Articles

Holy Week and Easter

Holy Week is the most important week in the Christian Year. It is the time when we walk to Jerusalem with Jesus and share in his passion and death on the Cross. This year we have we can pilgrimage our way to Jerusalem by walking the Labyrinth at Saughtonhall United Reformed Church and then walk through that Holy City as we follow the Stations of the Cross around the garden of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Both of these activities are designed to help us experience the true meaning of Holy Week and alongside the services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to journey with Jesus to Golgotha. 

Holy Week is a stark and difficult few days but we do not journey through them on our own. We journey alongside millions of Christians around the world and with our brothers and sisters closer to home. As we pray for those we are concerned for and for our own concerns as well, we do so in the knowledge that others will be praying for us, just as we will be praying for them. In doing so we help each other carry our own crosses, just as Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry his Cross.

On Maundy Thursday we gather to celebrate the Eucharist and to commemorate the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples and followers. We then journey with him to the Garden of Gethsemane and keep watch until he is taken by force and betrayal. Good Friday sees us walk the way of the Cross and to symbolically stand by the Cross until Jesus dies. It is a hard couple of days and they are days filled with emotion and personal pain for many of us.

Holy Saturday, is almost a 'nothing' day as we see Jesus laid in the tomb but ........ we have the glories of the Resurrection on Easter Day to look forward to and in doing so we hope for new life and for light to shine in the darkness. 

Keeping New Zealand in Our Prayers

Having not long returned from Christchurch New Zealand, the people of that city and wider country are not only in my prayers but the prayers of the congregation too. No one should be afraid to worship. Keep the prayers going and the candles lit.

 

Loving God, 

your ways are the ways of peace and love.

Help us to live lives guided by your ways.

We remember the people of New Zealand 

and most especially the people of Christchurch.

We pray for those who lost their lives, their loved ones

and all those injured and affected by the awful deeds done.

May peace, harmony and love reign;

In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Making Music at the Good Shepherd

This coming Sunday the congregation will make the decision as how we will continue to make music in the church. For many years, our organ has been in need of repair or replacement and after many months of careful research, thought and prayer we will meet next Sunday (24th) to decide the best way forward. Please keep us in prayer as we try to discern what is the most appropriate thing to do for the long-term future of our music making.