From the Minister

     July 2025                                                           

Dear Friends,

As ever, this July we will be marking Bible Month by following one book from the bible in detail during our Sunday services.  This year the chosen book is the Gospel of John, which I have to admit is a favourite of mine.

John’s Gospel, the fourth Gospel, was probably the latest Gospel to be written, in around 80-90 BC and it is attributed to John, referred to throughout as ‘the disciple who Jesus loved’.  Whilst the other three Gospels follow broadly the same pattern and are known as the synoptic Gospels, John is distinctive in the way that Jesus’ life is presented.  John is known for his use of poetic language and of symbol and metaphor.  Look out especially for the way John uses darkness and light and for differences between looking and seeing.

As the latest Gospel, John is writing for people whose lives have not overlapped with Jesus’ time on earth and who may not have met any of his contemporaries.  He sets out his mission in writing the Gospel in John 20:30-31

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John is therefore very keen to teach on who Jesus is and all that he writes indicates this.  For example, when writing about miracles, John refers to them as signs.  They are seen by him, not simply as expressions of God’s power, but as important indicators revealing something of the kingdom.  John is the only writer to include the miracle at the wedding in Cana and he makes it clear that the abundance and quality of wine is a symbol for the richness and generosity of God.

As ever in bible month, we will not be able to cover the whole Gospel in our four services, instead we will have edited highlights.  However perhaps you could choose this month to read the Gospel of John from start to finish yourself, picking a chapter or a section each day.  You may also wish to use the library box, which has been stocked with some books on John’s Gospel, to enrich the bible month experience.

May you be blessed as you explore the Gospel of John, happy bible month!

God bless.

Ruth.