01. Love Poured Out

Monday 12th Feb

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Pause:

May we receive Your rest and recovery,
Your reminding and renewal in the reality of Your rich, resilient love.

Teach to us the peace of love, and the love of peace,
Until the only shadow over me is the shadow of Your wings

Here in this place, may we enter now more fully into Your Passion
That Your Passion may more fully enter now into us
Here in this place, may we enter now more fully into Your Peace
That Your Peace may more fully enter now into us
Here in this place, may we enter now more fully into Your Power
That Your Power may more fully enter now into us

A Divine Exchange, A Holy Overflow
A reunion of realities, A rendezvous of devotion
May we stand more fully under Your love that we can not fully understand

Today's reading: John 12. 1-11

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The atmosphere in the room changed so suddenly… some people heard it - the sound of a perfume bottle being smashed open, other people saw it – the undignified sight of a young woman unveiling her hair and then massaging someone’s feet... just so brazenly - right here in front of everyone! It was simply ridiculous of her, not to mention completely scandalous for Him.

If you hadn’t caught the sound or seen the sight, what you couldn’t miss was the smell. The fragrance of pure nard has this distinctive earthy, woody aroma – it’s somewhat spicy and somewhat sweet, and once it has invaded your nostrils it just refuses to leave.

Part of what makes it so powerful is you only ever smelt it on the fabulously wealthy – quite how Mary owned it at all was a mystery. And here she was pouring an entire pound of it on Jesus’ feet??

Someone had to say something, and everyone was frankly relieved when Judas spoke up. “What a waste!”
Well, we were all thinking it.
“I could work all year and still not earn enough to buy that much perfume and you’ve just poured it all out. Think of the good that money could have done! Think of the poor!”

Well said!
Quite right!
Outrageous!

Jesus however didn’t seem to share our righteous indignation. His eyes don’t move from her when he says quietly: “Let her be.”

The quietness of the room got somehow even quieter as we leaned in further to hear how on earth He was going to try and justify this lavish gift. “This was always the plan – this perfume is not just her present, it’s prophetic… she has anointed me, for the day of my burial.”

Reflection:

As the events of Holy Week begin to unfold before us, we now journey with a man who has been prematurely anointed for death - embalmed for burial. The simple (and yet extravagant!) act of worship brings it home to Jesus - His death is agonizingly close, unavoidable near.

This week will be a precious one, and yet Jesus still has time for others. His attention is still on those around Him, those others have overlooked – or even worse, have judged. He is still welcoming their presence.
Still loving.
Still giving.
Still blessing.

Questions for today:

Who might I have judged that I need to look at again through Jesus’ eyes?

Prayer:

Precious Holy Spirit,
Help me to be willing to break open to Jesus all that I hold as precious
Help me to pour out my whole life at His feet
May the places I go be filled with the aroma of abundant adoration
And may the sight of my surrendered Saviour never fail to bring my soul to its knees
Amen

I prayed this.

If you would like to, please feel free to add your own prayer here:

My prayer for today:

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

Where and When

The church is open for activities throughout the week but if you are just seeking us out it is likely that you will want to come and be a part of our Sunday worship which is core to what we are about.
We meet in the main church building (details here) at 10:30 each week. See our calendar to find out plans for the next few weeks.

Accessibility

There is wheelchair access and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer and church lounge.

Our Sunday Services

Sunday morning services are structured but informal. They include a mix of both contemporary and traditional worship songs and hymns, prayers, readings from the Bible and a sermon that unpacks this. Occasionally we will also have specific updates about ways that God has been working through and in people and activities. Once a month we celebrate communion as part of the service. The last Sunday of the month is usually an Altogether Service when all ages are all together in one place for a more relaxed and activity based time of worship.

We aim to finish at about 11.45 to Midday when we serve free tea, coffee and cold drinks. This is a great opportunity to get to meet people.

Sunday Evening services, either in person or online, tend to be shorter and more reflective and are an opportunity to dig a little deeper into our relationship with God.

What about the children and youth?

We have a great programme for children of all ages, for more information about what happens please visit our Children and Youth page.

Getting Connected

Small Groups

It is often in smaller gatherings that we can really get to know other people. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some in the afternoon and some in the evening either in the church, in peoples’ homes or online .
If you are interested in joining a Small Group, let us know and we can put you in touch with the small group coordinator who will be more than happy to find a group that is convenient for you and introduce you to the group leader.

Get Involved

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the life of our church. If you'd like to find out more, please let us know.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to discuss anything before you visit the church, get in touch and we can arrange a time to chat with you.

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