Marie McDonald:
Hi I’m Marie. I'm married to Alan, we have 3 big kids; Hollie (26), Curtis (24) and Amy-Lee (17). We moved from Bangor to Lisburn 24 years ago when we joined Seymour Street and immediately felt at home. I have been involved in YWA, Youth club and Sunday school.
I have been asked to comments on Mark 9 2 – 6
This is about the transfiguration of Jesus.
Jesus took 3 of his favourite disciples with him as witnesses to his transfiguration. Jesus’ clothes became dazzling white, a sign of purity and a sign of the presence of God. They were seeing Jesus in all his heavenly glory.
It is interesting that there were 3 earthly witnesses – Peter, James and John and 3 heavenly witnesses – Elijah, Moses and the voice of God. The Old Testament Law required three witnesses to attest to any fact. In this case they were attesting to the fact that Jesus was who he claimed to be.
To transfigure or transform can also mean to change the outside to match the inside, the outward appearance of Jesus was changed to show the glory of Gods on the inside.
No wonder the disciples were afraid and Peter did not know what to say. There are times when it is perhaps better to remain silent and wait for God to give us understanding.
Lord draw us near to You and let us see Your glory.
Donald Ker:
Hi, I’m Donald Ker. I’m married to Sandra for nearly 40 years. We have four children, all of whom are now married, and to date we have three grandchildren.
I’ve been a Methodist minister since the mid 1970s. The Methodist Church in Ireland has given me the chance to serve in a number of interesting settings, most recently as Secretary of Conference, where I’m responsible for seeing that, as far as possible, the Church runs smoothly and we’re able to be the people God wants us to be.
Sandra and I came to Seymour Street as members of the congregation in 2007 when I took up the ‘Secretary’ appointment. We have been very grateful for the welcome we have received and we’re encouraged by the Christian life and love which we’ve discovered.
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Our son, Tim, lives near the new Olympic village in London, so on a recent visit we went for a little look. It’s amazing already, but it will be even better when athletes come together from all over the world to take part in the Games later this year. I hope that all who come will feel welcomed and well cared for, but they will also be focused. Not for them the distractions of the vast shopping centre that has also been built beside the village, or the other delights of London. They will continue to train, to control their diet, to get their sleep, so they can perform at their very best when their moment comes. They will enjoy the whole experience most if they first concentrate on what they are coming to do.
Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth, who were rather prone to distractions, and encourages them to focus, and stay spiritually fit. He uses the picture of athletic games, not so much to suggest that the Christian life is about winners and losers, but rather to insist that it’s more than a part-time hobby. It demands the discipline and total commitment of an athlete in training. But because of Jesus it’s worth it.
A line of a hymn comes into my mind as I’m thinking about these verses, where Timothy Dudley Smith prays:
“Lord, for our land in this our generation,
Spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:”
These lines always make me think. I know that care and anxiety can oppress my spirit, but can pleasure and wealth oppress me also? Aren’t they good? Paul’s words come home at this point. If I’m living just to get pleasure and wealth, instead of sharing them thankfully and generously, I’ll be like a disappointed marathon runner who collapses after the first mile because I got my priorities wrongs. I lounged around putting on weight when I should have been training.
And then, just as I’m coming to the end of the passage, there’s a warning directed fair and square at people like me, who work in Christian leadership. Quite simply, I have to practice what I preach. Jesus’ question to me won’t be “Did you preach good sermons, and devise great strategies, and manage good meetings?” It will be “Do you love me?”
Claire Maze:
Hi, i'm Claire and i'm 20 years old. I'm currently in second year at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow studying maths. I've been going to Seymour street since I was born and I was part of the team that went to Uganda in the summer.
I've been asked to look at Mark 1 v40-45.
The first thing that stood out to me was verse 41, I think this verse paints a beautiful picture of Jesus. It says that Jesus was ‘moved with pity' or ‘moved with compassion' for the leper. Because of his leprosy this man would have been someone who was on the outside of society maybe deemed unlovable by most people, but as usual Jesus challenges everyone else's perceptions and shows His unrivalled love for for this man by saying that He wants to heal him and then by actually touching him.
The other thing that stands out is verse 45, the leper was so excited about what Jesus had done for him that he couldn't help but to tell everyone even though Jesus had warned him not to. Jesus has forgiven and redeemed us which is so much more exciting than what he did for the leper, but so often I think we shy away from telling people and sharing this great news because we're unsure of what their reaction will be. We need to remember that we have something worth shouting about, something that people need to hear.
Derek Noble:
I have been married to Lesley for 44 years we have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. We moved to Lisburn 6 years ago this month.
