Dear church family,

Not long ago in the morning services we were studying together Romans 12 under the title ‘A growing community’. One of the verses that has stuck with me is ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.’ The way we rejoice and mourn together as a community is a sign of our discipleship in Christ. This has been especially evident this week as I sadly have to inform you that we have had two deaths in the fellowship.

Anthony Wanjiku (Kariuki) passed away on Sunday morning after illness. He leaves his wife Joyce and two boys Nathan 6 and David 2. As they mourn, let us mourn with them and stand with them in prayer. Anthony was a quiet man with a solid faith in Jesus – praise God he’s now with him in glory.

Sydney Hull was 96 and passed away peacefully at Rectory Court. Many of you will recall his colourful stories as a boxing correspondent. As we remember him – let us pray for his brother Tony and the many friends he had who looked out for him. Sydney enjoyed St John’s and we were like a family to him.

In this season there is much mourning to be done! But I also recall that yesterday was Ascension Day – the day we remember Jesus ascending into heaven. In this season there is also rejoicing to be done, as we remember that Jesus leaving earth was for our benefit so we could receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Moreover, Christ’s ascension benefits us because we now have our own flesh in heaven; our lives are hidden with Christ who dwells in glory above (Col. 3.3-4). Christ’s flesh in heaven is a guarantee that those who die in Christ will also be in heaven. As we remember Anthony and Sydney, we can rejoice in this even though we mourn.

If you or anyone else are mourning or rejoicing, please do contact the Pastoral Hub as we are here to help and be a listening ear pastoralhub@stjohnsblackheath.org.uk

As usual we have our normal morning online service at 10am, please do invite others to join in. You will have already received an additional email about the ‘refreshments’ after the service – we do hope you are able to connect in this way via Zoom.

24_5_20 song sheet.docx service-of-the-word (2) (1).pdf

With love and prayers, Eddie