Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs.
Acts 9:36-37 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/act.9.36-37.NRSV
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/psa.23.4.NRSV
My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:27-28 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/jhn.10.27-28.NRSV
The voice of God in the Hebrew Bible is synonymous with the Holy Spirit. And so we have confidence that in listening, speaking, serving, dreaming and reading, each of us hears God just as the heroes of faith did in the ancient stories. The same voice that spoke then speaks now in our hearts.
Being together this morning we had plenty of opportunities to test what we were hearing and seeing. The times are troubling and being together to.seek God’s wisdom is very precious.
Hearing God in these times is essential and being God for one another a privelege; a nod, a smile, all express our togetherness as humanity in the midst of confusion but listening to one another opens the way to peace as we grapple with death, fear and false hope.
The following is the testimony of the faith of journalists that might help us understand the times. I found the bits about Aberfan illuminating.
Search for stories of Kenneth Hayes the baptist minister who lost his son Dyfrig in the disaster for inspiration.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct4235
Brad Jersak here teaches about listening.
Takeley Chapel 