Magor Baptist Church

Newsletter for 27th March to 6th April 2026

Palm Sunday Morning Service, 11.00 a.m.

Forthcoming events

Palm Sunday (29th), clocks go forward

Palm Sunday (29th) morning service, 11.00 a.m.

Monday 30th, Holy Week quiet prayer, 9.00 - 9.30 a.m. in the School Room

Monday 30th, prayer meeting, 7.30 p.m., Blue Room - all welcome

Tuesday 31st, Holy Week quiet prayer, 9.00 - 9.30 a.m. in the School Room

Wednesday 1st, Holy Week quiet prayer, 9.00 - 9.30 a.m. in the School Room

Thursday 2nd, Maundy Thursday service, St Mary’s, 7.00 p.m.

Friday 3rd, celebratory Good Friday service, 10.00 a.m.

Sunday 5th, Easter Sunrise Service, Black Rock, 6.15 a.m.

Sunday 5th, Easter Sunday morning service, 11.00 a.m.

From Mark

 

Hi Folks

 

It’s Palm Sunday and all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) record the events around Jesus riding a donkey colt into Jerusalem to fulfil prophecy, with crowds shouting praise.

 

It won’t surprise you that my focus will be on what Mark’s Gospel says about this occasion. That means a little fast-forward from chapter 8 in our sermon series to chapter 11, which is a little bit like skipping the middle Act in a three-Act play. However, Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem in chapter 11 marks a climactic moment in the story and as we turn our own minds towards Easter it is good for us to see what Mark’s gospel says about the Easter events.

 

As an aside - for those of you keen to keep with the full flow of Mark’s gospel here is a very brief ‘Mark on Mark’ summary of the bits we are skipping over (i.e. chapter 8v22 - 10v52). And perhaps it will inspire you to read that section for yourself in your own Bible. Go for it.

 

Mark on Mark

Chapter 8v22 - 10v52:  In this central section of the Gospel, the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem is framed not merely as geographical movement but as a progressive unveiling of who Jesus is, set against the persistent incomprehension of the disciples.

 

Beginning with the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida - significantly accomplished in stages - the narrative offers a symbolic picture of the partial and developing sight of those who follow Jesus. Peter’s confession rightly identifies Jesus as the Christ, yet his immediate rejection of the idea that the Messiah has to suffer exposes a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of that Messiahship.

 

What follows is a sustained redefinition of greatness, in which suffering, service, and self-denial stand in sharp contrast to prevailing expectations of glory. The repeated predictions of Jesus' death, coupled with the disciples’ failures to grasp them, underscore the paradox of a kingdom brought into existence through apparent weakness.

 

This section culminates in the healing of blind Bartimaeus, whose restored sight and responsive faith provide a striking counterpoint to the disciples, and a fitting closure to a passage concerned throughout with the movement from blindness to true perception

Charity offering for March – Alzheimer’s Society

 

“Our pioneering research programme works in collaboration with world leading scientists and people affected by dementia, ensuring the research we fund is the highest quality and addresses the highest priority issues. Together, we will make breakthrough discoveries in how we understand the causes of dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and ultimately find a cure.

 

“We offer a range of dementia support services. From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others.

 

“We work with politicians and key decision makers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and with our amazing campaigners to help improve the lives of people living with dementia.”

April Charity Offering

The April charity offering is for Rock Projects, Uganda which supports the work of Peter Kasozi and family in providing schooling and orphanage facilities in a number of locations in Uganda. Magor Baptist church has supported sponsorship of children since 2006 and many hundreds of children have received a valuable education as well as a caring environment to grow up in.

Easter Church Magazine

The Easter church magazine is available on the church website and there are some paper copies in the vestibule.

Refurbishment of downstairs male and female toilets

Please note that the planned refurbishment of the downstairs male and female toilets will start on 7 April and is anticipated to take 5 weeks. During this time the use of the toilets is likely to vary and the disabled toilet and the upstairs toilet may be in use.

Elections of officers and deacons

 

Following our AGM, we are pleased to welcome Davina Thomas and Chris Foster onto the Diaconate. Davina is returning for her second three year term, and Chris Foster is, once again, beginning a first three year term.  

 

We also thanked Phyl Jones, who is retiring after many years of service on the Diaconate.

 

John Loebl was re-elected as Church Treasurer, and Kathy Allen as Church Secretary.

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