The Pursuit of Happiness
Thomas Jefferson wrote in the American Declaration of Independence "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".
Martin Luther King Jr. quoted those words in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, focusing on all men being created equal. Well this Sunday morning we're going to be starting a four week series looking not at us being created equal but at the Pursuit of Happiness and what Jesus had to say about that based on what are called The Beatitudes. This is going to be the start of a number of series working our way through the Jesus words in the sermon on the mount (from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 5-7) and their relevance to us today.
Then Sunday night we're going to take a moment to stop and reflect back on all that God has being doing in us over the last few weeks. I wrote a couple of weeks back that we move on so quickly and I've been struck since how when God did significant things in the history of Israel they left behind markers to remind them of what God had done. Well on Sunday night I want to give us a bit of space to put down some markers and reflect back on Mothers Day, the HIV/AIDS conference, Patricia Sawo speaking on the Sunday, the baptisms last Sunday and a whole load of other stuff that has been going on before we move on to the next thing. We'll also have communion in a non religious but meaningful sort of way!
Still time to come to the Alpha Supper tonight if you can make it or have a guest in mind you could invite right now and bring along. Just phone reception (01344 862699) so we can order extra Fish & Chips (although if you just turn up I'm sure we'll find you some!).
Have a great weekend,
Simon.
ps We rang the bell again yesterday - another CAP client - so exciting!!
Martin Luther King Jr. quoted those words in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, focusing on all men being created equal. Well this Sunday morning we're going to be starting a four week series looking not at us being created equal but at the Pursuit of Happiness and what Jesus had to say about that based on what are called The Beatitudes. This is going to be the start of a number of series working our way through the Jesus words in the sermon on the mount (from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 5-7) and their relevance to us today.
Then Sunday night we're going to take a moment to stop and reflect back on all that God has being doing in us over the last few weeks. I wrote a couple of weeks back that we move on so quickly and I've been struck since how when God did significant things in the history of Israel they left behind markers to remind them of what God had done. Well on Sunday night I want to give us a bit of space to put down some markers and reflect back on Mothers Day, the HIV/AIDS conference, Patricia Sawo speaking on the Sunday, the baptisms last Sunday and a whole load of other stuff that has been going on before we move on to the next thing. We'll also have communion in a non religious but meaningful sort of way!
Still time to come to the Alpha Supper tonight if you can make it or have a guest in mind you could invite right now and bring along. Just phone reception (01344 862699) so we can order extra Fish & Chips (although if you just turn up I'm sure we'll find you some!).
Have a great weekend,
Simon.
ps We rang the bell again yesterday - another CAP client - so exciting!!