MARK 1 v 29-39
The passage tells of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and as verse 31 shows she was able to prepare the meal. “He took her by the hand and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her and she prepared a meal for them.” Not only did Jesus heal her but He also strengthened her— what a change from fever to food in an instant!
The people of the area had already heard about Jesus [ v28] so after sunset we are told the whole town gathered at the house bringing many people who were sick and demon possessed. Jesus healed many and cast out demons. Whatever problems we have Jesus can help us. Even though Jesus must have been tired after such a busy evening [ v35] tells us He got up before daybreak to go to a quiet place to pray. This is a lesson for all of us and reminds us of the importance of making time to be quiet with God in spite of leading busy lives.
His disciples were keen for Him to stay in Capernaum [v37] “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus, giving a foretaste of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations……” responded saying “We must go on to other towns as well and I will preach to them too. That is why I come.”
Ann Bodel:
Hi, I’m Ann. I have been worshipping at Seymour St for the past three years and feel very much at home. My late husband Tom and I retired to Lisburn in July 2006 to be near our two daughters and their families. Sadly in June 2007 my husband was diagnosed with brain tumors and died ten days later. This was a very traumatic time for us as a family. With God’s help and the support of family and friends we have been able to accept the situation. I know that despite my recent troubles I have so much to be thankful for. I live a very busy life with school runs, walking, coffee stops, luncheon club, other Church activities and travelling.
MARK CH 1 V 29-39
On first looking at this passage it is divided into two sections, Verses 29-34 – Jesus heals many, and verses 35-39 – Jesus prays in a solitary place.
Verses 29-34
Tell how Simon’s mother in law was healed by Jesus. This was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and he chooses a very ordinary woman to heal. Firstly he takes her hand (he touched her) he then helps her to her feet (she trusts him) at this point she was healed and she began to serve him. Many people were healed and delivered from evil spirits at that time, yet the focus seemed to be on Simon’s mother in law. My thoughts would be simply, that as God touched her she trusted him and served him.
Verses 35-39
Reveal to us that Jesus had healed many people and had driven out evil spirits. He must have been physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. In spite of this we find him raising early in the morning. Finding a place of solitude to pray and spend time to be refreshed and renewed by his Father God. We as Christians also need to set time aside from our busy lives to get to know God, to be touched by him, to trust him, to hear him speak and to know his will.
Daphne Hanna:
Hi Folks, I'm Daphne, married to Clifford for almost 32 years, Mum to Edward & Patricia, Nana to William-John. As a family we first came to Seymour Street in 1987, were I was involved in Girls Brigade, Sunday School and Children's Church. I was away from Seymour St, for quite a while and returned in 2007 to find a lot changed, not least the little ones from Children's Church were all grown up.
I am currently active in church for World Mission and Church Council. Self-employed as a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I am passionate about personal development and growth, spiritually, emotionally and physically for all.
Rev Brian has asked me to comment on Mark ch1 v 21-28
Jesus' Public Ministry – Jesus drives out an impure spirit.
This passage makes me think of three things. Jesus did not hang around when he and the chosen disciples arrived in Capernaum, he didn't wait to be invited anywhere, instead he quickly got to work, knowing what God required of him. teaching with such confidence, that he astounded the people in the synagogue.
I wonder when we feel God's calling, do we go forward with such confidence, do we feel we have God's authority to work on his behalf, or do we hang back, maybe not 100% certain about what we are really ‘hearing and feeling', unsure of our ability to do the tasks He is asking of us. When I am in doubt I simple recall, ‘God will equip the called',
.
Secondly I think of the power of Jesus. Daily in the press or on the news we are bombarded with images of celebrities, wielding power over our ability to value ourselves just as we are, as God made us, and yet these people are here today and gone tomorrow.
In verse 25 we read of Jesus' power over the unclean spirit, demanding that he leave the man's body. In this verse we learn how Jesus uses his power to heal the emotional turmoil the man is in, just as he can heal us today. There is no greater power than God, He is steadfast and sure, He will build you up in His name and never let you down.
Finally, I think of how awesome it would have been to be present to witness at first hand the Son of our Lord, spreading the Gospel and teaching in this way. In our modern world, where we are constantly searching for something more, we might say that Jesus not only has the X Factor BUT the XTRA FACTOR!
