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The Street, Barham
Canterbury
Kent
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The Barham Downs Group of Church

Adisham • Barham • Bishopsbourne • Kingston • Wymynswold

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Trinity 3
20th June 2021

Collect of the day
God our Saviour,
Look on this wounded world in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace won for us
by your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Job 38:1-11 The Lord answers Job out of a whirlwind

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
   Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
   Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
   and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

‘Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?—
when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band,
and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors,
and said, “Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stopped”?

Mark 4:35-41 Jesus stills a storm

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

Prayers of Intercessions

for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life,
for the universal Church, for the oppressed peoples of the world, for all who are lonely,
for all who are near to death, for all who are facing loss, for all who lead and govern, for the natural resources of the world, for those who have had their human rights taken away from them, for our medical staff strained by the pandemic and needing our support

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Maggie, Joan, Nathan, Anthony, Adam,
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Di George, Cynthia Nolan, Philip Zurakovsky,

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Terry Cumming,

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

May God who made both heaven and earth bless us.
Amen.

Trinity 2
13th June 2021

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Thus says the Lord God:
I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar;
I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.
On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar.
Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind.
All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord.
I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree;
I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.
I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it.

Mark 4:26-34
He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples

Collect of the day

Faithful Creator,
Whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your Living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Maggie, Joan, Nathan, Anthony, Adam,
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Di George, Cynthia Nolan

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Hazel Clark, Joyce Fox, Charlie Clark, Clive Rundle, Joe Rumble, Dorothy Gorham, Jean Ovenden,

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

May God who made both heaven and earth bless us.
Amen.

Trinity 1

6th June 2021

2 Corinthians 4:13-15

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—
‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Mark 3:20-35
and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’

Collect of the day
God of truth,
help us to keep your law of love
and to walk in ways of wisdom,
that we may find true life
in Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Maggie, Joan, Nathan, Anthony
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Di George

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Frank Sedgwick, Edward Minter, Stephen Burr, Thomas Arter, Terrence Payne

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

May God who made both heaven and earth bless us.
Amen.

Trinity Sunday
God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit
30th May 2021

Bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit:
sing his praise and exalt him for ever

Psalm 33.1-5

The earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, for it is good for the just to sing praises.

Praise the Lord with the lyre; on the ten-stringed harp sing his praise.

Sing for him a new song; play skilfully, with shouts of praise.

For the word of the Lord is true and all his works are sure.

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 6: 1-8 Isaiah’s Vision of God in the Temple

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

John 3:1-17 Nicodemus visits Jesus

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him

Prayers of Intercessions

for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life,
for the persecuted Church, for the oppressed peoples of the world, for all who are lonely,
for all who are near to death, for all who are facing loss.
For the Children of Gaza and Israel, for our own children and families that need the support of our communities.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Joanne, Di George, Maggie, Joan, Nathan
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Cynthia Levick

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Judith Balough, Barbara Gill.

Pentecost / Whitsun
The coming of the Holy Spirit
23rd May 2021

Blessed are you, creator God,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your Spirit moved over the face of the waters
bringing light and life to your creation,
pour out your Spirit on us today
that we may walk as children of light
and by your grace reveal your presence.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

Acts 2:1-21 The Coming of your Holy Spirit
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
   and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
     and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,
     before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 15:26-27 & 16:4b-15 The Work of the Spirit

‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

The Collect (Prayer for the coming week)
God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people
by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things
and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;
through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Joanne, Di George, Maggie, Joan, Nathan
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Cynthia Levick

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Doris Parsons, Percival Fox, Jeanette Seldon

Ascensiontide
The promise of the Holy Spirit
16th May 2021

Acts 1:15-17,21-26 Matthias is chosen as Apostle

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’
So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

John 17:6-19 Jesus prays for his disciples

‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Joanne, Diana, Maggie, Joan, Nathan
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
PCSO Julia James

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Stuart Gill, Peter Niblettt, Janice Coade

6th Sunday of Easter
Abiding in Love and in The Spirit
9th May 2021

Rogation 2021

3pm Rogation Walk and Evening Prayers starting and finishing at
St Margaret's Womenswold.

Acts 8:26-40 Holy Spirit for All

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

John 15:1-8 Abide in my Love and bear much fruit

‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lacked any thing.

A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:

Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,

I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

Who made the eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?

My dear, then I will serve.

You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat. George Herbert (Love III)

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Joanne, Diana,
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
PCSO Julia James

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Iris Taylor, Norman Weaver, Robert Heap, Audrey Pay, Andrew Shearer

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

5th Sunday of Easter
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
2nd May 2021

Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Courtier
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
     ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
     so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him.
     Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’

The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

John 15:1-8 Jesus the True Vine

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Faith Point
Like our earth without the sunshine and its seasons
Like our faith without its reasons;
We whither, perish, return fruitless to the ground
We lose life and become uncrowned;
Scripture nourishes, fellowship encourages
Soaked in baptism the vine thrives;
We cling to Christ, glorified vine, eternal root
We abide in Him bearing fruit

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens,
And for those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Julia Hilton, PCSO Julia James

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Eunice Jaeggi, Dorothy Minter, Colin Ball, Greta Allen, Rayden Chadwick,

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

4th Sunday of Easter
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
25th April 2021

Acts 4:5-12 Peter stands before those who accused Jesus
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
“the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.”
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’

John 10:11-18 Jesus is the Good Shepherd

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Billy Britton, Jackson Cooper-Cullen, Leo,
For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Denise Garrett, Beryl Graham, Julia Hilton

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Tony Jaconelli, Oliver Willoughby, June Bishop, Cecile Mirkowski, Raymond Bovis

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

3rd Sunday of Easter
Jesus appears to the Disciples
18th April 2021

The Collect
Risen Christ,
you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Psalm 4:1,3, 6 – The Lord hears
Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer…But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’

Acts 3:12-19 We are Witnesses
When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, ‘You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.

‘And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,

Luke 24:36b-48
Jesus appears to his Disciples
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.

Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Faith Point

What is it that we just don’t get?
A dead man rising to life!
Doesn’t happen, does it?
They, the disciples, saw and witnessed so much about Jesus, why don’t they get it?
Do we?

It’s not about all life adhering strictly to the parameters of this physical world but of a God who creates the universe and offers a glimpse beyond quantum sight – that all things are possible.
Jesus is not just human but also divine and the gateway between the two. We just need to remember what he told the disciples. They are witnesses, and so are we along The Way. How many times like the Disciples do we need to return to our Bibles and see God’s salvation plan blue-printed in the messages of the Prophets to the Word-made-flesh and to a New Jerusalem?

The world we inhabit is a wonderful testament to the holy and tremendous life-giving power of the Lord-of-All. Now how much more will that life be in union with Christ starting in this world and being fulfilled in the next, world without end? Amen.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Billy Britton, Jackson Cooper-Cullen, Leo,
For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Denise Garrett, Beryl Graham, Julia Hilton

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Lieselotte Adam, Margaret Cutt, Bluette Easton, John Earl, Joyce Rickell, George Stewart,
Michael Buscall, Frank Bennett.

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Friday of Easter Week 9th April 2021
HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, RIP

It is with great sadness that we hear about the death of HRH Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers go with HM
The Queen and the Royal Family.

The Duke was a dedicated husband and family man
as well tirelessly serving his nation and the Commonwealth
with dedication and for the common good. I wonder how many of us were involved and participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Condolences may be given online via the Church of England: -

https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip

Condolences may also be written after church services on Sunday and the
following churches will be open over the weekend. It must be stressed that
social distancing, mask wearing and sanitising must be adhered to:

St John's Barham: Saturday 10am-2pm & Sunday 10:30am to 1pm
St Margaret's W'wold: Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
St Mary's Bishopsbourne: Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
St Giles Kingston: TBA - Saturday 12-12:30 & Sunday 9am-12pm
Holy Innocents Adisham: TBA

Collect (Prayer for today)

Most Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and comfort the Queen, her family and nation;
renew our trust in your Son, whom you raised from the dead;
strengthen our faith that all who have died in the love of Christ
will share in his resurrection:
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

2nd Sunday of Easter
Jesus appears to the disciples and then Thomas
11th April 2021

Easter 2 Upper Room

The Collect
Risen Christ,
for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred:
open the doors to our hearts, that we may seek the good of others
and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace, to the praise of God the Father. Amen.

Acts 4:32-35 The Early Church shares its possessions

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need

John 20:19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples and then Thomas
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Billy Britton, Jackson Cooper-Cullen, Leo, Julia Hilton
For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Denise Garrett, Beryl Graham

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Elsie Ansell, Irene Richards, Ashley Carter, Joan Bishop, Betty Sharp, Hazel Ebers, Tess Tanner, Barry Gidney, John Hudson, Dora Reid, Gillian Epps, Bernard Callan, Eric Poole

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Easter Sunday
Christ is risen! He has risen indeed!

4th April 2021

Christ has been raised from the dead:
the first fruits of those who sleep. Romans 6:9

The Collect (prayer for the day)

Lord of all life and power,
who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death
to make all things new in him:
grant that we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
may reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be praise and honour, glory and might,
now and in all eternity. Amen.

