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WORD-24
BiblIcal & Spiritual Reflection
also see https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
1st December 2024
Advent Sunday
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Collect
Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Jeremiah
33.14–16
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The Lord is our righteousness.
Luke 21.25–31,36
There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Then he told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Post
Communion
O Lord our God,
make us watchful
and keep us faithful
as we await the
coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he
shall appear,
he may not find
us sleeping in sin
but active in
his service
and joyful in
his praise;
through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
24th November 2024
Christ the King
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John 18:33-38
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’
Collect (Prayer for the week)
Eternal 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.
10th November 2024
Remembrance Sunday
11th November 2024
Armistice Day
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God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble
Psalm 46:1
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5.9
‘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.
John 15:12-14
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.
10th August 2024
Laurence, deacon of Rome, d. 258
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Treasures of the Church - see Podcast page
Matthew 16:24-26
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?
Collect (Prayer for the day)
Almighty God,
who made Laurence a loving servant of your people
and a wise steward of the treasures of your Church:
fire us with his example to love as he loved
and to walk in the way that leads to eternal life;
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.
6th June 2024
D-DAY80
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31st April 2024
Easter Sunday
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Alleluia,
alleluia, Christ is risen
He is
risen indeed, Alleluia, alleluia.
Collect
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.
from Ezekiel 37
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 round 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.’
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.
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 .’
from Mark 16
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.
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 the risen life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, Christ is risen
He is risen indeed, Alleluia, alleluia.
29th March 2024
Good Friday
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Collect
Eternal God,
in the cross of Jesus
we see the cost of our sin and the depth of your love:
in humble hope and fear may we place at his feet
all that we have and all that we are,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from Mark 15
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is,
the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole
cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They struck his head with a reed, spat
upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him.
Then they led him out to crucify him...
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,
‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’
Thought
Darkness another hour - darkness, coiled and thick, itself a power entoiling him, binding his chest and his heart and his mind. Jesus can neither think nor breathe. He is sunk down in tehom, the great engulfing flood of the dead, the deep that boils beneath creation. He has been swallowed by chaos. This is the place: it is here that he is dying.
W. Wangerin
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
29th March 2024
Maundy Thursday
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Feet Washing
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen.
Collect
God our Father,
your Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the end
and drank the cup prepared for him:
may we who share his table
watch with him through the night of suffering
and be faithful.
Amen.
Reading from John 13
And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’..
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
24th March 2024
Palm Sunday
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Collect
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.
Mark 11 - Jesus' joyful 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!’
Reflection
What did the arm-waving inhabitants do with their palm branches after hailing the Son of David, a Messiah they say for their own particular needs?
Once he passed by on the street I craned my neck for some more glory but none appeared as his entourage gradually dwindled into the distance. Oh well, I suppose that was a flash-in-the-pan moment, a break in my unremarkable Sunday routine. Back to normal I suppose, 'nothing to see here' and after all that hype! And so I go to my garden gate and nail my palm branch alongside the others of expectant Saviours, nice souvenirs though, maybe next year...
Prayer
Forgive us Lord when we fail to encounter you along our way, when our own expectations are too big that we pass you by.
Help us this Holy Week to hurry after you, to tarry for a while to listen and to feel your touch upon our hearts and souls, and to bless us with courage for the days to come so that we no longer miss you when you rise in glory. Amen.
14th February 2024
Ash Wednesday & the beginning of Lent
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The Collect of 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 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.
Psalm 51:1-5,12-15
Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion blot out my offences.
Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults and my sin is ever before me.
Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
So that you are justified in your sentence and righteous in your judgement.
Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy spirit from me.
Give me again the joy of your salvation and sustain me with your gracious spirit;
Then shall I teach your ways to the wicked and sinners shall return to you.
Deliver me from my guilt, O God, the God of my salvation,
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen
25th December 2023
Christmas Day
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Acclamation
When peaceful silence lay over all,
and night was in the midst of her swift course:
from your royal throne, O God, down from the heavens,
leapt your almighty Word.
John 1:1,14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his
glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
Luke 2:16-19
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 the 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
Collect (Prayer for the Day/Week)
Lord Jesus Christ
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God.
Amen.
3rd December 2023
Advent Sunday
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Collect (Prayer for the Day/Week)
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.
Mark 13:24-27, 32-33 The Coming of the Son of Man
‘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.
‘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.
Acclamation
People of God: awake!
The day is coming soon when you shall see God face to face.
Remember the ways and the works of God.
God calls you out of darkness to walk in the light of his coming.
You are God's children.
Lord, make us one as we walk with Christ today and for ever.
25th November 2023
Advent Ask ~ Christmas Curiosity
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Sunday 12th November 2023
Remembrance Sunday
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COLLECT (Prayer for the Day)
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 for ever. Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5.9
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. John 15:12-14
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14.27
Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure
keeping: those who have died for their country in war;
those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure;
and all who have lived and died in the service of humanity.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
we will remember them.
We will remember them.
Friday 29th September 2023
Michaelmas: Michael & All Angels
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Collect
Everlasting God,
you have ordained and constituted
the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order:
grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven,
so, at your command,
they may help and defend us on earth;
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 12:7-10
And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming,
‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Messiah.
September 2023
Harvest-tide
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Collect
Eternal God,
you crown the year with your goodness
and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season:
grant that we may use them to your glory,
for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being:
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.
Psalm 65:11-13
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.
Sunday 6th August 2023
Trinity 9 Wrestling with God!
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‘Vision of the Sermon: Jacob Wrestling with the Angel.’
Paul
Gauguin, 1888
Collect
Gracious Father, revive your church in our day,
and make her holy, strong and faithful, for your glory’s sake in Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Readings:
Genesis 32:22-32
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+32%3A22-32&version=NRSVA
Matthew 14:13-21
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21&version=NRSVA
Prayer Thought:
What am I wrestling with in the everyday of just trying to live, in body and soul?
What did Jacob hope to achieve short of a half-nelson while wrestling with the infinite divine?
How did Jesus feel seeing the large following hungry for God's Word, who required the bread of this world and not knowing the bread from heaven? Did he wrestle with his Father?
Lord in all our strivings, show us your way and give to us the peace which the world can not give. Amen.
Sunday 4th June 2023
Trinity Sunday Three in One!
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Collect
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 for ever. Amen.
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.’
Imagine
The Trinity as a bound infinite community may see difficult to understand or to visualise but in our faith we recognise it as the
the eternal activity of unconstrained love and joy.
If it helps imagine the Trinity like the molecules that make water. The molecules may be moving in different states as steam. water or ice but essentially the three are one as H20.
Sunday 28th May 2023
Pentecost/Whitsun Catching the Fire!
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Collect
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,
Ignite in us your holy fire;
strengthen your children with the gifts of faith,
revive your Church with the breath of love,
and renew the face of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Acts 2:1-12 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.
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?’
Pentecostal by D.H. Lawrence
Shall I tell you, then, how it is?
There came a cloven gleam,
like a tongue of darkened flame.
To burn in me.
Thursday 18th May 2023
Ascension Day Jesus bids farewell to the Disciples
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Collect (prayer of the day) Risen Christ, you have raised our human nature
to the throne in heaven:
help us to seek and serve you,
that we may join you at the Father's side,
where you reign with the Spirit in glory,
now and forever.
Amen.
Luke 24:46-53 Jesus' Ascension
and he [Jesus] 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. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’
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.
Coronation Weekend King Charles III & Queen Camilla
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Saturday 6th May 2023
Coronation Day King Charles III & Queen Camilla
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Our benefice of Barham Downs with Adisham Churches offer their
prayers to HM King Charles III and the Royal Family on this special
day.
1 John 2:20
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.
Collect
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lord, King Charles,
and all who are in authority under him;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour of your name,
and the good of your church and people;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday 16th April 2023
Easter 2 Jesus Appears to his Disciples
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Collect (prayer of the day/week) 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
John 20:26b-29 (Doubting Thomas)
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.’
Thought
Oh to stand and gaze upon those scars in disbelief,
a seemingly distanced belief in a chapter of a story that should not have included the nailed cross of Good Friday. And yet, belief becomes relief even though we may not touch those sacred points of an incarnate God standing among us, and all we can remember is 'God with us,' 'Emanuel, Alleluia!'
Sunday 9th April 2023
Easter Sunday - Happy Easter!
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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.’
Collect (Prayer for 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.
Acclamation
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!
In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia!
Friday 7th April 2023
Good Friday (Holy Week)
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John 19:23-30 Crucifixion of Jesus
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says,
‘They divided my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots.’
And that is what the soldiers did.
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.
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Collect (Prayer of the day)
Eternal God,
in the cross of Jesus
we see the cost of our sin
and the depth of your love:
in humble hope and fear
may we place at his feet
all that we have and all that we are,
through Christ the Lord. Amen.
Thursday 6th April 2023
Maundy Thursday (Holy Week)
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Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean.
Collect (Prayer of the day)
God our Father,
your Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the end
and drank the cup prepared for him:
may we who share his table
watch with him through the night of suffering
and be faithful. Amen.
Sunday 29th March 2023
Palm Sunday (Holy Week)
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Matthew 21:9-11 Jesus entering Jerusalem
The crowds that went ahead of him and that were 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 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.
Collect Prayer for 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.
