WALKING ON WATER
With today’s Gospel story, we often focus on Peter’s faith – although his faith wobbled, at least he got out of the boat! That’s an important message for us, and what that might mean as a church and for us individually. But this is also important for what it tells us about Jesus. His walking on water would have held echoes for the disciples in the boat who see him. His coming over the water to his disciples is not just a miracle over nature, but a statement of who he is. The Old Testament scriptures had references to God striding over the waves, and in these actions of Jesus there is a clear statement of his divinity. Remember the disciples, although following Jesus at this stage, were still trying to work out just who he was. Clearly representing God in some way, but a teacher? A prophet? Not just the miracle, but what it symbolises, is important. It is what makes Peter have faith to get out of the boat. It is the recognition God is with them: for the first time in this Gospel, it says the disciples worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God.’ This is a recognition story. It challenges us: who do we say Jesus is? To what extent do we recognise God in our lives? Peter’s momentary doubt when he begins sinking is not his faith in being able to walk on water, but his ability to recognise and trust it was indeed God to whom he walked towards.
To Readings for 13 August 2017
Services at Parish Church of The Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton
SUNDAY
8.00 a.m. Said Eucharist
10.00 a.m. Sung Parish Eucharist except First Sunday - All Age Service.
5.30 p.m. First & Third Sunday: Evensong (BCP).
Second, Fourth & Fifth Sunday: Said Evening Prayer - Common Worship
WEEKDAYS
8.30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday: - Said Eucharist
11.00 a.m. Wednesday: Eucharist (BCP)
4.30 p.m. Friday: Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
5.30 p.m. Monday Thursday and Saturday:- Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
For additional services please use the Calendar.
Services at St Barnabas, Box
SUNDAY
9.00 a.m. Eucharist with hymns.
WEEKDAYS
8.00 a.m. Wednesday – Eucharist
For additional services please use the Calendar.
Do You Enjoy Singing?
We are growing our choirs! Please consider joining at the level of commitment / frequency you feel able to offer. The choirs (adult & junior) sing a wide range of music not only for regular church services but also for weddings, funerals, carols in church, special events and even a recent film! Junior singers are trained according to the RSCM's Voice for life scheme – recently a chorister was accepted by Gloucester Cathedral choir. Choral scholarships available for over 16-year-olds still in full-time education. Adults singers commit only to what they are able to do. Details on the church website and on the Choirminch Facebook page. If you think you might enjoy singing, contact Julian Elloway for an informal chat
Faculty for Re-ordering of Parish Church
A formal application for a faculty was submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for consideration on or about 7 April. The main documents can be downloaded (see below) and in addition there are a series of drawings which have been on display in the Parish Church over recent months. We are now pleased to say that the Faculty has been granted and work on the re-ordering is to commence on Monday 21 August. Your support over the past months and the coming weeks and months is greatly appreciated.
Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Design Statement
Holy Trinity Church Outline Technical Specification
Statement of Significance produced by Chiz Harward BA MlfA. (This is a large file and will take a little while to download)
Wednesday Cuppa
Takes place every week from 2:30 until 4:00pm in the Porch Room or if really nice weather outside the church as in the picture.
Church members attend as well as non-church goers and a warm welcome and good cake awaits you. The Wednesday walkers often join us as they finish ready for a sit down and a cuppa. It is a good social gathering of friends and all are welcome to come and chat and meet new people.
