Music and Services at St. Leonard's during the Coronavirus
All Age Service of the Word For the Third Sunday of Easter 18th April 2021
The Worship Team
This week we have a change to our YouTube version of the weekly service. You can see the full service, held in St Leonard’s Church, provided by all the members of the Worship Team. To view it, simply click on the link below or the one included in the email, on our Facebook page or on our Website. You will need to have a copy of this order of service nearby so that you can join in the responses. We hope you enjoy the service as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. https://youtu.be/B_k7xp74pMc - Video link to YouTube
If you are unable to link to YouTube, this order of service can also be used as a self read version as it contains: The Talk, the Prayers and the Reading.
Filming, editing and uploading to YouTube- Geoff
The selection of the music - Jo
They were saying, ‘The Lord is risen indeed and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24. 34-35
The Preparation (Irene)
Call to Worship
Jesus says,
‘Come to me
All you who are weary and burdened
and I will give you rest.’
In worship, let us come to the one who offers peace and rest.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Music: The Lord’s my Shepherd – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stoneleigh Worship Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIQQayhpak
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
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.
The Word of God (Janet, Sam and Lynn)
(A dramatised reading)
Luke 24. 36-48
Maybe this was the conversation that the disciples were having.
Disciple 1: So you were on the way to Emmaus when he joined you?
Disciple 2: Yes. Where did he even come from?
Disciple 3: He could have been anyone!
Disciple 1: And he asked you what you were discussing?
Disciple 2: Mmm. He made me nervous.
Disciple 3: I didn’t want to say, I was so sad.
Disciple 2: Yes, we would have to repeat it all again.
Disciple 3: I missed Jesus so much, I didn’t want to talk about it.
Disciple 2: I was annoyed that he didn’t know about the crucifixion, the vision of angels!
Disciple 3: How could he not know?! Everything was so confusing.
Disciple 2: He thought we were fools, that made me cross!
Disciple 3: I felt awful not remembering the scriptures.
Disciple 1: But he wasn’t bothered . . . he just kept on talking?!
Disciple 2: I started to feel more relaxed the more I listened to him.
Disciple 3: He was really interesting, it was sort of exciting.
Disciple 1: Was it late? Where was he going?
Disciple 2: I was feeling tired, so we asked him to stay with us, . . . we shared a meal together.
Disciple 3: My heart was burning, I had no idea who had been walking with us.
Disciple 1: What did you think?
Disciple 2: I felt so embarrassed.
Disciple 3: I felt so silly that I didn’t know who he was until he broke the bread.
Disciple 2: I could have cried, I was so happy to see him!
Disciple 3: Me too! I was so excited I thought I was going to burst!
Disciple 2: I couldn’t wait to share the news!
Disciple 2: So we ran back as fast as we could to tell you all. We’re exhausted! I can barely catch my breath.
Disciple 3: But I feel like I can fly, I’m just so happy to have seen him again!
Disciple 2: Hang on a minute! This is terrifying! How can this be happening again?!
Disciple 1: Jesus. . . he’s actually in the room! I’m scared. I must be dreaming.
Disciple 3: Maybe he’s a ghost?!
Disciple 2: Dare I go forward and touch him?
Disciple 3: I can see the terrible wounds in his hands and feet.
Disciple 1: He’s asking for something to eat.
Disciple 2: Can he really be here, in front of us?!
Disciple 3: He’s eating! He’s actually eating!
Disciple 2: I’m so pleased Jesus is enjoying the fish.
Disciple 1: I am beginning to understand. What he told us all along has come true . . .
All disciples: Jesus is risen!
The Talk (Mags)
Can I ask you to relax, to sit in a comfortable position, I would like you to breathe slowly and steadily, it might help if you to close your eyes or perhaps have a cup of tea.
Because I want to take you on a journey, I want you to use your imagination throughout the journey.
What can you see, hear, smell - even taste in the air? If you reach out, what can you touch? I want you to consider what you are feeling, throughout the journey.
Are you ready? Then we’ll begin.
You have dressed with care and you look in the mirror, you are unhappy with your appearance, It will have to do, you look at the time, you don’t want to be late, you’re walking into a building, you’re not a hundred percent sure where you are going. How are you feeling? You are feeling anxious.
You go into a room, there are others there, you don’t know anyone, the room is stuffy, you look around, everyone looks stern, no-one is making eye contact, the chairs are hard and plastic, you could really do with a glass of water, your mouth is dry and its hard to swallow. How are you feeling ? You are feeling worried.
One by one, the people in the room are being called, they stand and leave the room, you look around, trying to work out who will go in next. How are you feeling? You are feeling nervous.
You are the last one in the room, its quiet you can hear your heart beating, the window is closed, it’s very hot, there is a fly on the window trying to get out. A door opens, your name is called…you stand up, your stomach flips, you’re walking towards the open door. How are you feeling? Excited the adrenaline is flowing in your veins, it’s finally your turn!
I would like you to take a deep breath and breathe slowly out and come back, back to your relaxed comfortable sitting position, and if your eyes have been closed, I would like you to open them now please.
Welcome back everybody.
The experience you have just had, will have put you in touch with many different feelings, most of them uncomfortable. I want you to keep those feelings close while we explore a similar experience that Jesus’ disciples had shortly after the resurrection.
Our reading has concentrated on how the disciples were feeling, their emotions included shock, grief, confusion and disbelief after discovering a few days earlier that Jesus’ body had disappeared. Some were so scared they were going to be arrested, and some were afraid because they didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Moving forward a few days, some of them were still anxious about what was going to happen to them, but then there were others, who were excited and elated about the fact ... “That they had seen the Lord”! But even so, they all agree to keep the door locked just in case!
When Jesus came into the locked room, anxiety levels reach panic mode. Jesus said “Peace be with you” never was peace needed more, but still they were terrified. Jesus led them through their anxiety, showing them the marks on his body letting them touch him. Then he ate with them an activity designed to create unity and a sense of calm.
These feeling don’t make them any less of a disciple or special to Jesus. When we have concerns and respond emotionally to different situations that doesn’t make us any the less a Christian, we are still special to Jesus. It shows us that in our journey of faith there are many experiences and emotions along the way, and our faith is what supports us.
Jesus is still saying, “Peace be with you” now come let us sit together.
Music One Bread, One Body – John B. Foley
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3-a35jsHw
Let us declare our faith in God
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us
with power from on high.
We believe in one God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving (Dave)
Lord God, whose arms are always open to us,
we come before you today
with hearts and minds open to receive your teaching.
Lead us to understand who you are and what you have done,
and what you require of us as witnesses.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Lord, who understands our every need,
we adore you for stilling our turmoil,
for being the calm in the storm,
our anchor in the deep
and the safe port awaiting us always. Amen
God, we confess that when distress comes knocking at our door,
all that we have learned and should know
goes flying out of the window.
Our minds in disarray,
we fail to turn to trusted sources of help.
Forgive us for forgetting how to seek you.
We forget your sustaining Word in Scripture,
your presence when we turn to you in prayer,
the calm that is to be found when we seek you in community.
We are sorry for turning in on ourselves,
our minds going round in circles.
Come, risen Lord, break the cycle of our despair. Amen
Our understanding is dark, clouded by dismay,
fearful and lacking in faith,
yet we know that you will understand, Lord.
Shine your light on us
and banish the dark thoughts that overwhelm us;
forgive us the deeds committed
while fearful and bewildered,
and lead us forward in the light of your love. Amen
Lord, you have always been our host.
When you first came from heaven to the world we call ours,
Shepherds and kings were your guests.
When you accepted hospitality in the homes of others,
you turned the tables and became the host,
feeding hearts and souls through your teaching.
When you came to the disciples, newly risen,
you took charge and saw to their needs of mind and body.
We praise you, Jesus, ground of our being,
ground of our believing,
for standing among us in your risen power,
host of the world that is yours-not ours. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Music: Be Thou My Vision - Traditional
Performed by Celtic Worship
https://youtu.be/XiukM6WHQEQ
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ’Peace be with you.’ Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia!
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Closing Prayer
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Peace be with you’
they responded with turmoil.
Jesus said, ‘Have you anything to eat?’
they served him fish.
Jesus opened their minds
they became his witnesses.
So, Lord, may we too find peace in your service,
With opened minds and hearts on fire.
Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with permission.
The Preparation (Irene)
Call to Worship
Jesus says,
‘Come to me
All you who are weary and burdened
and I will give you rest.’
In worship, let us come to the one who offers peace and rest.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Music: The Lord’s my Shepherd – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stoneleigh Worship Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIQQayhpak
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
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.
The Word of God (Janet, Sam and Lynn)
(A dramatised reading)
Luke 24. 36-48
Maybe this was the conversation that the disciples were having.
Disciple 1: So you were on the way to Emmaus when he joined you?
Disciple 2: Yes. Where did he even come from?
Disciple 3: He could have been anyone!
Disciple 1: And he asked you what you were discussing?
Disciple 2: Mmm. He made me nervous.
Disciple 3: I didn’t want to say, I was so sad.
Disciple 2: Yes, we would have to repeat it all again.
Disciple 3: I missed Jesus so much, I didn’t want to talk about it.
Disciple 2: I was annoyed that he didn’t know about the crucifixion, the vision of angels!
Disciple 3: How could he not know?! Everything was so confusing.
Disciple 2: He thought we were fools, that made me cross!
Disciple 3: I felt awful not remembering the scriptures.
Disciple 1: But he wasn’t bothered . . . he just kept on talking?!
Disciple 2: I started to feel more relaxed the more I listened to him.
Disciple 3: He was really interesting, it was sort of exciting.
Disciple 1: Was it late? Where was he going?
Disciple 2: I was feeling tired, so we asked him to stay with us, . . . we shared a meal together.
Disciple 3: My heart was burning, I had no idea who had been walking with us.
Disciple 1: What did you think?
Disciple 2: I felt so embarrassed.
Disciple 3: I felt so silly that I didn’t know who he was until he broke the bread.
Disciple 2: I could have cried, I was so happy to see him!
Disciple 3: Me too! I was so excited I thought I was going to burst!
Disciple 2: I couldn’t wait to share the news!
Disciple 2: So we ran back as fast as we could to tell you all. We’re exhausted! I can barely catch my breath.
Disciple 3: But I feel like I can fly, I’m just so happy to have seen him again!
Disciple 2: Hang on a minute! This is terrifying! How can this be happening again?!
Disciple 1: Jesus. . . he’s actually in the room! I’m scared. I must be dreaming.
Disciple 3: Maybe he’s a ghost?!
Disciple 2: Dare I go forward and touch him?
Disciple 3: I can see the terrible wounds in his hands and feet.
Disciple 1: He’s asking for something to eat.
Disciple 2: Can he really be here, in front of us?!
Disciple 3: He’s eating! He’s actually eating!
Disciple 2: I’m so pleased Jesus is enjoying the fish.
Disciple 1: I am beginning to understand. What he told us all along has come true . . .
All disciples: Jesus is risen!
The Talk (Mags)
Can I ask you to relax, to sit in a comfortable position, I would like you to breathe slowly and steadily, it might help if you to close your eyes or perhaps have a cup of tea.
Because I want to take you on a journey, I want you to use your imagination throughout the journey.
What can you see, hear, smell - even taste in the air? If you reach out, what can you touch? I want you to consider what you are feeling, throughout the journey.
Are you ready? Then we’ll begin.
You have dressed with care and you look in the mirror, you are unhappy with your appearance, It will have to do, you look at the time, you don’t want to be late, you’re walking into a building, you’re not a hundred percent sure where you are going. How are you feeling? You are feeling anxious.
You go into a room, there are others there, you don’t know anyone, the room is stuffy, you look around, everyone looks stern, no-one is making eye contact, the chairs are hard and plastic, you could really do with a glass of water, your mouth is dry and its hard to swallow. How are you feeling ? You are feeling worried.
One by one, the people in the room are being called, they stand and leave the room, you look around, trying to work out who will go in next. How are you feeling? You are feeling nervous.
You are the last one in the room, its quiet you can hear your heart beating, the window is closed, it’s very hot, there is a fly on the window trying to get out. A door opens, your name is called…you stand up, your stomach flips, you’re walking towards the open door. How are you feeling? Excited the adrenaline is flowing in your veins, it’s finally your turn!
I would like you to take a deep breath and breathe slowly out and come back, back to your relaxed comfortable sitting position, and if your eyes have been closed, I would like you to open them now please.
Welcome back everybody.
The experience you have just had, will have put you in touch with many different feelings, most of them uncomfortable. I want you to keep those feelings close while we explore a similar experience that Jesus’ disciples had shortly after the resurrection.
Our reading has concentrated on how the disciples were feeling, their emotions included shock, grief, confusion and disbelief after discovering a few days earlier that Jesus’ body had disappeared. Some were so scared they were going to be arrested, and some were afraid because they didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Moving forward a few days, some of them were still anxious about what was going to happen to them, but then there were others, who were excited and elated about the fact ... “That they had seen the Lord”! But even so, they all agree to keep the door locked just in case!
When Jesus came into the locked room, anxiety levels reach panic mode. Jesus said “Peace be with you” never was peace needed more, but still they were terrified. Jesus led them through their anxiety, showing them the marks on his body letting them touch him. Then he ate with them an activity designed to create unity and a sense of calm.
These feeling don’t make them any less of a disciple or special to Jesus. When we have concerns and respond emotionally to different situations that doesn’t make us any the less a Christian, we are still special to Jesus. It shows us that in our journey of faith there are many experiences and emotions along the way, and our faith is what supports us.
Jesus is still saying, “Peace be with you” now come let us sit together.
Music One Bread, One Body – John B. Foley
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3-a35jsHw
Let us declare our faith in God
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us
with power from on high.
We believe in one God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving (Dave)
Lord God, whose arms are always open to us,
we come before you today
with hearts and minds open to receive your teaching.
Lead us to understand who you are and what you have done,
and what you require of us as witnesses.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Lord, who understands our every need,
we adore you for stilling our turmoil,
for being the calm in the storm,
our anchor in the deep
and the safe port awaiting us always. Amen
God, we confess that when distress comes knocking at our door,
all that we have learned and should know
goes flying out of the window.
Our minds in disarray,
we fail to turn to trusted sources of help.
Forgive us for forgetting how to seek you.
We forget your sustaining Word in Scripture,
your presence when we turn to you in prayer,
the calm that is to be found when we seek you in community.
We are sorry for turning in on ourselves,
our minds going round in circles.
Come, risen Lord, break the cycle of our despair. Amen
Our understanding is dark, clouded by dismay,
fearful and lacking in faith,
yet we know that you will understand, Lord.
Shine your light on us
and banish the dark thoughts that overwhelm us;
forgive us the deeds committed
while fearful and bewildered,
and lead us forward in the light of your love. Amen
Lord, you have always been our host.
When you first came from heaven to the world we call ours,
Shepherds and kings were your guests.
When you accepted hospitality in the homes of others,
you turned the tables and became the host,
feeding hearts and souls through your teaching.
When you came to the disciples, newly risen,
you took charge and saw to their needs of mind and body.
We praise you, Jesus, ground of our being,
ground of our believing,
for standing among us in your risen power,
host of the world that is yours-not ours. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Music: Be Thou My Vision - Traditional
Performed by Celtic Worship
https://youtu.be/XiukM6WHQEQ
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ’Peace be with you.’ Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia!
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Closing Prayer
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Peace be with you’
they responded with turmoil.
Jesus said, ‘Have you anything to eat?’
they served him fish.
Jesus opened their minds
they became his witnesses.
So, Lord, may we too find peace in your service,
With opened minds and hearts on fire.
Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with permission.
A Service of the Word for the Easter Season
Sermon by: The Revd. Vicky Camber
Area Dean for the Laughton Deanery
Please foolow this link for the YouTube version of this service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UJgymRSQPo
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.’
Welcome
Alleluia! Christ is risen
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Hymn: In His Temple now behold Him – Henry J. Pye and Henry T. Smart
Performed by Mount Olive Lutheran Church.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol1jlFSxVKY
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Gloria
Hymn: Peruvian Gloria – Traditional Peruvian
Performed by Fresh Claim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4TLwVM9mQ
Gloria
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Traditional Peruvian collected by John Ballantine
Prayers of penitence
Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us.
Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Confession
Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect
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
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
Acts 4. 32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: Christ be our Light – Bernadette Farrell
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIDPd8d3oQE
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 20. 19-end
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
But Thomas (who was called the Twin) one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
The Revd. Vicky Camber
Thought for Sunday 11th April 2021
I had been exploring my faith for only a little while, albeit keenly, when my vicar suddenly asked me what I considered to be an extremely difficult question. He was prone to do things like that - never to ask the expected. And what was the question?
Do you believe in the resurrection?
What?
There was a really long silence. Somehow, on the one hand, I wanted to give the answer he might have been expecting - though he probably wasn’t expecting anything in particular.
On the other hand - almost my whole being wanted to scream “No!” - not in the way I have come across the resurrection so far. How could Jesus have physically risen from the dead?
And I really knew that the question “do you believe in the resurrection” was so much more fundamental than that - because why on earth would we still have faith if there was no resurrection?
I love the Easter season - somehow it is when faith really comes alive - it’s not just stories of how to live a good life - the readings offer something of the core of who we are to be in Christ, of how our lives are powered.
So what are we to make of Thomas and the other disciples and how they came to believe in the resurrection?
We have this familiar story, heard at least twice in the lectionary each year. The disciples are in the upper room with the doors locked, but Jesus appears and stands amongst them. His first glorious Easter words are “peace be with you” - a fairly ordinary Jewish greeting. But after Jesus’ death, these words are filled with so much meaning. As he speaks, Jesus shows his disciples his hands and his side, offering himself to them, offering them himself, his saving love. Jesus, the crucified one, who will always have the marks of his cruel suffering, his cruel death. So he repeats the words “peace be with you” - an all embracing peace is offered from the signs of torture and murder - what a deep peace. Then Jesus breathes on them, the breath of the Holy Spirit - to transform the disciples from those trembling in fear, so that they will see who he truly is, and will become bold witnesses to his risen life. The disciples are sent to proclaim this life, but not alone, with the presence of Jesus and the Spirit, a strength with them for ever.
And we have the gift of Thomas to us - and not because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection. But because Thomas was the one to see the reality of who the risen Jesus was, utterly awed as he cried, “My Lord and my God” - and so he does not doubt at all who Jesus and the risen Christ is. And we are reminded in John - “Son of God” in Jesus Christ is nothing less that the full nature of God - let that sink in for a moment. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God”.
As I pondered my vicar’s question on belief in the resurrection - I wonder if it is something you can put your finger on. I believe, that whatever the resurrection is, it’s something that is beyond all human coercion to believe, and that our faith has been sustained for over 2000 years, not because of the institution of the Church, or any powerful regimes, it is the faithful living and loving of countless billions that has and continues to show the redeeming love of Christ for us all and all who are open to it. Resurrection - a wonderful gift.
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
The way we live our lives is affected by our belief in the risen Christ.
Let us pray in his name for the church and the world.
God of love we give you thanks for the world and its awesome beauty.
We pray for all who worship today around the world.
We pray for those who struggle with belief.
There are still places torn by violence and hatred.
God of love, we pray for those striving for reconciliation, give them resilience and a strength to persevere.
In your mercy, hear us
We pray for our government to give clear guidance when we are looking forward to a change in lockdown.
Many people long to spend time with loved ones and friends and others are nervous of the prospect of crowds. We pray for continued observance of respect.
In your mercy, hear us
God of love we pray for caring with good humour, while there are so many people with illnesses that scare them.
We pray for those who mourn and for those they love and miss. We especially pray for those named on our newsletter, may they feel God’s love surrounding them.
