Giving and receiving!

Dear Brothers and Sisters of St Mary's, 

   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus.

I have been thinking about gifts. I’m sure we all like to receive gifts, but for some,
giving gifts is better. The giving of the gift is as much a joy to the giver as to the one receiving.

We have different reasons for giving gifts, such as special occasions, gratitude, or perhaps
to apologise, or my favourite ‘just because’!
We give to our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and even to a stranger. There’s something heartwarming about giving. Even as I write to you, I am smiling, as I recall the gifts I have received through
the kindness of the mechanic at Europit Tyres in Clacton.

We offer a range of gifts, including chocolates, flowers, drinks, gadgets, homemade gifts, and food, all carefully selected to put a smile on the recipient's face and demonstrate that we care. ‘You are loved.’

So, gifts are important; it's what we do.

I’m hoping, as you read this, that you are thinking of the gifts you have received,
maybe even given. I write to you, brothers and sisters, to tell you about the greatest gift given to us, a gift that could only be received by Jesus’ ascending to heaven and being seated at the right hand of God. Mark 16:19. The gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is another sign of the demonstrative love of God the Father for us and God the Son, Jesus Christ. Because He did not want us to face life alone, Jesus left, saying,
I will give you another Helper, who will be with you forever. John 14:16.

The Holy Spirit is the gift from God to you and me. He wants to help us, counsel us, guide us,
lead us in truth and help us understand who Jesus is. We are asked to receive this gift.
On the 8th of June, Christians all over the world will gather
to remember Pentecost, the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples: Men and Women who had trusted in Jesus, people who had made mistakes along the way, such as denying Jesus. Yet all received this gift from God.

I don’t know where you are in your relationship with Jesus,
but I ask you to consider using this Pentecost as an opportunity to return to, or come to, know God’s love for you.
The Church in this time of waiting, this time of Pentecost,
is collectively praying Thy Kingdom Come.

You are part of that Kingdom. 

Check our website for more information on our services.
We would love to see you and discuss the Greatest Gift given to us.  

It's Father’s Day on 15th June, I draw to your mind now, the heavenly Father’s love for you
and the precious gift of Himself that he gave. 'You are loved.' 

The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Rev Funmilayo