Dear Friends
Are we in the End Times? This is a question many like to ask. They forget the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, how some of the disciples had followed Christ during his earthly ministry, had seen miracles, had witnessed his death and resurrection, and yet still asked, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” His reply to them is the same as it is to us,
And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
— Acts 1:6–8
We are not to worry about the End, we are called to be his witnesses—literally “martyrs”—in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth: even here in Eastleigh and throughout Hampshire and the whole region.
Having said all this, though, we are in the End Times; the Lord has visited judgment on this fallen world. But all time since Pentecost has been the End Times: “Now is the judgment of this world,” says the Lord, “now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” (John 12:31)
This coming weekend we will celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. This will not be an anniversary marking a bygone event but will represent—place us again in the present of—Pentecost. We come together and the Holy Spirit will descend, as we pray in the Liturgy, “upon us, and upon these gifts [the bread and wine] spread forth.”
We are in the End Times—all time from Pentecost until the Last Day is the End Times—the Lord has judged the world: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We have found the Lord and the haven of the Church: now ours is to open this haven to all who would seek her shelter.
Come and See!
Services this week
Friday 18th June
Discussion on the book of Genesis, 8 pm
Online only
Saturday 19th June
Vespers, 3.30 pm
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Sunday 20th June
Liturgy, 9.30 am
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
You must register in advance before attending services because of Covid regulations, we are presently limited to 10 families (bubbles) being present for each service (see below).
Online session is via Google Meet, please get in contact for the details.
Attending Church
We will be meeting at St Francis’ Hall, Nightingale Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9JA. You must register beforehand. This is for two reasons, we must limit the number of people in the hall and this will facilitate NHS Track and Trace. We will restrict attendance at any service to 10 families (bubbles) and ask that you stay together in the service. Registration by email to [email protected] (please state to which services you would like to go and the names of those in your family). I will send confirmation of your registration by email: regretfully it is possible some may not be able to attend if we have reached the maximum number.
There will be a signed one-way system, entrance by the car park. You must wear a mask at all times when inside unless you are exempt. We may socialise inside in groups of no more than six (or only two bubbles) though outside may be in larger groups (of up to 30).
We do not yet have banking facilities. Please do not give cash as a donation nor for candles. When we have the details we will circulate the details and ask that you give by bank transfer or standing order.
Your prayers!
With love in Christ
Fr Alexander
[email protected]