Sunday 19th March 2023
Mothering Sunday (Lent 4)
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Gospel Reading—John 19:25b-27 A sign to Mary
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.’
Mothers do not stop caring for their children when their children have learned how to walk, cycle, swim, to learn, to grow up. There is no cut-off point for maternal love when your child become an adult at 18.
If anything the love changes and multiplies with the blessing of the next generation. And for those who could not be mothers, in the biological sense, can also have the same intensity of care for family members and friends and for those where children have been a big part of their lives whether through adoption, fostering, in a professional or voluntarily capacity. To you and to all who 'mother' - thank you!
Collect (Prayer for Mothering Sunday)
Father God,
We thank you for mothers and carers everywhere,
and for all they do to help our families grow well.
We thank you too for our church family, where we can care for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. And, most of all, we thank you, Lord, that you are our heavenly parent who loves us and helps all families grow well. Amen.
Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Ash Wednesday - The beginning of Lent
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Friday 6th January 2023
Epiphany
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Arise, shine, for your light has come;
the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
Matthew 2:1-2,9-12 The visit of the Magi
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage....’
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Collect
O God,
who by the leading of a star
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith,
may at last behold your glory face to face;
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.
Above you the Holy One arises,
and above you God's glory appears.
Sunday 25th December 2022
Christmas Day
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Alleluia. The Word was made flesh, alleluia,
and dwelt among us. Alleluia, alleluia.
Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus and of Shepherds
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.
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.
Collect
Lord Jesus Christ,
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartful praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our Eternal God. Amen.
Blessing
May the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the perseverance of the wise men,
the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
and the peace of the Christ child
be yours this Christmas;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among us all evermore. Amen.
Sunday 13th November 2022
Remembrance Sunday
Commemoration of the Falklands Conflict - 40 years on
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All five churches will hold a Remembrance service at 10:50On Armistice Day Barham CEP remembered family members who died in previous wars in a church service with poems and named
pebbles. The Video was recorded for Kent Army Cadets.
Wednesday 2nd November 2022
All Souls Day
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
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All are welcome to join us at St John the Baptist Barham for the 6.30 pm
service to remember our loved ones whom we see no longer.
Collect
Eternal God our maker and redeemer,
grant us, with all the faithful departed,
the sure benefits of your Son's saving passion and glorious
resurrection that, in the last day, when you gather up all things in Christ,we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises;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.
John 6:39
And this is the will of him who sent me,that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me,but raise it up on the last day.
Tuesday 1st November 2022
All Saints Day
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On Sunday 30th October at St John the Baptist Barham 10am Benefice Service (nearest Sunday to the 1st Nov) we will be
celebrating the Saints of old but also considering who are our saints
among us in our communities today
Collect
Almighty God,
you have kinit 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 in expressible 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.
Ephesians1:17-18
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,
do 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.
Thursday 9th September 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Farewell and Thankfulness for her years of service to us all
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Dear Parishioners,
As you are no doubt aware it is with enormous sadness that we have received the news of the passing of our beloved Queen.
Her Majesty was a true Servant-Queen to us all in living out her faith and duty in accordance with Christ's teachings and example. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Tomorrow lunchtime church bells will toll and our churches are open for contemplation and prayer.
As per advice given our Sunday services of blessing the school bags will continue but of course with observation of the Queens passing.
We pray:
Gracious God, we give thanks
for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,
for her faith and her dedication to duty.
Bless our nation as we mourn her death
and may her example continue to inspire us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Wednesday 7th Sept 2022
Holy Communion at St John of the Park
Gold Park
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Collect:
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.
Wednesday 10th August 2022
Laurence, deacon, martyr, 258
The real treasures of the church
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Collect
Almighty God,
who made laurence a loving servant of your people
and a wise steward of the treasures of your Church:
fire us with his example to love as he loved
and to walk in the way that leads to eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,
‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures for ever.’
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
listen also to the podcast on:-
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Sunday 3rd July 2022
Thomas the Apostle
The scars that make and renew us
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Collect
Almighty and eternal God, who, for the firmer foundation of our faith, allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son till word and sight convinced him: grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
John 20:26-29
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.’
*** A great turnout at St Mary's Bishopsbourne and at our outreach
church in Gold Park (St John of the Park)***
Sunday 26th June 2022
Confitmation Service
East Bridge Deanery Service with + Rose at St Peters Aylesham
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Congratulations to Matthew, Caroline and Lisa (plus 6 other
confirmands) on this wonderful occasion.
Saturday 25th June 2022
Benefice Conference
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Gathering together as members of one body (1 Cor.12:12-28) and
Discerning the mission of God - A good productive morning with a
delicious buffet to end on.
Sunday 5th June 2022
Pentecost / Whitsun
The Coming of the Holy Spirit and the founding of the Church
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Acts 2: 1-6 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. 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.
The
Collect for Pentecost/Whitsun
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.
May the Spirit kindle in us the
fire of God’s love.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Saturday 4th June 2022
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Images from the Jubilee
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Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd June 2022
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Giving Thanks for her long reign over us
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Jubilee Prayer
These prayers may be used throughout the Jubilee Year.
Gracious God, we give you thanks
for the reign of your servant Elizabeth our Queen,
and for the example of loving and faithful service
which she has shown among us.
Help us to follow her example of dedication
and to commit our lives to you and to one another,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Friday 27 May to 4th June 2022
NOVENA - Thy Kingdom God
9 Days of Prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost
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Novena
- Nine days of Prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost (Whitsun)
27th May - 4th June each morning at 10am
St Johns, Barham. If you have
15-20 mins do come along as we unite with other communities in praying
for “Thy Kingdom Come.”
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.
Acts of the Apostles 1:12-14
Thursday 26th May 2022
Ascension Day
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Ascension
Day! Ever wondered how it happened? Then come and join us in song,
sacrament and prayer for our service this Thursday 26th 7pm at St John’s
Barham.
And who knows, you might also feel uplifted?
(Image: The Ascension of Christ by Salvador Dali, 1958)
Blessed are you, Lord of heaven and earth,
to you be glory and praise for ever.
From the darkness of death you have raised your Christ
to the right hand of your majesty on high.
The pioneer of our faith, his passion accomplished,
has opened for us the way to heaven
and sends on us the promised Spirit.
May we be ready to follow the Way
and so be brought to the glory of his presence
where songs of triumph for ever sound:
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Collect of the day
Grant, we pray, almighty God,that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
to have ascended into the heavens,
so we in heart and mind may also ascend
and with him continually dwell;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sunday 1st May 2022
Easter 3
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John 20:9-14 The Big Catch and the the Risen Lord
Collect of the Day
Risen Christ,you filled your diciples with boldnessand fresh hope:
strengthen us to proclaim
your risen life
and fill us with your peace,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Sunday 24th April 2022
Easter 2
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John 20:19-29 Thomas doubts Jesus' Resurrection
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.’
In your unfailing love,
O Lord,
you lead the people whom you have redeemed. Alleluia.
Collect 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.
Sunday 17th April 2022
Easter Day
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HAPPY EASTER!
John 20:1, 11b-16 The Resurrection of Jesus
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary
Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from
the tomb... As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb;
and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.
They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They
have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’
When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you
looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if
you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will
take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).
The Lord is risen from the
tomb
who for our sakes hung upon the tree. Alleluia.
Collect of 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.
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
Saturday 16th April 2022
Holy Saturday
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Matthew 27:57-66 The burial of Jesus and the Guarding of the Tomb
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate
and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.”
Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day;
otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people,
“He has been raised from the dead”, and the last deception would be
worse than the first.’
Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’
So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.
Our hope is not in vain,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.
Collect of the Day
Grant, Lord,
that we who are baptized into the death
of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
may continually put to death our evil desires
and be buried with him;
and that through the grave and gate of death
we may pass to our joyful resurrection;
through his merits,
who died and was buried and rose again for us,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
Friday 15th April 2022
Good Friday
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John 19:23 The Crucifixion Jesus
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and
divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his
tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top.
So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it
to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says,
‘They divided my clothes among themselves,
and for my clothing they cast lots.’
And that is what the soldiers did.
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.
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’
A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of
the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Christ humbled himself for us,
and in obedience accepted death, even death on a cross.
The Collect of the day
Almighty Father,
look with mercy on this your family
for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed
and given up into the hands of sinners
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who is alive and glorified with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
Thursday 14th April 2022
Maundy Thursday
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John 13:3-7
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God,
got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’
Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’
The Collect of the day
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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.
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
Sunday 10th April 2022
Palm Sunday
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Collect (Prayer for today)
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.
Podcast for the Reading, Luke 19:28-40 (and Sermon) can be
accessed here:
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/podcasts.htm
Sunday 27th March 2022
Mothering Sunday (Lent 4)
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Collects (Prayers for today)
Merciful Lord,
you know our struggle to serve you:
when sin spoils our lives and overshadoes our hearts,
come to our aid and turn us back to you again;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lord,
in the joy of thanking all those who mother us,
whether young or old, family, friends or neighbours;
let us not forget the hardships of young mothers,
tof the old and the infirm from around the world,
where conflict ravages the earth
and violates your image within us all:
we ask You to uphold all those who suffer
especially the families of war-torn Ukraine
and of Russian mothers grieving for the deaths of their sons.
