As we celebrate Mothering Sunday today, we give thanks for the gift of mothers……..and also for your perfect parenthood, Father God. Would you refresh each mother who is tired, nourish all those who are weak, encourage all those who feel inadequate and inspire the ones who feel at the end of themselves or have no clear outlet or role for the love they long to give.

Stephen Walker-Williams looks into our understanding around being a community of grace. This week we consider that another hallmark of such a community is being generous. What does this look like in practice when we are open-handed with our time, resources, opinions and attitudes…..and what impact does this have in our family and beyond?

"Radical Generosity" Maria Bond continues in Mark's gospel where we find, after much questioning by the Pharisees, Saducees, Herodians and scribes, Jesus sits down by the treasury and observes many people casting their money into it. When a widow arrives and gives all she owns, Jesus calls the disciples back to draw from this scene a lesson of true sacrifice. He shows that He observes not only the outward action of a person, but the inward affections of their hearts. How might we be challenged by this?

Malcolm Duncan reflects further on the nature of a community of grace&name; if we are to live as a community which demonstrates the power of God's grace in our lives, we need to be empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. We will thus ensure we are in tune with God's heart and make an impact for His kingdom.

"Under the Spotlight" Malcolm Duncan studies Mark 12 which records events in the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We see one of the scribes asking Jesus a genuine question, which

he answers clearly and directly. From verse 35, Jesus begins to ask the questions himself as he encourages the scribes to consider who Christ really is and challenges their behaviour. We might ask ourselves whether we like the Scribes do things that look good outwardly but are not birthed from a genuine relationship with God?

Preaching Master Class - "Heavyweight preaching in a lightweight age" Session 2 - Malcolm Duncan, followed by a question and answer time.

Preaching Master Class - "Heavyweight preaching in a lightweight age" Session 1 Simon Ponsonby

Malcolm Duncan considers what a Community of Grace may look like: so far, Courageous, Welcoming, Loving…..and this week, Prayerful. When we truly understand and absorb the free and unmerited favour which God has offered to each and every human being, then this draws us naturally into prayerful dialogue with

Him…..prayer becomes the natural and normal centre of our lives.

"Under the Spotlight" Malcolm Duncan looking at Mark 12, where first the Pharisees and then the Sadducees attempted to trick Jesus using the topics of taxation and the resurrection. He skilfully shifted the discussion to emphasize the greater importance of God’s demand upon our lives, and encouraged his listeners to have peace about the things which were beyond their control. Jesus explained the true nature of resurrection, pointing out the Sadduccees’ error in that they did not truly understand Scripture.

"A Community of Grace is Loving" Dave Criddle considers the next characteristic of a community of grace: love. We consider

that when we truly appreciate the grace of God towards us, this expresses itself naturally and genuinely in a deep love for other people