This week's news

 *CORRECTION*

Due to an error by the usually PERFECT secretary (!) the Newsletter was published with incorrect information.

Please note that this week's Morning prayer on Thursday and Friday evening Mass are both at their usual times of 10am and 7.30pm.
Apologies for the confusion.
(I'll say 10 Hail Mary's for my sins - although as dear Deacon Peter used to always reply... "..but I only know one!")

Easter Vigil Celebrations

Here we are at this year's Easter vigil which took place at St Paul's in Yate. 7 adults and 1 teenager were baptised and confirmed.
With the photos you can see the Mass beginning with the lighting of the Easter Fire. It was a great occasion with people from all 4 of our churches, the furthest having come from Kingswood.
St Paul's community served us so well with refreshments following the lovely service.
Then in the morning, 4 children, belonging to those families who were received the night before, were then baptised on Easter Sunday. With much thanks to all who assisted in any way with the celebrations.
Fr Barnabas.

 

'No Mow May'

has begun and the daisies are out in force in our church grounds already.

We'll keep an eye on what else comes up over the next few week
s and try to spot any visiting bugs who are enjoying the long grass and plants in our grounds.

Visit Plantlife: saving wild plants for information behind why 'No Mow May' can be an brilliant thing to do to help our local climate.

SEND Together evening

*** See poster for an event taking place in our primary school, which all local families are invited to attend. *** This is the new date following a postponement from last time. New date - Monday 2nd June from 6-8pm in the school.
Tickets from Eventbright:

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C.

1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 13: 14, 43b-52.

This is the first example of the pattern of Paul’s Ministry in the Acts. The Gospel is preached firstly to the Synagogue, and meets initially with success, but later is rejected, and they then turn towards the Gentiles who are thirsting for the Gospel. Paul and his helpers expect persecution and rejoice in it. “Joy” and “the Holy Spirit” belong very close together in Luke’s writings. The reference to “a light for the Gentiles” is a quote from the Prophet Isaiah 49: 6. But we might also recall Simeon using the same phrase as he held the child Jesus in the Temple. We hope one day for reconciliation with our elder brothers in the Faith.

Psalm 100(99): 1-3, 5.

A beautiful song of “Thanksgiving”. It contains seven reasons to praise God, but the one of main interest to us today is that “We are his people, the sheep of his flock.” God is our Good Shepherd, and we truly blessed to be part of his flock.

2nd Reading from the Book of Revelation 7: 9, 13a, 14b-17.

We are looking at the Christian Community of every tribe and nation, and we are shocked to realise that they have had their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb (Christ), but we know that blood is not a good bleacher, so Christ has turned the world upside down. Then see how “the Lamb shepherds them and guides them to running streams of living water.” In the hot and arid area of the Middle East running streams really are living waters, but we are realising that this is a spiritual vision of the power of the Lamb who was sacrificed for us. Christ really is our life in the Spirit. His sacrifice has set us free to follow him to safe pastures. The Lamb is now the beloved Shepherd.

The Holy Gospel according to John 10: 27-30.

There is a desperation in the religious leaders to have Jesus declare that he is the Messiah and to then prove it. Jesus says, “if I tell you, you will not believe me.” Then Jesus moves into this selection we have before us today. “My sheep listen to my voice.” In the Middle East the sheep listen for the voice of their own shepherd. When he calls his own sheep respond and follow him because they know and trust he will lead them to good pasture with plenty of water. They will know that Jesus is at one with the Father. Because the leaders do not recognise Jesus as their shepherd they do not listen to his voice and therefore want to stone him for blasphemy. Jesus clearly states, “I and the Father are one.” Jesus also affirms that we belong to him and that no one can snatch us away. Jesus gives us eternal life, and we will never perish. This is a wonderful affirming section of the Gospel. We continually refuse to believe that Jesus has already “Saved Us”; all that is required is our effort to follow the Gospel life as illustrated by Jesus himself. How wonderful to be one of his sheep.

May we always be graced to listen for his voice and respond accordingly.

Deacon Vincent.

We have been offered the details of the 'Affordable Counselling' team who are based in the Yate and Bristol area and offer supportive service online (and in person, on request), locally and across the UK.

"Life’s path can sometimes be bumpy. If you’re feeling anxious, low, struggling with relationships, or facing life changes, we’re here to work alongside you. Our Counsellors offer a gentle, accepting space for you to share your story.
As you'll probably be aware, skilled, qualified and supervised counsellors are in short supply and the cost of living is making it harder for people to access therapy.
Affordable Counselling was established locally years ago to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from quality, reasonably-priced counselling.
Our Qualified Counsellors hope to offer you a comforting space, and sessions that you can afford."

https://affordablecounselling.uk/