St Pauls and St Barnabas

Be Known By Love: The Mark of a True Disciple Be Known By Love: The Mark of a True Disciple A reflection on John 13:31-35 and the essence of Christian discipleship In the gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 31 to 35, we are presented with a profound teaching by Jesus to His disciples. It is a moment of intense instruction, set against the backdrop of His impending betrayal and sacrifice. Here, Jesus lays out what should be the distinguishing mark of His followers. Surprisingly, it is not found in the acts of service, humility, or even sacrifice that we might expect. Instead, Jesus points us towards love. Not just any love, but a love that echoes His own - sacrificial, unconditional, and all-encompassing. It is this love that Jesus commands His disciples to have for one another, a love that would define them in the eyes of the world. How do we recognize some...

Easter Week 2024 at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Parish Easter Announcements at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Parish As we approach the holy week of Easter, we have a host of activities and services planned. We invite you to join us in prayer, worship, and celebration during this significant time in the Christian calendar. Holy Week Schedule Wednesday Midday Prayer: 12:00 - 12:30 Evening Worship: 19:45 - 20:30 This is a time for reflection and preparation as we approach the commemoration of the Last Supper and Crucifixion of Christ. Thursday Midday Prayer: 12:00 - 12:30 At the Table: 19:45 - 20:30 An exploration of the Last Supper as described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, understanding its meaning and significance. Good Friday Midday Prayer: 12:00 - 12:30 Good Friday Service: 19:45 - 20:30 The "We Gather at the Cro...

Easter Community Prayer Walk Easter Community Prayer Walk – A Time of Prayer and Fellowship Join Us for an Easter Time of Prayer As Easter approaches, we come together not only to celebrate the resurrection but also to connect with our community through prayer. St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Parish is hosting our annual Easter Community Prayer Walk. This is a time for us to join our hearts and voices in prayer, seeking God’s grace and blessings for the places and people in our neighborhoods. Event Details: Date: Tuesday, 26th March (Tuesday of Holy Week) Time: Starting at 2:00 PM Location: Beginning at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Parish “Where two or three gather in my name, th...

Reflecting on Psalm 1: The Beauty of God's Word Reflecting on Psalm 1: The Beauty of God's Word A Sermon by Mark Wells from the Bible Society NI This past Sunday, we were blessed with a profound sermon on Psalm 1 by Mark Wells from the Bible Society of Northern Ireland. Mark's insightful exploration of Psalm 1 reminded us of the deep roots and nourishment found in delighting and meditating on God's Word, drawing a powerful parallel with the life and mission of the Bible Society NI. The Bible Society NI, an integral part of our global mission to share God's Word, endeavors to ensure that everyone has access to the Bible in a language and format they can understand and afford. Through their work, they aim to reach every person so that they might experience ...

Sermon Summary of John 3:14-21 Sermon Summary: No Greater Love In this sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin discusses the inevitability of change and how it reflects in both our daily lives and spiritual journeys. He uses the analogy of Google Maps' feature to go back in time, observing how landscapes and surroundings evolve, to illustrate the concept of change and how often we only notice it in retrospect. The sermon draws from the Book of Numbers, focusing on the Israelites' journey from slavery to the wilderness, heading towards the Promised Land. It highlights their struggles, complaints, and resistance to change, despite the freedom it promises. The story serves as a metaphor for our own resistance to spiritual transformation and the challenges we face in faith. Rev. Irwin connects this Old Testament...

As we enter the reflective season of Lent, St. Paul's and St. Barnabas are buzzing with activities that cater to our congregation's spiritual growth and community spirit. Let's explore this week's schedule and the upcoming Holy Week preparations, inviting everyone to participate in these meaningful occasions. This Week's Fellowship and Worship Opportunities Monday with the Vestry Our week begins with the Vestry meeting on Monday, 9th March, at 7:30 PM. The Vestry members gather to deliberate on matters that shape our church's life and service We invite all those involved in these duties to be present and for everyone to pray for them! Wednesday's Lenten Devotions Midweek brings us together for Wednesday's Lenten evening of prayer and scripture. At 6:30 PM, we'll have our Lent Prayer session, a quiet space to reflect and seek peace amid our week. As we progress through the evening, we invite you to delve deeper into the Word with our Bible Study and I...

The Centrality of the Cross - A Sermon Summary The Centrality of the Cross in Christianity In a compelling sermon by Bishop Harold Miller at St. Paul's & St. Barnabas, the essence and significance of the cross in Christian faith are explored, referencing 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 . Bishop Miller delves deep into its symbolism, embodying both the ultimate sacrifice and transformative power of God's love. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (NIV) "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' [...]" Read the full passage at Bible Gateway . The sermon highlights the paradox of the cross...