Dear Reader,

With the Assisted Dying Bill coming up on 29 November, may I invite you to Assisted Suicide: what does the Bible say?

It’s a Talk and Q&A with guest speaker Rob Rawlins 7.15pm in church on Tuesday 19 November.

This is an opportunity to learn more about this complex issue, along with the ancient teachings of the Christian faith and Holy Scripture. It should be a good discussion. Please reach out and invite friends and neighbours. Refreshments provided.

Why not watch Liz Carr’s film ‘Better off Dead’ on BBC iPlayer or Youtube here and get yourself informed? The Guardian reviewer wrote:

“What we hear is anything but miserable. It is loving, subversive, even liberating…“

This is a momentous decision our nation faces. It will have ramifications for our children and grandchildren - we owe it to them to discern wisely and prayerfully.

Thank you and God bless, Andrew+

Ephesians 4:25–5:2 ESV

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Luke 23:32–43 ESV

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, *“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com