Principal Services September and October 2009

The overwhelming emphasis in our regular preaching at St Paul's is on the goodness of God, the saving work of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. For a needy world, unable to help itself in a tangle of confusion and sin, this is great news.

To change the perspective a little this autumn, we're going to take a closer look at a number of "deadly sins" in a frank, honest and sometimes humorous way. The idea of sin may be unfashionable but the Bible is very clear that its natural consequences are deadly and disastrous, both for individuals and for society as a whole.

Preaching about sin always runs the risk of self-righteousness, or giving the impression that some of us are pure and others are wicked. The truth is, we all have a problem with sin, it spoils the relationships and communities in which we live, as well as our personal relationships with God.

So get ready for a series of challenging services which will explore the Bible's teaching about our vulnerability to a range of issues and the possibilities of dealing with them.

We've chosen the most common list of 'seven deadly sins' that people are aware of. There are others but perhaps seven is enough for one series!

If you find yourself personally affected by these issues and would like to talk with someone in complete confidence, do make contact with a member of the ministry team.

6 September
10.00am Holy Communion
All one in Christ
James 2.1-17 and Mark 7.24-37

13 September
10.00am Harvest Parade
The problem we all have with greed
Luke 12:16-21

20 September
10.00am Holy Communion
The problem we all have with pride
Proverbs 16.18-19 and Luke 18:9-14

27 September
10.00am The Word Service for Back to Church Sunday
The problem we all have with anger
Genesis 4.1-11 and Matthew 5:21-26

4 October
10.00am Holy Communion and baptism
The problem we all have with envy
Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 20.1-16

11 October
10.00am All Together Church with Student Welcome Sunday
The problem we all have with gluttony
Proverbs 23.19-21

18 October
10.00am Holy Communion
The problem we all have with lust
2 Samuel 11.1-5, 27b and Matthew 5:27-30

25 October
10.00am The Word Service for Bible Sunday
The problem we all have with sloth

(Proverbs 6.6-11 and Luke 10:24-26