Church News – June 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
This month we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. She is the longest reigning monarch in British history. Up until recently she attended church every week and still did a full week’s work at the age of 96!
It is her commitment to serving God and the nation which stands out in her life. Even before she became Queen, she made a promise, which she has kept for over 75 years: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service’ (21st birthday broadcast, 21 April 1947).
What is the secret of the Queen’s consistency of character and service? In 2002 she said this: “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.” These are wise words from somebody who draws her strength from the Christian Faith and can inspire all of us who want to make our lives count!
The Queen has been an example of joyful, wise, and generous service on behalf of others all her life. Six months before her coronation she asked the nation and Commonwealth to “pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.” Paul urges us to pray for all in authority, “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:2).
Your Servant Elizabeth
Gracious God,
We give You thanks for the reign of Your servant Elizabeth our Queen, and for the example of loving and faithful service which she has shown among us.
Help us to follow her example of dedication and to commit our lives to You and to one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NEWS
Please note that all tickets are sold for the Afternoon Tea on 5th June.
On the 26th June, the Moravian Gathering will this year take the form of morning worship only at 10.30 a.m. and the guest speaker will be Mr Osoba Otaigbe of the Bible Society. There will be NO SERVICE at Dukinfield that day.
PRIOR NOTICE: Our Prayer Watch will be on 1st July. Volunteers will be welcomed to read for one hour and notes will be provided in due course.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
As we celebrate Pentecost this month, it’s appropriate to ask the question: what does the Holy Spirit do in our lives? Everybody who has committed their life to Christ possesses the Holy Spirit, ‘if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.’ (Romans 8:9). It is the Spirit who brings us new birth into the family of God.
The Spirit assures us of God’s love and acceptance, despite our fears, doubts or failures. As adopted children we can address God as our father: “God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Galatians 4: 6). By using the same word used by Jesus, we can grow in intimacy with our Father and pray to Him, especially when we struggle to find the right words.
The Holy Spirit is committed to producing a family likeness in those who follow Christ. This Jesus likeness enables us to live as Jesus would in our place, i.e. work, family, time, interests etc. Paul describes this as the fruit of the Spirit: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22,23). He talks about fruit not fruits! We can’t pick and choose, as they come as a total package to be developed over a lifetime!
The Spirit is committed to producing new desires for God: reading the Bible and praying, forgiving others, meeting with other Christians and sharing our faith. He will also give us the motivation to overcome wrong habits, attitudes or lifestyle in our lives.
‘Let the church return to Pentecost, and Pentecost will return to her. The Spirit of God cannot take possession of believers beyond their capacity of receiving Him’ (Andrew Murray).
| WHAT’S ON IN JUNE 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 5th | WHIT SUNDAY Meet at Old Chapel Church ready for worship | 10.30 a.m. |
| Monday | 6th | Afternoon Tea to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. (All tickets are now sold) Church Committee on Zoom | 1.45 pm 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8th | Joint M.W.A. Meeting at Royton | 1.15 pm |
| Sunday | 12th | TRINITY SUNDAY Family Service with Holy Communion led by Br Peter | 11 am |
| Sunday | 19th | FATHER’S DAY Family Worship led by Br John | 11 am |
| SUNDAY | 26th | Moravian Gathering at Fairfield. NO SERVICE AT DUKINFIELD | 10.30 am |
Prayer for the month of June
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the beauty of the world you created, so evident in this lovely month of June.
We bring before you, in prayer, those events going on in the world which are so difficult to understand. We pray for all your children who are suffering in any way, especially those affected by war. Please, Lord, comfort them, assure them of your presence – and deliver them from evil.
May we appreciate each day which you have made. Help us to rejoice and be glad in the gift of each new day – and to trust you for all our tomorrows, knowing that in you alone is our security. In Jesus’ name. Amen
By Daphne Kitching
