Wedding at Cana by Adam van Noort
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th – 25th January
Bible Readings: Isaiah 62.1-5; Psalm 36.5-10; 1 Corinthians 12.1-11; John 2.1-11
Gospel reading
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
[John 2.1-11]
Reflection on The Wedding at Cana
Weddings are joyous milestones in life and this wedding, where Jesus’ first miracle took place, certainly was too. Cana was a small town about ten miles from Nazareth and Jesus, His mother and disciples were invited. The event would have been quite different from weddings we see today in our local churches and the groom’s honour depended on the quality of provision for the week-long celebrations. Preparations would have begun the previous year when the couple became betrothed and the groom built rooms onto his father’s home for the new family to live in. We read echoes of this custom in John 14:2, where Jesus is reassuring His disciples at the Last Supper:
‘In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’ (King James Version)
The word ‘mansions’ reads ‘rooms’ in a number of Bible versions. It is wonderfully comforting that Jesus has His Bride, the Church (any person who loves Him and does their best to follow His words) on His mind right at the start of His ministry and that He says they will go to be with Him when they die.
Then something awful happens and the wine runs out! This would have been a huge source of embarrassment for the groom and would have reflected badly on his family. But Jesus steps in and changes events. Nearby were six large stone jars used for ceremonial washing of hands before meals, a custom loosely derived from the ceremonial washing of the priests prior to sacrificing animals in the Tabernacle long ago (Exodus 30:17-21). Each jar held 20-30 gallons and Jesus told the servants to completely fill them. When the headwaiter tasted the contents, he was amazed at the quality of the wine. Jesus created over 700 bottles of the finest quality wine! More than enough for the remaining celebration and for the couple to sell and use the money made, as wine was often diluted in those days. Jesus was incredibly kind to that couple, so generous, so lavish in His provision – just like He is with us.
I can relate to those stone-cold empty jars at times. Yet Jesus transforms us from the inside out. His blood cleanses us and He fills us with the Holy Spirit. He brings joy into our lives so that it brims over and spills out to others. – Andrea, St.Pol de Léon, Paul
Weekly newsletter/blog and website
Please send all information for the Sunday newsletter/blog by Wednesday evening to Josie at penleeclusternewsletter@gmail.com. For anything else specifically website-related, please contact Chris at communications@penleecluster.org.uk. If you would like to write a reflection for the newsletter on any particular week, please contact Josie for details of upcoming Sunday readings. Please also get in touch with any items you would like to see in the newsletter.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Zoom Groups
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom at 8am. The zoom meeting ID is 815 4586 0947. If you would like to attend, please email Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk (or call on 01736 331633) for the passcode, which you will need as well as the meeting ID given here.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Meeting will be on zoom this Sunday 19th, at 6pm. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734636130?pwd=NkMrMDNjT Gpzb norZEUrYVRJUTBkQT09
Prayer Requests
If you are concerned about someone and would like their name included in the Prayer Request Group’s weekly prayer list, please do email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk by 7pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
Generations United Photoshoot
I am looking for people over 65 who are willing to attend a photoshoot in Causewayhead on 1st February at 10am. The photoshoot is for promotional material for Generations United, to enable this project to continue into 2025. It will be a fun-filled morning with children and laughter. If you are able to attend please contact Molly on 07341830277 or molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk.
Roast dinner at St. Mary’s
Sunday 2nd February
The excellent St. Mary’s dinner returns on Sunday 2nd February at 12.15pm, following Communion. All welcome!
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility…
RECOGNISE – the signs that could indicate abuse is happening
RESPOND – sensitively and listen – don’t question or investigate
RECORD – what you have been told factually and accurately using the language used by the person disclosing
REPORT – immediately to your Parish Safeguarding Officer/ Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. They will refer to the police or social services as required.
Email: safeguardingconcerns@truro.anglican.org
Call: 01872 274351
Website: trurodiocese.org.uk/safeguarding
Support: 0300 1231 116 MARU (Multi Agency Referral Unit) for safeguarding concerns; Police 101/999; https://www.firstlight.org.uk; https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
18th – 25th January
A Prayer by Doral Hayes
Loving God,
In this fractured world we are called to be instruments of unity.
We are called to be a people of prayer, and during this season we pray for greater unity within and between churches, and between Christians of all traditions.
Bless us with love for each other, with a desire to understand our differences and to live in peace and harmony together.
Be with Christians around the world as we pray together that all may be one so that the world may believe.
In the name of your son Jesus, Amen.
Memorial Service at Madron Church
Saturday 25th January
Following the death of Revd Jon Robertshaw just before Christmas, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 25th January at 11.00am at Madron Church.
Holocaust Memorial Day Event
Truro Cathedral, Monday 25th January
Candle lighting ceremony in the Cathedral at 12 noon and exhibitions and displays in the Cathedral between 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Cornwall Faith Forum Projects
The next CFF Projects Meeting will be held on Thursday 30th January 30th at 7.00pm on zoom. They will look to hold an in-person meeting later in the spring and hope you can join them then. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsfuqhqzgiEtKegJnhUz6etnThpKXFmtuv
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. In preparation for 30th January, they will be getting the three sub groups Building, Sharing and Learning for Peace together before then. If you would like to be part of one or more of these pre-meetings, please contact Andrew Yates at chair@dorkemmyn.org.uk
‘Hymn Along’
High Street Methodist Church, Saturday 1st February
Come along to Hymn Along at High Street Methodist Church, from 11.00am – 12.00pm. ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” Psalm 98 v4. For more information, please email Mandy Pearce elaineamandapearce@gmail.com. *This event is dementia friendly.
Debt Advice
The Salvation Army offers debt advice services to people in this area. They are free, confidential and impartial. Please dial 01752 643955 to speak to a Debt Advisor from 10.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday or email cornwalldas@salvationarmy.org.uk.