Acts 10:34-43 Gentiles Hear the Good News

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

Mark 16:1-8 The Resurrection of Jesus

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Death is swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15:54,55

Prayers

On this day that the Lord has made, let us pray for the people he has redeemed.
That we may live as those who believe in the triumph of the cross: hear our prayer

That all people may receive the good news of his victory: hear our prayer.

That those born to new life in the waters of baptism may know the power of his resurrection: hear our prayer.

That those who suffer pain and anguish may find healing and peace in the wounds of Christ: hear our prayer.

That in the undying love of Christ we may be united with all who have died in the faith of Christ: hear our prayer.

Let us commend the world, in which Christ rose from the dead, to the mercy and protection of God.

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia

Palm Sunday
Triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem

28th March 2021

Palm Sunday 3 2021

Zechariah 9.9-12 Rejoice O daughter Jerusalem

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
   Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
   triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey,
   on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem;
and the battle-bow shall be cut off,
   and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
   I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
   today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Mark 11:1-11 Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens, Billy Britton, Jackson Cooper-Cullen, Leo
For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Denise Garrett,

And whose anniversary falls at this time
John Spanton, Henry Maude, Michael Bailey

May Christ, who bore our sins on the cross,
set us free to serve him with joy. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

5th Sunday of Lent (Passiontide)
21st March 2021
Passiontide 2021

The Collect of the day
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 A New Covenant
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

John 12:20-33 The Son of Man to be Glorified

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

Prayers of Intercessions

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Keith Roberts, Valentine Stevens
For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Denise Garrett, Herbert Trevette,

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Tim Showan, Charles Mozesh, Alan Nelson,

May Christ, who bore our sins on the cross,
set us free to serve him with joy. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Mothering Sunday
14th March 2021

With contributions from the children of Barham Primary School

Mothering Sunday 2021

A Prayer for Mothering Sunday

Praise God who loves us.
Praise God who cares.

God of love,
passionate and strong, tender and careful:
watch over us and hold us all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Exodus 2:1-10 Birth and Youth of Moses

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.

John 19:25-27 Mary is brought into John’s home

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Prayers of Intercessions

for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, for mothers and those who 'mother' children not just in our communities but across the world, for children to be loved, nurtured and protected, for the work of Mothers Union and similar organisations, for all teachers, nurses and Social workers caring for the vulnerable

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

For those so dear to us suffering in body, mind and spirit

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Margaret Tomsett, Peggy Underwood, Phyllis Brett, Harry Mummery, Ronald Haywood, Ros Breach, Stanley Bradshaw, Gordon Langdon

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory

May God, who gave birth to all creation, bless us:
may God, who became incarnate by an earthly mother, bless us:
may God, who broods as a mother over her children, bless us.
May almighty God bless us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.

3rd Sunday of Lent

7th March 2021

The Collect (Prayer for the day)
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Exodus 20:1-17 The Ten Commandments

Then God spoke all these words:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

You shall not murder.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

John 2:13-22 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Intercessions
for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, for those preparing for baptism and confirmation, for those serving through leadership, for those looking for forgiveness, for those misled by the false gods of this present age, for all who are hungry and destitute, for those suffering in body, mind and spirit and from the om the long-term effects of Covid-19.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Sheila Taylor, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Pam Taylor, Oliver Cook, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper, Paul Crouch, Molly, Ken Rogers, Richard

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ian Parker, Flossie Page, ,Jo-anne Prestige, Roy Parker, Rosemary Berwick
And whose anniversary falls at this time
Eric Bennett, Jean Lavers,

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

2nd Sunday of Lent
28th February 2021

The Collect of the day
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following his Way come to share in his glory:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Genesis 17:1-7,15-18 The Sign of the Covenant

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.’ Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.’ Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, ‘Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’ And Abraham said to God, ‘O that Ishmael might live in your sight!’

Mark 8:31-38 Jesus predicts his Death and Resurrection

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’

Intercessions
for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, for those preparing for baptism and confirmation, for those serving through leadership, for those looking for forgiveness, for those misled by the false gods of this present age, for all who are hungry and destitute, for the staff and residents of Barham House Nursing Home as it prepares to close after many decades of dedicated and loving service.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Sheila Taylor, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Pam Taylor, Oliver Cook, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper, Paul Crouch, Molly, Ken Rogers

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Rene Viner, Roy Parker, Selma Hussein, Ian Parker,
Flossie Page
And whose anniversary falls at this time
Gloria Goddard, Geoffrey Linnell, Marion Garland, John Barley, Edwina Wyeth

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

1st Sunday of Lent
21st February 2021
Lent 1

The Collect of the day

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Word of God

Genesis 9:8-17 God’s Promise to Noah
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’ God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.’ God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.’

Mark 1:9-15 Jesus, the Beloved Son
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Rene Viner, Roy Parker, Selma Hussein, Ian Parker,
Flossie Page
And whose anniversary falls at this time
Joan Marriott, John Barley, Clifford Grice,

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 17th February 2021

Ash Weds

image: Stephen O'Connor

All are welcome

Topic: Ash Wednesday Eucharist
Time: Feb 17, 2021 10:00 AM London

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Passcode: 612003

Collect (Prayer for the day)

Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made and
forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we,
worthily lamenting our sins and and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Readings:
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 51:1-18
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sunday before Lent
Sunday 14th February 2021

The Collect (prayer) of the day

Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory: who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Unveiled in Christ

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration of Christ

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Intercessions are offered
for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, the universal Church, Bishops, synods and all who lead the Church
The leaders of the nations, the natural world and the resources of the
earth, All who are in any kind of need during the pandemic, our hospital, GP Practices, and Nursing Homes.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Leslie Brown, Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Rene Viner, Roy Parker, Selma Hussein.
And whose anniversary falls at this time
Tom Coombes, Mary Moat, Bob Taylor, Arthur Mummery, Linden Harris, Michael Rosambeau, Alan Trueman, Karl & Erna Ruschinzik

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

2nd Sunday before Lent
Sunday 7th February 2021

Today's picture from two of our primary school children shows Jesus as our
shepherd but he is also the visible image of God and the firstborn of all Creation!

Join Zoom Holy Communion at 10am

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The Collect of the day

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.
Amen.

Colossians 1:15-20 The Supremacy of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

John 1:1-14 The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Sheila Taylor, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Oliver Cook, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper, Paul Crouch,

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Graham Underwood, Jean Rance, Leslie Brown, Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Janice, Christine

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Dot Wood,
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Candlemas (Christ presented in the Temple)
Sunday 31st January 2021

The Collect of the day
Almighty and everlasting God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day
presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Malachi 3:1-5 The Lord will come to his temple…

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

Luke 2:1-22-40 Jesus is presented in the Temple

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
   according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
   which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
   and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Prayers of Intercession
for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, the unity of the Church, the peace of the world, the healing of the sick, all who travel, young parents and family,
The revelation of Christ to those from whom his glory is hidden

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Sheila Taylor, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Oliver Cook, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper, Paul Crouch, Deidra, Kat, Sarah & Rachel

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Graham Underwood, Jean Rance, Leslie Brown, Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Janice, Christine

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Joan Birch, Arthur Mummery, Debra Kirk, James Stamper, Richard Millington, Dave Davis, John Goulden,
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Candlemas 2021

May Christ, who sends us to the nations, give us the power of his Spirit. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

0800 804 8044 Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Epiphany 3
Sunday 24th January 2021

Topic: Epiphany 3 HC Service (24th Jan)
Time: Jan 24, 2021 10:00 AM London

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The Collect of the day
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Revelation 19:6-10 Let us rejoice and exult…
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunder-peals, crying out,
‘Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
   the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
   and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
   and his bride has made herself ready;
to her it has been granted to be clothed
   with fine linen, bright and pure’—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow-servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’

John 2:1-11 The Wedding at Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Intercessions are offered
for the day and its tasks, for the world and its needs, for the Church and her life, the unity of the Church, the peace of the world, the healing of the sick, all who travel, The revelation of Christ to those from whom his glory is hidden

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Sheila Taylor, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Oliver Cook, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper, Paul Crouch, Deidra, Kat, Sarah & Rachel

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Andy Cameron, Lucas Webb, Molly Johns, Nicolas Yanni, Graham Underwood, Jean Rance, Leslie Brown, Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis, Janice

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Hugo Wenn, Rick McBride, George Lepiorz, Bernard Nolan, Ken Underhill,
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

May Christ, who sends us to the nations, give us the power of his Spirit.
Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Epiphany 2
Sunday 17th January 2021

Collect

Eternal Lord,
our beginning and our end:
bring us with the whole creation
to your glory, hidden through past
and made known
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Revelation 5.1-10

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’

Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song:

‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.’

John 1.43-end

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

The Post Communion

God of glory,
you nourish us with your Word
who is the bread of life:
fill us with your Holy Spirit
that through us the light of your glory
may shine in all the world. Amen.

