“Therefore, let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
(1 Corinthians 5:8)
You may have spotted that we are using the same opening verse as last week. It is a verse that encourages us to live transformed lives as Christians, to give up old ways that are characterised by malice and wickedness and to take on the ways of Christ that are based on sincerity and truth.
This transformation should also show itself in the way we live together as a community of disciples. This week we are looking at the next section of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where he challenges them about the way they are treating one another (6:1-8).
As he challenges them, he reminds them of their new identity as Christians and so their new relationship with God and one another. Firstly, he describes them as ‘saints’ in verses 1 and 2. Other translations might use, ‘the Lord’s people’ or ‘the holy ones.’ It is a word commonly used in the New Testament to describe Christians that emphasises that they are set apart from the rest of the world to be God’s people. As such, they are expected to behave in a way that is distinctive from the world around, to live in ways that show we are trying to follow Christ’s example.
Secondly, the section refers to our fellow Christians as, ‘brothers and sisters.’ This reminds us that as children of God, we are now part of a new family and so we should show a similar care to fellow Christians as we would expect to show to our own earthly family.
When we see that those in Christ are both ‘saints’ and ‘brothers and sisters’ then we understand why we cannot exploit others and especially our fellow believers. Rather, we should work for reconciliation where problems occur and to love and care for those fellow believers God has placed us with.
Paul Worledge
This Saturday – Urgent Updates!!
Churches Together Prayer Breakfast
Due to illness, this now has a new venue: Salvation Army, but with a simpler breakfast than normal. 9am to 10am, Saturday 4th November.
ACTS Quiz Evening
This has now been postponed, because of illness!!
Samaritan’s Purse – Saturday 4th November, 10:30-12pm
This is still going ahead!!! Please join us for the annual coffee morning in support of Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoebox appeal at St. Luke’s Church Hall. Enjoy tea and cake and catch up with friends. If you would like to make up a shoebox with gifts suitable for a child, you can bring it along on the day or collect a box on the day to fill at home.
St. George’s Website
- What’s On – a page which lets you know what is happening this week and gives information about upcoming events.
- Notices – You can read the latest notices on this page.
- Sermons – Read a transcript of a recent sermon or watch the YouTube version recorded at St. Luke’s. There are now videos for all the sermons over the summer.
Weekly Calendar
Sunday 5th November
Eucharist (St George’s, 9:30am) – Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Sunday School (St George’s, 10:30am)
Monday 6th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Craft Group (St. George’s Hall, Soup Kitchen) – 2:00-3:30pm
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:15-9:30pm
Tuesday 7th
Daily Prayer (St George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Coffee Morning (St. George’s Hall) – 11:00am-12:00pm
Community Meal (St. George’s Hall) – 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 8th
Study Group (Langdale Avenue) – 10-12 noon
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday 9th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Saturday 11th
Daily Prayer (St George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Sunday 12th
Remembrance Sunday (St George’s, 11am) –Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Light Party – Thank You
A big thank you to all those who helped to make this year’s Light Party such a great success. It was a joy to see families and children from St. Luke’s and elsewhere having a great time in a way that celebrates the light of Christ rather than the horrors encouraged by Halloween.
Church Finances
If you have not already picked up a letter about Church Finances, then please do so this week. We are encouraging people to respond by today, if possible and we will say a prayer to give thanks for the extra donations offered. If you haven’t yet responded, then please do so as soon as possible.
Remembrance Day Service
Please note that next Sunday 12th November is Remembrance Sunday. As we host the town’s Civic celebrations, there will not be a service at 9:30am, but there will be a short service at the war memorial in front of the church at 10:45am, followed by a Remembrance Day service in the church, where we will be joined by ex-service personnel, town councillors and various scout and cadet groups.
Coming Up
In the coming weeks, there are some key events occurring at St. George’s in the lead up to Christmas:
- Let there be light, from 5pm, Sunday 26th November:
Refreshments, entertainment and a celebration of the 1st year of Project 200.
- Christmas Tree Festival, 2-5pm, 8th to 17th December
Christmas Services at St. George’s
Below is a list of the Christmas Services that will be happening at St. George’s this year. Please be thinking and praying about who you might invite.
- Carol Service, Thursday 21st, 7:00pm
- Midnight Service, Christmas Eve, 11:30pm
Note, there will also be services at St. Luke’s and the Sailor’s Church.
ACTS: Cakes, Coffee, Craft and Art Exhibition
Saturday 18th November, 12-4pm, St. Peter’s Baptist Church.
Every penny raised will go to the continuing work of ACTS & Inspiration Creative, 2 Thanet charities supporting and working with local children & young people.
Check out: ACTS new Facebook Page.
Thanet Light Orchestra Concert
Sunday 19th November, 3pm in St. Luke’s Church. Tickets £5 in advance. £10 on the door. Music from Rossini, Bethhoven, Strauss and more. All proceeds in support of St. Luke’s.
Links to Share:
October is over and it was Black History Month. This is a short article that came through right at the end of the month that talks about some inspirational Black Christians. Read more…
How to Pray for Israel and Gaza
This guide from Tearfund helps individuals, churches and groups to pray for the recent conflict in Gaza and Israel. Join us in prayer. Read more…
Finally, let’s make sure we live the new transformed lives as a true community of Christ.
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Priest in Charge of St. George’s)
St. George's Church Ramsgate 