VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
The Pet Service
Yesterday, we held a pet service and it was a delight to meet the pets and some new folk who came along as well. In the end we held it inside due to the temperatures being a little on the chilly side yesterday morning. Of course, holding the service inside came with the possibility that one of our pets might get a little “excited” and leave a deposit on the floor. I’m looking at you “Munch” you rascal.
I’ve grown to love pet services over the years. Gathering our pets like this is another reflection of the fact that we are a community church and an expression of church should embrace all the members of our families. We live on Headley Down and it wouldn’t surprise me if the number of dogs locally are above the statistical average, certainly more than towns.
It gave us an opportunity to look at the bigger picture of what Christ did when He shed His blood on the cross. How expansive that sacrifice was, not just for us but for the whole of creation. Look at this:
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:19-23 NIV
If you missed it, the talk, “The Redemption of All Things” will be up on the website as usual later today. https://www.hdcc.uk/talks
New Autumn Series
BTW We are planning a new series looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans starting at the 3rd September Big Brunch which will take us to Advent with pauses to celebrate Harvest in October and observe Remembrance Sunday in November.
John Russell
Pastor
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