Our service last Sunday was based on two Bible readings: Colossians 1, Christ in everything, and
Luke 23, the Crucifixion. Rod Smith and Roy Martin read these passages for us and Rod
accompanied our singing of songs by Graham Kendrick. Rev. Paul Clapham reflected on St Paul’s
description of God revealed in Jesus, the one who holds all things together. People come to faith in
Christ in different ways: some through a profound spiritual experience, others see God in his
creation, some are fascinated by the person of Jesus. Paul contrasted the familiar story of Jesus’
birth as described in Luke’s gospel with that of Matthew who told of Joseph’s dilemma, unintended
betrayal by the Magi and the holy family’s flight from persecution. God chose to send his son as a
vulnerable baby into a world where, as today, the powerful exploited the weak. Innocent Jesus was
killed cruelly but rose again proving his divinity. He is the source of everything and enables us to
follow his way.
Paul prayed for the oppressed, the unwell and for our own needs. Our final hymn, Love Divine all
loves excelling, was followed with a blessing from Jude vv 24-25.