On the North side of the church we find windows showing Martha and Mary, friends of Jesus. It was their brother Lazarus whom Jesus raised from death.

               
Stained glass showing Martha                                   Stained glass showing Mary

On a visit to Martha and Mary Jesus taught the importance of keeping a healthy balance between recreation (including time with God and friends) and a life of work and service:

Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to what he was saying. Martha was distracted by her many tasks. She complained: ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?' But Jesus told her, ‘Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken from her.' (St Luke, chapter 10 verses 38-42)

 People's well-being depends on making time for self and for God. Jesus knew this.

While it was still very dark, Jesus went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. (St Mark, chapter 1 verse 35)

Private prayer and reflection, public worship and study, all nourish the Christian's relationship with God. A prayer we often use says: Almighty God, thank you for feeding us ... Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

 

Stained glass
showing Jesus
on the Cross

All Saints Chapel in the North West corner of the church is a place where people can pray or simply be quiet. Prayer should be an essential part of every Christian's life. People can pray on their own, wherever they are. They also pray together when they meet for worship. A life of prayer helps sustain people through every moment of life, whatever it may hold.

Jesus' life of prayer included time alone with God and joining in public worship.

When he came to Nazareth ... Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom.
(St Luke, chapter 4 verse 16)

At every key moment in his life - beginning his work, choosing his friends, healing people, even on his final journey to Jerusalem, before his arrest, and on the cross - Jesus prayed. His disciples asked him how they should pray:

Jesus said, When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial. (St Luke, chapter 11 verses 2-4)

The central window in the chapel shows Jesus on the cross. There he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us (Isaiah, chapter 53 verse 12). We believe that Jesus continues to pray for us and with us today.

 

 

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