You hold their bodies and souls in the tears of your passion,
bourne from beyond the cross and lifted into paradise.
Amen.
Sunday 20th March 2022
Family Welcome Event (Lent 3)
Families in Church - How do we shape our worship?
at St John the Baptist, Barham 3pm
Wednesday 2nd March 2022
Ash Wednesday Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes
The start of Lent (40 days)
at St John the Baptist, Barham 10am
and St Margaret's Womenswold 6pm
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The Collect of the day
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 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.
Tuesday 1st March 2022
Eve of Lent: Praying for the Peace of the World
Pray for Peace
at St John the Baptist 6pm
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Collect (Prayer)
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle,
we pray, in the hearts of all,
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 your love;
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
Thank you everyone at the servive in raising £825 for UNICEF UK - UKRAINE (Protecting the Children) campaign
Thursday 24th February 2022
Prayer Solidarity: Ukraine
Pray for Peace at St John the Baptist 6pm
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Thursday 24th February 2022
Russia invades Ukraine
Pray for Peace
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Sunday 6th February 2022
Accession Day (HM Queen Elizabeth II 1952)
4th Sunday before Lent
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Collect for the Queen
Almighty
God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our
Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all
who are in authority under her;
that they
may order all things in wisdom and equity,
righteousness
and peace, to the honour and glory of your name
and the good
of your Church and people;
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.
Prayers
of Intercession for The
Queen, the World and All in Need
O Lord and heavenly Father, who exalts the humble and
strengthens your people, and who consecrated kings, priests and
prophets by anointing them with the oil of gladness, bless
Elizabeth our Queen: strengthen her with the Spirit of wisdom and government, the
Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and
continue to fill her, O Lord, with your holy fear, now and for ever; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, the crown of the faithful, bless and sanctify
your servant Elizabeth upon whose head a crown was placed as a sign of royal
majesty. Fill her day by day with your abundant grace and with all charitable
virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for those who govern
Eternal God, fount and source of all authority and wisdom, hear our prayer for those who govern. Give to Elizabeth our Queen grace as the symbol of loyalty and unity for all our different peoples; give to the parliaments in these islands, and especially to our own Government, wisdom and skill, imagination and energy; give to the members of the Commonwealth nations vision, understanding and integrity, that all may live in peace and happiness, truth and prosperity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday 2nd February 2022
Candlemas (Presentation of Jesus in the Temple)
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Christingle for Candlemas at Greenbanks
Reading: adapted from Luke 2
When forty days old all firstborn children were taken to the Temple in Jerusalem to blessed according to the laws of
Moses. As Mary and Joseph bring Jesus they are first met by an old man called Simeon and then by an old lady called
Anna – both were holy people and had waited a long time.
God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Son of God and he was so happy in holding baby Jesus and blessing him that he said…
“Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, can go in peace as you said. I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. Now all people can see your plan. He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honour to your people Israel.”
Collect
Almighty and ever-living 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
Thursday 6th January 2022
Epiphany
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Matthew 2:9-11
they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Collect
Creator of the heavens,
who led the Magi by a star
to worship the Christ-child:
guide and sustain us,
that we may find our journey's end
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sunday 26th December 2021
St Stephen's Day
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Collect
Gracious Father,
who gave the first martyr Stephen
grace to pray for those who took up stones against him:
grant that in all our sufferings for the truth
we may learn to love even our enemies
and to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt,
looking up to heaven to him who was crucified for us,
Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Feast of Stephen
After the midnight unfolding of the White Rose
Under the windblown stars; after the heartsease,
A bloodstain on the altar-cloth, veiling the cup
Red for Stephen's martyrdom.
(Kevin Nichols)
Saturday 25th December 2021
Christmas Day
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Collect
Lord Jesus Christ,
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at
heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen.
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. [John 1:4,5]
Friday 24th December 2021
Christmas Eve
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Collects
Almighty God,
as we prepare with joy
to celebrate the gift of the Christ-child,
embrace the earth with your glory
and be for us a living hope
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, In the stillness of this night
you sent your almighty Wors
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.
Night Antiphon
When all things were in quiet silence
and night was in the midst of her swift course,
thine almighty Word, O Lord,
leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne.
Sunday 19th December 2021
4th Sunday of Advent
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This Advent-time
we remember Mary and Joseph,
giving thanks for their faithfulness,
courage and obedience,
stepping out into the unknown
in the strength of your Spirit,
playing their part
in the fulfilment of your plan
to bring your prodigal people
home again.
We pray that their example
might be the pattern of our lives,
that when your gentle whisper
breaks through the clamour of this world
and into our small corner,
we might be ready to listen,
and having listened, to act.
Sunday 12th December 2021
3rd Sunday of Advent
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This is Advent, the season of preparation. The shops are full of gifts that we might give
or receive. Streets are decorated and choirs begin the rounds of community centres
and retirement homes with their seasonal offerings of carols. As we prepare,
we remember another, John the Baptist, who came to prepare the Jewish people
for the arrival of Jesus. John, who would prepare a way through a call to repentance,
so that hearts and souls would be ready to receive the One who was to come.
Father God, prepare our hearts not only for the celebration to come, but also for
sharing that Good News with friends, family and work colleagues should opportunity
arise. Grant us courage and a real willingness to talk about the love that came down to
earth and walked among us. Amen
Sunday 5th December 2021
2nd Sunday of Advent
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The Advent story
of hope and mystery,
anticipation,
preparation,
a kingdom
of this world and the next,
and a king
appearing when we least expect.
Heaven touching earth,
the footsteps of the divine
walking dusty roads
as once they did in Eden,
and a people,
searching for a Saviour,
and walking past
the stable.
Open eyes and hearts,
that this might be
an Advent of hope to the world.
Sunday 28th November 2021
ADVENT SUNDAY
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Saviour eternal,
life of the world unfailing,
light everlasting
and our true redemption.
Taking our humanity
in your loving freedom,
you rescued our lost earth
and filled the world with joy.
By your first advent justify us,
by your second, set us free:
that when the great light dawns
and you come as judge of all,
we may be robed in immortality
and ready, Lord, to follow
in your footsteps blest, wherever they may lead.
14th November 2021
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE in all our churches starting at 10:50
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Collect
Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world's salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
November Taize (COP 26) from The Quiet View
Sunday 24th October 2021
BIBLE SUNDAY at Barham & Adisham
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Collect (Prayer for the week)
Blessed Lord,
who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now an for ever. Amen.
Sunday 26th September 2021
HARVEST FESTIVAL at Barham & Adisham
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We celebrate our Harvest Festivals this weekend at:
St John's Barham 9.30
Holy Innocents Adisham 11.00
Please do bring non-perishable foods in boxes, packets and tins as we give thanks to God for our produces and for the hard work of the farming community around us. Let us sing with gladness the hymns to bring the harvest home.
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
Sunday 12th September 2021
Trinity 15 & Education Sunday
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With a new school we blessed the children's school bags at Holy Innocents
Adisham last Sunday (Trinity 14) and this Sunday we will do so for the
children of Barham Pre-school and Barham Primary School at St John's.
Teachers and adults also welcome to have their bags blessed>
The Lord God gives me the right words
to encourage the weary.
Each morning he awakens me
eager to learn his teaching; [Isaiah 50:4]
We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of everyone, but especially of those who have faith. That’s why we work and struggle so hard. Teach these things and tell everyone to do what you say. Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. [1. Timothy 4:10-12]
September Taize from The Quiet View
Sunday 29th August 2021
Trinity 13
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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.
Readings
Psalm 15
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,9-9
Mark 7:1-8,14,15,21-23
Sunday 22nd August 2021
Trinity 12
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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.
Readings
Psalm 34:15-22
Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18
John 6:56-69
Sunday 15th August 2021
The Blessed Virgin Mary
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image: Stoned-Campbell Disciple
Collect of the day
Almighty
God,
who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and chose her to be the mother of your only Son:
grant that we who are redeemed by his blood
may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom;
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.
Luke 1:46-55 Mary praises (magnifies) the Lord
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God
my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of
his servant.
Surely, from now on all
generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in
the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their
thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his
descendants for ever.’
Sunday 8th August 2021
Trinity 10
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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.
Readings
Psalm 34:1-8
1 Kings 19:4-8
John 6:35,41-45
Bread of Life
“Everyone
receives the Lord’s sacred body and precious blood in their entirety, even
though each receives only a portion, for the mingling enables them to be shared
among all without division. A seal imparts its complete image to everything it
is impressed upon, yet remains a single seal. It is not diminished by use, nor
is it altered in any way no matter how many impressions are made… For in the
Lord’s body dwells corporally, that is to say, substantially, all the fullness
of the divine nature of the Word of God. The breaking of his precious bread
signifies his sacrificial death, and so he spoke of the Passover as something
longed for because it was to bring us salvation, immortality, and perfect
knowledge.
―
Sunday 1st August 2021
Trinity 9
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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.
Readings of the day
Exodus 16:2-4,9-15
Psalm 78:23-29
John 6:24-35
Bread of Life
“The bread, being the
Son of the living Father, is life by its very nature,
and accordingly gives life to all. Just as earthly bread sustains the fragile
substance of the flesh and prevents it from falling into decay, so Christ
quickens the soul through
the power of the Spirit, and also preserves
even the body for immortality. Through Christ, resurrection from the
dead and bodily immortality have been gratuitously bestowed upon
the human race.”