Prayers of intercessions
The unity of the Church, the peace of the world, the healing of the sick, the revelation of Christ to those from whom his glory is hidden, all who travel, for those alone, for those who help us.
For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Andy Cameron, Lucas Webb, Molly Johns, Nicolas Yanni, Graham Underwood, Jean Rance, Leslie Brown, Jo Prestige, Rita Curtis

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Vera Battersby, Len Smelt, Stan Jones, John Wake, Harry Jarvis, Elizabeth Piersall, Stella Catford, Tony Moorhouse, Pam Perry, Gwen Buck, Elizabeth Thijsse, Margaret Fryer, Sheila Drummond, Brian Wright, Richard Parker, David Fowle, Peter Evans.
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Baptism of Christ - Epiphany Season
Sunday 10th January 2021

Opening Prayer

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, king of the nations,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your name is proclaimed in all the world.
As the Sun of Righteousness dawns in our hearts
anoint our lips with the seal of your Spirit
that we may witness to your gospel
and sing your praise in all the earth.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

The Collect of the day

Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning…

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Mark 1:4-11 John baptises Jesus

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Andy Cameron, Lucas Webb, Molly Johns, Nicolas Yanni, Graham Underwood, Jean Rance, Leslie Brown,

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Dennis Holt, Bill Oakey, Aubrey Gransden, Julia Wake-Smith, Geoffrey Street, Helen Wight
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.
Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Notices for Christmas 2 Service of the Word
Sunday 3rd January 2021

Collect

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Jeremiah 31:10-14

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
   and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,
   and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.’
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
   and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
   and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
   and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
   and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
   and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
   I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
   and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,

says the Lord.

John 1:1-9,10-19

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’

Prayers of intercessions
The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ, The leaders of the Church, The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God, Those who are working for justice in the world, The broken, that they may find God’s healing.
For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Andy Cameron, Lucas Webb, Molly Johns, Nicolas Yanni, Graham Underwood, Jean Rance.

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Dennis Holt, Bill Oakey, Aubrey Gransden, Julia Wake-Smith, Geoffrey Street, Helen Wight
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign;
In the bleak midwinter
A stable place sufficed
The Lord God incarnate,
Jesus Christ.

Notices for Christmas Day HC 10am
Thursday 25th December 2020

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Collect

Almighty God,
you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:
grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 62.6-end

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem,

I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth.The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have laboured;
but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples.
The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion,

‘See, your salvation comes, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.’

They shall be called, ‘The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord’; and you shall be called, ‘Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.’

Luke 2. 8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The Post Communion

God our Father,
whose Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illumine our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds;
through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen.

Notices for Christmas Midnight Mass 11:30pm
Thursday 24th December 2020

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Collect

Eternal God,
in the stillness of this night
you sent your almighty Word
to pierce the world's darkness with the light of salvation:
give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

Isaiah 9.2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before yo as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Luke 2.1-14

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.
He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

Post Communion

God our Father,
In this night you have made known to us again
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; confirm our faith and
fix our eyes on him until the day dawns and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen

Notices for Advent 4
Sunday 20th December 2020

The Collect
God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 God’s Covenant with David

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.’

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.

Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’
Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.
And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Prayers of intercessions
The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ, The leaders of the Church,
The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God, Those who are working for justice in the world, The broken, that they may find God’s healing.
For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Lucas Webb

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Simon Day, Jim Bardsley, Jean Shepherd, Bernard Price, Albert Smith, Graham Taylor, David Humphreys, Jenny Barling, Maureen Bicker,
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Notices for Advent 3
Sunday 13th December 2020

The Collect
God for whom we watch and wait,
you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son:
give us the courage to speak the truth,
to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right,
with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The Good News of Deliverance
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
   to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
   and the day of vengeance of our God;    to comfort all who mourn;
to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing;  I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge

   that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
   he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
   and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
   and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist prepares for the Good News
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed,
‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said,
‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
“Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Prayers of intercessions
The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ, The leaders of the Church,
The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God, Those who are working for justice in the world, The broken, that they may find God’s healing.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Lucas Webb, Andy Russell
And whose anniversary falls at this time
Joy Grubb
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Lead us, O God, with joy to walk in the light of glory.

Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height: look to the east and see your children, gathered from the west and the east at the word of the Holy One.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,
and see the glory that is coming from God.

Notices for Advent 2
Sunday 6th December 2020

The Collect
Almighty God,
purify our hearts and minds,
that when your Son Jesus Christ
comes again as judge and Saviour
we may be ready to receive him,
who is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11         God Comforts His People
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
   and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

A voice says, ‘Cry out!’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,
   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
   lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah,
   ‘Here is your God!’
See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

Mark 1:1-8 The Good News and of John the Baptist

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’,

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

Prayers of intercessions
The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ, The leaders of the Church, The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God, Those who are working for justice in the world, The broken, that they may find God’s healing.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Sharon Steer, Matthew Castle, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Andy Cameron

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Barbara Woodgate, Jack Perry, Timothy Bramsdon,
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Lead us, O God, with joy to walk in the light of glory.

Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height: look to the east and see your children, gathered from the west and the east at the word of the Holy One.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,
and see the glory that is coming from God.

Public Notice for Medieval Brasses to be moved from the Vestry to the Chapel via faculty process

Thursday 9th December 2020

CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, BARHAM

The Priest, Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council give notice that they are applying to the Commissary Court of the Diocese of Canterbury for a Faculty to carry out the following works: the re-siting of mediaeval brasses currently on the North wall of the Vestry to a position on the East Wall of the South Transept (locally known as the Lady Chapel). The work would be carried out with the advice of the Diocese’s Monument Consultant. The main reason for the re-siting is to enable these important historic monuments to be visible to worshippers and visitors.

Anyone wishing to obtain further information or to make arrangements to view the supporting documents should contact John Andrews on 01227 831907 or e-mail johnandrews@vfast.co.uk

Any objections to the proposal must be directed to the Diocesan Registry Clerk, Mrs Ann Beswick, e-mail registry@wslaw.co.uk , telephone 020 7 593 5148 so that they reach the Registrar not later than Friday, 8 January 2021.

(This is an amended version of the notice. The original version incorrectly stated that the fixing site would be on the South rather than the East wall.)

9th December 2020

Notices for Advent Sunday
Sunday 29th November 2020

The Collect
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
   so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
   so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
   you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.

Mark 13:24-37
‘‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’

Prayers of intercessions
The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ, The leaders of the Church, The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God, Those who are working for justice in the world, The broken, that they may find God’s healing.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer, Matthew Castle, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood, Susan Freeman, Lorraine Cooper.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Derek Summerlin, Theresa Moore, Marjorie Langdon
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Notices for Christ the King
Sunday 22nd November 2020

The Collect
Heavenly Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul’s Prayer

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Matthew 25: 31-46 Parable of the Sheep & Goats
‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

Prayers of intercessions
The saints on earth, that they may live as citizens of heaven; all people, that they may hear and believe the word of God; all who fear the winter months; all sovereigns and political leaders, that they may imitate the righteous rule of Christ; All who grieve or wait with the dying
For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Alan Forrest, Geoffrey MacDonald, Brian Gathergood

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Winifred Eccles, Sally Goodban, Bessie Collingwood, Marguerite MacDonald, Pauline Dixon, Rosemary Bone-Knell, Malcolm Hoyle
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Notices for 2nd Sunday before Advent
Sunday 15th November 2020

The Collect
Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory
we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Keep awake, Children of Light!

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

Matthew 25: 14-30 Parable of the Talents
‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Prayers of intercessions
The saints on earth, that they may live as citizens of heaven; all people, that they may hear and believe the word of God; all who fear the winter months; all sovereigns and political leaders, that they may imitate the righteous rule of Christ; All who grieve or wait with the dying

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Alan Forrest, Geoffrey MacDonald, Brian Gathergood

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Satoko Newey, Pat Watson, Eileen Pikett, Dennis Ratcliff, Marjorie Pontin,
Kate Peppiatt, Sergio Medeiros

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

Notices for Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 8th November 2020

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1

‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil; bless those who persecute you, and where possible, live peaceably with all.’ Romans 12.14,17

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5.9

Collect (Prayer) for Remembrance Sunday

Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son,
the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of intercessions
The saints on earth, that they may live as citizens of heaven
All people, that they may hear and believe the word of God
All who fear the winter months
All sovereigns and political leaders, that they may imitate the righteous rule of Christ
All who grieve or wait with the dying
All who died in defence of their country in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer, Michael Castle, Rosemary Berwick, Pat Gathergood,

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Alan Forrest, Brian Gathergood

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Susan Keyes, Betty Thompson, Jetje Flavell, Sidney Roe, Hilly Rowlandson,
Kate Peppiatt, Sergio Medeiros

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory with the Saints.

Notices for All Saints Day
Sunday 1st November 2020

The Collect of the day

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Revelation 7:9-17

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing,
‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honour
and power and might
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
For this reason they are before the throne of God,
   and worship him day and night within his temple,
   and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
   the sun will not strike them,
   nor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd,
   and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer, Michael Castle

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Poppy Deveson, Ken Tritton, Peggy Manby,

and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory with the Saints.

May Christ, who has opened the kingdom of heaven,
bring us to reign with him in glory. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Notices for Last Sunday after Trinity
Sunday 25th Oct 2020

The Collect of the day
Merciful God,
teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty,
that trusting in your word and obeying your will
we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Paul’s ministry to Thessalonica

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

Matthew 22: 34-46 Greatest Commandment & David’s Son

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”?
If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer, Michael Castle

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Elizabeth Marsh, Kay Purcell, Edith Barling, John Manduell, Suzanne Potter,
Kathleen Ransley and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory.