In your mercy, hear us
May we live each moment thankfully with joy for the new life opened up to us through Jesus our Redeemer
Merciful Father, accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ . Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Gathering our prayers and praise into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ’Peace be with you.’ Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia!
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Hymn: The Spirit lives to set us free – Damian Lundy
Performed by Gareth Moor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvhKJu9Vn04
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation,
you have restored us to life,
you have brought us back again into your love
by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ.
Continue to heal us,
as we go to live and work
in the power of your Spirit,
to your praise and glory.
Amen.
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord : God Bless
Welcome
Alleluia! Christ is risen
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Hymn: In His Temple now behold Him – Henry J. Pye and Henry T. Smart
Performed by Mount Olive Lutheran Church.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol1jlFSxVKY
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Gloria
Hymn: Peruvian Gloria – Traditional Peruvian
Performed by Fresh Claim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4TLwVM9mQ
Gloria
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Traditional Peruvian collected by John Ballantine
Prayers of penitence
Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us.
Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Confession
Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect
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
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
Acts 4. 32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: Christ be our Light – Bernadette Farrell
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIDPd8d3oQE
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 20. 19-end
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
But Thomas (who was called the Twin) one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
The Revd. Vicky Camber
Thought for Sunday 11th April 2021
I had been exploring my faith for only a little while, albeit keenly, when my vicar suddenly asked me what I considered to be an extremely difficult question. He was prone to do things like that - never to ask the expected. And what was the question?
Do you believe in the resurrection?
What?
There was a really long silence. Somehow, on the one hand, I wanted to give the answer he might have been expecting - though he probably wasn’t expecting anything in particular.
On the other hand - almost my whole being wanted to scream “No!” - not in the way I have come across the resurrection so far. How could Jesus have physically risen from the dead?
And I really knew that the question “do you believe in the resurrection” was so much more fundamental than that - because why on earth would we still have faith if there was no resurrection?
I love the Easter season - somehow it is when faith really comes alive - it’s not just stories of how to live a good life - the readings offer something of the core of who we are to be in Christ, of how our lives are powered.
So what are we to make of Thomas and the other disciples and how they came to believe in the resurrection?
We have this familiar story, heard at least twice in the lectionary each year. The disciples are in the upper room with the doors locked, but Jesus appears and stands amongst them. His first glorious Easter words are “peace be with you” - a fairly ordinary Jewish greeting. But after Jesus’ death, these words are filled with so much meaning. As he speaks, Jesus shows his disciples his hands and his side, offering himself to them, offering them himself, his saving love. Jesus, the crucified one, who will always have the marks of his cruel suffering, his cruel death. So he repeats the words “peace be with you” - an all embracing peace is offered from the signs of torture and murder - what a deep peace. Then Jesus breathes on them, the breath of the Holy Spirit - to transform the disciples from those trembling in fear, so that they will see who he truly is, and will become bold witnesses to his risen life. The disciples are sent to proclaim this life, but not alone, with the presence of Jesus and the Spirit, a strength with them for ever.
And we have the gift of Thomas to us - and not because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection. But because Thomas was the one to see the reality of who the risen Jesus was, utterly awed as he cried, “My Lord and my God” - and so he does not doubt at all who Jesus and the risen Christ is. And we are reminded in John - “Son of God” in Jesus Christ is nothing less that the full nature of God - let that sink in for a moment. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God”.
As I pondered my vicar’s question on belief in the resurrection - I wonder if it is something you can put your finger on. I believe, that whatever the resurrection is, it’s something that is beyond all human coercion to believe, and that our faith has been sustained for over 2000 years, not because of the institution of the Church, or any powerful regimes, it is the faithful living and loving of countless billions that has and continues to show the redeeming love of Christ for us all and all who are open to it. Resurrection - a wonderful gift.
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
The way we live our lives is affected by our belief in the risen Christ.
Let us pray in his name for the church and the world.
God of love we give you thanks for the world and its awesome beauty.
We pray for all who worship today around the world.
We pray for those who struggle with belief.
There are still places torn by violence and hatred.
God of love, we pray for those striving for reconciliation, give them resilience and a strength to persevere.
In your mercy, hear us
We pray for our government to give clear guidance when we are looking forward to a change in lockdown.
Many people long to spend time with loved ones and friends and others are nervous of the prospect of crowds. We pray for continued observance of respect.
In your mercy, hear us
God of love we pray for caring with good humour, while there are so many people with illnesses that scare them.
We pray for those who mourn and for those they love and miss. We especially pray for those named on our newsletter, may they feel God’s love surrounding them.
In your mercy, hear us
May we live each moment thankfully with joy for the new life opened up to us through Jesus our Redeemer
Merciful Father, accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ . Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Gathering our prayers and praise into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ’Peace be with you.’ Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia!
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Hymn: The Spirit lives to set us free – Damian Lundy
Performed by Gareth Moor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvhKJu9Vn04
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation,
you have restored us to life,
you have brought us back again into your love
by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ.
Continue to heal us,
as we go to live and work
in the power of your Spirit,
to your praise and glory.
Amen.
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord : God Bless
A Service of Morning Worship
Easter 2021
Below you will find an invitation to view The Passion of The Lord performed by members of St Leonard's Church on TouTube and below that the Service for Easter Sunday
https://youtu.be/--xdXvDmfa4
Please follow this link to YouTube to see the video of:
The Passion of the Lord by:
The Worship Team from St Leonard’s Church Dinnington
Please follow this link to YouTube to see the video of:
The Passion of the Lord by:
The Worship Team from St Leonard’s Church Dinnington
A Service of the Word for Easter Day
April 4th 2021
If you would like to see and hear this service on YouTube please follow this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kItCb5JUDao
The Sermon by:
The Ven. Malcolm Chamberlain Archdeacon
of Rotherham and Sheffield
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. Mark 16. 6-7
Christ is Risen Alleluia!
The Greeting
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He has given us new life and hope.
He has raised Jesus from the dead.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Opening Prayer
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen
The 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.
Reading(s)
Acts 10. 34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
1 Corinthians 15. 1-11
Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
John 20. 1- 18
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. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside 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). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon by: The Ven. Malcolm Chamberlain Archdeacon of Rotherham and Sheffield
You can download a video version of the sermon by using this link.
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/ee3405cb2ed22acbb337d1bb4adf9b9220210330165519/b1ffe9b2334371452d1e8a9bd7991d9720210330165519/f9862c
Resurrection Hope
Easter Sunday Talk 2021 (St Leonard’s Dinnington)
John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43
We began this morning’s service by proclaiming: “Alleluia, Christ is risen; he is risen indeed, alleluia!” Alleluia, meaning, of course, ‘praise the Lord’. So why is Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus such a big deal? You may have heard the story about story Talleyrand, a leading statesman in the French Revolution, who offered advice to a dejected friend. This friend had attempted to found a new religion, which was, he claimed, a huge improvement on Christianity. The problem was that there had been little take up and didn’t know what to do next. Talleyrand admitted that the difficulties were significant before saying, “there is one plan which you might at least try. Why don’t you get yourself crucified, and then rise again on the third day?”
In many ways, the Christian faith stands or falls on the Resurrection. St Paul told the Corinthian church that without the Resurrection, their faith is futile. He continued, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” I guess that’s probably how things seemed for Jesus’ disciples at the end of Good Friday.
At the beginning of our gospel reading Mary Magdalene is not in a good place. And it’s hardly surprising, is it? Two days previously, she had looked on powerless as Jesus was sentenced to death, beaten by the Romans and then executed on a cross in the heat of the day. The man she loved and had followed, believing him to be God’s Son and Israel’s true King, had been killed and buried without any of the customary burial rites. By the end of that terrible day, all hope had most likely died along with the man in whom she had placed hope.
Even so, early on the Sunday morning Mary mustered up what little positivity she had left in order to go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. John tells us that Mary arrived while it was still dark, reaching the tomb well ahead of the men – it seems that she simply couldn’t wait to get there to see him one last time. But when she arrived at the tomb Mary began a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions that reached an undreamt of and life-changing finale. As she arrived and found the stone rolled back from the tomb, panic set in and she immediately turned back to find Peter and the other disciple to tell them what she feared, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Panic!
Panic then turned to grief. Simon and the other disciple ran ahead of Mary to investigate the scene for themselves, but Mary returned to the tomb and stood outside weeping, the enormity of the situation finally catching up with her. In fact, so deep was Mary’s grief that when she found two angels dressed in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been, she didn’t even seem to notice, responding to their question as if to any ordinary person. Not only had Jesus been taken from her when he had been crucified, he had now been taken from her a second time, and Mary seemed to be lost in her grief.
Panic turned to grief, and then grief turned to desperation. Thinking that the man she then saw was the gardener (John lets us readers in on the secret that it was actually Jesus); but thinking he was the gardener Mary begged him to tell her where he had taken Jesus’ body. She seemed broken and desperate, clutching at any available straw.
But in a single moment everything changed for her, as a result of that one word: “Mary!” Profound in its simplicity, Jesus simply spoke her name with his characteristic tenderness and limitless love. Even if she had given up on him and lost all hope, he had not given up on her, and Mary’s life was turned around by this simple personal word.
I guess panic, grief and desperation are emotions that resonate with us even more closely this Easter. The last year of a global pandemic, with extensive restrictions, widespread suffering and untimely bereavement, has had a huge impact on us all, the full extent of which we are only beginning to see as we take tentative steps out of lockdown. Like Mary as she stood outside the empty tomb, we may at times have felt broken and desperate during these long months. But today we are able to celebrate Easter, because it didn’t end there for Mary. Even in a global pandemic we remain people of the Resurrection – people of hope. Not a glib or superficial hope, but one that was born out of suffering and pain, and made real in the overcoming of death itself.
That first Easter morning was the turning point not only for Mary, but for the whole of human history. The presence of the angels reminds us of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth; it’s like the glorious endgame to the humble beginning. Seeing the risen Jesus and hearing him speak her name in love flooded Mary with renewed hope, and propelled her to become the first evangelist of the Resurrection. Mary could do no other than rush back to tell the gathered disciples, “I have seen the Lord”.
Which leads me to the Easter challenge. Friends, the Resurrection is not a secret to be kept, but is a truth to tell, because people today need the same hope that Mary discovered outside the tomb. Forty days after the events of that morning, Jesus stood on a mountainside with his followers, and said to them, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” The same charge is given to all who follow Jesus. We are called to shine as Lights for Christ, proclaiming in our words and actions the good news of Jesus and inviting others to find purpose in following him.
Of course, it won’t always be easy; some people will refuse to believe in the Resurrection and attempt to explain the events of that First Easter away. Within hours of the empty tomb, Matthew tells us that the Chief Priests bribed the Roman soldiers to tell people that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. And over the 2,000 years since then, many other so-called explanations for the empty tomb have been concocted, relying on the blatantly unbelievable, such as the uncharacteristic sloppiness of the Roman guards or superhuman ninja abilities of the disciples. But still the Resurrection is proclaimed year after year, week after week.
The story is told of Wilson Carlile, when he was head of the Church Army, preaching one day at Hyde Park Corner about Jesus’ resurrection. A Heckler challenged him and asked how he knew for sure that Jesus was alive. Carlile said this: “I know Jesus is alive because I was speaking to him for half an hour this morning!”
You see, people may try to deny the Resurrection because once you accept that this beaten, tortured, executed man, who claimed to be God’s Son and our Saviour, actually rose from the dead, then you cannot possibly ignore him or keep him at arms length.
As Peter explained to Cornelius and his household in our reading from the Book of Acts, since God raised Jesus and caused him to be seen, we now know that he is the One ordained by God as judge; the One who the prophets testified about; the One who brings forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him.
The Resurrection radically changed things; the turning point in human history. Countless would-be Messiahs have come and gone and all have been forgotten; but here we are, in the year 2021, celebrating Resurrection life and hope found in one man who lived in the first few years of the first century, Jesus of Nazareth. And not only us; around 2.4 billion others, nearly a third of the world’s total population, are celebrating the same across the world today! As the centuries have passed, billions of people have discovered Jesus calling them by name; billions have put their faith in him and found life-changing hope in the Resurrection of the crucified Saviour.
The resurrection of Jesus has changed and continues to change everything – lives transformed, relationships restored, guilt banished, needs met, hope rising; all because of that Resurrection Sunday. Because he rose, Jesus is alive and we can know him, speak to him and follow him with confidence. And spurred on by his Resurrection power living in us, we are to be bearers of that good news as we reach out in love to those we live amongst in Dinnington and beyond, and proclaim Resurrection hope in word and action, shining as lights for Christ. Friends, the Easter story that we celebrate today is not a secret to be kept but a truth to be told. Good Friday must have seemed to be the end of hope to those who witnessed Jesus’ death; but Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning.
Alleluia, Christ is risen; he is risen indeed, alleluia! Amen!
Hymn: Jesus Christ is risen today – Melody from ‘Lyra Davidica’
Performed by Kings College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMwPEmUMP7U
Affirmation of Faith
Let us declare our faith
in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers,
and to all the apostles:
this we have received,
and this we believe.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
It is true Jesus is alive for all time, God’s victory over sin or death means that new life for us is a reality. In Joy and Hope let us pray to the Father. Christ is Risen, and the power of his resurrection fills the world today with new life, hope and expectation and so we bring him all
our needs.
Life giving God: Give us new life in you
As we celebrate your resurrection all over the world, irrespective of language, race and nationality our worship and joy on this day makes us one in the Gospel. We pray that the Holy Spirit may guide and strengthen us in mission and service and that we grow in love for you and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Strengthen your
church throughout the world to tell the good news to the whole world. In the power of the risen Lord lead us from darkness to your life giving light.
Life giving God: Give us new life in you
Creator God, we pray for the leaders of the nations of the world that they may give priority to those with greatest need in the distribution of the world’s basic resources. We specially pray today for a fair and equitable distribution of the Coronavirus vaccine.
Grant us peace in your world, for countries where there is conflicts, where communities are broken and hunger and deprivation is rife,
We pray for all service personnel on active duty around the world and ask that you keep them safe until they return to their families and loved ones.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Loving Father we pray for all who are in need and ask you to look with pity on those who suffer, whose lives are filled with physical, emotional and mental pain, anxiety, loneliness and sorrow. We ask you to come alongside them and speak their names and comfort them in their time of need. We remember today all those who have asked for our prayers.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Merciful God, we pray that those who have recently died may one day share in the promise of new life won for us all by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ and his triumph over death and the grave.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Faithful God as we go out into the world we pray that we may reflect your love in our families, our church and our community; so that the world can witness that we are followers of Christ and draw others into his loving care.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Gathering our prayers and praise into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
Hymn: Now the green blade riseth – Traditional French
Performed by Steve Winwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpU01KQIUJM
Gloria in Excelsis
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Praise
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
He has given us new life and hope.
He has raised Jesus from the dead.
God has claimed us as his own.
He has brought us out of darkness.
He has made us light to the world.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Hymn: Lord of the Dance – Sydney
Performed by Franklyn Schaefer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=214Vdyo6kSs
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples
and said, ‘Peace be with you.
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
Let us offer each other a sign of peace
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation,
you have restored us to life,
you have brought us back again into your love
by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ.
Continue to heal us,
as we go to live and work
in the power of your Spirit,
to your praise and glory.
Amen
Hymn: Thine be the glory – Handel
Performed by City Church, Sheffield
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDL_Bnw_3e8
Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
April 4th 2021
If you would like to see and hear this service on YouTube please follow this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kItCb5JUDao
The Sermon by:
The Ven. Malcolm Chamberlain Archdeacon
of Rotherham and Sheffield
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. Mark 16. 6-7
Christ is Risen Alleluia!
The Greeting
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He has given us new life and hope.
He has raised Jesus from the dead.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Opening Prayer
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen
The 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.
Reading(s)
Acts 10. 34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
1 Corinthians 15. 1-11
Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
John 20. 1- 18
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. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside 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). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon by: The Ven. Malcolm Chamberlain Archdeacon of Rotherham and Sheffield
You can download a video version of the sermon by using this link.
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/ee3405cb2ed22acbb337d1bb4adf9b9220210330165519/b1ffe9b2334371452d1e8a9bd7991d9720210330165519/f9862c
Resurrection Hope
Easter Sunday Talk 2021 (St Leonard’s Dinnington)
John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43
We began this morning’s service by proclaiming: “Alleluia, Christ is risen; he is risen indeed, alleluia!” Alleluia, meaning, of course, ‘praise the Lord’. So why is Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus such a big deal? You may have heard the story about story Talleyrand, a leading statesman in the French Revolution, who offered advice to a dejected friend. This friend had attempted to found a new religion, which was, he claimed, a huge improvement on Christianity. The problem was that there had been little take up and didn’t know what to do next. Talleyrand admitted that the difficulties were significant before saying, “there is one plan which you might at least try. Why don’t you get yourself crucified, and then rise again on the third day?”
In many ways, the Christian faith stands or falls on the Resurrection. St Paul told the Corinthian church that without the Resurrection, their faith is futile. He continued, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” I guess that’s probably how things seemed for Jesus’ disciples at the end of Good Friday.
At the beginning of our gospel reading Mary Magdalene is not in a good place. And it’s hardly surprising, is it? Two days previously, she had looked on powerless as Jesus was sentenced to death, beaten by the Romans and then executed on a cross in the heat of the day. The man she loved and had followed, believing him to be God’s Son and Israel’s true King, had been killed and buried without any of the customary burial rites. By the end of that terrible day, all hope had most likely died along with the man in whom she had placed hope.
Even so, early on the Sunday morning Mary mustered up what little positivity she had left in order to go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. John tells us that Mary arrived while it was still dark, reaching the tomb well ahead of the men – it seems that she simply couldn’t wait to get there to see him one last time. But when she arrived at the tomb Mary began a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions that reached an undreamt of and life-changing finale. As she arrived and found the stone rolled back from the tomb, panic set in and she immediately turned back to find Peter and the other disciple to tell them what she feared, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Panic!
Panic then turned to grief. Simon and the other disciple ran ahead of Mary to investigate the scene for themselves, but Mary returned to the tomb and stood outside weeping, the enormity of the situation finally catching up with her. In fact, so deep was Mary’s grief that when she found two angels dressed in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been, she didn’t even seem to notice, responding to their question as if to any ordinary person. Not only had Jesus been taken from her when he had been crucified, he had now been taken from her a second time, and Mary seemed to be lost in her grief.
Panic turned to grief, and then grief turned to desperation. Thinking that the man she then saw was the gardener (John lets us readers in on the secret that it was actually Jesus); but thinking he was the gardener Mary begged him to tell her where he had taken Jesus’ body. She seemed broken and desperate, clutching at any available straw.
But in a single moment everything changed for her, as a result of that one word: “Mary!” Profound in its simplicity, Jesus simply spoke her name with his characteristic tenderness and limitless love. Even if she had given up on him and lost all hope, he had not given up on her, and Mary’s life was turned around by this simple personal word.
I guess panic, grief and desperation are emotions that resonate with us even more closely this Easter. The last year of a global pandemic, with extensive restrictions, widespread suffering and untimely bereavement, has had a huge impact on us all, the full extent of which we are only beginning to see as we take tentative steps out of lockdown. Like Mary as she stood outside the empty tomb, we may at times have felt broken and desperate during these long months. But today we are able to celebrate Easter, because it didn’t end there for Mary. Even in a global pandemic we remain people of the Resurrection – people of hope. Not a glib or superficial hope, but one that was born out of suffering and pain, and made real in the overcoming of death itself.