―
Sunday 25th July 2021
James the Apostle
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Readings
Psalm 126 - The Lord restores
Acts 11:27-12:2 The death of James
Matthew 20:20-28 The request of the the mother of James & John
The cost of forsaking the
false attraction of the world
The Collect reminds us that when we truly know the eternal goodness of
the divine through our Christian discipleship then the limiting factors
and
values of this world begin to oppose the grace of God and often with
deadly
consequences. The question posed by the mother of James and
John reminds us
sometimes of our own hope and fears as to where will
we find ourselves in the
kingdom of heaven? I think this is why tyrants
and dictators (including
democratic politicians) through the ages have
disliked the thought of the
greatest becoming a servant to all; after all it
shows weakness and does not
match the worldly-image of being the
strong man.
Jesus is the hope, the redeemer who binds the false values, detains all
that is evil, conquers Satan, through what St Paul would remind us of a
weakness made strong through God – endurance, sacrifice, faith and
resurrection. Time and time again we need to realise that the gospel is
about
the subversion of the values of this world so that we begin to act
like
citizens of heaven. The tragedy of the pandemic showed the
true-glory of those
who are stronger by not ignoring the weak, and for
the weak to be seen as
wonderful individuals of our community.
How hard is it then to place those who
seemingly have little value in our
media at the top of the banquet table and to
serve them and yet resist
being served?
Collect of the day
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 to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
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 for ever. Amen.
Sunday 18th July 2021
Trinity 7
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Readings
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd
Ephesians 2:11-22 - One in Christ
Mark 6:30-34,53-56
To be made whole
On
a recent church course on ‘Healing & Wholeness’ the course director
made us
think about what it means to be ‘well.’ This may seem straight
forward but she
followed this up by saying that the ‘well-being’ and
‘wholeness’ of body and
soul is interlinked with the healing process and
not apart. This is paramount
to our Christian faith in seeing Jesus heal so
many people because he had compassion
for them. His people were
broken and desperate in a world filled with violence
and poverty,
no wonder he commissions his disciples to multiply the effect of healing
brought about by the need for wholeness.
The world seems just as uncertain
today especially in light of the
Covid-pandemic and its impact on all aspects
of life. The wholeness that
we seek is rooted in the ‘peace of Christ’ to find
the still-point between
heaven and earth for when we want to be healed, we may
put up
barriers within us whether in shock or denial and when we know that all
is not well, psychologically and physically.
The Church and its mission
must always be located in the deeper peace
of God’s love – to offer space,
time, prayer and reflection and thereby an
oasis of hope. As the community of Christ,
we pray for well-being and
healing to all whom we meet and know and that the
Holy Spirit
continues to guide physicians and nurses who are charged with the
healing of body and mind.
Prayer
Intimate God,
you are able to accept in us what we cannot acknowledge:
you have named in us what we cannot bear to speak of;
you hold in your memory what we tried to forget:
you will hold out to us a glory we cannot imagine.
Reconcile us [and the world] through your cross
to all that we have rejected in ourselves,
that we may find no part of your creation to be alien or strange to us,
and that we ourselves may be made whole,
through Jesus Christ, our lover and friend. Amen. Janet Morley
Sunday 11th July 2021
Trinity 6
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Readings
Psalm 85:8-13
Amos 7:7-15
Mark 6:14-29
Collect
Creator God,
you
made us all in your image:
may we discern you in all that we see, and serve you in all that we do;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“To be called to a life of extraordinary quality, to live up to it, and yet to be unconscious of it is indeed a narrow way. To confess and testify to the truth as it is in Jesus, and at the same time to love the enemies of that truth, his enemies and ours, and to love them with the infinite love of Jesus Christ, is indeed a narrow way. To believe the promise of Jesus that his followers shall possess the earth, and at the same time to face our enemies unarmed and defenceless, preferring to incur injustice rather than to do wrong ourselves, is indeed a narrow way. To see the weakness and wrong in others, and at the same time refrain from judging them; to deliver the gospel message without casting pearls before swine, is indeed a narrow way. The way is unutterably hard, and at every moment we are in danger of straying from it. If we regard this way as one we follow in obedience to an external command, if we are afraid of ourselves all the time, it is indeed an impossible way. But if we behold Jesus Christ going on before step by step, we shall not go astray.”
―
Sunday 4th July 2021
Trinity 5
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Psalm 123:1-4,8-12 To you I lift up my eyes!
Ezekiel 2:1-5 Vision of the Scroll
Mark 6:1-13 Jesus and The Twelve
Authority – from when it
came?
We learn what authority is through past experience, hopefully rooted in the
value of safeguarding society and individual lives; and yet in our western
democracies the word ‘authority’ has seemingly become distrustful and so
our
society starts to question what it means to serve the common good.
Some of the
world’s societies shift to the ‘right’ or ‘left’ of politics and where
authority is assumed by a ‘few’ who think they know best in denying civil and
human rights. Some may even lurch to a Theocracy (God’s government) that
God
cannot be questioned when he leads just a ‘few’ on behalf of the whole.
One
thing that we learn about Christ is that although his yoke is light, his
message is challenging; it seeks to subvert that which ignores what God truly
desires for us, not the desires of the world, but instead ‘to love Him with all
our hearts, souls, strength and minds and to love our neighbours as
ourselves’
– an authority which asks for love and forgiveness along the way.
It is an
authority that places evil actions and desires in to the holy spotlight
and is called-out
to be vanquished by divine power, and also to make
unexpected prophets out of
all of us so to love unconditionally where:
‘his reign shall know no end,
and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.’
Collect of the day
Almighty God,
send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister the gospel
your countless gifts of grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday 3rd July 2021
Thomas the Apostle
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Commissioned Icon
Today from 3pm it is anticipated that a newly commissioned icon
of St Thomas will be on display at St John's Barham, following on
from an open church and churchyard day to members of the public.
Collect
Almighty and eternal God,
who, for the firmer foundation of our faith,
allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son
till word and sight convinced him:
grant to us who have not seen, that we also may believe
and so confess Christ as Lord and our God;
who is alive and reigns with you<
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen
Thursday 1st July 2021
St Mary's Bishopsbourne
Congratulations to Sam and Sophie Thomas on the marriage
and with many blessings for the years to come.
Tuesday 29th June 2021
St Peter & St Paul, Apostles d. AD 62 (approx)
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Matthew 16:16-1
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.'
Collect
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 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.
Monday 28th June 2021
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Teacher of the Faith d. 200
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Collect
God of peace,
who through the ministry of Irenaeus strengthened the true faith
and brought harmony to the Church:
keep us steadfast in your true religion,
and renew us in faith and love,
that we may always walk in the way that leads to eternal life;
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.
Sunday 27th June 2021
Trinity 4
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Psalm 30:1-4,8-12 O Lord, my God!
Lamentations 3:23-33 The Lord is my portion
Mark 5:21-43 A girl restored and a woman healed
Send your healing power (Kathleen
Fischer)
Jesus, you cared for all the sick who came to you.
I want to care with loving compassion, to attend to details with gentleness.
But I became weary and impatient, angry and abrupt.
It is hard to watch the suffering of someone I love,
hard to find the energy for all I must do. I grow discouraged and resentful.
Let me learn from your life of compassion.
Spirit of healing and comfort, be with me in these difficult times.
Teach me to take time for myself, to be gentle with my own limits,
to ask for help from others.
may your grace allow me to forgive myself when I fail,
to let go of my expectations. To grieve for all my losses.
Send your healing power to me and the one for whom I care. We trust in your love.
Collect of the day
Gracious Father,
By the obedience of Jesus, you brought salvation to our wayward world:
draw us into harmony with your will, that we may find all things restored in
him, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday 24th June 2021
John the Baptist (birth)
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Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John the Baptist
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Collect of the day
Almighty God,
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour
by the preaching of repentance:
lead us to repent according to his preaching
and, after his example,
constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice,
and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake;
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.
Sunday 20th June 2021
Trinity 3
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Collect (Prayer)
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.
Readings
Psalm 9:9-11,19-20
Job 38:1-11
Mark 4:35-41
Homily
The thunderstorm that we experienced this weekend was terrific -
with fork-lightening, strong winds accompanied by torrential rain
(and welcomed by the thirsty ground). When these acts of nature
occur, it reminds us of the awesome power of creation and where from
within the midst of that whirlwind we hear God reminding
us of the intricate design of existence, what the philosopher Leibniz
would call “the best of all possible worlds.” There is a primordial
fascination in witnessing the approaching storm and yet we are quite
relieved when the calm follows; where Christ reassures us that in the
storms of our life he is the helmsman of our boat navigating the
channels of doubt and despair; and eternally there to reach out
to us mortals who cannot prevail without the pattern
of the divine
embracing us, and where our destination is greeted by the heavenly
beings who shout for joy!
(RevT)
Sunday 13th June 2021
Trinity 2
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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.
Psalm 92:1-8
Ezekiel 17:22-24
Mark 4:26-34
Homily
“How great are your works” exalts the psalmist and
with the wonderful
June landscape displayed before us we
see creation at its most potent
within the varying colours of flora and fauna; with leaves literally
unfurling before our eyes and blossoms long already in glory. In our
gardens we try to keep up with the pace of growth in weeding and
perhaps thinning out our plants and bushes.