David Gill:
Born in Liverpool, I lived in 23 different places until I settled in Lisburn when Marion and I were married. Spent 10 years in Agriculture, then the rest of my working life in QUB progressing from technician to Admin. Assistant. Enjoy many crafts including dry stone walling, European cooking, mosaicing, photography, woodworking, and gardening. I also enjoy all weather walking in the countryside with my friends, and helping in the A-team and Luncheon Club. We are blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
1 Corinthians 9; 16-23
This passage divides into two parts. (In verses 1-15 Paul goes into a lot of detailed arguments for and against being paid to minister the gospel.) In verses 16-18 Paul is rounding up his reasons for not taking payment for his ministerial services. He also explains that the reason he does not work full time (as a tentmaker) is because he has a duty to preach the gospel, both from a divine call, and the fact that he is blessed with the intellectual ability to do it, he does it willingly, and his payment is the privilege of being able to do it.
In verses 19-23 Paul goes on to explain how he manages to convert people from all walks of life by fitting in with their lifestyles without breaking the law or the moral code. He says he is a free man, meaning I think that he can ignore the ceremonial law, and thereby make himself more easily available to the Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles and any others that he meets. At no time does he break God’s law in doing this, but he doesn’t preach to, or at, the weak in faith. Instead he puts himself in their position, starts from where they are at, and works with those people at their level. By this means he hopes to win people in all levels of society.
Ben Jones:
Hi, I’m Ben. I have been married to Jill for 27 years. We have five children; Claire (25), Thomas (24), Paul (22), Anna (18) & Michael (12). We have been members of Seymour Street for nearly 20 years. I enjoy singing in the choir & playing 5 a side on a Tuesday evening. I am a class leader and also a member of the fund raising committee. I was previously leader of the Anchor Boys for 14 years. I am Sales Manager at Priory Press, a printers in Holywood and am also a school governor at Harmony Hill Primary School.
1 Corinthians 8 v 1-13
Freedom With Responsibility:
Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good & feel important, but we must be careful not to become arrogant or look down on anyone else. We never really know enough until we recognise that only God knows all.
Our salvation is not determined by good deeds, but by the free gift of God.
Our freedom as Christians is tied to Christian responsibility. We must be careful not to discourage other Christians by our example. When we love others our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of others.
Andrew Wright:
Hey I’m Andrew, am 22 and have been going to Seymour Street since I was born! I’m a leader with youth club and Sunday school, sing in the choir, enjoy the 5 aside on Tuesday nights and was part of the team that went to Uganda last summer. I’m currently in my final year studying for an MEng in Civil Engineering at Queen’s and my interests include travelling and current affairs.
1 Samuel 3: 1-10 – God Calls Samuel
What strikes me is that even for a character such as Samuel, who would go on to become one of the Lord’s great servants; the calling was not immediately obvious. Nonetheless, Samuel’s persistence with Eli eventually reveals that the voice was from heaven. This reminds us that God often calls us when we are least expecting it!
I was impressed with how Samuel was so obedient and trustworthy even at a young age; “Speak Lord, I am your servant and I am listening.” By saying this Samuel is not only honouring what Eli had instructed, but he is also illustrating his genuine faith in God. I think the word ‘listening’ is important as it highlights how our relationship with God should be a two way process. We should certainly bring our thoughts and worries to him in prayer, but should listen to his guidance in return and be willing to act upon it.
Reflective song
A favourite in Seymour Street… ‘Hear I Am, Lord (I, the Lord of sea and sky)’ by Dan Schutte
Find @ spotify; Dan Schutte – Here I Am, Lord (Anniversary Recording)
Or alternatively you can find it in Songs Of Fellowship No. 803
Chris Allen:
Hi, I’m Chris, husband of Karen and we have been married for almost 28 years. I’m dad to Lauren, Jonathan and Andrew who are all at very different and interesting stages of their careers / school life. I have been a lifelong member of 2nd Lisburn Boys’ Brigade Company at Seymour Street Methodist Church and it has been an honour and a privilege to have been Company Captain for the last (almost) 19 years. At work I am a civil servant and away from work I enjoy hill walking, caravanning, following Manchester United and watching motorbike racing.
I have been asked to think about John 1: 43-51.
There are a couple of points I would like to draw on in this passage.
- When Nathanael heard that the Messiah was from Nazareth he was surprised. Fortunately for Nathanael he went to meet Jesus and became a disciple. If he had stuck to his prejudice he would have missed the Messiah. You too can invite people to come and see who Jesus really is.
- Jesus knew about Nathanael before the two ever met. Jesus also knows what we are really like. God knows the real you and wants you to follow him.
Jacqueline Sweeney:
Hi, I'm Jacqueline Sweeney. Wife to Andrew, mum to Reuben and Abigail. Part-time Occupational Therapist working with children and young people. Always on the go and love meeting up with family and friends. Andrew and I currently run Coffee Fellowship, why not come and join with us for a cuppa on Sunday morning?
