Hello again. Welcome to week two of 'Shoreline Online' - or should that just be 'Onshore'? We tend to think of music as being our main form of worship, but Colossians 3: 16-17 reminds us that worship is not limited to one activity, but it is a whole life given in thanks to God the Father. I hope that this Sunday Service is in some way reflective of that and pray that it will bring you closer to God in His fullness.
Reading from Lesley - Luke 8: 22-25
Lesley has recorded a very helpful reminder of why we should look towards Jesus at all times. Please click here to listen to the reading.
Talk - Choose Faith Not Fear
This weeks video talk comes from Nicky Gumbel who is the vicar at Holy Trinity Brompton. It is based on verses from Luke, including Luke 8: 22-25 (as read by Lesley) and Luke 12: 22-31. Click here to watch the talk on YouTube.
Worship Music
Many people question whether God is truly worthy of our worship, but we would never question whether air is worthy of being breathed - being 'breathable' is the very nature of air and being 'worshipable' is the very nature of God. Who else created the earth from nothing? Who else created us in His image? Who counts every hair on our heads? Who can part the sea or cover the whole earth? Who else can save us from sin and death?
I have been wrestling with technology this week! I'm not sure who won, but I have managed to record one song to video and I am hoping to record more over the next few weeks. Click here to watch Endless Hallelujah.
Click here to watch this week's YouTube playlist. To quote... "We are your church, we pray revive this earth. Build Your kingdom here, let the darkness fear."
Message from the Bishop of Portsmouth read by Charlie
As well as being a good friend to Shoreline, Charlie is an editor/reader for Talking News (for the blind) in Portsmouth. Click here for his recording of the Bishop of Portsmouth's recent newspaper column.
Prayer from Liberty
This weeks prayer is read beautifully by Liberty. Click here to listen. You can find an image of the prayer she used at the bottom of this blog.
Fr. Richard Hendrick's Lockdown Poem from Sue
Yes, there is fear.
Yes, there is isolation.
Yes, there is panic buying.
Yes, there is sickness.
Yes, there is even death.
But, they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise, you can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet, the sky is no longer thick with fumes but blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood so that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary.
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting.
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way.
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality.
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes, there is fear, but there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation, but there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is panic buying, but there does not have to be meanness.
Yes, there is sickness, but there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes, there is even death, but there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.Listen.
Behind the factory noises of your panic the birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul and though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, sing.
An Update from Martyn
Rejoice with me that completion of the sale of my parents’ former home took place today (Thursday 26th.) Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, particularly during the past week. Also thank you for the support you have given me in recent months, whether practically at the house, helping to clear and sell items for Grace 24, or simply giving items a ‘good home’. Your help has been much appreciated.
It was just over 4 years ago when my father passed away so it has been a long journey. However, I believe it has all happened in the Lord’s perfect timing and everything was concluded today in a very happy manner. The time is right!
God bless,
Martyn.
