The Reverend Stella Hayton led the worship at St Johns on the first Sunday of 2022, with New Year greetings and prayers that the Lord Jesus will journey with us always, especially through dark and uncomfortable situations towards new possibilities, dazzling us with hope, light and love.

Reading from the Gospel of St Mark ch.2, v1-12 the well-known report of the visit of the Magi to see the baby born to be King and Saviour, Stella reminded us how these intelligent wealthy and wise people had followed faithfully on an unexpected journey to kneel and worship a baby.

Today many people take the knee to express their dedication and support for Black Lives Matter, and protestations against any discrimination and injustice. Jesus does not judge us nor discriminate who ever we are and whatever we have done when we turn to Him, confess our sins, and truly love God who truly loves us.

To bend to the knees and other activities become more difficult the older we get; to bend from our stubborn traditions and ingrained opinions, to oen our eyes to see what the wise men saw, to see what God has done, what Jesus means to everyone.

Let us join with Jesus and work for our healing and open mindedness, for hope and salvation in our lives and throughout the world.

Next Sunday, worship at 11 am will be led by the Rev. Norman Gilbert.

In compliance with Covid guidelines, please contact Sue 07530 668501 to reserve your seat.