MAGAZINE
This is a monthly magazine from St. Saviour’s Church detailing upcoming services, events, community news, and spiritual reflections in July.
The Magazine is available by email – If you wish to receive a copy direct to your ‘inbox’ please email stsavioursinfo@aol.com and request to be added to the mailing list.
Weekly Church Services and Contact Information
A detailed schedule of regular Sunday services, church staff, and contact details at St. Saviour’s Church.
· Sunday services include Holy Communion (BCP at 8:00am on 2nd Sunday), Common Worship at 10:00am on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, All Age Worship on 2nd Sunday, and Café Church on 4th Sunday.
· An area for children and babies is available during the 10:00am service.
· Post-service tea and coffee are offered.
· Key contacts include Revd. Mike Simmonds (Curate), Hilary Hurst (Reader), Barry Hayton and Hilary Hurst (Churchwardens), and others for various church roles.
· Enquiries about baptisms, weddings, and funerals should be directed to the Curate, available Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Upcoming Church Services and Events Schedule
A comprehensive list of July services, including themes, scripture references, and special observances.
· Services range from Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, and Altogether Services, with themes like “The Creed I believe…” focusing on the Trinity, Jesus Christ, and the Church.
· Notable dates include St. Thomas (3rd July), Mary Magdalene (22nd July), and St. James the Great (25th July).
· Special services include FAITH CAFÉ on 18th July, and CAFÉ CHURCH on 26th July.
· The schedule includes detailed scripture references and sermon topics for each Sunday.
Forthcoming Community and Church Events
Details of church-organized activities such as film screenings, faith discussions, and social gatherings.
· Film Club showing ‘Hampstead’ on 21st July at 2:00pm, a British drama about friendship and life transformation.
· Faith Café on 18th July from 9:30 to 11:00am, themed ‘Why Do Christians Witness To Their Faith’.
· Men’s Breakfast at 'The Beach Hut' on 11th July at 8:30am, organized by Roy Rutter.
· Weekly Thursday Coffee and Conversation at the church café from 10:30am to 12:00pm, offering drinks, cake, and fellowship.
· Christian Aid Week raised £531.50, including £185 gift aid, with contributions from Film Club, cash collection, and cheques.
Revd. Mike Simmonds’ Ordination and Vision
Announcement of Revd. Mike Simmonds’ ordination as a priest on 26th September and his vision for 2026–2028.
· The ordination service is scheduled for Saturday, 26th September at 10:30am at St. Michael’s Church, Westcliff.
· Revd. Mike’s vision emphasizes becoming a “Church living out God’s compassion,” focusing on relationships, outreach, and future growth.
· The vision is inspired by the story of Jonah and God’s compassionate nature, encouraging prayer and community involvement.
· Children’s Church will start in September, with preparations ongoing in July and August.
Worship Song and Significance for July
Introduction of “Worthy” by Elevation Worship, highlighting its biblical themes and personal significance.
· The song celebrates Jesus’ sacrifice, grace, and worthiness of praise.
· It is dedicated to Natasha Mason, who will be baptized and married at St. Saviour’s in August.
· The song combines biblical themes of grace, resurrection, and praise, echoing Philippians 2 and Psalm 103.
· Revd. Mike emphasizes worship as a declaration of God’s goodness, both in song and life.
Commemoration of St. Thomas’ Day
Reflection on St. Thomas’ faith journey and significance.
· St. Thomas is known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection but later travelled to India to preach the gospel.
· His faith was restored after meeting the risen Jesus and touching His wounds.
· His story encourages faith and trust in Jesus despite doubts.
· His mission led him to Indian shores, where he spread Christianity and ultimately gave his life for his faith.
Mary Magdalene’s Life and Feast Day
Insight into Mary Magdalene’s true biblical story and her role in Jesus’ resurrection.
· Historically misrepresented as a prostitute due to medieval misconceptions.
· She came from Magdala, was healed by Jesus, and followed His ministry.
· Witnessed Jesus’ death and was the first to see the risen Christ, tasked with telling the disciples.
· Her courage in sharing the resurrection is highlighted, emphasizing her devotion and transformation.
· Celebrated on 22nd July, her story exemplifies gratitude, service, and new beginnings through Jesus.
Feast of St. James the Great
Overview of St. James’ calling, life, and martyrdom.
· James was called by Jesus along with his brother John, leaving their fishing livelihood behind.
· His response exemplifies immediate obedience and faith.
· James had prior discipleship with John the Baptist and was a leader in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection.
· He was martyred in 44AD by Herod Agrippa, making him the first apostle to be martyred.
· His story reflects the transformative impact of following Jesus and the journey of faith.