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Notices for Trinity 19 / Luke the Evangelist

Sunday 18th Oct 2020

The Collect of the day
Almighty God,
you called Luke the physician
whose praise in in the gospel,
to be an evangelist and physician of the soul:
by the grace of the Spirit
and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel,
give your Church the same love and power to heal;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord
who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:5-17

As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.

At my first defence no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

Psalm 147:1-7

Alleluia!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
   for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
   he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the broken-hearted,
   and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
   he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
   his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
   he casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.

Matthew 22:34-46

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life:
For the blessings of the Medical Professionals and all who care.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald,
Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer, Michael Castle, Rosemary Vera Berwick

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Elspeth Richardson, Joyce Grieg, Margaret Ferguson, Ian Heslop, Keith Bailey, Allan Taylor, Daphne Johnson, and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

Notices for Trinity 18

Sunday 11th Oct 2020

The Collect of the day
God, our judge and saviour,
teach us to be open to your truth
and to trust in your love,
that we may live each day
with confidence in the salvation which is given
through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Philippians 4:1-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 22:1-14 The Messianic Banquet

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

Post Communion Prayer
We praise and thank you, O Christ, for this sacred feast:
for here we receive you,
here the memory of your passion is renewed,
here our minds are filled with grace,
and here a pledge of future glory is given,
when we shall feast at the table where you reign
with all your saints for ever. Amen.

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life: for the blessings of God's offer to invite us to his Great Feast.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest, Sharon Steer.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Alice Bland

And whose anniversary falls at this time

Peter Ward, Marjorie Pontin, Teresa Bradshaw and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Notices for Trinity 17 (HARVEST Festival)

Sunday 4th Oct 2020

Harvest Orchard

The Collect of the day

Creator God,
you made the goodness of the land, the riches of the sea
and the rhythm of the seasons;
as we thank you for the harvest, may we cherish and respect
this planet and its peoples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Deuteronomy 8:7-18 – The Lord our God gives us a good land

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. You shall eat your fill and bless the Lord your God for the good land that he has given you.

Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid waste-land with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gained me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.

Psalm 65 - Thanksgiving for Earth’s Bounty

Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed,
O you who answer prayer!
To you all flesh shall come.
When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
Happy are those whom you choose and bring near
to live in your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.

By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.
You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.
Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs;
you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.

You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain,
   for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges,
softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
   your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain,
   they shout and sing together for joy.

Luke 12:16-30 Do not worry

Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’

He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life: For the blessings of the food harvest from sea and land

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Audrey Muriel Fagg, Elizabeth Woodrow

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Martin Jarvis, James (Jim) Risby, Pamela Summerlin
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

Notices for Trinity 16
Sunday 27th Sept 2020

The Collect of the day
Lord of Creation,
whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders,
that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end.
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Philippians 2:1-13 – Imitating Christ

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
   did not regard equality with God
   as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
   taking the form of a slave,
   being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
   he humbled himself
   and became obedient to the point of death—
   even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him
   and gave him the name
   that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
   every knee should bend,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
   that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Matthew 21:23-32 Authority & Belief

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks;
for the world and its needs;
for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Charles Fagg, David Leidig
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Notices for Eve of St Matthew
Sunday 20th Sept 2020

The Collect of the day

O Almighty God,
whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist: give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Treasure in Clay Jars

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 9:9-13 The Calling of Matthew

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Valery Jones, and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

Notices for Trinity 14 Sunday 13th Sept 2020

This Sunday we worship at St John the Baptist Church in Barham at 10am

The Collect of the day

Merciful Lord,
your Son came to save us and bore our sins on the cross:
may we trust in your mercy and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Romans 14:1-12 – Do not Judge each other

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarrelling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgement on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall.
And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honour of the Lord. Also, those who eat, eat in honour of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honour of the Lord and give thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. For it is written,
‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.’
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

Matthew 18:21-35 Forgiveness

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs;
for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Michael & Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald, Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Irene Curtis, Tim Bradley, Andrew Candy, Elizabeth Duncan, Keith Milner
and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them.
May the rest in peace and rise in glory

Additional Prayers
We pray for understanding of God’s mission among his people that we never forget to love HIM in our absolute entirety and to forgive and love all those in our care. We for your blessing of our children and young adults in education and for all who care for them.

The Lord’s Prayer

Notices for Trinity 13 Sunday 6th Sept 2020

This Sunday we worship at St Margaret's, Womenswold (10am)

The Collect of the day

Almighty God,
you search us and know us:
may we rely on you in strength and rest on you in weakness,
now and in all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Romans 13:8-14 – Love one another and remain alert

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Matthew 18:15-20 – Helping each other when we transgress

‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks;
for the world and its needs;
for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Michael & Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein, Pam Taylor, Geoff MacDonald,
Oliver Cook, Alan Forrest.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Jack Carpenter

And whose anniversary falls at this time
David Durrell, Christine Haswell, and for all who we have loved and lost and where time does not diminish them. May the rest in peace and rise in glory

Additional Prayers
We pray for understanding of God’s mission among his people that we never forget to love HIM in our absolute entirety and to love all we know as we may care for ourselves. For the blessing of our children and young adults returning to education.

The Lord’s Prayer

Daily Hope Phone Line offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

0800 804 8044

Notices
Chamber Music presents ‘The Lunaire Quartet’ at Tadpoles, Bishopsbourne with music from Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven on Saturday 12^th September 6-7pm. It is an outdoor concert no matter the weather. Admission free and
there will be a retiring collection with proceeds going to St Mary’s Church.
Bring a brolly and bottle!

St Mary’s Annual Parish Church Meeting will take place at Charlton Park on Sunday 13^th Sept 1pm. All Bishopsbourne parishioners are welcome!

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Notices for Trinity 12 Sunday 30th August 2020

This Sunday we worship at St Giles Kingston (10am)

The Collect of the day
God of constant mercy,
who sent your Son to save us:
remind us of your goodness,
increase your grace within us,
that our thankfulness may grow,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Romans 12:9-21 – Marks of the True Christian

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 16:21-28 – Prophecy, The Cross & Self Denial

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks;
for the world and its needs;
for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Michael & Christian Giuntini, Selma Hussein

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Jack Carpenter

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Jean Burgess, Christine Haswell, Basil Green, Tony Neve

Additional Prayers
We rejoice in the Baptism of Oscar and Dexter Espie at Holy Innocents Adisham yesterday

For the Fruits of The Spirit to flourish in and amongst communities of the world driven by
greed, corruption, intolerance and conflict; to remind us of the goodness we share in God’s image.

The Lord’s Prayer

Aug 30th Compline for Trinity 12, please check it out.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-2ydix-e90762

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Notices for the eve of Bartholomew, Apostle Sunday 23rd August 2020

This week we worship at St Mary-the-Virgin, Bishopsbourne

The Collect of the day

Almighty and everlasting God,
who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your word:
grant that your Church may love that word which he believed and may faithfully preach and receive the same: through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

1 Corinthians 4:9-15 – Fools for the sake of Christ

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honour, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands.
When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.
I am not writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

Luke 22:24-30 – For who is greater?

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans, Michael Giuntini, Christian Giuntini

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Violet Bardell, Anthony Piersall

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Mabel Perrott, and for all those who we hold dear in our memories.

The Lord’s Prayer is saidOur Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.

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Notices for Trinity 10 Sunday 16th August 2020

The Collect of the day

Lord of heaven and earth,
as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer,
give us patience and courage never to lose hope,
but always to bring our prayers before you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 – God is merciful

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Matthew 15:21-28 – The faith of a Canaanite Woman

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

Canaanite Woman

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Violet Bardell, Anthony Piersall

And whose anniversary falls at this time
Susan Perkins, Donald Arter, and for all those who we hold dear in our memories.

Additional Prayers
In celebrating the wedding of Venetia Twigg & Ed Cheetham at St Mary’s Bishopsbourne on Saturday 15^th. May you bless their lives together.

For the peace of the world as we commemorate 75 VJ Day and the complete end of World War II. For the people of Belarus seeking justice and a democratic way to live. For all those in caught up in conflict, destruction and need in Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen that they me protected, sheltered and fed.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

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Notices for Trinity 9 Sunday 9th August 2020

The Collect of the day

Almighty God,
who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Romans 10:5-15 – Salvation is for all

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?
‘The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart’
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

Matthew 14:22-33 – Jesus walks on the water

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Violet Bardell, Anthony Piersall

And whose anniversary falls at this time
for all those who we hold dear in our memories.

Additional Prayers
For the peace of the world as we commemorate 75 years on from the atomic devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; for the healing and the rebuilding of lives and economy in Beirut; for those in hunger caught up in conflict in Syria, Sudan and Yemen that they me protected, sheltered and fed.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

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Notices for Trinity 8 Sunday 2nd August 2020

The Collect of the day

Lord God,
your Son left the riches of heaven
and became poor for our sake:
when we prosper save us from pride,
when we are needy save us from despair,
that we may trust in you alone;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Romans 9:1-5 God’s Election of Israel

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Matthew 14:13-21 Feeding the Five Thousand

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Geoffrey Potter (We pray for the family and friends of Geoffrey Potter whose funeral service was conducted on the 31st July at St John the Baptist, Barham,

Anthony Piersall

And whose anniversary falls at this time
David Teakle
and for all those who we hold dear in our memories.

