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Minister: Rev Sam
Rev Thurairajah Samuel
07956 290011
To join in with the "New River Circuit" page for live service streams and updates select the Facebook link below
Friends, the value of self-denial only can be learned in life. Lent provides an excellent opportunity to teach ourselves the necessity of self-denial in our busy world.
A family can observe the Lenten fast according to their situation. Fasting means restricting the food we eat, and the size and number of meals. Abstaining means not to include certain food in our meals.
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.
Whereas Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross, Lent recalls the events leading up to and including Jesus' crucifixion.
The Christian churches that observe Lent in the 21st century (and not all do significantly) use it as a time for prayer and penance. Only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent, although some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is more common these days for believers to surrender a particular vice such as favourite foods or smoking. Whatever the sacrifice it is a reflection of Jesus' deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline.
Purple is the symbolic colour used in churches throughout Lent. Purple is used for two reasons: firstly, because it is associated with mourning and so anticipates the pain and suffering of the crucifixion, and secondly because purple is the colour associated with royalty and celebrates Christ's resurrection and sovereignty.
TaB Centre Plus contact details
Tel: 0208 888 2797 / 07484 309301 Email:
Our building remains closed until further notice but
TaB is still able to
worship
Options for worship:
(1) YouTube circuit service
(2) Methodist Central Hall:
www.methodist.org.uk/worship-during-coronavirus
(3) The New River Methodist Circuit Facebook page (cannot link from this page, you'll need to search from your facebook account
TaB church:
Praise & Worship on Wednesday
Starts at 5pm
30-minute Worship & Interactive Bible study.
You are invited to participate
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 992 829 7354 -
Passcode: 518822
Thought for the week
LECTIONARY REFLECTION
Theo Hercules
When reading this passage I noticed how the rainbow is a visual reminder of God’s promise to “all flesh” “every living creature” not just the chosen people of faith.
It has come to represent the hope of sunshine after rain, good things to come when in the midst of disaster but also the diversity of humanity and the wonderful work of the NHS. People, of all faiths and none, recognise the rainbow in this way. Most know something of the story of Noah’s Ark. You can find beautiful toys and nursery decorations in main-stream retailers based on the boat, the rescue of the animals and the rainbow.
But how many know the biblical truths that underpin this story? How God had become so upset by the way mankind had turned away from Him, behaving in sinful ways and spoiling His creation. How only Noah and his family had been considered worthy to survive. How they had been isolated for months to ensure their safety. How even Noah made mistakes afterwards. None of us are perfect and yet we can be certain of God’s promise that never again will there be a destruction of the earth. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to read the bible story for ourselves, in a language we understand. God speaks to us through its pages. We may have done things that we regret or not done things that we should have. We may have spoilt His creation or harmed others through our actions or inaction. However, through Christ we have the chance to begin again
This brings to mind the words of a familiar hymn by David Bilbrough:
“I Am a New Creation,
No more in Condemnation,
Here in the Grace of God I stand”.
Like Noah, we may still make mistakes, but God will not condemn the world. When we see the rainbow in the sky , let us remember God’s grace and give thanks
Amen
Trinity at Bowes is a unique Church Community Centre that seeks to meet the needs of the local community both practically and spiritually. Our team of staff and volunteers work together to ensure the centre runs efficiently and smoothly.
We are located on the corner of Palmerston Road and North Circular Road making it easily accessible from many of the surrounding areas such as Haringey, Edmonton, Enfield and Barnet. Our building is a multi-purpose building with disabled access and facilities, available for hire at competitive rates.
Our Children, Youth and Families teams work with children aged 0-18 with activities such as a playgroups, sports, music and media activities and holiday clubs. In addition, we deliver a range of alternative educational programmes for young people and Family Learning classes.
We have a range of activities for all ages and abilities including Keep Fit classes, Pilates, Bulgarian and Irish Dancing as well as social groups for older people.