God’s gardening is a bit different to ours with a specific beneficial purpose for
us all as he removes the sprig from the top of a Cedar to plant on his holy
mountain.
Ezekiel like many prophets recognises that the people of the Covenant
require a new kind of tree and new growth, but more so, a divine
evergreen, an emblem of the Messiah, who would one day hold all God’s
people in his branches so that all who respond to his Gospel may nest
with room to spare. Mark assures us that all we need to do to find
our place in the tree is to have faith, even if it starts out as small
as a mustard seed.
Sunday 6th June 2021
Trinity 1
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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.
Readings
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Mark 3:20-35
Homily
When we awake each morning, does your soul remember to wait for
the Lord? In the silence of that moment do we remember to hope for him?
It is in that moment we must remember that we are indeed of this world but not in this world for our new world has been recreated and transformed by the resurrection of Christ and where in the words of the Benedictus ‘the tender compassion of our God [like] the dawn from on high shall break upon us; to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.’ In the purity of the divine light, no evil can stand and be accountable to itself – it shatters and fragments. Christ our Pioneer, our strong Incarnate God, tore asunder the gates of hell so that all, past, present and future souls can share in the forgiven and risen world. As we ask Christ to be with us we cry, come Holy Spirit, come! (RevT)
Sunday 30th May 2021
Trinity Sunday
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A prayer for Trinity Sunday
Holy God,
faithful and unchanging:
enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,
and draw us more deeply into the mystery of love,
that we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever
Amen.
From Isaiah 6
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.’
From John 3
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,
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.’
Sunday 23rd May 2021
Pentecost/Whitsun
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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.
Acts 2:1-4 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.
John 16:13 The Spirit of Truth
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.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people
and kindle in us the fire of your love.
Sunday 16th May 2021
Ascensiontide
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The Collect (Prayer for the coming
week)
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.
Readings: Acts 1:15-17,21-26 & John 17:6-19
Faith Point
The doctrine of the Ascension
forms a bridge between the Incarnation of Jesus and the eternal nature of Jesus as God. Through
liturgical worship we are enabled to keep this bridge open. In worship we recall the
life and teaching of the incarnate Christ.
The Scripture tells of this record and
form the basic word that is heard in worship.This
hearing is amplified through the application of the word to the daily life and
witness of
the worshippers through their silent meditation and the words of the sermon. Worship
like the Ascension, forms the bridge between the incarnate Word and the contemporary
word.
Peter Atkins
14th - 22nd May 2021
Novena Prayer Days (Thy Kingdom Come)
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Please do join us each morning at 10 am at St John the Baptist,
Barham for prayers (except 16th when at St Giles Kingston)
to usher in God's kingdom as we journey to Pentecost / Whitsun.
Almighty God,
your ascended son has sent us into the world to
preach the good news of your kingdom:
inspire us with your Spirit
and fill our hearts with the fire of your love,
that all who hear your word
may be drawn to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday 13th May 2021
Ascension Day
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There will be Holy Communion Service at St John's Barham 6pm with a Quartet to sing in this feast day.
The Collect of the day is said
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
to have ascended into the heavens,
so we in heart and mind may also ascend
and with him continually dwell;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Luke 24:46-53
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. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ 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.
Sunday 9th May 2021
6th Sunday of Easter (Rogationtide)
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We continue to hold the family, friends, and communities of
PCSO Julia James in our thoughts and prayers plus of our support for
the congregation and mission minister (Rev Nick Ratcliffe) of St Peter's
Aylesham.
Today the church begins the short period of Rogationtide.
Rogation comes from the Latin noun rogario = asking,
where we ask God to to provide for us and to remember that the seasons
are so important for sowing the seed and in harvesting the cops.
At 3pm there will be a Rogation Walk starting out from St Margaret's in
Womenswold across the Downs followed by a short Evening Prayer.
All are welcome and bring own refreshments with you.
This year this will be a saddened event due to the evil action which
took Julia's life in the heart of our countryside. She was a custodian of our
communities, alongside her Police colleagues and we pray that she resides
in the care and grace of God.
Heavenly Father,
Hear our our lament and our outcry against the injustice of Julia's life
being taken away from her and of the pain and suffering felt by her
loved ones. Shelter them under the protection of your almighty wings;
bring peace in your presence and guidance to those who investigate:
may we become one in you through Christ our crucified and risen Lord.
Amen.
Sunday 2nd May 2021
5th Sunday of Easter
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The Collect
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.
Readings
Acts 4: 26-40 Philip & The Ethiopian Courtier
John 15:1-8 Jesus is the True Vine
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.
Sunday 25th April 2021
4th Sunday of Easter
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The Collect
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.
Readings
Acts 4:5-12 Peter before the Sanhedrin
John 10:11-18 Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Sunday 18th April 2021
3rd Sunday of Easter
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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.
Readings: Psalm 4:1,3, 6 Acts 3:12-19 Luke 24:36b-48
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.
Saturday 17th April 2021
Funeral of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
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Merciful God, be close to all who mourn, especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family. May they know the hope of your promises and the comfort of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
We remember his vision and imagination,
his interest in young people and his support for them.
Inspire us with the same commitment
to serve friend, neighbour, and stranger alike,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday 11th April 2021
2nd Sunday of Easter
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Faith point
How would we react in suddenly facing the risen Jesus with the
crucified scars seared into the infinite grace of his divinity?
Would we just gape, or like the camel passing through the eye
of a needle allow our faith to become firmer as our finger
pushes through? (RevT)
Collect (prayer for the day)
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.
Readings
Acts 4:32-35 The early church shares its possessions
Psalm 133 Unity
John 20:19:31 Jesus appears to the disciples and then to Thomas
Friday of Easter Week 9th April 2021
HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, RIP
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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 as tirelessly serving his nation and the
Commonwealth and always 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: 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.
Sunday 4th April 2021
Easter Day
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Alleluia! God raised Christ from the dead,
the Lamb without spot or stain. Alleluia!
Collect
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.
Readings
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:14-24
Mark 16:1-8
3rd April 2021
Holy Saturday / Easter Eve
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Collect
In the depths of our isolation
we cry to you, Lord God:
give light in our darkness
and bring us out of the prison of our despair;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings
Job 14:1-14
Matthew 27:57-end
Friday 2nd April 2021
Good Friday
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Join us for Good Friday Meditation (Last Three Hours)
Time: Apr 2, 2021 12pm London
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 838 1375 5620
Passcode: 415540
Collect
Eternal God,
in the cross of Jesus
we see the cost of our sin and the depth of your love:
in humble hope and fear may we place at his feet
all that we have and all that we are,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 52:13-end of 53
Hebrews 10:16-25
The Quiet View, Kingston
We are fortunate that Lizzie Hopthrow offers us all a spiritual "Good Friday Taize Prayer & Labyrinth Walk" to mark our own journeys.For details see https://www.facebook.com/quietview and https://www.quietview.co.uk/
Thursday 1st April 2021
Maundy Thursday
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The Collect
God our Father,
you have invited us to share in the supper
which your Son gave to his Church
to proclaim his death until he comes:
may he nourish us by his presence,
and unite us in his love;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings
Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14
John 13:1-17,31b-35
Monday 29th March 2021
Monday of Holy Week
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An invite by Rev Lesley to visit our Easter Gardens of our Benefice
during Holy and Easter Week.
Why not make it a family pilgrimage and see the wonderful work
of our flower ladies.
Sunday 28th March 2021
Palm Sunday (triumphant entry of our Lord into Jerusalem)
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The Collect of the day
True and humble king,
hailed by the crowd as Messiah:
grant us faith to know you and love you,
that we may be found beside you on the way to the cross,
which is the path of glory. Amen
Readings
Zechariah 9:9-12
Mark 11:1-11
Thursday 25th March 2021
Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Paolo de Matteis, Italian, 1662–1728
Luke 1:38
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.
What if Mary had said no?
Collect (prayer for Today)
We beseech you, O Lord,
pour your grace into our hearts,
that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ
by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion
we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection;
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.
Tuesday 23rd March 2021
National Day of Reflection
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A year on from the beginning of National Lockdown we have all
been touched by the indiscriminate nature of the coronavirus, whether
directly or through the suffering and death of loved ones and of
neighbours. We remember them. (RevT)
Loving God,
you hold all our times in your hands,
our past, our present, our future.
Be close to us now as we remember all the
difficulties and sadness of the past year.
Be especially close to all of us who are thinking
of someone we loved and knew,
but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour.
Help us to trust that they are at peace with you,
and comfort us with your presence.
Amen.
"To Heal We Must Remember" reflection by Rev Lizzie (Quiet View)
Sunday 21st March 2021
Lent 5 (Passiontide begins)
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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.
Readings
Jeremiah 31:31-34 A New Covenant
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A31-34&version=NRSV
John 12:20-33 The Son of Man to be Glorified
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A20-33&version=NRSV
Sunday 14th March 2021
Mothering Sunday
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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.