That first Easter morning was the turning point not only for Mary, but for the whole of human history. The presence of the angels reminds us of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth; it’s like the glorious endgame to the humble beginning. Seeing the risen Jesus and hearing him speak her name in love flooded Mary with renewed hope, and propelled her to become the first evangelist of the Resurrection. Mary could do no other than rush back to tell the gathered disciples, “I have seen the Lord”.
Which leads me to the Easter challenge. Friends, the Resurrection is not a secret to be kept, but is a truth to tell, because people today need the same hope that Mary discovered outside the tomb. Forty days after the events of that morning, Jesus stood on a mountainside with his followers, and said to them, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” The same charge is given to all who follow Jesus. We are called to shine as Lights for Christ, proclaiming in our words and actions the good news of Jesus and inviting others to find purpose in following him.
Of course, it won’t always be easy; some people will refuse to believe in the Resurrection and attempt to explain the events of that First Easter away. Within hours of the empty tomb, Matthew tells us that the Chief Priests bribed the Roman soldiers to tell people that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. And over the 2,000 years since then, many other so-called explanations for the empty tomb have been concocted, relying on the blatantly unbelievable, such as the uncharacteristic sloppiness of the Roman guards or superhuman ninja abilities of the disciples. But still the Resurrection is proclaimed year after year, week after week.
The story is told of Wilson Carlile, when he was head of the Church Army, preaching one day at Hyde Park Corner about Jesus’ resurrection. A Heckler challenged him and asked how he knew for sure that Jesus was alive. Carlile said this: “I know Jesus is alive because I was speaking to him for half an hour this morning!”
You see, people may try to deny the Resurrection because once you accept that this beaten, tortured, executed man, who claimed to be God’s Son and our Saviour, actually rose from the dead, then you cannot possibly ignore him or keep him at arms length.
As Peter explained to Cornelius and his household in our reading from the Book of Acts, since God raised Jesus and caused him to be seen, we now know that he is the One ordained by God as judge; the One who the prophets testified about; the One who brings forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him.
The Resurrection radically changed things; the turning point in human history. Countless would-be Messiahs have come and gone and all have been forgotten; but here we are, in the year 2021, celebrating Resurrection life and hope found in one man who lived in the first few years of the first century, Jesus of Nazareth. And not only us; around 2.4 billion others, nearly a third of the world’s total population, are celebrating the same across the world today! As the centuries have passed, billions of people have discovered Jesus calling them by name; billions have put their faith in him and found life-changing hope in the Resurrection of the crucified Saviour.
The resurrection of Jesus has changed and continues to change everything – lives transformed, relationships restored, guilt banished, needs met, hope rising; all because of that Resurrection Sunday. Because he rose, Jesus is alive and we can know him, speak to him and follow him with confidence. And spurred on by his Resurrection power living in us, we are to be bearers of that good news as we reach out in love to those we live amongst in Dinnington and beyond, and proclaim Resurrection hope in word and action, shining as lights for Christ. Friends, the Easter story that we celebrate today is not a secret to be kept but a truth to be told. Good Friday must have seemed to be the end of hope to those who witnessed Jesus’ death; but Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning.
Alleluia, Christ is risen; he is risen indeed, alleluia! Amen!
Hymn: Jesus Christ is risen today – Melody from ‘Lyra Davidica’
Performed by Kings College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMwPEmUMP7U
Affirmation of Faith
Let us declare our faith
in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers,
and to all the apostles:
this we have received,
and this we believe.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
It is true Jesus is alive for all time, God’s victory over sin or death means that new life for us is a reality. In Joy and Hope let us pray to the Father. Christ is Risen, and the power of his resurrection fills the world today with new life, hope and expectation and so we bring him all
our needs.
Life giving God: Give us new life in you
As we celebrate your resurrection all over the world, irrespective of language, race and nationality our worship and joy on this day makes us one in the Gospel. We pray that the Holy Spirit may guide and strengthen us in mission and service and that we grow in love for you and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Strengthen your
church throughout the world to tell the good news to the whole world. In the power of the risen Lord lead us from darkness to your life giving light.
Life giving God: Give us new life in you
Creator God, we pray for the leaders of the nations of the world that they may give priority to those with greatest need in the distribution of the world’s basic resources. We specially pray today for a fair and equitable distribution of the Coronavirus vaccine.
Grant us peace in your world, for countries where there is conflicts, where communities are broken and hunger and deprivation is rife,
We pray for all service personnel on active duty around the world and ask that you keep them safe until they return to their families and loved ones.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Loving Father we pray for all who are in need and ask you to look with pity on those who suffer, whose lives are filled with physical, emotional and mental pain, anxiety, loneliness and sorrow. We ask you to come alongside them and speak their names and comfort them in their time of need. We remember today all those who have asked for our prayers.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Merciful God, we pray that those who have recently died may one day share in the promise of new life won for us all by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ and his triumph over death and the grave.
Live giving God: Give us new life in you.
Faithful God as we go out into the world we pray that we may reflect your love in our families, our church and our community; so that the world can witness that we are followers of Christ and draw others into his loving care.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Gathering our prayers and praise into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
Hymn: Now the green blade riseth – Traditional French
Performed by Steve Winwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpU01KQIUJM
Gloria in Excelsis
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Praise
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
He has given us new life and hope.
He has raised Jesus from the dead.
God has claimed us as his own.
He has brought us out of darkness.
He has made us light to the world.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Hymn: Lord of the Dance – Sydney
Performed by Franklyn Schaefer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=214Vdyo6kSs
The Peace
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples
and said, ‘Peace be with you.
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
Let us offer each other a sign of peace
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation,
you have restored us to life,
you have brought us back again into your love
by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ.
Continue to heal us,
as we go to live and work
in the power of your Spirit,
to your praise and glory.
Amen
Hymn: Thine be the glory – Handel
Performed by City Church, Sheffield
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDL_Bnw_3e8
Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
A Service of the Word for Palm Sunday
March 28th 2021
The Sermon by: The Revd. Anesia Barros Cook
‘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.
Please follow this link to view our service on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M6Qk5r7s6Q
Preparation
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
From God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you
and also with you
Opening Prayer
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Beatitudes
Let us hear our Lord’s blessing on those who follow him.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer of Preparation
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 50. 4-9a
The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens--
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2. 5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore, God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Mark 11. 1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: Ride on, ride on in majesty – Henry Milman
Performed by King’s College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-qDQSjnzH8
Sermon: by The Revd. Anesia Barros Cook
Palm Sunday Sermon
Today is Palm Sunday, and many Christians around the world are remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem which marks the beginning of Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday the priests bless the palms, which are also used to make the Ash Wednesday ashes for the following year.
But this year we’re not holding our palms crosses. That poses us a question: What's Palm Sunday without palms? In the gospel of St Mark 11.1-11, there is no mention of palms, just cloaks and leafy branches. So Palm Sunday, therefore, isn’t about the palms and processions. It never was. It has always been about Jesus entering Jerusalem.
And today we’re all Jerusalem. “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil.”
Turmoil. It’s in the news. It’s in the air. It’s in our hearts. Today our world is in turmoil. All of us, have been affected by this pandemic.
This week, we have the opportunity to live through the story we proclaim, day by day: the story of the last days of Jesus Christ, his last meal with his friends, his death by execution, and an unexpected and joyous ending.
We are invited to forget that we know how this Holy Week story ends and place ourselves into the story itself: to feel the palm branches, to taste wine and bread, to feel cool water on our feet as they are washed, and to come and mourn at the foot of a wooden cross.
Though most of us cannot experience many, if any, of these things in person this year, we remember how they felt, and we dare never take them for granted again.
In a world surrounded by disease, death, and suffering, we are being called to stare into the face of both love and suffering — God’s own love and suffering.
Our Holy Week story begins today, whether we hold palm branches or not.
We are called today into the story of Jesus – and called to pay attention to it anew. We have come to the holy city, Jerusalem, where Christ is entering, riding on a colt, or a donkey, depending on which Gospel you read.
As he rides along, a crowd begins to gather around Jesus, the prophet and teacher: the one God sent because God “so loved the world.”
The one who promises, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
The one who says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest.”
The one who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
The crowds gathered around God in the flesh, celebrating his arrival, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He was, they believed, the one to save them from oppression.
Jesus knows how this story will end. He knows it will be painful. But Jesus still shows up.
And Jesus will show up in our midst whether or not any of us shows up, in whatever ways we safely can, to form our community around the story. Jesus will show up whether or not we choose to see our world through this story.
You may not be able to attend to this story as much as you would like. None of us can, really, for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic.
But the Resurrection will happen anyway. It is an eternal truth. It happened once, and it will happen again and again.
Maybe this is the year to rediscover that Holy Week is about more than telling the story of what happened to Jesus. It’s about giving thanks for and experiencing Jesus walking with us through the Holy Week of our life.
This pandemic doesn’t stand as a barrier in opposition to Holy Week. The pandemic is in this our Holy Week.
We don’t need to try and make Holy Week ‘normal’ or like previous years. We need to experience and connect to Holy Week, not in spite of what’s happening, but through what’s happening.
Let’s learn again to see our world through new eyes, through the disciples’ eyes, so that maybe we can find hope for justice and healing in the midst of the chaos and pain in the world around us.
Out of the terrible violence made against Jesus, God has made an opening between heaven and earth.
At the very end of the Passion narrative, at the moment of Jesus’ death, Mark tells us that “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
This is the veil in the temple that separated the people from the power and love of God — the veil that contained God’s presence, and behind which only the high priest was allowed to go.
This veil was torn apart, and so God’s love is no longer contained in a temple. Jesus’ redeeming work was to confront those who tried to keep God locked up.
Jesus’ life and teaching have shown us a new way.
The scandal of the cross is that now, God’s love can go anywhere and reach anyone. Even those who are different from us. Even those who don’t believe.
And as the Resurrection comes again to us next week, may we leave with hope renewed that surprise endings are possible, that hope is not lost, and that even Death is not greater than God, nor greater than love.
That if Christ can rise from the dead, then surely, surely, there is hope for us.
Let us tell the Story again.
Amen.
Confession and Forgiveness
Our Lord Jesus Christ said:
The first commandment is this:
‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
There is no other commandment greater than these.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God we have sinned against you;
We have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrong doings and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May almighty God
who sent his Son into the world to save sinners,
bring us his pardon and peace, now and for ever.
Amen.
Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Give me joy in my heart – Traditional
Performed by St. Joseph’s Music Group, Newbury
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou91RHQwjJw
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to the Father through his Son
who suffered on the cross for the world’s redemption.
Fill with your Spirit Christ’s broken body, the Church …
Give to Christian people everywhere a deep longing
to take up the cross and to understand its mysterious glory.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Bless those who lead the Church’s worship at this solemn time …
In the preaching of the word and the celebration of the sacraments
draw your people close to you.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Strengthen those who are preparing for baptism,
Teach them what it means to die and rise with Christ
and prepare them to receive the breath of his Spirit.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Look in your mercy upon the world you loved so much
that you sent your Son to suffer and to die …
Strengthen those who work to share
the reconciliation won at such a cost upon the cross.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Bring healing by the wounds of Christ
to all who are weighed down by pain and injustice …
Help the lonely and the betrayed, the suffering and the dying, and all families suffering during the pandemic,
to find strength in the companionship of Jesus,
and in his passion to know their salvation.
We remember today all who have asked for our prayers.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Welcome into your kingdom all who have left this world in your friendship …
According to your promises,
bring them with all your saints
to share in all the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy on us.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
The 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.
Conclusion
Affirmation of Faith
Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Though he was divine,
he did not cling to equality with God,
but made himself nothing.
Taking the form of a slave,
he was born in human likeness.
He humbled himself
and was obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore, God has raised him on high,
and given him the name above every name:
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God, the Father.
Amen.
Hymn: O happy day! – Phillip Doddridge
Performed by Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a37bBm8pXSk
Final Prayer
God of compassion,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you have reconciled your people to yourself.
As we follow his example of prayer and fasting,
may we obey you with willing hearts
and serve one another in holy love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: We have a King who rides a donkey – Traditional
Performed by The Jamborees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJqFuiafDf8
Stay at Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
A service from New Patterns for Worship. Compilation copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2002.
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
From God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you
and also with you
Opening Prayer
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Beatitudes
Let us hear our Lord’s blessing on those who follow him.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer of Preparation
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 50. 4-9a
The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens--
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2. 5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore, God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Mark 11. 1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: Ride on, ride on in majesty – Henry Milman
Performed by King’s College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-qDQSjnzH8
Sermon: by The Revd. Anesia Barros Cook
Palm Sunday Sermon
Today is Palm Sunday, and many Christians around the world are remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem which marks the beginning of Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday the priests bless the palms, which are also used to make the Ash Wednesday ashes for the following year.
But this year we’re not holding our palms crosses. That poses us a question: What's Palm Sunday without palms? In the gospel of St Mark 11.1-11, there is no mention of palms, just cloaks and leafy branches. So Palm Sunday, therefore, isn’t about the palms and processions. It never was. It has always been about Jesus entering Jerusalem.
And today we’re all Jerusalem. “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil.”
Turmoil. It’s in the news. It’s in the air. It’s in our hearts. Today our world is in turmoil. All of us, have been affected by this pandemic.
This week, we have the opportunity to live through the story we proclaim, day by day: the story of the last days of Jesus Christ, his last meal with his friends, his death by execution, and an unexpected and joyous ending.
We are invited to forget that we know how this Holy Week story ends and place ourselves into the story itself: to feel the palm branches, to taste wine and bread, to feel cool water on our feet as they are washed, and to come and mourn at the foot of a wooden cross.
Though most of us cannot experience many, if any, of these things in person this year, we remember how they felt, and we dare never take them for granted again.
In a world surrounded by disease, death, and suffering, we are being called to stare into the face of both love and suffering — God’s own love and suffering.
Our Holy Week story begins today, whether we hold palm branches or not.
We are called today into the story of Jesus – and called to pay attention to it anew. We have come to the holy city, Jerusalem, where Christ is entering, riding on a colt, or a donkey, depending on which Gospel you read.
As he rides along, a crowd begins to gather around Jesus, the prophet and teacher: the one God sent because God “so loved the world.”
The one who promises, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
The one who says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest.”
The one who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
The crowds gathered around God in the flesh, celebrating his arrival, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He was, they believed, the one to save them from oppression.
Jesus knows how this story will end. He knows it will be painful. But Jesus still shows up.
And Jesus will show up in our midst whether or not any of us shows up, in whatever ways we safely can, to form our community around the story. Jesus will show up whether or not we choose to see our world through this story.
You may not be able to attend to this story as much as you would like. None of us can, really, for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic.
But the Resurrection will happen anyway. It is an eternal truth. It happened once, and it will happen again and again.
Maybe this is the year to rediscover that Holy Week is about more than telling the story of what happened to Jesus. It’s about giving thanks for and experiencing Jesus walking with us through the Holy Week of our life.
This pandemic doesn’t stand as a barrier in opposition to Holy Week. The pandemic is in this our Holy Week.
We don’t need to try and make Holy Week ‘normal’ or like previous years. We need to experience and connect to Holy Week, not in spite of what’s happening, but through what’s happening.
Let’s learn again to see our world through new eyes, through the disciples’ eyes, so that maybe we can find hope for justice and healing in the midst of the chaos and pain in the world around us.
Out of the terrible violence made against Jesus, God has made an opening between heaven and earth.
At the very end of the Passion narrative, at the moment of Jesus’ death, Mark tells us that “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
This is the veil in the temple that separated the people from the power and love of God — the veil that contained God’s presence, and behind which only the high priest was allowed to go.
This veil was torn apart, and so God’s love is no longer contained in a temple. Jesus’ redeeming work was to confront those who tried to keep God locked up.
Jesus’ life and teaching have shown us a new way.
The scandal of the cross is that now, God’s love can go anywhere and reach anyone. Even those who are different from us. Even those who don’t believe.
And as the Resurrection comes again to us next week, may we leave with hope renewed that surprise endings are possible, that hope is not lost, and that even Death is not greater than God, nor greater than love.
That if Christ can rise from the dead, then surely, surely, there is hope for us.
Let us tell the Story again.
Amen.
Confession and Forgiveness
Our Lord Jesus Christ said:
The first commandment is this:
‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
There is no other commandment greater than these.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God we have sinned against you;
We have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrong doings and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May almighty God
who sent his Son into the world to save sinners,
bring us his pardon and peace, now and for ever.
Amen.
Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Give me joy in my heart – Traditional
Performed by St. Joseph’s Music Group, Newbury
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou91RHQwjJw
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to the Father through his Son
who suffered on the cross for the world’s redemption.
Fill with your Spirit Christ’s broken body, the Church …
Give to Christian people everywhere a deep longing
to take up the cross and to understand its mysterious glory.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Bless those who lead the Church’s worship at this solemn time …
In the preaching of the word and the celebration of the sacraments
draw your people close to you.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Strengthen those who are preparing for baptism,
Teach them what it means to die and rise with Christ
and prepare them to receive the breath of his Spirit.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Look in your mercy upon the world you loved so much
that you sent your Son to suffer and to die …
Strengthen those who work to share
the reconciliation won at such a cost upon the cross.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Bring healing by the wounds of Christ
to all who are weighed down by pain and injustice …
Help the lonely and the betrayed, the suffering and the dying, and all families suffering during the pandemic,
to find strength in the companionship of Jesus,
and in his passion to know their salvation.
We remember today all who have asked for our prayers.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Welcome into your kingdom all who have left this world in your friendship …
According to your promises,
bring them with all your saints
to share in all the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection.
By the Saviour’s cross and passion,
Lord, save us and help us.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy on us.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
The 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.
Conclusion
Affirmation of Faith
Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Though he was divine,
he did not cling to equality with God,
but made himself nothing.
Taking the form of a slave,
he was born in human likeness.
He humbled himself
and was obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore, God has raised him on high,
and given him the name above every name:
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God, the Father.
Amen.
Hymn: O happy day! – Phillip Doddridge
Performed by Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a37bBm8pXSk
Final Prayer
God of compassion,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you have reconciled your people to yourself.
As we follow his example of prayer and fasting,
may we obey you with willing hearts
and serve one another in holy love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: We have a King who rides a donkey – Traditional
Performed by The Jamborees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJqFuiafDf8
Stay at Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
A service from New Patterns for Worship. Compilation copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2002.
Our service for Sunday 21st March is led by our Worship Team
Please click on the link below to see and hear this weeks service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_N3GINOqq4
The Preparation
Let us pray
Loving God, we have come to worship you
Help us to pray to you in faith,
to sing your praise with gratitude,
and to listen to your word with eagerness;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn:Jesus, lover of my soul – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stuart Townend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRiMT_0qiWw
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your
Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God
The Collect
Gracious Father,
you gave up your Son
out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,
that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of God
Jeremiah 31. 31-34
The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk
All are Welcome – A Conversation
Four women are dropping children off at St Marks Church of England Primary School.
Janet: Are you listening Liam? Make sure you bring that PE kit home tonight it needs washing. Liam are you listening to your Gran? (Shakes her head)
Lynn: Sophie, don’t forget to give Mrs Brown your trip money.(Waving)
Sam: Wipe your nose Ryan, it looks awful! You can’t go inside looking like that! (Pulls a face)
Maggie: Bye Hannah, have a good day sweetheart, God Bless.(Blows a kiss)
Lynn: Is it tomorrow they’re off on this visit to St Mary’s in Doncaster? I’m not sure, I’ve lost the letter, lucky we remembered how much to pay.
Janet: It is tomorrow Lynn. Your Hannah must really know her way around St Marks with her grandad being the vicar there, Maggie. She probably doesn’t need to go on a visit to another church, does she? I expect your husband talks to her about God all the time.
Maggie: Well, she’s used to being in church, and she’s happy there, but I’m sure she will love sharing the experience of another one with her friends, it will give them so much to talk about.
