Kim Leadbeater MP has introduced her bill to legalise assisted suicide to the Commons. It will have its Second Reading on 29 November. At this point, MPs will have a chance to debate the issue of assisted suicide, and it is possible that a vote will take place.
Throughout history, the Church has strongly opposed assisted suicide and euthanasia. God’s word teaches us that human beings, made in God’s image, are to be protected and cherished. This is especially true for those who are vulnerable, broken, and powerless.
The UK is a world leader in palliative medicine, following the pioneering work of Christians like Dame Cicely Saunders. The beauty of palliative care is it offers total care, addressing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the patient. This support – not state-assisted suicide – is what governments need to invest in for years to come.
With huge pressure in the media and politics, we face the worst ever threat of assisted suicide becoming law. I urge you, please, to write to politicians to share your concerns. We have set up a simple web page to help you contact your MP. You can amend the template emails we’ve provided, add your name, and hit send. Perhaps you could also forward this email to a friend and ask them to write too? If an MP replies, please let us know by emailing mail@care.org.uk or phoning our office on 020 7233 0455.
In an increasingly busy world Harvest is the opportunity to pause and take in the goodness of God.
This year in our harvest morning service we will be asking what does it mean to Taste and see that the Lord is good. We will of course be surrounded by flowers and vegetables as well as the numerous offerings for the food bank. Surely God’s goodness goes beyond the church decorations, and what is it to taste such goodness? Taste is something we experience, it is one of our 5 senses and so we will seek to experience the goodness of God. There will be a very practical way of experiencing God’s goodness as we will be having lunch together immediately after the service.
In the evening we will continue this theme of experiencing the goodness of God, but this time we will ask how can we know God’s goodness in a difficult season of life. Where is the goodness of God in illness, or bereavement, or unemployment? We will look at God’s promise to restore the lost years found in Joel 2:25. And I will restore to you the years the locust hath eaten.
Why not come along on Sunday 13th October at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm to not only celebrate but experience the goodness of God – regardless of your situation.
This morning, we are thinking about what it means to live as a Christian community. Pray for our church family. Pray for a strengthening of relationships between each of us. Pray that the way we live as a community would leave an impression on those watching.
Monday 30th September
Ballywillan Kirk Session meet tonight to discuss a way forward in filling the vacancy. Pray for the kirk session and the congregation. Pray not only for a filling of the vacancy but a renewed sense of hope after a disappointing congregational meeting earlier in the year.
GB and Little Treasures meet today. These are incredible opportunities for our church to engage with the community. Pray for all who attend both organisations asking that God would use them to draw more people unto himself.
Thursday 3rd October
The Bible study meets tonight. Thank God for all who come along to this and pray that it would be an opportunity for each of us to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ.
Friday 4th October
Cynthia faithfully produces this diary week by week, among many other administrative duties. She also provides an important ministry of friendship to all who call in to the office. Thank God for Cynthia and pray that she continues to be a blessing to so many within our congregation.
Saturday 5th October
Blaze and Chill meet tonight. Pray for our young people asking God to draw them away from everything that would be harmful and towards his goodness and love.
This Sunday our theme in Established was God’s grace. We used Ephesians 2:8-9 to explore what grace means and how that grace is received by us. What an incredible privilege to have so many young people in the manse to talk about these things. If you haven’t been to established yet then why not come along to the manse on Sunday 13th October at 6:30 pm…. Michelle might even bring some more cookies with her!
