Poppyland Benefice Bulletin , , , , , ,

Sunday 13th June The second Sunday after Trinity

Services for June

13th June 10am Overstrand 20th June 10am Northrepps 27th June 10am Antingham 4th July 10am Southrepps

Letter from John Scott

“What three Words”

There is an app which has split the world into 3metre squares on the map. Each square has been given a unique three-word identification. This was designed so that emergency services could find someone in need quickly. So, I am at “Jaunts. Decimal. Attention.” This app. enables rescuers and emergency services to locate someone in remote areas in particular. With this you were lost but now you are found.

This set me thinking about what three words we find in the Bible and our worship to help us not to be lost. Isn’t it funny the Bible starts with three words “In the beginning” the dawn of time as know it so let’s link this to another three words which are “Holy, Holy, Holy” a traditional hymn for Trinity its almost set in stone that it must be sung (following government guidelines?) However, it is also what the angels cry out in praise around the throne of God, according to scripture, so when we sing or say “Holy, Holy, Holy” we join with the heavenly host adding our worship to theirs which has been since time began and before.

This leads us nicely into three more words, well two lots of three really. “Son of God and Son of Man”. Theological blood, sweat and tears have been shed over exactly what these titles mean. Now I like simplicity, so to me God’s only beloved Son is my true friend. If you wish to go deeper look at the history of the early Church but it’s a bit hard going. So, I like simple!

I like the simplicity of the Syrophoenician woman at the well when she speaks of the Messiah and Jesus says “I am He” (remember I AM is God’s name). She rushes and tells the village “I have found the Messiah”. A world changed in three little words for her and her village.

In John’s gospel with the “I AM” sayings of Jesus several are just three words, “I AM the true vine, the good shepherd, the bread of life” all true aspects of God. There is another three words that Jesus uses time and again in the scriptures that is the “Kingdom of God” often followed with a word picture starting “is like a” giving us a little insight into what the kingdom of God is like. Trouble is we tend to remember the story but forget about the Kingdom.

Some three-word phrases have a great power behind them. For example, Jesus says in the Garden of Gethsemane “not my will” in three words placing everything upon his Father. However, to me the most powerful three words are spoken from the Cross, with blackness in the sky, earthquake and “It is Finished!” Jesus’ cry of triumph. Then three days later the Angel proclaims “He is Risen”. Three words that declare a new age has begun.

Then we have “Risen, Ascended, Glorified”. Jesus returns to the Father but send the Spirit to guide us until He returns. The emphasis of three words can change Jesus “Come unto me” He refreshes us, blesses us from the ‘Upper room’, wants what is best for us “abundant and overflowing” his love for creation knows no bounds.

I think the “What Three Words” app should have a question mark after it for it is a question. So, what three words can sum up what I write about? Easy. “God loves you”. He says “I love you”, the Trinity says “We love you”, “GOD LOVES ME!” with all my faults. This is the most powerful concept of all time. That He who made the stars and heavens, the glorious powerful Creator loves us, cares for us, is with us each and everyone.

“I Love You” is beautiful when said by one human being to another but when it’s said by God, it surpasses all we know, it’s the greatest gift we are offered from the beauty of holiness of our Heavenly Father. His love is life everlasting.

So, what three words? He is Risen ~ We are Saved!

Prayer Chain and Pastoral Support Confidential requests for prayer can be sent to Rev Siân either email [email protected] or ring 01263 833790 (please leave a message) and I am happy to receive calls or emails about any pastoral matters and very happy to have a chat with anyone if they ring so please do get in touch. Thanks.

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Address for correspondence: St James Church, Southrepps, NR11 8NR or leave in green post box to the left just in side gate at St James Church