Lynn: St Lawrence’s Church, the other side of town is nice inside, my hubby and I got married there. We’ve got some gorgeous photos. Sophie got Christened there too. Sometimes we go to Messy Church, she likes being with the other kids doing activities and listening to stories, but we can’t always fit it in because we have so many things to do at the weekend there is never enough time.
Sam: Well, I can’t comment I rarely go inside churches, I don’t feel comfortable in a church. Ryan will tell me all about it when he gets home no doubt.
Maggie: It’s interesting you should say that Sam, because you know what, the building isn’t really the church it’s the people that go there that are the church. Remember when you were a child and you listened to bible stories at school, Jesus didn’t need a church or in his case a synagogue, he did most of his teaching about God outside on the hillsides, beside the lake or inside the houses of his friends.
Lynn: They probably didn’t have many churches then and from what I remember of the stories Jesus used to draw big crowds, didn’t he?
Maggie: No churches, but they had lots of synagogues.Those crowds were the beginning of his church. Janet, your daughter Susie comes to church, but you and your husband don’t, who encouraged her to go?
Janet: My mother, she was big in the church, a very Christian woman. But you see, my Jim has always been angry with God because his mum and dad died when he was very young, so that’s why we don’t go, he gets cross when it’s mentioned. Our Susie is always having a go at him about it. But I guess we’re both too old now to be starting a relationship with God.
Maggie: Sam, you’ve gone quiet. Have you never thought about giving church a proper try? After all, your Ryan goes to this church school.
Sam: Well, I wanted Ryan to go to a good school and I also wanted him to grow up knowing Jesus. I can’t take him to church because I am not good enough to go into God’s house, God could never love me. You see, when I was a teenager, I got myself into all sorts of trouble.
Maggie: What can you mean Sam, God could never love you?
Sam: To be loved and accepted by God you have to be good, and I haven’t always been good.
Maggie: You know what Sam, you couldn’t be more wrong. God’s heart is open to us all, nobody is excluded. God sent Jesus to show us how to live our lives, how to love God and how to love our neighbour as ourselves. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice. His death on the cross gave us grace, his overarching love, which means that our sins will be forgiven. To possess God’s love and to give ours to Him brings a tremendous blessing to our lives. It is never too late, and we are never too old or short of time to begin that relationship and the possibility is open to absolutely everyone, no qualifications required.
Sam: Is that really true Maggie?
Maggie: It really is, and do you know what, it can start today. Come with me, all of you, we are having a coffee morning at 10.30, come with me, meet people, talk to them and perhaps you can even start to build your relationship today.
Lynn: Well, actually… I was thinking about popping into town.
Maggie: Come on Lynn, come with us, our coffee is just as good as Starbucks’!
Hymn: At the name of Jesus – Caroline Marie Noel/Rev. Michael Brierley
Performed by Westminster Hall Choir and Epworth Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7w-tDjlpgk
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving
Yours, Lord, were the arms stretched wide on the cross,
a welcome to all in the midst of your agony.
Yours were the arms spread in blessing after the resurrection.
Crucified Lord, risen Lord,
we adore you in your pain and in your victory,
your welcome ever the same,
gathering us to you and blessing us,
enfolding us in your loving embrace.
Amen
Lord God, in covenants old and new you held your arms open to your people.
In the arms of a baby in a manger, waving in delight at strangers from near and far
you embraced all humanity.
On the cross, you held your arms open to the world.
God incarnate, God crucified and risen, we praise you for all
you have sacrificed to welcome us.
Help us to give up our pettiness, our selfishness, in order to
embrace others in the welcome that comes from you.
Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: You are mine and I am yours – Matt Beckingham
Performed by Matt Beckingham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xANAudouuk
Stay at home : Stay safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with
Let us pray
Loving God, we have come to worship you
Help us to pray to you in faith,
to sing your praise with gratitude,
and to listen to your word with eagerness;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn:Jesus, lover of my soul – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stuart Townend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRiMT_0qiWw
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your
Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God
The Collect
Gracious Father,
you gave up your Son
out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,
that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of God
Jeremiah 31. 31-34
The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk
All are Welcome – A Conversation
Four women are dropping children off at St Marks Church of England Primary School.
Janet: Are you listening Liam? Make sure you bring that PE kit home tonight it needs washing. Liam are you listening to your Gran? (Shakes her head)
Lynn: Sophie, don’t forget to give Mrs Brown your trip money.(Waving)
Sam: Wipe your nose Ryan, it looks awful! You can’t go inside looking like that! (Pulls a face)
Maggie: Bye Hannah, have a good day sweetheart, God Bless.(Blows a kiss)
Lynn: Is it tomorrow they’re off on this visit to St Mary’s in Doncaster? I’m not sure, I’ve lost the letter, lucky we remembered how much to pay.
Janet: It is tomorrow Lynn. Your Hannah must really know her way around St Marks with her grandad being the vicar there, Maggie. She probably doesn’t need to go on a visit to another church, does she? I expect your husband talks to her about God all the time.
Maggie: Well, she’s used to being in church, and she’s happy there, but I’m sure she will love sharing the experience of another one with her friends, it will give them so much to talk about.
Lynn: St Lawrence’s Church, the other side of town is nice inside, my hubby and I got married there. We’ve got some gorgeous photos. Sophie got Christened there too. Sometimes we go to Messy Church, she likes being with the other kids doing activities and listening to stories, but we can’t always fit it in because we have so many things to do at the weekend there is never enough time.
Sam: Well, I can’t comment I rarely go inside churches, I don’t feel comfortable in a church. Ryan will tell me all about it when he gets home no doubt.
Maggie: It’s interesting you should say that Sam, because you know what, the building isn’t really the church it’s the people that go there that are the church. Remember when you were a child and you listened to bible stories at school, Jesus didn’t need a church or in his case a synagogue, he did most of his teaching about God outside on the hillsides, beside the lake or inside the houses of his friends.
Lynn: They probably didn’t have many churches then and from what I remember of the stories Jesus used to draw big crowds, didn’t he?
Maggie: No churches, but they had lots of synagogues.Those crowds were the beginning of his church. Janet, your daughter Susie comes to church, but you and your husband don’t, who encouraged her to go?
Janet: My mother, she was big in the church, a very Christian woman. But you see, my Jim has always been angry with God because his mum and dad died when he was very young, so that’s why we don’t go, he gets cross when it’s mentioned. Our Susie is always having a go at him about it. But I guess we’re both too old now to be starting a relationship with God.
Maggie: Sam, you’ve gone quiet. Have you never thought about giving church a proper try? After all, your Ryan goes to this church school.
Sam: Well, I wanted Ryan to go to a good school and I also wanted him to grow up knowing Jesus. I can’t take him to church because I am not good enough to go into God’s house, God could never love me. You see, when I was a teenager, I got myself into all sorts of trouble.
Maggie: What can you mean Sam, God could never love you?
Sam: To be loved and accepted by God you have to be good, and I haven’t always been good.
Maggie: You know what Sam, you couldn’t be more wrong. God’s heart is open to us all, nobody is excluded. God sent Jesus to show us how to live our lives, how to love God and how to love our neighbour as ourselves. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice. His death on the cross gave us grace, his overarching love, which means that our sins will be forgiven. To possess God’s love and to give ours to Him brings a tremendous blessing to our lives. It is never too late, and we are never too old or short of time to begin that relationship and the possibility is open to absolutely everyone, no qualifications required.
Sam: Is that really true Maggie?
Maggie: It really is, and do you know what, it can start today. Come with me, all of you, we are having a coffee morning at 10.30, come with me, meet people, talk to them and perhaps you can even start to build your relationship today.
Lynn: Well, actually… I was thinking about popping into town.
Maggie: Come on Lynn, come with us, our coffee is just as good as Starbucks’!
Hymn: At the name of Jesus – Caroline Marie Noel/Rev. Michael Brierley
Performed by Westminster Hall Choir and Epworth Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7w-tDjlpgk
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving
Yours, Lord, were the arms stretched wide on the cross,
a welcome to all in the midst of your agony.
Yours were the arms spread in blessing after the resurrection.
Crucified Lord, risen Lord,
we adore you in your pain and in your victory,
your welcome ever the same,
gathering us to you and blessing us,
enfolding us in your loving embrace.
Amen
Lord God, in covenants old and new you held your arms open to your people.
In the arms of a baby in a manger, waving in delight at strangers from near and far
you embraced all humanity.
On the cross, you held your arms open to the world.
God incarnate, God crucified and risen, we praise you for all
you have sacrificed to welcome us.
Help us to give up our pettiness, our selfishness, in order to
embrace others in the welcome that comes from you.
Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: You are mine and I am yours – Matt Beckingham
Performed by Matt Beckingham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xANAudouuk
Stay at home : Stay safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with
Our service this Sunday 14th March includes a sermon by The Revd. John Hibberd
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3yF3hI22bU
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
Preparation
The Gathering
The Greeting.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: Light of the world – Tim Hughes
Performed by The African Children’s Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYsR49ReAj4
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God, we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
God of compassion,
whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,
shared the life of a home in Nazareth,
and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:
strengthen us in our daily living
that in joy and in sorrow
we may know the power of your presence to bind together and 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.
The Liturgy of the Word
Numbers 21. 4-9
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Ephesians 2. 1-10
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ]—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: From Heaven you came – Graham Kendrick
Performed by Graham Kendrick and Nicki Rogers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4FtZ9XzZag
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 3. 14-21
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ
Sermon: by The Revd. John Hibberd
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/32af0ac5176d72378423301f2e4f4f2420210308165434/6270c89eccf7a10e86c56c36a1f54a2c20210308165434/875275
Journeys
After months of staying local, we have almost forgotten the experience of being on a long journey and hearing the cry from the back of the car, ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ Though it might not seem the most obvious theme, today’s Bible reading all focus on journeys.
In Numbers, as the people of God travelled from Egypt to the Promised Land, we read that they ‘grew impatient on the way’. The journey seemed to be lasting forever, the wilderness was boring, and they hated the food! They were utterly fed up. Are there any resonances for us in this, as we navigate the roadmap out of lockdown? For some, it’s all too slow, but too risky for others, and then there is the lurking fear that there will be U-turns along the way if the plan has been misjudged. The watchword for us in all this is: patience. As it says in Isaiah 64, ‘Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.’
Sometimes we know that a journey will be difficult but we have a strong conviction that it must be made. This describes what we read in John chapter 3 where it says ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ It may be that you have had to make a journey in the past that you knew could be dangerous – maybe in snow or ice, or in a part of the world where roads are unreliable and vehicles rarely maintained! But, for Jesus, this was a journey that would definitely lead to death. In a link with our Numbers reading, he would be ‘lifted up’, not exalted but nailed to a cross in a very public and painful death. Why? The unfolding journey of the Bible story leads inexorably to that place where Jesus would, by his death, wash away all of our wrong and reconcile us to God. There was no way round it and Jesus embraced this journey as his own. As we draw closer to Good Friday & Easter Day, look again at this verse: ‘the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him’. If Jesus’ journey was to death on the cross, how is it that we can have eternal life in him? Surely there is a hint here of resurrection morning too, so that this journey too is ultimately one of hope.
If the previous journey was unique to one man and one destination, our Ephesians reading takes this journey and opens it up to many lives. Paul paints a picture of what our lives were like without God, self-centred and going nowhere good. But then God sought us out. Why? The repeated word, hard to translate in some ways, is ‘grace’; simply God’s love towards us, something we cannot earn but which he freely gives. What is the outcome? In short, God ‘made us alive with Christ’. You might say: but I was already alive! Yes, you were breathing but mere physical existence pales when compared to being alive with Christ, filled with his eternal resurrection life. We set out on an adventure with God in which we discover His purpose in our lives through exploring the gifts and abilities He has given us.
Which journey dominates your thinking today? It would be entirely understandable if it’s the road out of lockdown, whatever you feel about that! But reflect on Jesus’ journey for you and the journey with which he invites you to join in. Where can you find strength and hope in them for your life today?
John Hibberd March 2021
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God
as children in one family.
God our Father and Mother
We thank you for your gift of mothering
and for allowing us to share in your creative purpose.
Bless all parents and children
that through the love they share their lives will be full of joy.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God our protector,
In times of plenty and need, you cradle our life in your hands.
We pray that the Popes visit to Iraq gives Christians a message of hope
for their future and their country.
For an end to the unrest in Myanmar, protect those that are protesting and those that have crossed to India seeking refuge.
We also pray for the health and well-being of our world
For all affected by the pandemic through isolation.
Keep us safe and free from worry.
We entrust to your care all those with heightened need at this time.
For those having difficulty finding work, those unable to pay the rent, for those using local foodbanks.
Embrace these people with your love and keep them in your tender mercy.
We pray for those that are sick, bereaved or anxious at this time
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God of tenderness,
We pray for parents around the world that are unable to provide for their children.
Be with these parents at this present time.
For those that have fled their homes, give them strength to carry on.
For those who search for food, water and safety, lead them and their children to a peaceful place.
For those who are exhausted and despairing, give hope to their uncertain future.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God our comforter,
On the cross your Son asked his beloved disciple to look after his mother.
Offer those who mourn the quiet word of your reassurance
And gather into your loving arms all those who have recently died.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
You are the light of the world
who can open our eyes and look deep into our hearts.
By your grace, increase our faith so that your church can see the wonders of your saving love.
And by our offering of prayer and praise overflowing in service to your world, you may be made known, our God and Saviour.
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: Magnificat – Todd Agnew
Performed by Christy Nockels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_iixWJo-7k
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: Love divine all loves excelling – Charles Wesley
Performed by Elevation Praise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hmfqe_8SEI
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
The Gathering
The Greeting.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: Light of the world – Tim Hughes
Performed by The African Children’s Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYsR49ReAj4
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God, we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
God of compassion,
whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,
shared the life of a home in Nazareth,
and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:
strengthen us in our daily living
that in joy and in sorrow
we may know the power of your presence to bind together and 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.
The Liturgy of the Word
Numbers 21. 4-9
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Ephesians 2. 1-10
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ]—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: From Heaven you came – Graham Kendrick
Performed by Graham Kendrick and Nicki Rogers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4FtZ9XzZag
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 3. 14-21
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ
Sermon: by The Revd. John Hibberd
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/32af0ac5176d72378423301f2e4f4f2420210308165434/6270c89eccf7a10e86c56c36a1f54a2c20210308165434/875275
Journeys
After months of staying local, we have almost forgotten the experience of being on a long journey and hearing the cry from the back of the car, ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ Though it might not seem the most obvious theme, today’s Bible reading all focus on journeys.
In Numbers, as the people of God travelled from Egypt to the Promised Land, we read that they ‘grew impatient on the way’. The journey seemed to be lasting forever, the wilderness was boring, and they hated the food! They were utterly fed up. Are there any resonances for us in this, as we navigate the roadmap out of lockdown? For some, it’s all too slow, but too risky for others, and then there is the lurking fear that there will be U-turns along the way if the plan has been misjudged. The watchword for us in all this is: patience. As it says in Isaiah 64, ‘Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.’
Sometimes we know that a journey will be difficult but we have a strong conviction that it must be made. This describes what we read in John chapter 3 where it says ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ It may be that you have had to make a journey in the past that you knew could be dangerous – maybe in snow or ice, or in a part of the world where roads are unreliable and vehicles rarely maintained! But, for Jesus, this was a journey that would definitely lead to death. In a link with our Numbers reading, he would be ‘lifted up’, not exalted but nailed to a cross in a very public and painful death. Why? The unfolding journey of the Bible story leads inexorably to that place where Jesus would, by his death, wash away all of our wrong and reconcile us to God. There was no way round it and Jesus embraced this journey as his own. As we draw closer to Good Friday & Easter Day, look again at this verse: ‘the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him’. If Jesus’ journey was to death on the cross, how is it that we can have eternal life in him? Surely there is a hint here of resurrection morning too, so that this journey too is ultimately one of hope.
If the previous journey was unique to one man and one destination, our Ephesians reading takes this journey and opens it up to many lives. Paul paints a picture of what our lives were like without God, self-centred and going nowhere good. But then God sought us out. Why? The repeated word, hard to translate in some ways, is ‘grace’; simply God’s love towards us, something we cannot earn but which he freely gives. What is the outcome? In short, God ‘made us alive with Christ’. You might say: but I was already alive! Yes, you were breathing but mere physical existence pales when compared to being alive with Christ, filled with his eternal resurrection life. We set out on an adventure with God in which we discover His purpose in our lives through exploring the gifts and abilities He has given us.
Which journey dominates your thinking today? It would be entirely understandable if it’s the road out of lockdown, whatever you feel about that! But reflect on Jesus’ journey for you and the journey with which he invites you to join in. Where can you find strength and hope in them for your life today?
John Hibberd March 2021
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God
as children in one family.
God our Father and Mother
We thank you for your gift of mothering
and for allowing us to share in your creative purpose.
Bless all parents and children
that through the love they share their lives will be full of joy.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God our protector,
In times of plenty and need, you cradle our life in your hands.
We pray that the Popes visit to Iraq gives Christians a message of hope
for their future and their country.
For an end to the unrest in Myanmar, protect those that are protesting and those that have crossed to India seeking refuge.
We also pray for the health and well-being of our world
For all affected by the pandemic through isolation.
Keep us safe and free from worry.
We entrust to your care all those with heightened need at this time.
For those having difficulty finding work, those unable to pay the rent, for those using local foodbanks.
Embrace these people with your love and keep them in your tender mercy.
We pray for those that are sick, bereaved or anxious at this time
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God of tenderness,
We pray for parents around the world that are unable to provide for their children.
Be with these parents at this present time.
For those that have fled their homes, give them strength to carry on.
For those who search for food, water and safety, lead them and their children to a peaceful place.
For those who are exhausted and despairing, give hope to their uncertain future.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
God our comforter,
On the cross your Son asked his beloved disciple to look after his mother.
Offer those who mourn the quiet word of your reassurance
And gather into your loving arms all those who have recently died.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
You are the light of the world
who can open our eyes and look deep into our hearts.
By your grace, increase our faith so that your church can see the wonders of your saving love.
And by our offering of prayer and praise overflowing in service to your world, you may be made known, our God and Saviour.
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: Magnificat – Todd Agnew
Performed by Christy Nockels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_iixWJo-7k
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: Love divine all loves excelling – Charles Wesley
Performed by Elevation Praise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hmfqe_8SEI
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
Our service this Sunday 7th March includes a sermon by The Right Revd. Dr. Pete Wilcox Bishop of Sheffield.
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCKrvh46FDA
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
Preparation
The Gathering
The Greeting.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Hymn: Jesus Christ is waiting – John L. Bell and Graham Maule
Performed by In Harmony Suffolk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTGJ6qaUGO8
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God,
we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
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.
The Liturgy of the Word
Exodus 20. 1-17
Then God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
1 Corinthians 1. 18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: Guide me O thou Great Redeemer – John Hughes
Performed by Fron Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NmfmVGblw
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 2. 13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: by The Right Revd. Dr. Pete Wilcox
Bishop of Sheffield
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
https://boards.wetransfer.com/.../s5tcjdnquwtaw.../latest...
Video Sermon for Dinnington, 07.03.21, 10.30am Holy Communion
John 2.13-22: Jesus and the Temple – A Meditation
Friends it’s very good to be with you this morning, although I would much rather of course have come to Dinnington in person. I look forward to my next visit as soon as it can be arranged. And I was also very encouraged this week to receive from Archdeacon Malcolm a draft of the Oversight Minister role description and parishes profile to enable us to make an appointment to Dinnington and Thurcroft and to the Living Stones Mission Area. I shall be praying hard for the right person to hear the call of God to come and build on the foundations that Hilary laid.