Additional Prayers

We give thanks and praise for the marriage of Jessica-Robyn Burr and Adam Gauton at Holy Innocents Adisham on the 1st August. We pray that they remain blessed and happy in their new life together.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

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Notices for Trinity 7 Sunday 26th July 2020

The Collect of the day

Generous God,
you give us gifts and make them grow:
though our faith is small as a mustard seed,
make it grow to your glory
and the flourishing of your kingdom:
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Romans 8:26-39 The Spirit intercedes & God's love in Christ

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,

‘For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 Kingdom of Heaven parables

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell,

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Geoffrey Potter

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
for those who we hold dear in our memories.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

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James, the Apostle Saturday 25th July 2020

Collect

Merciful God,
whose holy apostle Saint James,
leaving his father and all that he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ
and followed him even unto death,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

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Notices for Trinity 6 Sunday 19th July 2020

The Collect of the day

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as pass our understanding:
pour into our hearts such love toward you
that we, loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Romans 8:12-25 – Looking to a future glory

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Image courtesy of Susannah Lavelle

13:24-30,36-43 – Parable of Weeds (Tares) among the Wheat

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.”
The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Prayers of intercessions

For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Jade Lawless, Connor, Anne Herring, Jeffrey Potter, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Caroline Candy

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; June Baker

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Colin Gray, Maurice Atherton, Jean Holt, Philip Mant, Leonard Maxted, John Malin

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

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Notices for Trinity 5 Sunday 12th July 2020

The Collect
Gracious Father,
by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation to our wayward world:
draw us in to harmony with you will, that we may find all things
restored in him, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Romans 8:1-11 Life in the Spirit

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’
‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

Prayers of intercessions
For the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Bill, Elizabeth, Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Jade Lawless, Sheila Ingram, Connor, Joseph Hallisham, Anne Herring, Jeffrey Potter, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Caroline Candy

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Tom Arter

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Colin Gray, Katy Cobbett, William Plummer, Maurice Atherton

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Notices for Trinity 4 Sunday 5th July 2020

Collect (Prayer of the Day)

Gracious Father,
by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation to our wayward world:
draw us in to harmony with you will, that we may find all things restored in him,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Romans 7:15-25a

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin.

Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,
“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.”
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’

At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Prayers of Intercession

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Jade Lawless, Sheila Ingram, Bill,
Joseph Hallisham, Connor, Anne Herring, Elizabeth, Jeffrey Potter, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing; Tom Arter

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Dennis Allford, Bob Horn

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Taize from The Quiet View

A treat for our Pew Sheet with much thanks to Rev Lizzie & John Hopthrow in leading this month's Taize Service for us to share when we crave a moment of peace and reflection. Enjoy!!

RevT

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Notices for Eve of St Peter & St Paul

Sunday 28th June 2020

Eucharist Part 1

Eucharist Part 2

Collect (Prayer for of the day)

Almighty God,
whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul
glorified you in their death as in their life:
grant that your Church,
inspired by their teaching and example,
and made one by your Spirit,
may ever stand firm upon the one foundation,
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Acts 12:1-11

About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.

The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’

Reflective words from Scripture (St Paul) 2 Tim. 4:6-8,17-18

From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day,

and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Matthew 16:13-19

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’

Prayers of Intercession

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ray Bovis, Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Lucy, Alan Duke (Priest), Barbara Gill, Malcom Towers, Tom Arter

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Terry Cumming, Michael Hendy

Post Communion Prayer

Lord God,
the source of truth and love,
keep us faithful to the apostle's teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread,
and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Notices for Trinity 2 Sunday 21st June 2020

The Collect of the day

Faithful Creator, whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you and to your living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Romans 6:1b-11 Dying & Rising with Christ

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 10:24–39 Jesus teaches

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

The Homily for Trinity 2 can be listened to on this podcast.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-k5snw-e07d3a

Prayers of Intercession

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ray Bovis, Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Lucy, Alan Duke (Priest), Barbara Gill, Malcom Towers, Tom Arter

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Terry Cumming

The Lord’s Prayer is said

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Notices for Trinity 1 Sunday 14th June 2020

The readings are those that follow the Lectionary for this Sunday and for those following Morning Prayer

The Collect of the day

O God,
the strength of all those who put their trust in you,
mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
All Amen.

Romans 5:1-8 Christ died for us

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Matthew 9:35-10:8 The Mission

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Intercessions –

Intercessions are offered

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ray Bovis, Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Lucy, Alan Duke (Priest), Barbara Gill

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Stephen Burr, Jean Ovenden Dorothy Gorham,
and for those that we never forget.

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Notices for Trinity Sunday 7th June 2020

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope
of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. [Ephesians 4:4-6]

Trinity Logo

Collect (prayer for the day)
Holy God,
faithful and unchanging:
enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,
and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,
that we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Intercessions –

Intercessions are offered

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs;

for the Church and her life

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ray Bovis, Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Lucy, Alan Duke (Priest), Barbara Gill.

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Stephen Burr, Jean Ovenden

Post Communion Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,
you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
and live and reign in the perfect unity of love:
hold us firm in this faith,
that we may evermore rejoice in your eternal glory,
who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

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Notices for Pentecost (Whitsun) 31^st May 2020

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit...

The Collect of the day

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,

Ignite in us your holy fire:

Strengthen your children with the gift of faith,

revive your Church with the breath of love,

and renew the face of the earth,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Acts 2:1-21

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
   and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
   and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
   in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
     and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
   and signs on the earth below,
     blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
   and the moon to blood,
     before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 7:37-39 Rivers of Living Water

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out,
‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’
Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 20:19-23 Jesus Appears to the Disciples

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

Intercessions –

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks ¶ for the world and its needs ¶ for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Barbara Gill, Jade Lawless, Sheila Ingram, Bill,

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Ray Bovis, Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Lucy, Alan Duke (Priest)

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Betty Dennis, Jeanette Seldon

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Notices for Sunday after
Ascension Day 24^th May 2020
____________________________________________________________

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth."

Collect (prayer for the day)
Risen, ascended Lord,
as we rejoice at your triumph,
fill your Church on earth with power and compassion,
that all who are estranged by sin
may find forgiveness and know your peace,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Acts 1:6-14 - The Ascension of Jesus

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Ephesians 1:15-23 - Paul's Prayer

GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53 Jesus' Ascension & Promise

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

PRAYERS

Intercessions

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks

¶ for the world and its needs

¶ for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards, Alan Duke, Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Barbara Gill, Jade Lawless, Sheila Ingram

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

Stuart Charlesworth, Dorothy Mann, Gillian Harvey, Ray Bovis,
Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Becky Judge

And whose anniversary falls at this time:

Christine Marie Bradshaw, John Goulden, Margaret Sajfet, Janice Coade, June Bishop

Post Communion Prayer
Eternal God,
giver of love and power,
your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world
to preach the gospel of his kingdom:
confirm us in this mission,
and help us to live the good news we proclaim;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Notices for Sunday 17^th May 2020 Easter 6 (Rogationtide)

The Rogation Days (from the Latin rogare, ‘to ask’) are the three weekdays before Ascension Day. However, in practice, many churches have observed Rogation on the preceding Sunday... The Prayer Book Gospel includes the words of Jesus, ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask for in my Name, he will give it you’ – words associated with the heavenly intercession of the ascended Christ.
The poet George Herbert interpreted the ritual blessing procession as a means of asking for God’s blessing on the land, of preserving boundaries, of encouraging fellowship between neighbours with the reconciling of differences, and of charitable giving to the poor. The tradition of ‘beating the bounds’ has been preserved in some communities, while others maintain the traditional use of the Litany within worship. In more recent times, the scope of Rogation has been widened to include petition for the world of work and for accountable stewardship, and prayer for local communities, whether rural or urban.

Collect (Prayer for of the day)

Almighty God,
whose will it is that the earth and the sea should bear fruit in due season:
bless the labours of those who work on land and sea,
grant us a good harvest and the grace always to rejoice in your fatherly care;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings:

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

John 7:37-39

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Mark 4:26-29

He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’

Psalm 50:1-2,10-11

A Psalm of Asaph.
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

John 15:1-9

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks

¶ for the world and its needs

¶ for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards, Alan Duke, Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Barbara Gill, Jade Lawless

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;

Stuart Charlesworth, Dorothy Mann, Gillian Harvey, Ray Bovis,
Alan Shearer, June Falcke, Becky Judge

And whose anniversary falls at this time:

Christine Marie Bradshaw, John Goulden, Margaret Sajfet, Janice Coade, June Bishop

Notices for Sunday 10^th May 2020 Easter 5
____________________________________________________________

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also...
‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life."

Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world
and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

Collect for Peace (for VE Day 75)

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace; and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 7:55-60 42-47 Stephen sees the Son of Man

But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.

John 14:1-14 Jesus the Way to the Father

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

Homily

That Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life becomes more and more apparent as his life-flourishing and life-giving nature offers us such hope and more so in the gospel readings for the Easter Season. It is as almost as if we are slowly picking up our chins from the ground after the astonishment of the resurrection, and then in the weeks that follow, we are still pinching ourselves as we find with each reading, a little more of the Divine and yet still Human Jesus Christ gradually being revealed so that we are soon beyond the initial Road to Emmaus encounter.

