Sunday Worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: Aug 13

 

Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast    Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today 10 am  All Age Worship and Baptism 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion Next Sunday  10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong This week:  Mon     2-3.15pm Talking Village in Deniz' cafe Thurs   2pm Funeral: Natasha Rainey Fri        10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall

Trinity 10     Have you ever thought about the "soundscape" of the stories we read in the Bible. What would it have sounded like to be there? Today's sermon explores what it might mean to listen for the voice of God amidst the noise of the world.  The Old Testament reading is the story of Elijah hearing God's voice in "the sound of sheer silence" rather than in the noise of the earthquake, wind and fire. The picture accompanying today's podcast is another window from Seal Church - it featured a different one last week. In this one, Peter has just realised that, actually, people can't walk on water, and is starting to sink beneath the waves. Jesus is nearby, though, and is on his way to rescue Peter. Despite the noise of the storm, Peter hears Jesus' voice, and Jesus hears Peter's.   Have you ever been aware of that "sound of sheer silence", or the "still, small voice of calm" , the sense that you are hearing something that really matters? What was it like?

All Age Ideas There are two very noisy stories in the readings today. The Old Testament Prophet, Elijah, is feeling afraid and alone. He comes to a mountain where he hopes to meet God. There is a strong wind, an earthquake and a fire - dramatic things which he might have thought would be signs of God, but afterwards there is complete silence, and he hears the voice of God in the silence reassuring him that he is loved.  In the Gospel reading, Peter and his friends are sailing their ship in the midst of a storm. Jesus comes walking towards them across the water, and Peter is so pleased to see him that he jumps out of the boat and starts walking on the water himself... until he realises that he can't, and starts to sink! Jesus is close by and helps him, though.  I wonder what it would have sounded like to be in these two stories? Have you ever been in a storm? Did you enjoy it or find it frightening? Try sitting still and quiet for a few minutes this week. What can you hear?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER Sun Sept 10 -ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE at 3pm.  Bring along your pets, in suitable containers, if they are happy to be out and about with others!, or a photo of your pet if that is easier, and join us for a simple service of blessing for them and all the creatures we share the world with. We are hoping that there might also be a cake and gift sale at the service, and possibly some Eco Church activities. Sat Sept 16 - FREE GUIDED TOUR OF SEAL'S STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. Learn about Seal Church's fine Victorian stained glass, the stories it tells, the people who made it, donated it and are memorialized in it. This is an event which is part of the "Heritage Open Days" scheme. Tours at 11 am and 4pm, lasting about an hour. Numbers are limited, so please email sealpandp@gmail.com to book your place.