Now, this morning, I want to deliver a slightly different sort of sermon. I want to invite you to come with me, in your mind’s eye, to Jerusalem in about 35 AD and I want you to listen to the testimony of a man whose faith used to be centred on a sacred building, but who came to put his faith in a Saviour instead.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
I was there, you know, the day Jesus marched into the temple precincts with a whip. It was Passover time, so there were loads of people there, from all over. Jerusalem was packed. The streets round the temple are narrow enough anyway, so they feel crowded even when it’s quiet – and at Passover time, well, it isn’t quiet. Passover is special for us Jews, you see – the most special festival of the year: it’s when we remember the way God delivered us out of slavery in Egypt through Moses. And since Roman occupation began, forty years ago, it’s had an added edge to it. It’s become a time for praying that God will deliver us from the enemy again. It’s a time to be proud to be an Israelite. The Romans hate it. I would guess it’s their least period of the year. You can see the tension in the faces of their soldiers, like they know perfectly well a riot might break out at any moment. They don’t like the crowd, they don’t like the nationalist feel to the celebrations, and they especially don’t like the way the temple is a focus for it all.
Anyway, that day I’d gone up to the temple for morning prayers, and was just on my way out. But maybe some of you may not know our temple. If you’ve never been, you’ve missed a treat. It’s one of the wonders of the world: huge and white and gleaming in the sun. Jerusalem is set on a hill anyway and the temple is on the summit, so you can see it from miles away. Inside, it’s a series of courtyards, one inside another: the outer courtyard – we call that, the Court of the Gentiles. We get lots of foreign visitors, and many of them are what we call ‘godfearers’: they sense that our God is the true God and they come to worship him. So we’ve created a special part of the temple, to which they’re welcome. Of course, they can’t come right in. That wouldn’t be proper: God has chosen the Jews as his special ones, and non Jews can only come in so far. The next courtyard into the temple, that’s the Courtyard of Women. Again, in the Jewish faith, the women are welcome to come and worship the Lord – and we set apart a special area, a courtyard, where they can do that. Then there’s the inner court, where the men of Israel worship; but even we don’t get to enter the innermost parts of the temple. Beyond the Court of Israel is the Court of Priests, which only members of the tribe of Levi can enter; and last of all, there’s what we call ‘the holy of holies’ and only the High Priest can go in there, and even can only do it once a year.
Anyway, so on this particular day, I’d been to the Court of Israel to pray, and was on my way out again afterwards. So I’d gone through the Women’s Court into the Court of the Gentiles. And as I made my way out, I saw Jesus making his way in.
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.
Actually, there’s a problem with the Court of the Gentiles. That’s where the temple authorities have set up the stalls for the animals for sacrifice and the money changers. Now don’t get me wrong, the traders perform a good and important service. But I think I preferred it in the old days, when their stalls were outside not just the temple, but the city walls, in the Kidron Valley. But we do need them. Take the animals first of all: when we come to offer sacrifices, which we do at all the key moments of our lives, births, deaths, marriages, that sort of thing, we can’t bring our own animals. It wouldn’t be practical for a start, not if you’re travelling down to Jerusalem from Galilee, say. But in any case, the animals have to be passed fit for purpose, and only perfect animals, ones with no disabilities or flaws, are worthy to be used in sacrifice to God. So the beasts for sacrifice have to be quality controlled and certified; and the best option is to buy one from an authorised dealer. Some people say it’s a scam and that they charge over the odds – but they have to cover their overheads, and if you bought one of your own, you’d have to sort out food and shelter for the journey, so if you buy one at the temple there are savings that way. And some people complain that you can only pay in temple shekels and have to get your money changed first. But you really couldn’t have coinage in the temple that may’ve passed through Roman hands – that would be sacrilege – so the Temple is bound to have its own currency. Again, some people complain that the money changers charge too much commission and maybe some do; but they’ve got their overheads too, don’t forget, and their own families to feed.
But I’m not comfortable about having the animal stalls and the money changers in the Court of the Gentiles – for a start, they take up so much space you wonder where the Gentiles are supposed to worship; and for another, they make so much noise, you wonder how much worship is possible.
Anyway, back to that morning. I was on my way out of the temple, passing through the Court of the Gentiles, just as Jesus came in. I wouldn’t call myself a disciple – certainly not back then, anyway. But I’d heard him preach a few times, and liked what I’d heard. So I knew it was him at once. Plus he was at the front of a big group. He always is, these days. People follow him everywhere. They were having trouble getting in: the courtyard was packed solid and there wasn’t really room for another group. I suppose that was the result of the traders too: less space for people to move. So there was a lot of pushing and shoving and bumping into each other. I expect the pick pockets were having a field day. I happened to be looking at Jesus the moment his face changed. He’d been looking round, taking in the scene, and then his expression sort of hardened, like he’d made a decision. And that’s when I noticed the whip he was carrying.
So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
It all happened very fast. I was watching him, and saw him lift that whip he was holding and bring it crashing down on the nearest table. Of course, the table collapsed and the money spilt everywhere. Everyone’s eyes were on Jesus at once: the Gentiles didn’t know what to make of it at all, except I saw one or two pick up the coins that were rolling on the floor and tuck them away. I expect they couldn’t believe their luck; and the money changers began to shout; other onlookers stopped to gawp. There was a moment of uncertainty what would happen next, and then Jesus moved to the next table – he stared for a moment right into the eyes of the money changer sitting behind it, and then he simply put his hands under the table top, and tipped it over. And almost in the same moment, he went to one of the traders stalls, and released the door of a bird cage, allowing all these doves to escape into flight. Well, you can imagine the outrage. That was when the temple authorities came running in, looking for a way to restore order. I saw some of the temple guards weighing up whether to intervene with an armed response, but then deciding not to, at least for the time being.
To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
There was a moment of quiet, and into it Jesus shouted something about like, ‘Get out of here, all of you. How dare you turn my Father’s house – I remember being especially struck by the way he spoke about God like that: ‘my Father’ – how dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!’ And then he took things a step further. Using that whip of his, he started to drive out the bigger animals, the sheep and the goats: herding them through the exit and out into the city – and some of the crowd were helping him. In all honesty, it’s true the stall holders and money changers aren’t popular. They do have a reputation for fleecing the worshipers – excuse the pun – and there were plenty of people in the Temple that day who were glad to see them get their comeuppance. I don’t think those who joined in were Jesus’ disciples, especially – maybe some were; but others were just bystanders like me. I don’t know why I didn’t join in myself – if it had gone on any longer, I probably would have done. Because even if the most of the money changers are stall holders were honest men, I’m not comfortable with the fact that, especially at Passover time, they take up so much worship space. It doesn’t feel right that Gentiles who come to Jerusalem find their access to our God is restricted like that. And I’m glad he did something about it.
I found myself thinking, afterwards, about Jesus’ anger. He was angry, no doubt about it. But he wasn’t out of control. I know there’s that verse in the Psalms where it says, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’; and it was definitely zeal for God’s house that Jesus had. But he didn’t seem consumed by it, not if you mean he was eaten up by it or out of control. On the other hand, he was definitely moved by it, motivated by it. Maybe that’s what ‘zeal’ is: anger that isn’t out of control. Jesus seemed to know how to channel anger, and to use it. I used to think my biggest problem where anger is concerned was losing my temper. Now I think a bigger problem is not finding my temper: if I’d been more angry about those traders, for instance, maybe I’d have done something about it myself. So I learned something from Jesus that day, about anger being a good thing, if it’s used and channeled in the right way. I’ve remembered that once or twice since then, when I’ve been angry, and instead of trying to calm down, I’ve tried to use the anger in a good way, to bring change. Does that make sense?
But that’s by the way. Where was I? Oh yes. Well, the funny thing was, as soon as the cattle were out, the temple suddenly seemed more spacious and quieter again. More like a place of worship actually. But then, as the dust literally settled, a group of the duty priests came to find out what was going on.
Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
‘What authority do you have to do this?’ they asked. ‘What sign can you show us to prove it?’. Mind you, I’m not sure they’d have recognised any authority he might have claimed to have. As it was, Jesus just looked at them. An even bigger crowd had gathered now, as you’d expect. And there was silence as we waited for his answer. And then he said something very odd. Speaking loud enough for the whole crowd to hear, he said, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days’. Well, the priests didn’t know what to make of that at all. It’s not as if they were going to take up his challenge. Why would they destroy the temple, and how could they do it, even if they wanted to? One or two people laughed, as if Jesus was trying to be funny – but he didn’t look as if he was making a joke. He looked deadly serious. He waited for the priests to respond. And then the leader of them said, ‘It’s taken forty six years to build this temple and you’re going to raise it in three days?’. It did sound ludicrous.
But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said.
But you know, I remembered Jesus’ words three years later. That was a Passover time too. I was there in Jerusalem on the Passover night when they arrested him, although I didn’t find out about it until the next day. I was there in the crowd when he was crucified. And I was still in Jerusalem three days later, when the rumour went round that he’d come back to life. I never saw him myself, but lots of people did. Mostly committed disciples, it’s true. But they risked their lives telling others he’d been raised by God from the dead and you don’t do that sort of thing lightly. And then I remembered what he’d said, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days’. I can’t help wondering if he wasn’t referring to the temple at all, but to himself, to his body. I can’t help wondering if he knew, even back then, that he’d be killed – that the Jewish religious leaders would destroy him – but that he would be raised for life again. I told one or two others my theory, but they looked at me as if I’d gone barmy. But I can’t shake it off. I put things together, I do. Always have done. Like the time when the Baptist, John, they called him, was baptising at the river Jordan, on the day Jesus came by. That was the very first time I saw Jesus, actually. And when John saw him, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’. Funny thing to say about a person, that. ‘Behold the Lamb of God’. Why lamb? Lion, I could understand – but why lamb? Unless, somehow John was pointing to Jesus and saying: ‘You know what Passover stands for, and the Passover Lamb – the liberation, the deliverance, the rescue from slavery, the gift of new life in a promised land. Well, he’s it. It points to him’. So I think Jesus was pointing to himself and saying, ‘And you know what the Temple stands for. The dwelling place of God on earth? Well, I’m it. It points to me’.
In the end, you know, that’s probably why I’m a disciple now. It was seeing him act like that in the Temple: championing the rights of the outsider, giving the Gentiles back their worship space, seeming to know what God would want and doing it. It changed my life: that, and the day he died. My faith used to be about buildings and rituals and festivals, special days, special foods, that sort of thing. But I don’t see the Temple, or any holy place, in the same way any more. Or sacrifices. Or Sabbaths even. I suppose now, my faith is based on him, really: he’s my Temple, my sacrificial offering; he’s my Passover, my sabbath. Jesus, and the fellowship of his followers, that’s the essential focus of faith for me now.
Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
Let us pray…
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God in faith.
Living God Jesus calls his followers to seek first your Kingdom. Renew us as we make your love known. Release us to share freely together in mission, and rejuvenate us to be fruitful in your service. Be mindful of your church O Lord, deliver it from all evil, raise up the church here and throughout the world in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving sanctify it and gather it together into the kingdom you have prepared for it. Make us mindful of the commandment you gave to Moses and give us the strength to reject the idol worship of our secular world. Make us more humble in our need for you.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
Creator God forgive our moments of ingratitude, the spiritual blindness that prevents us from appreciating the wonder that is this world. Forgive us for taking without giving, reaping without sowing. Open our eyes to see, our lips praise and our hands to share.
At this time of Pandemic we pray for world leaders as they seek to manage the challenges of the economic and social impact of the virus on their nation.
Lord in your Mercy.................Hear our prayer
We pray for Elizabeth, our Queen, for Prince Philip during his period of illness. We pray for our Archbishops Justin and Stephen, our Bishops Pete and Sophie and for our Government as they work through this difficult period of questioning, anger, doubt, despair, anguish, fear, distress and feeling of hopelessness that many in the nation are going through.
We give thanks for our scientists constantly working to beat the virus, our NHS workers and volunteers working to roll out the vaccine and all front line workers such as supermarket staff along with those in the food chain and council refuse workers keeping us safe.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
We pray for does who are ill or in pain in body, mind or spirit, may they feel the power of your loving, healing arms around them, we remember those we are asked to pray for on our prayer list.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
Heavenly Father we call to mind all those we love but see no longer who are at peace in your Kingdom. We remember before you those who have died over the past year, may they Rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: I heard the voice of Jesus say – Horatius Bonar
Performed by Wendy Ritchie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74kyfROS4q8
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: On Eagle’s Wings – Michael Joncas
Performed by Walkers to Heaven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
Common Worship: Services & Prayers for the Church of England and Times and Seasons, material from which is included in this service, are copyright The Archbishops’ Council 2000 and 2006 respectively.
The Gathering
The Greeting.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Hymn: Jesus Christ is waiting – John L. Bell and Graham Maule
Performed by In Harmony Suffolk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTGJ6qaUGO8
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God,
we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
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.
The Liturgy of the Word
Exodus 20. 1-17
Then God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
1 Corinthians 1. 18-25
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: Guide me O thou Great Redeemer – John Hughes
Performed by Fron Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NmfmVGblw
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
John 2. 13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: by The Right Revd. Dr. Pete Wilcox
Bishop of Sheffield
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
https://boards.wetransfer.com/.../s5tcjdnquwtaw.../latest...
Video Sermon for Dinnington, 07.03.21, 10.30am Holy Communion
John 2.13-22: Jesus and the Temple – A Meditation
Friends it’s very good to be with you this morning, although I would much rather of course have come to Dinnington in person. I look forward to my next visit as soon as it can be arranged. And I was also very encouraged this week to receive from Archdeacon Malcolm a draft of the Oversight Minister role description and parishes profile to enable us to make an appointment to Dinnington and Thurcroft and to the Living Stones Mission Area. I shall be praying hard for the right person to hear the call of God to come and build on the foundations that Hilary laid.
Now, this morning, I want to deliver a slightly different sort of sermon. I want to invite you to come with me, in your mind’s eye, to Jerusalem in about 35 AD and I want you to listen to the testimony of a man whose faith used to be centred on a sacred building, but who came to put his faith in a Saviour instead.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
I was there, you know, the day Jesus marched into the temple precincts with a whip. It was Passover time, so there were loads of people there, from all over. Jerusalem was packed. The streets round the temple are narrow enough anyway, so they feel crowded even when it’s quiet – and at Passover time, well, it isn’t quiet. Passover is special for us Jews, you see – the most special festival of the year: it’s when we remember the way God delivered us out of slavery in Egypt through Moses. And since Roman occupation began, forty years ago, it’s had an added edge to it. It’s become a time for praying that God will deliver us from the enemy again. It’s a time to be proud to be an Israelite. The Romans hate it. I would guess it’s their least period of the year. You can see the tension in the faces of their soldiers, like they know perfectly well a riot might break out at any moment. They don’t like the crowd, they don’t like the nationalist feel to the celebrations, and they especially don’t like the way the temple is a focus for it all.
Anyway, that day I’d gone up to the temple for morning prayers, and was just on my way out. But maybe some of you may not know our temple. If you’ve never been, you’ve missed a treat. It’s one of the wonders of the world: huge and white and gleaming in the sun. Jerusalem is set on a hill anyway and the temple is on the summit, so you can see it from miles away. Inside, it’s a series of courtyards, one inside another: the outer courtyard – we call that, the Court of the Gentiles. We get lots of foreign visitors, and many of them are what we call ‘godfearers’: they sense that our God is the true God and they come to worship him. So we’ve created a special part of the temple, to which they’re welcome. Of course, they can’t come right in. That wouldn’t be proper: God has chosen the Jews as his special ones, and non Jews can only come in so far. The next courtyard into the temple, that’s the Courtyard of Women. Again, in the Jewish faith, the women are welcome to come and worship the Lord – and we set apart a special area, a courtyard, where they can do that. Then there’s the inner court, where the men of Israel worship; but even we don’t get to enter the innermost parts of the temple. Beyond the Court of Israel is the Court of Priests, which only members of the tribe of Levi can enter; and last of all, there’s what we call ‘the holy of holies’ and only the High Priest can go in there, and even can only do it once a year.
Anyway, so on this particular day, I’d been to the Court of Israel to pray, and was on my way out again afterwards. So I’d gone through the Women’s Court into the Court of the Gentiles. And as I made my way out, I saw Jesus making his way in.
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.
Actually, there’s a problem with the Court of the Gentiles. That’s where the temple authorities have set up the stalls for the animals for sacrifice and the money changers. Now don’t get me wrong, the traders perform a good and important service. But I think I preferred it in the old days, when their stalls were outside not just the temple, but the city walls, in the Kidron Valley. But we do need them. Take the animals first of all: when we come to offer sacrifices, which we do at all the key moments of our lives, births, deaths, marriages, that sort of thing, we can’t bring our own animals. It wouldn’t be practical for a start, not if you’re travelling down to Jerusalem from Galilee, say. But in any case, the animals have to be passed fit for purpose, and only perfect animals, ones with no disabilities or flaws, are worthy to be used in sacrifice to God. So the beasts for sacrifice have to be quality controlled and certified; and the best option is to buy one from an authorised dealer. Some people say it’s a scam and that they charge over the odds – but they have to cover their overheads, and if you bought one of your own, you’d have to sort out food and shelter for the journey, so if you buy one at the temple there are savings that way. And some people complain that you can only pay in temple shekels and have to get your money changed first. But you really couldn’t have coinage in the temple that may’ve passed through Roman hands – that would be sacrilege – so the Temple is bound to have its own currency. Again, some people complain that the money changers charge too much commission and maybe some do; but they’ve got their overheads too, don’t forget, and their own families to feed.
But I’m not comfortable about having the animal stalls and the money changers in the Court of the Gentiles – for a start, they take up so much space you wonder where the Gentiles are supposed to worship; and for another, they make so much noise, you wonder how much worship is possible.
Anyway, back to that morning. I was on my way out of the temple, passing through the Court of the Gentiles, just as Jesus came in. I wouldn’t call myself a disciple – certainly not back then, anyway. But I’d heard him preach a few times, and liked what I’d heard. So I knew it was him at once. Plus he was at the front of a big group. He always is, these days. People follow him everywhere. They were having trouble getting in: the courtyard was packed solid and there wasn’t really room for another group. I suppose that was the result of the traders too: less space for people to move. So there was a lot of pushing and shoving and bumping into each other. I expect the pick pockets were having a field day. I happened to be looking at Jesus the moment his face changed. He’d been looking round, taking in the scene, and then his expression sort of hardened, like he’d made a decision. And that’s when I noticed the whip he was carrying.
So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
It all happened very fast. I was watching him, and saw him lift that whip he was holding and bring it crashing down on the nearest table. Of course, the table collapsed and the money spilt everywhere. Everyone’s eyes were on Jesus at once: the Gentiles didn’t know what to make of it at all, except I saw one or two pick up the coins that were rolling on the floor and tuck them away. I expect they couldn’t believe their luck; and the money changers began to shout; other onlookers stopped to gawp. There was a moment of uncertainty what would happen next, and then Jesus moved to the next table – he stared for a moment right into the eyes of the money changer sitting behind it, and then he simply put his hands under the table top, and tipped it over. And almost in the same moment, he went to one of the traders stalls, and released the door of a bird cage, allowing all these doves to escape into flight. Well, you can imagine the outrage. That was when the temple authorities came running in, looking for a way to restore order. I saw some of the temple guards weighing up whether to intervene with an armed response, but then deciding not to, at least for the time being.