Last Sunday we begin to visualise Jesus as ‘our’ Shepherd, he who cares for us, we his sheep; and by listening to his voice, we have come to know him; and by knowing him, we trust him. He is also the gatekeeper who ensures that when we enter the ‘narrow gate’ rather than the ‘wide gate’ we will be provided for.

So in today’s gospel we find the Gatekeeper has now become our Host or to use a more modern term , a guest manager to ensure that we are welcomed in to the many dwelling places of God’s mansion. It is not as if we’ve been checked-in and left to our own devices (with awe and wonder I dare say) and pondering what to do next. Jesus did reassure Thomas (yes the same disciple who needed that physical proof of the Resurrected Christ) that all has been prepared and when the time comes, and this will be in God’s time, he will come and take us to this new home. It is not difficult to see why the imagery of this passage offers both comfort and hope at many a funeral service.

If we take the imagery of infinite dwelling places in God’s house, or a mansion with so many rooms to spare and more then it becomes difficult for us to take this in or to imagine it. As a young boy I very much enjoyed hiding behind the sofa on Saturday evenings when watching Dr Who (and Tom Baker was my Dr Who, and of course I would be biased in saying he was the best of them) but I remember one episode in particular where the Doctor was being pursued by an enemy (alas, I can’t remember which one).

The Doctor was forced to retreat further and further into his Tardis which seemed a paradox because on the outside it was just a Police Box for telephone calls, but the acronym for the Tardis gives us a clue: Time And Relative Dimension In Space. In other words each area of his Tardis opened up into another room and rooms that would seem endless!

The other imagery I am fond of is found in the Narnian Chronicles written by CS Lewis, a children’s author and theologian, and in particular the last book of the series The Last Battle. During the final history of Narnia the forces of the free Narnians have been overwhelmed by the seemingly cruel Calormen Empire and the heroes fighting alongside the last King of Narnia find themselves thrown as captives into a barn on top of the hill where it is believed that the Calormen god, Tash, resides.

But unknown to the enemy the heroes of the story come to find that they are no longer inside a dingy barn but a glorious, brighter and more vibrant Narnia beyond and even dear England alongside it. They are welcomed by Aslan, the Christ figure, and urged to go further in and further up as if there is no end to the adventure.
It’s that simple, isn’t it?

When Thomas asks Jesus “How can we know the way?” We all need to take stock of what he is asking. After all ‘the way’ is not a road-map or a Sat-Nav destination because Jesus affirms that in him he becomes our destination and the truth.
Jesus tells us that he is the only truth possible – a statement which Pontius Pilate during the Jesus’ trial could not comprehend for his notion of truth and personal goals was bound to the contingency of this world. Jesus tells us to think beyond the confines of this world.

Jesus is saying that there are no other truths to share because he is the embodiment of truth. Coming to Christ takes us beyond physical description or understanding and what he offers us is actually much more than brick and mortar or the luxury of more than one dwelling space. Instead, Jesus offers us a relational state rather than a physical place. This relationship is like a household, or a community of God’s people.

So Heaven must be thought of as relationship with the divine and we are never alone among the Saints who have gone before us. Perhaps it is in the tragic reading of the Acts of the Apostles that Stephen professes a fundamental truth when he has a vision (perhaps what we might term as a beatific vision) not of a palace or grandiose city in a heavenly realm but of the Son of Man at the right hand side of God Almighty. He saw the relationship of the Father and the Son in which we are bound to in the fellowship of The Holy Spirit. We also have become far more relational as a church and community, and take hope for Jesus promises, “the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these!”
In his name we are already in those many rooms together. Amen.

Post Communion Prayer
Eternal God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life:
grant us to walk in his truth,
and to share his risen life;
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks

¶ for the world and its needs

¶ for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards,

Especially for those having to make difficult decisions in the relaxing of some social and commercial activities to get the country up and running.
Also for those forgotten during the crisis need medical assistance for debilitating and terminal illnesses.

We remember those who have died and for those who mourn their passing;
Stuart Charlesworth, Dorothy Mann, Gillian Harvey, Ray Bovis,

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
Greta Allen, Colin Ball, Robert Heap, Marjory Parry, Rayden Chadwick,

Notices for Sunday 3^rd May 2020 Easter 4.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them...
he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him
because they know his voice.

Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Risen Christ,
faithful shepherd of your Father's sheep:
teach us to hear your voice
and to follow your command,
that all your people may be gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

Acts 2:42-47 Life among the believers

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

John 10:1-10 Jesus the Good Shepherd

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Homily extract

...Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, instructs us that we can no longer be tribal or partisan, so we need to shake-off the paradigms that we live with, or have been brought up with....

I can imagine that is exactly that shepherds called by God have found in their understanding of the Gospel whether it was Martin Luther King or Desmond Tutu, to name a few. In the period that led to the 1950’s Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama where Whites were afforded the front of the bus and the Black community only the rear, a tired and exhausted Rosa Parkes challenged the status quo. Also in the years following it was Martin Luther’s exhortation of his ‘black children one day playing with white children’ that re-envisioned humanity as one.
We are, after all, homo sapiens, of the same stock or fold!

In the late 1970’s an unassuming Archbishop was thrown into the political injustices of El Salvador when his priest-friend was murdered by the ruling elite. To my mind Oscar Romero personified the gospel reading in his regular radio broadcasts in offering pastoral hope as the voice and shepherd of the poor and dispossessed even visiting those in outer villages, at times by foot, even when being threatened and abused by the militia along the way. Like Christ, he laid down his life for his people when assassinated in a chapel while presiding over the Mass.

When Jesus begins his teaching with “Very truly” it is a statement of great importance, ‘wake-up’, ‘listen,’ ‘take note’ and ‘learn from me.’ The warning about bandits and thieves was an urgent recognition that the Early Church communities were being infiltrated with so called ‘sheep in wolves clothing’ who would espouse wrong teaching and ideology and thereby scatter the flock and reduce the safety of the pen fold. We are still called to listen to the voice of the true Shepherd, the one who offers himself unconditionally to his sheep and once we hear him then we truly follow him.

On our website I have attached a small video of a young shepherd boy calling his flock when an adult beside him could not, as they did not recognise his voice. Jesus must have spent many a moment in the heart of the Galilean landscape listening, observing and talking to shepherds, where few would do so. He himself would hear and obey the voice more than once throughout his mission.

Christ came to give us life abundantly is what we must not lose sight off and in this Eastertide we just need to remind ourselves that ‘Very truly’ Christ has conquered the evils of this world. He is the gatekeeper that once we have entered we are safe in the communion with God while the Shepherd continues to seek out the lost and the abandoned.
Living in the wonderful Downs and valleys where we take grazing sheep on the hillside as the normal backdrop let us be encouraged that in this time of medical crisis that all of us no matter our status or position are having to listen much more carefully to the voices that help to shepherd us through our everyday.
Is it not amazing that we are getting to know our neighbours in pastures new!
Is it not gospel-like that new gates are being opened?
Is it not amazing that like the disciples of the Early Church in the Acts reading we are coming together to share – let this be Church. Amen.

Post Communion Prayer
Merciful Father,
you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd,
and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again:
keep us always under his protection,
and give us grace to follow in his steps;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A thought from Archbishop John Sentamu
We can pray, at any time, in any place.
Each time we cry out to God,
he is already down to it:
closer to us than our breath.
If you don’t know where to start,
pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks

¶ for the world and its needs

¶ for the Church and her life

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards,

Especially for those suffering the effects of COVID-19 both carers and patients and in thankfulness for our NHS and Care Homes. We bring to mind the sacrifices made by those on the medical frontline and for those who mourn.

We remember those who have died and those who mourn their Passing;
Stuart Charlesworth, Dorothy Mann, Ray Bovis, Peter Holmes (Priest)

And whose anniversary falls at this time:
George Robson, Alan Nelson, Michael Buscall

Notices for 26^th April 2020 Easter 3.

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him...

Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Risen Christ,
you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope:
strengthen us to proclaim your risen life
and fill us with your peace,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

Acts 2:14a,36-41 Peter addresses the crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Psalm 116:1-7 Thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness

I love the Lord, because he has heard

   my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
   therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
   the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
   I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
   ‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
   our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple;
   when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
   for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Luke 24:13-35 The Road to Emmaus

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Homily - memories on the road...

The other day I received an indirect email from an old friend with a photo attached. I have a feeling that this period of lock-down is allowing many of us time to revisit memory lane by sorting out photo albums and other jobs left to one side. If only I had the enthusiasm to revisit my Study with a view to a good tidy-up, and then, what memories might I uncover?
The photo I had received made me chuckle and it was an image of my team, two occupations ago, and evidence proving that I have not always been priest. Photos of the past make us look almost detective-like at what has been captured and at the same time we are also trying to remember all about the colleagues I worked with, starting with their names, and then their job roles, character traits and funny memories. Photos have the ability to reawaken forgotten moments but then again as we age there are somethings or certain happenings that we can’t quite recollect – then the thought that we might be starting to lose it a bit starts to creep in. For those of us who have known and loved family members and friends who have a diagnosis of a dementia-related illness the confusion and angst that appears upon their faces is all too apparent. We all fear amnesia.

