FROM THE URC MINISTER
- “I’ve read bits of the Bible but I don’t really know how they all fit together.”
- “I’ve never read the Bible much but I’m interested in finding out more of what’s in it”
- “I love the Bible. But I’d like some help to understand it”
Any of those quotes sound like you? Then why not take the E100 Bible Reading Challenge?
The E100 programme is being promoted across Britain this year by the Biblefresh consortium of the Bible Societies, Scripture Unions and Wycliffe Bible Translators. The challenge is to read 100 carefully selected Bible passages thought essential for understanding the roots of Christian faith. The passages are usually one or two chapters in length. They can be read in any Bible version you choose: one you’ve got, or the online Bibles at www.biblegateway.com.
Adrian and I would like to encourage individuals to take up this challenge. We will list the Bible passages for the month in ICN. Of course, you can read them when you like, but we suggest five per week. There will be 50 passages from the Old Testament given for May, June and July, and 50 from the New Testament for September, October and November.
This month’s stories include Creation, Noah and the Flood, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Joseph of Technicolor Dreamcoat fame.
If you find your reading raises questions or puzzles, you may want to discuss them with others. In May, there is a chance for anyone to do that. Just come along to St Giles’ Church Hall on Wednesday 25th May, from 8pm until 9.30pm.
The first collection of readings will be introduced in sermons in both churches on Sunday 8th May. Then Adrian will introduce the second batch at St. Giles’ on 29th May. But you may prefer to do the readings without these introductions. And you can find out more for yourself at www.e100challenge.org.uk.
Happy reading! I hope you enjoy exploring how the bits fit together, and what they mean for life now.
Bernie
Bible Challenge – May Readings
Figures give the chapter and verse for the start and finish of each passage from the books of Genesis (Gen) and Exodus (Ex) at the start of the Bible.
Week beginning May 8th
Gen 1:1 – 2:25 Creation
Gen 3:1 – 3:24 The Fall
Gen 6:5 – 7:24 The Flood
Gen 8:1 – 9:17 God’s Covenant with Noah
Gen 11:1 – 11:9 Tower of Babel
Week beginning May 15th
Gen 12:1 – 12:20 The Call of Abram
Gen 15:1 – 15:21 God’s Covenant with Abram
Gen 21:1 – 22:19 Isaac’s Birth and ‘Sacrifice’
Gen 27:1 – 28:22 Jacob and Esau Compete
Gen 32:1 – 33:20 Jacob and Esau Reconcile |
Week beginning May 22nd Joseph
Gen 37:1 – 37:36 Sold into Slavery
Gen 39:1 – 41:57 Prison and Promotion
Gen 42:1 – 42:38 Ten Brothers go to Egypt
Gen 43:1 – 44:34 The Brothers Return
Gen 45:1 – 46:7 Joseph Reveals his Identity
Week beginning May 29th
Ex 1:1 – 2:25 Birth of Moses
Ex 3:1 – 4:17 The Burning Bush
Ex 6:28 – 11:10 The Ten Plagues
Ex 12:1 – 12:42 Passover and Exodus
Ex 13:17 – 14:31 Crossing the Red Sea |
KING JAMES EVENSONG
A special service at St Giles’ will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James’ Bible. It will take place at 6.30pm on Sunday 15th May. Led by Adrian, the service will include selected readings from the King James’ Bible and the choir will be singing music from the period. Everyone is welcome.
FROM THE CHURCHES’ REGISTERS
Cremations at Breakspear Crematorium
Mar 18th William Rolfe, aged 82
Apr 4th Peter Tyson, aged 77
Apr 13th Kenneth Roberts, aged 84 (after service at St Giles’)
Apr 13th Pamela Agius, aged 86
ST GILES’ CHURCH STREET PRAYER LIST
Each Sunday at St Giles’ Church we pray for all the people who live or work in a particular road in the Parish. During May we will pray for the following roads:
May 1st Vinlake Avenue
May 8th Vyners Way
May 15th Wallasey Crescent
May 22nd Warren Road
May 29th Willowtree Close
If you live in one of these roads why not join us at our 8am or 9.45am services? You will be most welcome.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE BEREAVED
There will be a special Memorial service at St Giles’ Church on Sunday 8th May at 3pm for those who are bereaved. The names of the departed, whose funerals were conducted at Ickenham URC or by St Giles’ Church staff between the beginning of April 2010 and the end of February 2011 will be read out during the service.
The Revd Fran Caldecourt from St. Joseph the Worker, Northolt will give a short talk and members of the Bereavement Support Group will be present. After the service, the congregation will be invited to have refreshments in St Giles’ Church Hall.
Anyone who would find this service helpful is welcome to attend.
GOOD NEWS FOR THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
The appeal in February and March editions of ICN for funds to help restore the St Giles’ Book of Remembrance has resulted in a generous response. Our grateful thanks to everyone who sent a donation, including a recent contribution from the Swakeleys Home Guard (1944) Association. When the restoration work on the book is complete it will be announced in ICN.
Caroline Hill / Naomi Webb (Churchwardens)