To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
There was a moment of quiet, and into it Jesus shouted something about like, ‘Get out of here, all of you. How dare you turn my Father’s house – I remember being especially struck by the way he spoke about God like that: ‘my Father’ – how dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!’ And then he took things a step further. Using that whip of his, he started to drive out the bigger animals, the sheep and the goats: herding them through the exit and out into the city – and some of the crowd were helping him. In all honesty, it’s true the stall holders and money changers aren’t popular. They do have a reputation for fleecing the worshipers – excuse the pun – and there were plenty of people in the Temple that day who were glad to see them get their comeuppance. I don’t think those who joined in were Jesus’ disciples, especially – maybe some were; but others were just bystanders like me. I don’t know why I didn’t join in myself – if it had gone on any longer, I probably would have done. Because even if the most of the money changers are stall holders were honest men, I’m not comfortable with the fact that, especially at Passover time, they take up so much worship space. It doesn’t feel right that Gentiles who come to Jerusalem find their access to our God is restricted like that. And I’m glad he did something about it.
I found myself thinking, afterwards, about Jesus’ anger. He was angry, no doubt about it. But he wasn’t out of control. I know there’s that verse in the Psalms where it says, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’; and it was definitely zeal for God’s house that Jesus had. But he didn’t seem consumed by it, not if you mean he was eaten up by it or out of control. On the other hand, he was definitely moved by it, motivated by it. Maybe that’s what ‘zeal’ is: anger that isn’t out of control. Jesus seemed to know how to channel anger, and to use it. I used to think my biggest problem where anger is concerned was losing my temper. Now I think a bigger problem is not finding my temper: if I’d been more angry about those traders, for instance, maybe I’d have done something about it myself. So I learned something from Jesus that day, about anger being a good thing, if it’s used and channeled in the right way. I’ve remembered that once or twice since then, when I’ve been angry, and instead of trying to calm down, I’ve tried to use the anger in a good way, to bring change. Does that make sense?
But that’s by the way. Where was I? Oh yes. Well, the funny thing was, as soon as the cattle were out, the temple suddenly seemed more spacious and quieter again. More like a place of worship actually. But then, as the dust literally settled, a group of the duty priests came to find out what was going on.
Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
‘What authority do you have to do this?’ they asked. ‘What sign can you show us to prove it?’. Mind you, I’m not sure they’d have recognised any authority he might have claimed to have. As it was, Jesus just looked at them. An even bigger crowd had gathered now, as you’d expect. And there was silence as we waited for his answer. And then he said something very odd. Speaking loud enough for the whole crowd to hear, he said, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days’. Well, the priests didn’t know what to make of that at all. It’s not as if they were going to take up his challenge. Why would they destroy the temple, and how could they do it, even if they wanted to? One or two people laughed, as if Jesus was trying to be funny – but he didn’t look as if he was making a joke. He looked deadly serious. He waited for the priests to respond. And then the leader of them said, ‘It’s taken forty six years to build this temple and you’re going to raise it in three days?’. It did sound ludicrous.
But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said.
But you know, I remembered Jesus’ words three years later. That was a Passover time too. I was there in Jerusalem on the Passover night when they arrested him, although I didn’t find out about it until the next day. I was there in the crowd when he was crucified. And I was still in Jerusalem three days later, when the rumour went round that he’d come back to life. I never saw him myself, but lots of people did. Mostly committed disciples, it’s true. But they risked their lives telling others he’d been raised by God from the dead and you don’t do that sort of thing lightly. And then I remembered what he’d said, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days’. I can’t help wondering if he wasn’t referring to the temple at all, but to himself, to his body. I can’t help wondering if he knew, even back then, that he’d be killed – that the Jewish religious leaders would destroy him – but that he would be raised for life again. I told one or two others my theory, but they looked at me as if I’d gone barmy. But I can’t shake it off. I put things together, I do. Always have done. Like the time when the Baptist, John, they called him, was baptising at the river Jordan, on the day Jesus came by. That was the very first time I saw Jesus, actually. And when John saw him, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’. Funny thing to say about a person, that. ‘Behold the Lamb of God’. Why lamb? Lion, I could understand – but why lamb? Unless, somehow John was pointing to Jesus and saying: ‘You know what Passover stands for, and the Passover Lamb – the liberation, the deliverance, the rescue from slavery, the gift of new life in a promised land. Well, he’s it. It points to him’. So I think Jesus was pointing to himself and saying, ‘And you know what the Temple stands for. The dwelling place of God on earth? Well, I’m it. It points to me’.
In the end, you know, that’s probably why I’m a disciple now. It was seeing him act like that in the Temple: championing the rights of the outsider, giving the Gentiles back their worship space, seeming to know what God would want and doing it. It changed my life: that, and the day he died. My faith used to be about buildings and rituals and festivals, special days, special foods, that sort of thing. But I don’t see the Temple, or any holy place, in the same way any more. Or sacrifices. Or Sabbaths even. I suppose now, my faith is based on him, really: he’s my Temple, my sacrificial offering; he’s my Passover, my sabbath. Jesus, and the fellowship of his followers, that’s the essential focus of faith for me now.
Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
Let us pray…
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God in faith.
Living God Jesus calls his followers to seek first your Kingdom. Renew us as we make your love known. Release us to share freely together in mission, and rejuvenate us to be fruitful in your service. Be mindful of your church O Lord, deliver it from all evil, raise up the church here and throughout the world in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving sanctify it and gather it together into the kingdom you have prepared for it. Make us mindful of the commandment you gave to Moses and give us the strength to reject the idol worship of our secular world. Make us more humble in our need for you.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
Creator God forgive our moments of ingratitude, the spiritual blindness that prevents us from appreciating the wonder that is this world. Forgive us for taking without giving, reaping without sowing. Open our eyes to see, our lips praise and our hands to share.
At this time of Pandemic we pray for world leaders as they seek to manage the challenges of the economic and social impact of the virus on their nation.
Lord in your Mercy.................Hear our prayer
We pray for Elizabeth, our Queen, for Prince Philip during his period of illness. We pray for our Archbishops Justin and Stephen, our Bishops Pete and Sophie and for our Government as they work through this difficult period of questioning, anger, doubt, despair, anguish, fear, distress and feeling of hopelessness that many in the nation are going through.
We give thanks for our scientists constantly working to beat the virus, our NHS workers and volunteers working to roll out the vaccine and all front line workers such as supermarket staff along with those in the food chain and council refuse workers keeping us safe.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
We pray for does who are ill or in pain in body, mind or spirit, may they feel the power of your loving, healing arms around them, we remember those we are asked to pray for on our prayer list.
Lord in your Mercy..................Hear our prayer
Heavenly Father we call to mind all those we love but see no longer who are at peace in your Kingdom. We remember before you those who have died over the past year, may they Rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: I heard the voice of Jesus say – Horatius Bonar
Performed by Wendy Ritchie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74kyfROS4q8
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: On Eagle’s Wings – Michael Joncas
Performed by Walkers to Heaven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
Common Worship: Services & Prayers for the Church of England and Times and Seasons, material from which is included in this service, are copyright The Archbishops’ Council 2000 and 2006 respectively.
Sunday 28th February 2021
Our Sermon this week is provided by The Revd Canon Mark Cockayne
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k0PkLRfpy0&feature=youtu.be
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
Preparation
The Gathering
The Greeting
The president greets the people.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Hymn: Forty and Forty Nights – George H. Smyttan
Performed by Engage Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SwPHcD7TFg
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God,
we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Liturgy of the Word
Genesis 17, 1-7; 15-16
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.’ Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you
God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.’
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Romans 4 13-end
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now the words, ‘it was reckoned to him’, were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise – Thomas Olivers
Performed by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k0WbiQXiHw
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
When the Gospel is announced the reader says
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark
Glory to you, O Lord.
Mark 8. 31- end
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: by The Revd. Canon Mark Cockayne
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
https://fil.email/lPMzpJiZ
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-end
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
I don’t know if you sing that lovely song Turn your eyes upon Jesus, but it has been one of my favourites that has helped to sustain me during this seemingly endless period of lockdown and the battle against this awful Covid virus. It’s hard to believe that it is six months since I was last with you here in Dinnington, and we are still in lockdown, not able to worship together in your beautiful church building, and enduring so many restrictions to normal life.
In some ways it feels like an extended Lent. A period when we have been thrown on the Lord in prayer, and waiting –lamenting and crying out to God. With the words of Psalm 13 never far away,
How long O lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day
Have sorrow in my heart?
And yet, just as Lent is preparation for the miracle of Easter, we know in our hearts that God has not forsaken us. That we can trust in his unfailing love for us and that he will fulfil his promises. That we will again, as the psalmist puts it, “sing to the Lord for he has been good to me”.
We can find evidence for this in our Old Testament and Epistle readings today which are about Abraham. Often described as the Father of the Faith. The one who received a promise from God that he would become a great nation, and that his offspring would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky.
And yet, as we know, Abraham was 100 hundred years old when God told him that his wife Sarah would bear him a son. Not impossible I suppose for a fertile centenarian with a young wife. But Abraham did not have a young wife. Sarah was 90 when God gave this promise to Abraham. No wonder we are told in Genesis 17v17 that he fell face down and laughed. To Abraham his situation must have seemed desperate and hopeless, and yet we are told, Abraham trusted in God’s promise to him, and that promise was indeed fulfilled.
Paul, writing in the letter to the Romans, takes up this story and uses it as an example to demonstrate that we are saved by faith in Jesus, and not though our own works or efforts in obedience to God’s law. There could have been no amount of hard work, of disciplined observance of the law, which would have resulted in Sarah becoming pregnant and bearing a son. Abraham had no alternative but to trust God and believe in faith that the promise would come to fruition. And of course it did.
If you scan the verses in our reading from Genesis 17 this morning you will see that it is scattered with words like faith, grace, hope, believed.
These are words which are so important to us at this time. When we are crying out, O Lord how long? When our lives seem to have been put on hold, or turned upside down. Our plans frustrated or in tatters.
The word faith is used 6 times in this passage alone. And believed 3 times.
Abraham had faith. He believed in God’s promises to him. He faced severe times of testing when it looked like God had abandoned him, and yet he never lost hope. And it was through sheer gift, through Grace, that God acted to bring salvation not just to Abraham, but to an entire nation and then even wider, to all who put their trust in the saving love of Jesus and believe in him.
During these difficult days it is only natural for us to have doubts and to be anxious. To ask the hard why questions at the times when God seems so very hard to find in the midst of all the pain and suffering. Abraham too had doubts. He had his moments of despair and anxiety. But God did not count that against him. Faith does not refuse to deny reality. It is not some pie in the sky escapism from what is going on in the world. But faith refuses to surrender, recognising that only God can save us, and looks beyond the difficulties to God and his promises.
It’s back to my song. Many a time I’ve felt down over the past year. Many a time I’ve cried for those who have suffered and despaired for the future. And then I’ve been reminded to stop looking down. To look up. And turn my eyes upon Jesus. For he is good, and he will fulfil his promises to us and to the world and its people that he created.
Amen Revd. Canon Mark Cockayne
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God in faith.
As we gather today from within our homes, may we open our hearts and minds to the things of God alone.
Help us not to shut God out from any part of our life
But to deny ourselves and take up our cross
And acknowledge Him in all we do and say and think.
Lord, hear us
We thank you for our keeping of Lent which will prepare us for the festival of Easter.
Increase our faith
that all of us in your church
may be more ready to trust you and walk with you wherever you lead us
Lord, hear us
In these troubled times for our world, we pray for a Global vaccination programme that caters for all regardless of where we live in the world.
And in this country, we pray for those shaping national policies that they make wise and cautious decisions to keep us safe.
We remember particularly at this time our schools and young people and anyone who feels vulnerable.
Lord, hear us
We pray for an end to violence in the world.
We remember those killed in the protests in Myanmar against a military coup.
We thank you for those who act as peacemakers in a world that has forgotten to live in peace.
Lord, hear us
We pray for all that is troubling our hearts, minds and bodies
and that takes away our peace.
Give comfort and healing to all those who are ill, isolated, or anxious,
may they know your presence and peace.
We pray for those that have asked for our prayers, their names can be found on the weekly newsletter.
Lord, hear us
Receive with love all those who have died
and draw them home to be with you.
We pray for those whose sense of loss is so great
that they are finding it hard to put their lives back together again.
Offer them the quiet word of reassurance
that they may have the power to begin again.
Lord, hear us
We thank you for the gift of life
and for family, friends and all those we love.
You are the Saviour of the world
you embraced the path of sacrificial love.
May our small sacrifices made for others
be a part of the healing of the world and lead to joy
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: As the deer pants for the water – Martin Nystrom
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peZudXt9faU
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: Purify my heart (refiner’s fire) – Brian Doerksen
Performed by Brian Doerksen and TWP Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLyQAx8DpBI
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
The Gathering
The Greeting
The president greets the people.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Hymn: Forty and Forty Nights – George H. Smyttan
Performed by Engage Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SwPHcD7TFg
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of Penitence
The Commandments
Hear these commandments
which God has given to his people,
and examine your hearts.
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
God is spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in spirit and in truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
You shall worship him with awe and reverence.
Amen. Lord, have mercy
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Christ is risen from the dead:
set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Honour your father and mother.
Live as servants of God; let us work for the good of all,
especially members of the household of faith.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Live peaceably with all; overcome evil with good.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Be honest in all that you do, and care for those in need.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Let everyone speak the truth.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Love your neighbour as yourself,
for love is the fulfilling of the law.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.
Lord God,
we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
The almighty and merciful Lord
grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins,
time for amendment of life,
and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Collect
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Liturgy of the Word
Genesis 17, 1-7; 15-16
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.’ Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you
God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.’
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Romans 4 13-end
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now the words, ‘it was reckoned to him’, were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
Let us wait upon the Lord
in whose word is our hope.
Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise – Thomas Olivers
Performed by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k0WbiQXiHw
Gospel Reading
Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
The Lord is a great God.
O that today we would listen to his voice.
Harden not our hearts.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
When the Gospel is announced the reader says
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark
Glory to you, O Lord.
Mark 8. 31- end
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: by The Revd. Canon Mark Cockayne
To see a video version of this sermon please follow the link.
https://fil.email/lPMzpJiZ
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-end
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
I don’t know if you sing that lovely song Turn your eyes upon Jesus, but it has been one of my favourites that has helped to sustain me during this seemingly endless period of lockdown and the battle against this awful Covid virus. It’s hard to believe that it is six months since I was last with you here in Dinnington, and we are still in lockdown, not able to worship together in your beautiful church building, and enduring so many restrictions to normal life.
In some ways it feels like an extended Lent. A period when we have been thrown on the Lord in prayer, and waiting –lamenting and crying out to God. With the words of Psalm 13 never far away,
How long O lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day
Have sorrow in my heart?
And yet, just as Lent is preparation for the miracle of Easter, we know in our hearts that God has not forsaken us. That we can trust in his unfailing love for us and that he will fulfil his promises. That we will again, as the psalmist puts it, “sing to the Lord for he has been good to me”.
We can find evidence for this in our Old Testament and Epistle readings today which are about Abraham. Often described as the Father of the Faith. The one who received a promise from God that he would become a great nation, and that his offspring would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky.
And yet, as we know, Abraham was 100 hundred years old when God told him that his wife Sarah would bear him a son. Not impossible I suppose for a fertile centenarian with a young wife. But Abraham did not have a young wife. Sarah was 90 when God gave this promise to Abraham. No wonder we are told in Genesis 17v17 that he fell face down and laughed. To Abraham his situation must have seemed desperate and hopeless, and yet we are told, Abraham trusted in God’s promise to him, and that promise was indeed fulfilled.
Paul, writing in the letter to the Romans, takes up this story and uses it as an example to demonstrate that we are saved by faith in Jesus, and not though our own works or efforts in obedience to God’s law. There could have been no amount of hard work, of disciplined observance of the law, which would have resulted in Sarah becoming pregnant and bearing a son. Abraham had no alternative but to trust God and believe in faith that the promise would come to fruition. And of course it did.
If you scan the verses in our reading from Genesis 17 this morning you will see that it is scattered with words like faith, grace, hope, believed.
These are words which are so important to us at this time. When we are crying out, O Lord how long? When our lives seem to have been put on hold, or turned upside down. Our plans frustrated or in tatters.
The word faith is used 6 times in this passage alone. And believed 3 times.
Abraham had faith. He believed in God’s promises to him. He faced severe times of testing when it looked like God had abandoned him, and yet he never lost hope. And it was through sheer gift, through Grace, that God acted to bring salvation not just to Abraham, but to an entire nation and then even wider, to all who put their trust in the saving love of Jesus and believe in him.
During these difficult days it is only natural for us to have doubts and to be anxious. To ask the hard why questions at the times when God seems so very hard to find in the midst of all the pain and suffering. Abraham too had doubts. He had his moments of despair and anxiety. But God did not count that against him. Faith does not refuse to deny reality. It is not some pie in the sky escapism from what is going on in the world. But faith refuses to surrender, recognising that only God can save us, and looks beyond the difficulties to God and his promises.
It’s back to my song. Many a time I’ve felt down over the past year. Many a time I’ve cried for those who have suffered and despaired for the future. And then I’ve been reminded to stop looking down. To look up. And turn my eyes upon Jesus. For he is good, and he will fulfil his promises to us and to the world and its people that he created.
Amen Revd. Canon Mark Cockayne
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray to God in faith.
As we gather today from within our homes, may we open our hearts and minds to the things of God alone.
Help us not to shut God out from any part of our life
But to deny ourselves and take up our cross
And acknowledge Him in all we do and say and think.
Lord, hear us
We thank you for our keeping of Lent which will prepare us for the festival of Easter.
Increase our faith
that all of us in your church
may be more ready to trust you and walk with you wherever you lead us
Lord, hear us
In these troubled times for our world, we pray for a Global vaccination programme that caters for all regardless of where we live in the world.
And in this country, we pray for those shaping national policies that they make wise and cautious decisions to keep us safe.
We remember particularly at this time our schools and young people and anyone who feels vulnerable.
Lord, hear us
We pray for an end to violence in the world.
We remember those killed in the protests in Myanmar against a military coup.
We thank you for those who act as peacemakers in a world that has forgotten to live in peace.
Lord, hear us
We pray for all that is troubling our hearts, minds and bodies
and that takes away our peace.
Give comfort and healing to all those who are ill, isolated, or anxious,
may they know your presence and peace.
We pray for those that have asked for our prayers, their names can be found on the weekly newsletter.
Lord, hear us
Receive with love all those who have died
and draw them home to be with you.
We pray for those whose sense of loss is so great
that they are finding it hard to put their lives back together again.
Offer them the quiet word of reassurance
that they may have the power to begin again.
Lord, hear us
We thank you for the gift of life
and for family, friends and all those we love.
You are the Saviour of the world
you embraced the path of sacrificial love.
May our small sacrifices made for others
be a part of the healing of the world and lead to joy
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of you Son, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen
Hymn: As the deer pants for the water – Martin Nystrom
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peZudXt9faU
The Peace
Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
We share together the blessing of your presence.
Give us in this life knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn: Purify my heart (refiner’s fire) – Brian Doerksen
Performed by Brian Doerksen and TWP Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLyQAx8DpBI
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
Sunday 21st February 2021
Our service this week is our All Age Service the talk is by one of our Service Leaders, Geoff Gillard
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE37ivkciqQ
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
The Preparation
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn: Here in this place – Marty Haugen
Performed by Ferryhill Parish Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTbOxrlQ0zo
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your
Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
The Collect
Heavenly Father,
your Son battled with the powers of darkness,
and grew closer to you in the desert:
help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer
that we may witness to your saving love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of God
1 Peter 3. 18-22
For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits. These were the spirits of those who had not obeyed God when he waited patiently during the days that Noah was building his boat. The few people in the boat—eight in all—were saved by the water, which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.