Now what if we were placed under a stressful position where we try to recall an event, so recent, so seemingly impossible? Would we also in the heat of that moment not quite remember everything and unfortunately we know that this happens when people suffer due to excessive workloads, emotional overload, and combat stress. Only a fortnight ago the minds of the disciples were having to process and accept something that defies the laws of nature and also at the same time in the light of their dramatic discovery attempt to recall what Jesus said about himself, those mini prophecies which because they were all on a high going into Jerusalem they had not given them much thought. After all, the Son of David claims his place in the heart of the Promised Land and in the Great Temple – what surely can go wrong?

The two disciples treading the forlorn dusty road are asking the same sort of question when they are joined along the way by a stranger with seemingly no knowledge of Passion Week or maybe the disciples thought he had Amnesia! “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place” [Luke 24:21].

But the journey takes on a dramatic turn for this stranger is certainly not amnesic and without realising it he allows their memories to unfold and to open up and so to remember not just all Jesus said and did but to also evoke the prophecies predicting the coming of the Messiah. The disciples are quiet, grieving and in a surreal state – what is this man trying to tell them!

It is only in the invitation to stay the night, a strong Middle East tradition, but more so in the blessing and the breaking of the bread that their memories are fully restored. For now they are disciples of anamnesis and only then can the Risen Christ be truly recognised.

They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” [Luke 24:32].
Can you imagine their emotions as the disciples dash to Jerusalem late that evening before the gates shut in order to relay their amazing experience to Peter and the rest of the followers! They would have been filled with both utter joy and inexplicable fear; a bit like the women in Mark’s gospel when an angel informed them that Jesus had risen. So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. [Mark 16:8]
In blurting out everything that had happened and at the same time Peter trying to get his story across new memories are interwoven into anamnesis – memories to endure for all time and in our Gospels, even to the end of the age so that we as his disciples are still hearing afresh the commandments of Christ every day and here and now as we come together to celebrate his new promise to us. Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. [Luke 22:19-20]

I and many of my colleagues have found on several occasions when we are visiting some parishioners who are in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s or similar dementia-related illnesses that although they may not sadly recognise anyone around them nor have access to their more recent memories they will instead and quite surprisingly ‘come alive’ and ‘responsive’ on reciting the liturgy for Holy Communion and in receiving the chalice. Their eyes seem to brighten and in reliving that memory of participation they remember what it means to be in the presence of the sacramental Christ – a momentary snapshot of a coherent mind of this world is being drawn further into the eternal hope of the resurrection kingdom, where God remembers us, now and always. Amen.

Post Communion Prayer
Living God,
your Son made himself known to his disciples
in the breaking of bread:
open the eyes of faith,
that we may see him in all his redeeming work:
who is alive and reigns forever.
Amen.

A Prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby

Across the Church, let us keep praying
for those who are bereaved,
those who have been unable to say goodbye,
and those who cannot attend funerals of loved ones:
blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Amen.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards,

We remember those who have died and those who mourn their Passing;

Stuart Charlesworth, Dorothy Mann

And whose anniversary falls at this time:

Tess Tanner

Notices for 19^th April 2020 Easter 2.

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Doubting Thomas

Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Risen Christ,
for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred:
open the doors of our hearts,
that we may seek the good of others
and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace,
to the praise of God the Father.
Amen.

Acts 2:14a,22-32 Peter Addresses the Crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.

‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,
“I saw the Lord always before me,
   for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
   moreover, my flesh will live in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
   or let your Holy One experience corruption.
You have made known to me the ways of life;
   you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”

‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
“He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.”
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.

Psalm 16 Song of Trust and Security in God

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’

As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

John 20:19-31 Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Doubt in Faith Homily – John 20:19-31

“Doubt is useful; it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested” – Pi, The Life of Pi

Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” – Thomas, John 20:25

The Easter Week allows us to revisit the resurrection narrative recurrently in the lectionary for evening prayers. It is almost as if all four gospel readers are telling us ‘yes, you’ve read it and visualised the Risen Lord, but now read it again, and again, because your faith will be still be challenged at times unknown to you.’
God’s time certainly moves different to ours as if Thomas is deliberately kept on tenterhooks for a whole week before the Lord appears to him bearing scars and all.

One reason why we may be urged to go back to reading the gospels is to find ourselves somewhere in the mission of Jesus. Thomas is not necessarily the main disciple in the headlines but still appears at crucial moments of the story, like we might in our own.

Thomas is not just a ‘doubter’ but also a disciple of forethought and passion. When he saw that Jesus was determined to risk his life in unwelcome territory by visiting the grave of Lazarus in Bethany it is Thomas alone who affirms that they should go so “that we may die with Him.” Was he sure of what he was saying? Probably not, but his loyalty was apparent and enough for his fellow disciples to follow.

At the last supper when Jesus explains pictorially that his Father’s House has many rooms and that the disciples know the way – the disciples seemingly nod their heads accepting a teaching that they could not really comprehend (I expect we all remember such moments in our school days). Only Thomas has the nous to ask for further clarification.

Thomas is not mentioned (alongside all but one of the disciples) at the time of crucifixion and one can only imagine that in his grief he had perhaps hidden himself away from the rest of them and thereby missing that inexplicable moment of Jesus appearing in the upper room on the evening of that first Easter Day. Do we not also hide away or extract ourselves from public life when having to overcome and process personal tragedies? More so at this current time when families also grieve for those lost to coronavirus and other terminal illnesses.

When Thomas finally meets his risen master there are two notable moments that we should observe closely. Jesus seemingly seems to anticipate Thomas’ empirical demands as he reveals his crucified wounds, and, we will never know whether Thomas actually placed his fingers into them. Secondly, in such a short and powerful statement – “My Lord and my God” Thomas is the only disciple to fully recognise the divine-human Christ before him; not in the same way as a contingent Roman Emperor may have been addressed as ‘Lord and god,’ but instead as the One who is ‘alive for ever and ever and holds the keys of Death and Hell’, who is the ‘Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’ (Revelation 1).

Wow! Just imagine standing before the Majesty and Source of All?
I think I would quake a tad and be on my knees utterly speechless!
This Easter mystery is not an intellectual exercise but one borne of experience – a deep encounter with our Lord and God. In the Acts of the Apostles Paul relates his Damascene encounter with Jesus which transformed him unequivocally as it did Thomas. When we encounter God in the everyday of things it may not be such a dramatic encounter but in the experience of our faith journey we will know when our lives have been touched by Christ in those whom we meet and also in recognising the signs of the kingdom of heaven around us.

Thomas is truly personified in all of us by having the courage to ask and to challenge; but it is Jesus who challenges us further ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Amen.

Christ yesterday and today,

the beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega,
all time belongs to you,
and all ages;
to you be glory and power
through every age and for ever.
Amen.

Post Communion Prayer
Lord God our Father,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ
you have assured your children of eternal life
and in baptism have made us one with him:
deliver us from the death of sin
and raise us to new life in your love,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Prayers

Merciful God,
we entrust to your tender care
those who are ill or in pain,
knowing that whenever danger threatens
your everlasting arms
are there to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them,
and restore them to health and strength;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards, Charlie

Especially for those suffering the effects of COVID-19 both carers and patients and in thankfulness for our NHS and Carehomes.

We remember those who have died and those who mourn their Passing;

Gordon Langdon, Doreen Rumsey (formerly Bradshaw),
Mrs Mann

And whose anniversary falls at this time:

Tess Tanner

Notice Sheet for 12^th April 2020 Easter Sunday

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

Happy Easter everyone!

Collect (Prayer of the Day)

God of glory,
by the raising of your Son
you have broken the chains of death and hell:
fill your Church with faith and hope;
for a new day has dawned
and the way to life stands open
in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Acts 10:34-43 Hear the Good News

Psalm 118:14-24 The Gate of the Lord & Chief Corner Stone

The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
‘The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.’
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not give me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me
   and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
   has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
   let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 28:1-10 The Resurrection of Jesus

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

Sermon

For Easter Sunday to fall during the worst viral pandemic that we have seen in a century reminded me of an article a dear friend recently sent me which as a testimony seems so relevant and crucial in understanding faith in a crisis. It was about a pastor in Belfast who unfortunately contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalised. ‘He recalls two nights in particular when he was crying out to God for help’ with people dying around him. This scene is comparable to Jesus’ dramatic cry from the cross as prophesied in Psalm 22:1 – my God, my God why have you abandoned me, and then the stillness of death for two nights in a stone-sealed tomb seems to be the empty reply. Our own angels – the health professionals in hospitals and care-homes hear the anguished cries as if they too are standing, sometime helpless, at the foot of the cross. For the pastor his witness at his bedside was a hospital cleaner, brave enough to draw near, and who prayed for him as if the busyness of the ward suddenly became still. Good Friday moved cautiously into Holy Saturday and then the unexpected happens the pastor recovered and began to feel better.

Today Easter Sunday becomes the unthinkable where the laws of normal observances are subverted where the human impossible becomes the divine possibility in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth… Jesus the Christ…Jesus God incarnate…and so our humanity is drawn into His divine pattern.
It doesn’t get better than that and where death no longer has the final say. St Peter declares this boldly by declaring ‘that we have witnessed all that has led to this point (although it took a while for the penny to drop until after the resurrection). ‘We ate and drank with the risen Jesus – the Lord of all, and that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name”’ (Acts 10:43b). The disciples are witnesses of something new, strange and different, unnatural but certainly the very stuff of Easter joy and praise. St Peter’s own paradigm shift moves him from being the disclaimer of a broken Jesus to the proclaimer of the risen Christ.