Friday 12th March 2021
A Service of Lament, Healing & Hope
St John's & Barham House Nursing Home
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A service of Lament, Healing & Hope was held at St John the Baptist for the wonderful caring staff of Barham House Nursing Home as the home closes and the staff face an uncertain future. Through Prayers, Psalms, Mark 16:1-8, remembering in the lighting of tealights and in in being anointed by holy oil we gathered and were held. I give thanks for the ministry of worship, witness, holding, and praying for staff and residents. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Sunday 7th March 2021
Lent 3
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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.
Readings:
Exodus 20:1-17
John 2:13-22.
Friday 5th March 2021
Lent 2 -Monthly Taize
Our monthly Taize prayer offers a comforting and joyful expression of Lent! We have created a little wilderness in the yurt and with chants and candles and flowers we bring beauty into the darkness. A peaceful 30 minutes.
Rev Lizzie Hopthrow
Thursday 4th March 2021
Lent 2
Lent
2021:
Approaching the Father Through the Gospel of John
Four weeks of reflection in troubling times.
The forty days of Lent are set aside as a time of contemplation; when we can think things through, ask questions and absorb the answers given. Join us this Lent for four short meetings to aid your reflection.
The meetings will be held on Thursday Evening at 6pm on the following dates:
Thursday March 4th The Bread of Life - John 6: 27-40
Thursday March 11th Drawing in the Sand- John 7 :53-8:11
Thursday March 18th The Fragrance of Perfume - John 12: 1-8
Thursday March 25th Do you Know What I have Done for You? - John 13: 2-17
Please contact Rev Lesley Hardy if you would like to join
Sunday 28th February 2021
Lent 2
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Morning Prayer out in the open at the Gold Park Caravan site (Barham)
with our small community attached to St John the Baptist, Barham,
informally called "St John of the Park."
n.b. they are in their own social-bubble
A Gospel for all and to remind us that
Church = Ecclessia = People
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.
Readings
Genesis 17:1-7,15-18 The Sign of the Covenant
Mark 8:31-38 Jesus predicts his death and resurrection
Sunday 21st February 2021
Lent 1
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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.
Readings
Psalm 51 Have Mercy on Me, O God
Genesis 9:8-17 God's promise to Noah
Mark 1:9-15 Jesus the beloved Son
Barham House Nursing Home
It is with great sadness to learn that Barham House Nursing Home will be closing its doors this coming week. Please keep the residents and the dedicated carers in your prayers and thoughts who are devastated by this news. We participated in ✝️Holy Communion in the Home today with emphasis on gratitude, of service and of sending out with Blessings.
“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.” (Matthew 25:37-40)
Wednesday 17th February 2021
Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent)
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Image: Stephen O'Connor
Feb 17, Ash Weds Meditation, please check it out.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-5cxix-fb022b
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.
Sunday 14th February 2021
Sunday before Lent
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The dazzling brightness of recent snow reminds us how pure and
transformative Creation can be. God 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."
[2 Cor.4:3-6]. Even Jesus, at one time, appeared to be transfigured before
three of his disciples, "and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no
one on earth could bleach" [Mark 9:3].
How does God transform us so that we are able to shine before others who
need physical and spiritual aid and comfort?
The Collect 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.
Sunday 7th February 2021
2nd Sunday before Lent
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A lovely painting of Jesus as our shepherd by two of our primary school
children reminds us also that Jesus is the visible image of God and the
Firstborn of all Creation - now that is worth reflecting upon!
The Collect (Prayer) 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.
Friday 5th February
Monthly Taize The Quiet View
https://www.quietview.co.uk/
‘To Heal, We Must Remember’ (Inauguration words by Joe Biden )– will be a tender ritual in the yurt. It will include music, art, poetry and a time to read out the names of those who have died and to light an individual candle for them. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART DIGITALLY, PLEASE SEND US THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED BY SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY. The video will be available on YouTube on 13th March. email: lizziehopthrow@gmail.com
Candlemas - 31st January 2021
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Candlemas marks 40 days after Christmas (the traditional ending of the
season) normally celebrated on the 2nd February or on the nearest Sunday.
It was also a time for new candles to be blessed for the year.
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.
Luke 2:27-32
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.’
3rd Sunday of Epiphany - 24th January 2021
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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.
Legend
Snowdrops - first gleaming of distant Spring and of hope.
Legend has it that a distraught Eve sitting outside of Eden (after the Fall) was comforted by an angel who caught a snowflake and breathed upon it, then let float down to the ground from which the first snowdrop appeared.
2nd Sunday of Epiphany - 17th January 2021
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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.
January
Under a white coverlet of snow
The infant year is lying,
A leaden canopy of cloud above.
Now to this cradle haste
The royal seasons, in their robes,
Of green, crimson, and rich russet,
Bearing their gifts - the sunshine gold of spring,
Incense of summer flowers, and acrid tang
Of autumn's burning leaves.
John Heath-Stubbs
Baptism of Christ (Epiphany Season) - 10th January 2021
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The message is clear Christ is truly chosen for mission, he is the messiah, the Christ, God incarnate. When we are baptised it reaffirms God's calling, for we are all special in his creation and with us he is 'well pleased' in the same way when humanity was the culmination of creation God saw that what he created was 'very good' and not just 'good'.
Collect
Heavenly Father,
at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son:
may we recognise him as our Lord
and know ourselves to be your beloved children:
through Christ our Saviour.
Amen
Epiphany - 6th January 2021
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Collect
Creator of the heavens,
who led the Magi by a star
to worship the Christ-child:
guide and sustain us,
that we may find our journey's end
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From Isaiah 60
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you...
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;they all gather together, they come to you...
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice...
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
From Matthew 2
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking,
‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage...
They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen
at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother;
and they knelt down and paid him homage.
Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return
to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Prayer
Jesus,
may we not hoard,
but freely give
the gold of our hearts,
the myrrh of our grief,
the frankincense of our dreams,
to you. Amen (Mary Palmer)
2nd Sunday of Christmas - 3rd January 2021
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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.
The Word was made flesh and lived among us:
and we have seen his glory.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
New Years Day - 1st January 2021
Lizzie Hopthrow invites to her Epiphany Taize and who knows
what might be 'revealed' in song and prayer
Christmas Day - 25th December 2020
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When peaceful silence lay over all,
and night was in the midst of her swift course:
from your royal throne, O God,
down from the heavens,
leapt your almighty Word.
Collect for Midnight Mass
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
Collect for Christmas Day
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.
*****WISHING YOU A BLESSED CHRISTMASTIDE*****
Advent Window tribute to Lucas Webb
22nd December 2020
Image courtesy of the Webb family as Day 19
in the Village Advent Windows Calendar
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
4th Sunday of Advent - 20th December 2020
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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.
Open Carol Services - 20th December
4 pm on the Village Green near the Christmas Tree, Barham
6.30 pm on the Station Road Green Adisham
19th December 2020
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Dear Parishioners,
It is with deep regret that we need to cancel the Sunday outdoor Carol Services at Barham (4pm) and Adisham (6.30pm).
Cancellation is implicitly consistent with our overall risk assessment since the risk element has changed; and even though we planned to take extreme care, the information shared by the Government tonight must make more problematic the idea of having a large group of people of all age groups and the hidden transmission by those who are asymptomatic.
I am waiting to read the fine print re: Christmas services but will keep ou all posted. What is more important is that we protect those whom we love and hold the light of Christ before us.
Yours
Stefan (RevT)
16th December 2020
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Lucas Webb
The last few days have seen an outpouring of love and sympathy for the Webb Family following devastating news of Lucas' death. The family really appreciate all the support from family, friends and the Barham Community but understandably can not respond to all social media messages.
Lucas was baptised at St John the Baptist.
We pray:
O God of compassion,
as we gather around Lucas,
we can scarcely take in what has happened.
Be alive to us as our hearts are shaken with sorrow,
for a life so full of promise has been taken.
In our sadness, contain us:
in our shock and grief, comfort us.
Meet us in our anger,
hear the questions that have no answers
and in our dark and lonely times bring hope to his family and us all.
Amen.
3rd Sunday of Advent - 13th December 2020
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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.
2nd Sunday of Advent - 6th December 2020
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Did you now that in some parts of Europe the children woke up on the 6th Dec to shoes, boots or clogs filled with sweets and goodies - that is if they had been good! A reminder of St Nicholas' generosity, a Christian Saint who provided for the poor. Next time you eat a chocolate coin you might want to think of a time where St Nick threw gold coins into a house which landed in stockings hanging up to dry!
All are welcome to join in with the Bridge Group of Churches Holy Communion. My thanks to Rev Estella Last.
Go to http://youtu.be/hGXAgb20SE8
Advent Taize - 4th December 2020
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Rev Lizzie Hopthrow kindly invites us to be drawn further into Advent to touch the hearts of so many living in darkness and fear in the Advent Taize from the Quiet View. The Link will be available from 9am.
https://youtu.be/3hI6SlCcwxE
Advent Sunday - 29th November 2020
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We enter the season of Advent in preparation
for the birth of the Christ Child and also
for the Coming of Christ in all his Glory.
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.
Christ the King- 22nd November 2020
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Although we cannot hold an act of public worship in church during this second Lockdown we give thanks that the Church comes to you
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.
2nd Sunday before Advent - 15th November 2020
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Although we cannot hold an act of public worship in church during this second Lockdown we give thanks that the Church comes to you. Please click the picture to access the Holy Communion service for this Sunday.