Mark 1. 9-15
Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.
At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk by: Geoff Gillard-The Third Sunday Team
https://youtu.be/SAfQpxEFETs
Follow this link to see the video of Geoff’s talk
‘Beloved’
A Reflection.
The Gospel reading today tells of Jesus’s Baptism and immediately moves to the story of Jesus being driven into the wilderness and of his temptation. The baptism story shows God’s affirmation of Jesus as God’s beloved Son. There is then a stark contrast as he faces the tough temptations in the wilderness. Mark shows how the baptism prepared him not only for his future ministry but also to endure the temptations.
The Reading from Peter talks of the salvation of Noah and his family through water and remind us of God’s Covenant. Baptism is much more than a washing away of past sins. Baptism marks a renewing of the mind, a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I remember, as a teacher, explaining that a story needs a good beginning, a middle and an end and the same is true of our lives. We should as Jesus did, ask, ‘Who am I?’ Jesus recognises that he is God’s Son, ‘The Beloved,’ now living in the middle of the story that begins with creation and ends when God’s rule is realised. We too belong in this story, together looking for God’s way of raising us from our depths, because we too are ‘Beloved.’ The spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness where he comes to recognise a calling beyond himself, returning with the Good News for all. Lent offers us an opportunity to step back and reflect on our own life journey. In doing this we put to one side our trivial concerns and try to identify our true purpose. We renew our hope and identify a positive path forward. We may reflect on the words of an inspirational teacher or remember the advice of a good and loyal friend. We may spend time in silence remembering experiences of walks by lakes and over high mountains. We all value time to reflect, and we need to make this space in our lives.
Lent is also an ideal time to reflect on the life of our own church here in Dinnington. Our Church Council members have been challenged by the Archdeacon to clearly identify key strategies which will enable us to move closer to our community and strengthen our mission. If we are able to develop a clear vision, then we pray that we will be supported through the appointment of a new oversight minister who will strengthen our links with other churches and help us to discern our future path as a community church.
At the very beginning of Jesus’s ministry, two key events happen that help him to be sure of who he is. In his baptism he receives the assurance that he is loved and that he is God’s Son. Jesus goes from this beautiful experience ……..to be alone and tempted. Even here, God looks after him. When Jesus leaves the wilderness, he is sure of who he is and he begins his ministry.
We pray that God will show us the path we need to take – both as individuals and as a church community. Amen
Hymn: Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire – Rabanus Maurus
Performed by Peterhouse Chapel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmRbc9cf-dw
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving
We thank you, faithful Lord,
for your patience, provision and power;
for you tenderness, trust and triumph;
for your security and strength;
for your compassion and wisdom.
We thank you Lord, that through your grace and mercy,
the blessings of faith,
and your covenant love,
you equip, teach and guide us
as we traverse today’s world,
ever mindful of your steadfast love. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: Majesty – Hayford/Schraeder
Performed by Hour of Power Choir and Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iet1w6UwFP0
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: We wanna see Jesus lifted high – Horley/Richards
Performed by Hillsong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJmRPvhgdo
Stay at home: Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with permission.
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn: Here in this place – Marty Haugen
Performed by Ferryhill Parish Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTbOxrlQ0zo
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your
Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
The Collect
Heavenly Father,
your Son battled with the powers of darkness,
and grew closer to you in the desert:
help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer
that we may witness to your saving love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of God
1 Peter 3. 18-22
For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits. These were the spirits of those who had not obeyed God when he waited patiently during the days that Noah was building his boat. The few people in the boat—eight in all—were saved by the water, which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.
Mark 1. 9-15
Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.
At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk by: Geoff Gillard-The Third Sunday Team
https://youtu.be/SAfQpxEFETs
Follow this link to see the video of Geoff’s talk
‘Beloved’
A Reflection.
The Gospel reading today tells of Jesus’s Baptism and immediately moves to the story of Jesus being driven into the wilderness and of his temptation. The baptism story shows God’s affirmation of Jesus as God’s beloved Son. There is then a stark contrast as he faces the tough temptations in the wilderness. Mark shows how the baptism prepared him not only for his future ministry but also to endure the temptations.
The Reading from Peter talks of the salvation of Noah and his family through water and remind us of God’s Covenant. Baptism is much more than a washing away of past sins. Baptism marks a renewing of the mind, a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I remember, as a teacher, explaining that a story needs a good beginning, a middle and an end and the same is true of our lives. We should as Jesus did, ask, ‘Who am I?’ Jesus recognises that he is God’s Son, ‘The Beloved,’ now living in the middle of the story that begins with creation and ends when God’s rule is realised. We too belong in this story, together looking for God’s way of raising us from our depths, because we too are ‘Beloved.’ The spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness where he comes to recognise a calling beyond himself, returning with the Good News for all. Lent offers us an opportunity to step back and reflect on our own life journey. In doing this we put to one side our trivial concerns and try to identify our true purpose. We renew our hope and identify a positive path forward. We may reflect on the words of an inspirational teacher or remember the advice of a good and loyal friend. We may spend time in silence remembering experiences of walks by lakes and over high mountains. We all value time to reflect, and we need to make this space in our lives.
Lent is also an ideal time to reflect on the life of our own church here in Dinnington. Our Church Council members have been challenged by the Archdeacon to clearly identify key strategies which will enable us to move closer to our community and strengthen our mission. If we are able to develop a clear vision, then we pray that we will be supported through the appointment of a new oversight minister who will strengthen our links with other churches and help us to discern our future path as a community church.
At the very beginning of Jesus’s ministry, two key events happen that help him to be sure of who he is. In his baptism he receives the assurance that he is loved and that he is God’s Son. Jesus goes from this beautiful experience ……..to be alone and tempted. Even here, God looks after him. When Jesus leaves the wilderness, he is sure of who he is and he begins his ministry.
We pray that God will show us the path we need to take – both as individuals and as a church community. Amen
Hymn: Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire – Rabanus Maurus
Performed by Peterhouse Chapel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmRbc9cf-dw
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intersession and Thanksgiving
We thank you, faithful Lord,
for your patience, provision and power;
for you tenderness, trust and triumph;
for your security and strength;
for your compassion and wisdom.
We thank you Lord, that through your grace and mercy,
the blessings of faith,
and your covenant love,
you equip, teach and guide us
as we traverse today’s world,
ever mindful of your steadfast love. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: Majesty – Hayford/Schraeder
Performed by Hour of Power Choir and Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iet1w6UwFP0
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: We wanna see Jesus lifted high – Horley/Richards
Performed by Hillsong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJmRPvhgdo
Stay at home: Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
This resource is taken from rootsontheweb.com and is copyright © ROOTS for Churches Ltd. Reproduced with permission.
Sunday 14th February 2021
Sermon by The Venerable Javiad Iqbal Archdeacon of Doncaster
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfahSVqxQfo
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
Preparation
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Music: Days of Elijah – Robin Mark Performed by Awo Fir Sor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTyD46xFKqY
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
2 Kings 2. 1-12
Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophet who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know; keep silent.’
Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’
Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
2 Corinthians 4. 3-6
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9. 2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Let us wait upon the Lord
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: The Ven. Javaid Iqbal
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/76ca40d154ac9527af0b6b608940b2c120210211195711/429edf1c73026b93de399ac7e8cd4b6820210211195711/1d6aa2
Follow this link to download the video version of this sermon or read the following full transcript.
Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one[a] on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings,[b] one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[c] listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to share this service with you. I am sorry that I can’t be with you in person, to experience the presence and the glory of Jesus among us in St Leonard’s, but I am sure that even through this recorded service, the spirit of God, who is not bound by the limitations of body, time and space is with us today, where ever we may be joining in from.
Shall we pray;
Now may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord our strength and redeemer. Amen.
When I was growing up in Pakistan we use to go to hill stations for youth camps with various Christian organisation. Once someone asked the head of Campus Crusade for Christ, why do you make such an effort and spend so much money taking young people so far into the mountain. The head replied when we are on top of the mountains, we are higher up, little closer to God, besides Jesus was always going to solitary places and to the mountains to pray. Mountains are very important in the story of God. Many times, God revealed himself to his people on the mountains but remember God’s presence and glory is not confined to the Mountains only, it is everywhere and is with us now.
Climbing up the mountain is a hard work. We need strength, determination and endurance to reach the top but when we get there usually the view is spectacular. Similarly, our journey to God’s presence and glory is often a tough journey due to the challenges and distractions we have to overcome, to find a place and time to be with God. We often find that busyness, work and family pressures hinder us form finding our way, time and space to prayer. But when we get there and spend time in his presence we begin to see him more closely and more clearly, to love him more dearly. This revelation of Jesus glory came after an arduous climb up a high mountain. Are we willing to work hard, perhaps in prayer and study of the scriptures, to get to know Jesus more deeply? How might we overcome some of the challenges and distractions?
Why Jesus chose Peter, James, and John is not clear. Perhaps they were closer to Jesus than other disciples? Perhaps they were more open and better prepared to experience the glory of Jesus? But one thing is sure that Jesus was preparing them for something great. To John Jesus entrusted the care of his mother Mary after his death. To Peter Jesus entrusted his church. James was always with Jesus even in the garden of Gethsemane and was one of the first Christian martyrs. I wonder, why has Jesus chosen each one of us and what might he be preparing us for?
When they were on the mountain top, Jesus’s face and clothes changed dazzling white. Some of the bible translations use word “transfigured” (9:2), where as New Living Translation uses word “transformed” which may mean that Jesus’ humanity was transformed into something different or greater. Transformation usually have the connotation of being changed into something better. Jesus clearly was seen by disciples in his glory which his humanity could not cover anymore. As the Diocese of Sheffield, we are seeking to be transformed into a “growing and sustainable network of Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God’s world.” May I encourage you to engage with the diocesan strategy and plan, not only to transform ourselves and our local worshipping community but our diocese and the people we serve and be shining lights for Christ.
The eternal light and glory of Christ burst through his humanity in the presence of God the father.
Transfiguration may be the glimpse of Jesus’ glory he always held from before he became human and his glory vailed in the flesh. As described in the gospel of John (1:14 and 17:5) “the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth”
Transfiguration could be the glimpse of Jesus’ post resurrection glory which he will hold for eternity as the Lord and judge (Matthew 16:28). This incident on the mountain gets us to look forward either to the resurrection of Jesus or the glory of the second coming.
Jesus is pleased to share his glory with the disciple. Peter's reaction “It is good for us to be here”, expresses his desire to stay in the moment. But Jesus used that moment of revelation to strengthen disciples’ faith so that they could proclaim him as the eyewitnesses.
In his second letter Peter (1:16-18) says’ “16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.”
What Jesus discloses is not the secrets of the universe or the meaning of life; rather, it’s himself. Transfiguration is a reminder that holiness is a characteristic of God, which is shared with us through Jesus. The sights and sounds of the Transfiguration also suggest that Peter, James, and John find themselves on holy ground, in privileged company.
Jesus appears alongside Moses and Elijah, the two greatest prophets in Israelite history.
Many things made those two ancient prophets great.
When we have those mountain top moments, like Peter, we want to stay in those moments for ever but note that Jesus prepares the disciples for the hard times ahead and brings them down the mountain for them to live their future lives on the memory of the transfigurations experience. Can you identify a transfiguration or shall I say transformation moment in your life? Or are you still looking for that moment? Not all disciple of Christ had had the chance to experience the transfiguration yet their lives were transformed by his presence, love and teaching. We can be transformed into active and effective disciples of Christ if we follow his teaching and example of love, obedience and sacrifice.
In prayer through Jesus we can find God’s presence and a share in his glory to be happy and content. The transfiguration was for the benefit of the disciples, for their faith and confidence in the lasting glory of Jesus at all times and throughout eternity. It can be the same for each one of us. God's voice still echoes, inviting us to listen to Jesus, and Jesus is the one who matters. As a disciple, do we try to listen to Jesus and follow him always?
Let us pray;
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
Amen
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Music: How deep the Father’s love for us – Stuart Townend
Performed by Selah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKDujmtyAVk
Prayers of intercession
And now we give you thanks because in the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
We place into the hands of God all who help us to learn about Jesus. We pray for Bishop Pete and Bishop Sophie and their mission to grow the Diocese of Sheffield. We pray for guidance for St Leonard’s and its part in bringing the gospel to a wider congregation. What is God doing in Dinnington that we can join in?
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God those who do not know you and those who cannot voice their concerns. We pray for a generosity of spirit in thought, word and deed and ask for your protection of all who are vulnerable or in danger.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God the dozens of people feared dead or missing and their families, in northern India where a Himalayan glacier burst into a dam triggering a huge flood.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God all those who feel shackled by their fears.
We pray for the cessation of the forcible transfer of Uighur children out of their community in China.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God our families and neighbours who are troubled at this time. We pray for those who have asked for our prayers and who are struggling with illness and are listed on the newsletter; we remember those who have gone before us and know the brightness of everlasting life in your company. We pray for all who mourn them.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We thank you for the glimpses of glory you give us in this life, for your friendship and your promise to be with us always.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Music: Immortal, invisible – Traditional Welsh
Performed by Gloucester Cathedral Choir, Hereford Cathedral Choir & Worcester Cathedral Choi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFgM46YKg78
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Music: Lord the light of your love is shining – Graham Kendrick
Performed by Graham Kendrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op17raOTXbk
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Music: Days of Elijah – Robin Mark Performed by Awo Fir Sor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTyD46xFKqY
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
2 Kings 2. 1-12
Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophet who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know; keep silent.’
Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’
Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
2 Corinthians 4. 3-6
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9. 2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Let us wait upon the Lord
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: The Ven. Javaid Iqbal
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/76ca40d154ac9527af0b6b608940b2c120210211195711/429edf1c73026b93de399ac7e8cd4b6820210211195711/1d6aa2
Follow this link to download the video version of this sermon or read the following full transcript.
Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one[a] on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings,[b] one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[c] listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to share this service with you. I am sorry that I can’t be with you in person, to experience the presence and the glory of Jesus among us in St Leonard’s, but I am sure that even through this recorded service, the spirit of God, who is not bound by the limitations of body, time and space is with us today, where ever we may be joining in from.
Shall we pray;
Now may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord our strength and redeemer. Amen.
When I was growing up in Pakistan we use to go to hill stations for youth camps with various Christian organisation. Once someone asked the head of Campus Crusade for Christ, why do you make such an effort and spend so much money taking young people so far into the mountain. The head replied when we are on top of the mountains, we are higher up, little closer to God, besides Jesus was always going to solitary places and to the mountains to pray. Mountains are very important in the story of God. Many times, God revealed himself to his people on the mountains but remember God’s presence and glory is not confined to the Mountains only, it is everywhere and is with us now.
Climbing up the mountain is a hard work. We need strength, determination and endurance to reach the top but when we get there usually the view is spectacular. Similarly, our journey to God’s presence and glory is often a tough journey due to the challenges and distractions we have to overcome, to find a place and time to be with God. We often find that busyness, work and family pressures hinder us form finding our way, time and space to prayer. But when we get there and spend time in his presence we begin to see him more closely and more clearly, to love him more dearly. This revelation of Jesus glory came after an arduous climb up a high mountain. Are we willing to work hard, perhaps in prayer and study of the scriptures, to get to know Jesus more deeply? How might we overcome some of the challenges and distractions?
Why Jesus chose Peter, James, and John is not clear. Perhaps they were closer to Jesus than other disciples? Perhaps they were more open and better prepared to experience the glory of Jesus? But one thing is sure that Jesus was preparing them for something great. To John Jesus entrusted the care of his mother Mary after his death. To Peter Jesus entrusted his church. James was always with Jesus even in the garden of Gethsemane and was one of the first Christian martyrs. I wonder, why has Jesus chosen each one of us and what might he be preparing us for?
When they were on the mountain top, Jesus’s face and clothes changed dazzling white. Some of the bible translations use word “transfigured” (9:2), where as New Living Translation uses word “transformed” which may mean that Jesus’ humanity was transformed into something different or greater. Transformation usually have the connotation of being changed into something better. Jesus clearly was seen by disciples in his glory which his humanity could not cover anymore. As the Diocese of Sheffield, we are seeking to be transformed into a “growing and sustainable network of Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God’s world.” May I encourage you to engage with the diocesan strategy and plan, not only to transform ourselves and our local worshipping community but our diocese and the people we serve and be shining lights for Christ.
The eternal light and glory of Christ burst through his humanity in the presence of God the father.
Transfiguration may be the glimpse of Jesus’ glory he always held from before he became human and his glory vailed in the flesh. As described in the gospel of John (1:14 and 17:5) “the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth”
Transfiguration could be the glimpse of Jesus’ post resurrection glory which he will hold for eternity as the Lord and judge (Matthew 16:28). This incident on the mountain gets us to look forward either to the resurrection of Jesus or the glory of the second coming.
Jesus is pleased to share his glory with the disciple. Peter's reaction “It is good for us to be here”, expresses his desire to stay in the moment. But Jesus used that moment of revelation to strengthen disciples’ faith so that they could proclaim him as the eyewitnesses.
In his second letter Peter (1:16-18) says’ “16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.”
What Jesus discloses is not the secrets of the universe or the meaning of life; rather, it’s himself. Transfiguration is a reminder that holiness is a characteristic of God, which is shared with us through Jesus. The sights and sounds of the Transfiguration also suggest that Peter, James, and John find themselves on holy ground, in privileged company.
Jesus appears alongside Moses and Elijah, the two greatest prophets in Israelite history.
Many things made those two ancient prophets great.
- Moses shares a moment of striking intimacy with God, in face-to-face conversations with God and sees glimpse of God’s backside as described in Exodus 33:7-23 and brought Israelites law of God.
- Elijah had an encounter with God in a strange “sound of sheer silence” described in 1 Kings 19:11-13 and he was considered by Jews the greatest prophet of God.
When we have those mountain top moments, like Peter, we want to stay in those moments for ever but note that Jesus prepares the disciples for the hard times ahead and brings them down the mountain for them to live their future lives on the memory of the transfigurations experience. Can you identify a transfiguration or shall I say transformation moment in your life? Or are you still looking for that moment? Not all disciple of Christ had had the chance to experience the transfiguration yet their lives were transformed by his presence, love and teaching. We can be transformed into active and effective disciples of Christ if we follow his teaching and example of love, obedience and sacrifice.
In prayer through Jesus we can find God’s presence and a share in his glory to be happy and content. The transfiguration was for the benefit of the disciples, for their faith and confidence in the lasting glory of Jesus at all times and throughout eternity. It can be the same for each one of us. God's voice still echoes, inviting us to listen to Jesus, and Jesus is the one who matters. As a disciple, do we try to listen to Jesus and follow him always?
Let us pray;
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
Amen
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Music: How deep the Father’s love for us – Stuart Townend
Performed by Selah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKDujmtyAVk
Prayers of intercession
And now we give you thanks because in the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
We place into the hands of God all who help us to learn about Jesus. We pray for Bishop Pete and Bishop Sophie and their mission to grow the Diocese of Sheffield. We pray for guidance for St Leonard’s and its part in bringing the gospel to a wider congregation. What is God doing in Dinnington that we can join in?
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God those who do not know you and those who cannot voice their concerns. We pray for a generosity of spirit in thought, word and deed and ask for your protection of all who are vulnerable or in danger.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God the dozens of people feared dead or missing and their families, in northern India where a Himalayan glacier burst into a dam triggering a huge flood.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God all those who feel shackled by their fears.
