The first Gospel, Matthew, opens with the story of Jesus’ birth (the event which is celebrated at Christmas) and then jumps forward 30 years to when Jesus began travelling around what is now Israel and the Palestinian territories telling people about God. Starting with a Gospel introduces you to the person of Jesus and the basics of Christian belief. Early Christian teaching A good next step is to read some of the teaching given to the early Christian Church. Much of the New Testament is a series of letters written by early Christian leaders such as Paul. He travelled around the lands of the eastern Mediterranean, telling people about Jesus. He then wrote to the various newlyestablished churches and individuals to encourage them in their beliefs. Letters such as Philippians or Colossians are short, bitesized letters full of advice about how to live a Christian life. Getting to grips with the whole Bible takes some time, but it is worth the effort. In his second letter to a young leader called Timothy, Paul says the Bible is “inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. How reading notes can help Many people find it helpful to find a quiet and comfortable place to sit and read the Bible and make sure that they read it every day. Take time to digest what it says. You could say a quick prayer – asking God to help you understand what you are reading and its relevance to you. You can find our Bible Sunday readings on page 6 and for more resources for Bible Sunday go to the Bible Society web site:https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/bible-sunday/ SATURDAY LUNCHES @ St. Marys Church This is now taking place every Saturday from 12noon - 2pm Serving free light lunches of soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and biscuits All welcome 22
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