Joint Service – God of Mercy – God of Surprises

The August Bank Holiday is always a quiet time of year. We therefore took the opportunity to combine the 10 o’clock congregations of both St Peter’s and St Paul’s, resulting in a packed service at St Paul’s. This was led by our vicar, Steve Bailey, and our rector, Michael Rusk, preached.
 
Michael turned our thoughts to Luke’s account of Jesus’ healing a woman who had stooped badly for many years. To the Pharisees, this had to be wrong because it was done on the Sabbath day. Michael pointed out Jesus‘ concern for this woman’s need – despised as a woman and suffering from her disability. This was more important than the traditions. We were challenged to lay aside preconceptions when seeing what God was doing.

It was good to worship together before beginning all the activities of the autumn season.