Reflection on Praying Hands and Sacrifice
Story of Albrecht Durer’s “Praying Hands” as a symbol of unconditional love and sacrifice.
· Albrecht’s brother Albert supported him financially during art studies despite suffering from arthritis and damaged hands.
· Albert’s hands, marred by mining work, inspired the famous “Praying Hands” artwork.
· The story highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and mutual support.
· Roy Jevons uses this story to illustrate unconditional love, akin to a mother’s love, and the importance of community and support.
Lessons from a Jigsaw Puzzle
Guidelines for perseverance, patience, and teamwork in life and faith.
· Don’t force fits; things will come together naturally.
· Take breaks when needed; perspective improves.
· Focus on the big picture; avoid frustration over small pieces.
· Perseverance and patience are key to completing the puzzle.
· Refer to the Creator’s guidebook often for direction.
· Variety and working with others make the process enjoyable.
· Establish boundaries early; they provide security.
· Celebrate successes, big or small.
· Great achievements require time and effort.
· Rejoice upon completing the puzzle, appreciating the masterpiece.
Introduction to 1 Thessalonians and Its Themes
Overview of Paul’s earliest letter and its focus on the second coming of Christ.
· Written by Paul in Corinth during 49–51 AD, during his second missionary journey.
· Thessalonica was a major Roman trade and philosophical center.
· The letter encourages new Christians facing persecution and addresses issues like living off others.
· The central theme is the second coming of Jesus, mentioned in every chapter.
· Paul reassures believers about the resurrection and encourages holy living in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Maintaining Faith During Ordinary Time
Encouragement to persevere through the long season of ‘Trinity’ or ‘Ordinary time’.
· This period lasts about six months between Pentecost and Advent.
· It reminds believers of God’s fullness revealed in the Trinity.
· Encourages revisiting Jesus’ life with fresh eyes and heart.
· Emphasizes faithfulness and doing small acts of love with the Holy Spirit’s help.
· A prayer is provided to foster prayer, praise, and spiritual discipline during this season.
The Church’s Future According to Nicene Creed
Explanation of the church’s eternal future based on the Nicene Creed.
· The church is one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic.
· Despite denominational differences, all believers belong to one church.
· The church is called to reflect God's holiness and live out His love.
· The Creed affirms one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
· Belief in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life is central.
· The resurrection involves transformed, imperishable bodies, not just souls.
Understanding the Sin of Sloth
Analysis of sloth as a spiritual sin and its impact.
· Sloth, rooted in ‘acedia,’ signifies spiritual apathy and indifference.
· It enables other sins like lust, anger, and envy.
· Leads to unresponsiveness to God’s calling and unused gifts.
· Overcoming sloth involves working wholeheartedly for God and avoiding distractions.
· Key questions include examining unconfessed sin and neglect of spiritual disciplines.
· The Holy Spirit can convict and guide believers to renewed zeal and service.
Reflection on England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup Victory
Remembrance of England’s 1966 World Cup win and Geoff Hurst’s achievement.
· The final was held on 30th July 1966 at Wembley.
· England defeated Germany 4–2.
· Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick, the only player to do so in a World Cup final.
· Hurst remains the only surviving member of the 1966 England team.
· The victory is a historic and celebrated moment in English sports history.
1966 World Cup Uniqueness and Historical Highlights
The 1966 World Cup in England was notable for its scheduling, iconic moments, and events surrounding the tournament.
· No matches played on a Sunday due to observance laws; professional football in England not played on Sundays until 1973-74.
· Famous commentary by Ken Wolstenholme: "They think it’s all over! It is now!" during Hurst’s goal.
· Many matches involved violent play, leading to the introduction of yellow and red cards and substitutes.
· Inconsistent refereeing issues addressed through training and clearer laws.
· The Jules Rimet trophy was stolen before the tournament but was recovered by a dog named Pickles, who found it wrapped in newspaper under a bush in South London.
Significance of the Biblical Parable of the Two Sons
Jesus used the story to teach about obedience and repentance through a parable involving two sons.
· The father asked two sons to work in the vineyard; one initially refused but later helped, the other agreed but did not follow through.
· The story emphasizes actions over words, asking which son did the father’s will.
· Jesus’ question highlights the importance of genuine obedience and repentance.
Bible Quiz and Story Highlights
A series of biblical questions and a short story illustrating biblical themes.
· Questions cover animals, insects, and natural phenomena mentioned in the Bible, such as birds, animals, and insects associated with biblical events.
· The story recounts how God chose Saul as king, but Saul disobeyed, leading to jealousy and conflict with David.
· David’s success and Saul’s jealousy are key themes; David’s humility and patience are highlighted.
· The story emphasizes obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience.