Tapton Church Blog

Led by Rev Suzanne Nockels

We welcomed each other with a traditional greeting of “He is risen” requiring a response of “He is risen indeed”.

Readings taken from Luke 24: 1-35 formed the basis of the minister’s message.

In Luke’s gospel he is setting the reader a number of puzzles and Suzanne tested the congregation with 3 Easter anagrams; A DRY DUSTY HUMAN / DIARY OF GOD / REST AT RUYARDS (Clue = Holy Week days)

Luke’s 1st puzzle – Seeing
The women arrived at the tomb to see that the stone was rolled away and are asked “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!

Luke’s 2nd puzzle – hearing
On returning from the tomb the women tell the disciples what they had seen and are not believed. Are we sometimes embarrassed by our faith?

The 3rd puzzle – touching
Peter ran to the tomb and saw the linen wrappings. In John they saw that the linen was folded neatly as if not used, not just abandoned. A real sign that amazing things happen and become signs of hope.

Finally two of Jesus’ followers are on the road to Emmaus when approached by a stranger. Only when the stranger breaks bread do they recognise they have been in the presence of the risen Jesus Christ,

“He is risen, risen indeed”

We had a very relaxing coffee afternoon with a lady from Neals Yard health and beauty company. Organic beauty brands made in Dorset, We were shown how to give one another hand massage and told about the properties of essential oils. We all came away much more relaxed than when we arrived.

25th March 2016
Leader: Rev. Suzanne Nockels
There is a green hill far away
outside a city wall
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.
We looked at a very different interpretation of Christ in a picture “Christ in the Wilderness” by Stanley Spencer It is a very interesting picture with a lot of meaning in it and gave us much thought. Christ has his hands open to give or receive.
When Christ was crucified he had his arms stretched out – a welcome for all – even in death.
We should remember this and try to be like him with our arms outstretched wherever we are – not keep them by our sides or even crossed tightly across our chests – hands and arms – open with love.

A joint service with Hillsborough Tabernacle Church members led by Rev Suzanne Nockels

As we sat around sharing and listening to those sat close by Suzanne asked us two questions:
1) What story or words of Jesus have meant a lot to us this year?

2) Where had we seen Jesus at work in our churches or in Sheffield?

We than all participated in a drama and Suzanne reflected on the relationship between the disciples and Jesus.

We concluded with the breaking and sharing of bread and wine.

Today’s service was arranged by John Silverton, our organist. and was led by John and Suzanne Nockels and other members of the congregation.
We started with the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem and went right through until his crucifiction. The lamentations of Jeremiah were included and Lamentations was the subject of Suzanne’s talk.
Listening – when do we listen and when do we tune out?
What would we have heard if we were in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – the joyful cries of the people, the shouting and waving of palms, the noise of the donkey trotting and would we have shut out the sound of the jeering, the angry cries??
Lamentaion is a cry of sorrow from deep anquish – we cannot pretend all is OK – it is not always personal (as Jeremiah or Christ) sometimes it is public.
Jesus grieved for the people’s lack of faith. He asked “My God why hast thou forsaken me” Two laments – there are no easy answers to laments but we are given hope – God is there -He does listen – His compassions they fail not.

Thanks to John and all those who helped this afternoon

Bible Discussion Group
Leader: Edwin Ashforth
Continuing with The Beatitudes Matthew 5
We must remember that Jesus was talking to his disciples – a group of working men and women and he was trying to teach them how he wanted them to carry on after his death – and he only had 3 years to do this.
He wanted then to let go of their past.
v.6 The aim “Happy are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness” Hunger and thirst are important – Jesus understood cravings – but this was not about physical hunger it was about hunger for righteousness and justice for the oppressed. Then people will know you are a Christian. God will satisfy your desires.
x ref.1 Corinthianns v 26-30 “think of what you were when you were called etc.”
v 7 The way we act
“Happy are those who are merciful Gd will be merciful to them.”
x ref. Matt “For if you forgive other people.. your father will also forgive you”
v 8 “Happy are the pure in heart”
Pure – clean, unmixed, undiluted, single minded.
Press on towards your goal, have other interests but God must be No.1 in your life. He must not be diluted – your life with Him must be pure. Be careful that other things do not distract you away from Him. Don’t lose touch with God.
X ref. Ps.19 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Your heart is the centre of one’s being, including mind, will and emotions. Use your emotions to see and wonder at Gods glory all around you. God works for the good of those who love Him.
If God is for us – who can be against us??

Leaders: Christine, Sarah and Mike from Fulwood Preaching Team
Reading: Hebrews Ch 4 1-13 x ref. Psalm 95
Some books lose their value over the years but not the Bible it remains constant. God speaks through the Bible. The letter to the Hebrews was for all not only Christians.
Its message is Keep going – encourage – Hold on so you will not drift away.
The present situation sometimes can be difficult but it will be worthwhile in the end. Don’t be stubborn -listen – If you hear God’s voice it is as relevant today as it was in the past. It is alive and active, sharper than a two edged sword.
Shut other things out and tune in to God – be at rest – be at peace.

Led by Rev Suzanne Nockels

Readings from Psalm 91
As Jesus Christ desires to be like a mother hen looking after her chicks. Chicks today may refer to the vulnerable and the sick in society.
In Matthew as Jesus healed the deaf and mute man with his own spit, the pharisees outwardly appeared to be nice with him but cunningly saw Herod as the fox. Foxes often going for the easy prey and attacking the already vulnerable.
Suzanne related her teaching to the current removal of the ‘Calais Jungle’ where the already vulnerable could be left more vulnerable.
As a brooding hen will fluff herself up and spread her wings over the chicks so we look to God & Jesus putting themselves in the way of evil and protecting us.
Mothers don’t love to be loved back but will protect their children.
Will Tapton stand in the way of the foxes?

Bible Discussion
Leader : Edwin Ashforth
When Jesus chose the disciples he picked ordinary men – preparing them to following his footsteps – telling us that anyone can be His followers. He took them up a mountain to teach them by means of the Beatitudes. Matthew 5
Tonight Edwin talked about the first three .. “Who are we?
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit.
We have to acknowledge we need spiritual poverty – this has to come from Jesus – we have to let him give guidance and ideas in all we do – then we will have the Kingdom of Heaven
2. Blessed are those that mourn – not mourn the dead – our past life – we must let go – don’t hide feelings – Jesus will repair things and help you to move on. you will be comforted.
3.Blessed are the meek – not weakness – not eating humble pie – not moral cowardice – be firm without arrogance, Jesus wants us to say “Send me Lord – I will go for you”
He may ask you to do things you don’t want to do – its not easy – just believe – just make yourself available for Him and you will inherit the earth.
Jesus was giving his disciples guidance to do what he had chosen them to do – let Him guide you

To be continued on the 16th March.
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