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.
Armistice Day - 11th November 2020
100 Years Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
and of the Cenotaph
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Liz Minter offers us a short history in her capacity as a Registered Tourist Guide.
Collect (Prayer) for Remembrance Day
God, our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Remembrance Sunday - 8th November 2020
Lest we forget
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There will be a 'short' act of Remembrance outside St John's Barham,
St Mary's Bishopsbourne and at Adisham starting 10:50.
If attending please observe social distancing!
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.
Friday - 6th November 2020
Taize from the Quiet View
with Rev Lizzie Hopthrow
Tuesday - 3rd November 2020
Commemoration of Richard Hooker,
Rector of Bishopsbourne and Barham (d. 1600)
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Evening Prayer from Canterbury Cathedral was filmed on location at St Mary the Virgin Bishopsbourne. Do enjoy the service and our wonderful church.
Collect
God of peace, the bond of all love,
who in your Son Jesus Christ have made the human race
your inseparable dwelling place:
after the example of your servant Richard Hooker,
give grace to us your servants ever to rejoice
in the true inheritance of your adopted children
and to show forth your praises now and ever;
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.
All Souls Day - 2nd November 2020
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
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This evening we will be holding our ALL SOULS service at St John's 6.30pm.
We remember those that we loved and lost and miss very much but to give thanks to God for their lives and how they influenced us.
It is an opportunity to give thanks to God for their lives.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, lover of souls you uphold us in life and sustain us in death: to you be glory and praise for ever!
For the darkness of this age is passing away as Christ the bright and morning star brings to his saints the light of life.
As you give light to those in darkness who walk in the shadow of death so remember in your kingdom your faithful servants that death may be for them the gate to life and to unending fellowship with you; where with your saints you live and reign one in the
perfect union of love now and for ever. Amen.
All Saints Day - 1st November 2020
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This Sunday we celebrate All the Saints in our services
at St John's Barham 8am BCP HC and St Mary's Bishopsbourne Benefice Service 10am
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.
Saturday 31st October 2020
All Hallows' Eve Confirmations with +Rose
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We very much rejoiced in +Rose visiting St John the Baptist Barham for the Confirmation service for East & West Bridge Deaneries. It was a wonderful service supported by our Benefice Choir. 6 were confirmed and 2 baptised. Please keep in our prayers Krestrel (St Margarets W'wold), Grace (St Giles, Kingston), Toby (St John's, Barham) and for Sophie, Sonia and Lynda (St Martin & St Gregory, Wye) and also for Lana and Theo who were baptised.
'May the Word of the Lord be a lamp for their feet
and a light for their path.'
cf Psalm 119:105
Wednesday 28th October 2020
Simon & Jude, Apostles
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Today we commemorate these disciples during our
10am Holy Communion at St John's Barham.
Collect
Almighty God,
who built your Church
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ
himself as the chief cornerstone:
so join us together in
unity of spirit by their doctrine,
that we may be made a
holy temple acceptable to 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.
Ephesians 2.19-20
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
Last Sunday after Trinity - Sunday 25th October 2020
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This Sunday we bring to mind our environment in creation
at St John's Barham 9.30 plus Holy Communion at Holy Innocents Adisham 11am
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.
Crucified Earth & Resurrected Hope
Today's All Age Service was hard hitting worship on the theme of the Crucified Earth where an analogy was drawn between the destruction of our environment with Jesus Crucified, and between being called stewards of Creation and the Resurrected Christ.
Trinity 19 - 18th October 2020
Luke the Evangelist
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This Sunday we commemorate Luke the Gospel Writer and Physician in our services
at St John's Barham 9.30 and St Mary's 11am
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.
Saturday 17th October 2020
Ignatius, bishop of Antioch d. 107
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Collect (prayer for the day)
Feed us, O Lord with the living bread
and make us drink deep of the cup of salvation that,
following the teaching of your bishop Ignatius and rejoicing in the faith
with which he embraced a martyr's death,
we may be nourished for that eternal life
for which he longed;
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.
Events
At St John's today we celebrated the baptism of Maddison & Annabelle both at Barham CEP and our Benefice went international in hosting the Lutheran Erntedankfest (Harvest) at St Margaret's Womenswold with good German singing
Trinity 18 - Sunday 11th October 2020
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image: Bourne Park
This Sunday our services are at St Margaret's W'wold 9.30am
and St Giles Kingston 11am
The Collect
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.
Saturday 10th October 2020
Commemorating:
Thomas Traherne (1674), Clergyman, Poet, Spiritual Writer
part of the Thomas Traherne window at Hereford Cathedral
The skies in their magnificence,
The lively, lovely air;
Oh how divine, how soft, how sweet, how fair!
The stars did entertain my sense,
And all the works of God, so bright and pure,
So rich and great did seem,
As if they ever must endure
In my esteem.
A native health and innocence
Within my bones did grow,
And while my God did all his glories show,
I felt a vigour in my sense
That was all spirit. I within did flow
With seas of life, like wine;
I nothing in the world did know
But 'twas divine.
Wonder (extract)
Harvest Festival - Sunday 4th October 2020
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This Sunday we celebrate Harvest Festival at St John's Barham at 10am and at
St Margaret's Womenswold at 6pm. Please bring food produce (non-perishable) for us to take
to the Food Banks.
The Collect for Harvest
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.
Care for Creation Taize - Friday 2nd October 2020
www.quietview.co.uk/
01227830070
Michael & All Angels - Tuesday 29th September 2020
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image Linda Baker Smith (Angels by Jane Williams)
We will be celebrating Michael & All Angels at Holy Communion
Wednesday 30th Sept 10am at St John's Barham with Rod Spencer
providing music for the occasion. All are welcome.
The Collect of the day
Everlasting God,
you have ordained and constituted
the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order:
grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven,
so, at your command,
they may help and defend us on earth;
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.
Ordination - Sunday 27th September 2020
at St Mary's Eastry at 3pm.
Our new Curate Revd Lesley Hardy at her ordination to Priesthood
conducted by Bishop Rose. We look forward to her beginning her
ministry with us.
Trinity 16 - Sunday 27th September 2020
at St Giles Kingston 10am.
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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.
Eve of St Matthew Sunday 20th September 2020
at St Mary the Virgin Bishopsbourne 10am
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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.
Holy Cross Day Monday 14th September 2020
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"He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death -
even death on a cross.
therefore God also highly exalted him...so that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bend" (Philippians 2:8,9a,10a)
Collect
Almighty God,
who in the passion of your blessed Son
made an instrument of painful death
to be for us the means of life and peace:
grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ
that we may gladly suffer for his sake;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Trinity 14 - Sunday 13th September 2020
at St John the Baptist Barham 10am inc. Blessing of School Bags
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The Collect (Prayer 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.
Monday 7th September 2020
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The Kingdom of Heaven is like....
On Sunday the 6th Sept we also held a Morning Prayer service with
music at Holy Innocents Adisham where some families attended
the "blessing of the school bags" for the new new school year.
Although no photos were taken at the time, one of our participants Lucy,
had her bag blessed and this photo with thanks from her father perhaps
describes best, without any need for a sermon, what the Kingdom of
Heaven is like in the moment of surprised discovery.
RevT
Trinity 13 Sunday 6th September 2020
at St Margaret of Antioch, Womenswold 10am
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All are welcome and we also celebrate the return of children to our school
in Adisham with a blessing of bags at Holy Innocents, at 11am.
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.
Taize Friday 4th September 2020
From The Quiet View in Kingston
This is a beautiful and most relaxing way to enjoy being in
the presence of God at the end of the week - Rev Lizzie Hopthrow
St Giles Tuesday 1st September 2020
Patronal Saint for our church in Kingston
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The Collect of the day
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord,
that the prayers of thy holy Abbott, St Giles
may commend us unto thee:
that we, who have no power of ourselves to help ourselves,
may by thy teaching find favour in thy sight,
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.
Trinity 12 Sunday 30th August 2020
at St Giles Kingston 10am
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The image of palm crosses on the south door of St Giles Kingston remind
us of holy week and the Christian mission that endures despite adversity.
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.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-2ydix-e90762
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go directly
to the podcast. It might also take you to the home page then at the site
click bottom right hand corner 'Try as guest" and it will also work.
If using a mobile device android/ iphone or ipad it would be worth
downloading the Podbean app for free for future podcasts.
Baptism Saturday 29th August 2020
at Holy Innocents Adisham 12pm
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Today the Espie family celebrated a special occasion when Oscar and Dexter
were christened and following in the footsteps of family members. As a
community we rejoice with even time for a group photo (with masks briefly
removed). Let us keep them in our prayers in the fellowship of Christ.
---ooOoo---
Eve of Bartholomew, Apostle Sunday 23rd August 2020
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Today our Morning Prayer Service is at St Mary's Bishopsbourne at 10am
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.
Trinity 10 Sunday 16th August 2020
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Today our Morning Prayer Service is at Holy Innocents Adisham 10am
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.
Saturday 15th August 2020
VJ75 Day
On this day we come together to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary
of Victory over Japan, when the sounds of conflict fell silent over Asia,
the Pacific Ocean, and it's coastlines and the bringing about the end
of WWII. We remember our brave servicemen and women who fought
for a better tomorrow and for the tragic loss of so many civilians throughout.
