
Not only does Jesus “prepare a place” but he also assures his disciples by saying “If it were not so, would I have told you…” He tells them the truth and in this truth they are to find comfort.
The world is certainly troubled. What we need in this time more than ever is “comfort.”
These words alone – “let not your hearts be troubled” – coming from the lips of Jesus are in themselves comforting. “Let not your hearts be troubled.” They are beautiful and comforting words to me, and I hope they are to you as well. Even without the explanations that follow in the passage, these words are comforting. But there is explanation as well, as to why we are not to have troubled hearts.
Not only is there a place being prepared for us in the Father’s house, we have the comfort of having the very path to get there. Jesus Christ himself is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In believing in him we participate in those things. We have the way to the Father, we know truth, and we have blessed eternal life.
Not only does Jesus prepare a place for us, but he brings us to that place. He says “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Jesus does it all.