Last week our Gospel reading was about remaining or abiding in Christ the True Vine and the theme continues and deepens with Christ’s calling to his disciples to abide in his love. This then becomes a commandment: that you loveone another, as I have loved you.(John 15:12)

And the word translated here as love, from the original Greek, is not romantic love (eros) or friendship love (philos) but agape (the highest form of love from God).This agape kind of love is selfless, sacrificial and unconditional-and ultimately expressed in and by Christ himself.

So this commandment may seem a tall order for us fallible followers of Christ! 

However if we can reach out to the One who loves us like this, humbly accept this love for ourselves and share just a tiny glimpse of this immense love to one another as the Body of Christ and then outward to the world around us- perhaps the Beatles might be proved right- that all you need is love- agape love!

SUNDAY’S BIBLE READINGS 

Acts 10: 44-end

1 John 5: 1-6

John 15: 9-17  

THIS WEEK

Sunday 5th May Easter 6

8am Holy Communion (traditional language)

10am Parish Communion

Weds 8th May

9am Morning Prayer

2.30pm Tea with Friends at the Methodist Hall

Thurs 9th May 

11am Ascension Day Holy Communion

Fri 10th May

12pm Village Prayers hosted by St Gregory’s

2.45pm School Worship

Please note Revd Angus is on leave 5-15th May

NEXT WEEK

Weds 15th May

3pm Deanery Synod at St Mary’s Motcombe with the Dorset Wildlife Trust on Living Churchyards. All are welcome.

Fri 17th May

11am  Talk: on Spiritual Art- Ancient and Modern. Speaker Jacintha Bowe at Methodist Church. Followed by a light lunch. Hosted by Churches Together in Marnhull. Donations welcome.

Sat 18th May 

6.30pm Confirmation Service at Salisbury Cathedral: we have 3 candidates: Rachel, Rosie and Emily.

Sun 19th May

10am Pentecost All Age worship with Baptism of Phoebe.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sat 25th May 

9am-11am Church and Churchyard working party. Coffee and bacon rolls provided.Please sign up.

Also: Diocesan Pilgrimage 10.45 am from Worth Matravers to St Aldhelm’s Chapel for a service at 12pm- led by Bishop Karen. BYO picnic lunch. 

Mon 3rd June. School 150th Anniversary Service with Bishop Stephen Lake. Time tbc.

OTHER NEWS

• Following our APCM last Sunday, we have 3 new PCC members Charles Cooper, Mary Jenks and Judith Male and Barry Jenks as our new churchwarden. This still leaves a vacancy of a churchwarden- please pray for a second warden.We gave both Sharon and Nick a garden voucher as a thank you gift.
• 9th-19th May: Thy Kingdom Come wave of prayer https://www.thykingdomcome.global Please help to fill the Marnhull prayer board and commit to regularly pray for your neighbours.
• 12-18th May Christian Aid Week- please give online. https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week

PRAYERS

• Pray, as we come to Ascension, for those who await on the Lord- that they may find renewal 
• Pray for for peace and righteousness to flourish in nations and neighbourhoods- that we may vanquish injustice and inhumanity
• Pray for all in or from our parish who are ill in body, mind or spirit- for healing and wholeness

CONTACT US

Clergy:

Revd Gaenor Hockey, Rector

01258 821605      [email protected]

Part time: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday

Revd Angus Mayhew, Assistant Curate

07788100885     [email protected]

Shared full time curacy: Marnhull and Gillingham Team  

Rest day: Monday

Licensed Lay Minister: 

Judith Male 07852780517

Churchwarden: 

Barry Jenks 01258 821604

Church is open daily:  9am – 4.30pm

Parish website www.stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk

Facebook: St Gregorys Church Marnhull