Resurrection - Rebirth and Symbolism

Post by Ian

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:22-23

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Easter, a time of rebirth and the time of the resurrection of Jesus. The passion narrative is depicted in all four gospels, consisting of the entry in to Jerusalem at the end of Jesus' ministry and his subsequent death by crucifixion. This is followed by the narrative of his resurrection and the meeting with his disciples in Galilee.

The Triumphal Entry - Facing Death

Post by Ian
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
~ Matthew 21, 6-11

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The passion narrative is depicted in all four gospels, consisting of the entry in to Jerusalem at the end of Jesus' ministry and his subsequent death by crucifixion. In the synoptic accounts (Mark, Matthew and Luke) the accounts in the two later books reflect the early writing of Mark, adding detail and embellishment to the story. Matthew highlights earlier scriptural backing for the actions attributed to Jesus. Luke makes Jesus in to a stoic accepter of his destiny and fate. The earlier account of Mark, to me, shows a man who knew what may happen if he challenged the powers of the day. The power of the Sanhedrin in the temple and of the Roman governors. He knew what he may face, and yet he did it anyway.

Spring, Fayre, and `Eat a Unitarian`.

Post by Ash
What a great way to spend the weekend - first the New Meeting House `Summer Fayre` on Saturday in aid of the `Maggs Centre for the Homeless` followed by a great Sunday Service and then our `Eat A Unitarian` shindig.

Common sense matters

Post by Ann

I am a Unitarian Minister, now officially retired, although still reasonably active and able to prepare and lead services. In the past, each week `the sermon` was a spiritual and mental undertaking. On good weeks this was great but I did have dry weeks which my congregations, thanks be, have always understood.

I came to realise that stories, be they fictional, for example Aesop`s fables-especially for the children-and stories about everyday real life and situations of commerce and livelihood that many face, are far more beneficial and effective than all the eloquence of a great preacher.

Down to earth commonsense in the well-being of our communities is what we need and what our churches, chapels and the like should be offering.

I offer the following story to illustrate this;