Take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. (James 3:4-5)
Words are powerful weapons: “The pen is mightier than the sword”. We face choices every day about what we say, and how we say it. As we do that, we reveal our thoughts and our feelings - sometimes good and sometimes bad - to those around us. In his letter, James describes the tongue as like the rudder that controls a vast ship, or a spark that can burn down a whole forest. How should we speak? How should we use our words?
You would be very welcome to join us at our 10:30am morning worship in St Andrew, Cuffley, or at 8:30am for a service of Holy Communion in St Thomas, Northaw, this Sunday, as we look at this part of James’ letter together.
The 10:30am Sunday morning service will be taking place simultaneously online and in-person at St Andrew. Streaming for the 10:30am service will start at 10:25am, and can be accessed directly via Facebook or YouTube, found on our website, and is advertised on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
If you encounter problems with viewing the service via Facebook (or YouTube) please follow the link for YouTube (or Facebook) instead.
Children’s Church
Our Children’s Church term begins this Sunday. All babies and children (and their grown-ups, if they are not old enough or comfortable enough to stay alone) are welcome to join us in the Undercroft any time after 10.20. Pre-registration is very helpful where possible, so that we can get details and explain any COVID requirements in advance; please contact Anna in order to do this (families@norcuff.com).
Church Family Fellowship
After the Sunday service, we’ll have coffee together via Zoom (details on the website); if you’d like to be part of the meeting, please email me.
Coffee Shop
Our weekly in person Coffee Shop will be taking place this Wednesday (15th September) from 10:30 to 12:30 in St Andrew, Cuffley, all are very welcome to join us.
Gardening Tools
The gardening team do a fantastic job maintaining the grounds at St Andrew. If you have any spare gardening tools - particularly a gardening fork - the gardening team would be very grateful for them.
Harvest Lunch
Our Harvest service will be on 3rd October, followed by a lunch in the Undercroft. Please sign up for the lunch using the clipboard at the back of church.
Praying during the week
Please can I encourage you, when possible, to stop at noon and spend a few minutes praying; we’ll email out possible areas for prayer each week. If you would like to make any suggestions, please email prayers@norcuff.com.
Coronavirus arrangements
Seating
There is no longer any requirement to sit in household groups or bubbles, and so you are welcome to sit in larger groups. Please be considerate that there might those who want to maintain some social distancing. The chairs at the back of St Andrew’s will be arranged ‘socially distanced’ for the time being.
Face coverings
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in our buildings. You may choose to wear one if you would like for some, or all, of your time. You may, for example, wish to wear a covering while moving around the building or singing.
Singing
We are singing again in St Andrew, however there is no requirement for anyone to sing, if they would rather not.
How to join us live
The website has the information on how to join our live services and virtual coffee. Do feel free to share the links to our services with friends and relatives; everyone is very welcome to join us, no matter where they are in the world.