The phrase ‘It’s just my cross to bear’ is often used to refer to a difficulty someone has in their life, something they can’t change and just have to put up with. However when Jesus first talked about ‘taking up a cross’ he was referring to the distinct possibility that choosing to follow him and living by his dictates, in a world ruled by the Romans, might quite literally end with a person having to carry a cross on the way to their execution. Over the years we have forgotten just how radical and risky it was to follow Jesus. In today’s world, I wonder what it might mean to take those sorts of risks again in following Jesus. When we love others, when we seek peace, when we work to resolve injustice, when we act on behalf of the disenfranchised, when we share the story of God’s love for ALL people – there will be those who will push back because it threatens their power and control. Maybe then we really will have a cross to bear.
This Sunday We will be thinking about the call of Jesus to ‘Follow me’ and the reminder that to follow means taking up our cross. What does that look like for us today?
Mainly Music Tomorrow our mainly music programme for care-givers and their children starts again for 2021. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is also a way for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care and concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups Small Groups are now and running again. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace