Hazelwell Weekly Contact 23rd February 2025
21 Feb 2025 • Weekly Notices
Hazelwell Weekly Contact 23rd February 2025
Hazelwell Communion Service
Led by Revd. Matt Churchouse
Preacher Andy Harris
2nd Sunday before Lent
A prayer for this week from Matt
Lord God, we thank you for Hazelwell church, part of the worldwide community of Christ. We pray that you would deepen our knowledge of you, being rooted and built up in Christ, feeding on the life and joy of his Spirit. Help us to understand and know you more fully and so to deepen our fellowship with one another. May we walk faithfully together as disciples in the footsteps of Christ. Amen.
Please also pray for
Andy as he prepares his sermon for us this Sunday.
Residents of Mercia Drive and Hazelwell Drive.
All who care for a loved one at home.
Please pray also for Debbie, Dominic, Dorrett and Tom
Parish Update
Don’t forget: Our ACM this year will be on March 23rd – save the date.
Reflection on Luke 8 22-25 Jesus Calms The Storm
The scene begins with Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. As they sail, a violent storm arises, threatening to swamp their boat. In the midst of this terrifying situation, Jesus is found sleeping. His disciples, panic-stricken, wake Him, asking, “Master, Master, we are going to drown!”
Jesus’ response is remarkable. He stands, rebukes the wind and the raging waters, and immediately there is calm. He then turns to His disciples, asking, “Where is your faith?”
The Storm is perfect analogy for Life’s Challenges it represents all the difficulties, fears, and trials we face in life. Just as the disciples were overwhelmed by the storm, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control. It is in these moments that the presence of Jesus becomes a source of both peace and challenge.
The incident shows Jesus’ authority over the natural world. By calming the storm with just a word, Jesus demonstrates that He is not just a teacher or prophet, but the Lord of all creation. The disciples are left in awe, saying, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!" This statement underscores the mystery of Jesus' identity and the power He holds as the Son of God.
When Jesus asks His disciples, “Where is your faith?” it is a challenge to their trust in Him. Despite witnessing His miracles and teachings, the disciples still struggled to fully grasp who Jesus was. Their immediate fear in the storm revealed that their faith was not yet fully anchored in the power of God.
For us today, this question can serve as a reminder: Do we place our trust in Jesus during the "storms" of life? Or do we panic and forget His power and presence? Faith is not just an abstract belief but a reliance on Jesus even when circumstances seem dire.
The fact that Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, sleeping during the storm, is also significant. His calm presence in the midst of chaos suggests that peace is not about the absence of storms but the assurance that Jesus is with us through them. His presence offers comfort and the promise that, no matter how violent the storm, He has the power to bring peace.
We are called to examine the nature of our faith. Do we seek His peace, knowing He is with us? Reflecting on this story, we are invited to deepen our faith, recognising that Jesus is not only the Saviour of our souls but the Lord of every storm in our lives.