A Prayer for VJ Day
God our Father, in the dying and rising of your Son Jesus Christ, you have brought life and salvation out of cruelty and death. We mark Victory in Japan in gratitude for the courage of the Allied forces who suffered for freedom in the Far East campaign and in sorrow for all that hinders the coming of your kingdom of peace. Give us wisdom to learn from the bitter memories of war, and hearts that long for the unity of all nations. We ask all this in the name of Jesus, in whom there is no east or west, no north or south, but one fellowship of love across the whole earth. Amen.
---oo0oo---
Trinity 9 Sunday 9th August 2020
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Today our Morning Prayer Service is at St John the Baptist Barham 10am
The Collect (Prayer)
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.
---ooOoo---
Saturday 8th August 2020
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A Virtual service from St John the Baptist, Barham
This year the Army Cadets, NCO's and Officers were unable to go on Camp due to Covid-19 Restrictions, yet a weeks's virtual camp allowed other activities to explored on line including a Camp Service from the Army Chaplain. The Theme was The Parable of the Sower and Harvest.
---ooOoo---
Friday 7th August 2020
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TAIZE at The Quiet View with Rev Lizzie Hopthrow
The Monthly Taize service is on Friday 7th August at 7pm
if you would like to tune in (so to speak) but the music readings and prayer can be enjoyed at any time.
---ooOoo---
Transfiguration of our Lord Thursday 6th August 2020
+ Hiroshima 75
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image (liturgy.co.nz)
Daniel 7:13-14
I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.
Luke 9:28-29,35
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white...a voice...said,
"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
Reflection
The light that shone with a million suns was a false light and was no lamp of hope or peace when the divine lights, housed in the many-thousand images of God in Hiroshima (and Nagasaki), were splintered and shredded into the sub-atomic of creation. Ruined dwelling places with shadowed imprints of life, the young and old, are left to haunt the memories of the defeated but the victors also, with the untold costs of incalculable consequences. The cry through time demands that the 'abomination of desolation' be no more. New tents and Light are sought.
The light that shone with a trillion suns momentarily outshone the mountain's creative view, or was it enhanced when the Son of Man held together the sacred imprint of the Beginning and the Word-Made-Flesh?
It was the light of hope and restoration, the Light which no machination of shadowed humankind could overthrow. The path that leads to peace starts in a place between the Cross and the Bomb, in seeking forgiveness and compassion so that we begin to listen to the Son who promises to make all things new.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known. (W.Y. Fullerton)
RevT
The Collect
Father in heaven,
whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured
before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain,
and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:
give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross
that in the world to come we may see him as he is:
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
---ooOoo---
Trinity 8 Sunday 2nd August 2020
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COMPLINE (Night Prayer)
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-zp349-e52a6d
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
---ooOoo---
MORNING PRAYER
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.
Readings (CEV):
Romans 9:1-5 God's choice of Israel
Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus Feeds the 5,000
---ooOoo---
James, the Apostle Saturday 25th July 2020
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The Saturday Service of Prayer during the Day can be followed by clicking the YouTube link below
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.
---ooOoo---
Thursday 23rd July 2020
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A message for all School Year Groups
breaking up for the summer
Mary Magdalene Wednesday 22nd July 2020
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Mary Magdalene Prayer Service Podcast Service can be listened to by clicking,
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-brscs-e414eb
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of mind and body
and called her to be a witness to his resurrection:
forgive our sins and heal us by your grace,
that we may serve you in the power of his risen life:
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Trinity 6 Sunday 19th July 2020
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Come join us for 10am Morning Prayer at
St Mary-the-Virgin, Bishopsbourne
Image courtesy of Susannah Lavelle
Todays parable is of the Wheat & Tares (Weeds) in Matthew 13
https://www.barhamdownschurches.org.uk/beneficepewsheet.htm
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.
Trinity 5 Sunday 12th July 2020
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Come join us for 10am Morning Prayer at Holy Innocents Adisham
Also a short reflective prayer service from the chapel at
St John the Baptist with music
The Collect
Almighty God,
send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister the gospel
your countless gifts of grace:
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
---ooOoo---
Monday 6th July 2020
Trinity 4 Sunday 5th July 2020
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A lovely wide-angle view by Anya one of our young ladies in Barham
with her kind permission @anyakrasniqi04
Trinity 4 Evening Prayer Podcast can be listened to on this podcast.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-ks4w6-e2108c
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
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.
---ooOoo---
Thomas, the Apostle Friday 3rd July 2020
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Morning Prayer from the Cathedral on a day for many of my colleagues when we were ordained on this day ten years ago by Archbishop Rowan Williams. We must keep in mind for those ordinands and deacons who have had their ordination services postponed until the end of September.
Collect
Almighty and eternal God,
who, for the firmer foundation of our faith,
allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son
till word and sight convinced him:
grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe
and to confess Christ as our Lord and our God;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
On the Eve of St Peter & St Paul Sunday 28th June 2020
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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.
Trinity 3 Sunday 28th June 2020
+ Rose's Monthly Sermon following the readings of
Geneses 22:1-14
Matthew 10:40-42
---ooOoo---
St John the Baptist Wednesday 24th June 2020
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Today is the patronal fest for the church of
St John the Baptist Barham
The Collect of the day
Almighty God,
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour
by the preaching of repentance:
lead us to repent according to his preaching
and, after his example,
constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice,
and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake;
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.
Trinity 2 Sunday 21st June 2020
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"If Christ has been given us, if we are called to his discipleship we are given all things, literally all things. He will see to it that they are added unto us. If we follow Jesus and look only to his righteousness, we are in his hands and under the protection of him and his Father...God will help us in the hour of need, and he knows our needs."
(The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
The Homily for Trinity 2 can be listened to on this podcast.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-k5snw-e07d3a
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
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.
---ooOoo---
Trinity 1 Sunday 14th June 2020
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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.
Amen.
---ooOoo---
Corpus Christi Thursday 11th June 2020
Thanksgiving of the Holy Communion
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I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. [John 6:51]
This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
[1 Corinthians 11:24b]
Collect (Prayer of the Day)
Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament
you have given us the memorial of your passion:
grant to us so to reverence the sacred mysteries
of your body and your blood that we may know
within ourselves and show forth in our lives
the fruits of your redemption;
for you are alive and reign with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
---ooOoo---
Trinity Sunday 7th June 2020
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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
---ooOoo---
St Boniface Friday 05/06/20
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A new Podcast Meditation for St Boniface commemoration with
music, prayers and reading now available.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-9zvkb-dd14d8
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
Collect (Prayer for of the day)
God our redeemer,
who called your servant Boniface to preach the gospel among the German people and to build up your Church in holiness:
grant that we may preserve in our hearts that faith which he taught with his words and sealed with his blood, and profess it in lives dedicated to your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
---ooOoo---
Pentecost (Whitsun) Sunday 31/05/20
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Through the Holy Spirit comes our restoration to Paradise, our ascension to the kingdom of heaven, our adoption of God's children, our freedom to call God our Father, our becoming partakers of the grace of Christ, being called children of the light, sharing in an eternal glory, and in a word, our inheritance of the fullness of blessing, both in this world and the world to come.
Even while we wait for the full enjoyment of the good things in store for us, by the Holy Spirit we are able to rejoice through faith in the promise of the graces to come. If the promise itself is so glorious, what must its fulfilment be like?
St Basil the Great (329-379), Bishop of Caesarea
On the Holy Spirit
Eve of Pentecost, Saturday 30/05/20
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A new Podcast Meditation for Eve of Pentecost, with
music, prayers and reading now available. Click the link:
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-2ecq8-de1d59
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Come, O Spirit of God,
and make within us your dwelling place and home.
May our darkness be dispelled by your light,
and our troubles calmed by your peace;
may all evil be redeemed by your love,
all pain transformed through the suffering of Christ,
and all dying glorified in his risen life.
Amen.
---ooOoo---
Ascensiontide 22-31/05/20
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|
|
---ooOoo---
Sunday after Ascension Day 24th May 2020
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God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of a trumpet Psalm 47:5
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.
"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."
---ooOoo---
Ascension Day 21/05/20
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Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia,
to his throne above the skies; Alleluia,
grant our hearts may thither rise, Alleluia,
seeking thee above the skies. Alleluia.
Today's worship comes through a podcast service and I have added a short Padre's message film for the Kent Army Cadets but significant for us all this day.
A new Podcast Meditation for Ascension Day, with
music, prayers and reading now available.
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-9zvkb-dd14d8
If using a desktop computer or a laptop then it should go
directly to the podcast. It might also take you to the
home page then at the site click bottom right hand corner
'Try as guest" and it will also work. If using a mobile
device like an iphone or ipad it would be worth downloading
the podbean app for free for future podcasts.
Collect (Prayer for of the day)
Risen Christ,
you have raised our human nature to the throne of heaven:
help us to see and serve you, that we may join you at the Father's side,
where you reign with the Spirit in glory,
now and for ever. Amen.
---ooOoo---
Easter 6 Rogation Sunday 17/05/20
#barhamdownschurches_ (Instagram)
@barhamdownschurches (Facebook)
@rev_t1 (Twitter)
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.