At first glance this Psalm is not as familiar to me as some others and I have to confess I did find myself reading over it several times in several different versions to gather my thoughts!! So here goes….what do I make of Psalm 29?
The Psalm is divided into 3 parts with a beginning, middle and an end!
Beginning..v 1& 2, David begins by acknowledging God in worship.
Middle..v 3-9. David describes God as ‘the Voice'. God of Creation, powerful, majestic, in control, seen in the thunder, raging waters and deserts.
Q: Where do you think of when you read these verses? A Mediterranean thunder storm with loud booms and bangs, lighting up the sky with sheets of white…a majestic mountain range like the Himalayas, the Rockies, or even the Mountains of Mourne? Have you been to a desert, perhaps the Sahara, a hot desolate place, barren in places yet blooming with vegetation in other parts? What about the power of the sea on a stormy, windy day on the North Coast …a surfers paradise for some.
David the Psalmist tells us that Our God is here, this is the evidence that He exists and all His People glorify Him.
End..v11 David finishes the Psalm with a promise from God – the promise of strength and peace.
Life can sometimes feel like a raging sea, a desolate desert, life is not always a mountain top experience. Do we ascribe greatness to the Lord in ALL our experiences of life both good and not so good? Perhaps easily in the happier times but what about in the more difficult times?
Let us be encouraged by this Psalm, that the power and majesty of our Lord shown to us through creation…that this same power and majesty can be seen and experienced in our everyday situations. Can we testify to the power and majesty of God during the difficult times in our lives?
So our challenge is to hold tight to God's promise of strength and peace…and in all things and situations we are facing to give to the Lord the praise due His name.
Song to reflect on Psalm 29…God of the Mountains (Creation Praise) Sue Rinaldi, Caroline Bonnett & Steve Bassett
Joan Clarke:
I have been privileged and blessed to travel life’s journey surrounded by the love and care of the those who have for over seven decades shared my life in the bosom of Methodism in Seymour Street Church and the local community. I was born a few hundred yards from the Church and William Foote School (the Church School). I began Sunday School and Day School in the same week aged 4 years. I gave my life to Christ through the influence of the Leader of the Christian Endeavour Group at the age of 12 and as a child and adult I have been involved in many aspects and activities within the Church. I was trained as a Shorthand/Typist and worked for over 30 years as a Secretary In the Electricity Supply Industry in Northern Ireland.
My husband John and I were married in Seymour Street Church in January 1974 and together still enjoy the fellowship of the Indoor Bowling Club and Luncheon Club. He is a member of the A Team and I am a member of MWI. Over the past few years I have been part of the Pastoral Care Team. This work has given me insight into loneliness, sickness, family problems, etc. and I hope I have been able to share a little comfort, encouragement and the love of Jesus, and demonstrate the concern of the Church Family with those whom I meet in this way.
The Rev Anderson has asked me to reflect on Mark 1 v4-11 – Jesus Baptised by the Holy Spirit.
These verses teach us –
Repentance – I recall the street mobiles that declared “REPENT AND BE SAVED”.
The presentations have changed but thank God the message will remain for ever the same.
Forgiveness and acceptance of the Holy Spirit to live and work in us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Help us to see how we can use
these gifts to built our church and serve others.
Thought – What gifts do you have and how can you use them to serve others?
Clifford Mayes:
I am married to Janine and father to 3 fantastic kids. Next June we will be married 20 years and have been members of Seymour Street since the mid-1990s. I teach the primary 2 and 3’s in Sunday school and love the way they are like little sponges, absorbing the stories and memory verses. Over the years we have come to see Seymour Street Methodist as a special place which feels very much like home. At work I am a paediatrician based in the Royal Maternity Hospital.
I was asked to think about Psalm 126.
This psalm is really a song of joy – the notes at the bottom of the page in my bible say it could have been written for the Israelites returning from exile in Babylon. The point is the surrounding nations notice what God has done for his people; “the Lord has done great things for them.” These nations notice the reaction of the Israelites, the psalm talks about “laughter” and “songs of joy” and the people of Israel are “filled with joy.” At Christmas we have so much more to celebrate than those in the Old Testament.
The tone of the last 2 verses is different. They remind me of the beattitudes and seem to say that although we are filled with joy there will be tears and weeping. It won’t be easy. But as we have something amazing to give (“carrying seeds to sow”) according to verse 6 ultimately we will see results.
The challenge then at any time of year is whether others can see our joy and whether the seeds we have to sow are making a difference – in New Testament language are we salt and light?