CHRIS Mann led the April 18 service at Crediton Methodist Church when his theme was “Peace be with you”.

The family challenge was to show something that brings comfort when you feel upset, worried or anxious.

One person said sewing brought her comfort and during lockdown she had made a banner showing a cross which will be hung in Church when it is re-opened.

She also found cooking (especially comfort food) helped her. Other people showed pictures of their gardens. Someone derived comfort from prayer, from reading a good book and reminiscing about holidays. A set of keys gave someone access to a place they felt safe.

The reading from Luke 24 told of Jesus saying “Peace be with you” when He appeared to the disciples. Jesus told them how His death and resurrection had been foretold in the Old Testament scriptures.

Chris spoke of needing a recipe to make something to eat and also needing a map and compass when you go on to the moors. Uncertainty spoils our peace of mind. He said our sense of peace comes from our ability to understand where we are going and when we are in control. This is also true in our spiritual life.

When Jesus appeared to the disciples they did not have clarity or certainty where their journey would take them. Jesus equipped the disciples with tools they needed to carry on in faith.

Chris said that Jesus gives us tools to continue our lives of work, service and faith and that we are not alone as we have the certainty that Jesus never leaves us – we are never more than a prayer away. We always have the compass of God’s love and a map for our journey. This is what brings us peace. “Peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord”.

Chris said faith does not stand on its own without work. Just as the disciples felt uncertainty, we must remember to hold fast to the message of Jesus and to live in the power of the risen Lord.

The church is closed but services are being held on-line.

Bronwyn Nott