The gospels clearly show a counter-cultural process of a God who shows no impartiality who opens eternal life to all through the way of the cross and the open tomb, by empowering the weak, the poor and the dispossessed as echoed in Mary’s song of praise, known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). The Resurrection of Jesus was not witnessed by the ‘Pilates’ or ‘Herods’ of this world but first by the loyal female followers of Jesus. Their testimony of the resurrection would have been inadmissible in a court of law but not so for the male disciples but as later witnesses their patriarchal society is already being subverted.

Easter Sunday must always be proclaimed as Good News and we are already witnessing something of resurrections, or more accurately resuscitations, when hospital patients recovering from the coronavirus are hailed and cheered by the medical staff as they leave the ward, the tomb-like corridors, with angels of mercy in blue scrubs rather than bright white garments lining the way into the light. As the angel said to both Marys “He has been raised…you will see him…then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid’ (Matt, 28, 7,10).

Lord of Light and Life,
Redeemer and Comforter
The Peace in our strife;
our eternal Governor
breathe in us the hope of your Way;
Risen star of Easter Day
abide with the children of men.
Amen.

Post Communion Prayer

God of Life,
who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son
to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection
have delivered us from the power of our enemy:
grant us so to die daily to sin,
that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers

We continue to pray not just for our community and nation but also for the nations of the world that God has given us. We pray that through the presence of the Holy Spirit that wisdom, courage and healing will be among those treating and being treated by sickness. We pray for all who are finding the changing of life routines troubling and for relationships that prove difficult in confinement. We pray for hope and support for those families and businesses facing an unknown financial future. We pray that being brought into the resurrection of life that we can encourage others to glimpse the Kingdom of heaven around us.

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards, Charlie

We remember those who have died and those who mourn their Passing;

Gordon Langdon, Doreen Rumsey (formerly Bradshaw)

and those who we remember on the anniversary of their death:

Notice Sheet for 5^th April 2020 Palm Sunday

Beginning of HOLY WEEK
As we read the Bible, take time over each of the readings so that you can see their links about prophecy and fulfillment and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Collect (Prayer of the Day)

True and humble king,
hailed by the crowd as Messiah:
grant us the faith to know you and love you,
that we may be found beside you
on the way of the cross,
which is the path of glory.
Amen.

Here is something for but especially for children.

Liturgy of the Palms

Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
‘Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
   humble, and mounted on a donkey,
     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

Homily: Who do we cheer?

Jerusalem at Passover is a bustling city of expectation and celebration.
Jesus times his entry at the right moment in fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy (9:9) and the expectant crowd lining the streets are already buzzing about an expectant Messiah because that seems to be the growing expectation. Why? Passover is a celebration of deliverance from oppression and slavery from the time of Moses. As Jesus approaches the city the people are again under the yoke of powerful overlords - the Romans.

I think ‘word’ would have quickly gone round about this holy wanderer, this prophet of Nazareth, and some may have known that he was born in Bethlehem hence why they cheer-on the Son of David!

This is the beginning of the end of Jesus’ ministry to bring his Father’s Kingdom right into the heart of the holy city, to replace the Great Temple with his body and his blood - an offering for all eternity.

Now instead, imagine the city streets being empty of commerce and traffic, imagine a contagion forcing people to look from their windows, balconies and roof-tops at the now lonely procession to the Temple.

Instead of immediate jubilation there is a hushed sense of awe as people crane their necks to get a good view and see perhaps just one of the disciples at a social distance leading the colt and a donkey on which Jesus rides. Now imagine the residents become much bolder and start to wave; the waves of hands and garments give way to a loud cheer and clapping as this Son of Man comes to his people to save them from their sins - our sins!

Fortunately no imagination is required for ourselves for the last consecutive Thursday evenings as we cheered and clapped for our heroic health professionals, care workers and all who keep this country going whether from: law to logistics or, from farmers to food shelves including our own village shop and for the dedicated team that keep it going.

As a nation we have always valued our health service but now in these days so much more for those who help to contain, heal, restore and cure us.

This Easter coming shall we also give thanks to Him who comes to restore us in heart, body mind and spirit?

Amen.

Liturgy of the Passion

Psalm 31:9-16

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.
For my life is spent with sorrow,and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,and my bones waste away.

I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbours,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
For I hear the whispering of many—terror all around!—
as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
   did not regard equality with God
   as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,
   taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself
   and became obedient to the point of death—
   even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name
   that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus
   every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess
   that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel Reading Matthew 26:14-27:66 click below for the reading as it is the longest reading in the church year. If reading with a family you may want to assume the different character roles to add to the effect of The Passion.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A14-27%3A66&version=NRSVA

Prayer for the week

Lord of compassion and mercy,
as we travel with Jesus into the Jerusalem of our hearts, give us the strength and love to persevere no matter how hard life is changing all around us. Bless our families and neighbours and all those in service to their country at this time of peril and yet also of hope. As we transform our living, transform our hearts and minds always, through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;

Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry Bradshaw, Kelly, Colin Richards.

We remember those who have died and those who mourn their Passing;

Gordon Langdon, Doreen Rumsey (formerly Bradshaw)

and those who we remember on the anniversary of their death:

Notice Sheet for 29th March 2020 PASSIONTIDE

Collect (Prayer of the Day)

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them.Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel.And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

This is the Word of the Lord, Thanks be to God.

The Gospel - John 11:1-45

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazaruswas ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.”Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Jesus the Resurrection and the Life

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarushad already been in the tomb four days.Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away,and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I beli

Barham Downs Churches

Benefice Pew Sheet

John 15:1-8 Jesus the True Vine

John 10:11-18 Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Acts 10:34-43 Gentiles Hear the Good News

Mark 16:1-8 The Resurrection of Jesus

Mark 11:1-11 Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

John 12:20-33 The Son of Man to be Glorified

A Prayer for Mothering Sunday

Exodus 2:1-10 Birth and Youth of Moses

John 19:25-27 Mary is brought into John’s home

Exodus 20:1-17 The Ten Commandments

John 2:13-22 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Genesis 17:1-7,15-18 The Sign of the Covenant

Psalm 27:1

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Unveiled in Christ

Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration of Christ

Colossians 1:15-20 The Supremacy of Christ

John 1:1-14 The Word Became Flesh

Luke 2:1-22-40 Jesus is presented in the Temple

John 2:1-11 The Wedding at Cana

Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning…

Mark 1:4-11 John baptises Jesus

Jeremiah 31:10-14

John 1:1-9,10-19

Mark 13:24-37 ‘‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,

Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul’s Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Keep awake, Children of Light!

Revelation 7:9-17

Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew 22: 34-46 Greatest Commandment & David’s Son

2 Timothy 4:5-17

Psalm 147:1-7

Matthew 22:34-46

Philippians 4:1-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always

Matthew 22:1-14 The Messianic Banquet

Deuteronomy 8:7-18 – The Lord our God gives us a good land

Psalm 65 - Thanksgiving for Earth’s Bounty

Luke 12:16-30 Do not worry

Philippians 2:1-13 – Imitating Christ

Matthew 21:23-32 Authority & Belief

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Treasure in Clay Jars

Matthew 9:9-13 The Calling of Matthew

Romans 14:1-12 – Do not Judge each other

Matthew 18:21-35 Forgiveness

Romans 13:8-14 – Love one another and remain alert

Matthew 18:15-20 – Helping each other when we transgress

Romans 12:9-21 – Marks of the True Christian

1 Corinthians 4:9-15 – Fools for the sake of Christ

Luke 22:24-30 – For who is greater?

Matthew 15:21-28 – The faith of a Canaanite Woman

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans

Romans 10:5-15 – Salvation is for all

Matthew 14:22-33 – Jesus walks on the water

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill , Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

Romans 9:1-5 God’s Election of Israel

Matthew 14:13-21 Feeding the Five Thousand

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill , Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

Romans 8:26-39 The Spirit intercedes & God's love in Christ

Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 Kingdom of Heaven parables

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill , Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell,

Romans 8:12-25 – Looking to a future glory

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time; Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards, Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Jade Lawless, Connor, Anne Herring, Jeffrey Potter, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Caroline Candy

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 The Parable of the Sower

Romans 7:15-25a

Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

Acts 12:1-11

Matthew 16:13-19

Romans 6:1b-11 Dying & Rising with Christ

Matthew 10:24–39 Jesus teaches

for the day and its tasks; for the world and its needs; for the Church and her life

Romans 5:1-8 Christ died for us

Intercessions –

Matthew 28:16-20

Intercessions –

Post Communion Prayer

Acts 2:1-21

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

John 20:19-23 Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Mark 13:24-37
‘‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna, Paul Williams, Jan Evans

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Ken Rogers, Sienna

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Jade Lawless, Anne Herring, Sheila Taylor, Maureen Underhill ,
Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell,

For any who are sick or in particular need at this time;
Richard Bellamy, Maureen Baker, Terry & Sylvia Bradshaw, Colin Richards,
Mary Ambrose, Pamela Allinson, Stephen, Jade Lawless, Connor, Anne Herring, Jeffrey Potter, Tim Everest-Brown, Judith Mitchell, Caroline Candy