At the time of writing, we are still in the middle of Eastertide,the fifty-day season between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. It’s a time when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and are encouraged to encounter the resurrected Jesus, not just as an intellectual theory, but as a personal experience in our own lives as well.
We can be like the couple who met Jesus onthe Emmaus road, who without realising it, were so caught up in their own grief, problems and disappointment, that they failed to recognise the risen Christ when he appears to them (Luke 24: 13 – 33). Jesus walks beside them explaining how all of scripturepoints to him, but when they reach their house, Jesus acts as if he is going further, and it is only when they strongly urge him, that he agrees to stay at their house. As they enjoy the intimacy of a meal together, Jesus takes the bread and blesses it (a normal thing to do in a Jewish home at the start of a meal). As he does so, Jesus’ resurrected identity is revealed to them.
As the writer and church leader Pete Grieg has observed about this story, ‘recognising Jesus is not just a human, rational reaction to a set of evidence, it is a spiritual, supernatural gift of grace’.
Likewise, for us Jesus is often there walking beside us, seeking to guide us, and yet he often goes unrecognised amidst the ordinariness of daily life. But he longs to have fellowship with us and waits for us to invite him into our hearts, so that he can become no longer a stranger, but our Saviour and friend.
Jesus says to us in Revelation 3: 20 that ‘if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.’ Imagine the enjoyment of a meal with a loved one or cherished friend, that is what Jesus offers us. Can I encourage you to invite him into your life and ask him to reveal himself to you and you will be surprised at what happens.
Confirmation
Congratulations to the seven young people confirmed at Knockbride church on Sunday 26th April. From Cootehill Group: Elliott Clancy (Ashfield), Sam Deane (Kill), Alex Fannin (Cootehill) and Lauren Kinkade (Kill) and from Bailieborough Group, Kyle Middleton, Stephanie Ritchie and Hannah Wedlock (all Knockbride parish). It was a fantastic afternoon, and the beautiful sunshine added to the celebratory atmosphere. Special thanks to Knockbride parish for providing such a lovely spread of refreshments after the service.
Flower Arrangement Demonstration
There will be a flower arrangement demonstration with Julie Magee on May 21st in Cootehill church hall at 7.30pm. Locally grown flowers will be used, and techniques on creating handmade tied bouquets will be demonstrated. There will also information on growing flowers. Tickets cost €20 and are available from Pricewise Cootehill, Maudabawn Coop, Karen Pepper or Pam Johnston. Proceeds in aid of All Saints’ Church and Dernakesh repair funds.
Parish walks
The parish walks were very popular last Summer, and we will be restarting them again on a monthly basis on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm. The first walk will be on Thursday 11th June in Halton’s.
Girls Friendly Society
The parish GFS branch was suspended in 2020 during Covid and I was recently approached about the possibility of getting it restarted. We had a successful GFS information evening on Monday 27th April and six people have volunteered to run the GFS. It was agreed to restart the GFS on an initially monthly basis on a Thursday night. Thank you to all who have volunteered and to Karen Pepper who spoke to the volunteers on the evening about her experience of running the GFS branch in the past. It is exciting to see the parish GFS restarting and we trust it will be a place where girls can experience faith, fun and friendship together in the years ahead
Ordination Service
Michael will be ordained as a presbyter / priest on Sunday 5th July at 4pm in Kilmore cathedral along with Rev. Gail McNeill. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.
Points for Prayer
We remember the following people in our prayers: Patricia Smyth, following a second recent period in hospital. Norman Foster’s brother Ivan, who recently suffered a second stroke, Roy Grindle, Kate Donnelly and Edward Lindsey. May the Lord bring his healing, comfort and his peace in each situation.
Condolences
We extend our sincere condolence to Adrian and Sharleen Gillespie and their family on the recent passing of Adrian’s brother Trevor and mother Esther (Essie). May the Lord comfort the whole Gillespie family at this difficult time.