26th June 2022

The Parish Churches of

St Michael & St Wulfad, Stone, with

St Saviour Aston by Stone

Dear Friends,

In today’s Gospel Luke relates how Jesus reacted when he and his followers encountered rejection by the inhabitants of a village in Samaria; they simply move on to another village where they are welcomed.  Luke then tells three short stories of would be followers. The first concerned with creature comforts, the second about obeying the Law of Moses, or rather the duty expected of him in regard to the burial of a family member and the third wanted to tidy up his affairs at home and then follow on,  In each case Jesus indicates that the urgency of his mission over-rides personal concerns and if they want to follow him, they must do so now Jesus says: “ Anyone who starts ploughing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s Kingdom.”

Inviting people to be reconciled with God and welcoming them into the Kingdom was at the heart of Jesus mission. The Apostle Paul boldly says” Christ has set us free. This means we are really free. My friends, you were chosen to be free, so don’t use your freedom to do anything you want, use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. God’s spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. God’s spirit has given us life and so we should follow the spirit.” All of which points to how we can become better disciples of Jesus

By seeking God’s forgiveness, accepting the gift of his Holy Spirit and living our lives so as to reflect God’s love to others.

Nichola

Hymns for today

Aston                                      Stone

82                                            467     

169                                          231

76                                            76

227/352                                   308/352

425                                          425

Please pray for the sick in the benefice:

Elsie Richardson, Vera Tomkinson, Gary Kelsall, John Richardson, Peter Bowler, Catherine Ritchie, Miles Brain, John & Ann Shuttleworth, Margaret Wright, Molly Wright, Norman Latham, Gillian Wright, John Hargreaves, June Stringer, Pam Miles, Jean Gulliver, Margaret Tomlinson, Dave McGlynn, Sue Kenchington, Carl Hartley, Helen Tallent,,Joan Hartley & Lin Davies.

For the recently departed, remembering their families and friends:

 Kath Moore, John Stanier & Trevor Plant

Remembering their families and friends at this time

This week:

Monday 27^th  3.30pm Adventurers St Michaels School

Tuesday 28^th   11.45 – 1pm   Drop Inn Lunch St Michaels Hall

Thursday 30^th  10.30am Holy Communion – St M&W

.

SUMMER CONCERT: Our next concert is on Saturday 2^nd July at 4pm. Performed by our very own Organist Alex. Do come along and support him. Entry is £5 on the door including refreshments.

MAYORS PARLOUR VISIT:  The Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress ofStafford (also known as Philip and Edith) would like to invite the members of St. Michael & St. Wulfad’s and St. Saviours churches to visit the Mayors Parlour in Stafford on Monday 4^th July at 7.00 p.m. The visit will include a talk on the civic regalia by the Mayor’s Sargent and refreshments. If you would like to attend please sign the list at the back of each church by Sunday 26^th June and indicate if there are any dietary requirements.

SIDESPERSONS & COFFEE ROTA:Can you help? We are looking for people to assist as sidespersons at 8am and 10.45am. We are also in need of people to join the Coffee Rota as we would really like to get refreshments up and running but need help. Please speak to Nichola if you can help.