We pray for the cessation of the forcible transfer of Uighur children out of their community in China.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We place into the hands of God our families and neighbours who are troubled at this time. We pray for those who have asked for our prayers and who are struggling with illness and are listed on the newsletter; we remember those who have gone before us and know the brightness of everlasting life in your company. We pray for all who mourn them.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We thank you for the glimpses of glory you give us in this life, for your friendship and your promise to be with us always.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Music: Immortal, invisible – Traditional Welsh
Performed by Gloucester Cathedral Choir, Hereford Cathedral Choir & Worcester Cathedral Choi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFgM46YKg78
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Music: Lord the light of your love is shining – Graham Kendrick
Performed by Graham Kendrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op17raOTXbk
Stay at Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
Sunday 7th February 2021
Sermon by The Revd. Dr. Margaret Lunt
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWQzROH_mec&feature=youtu.be
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
Preparation
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hymn: Light of the World (Here I am to worship) – Tim Hughes
Performed by Anthem Lights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5slD2aSKKY
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.'
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
Proverbs 8. 1, 22-31
Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
The Lord created me at the beginning of his work]
the first of his acts of long ago.
Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth-
when he had not yet made earth and fields,
or the world’s first bits of soil.
When he established the heavens, I was there,
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
then I was beside him, like a master worker;
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always, the
rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the human race.
Colossians 1. 15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all
things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
John 1. 1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen the his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: By The Revd. Margaret Lunt
Click on this link to view a video version of this sermon
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0pcz5aRE-AUO7hqHuYuJzYdsw
A few years ago my daughter and I went to visit the Space Centre in Leicester and in the planetarium they were showing how the universe had been formed. It was amazing as we were drawn into the scene before there were any stars, before the Earth was formed and then we saw the stars and the planets coming into being.
As we were coming out my daughter said, “How can people say they don’t believe in God?”
Everything in the universe had to be so finely tuned for there to be life. And before all the stars, the sun and the planets existed, Jesus was there with God taking part in the creation of our universe, our world, our perfect planet. As St. John puts it “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made.”
But John goes on: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. Jesus became a human being just like us.
John wanted to make sure that people understood that Jesus was truly human but also truly God. John had probably first met Jesus when he was with John the Baptist and it was after he had returned to Galilee that Jesus saw him and his brother James mending their nets and called them to follow him.
For the next three years John was with Jesus hearing him teach, listening to the stories he told, seeing the miracles he did, the people he healed. He saw him tired and thirsty. Weep at the tomb of Lazarus. Later he saw Jesus arrested in Gethsemane, tried by Pilate and condemned to death. He saw him crucified, buried and the stone rolled in front of the tomb.
But he had also been with Peter and James as Jesus was transfigured before them on the mountain. He saw Jesus’ glory. He also heard Jesus’ astonishing answer to the Jews who were challenging him, “Very truly, before Abraham was, I am.”
On the first Easter Sunday morning he was one of the first people to visit the empty tomb and that evening he saw Jesus alive and 40 days later he saw him ascend into heaven.
When you think of Jesus what pictures spring to your mind? Is it the very human Jesus who told parables, healed the sick, suffered and died and was raised? Or is it Jesus in all his glory, present with God at creation, transformed on the Mount of Transfiguration, raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God?
We need both. John holds them both together. Later in life John wrote to one of the churches these words
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the word of life.”
John had known Jesus as a very human person. But he had come to realise that Jesus was also the eternal word of life- or as he puts it in the Gospel, the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Over the next few Sundays we see these two themes illustrated. Next week is the story of the Transfiguration – Jesus appears in his glory but then Lent begins with the story of the temptation of Jesus and moves towards the events of the last week of Jesus’ life and his suffering and death on a cross.
What does it mean for us that Jesus was both a person like us but he was also the Son of God.?
Firstly what does it mean for us that Jesus was a person like us-
I came across a song recently that was part of a Christmas play we’d done with puppets it describes how Jesus will become a baby to prove his love his real. One verse goes
He’ll know what it is to be lonely and how it feels to cry. To love his friends and family and have to say goodbye. This baby in a manger will be God’s new love revealed. Yes love living among them just so men can feel -close to him.
Jesus shared with us the ordinary ups and downs of life, he was tempted, he suffered and died. So we can know that Jesus understands that life is not always easy. So we know that he will be with us in both the joys and sorrows of life. If we have lost friends or family during this epidemic then he understands our grief and pain and will be with us.
But secondly if we read on to verse 18 in the first chapter of John; John tells us very clearly that Jesus is the Son of God. He says, “No-one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to his Father’s heart who has made him known.” So what does it mean to us that Jesus was not just a human being like us but was God’s own Son, present before the beginning of the universe and working with God in bringing it into being and as Paul reminds us sustaining it. Our universe is still in the hands of God.
Perhaps some of you have been watching the series a perfect planet. With its wonderful photography it illustrates just how perfect our world is for the sustaining of life.
Today we are all being made aware that we too have a role to play in sustaining our world by caring for it and changing our life styles to reduce carbon emissions.
But on a personal level it is through Jesus and his death that we can know God who created our world and have a relationship with him. Jesus died on a cross so that we can be reconciled with God, forgiven by him and have a good relationship with him become one of his own children. And Paul assures us that death is not the end. Jesus was the first person to be raised from the dead, with the assurance that those who follow Jesus will also be raised from death.
He also reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church, not just the Anglican Church but all those who believe in him. And as members of the church it’s important that we support each other.
We have all got limited resources but maybe take an interest in one of the Dioceses which our Diocese is linked with, or support C.M.S. the Church Mission Society, or support persecuted Christians, possibly through the work of Open Doors.
When we lived in Argentina if you went out at night you never did so without a torch partly because there were no electric lights but also there were poisonous snakes. Along our coast are lighthouses to warn ships of danger and thankfully we have lights in our houses. I’m sure you can think of other kinds of lights. The theme of light and darkness which John has introduced runs through his Gospel. In chapter 8 verse 12 Jesus says I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. So let us follow Jesus day by day, being guided by him for his life is the light of all people.
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn: My song is love unknown – Crossman/Ireland
Performed by St. Martin’s Church Choir with Dom Kelly and Emily Ogilvie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv7OZSoA22w
Prayers of intercession,
We pray to our Father whose love for us knows no bounds.
Let us give thanks for this new day, for those that are past and those yet to come. We pray that we may always use our waking hours wisely and fruitfully in your service; that we will share with one another that particular, loving way of giving, that we see represented in the character of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, the true light, who came into the world and lived amongst us.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
When we look at our world Lord, we often find desperation, inequality and prejudice. Pre-existing conditions, that have become worse because of a worldwide pandemic. We pray that all governments address the needs of their people, that they will work selflessly and collaboratively with other nations for the mutual benefit of their citizens. We give thanks for those who, day after day, put their own lives at risk in order to help others, whether it be in the Covid19 wards of hospitals, war torn areas of the world, or places where disasters wreak havoc on the lives of those caught up in them. We pray for the people of Myanmar, in these troubled times. Dear Lord, touch the conscience of those who have the authority to make a difference, keep them focused on what is right and just.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
Dear Lord, we think of our community. We know that there are those for whom life presents many challenges. We pray for those who have not escaped the ravages of the pandemic or the economic fallout that it has caused. We know that there are some who have become lost in fear and loneliness, and who wonder if things will ever be the same again. Dear Lord, you will be beside them, and we pray that they will know and be comforted by your presence. We can see the influence of Jesus at work in our community, in the hearts of those delivering many acts of love and kindness.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We hold in our hearts all those that we know who are ill. We pray that they receive comfort in these difficult times by knowing that their names are in your heart. We pray also for those who care for them, that their strength and resolve will raise their spirits and aid their healing. Lord, we hold before you all those for whom their earthly life is now complete and who have moved on to their eternal life with you. We pray for all those who mourn their passing, trusting that they will be comforted by the knowledge that their loved ones are now safe in your care.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
As our church begins the process of appointing a new incumbent, we ask for your blessing on our deliberations. Our need to be a forward thinking church requires someone who is like minded and who will take us on that journey.
Father, you sent your Son to live amongst us, and we have seen his glory. We are in your heart and you are in ours. In communion with all Christians everywhere, we pray that we may be a force for good in the world, true and faithful followers of a loving God. Amen
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Hymn: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet – Amy Grant
Performed by Amy Grant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apxWim-t9O4
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Lead, kindly light – Audrey Assad (adapted from original lyrics by John Henry Newman)
Performed by Audrey Assad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piUDbCtgymw
Stay Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hymn: Light of the World (Here I am to worship) – Tim Hughes
Performed by Anthem Lights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5slD2aSKKY
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.'
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
Proverbs 8. 1, 22-31
Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
The Lord created me at the beginning of his work]
the first of his acts of long ago.
Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth-
when he had not yet made earth and fields,
or the world’s first bits of soil.
When he established the heavens, I was there,
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
then I was beside him, like a master worker;
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always, the
rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the human race.
Colossians 1. 15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all
things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
John 1. 1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen the his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: By The Revd. Margaret Lunt
Click on this link to view a video version of this sermon
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0pcz5aRE-AUO7hqHuYuJzYdsw
A few years ago my daughter and I went to visit the Space Centre in Leicester and in the planetarium they were showing how the universe had been formed. It was amazing as we were drawn into the scene before there were any stars, before the Earth was formed and then we saw the stars and the planets coming into being.
As we were coming out my daughter said, “How can people say they don’t believe in God?”
Everything in the universe had to be so finely tuned for there to be life. And before all the stars, the sun and the planets existed, Jesus was there with God taking part in the creation of our universe, our world, our perfect planet. As St. John puts it “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made.”
But John goes on: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. Jesus became a human being just like us.
John wanted to make sure that people understood that Jesus was truly human but also truly God. John had probably first met Jesus when he was with John the Baptist and it was after he had returned to Galilee that Jesus saw him and his brother James mending their nets and called them to follow him.
For the next three years John was with Jesus hearing him teach, listening to the stories he told, seeing the miracles he did, the people he healed. He saw him tired and thirsty. Weep at the tomb of Lazarus. Later he saw Jesus arrested in Gethsemane, tried by Pilate and condemned to death. He saw him crucified, buried and the stone rolled in front of the tomb.
But he had also been with Peter and James as Jesus was transfigured before them on the mountain. He saw Jesus’ glory. He also heard Jesus’ astonishing answer to the Jews who were challenging him, “Very truly, before Abraham was, I am.”
On the first Easter Sunday morning he was one of the first people to visit the empty tomb and that evening he saw Jesus alive and 40 days later he saw him ascend into heaven.
When you think of Jesus what pictures spring to your mind? Is it the very human Jesus who told parables, healed the sick, suffered and died and was raised? Or is it Jesus in all his glory, present with God at creation, transformed on the Mount of Transfiguration, raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God?
We need both. John holds them both together. Later in life John wrote to one of the churches these words
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the word of life.”
John had known Jesus as a very human person. But he had come to realise that Jesus was also the eternal word of life- or as he puts it in the Gospel, the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Over the next few Sundays we see these two themes illustrated. Next week is the story of the Transfiguration – Jesus appears in his glory but then Lent begins with the story of the temptation of Jesus and moves towards the events of the last week of Jesus’ life and his suffering and death on a cross.
What does it mean for us that Jesus was both a person like us but he was also the Son of God.?
Firstly what does it mean for us that Jesus was a person like us-
I came across a song recently that was part of a Christmas play we’d done with puppets it describes how Jesus will become a baby to prove his love his real. One verse goes
He’ll know what it is to be lonely and how it feels to cry. To love his friends and family and have to say goodbye. This baby in a manger will be God’s new love revealed. Yes love living among them just so men can feel -close to him.
Jesus shared with us the ordinary ups and downs of life, he was tempted, he suffered and died. So we can know that Jesus understands that life is not always easy. So we know that he will be with us in both the joys and sorrows of life. If we have lost friends or family during this epidemic then he understands our grief and pain and will be with us.
But secondly if we read on to verse 18 in the first chapter of John; John tells us very clearly that Jesus is the Son of God. He says, “No-one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to his Father’s heart who has made him known.” So what does it mean to us that Jesus was not just a human being like us but was God’s own Son, present before the beginning of the universe and working with God in bringing it into being and as Paul reminds us sustaining it. Our universe is still in the hands of God.
Perhaps some of you have been watching the series a perfect planet. With its wonderful photography it illustrates just how perfect our world is for the sustaining of life.
Today we are all being made aware that we too have a role to play in sustaining our world by caring for it and changing our life styles to reduce carbon emissions.
But on a personal level it is through Jesus and his death that we can know God who created our world and have a relationship with him. Jesus died on a cross so that we can be reconciled with God, forgiven by him and have a good relationship with him become one of his own children. And Paul assures us that death is not the end. Jesus was the first person to be raised from the dead, with the assurance that those who follow Jesus will also be raised from death.
He also reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church, not just the Anglican Church but all those who believe in him. And as members of the church it’s important that we support each other.
We have all got limited resources but maybe take an interest in one of the Dioceses which our Diocese is linked with, or support C.M.S. the Church Mission Society, or support persecuted Christians, possibly through the work of Open Doors.
When we lived in Argentina if you went out at night you never did so without a torch partly because there were no electric lights but also there were poisonous snakes. Along our coast are lighthouses to warn ships of danger and thankfully we have lights in our houses. I’m sure you can think of other kinds of lights. The theme of light and darkness which John has introduced runs through his Gospel. In chapter 8 verse 12 Jesus says I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. So let us follow Jesus day by day, being guided by him for his life is the light of all people.
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn: My song is love unknown – Crossman/Ireland
Performed by St. Martin’s Church Choir with Dom Kelly and Emily Ogilvie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv7OZSoA22w
Prayers of intercession,
We pray to our Father whose love for us knows no bounds.
Let us give thanks for this new day, for those that are past and those yet to come. We pray that we may always use our waking hours wisely and fruitfully in your service; that we will share with one another that particular, loving way of giving, that we see represented in the character of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, the true light, who came into the world and lived amongst us.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
When we look at our world Lord, we often find desperation, inequality and prejudice. Pre-existing conditions, that have become worse because of a worldwide pandemic. We pray that all governments address the needs of their people, that they will work selflessly and collaboratively with other nations for the mutual benefit of their citizens. We give thanks for those who, day after day, put their own lives at risk in order to help others, whether it be in the Covid19 wards of hospitals, war torn areas of the world, or places where disasters wreak havoc on the lives of those caught up in them. We pray for the people of Myanmar, in these troubled times. Dear Lord, touch the conscience of those who have the authority to make a difference, keep them focused on what is right and just.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
Dear Lord, we think of our community. We know that there are those for whom life presents many challenges. We pray for those who have not escaped the ravages of the pandemic or the economic fallout that it has caused. We know that there are some who have become lost in fear and loneliness, and who wonder if things will ever be the same again. Dear Lord, you will be beside them, and we pray that they will know and be comforted by your presence. We can see the influence of Jesus at work in our community, in the hearts of those delivering many acts of love and kindness.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We hold in our hearts all those that we know who are ill. We pray that they receive comfort in these difficult times by knowing that their names are in your heart. We pray also for those who care for them, that their strength and resolve will raise their spirits and aid their healing. Lord, we hold before you all those for whom their earthly life is now complete and who have moved on to their eternal life with you. We pray for all those who mourn their passing, trusting that they will be comforted by the knowledge that their loved ones are now safe in your care.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
As our church begins the process of appointing a new incumbent, we ask for your blessing on our deliberations. Our need to be a forward thinking church requires someone who is like minded and who will take us on that journey.
Father, you sent your Son to live amongst us, and we have seen his glory. We are in your heart and you are in ours. In communion with all Christians everywhere, we pray that we may be a force for good in the world, true and faithful followers of a loving God. Amen
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Hymn: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet – Amy Grant
Performed by Amy Grant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apxWim-t9O4
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Lead, kindly light – Audrey Assad (adapted from original lyrics by John Henry Newman)
Performed by Audrey Assad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piUDbCtgymw
Stay Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
Sunday 31st January 2021
Sermon by The Venerable John Hawley
Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Luke 8. V12
You may like to listen to the service in its spoken form by clicking on the link below which will take you to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1PMeBRNb0&t=53s
Alternatively the words are below along with the links to the music and sermon for you to read and listen to.
The Gathering
The Greeting
The Lord of glory be with you
The Lord bless you
Introduction
Music
Peruvian Gloria – Traditional Peruvian
Performed by Fresh Claim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4TLwVM9mQ
Gloria
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Traditional Peruvian collected by John Ballantine
The 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.
Let us pray that we may know and share the light of Christ.
The Liturgy of the Word
Readings
Malachi 3. 1-5
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hebrews 2. 14-end
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered he is able to help those who are being tested.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Reading
Today the Lord is presented in the Temple in substance of our mortal nature.
Alleluia
Today the Blessed Virgin comes
to be purified in accordance with the law.
Alleluia
Today old Simeon proclaims Christ
as the light of the nations and the glory of Israel.
Alleluia. Praise to Christ, the light of the world.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
Glory to you, O Lord
Luke 2.22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the chi to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ
SermonThe Ven. John Hawley
You may wish to read the sermon below or follow this link to the video John has recorded for us. After clicking the link the file will automatically download and then start playing for you.
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Good morning to all of you at Dinnington – those watching by video, and those simply reading this sermon. I hope you are staying safe and well and that the NHS near you is rolling out the vaccine for all of you.
On Tuesday we are to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – the traditional end to the season of Christmas and Epiphany – and the time when you can indeed take down those Christmas Decorations and put away the Nativity scene.
We are focussing on that feast today – when Joseph and Mary took the 40 day old Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple to dedicate him to God – like all first born Jewish males, and for Mary to be purified.
As well as Mary and Joseph – two other characters play their part – the priest Simeon, and the prophetess Anna.
All of them are focussed on Jesus – and for Simeon and Anna - it had been a long time coming. Their waiting was now over.
During the Lockdown period we spend a great deal of time `waiting`. Waiting for a delivery, waiting for a phonecall from a loved one, waiting for the vaccine. It can be hard to wait – for many its been a real struggle, and will continue to be so. BUT in the midst of our waiting there has often been seen on TV the almost euphoric reaction of those who have received the Covid vaccine. Relief, a form of safety, at last !
For Simeon and Anna – they were part of a group called `The Quiet in the Land`. They had always been waiting in expectation of the coming of the Messiah to save the nation and indeed the world, and then they saw the Messiah in Jesus. Here was fulfilment, and they were able to rejoice as they met with and saw Jesus.
Mary and Joseph were focussed on Jesus too. They were dutiful towards God by having their child circumcised, and now they dedicated him to God. By all this they showed their devotion towards God by their obedience to all the appropriate religious practices of their faith. They were good and godly parents – focussed on their son Jesus – doing everything for his good.
In our waiting during Covid – how important it is for us as Christians to be dutiful and to focus on Jesus too – by engaging in daily bible reading, and daily prayer – as we bring each day and ourselves and our loved ones to God as part of our positive waiting.
Simeon the priest was a man filled with the Holy Spirit – and had a spirit filled ministry. As we wait – how significant it could be for us to seek the same filling of God's Holy Spirit – and then to ask God – what is my ministry to be ?
In these waiting days – people are setting themselves all kinds of new projects to keep them occupied. Improving the house – sorting out the garden – taking on a new exercise regime – taking on a new hobby – but how about us as Christians setting apart a time each day to seek God's guidance about what kind of ministry He wants us to have in the future?
Simeon was able to reassure Mary and Joseph about who their son was. He did it in such a way as to bring great joy to Mary and Joseph as the scriptures tell us that they marvelled at what Simeon had said.
Isn't this the kind of ministry and effect you might have if you allow God to fill you with his spirit, and become someone who in listening to God can bring joy to others.
Anna was also focussed on Jesus, and as an 84 year old she would have seen it all, and have experienced all the ups and downs of life – indeed, widowed after only 7 years of marriage – but now she dedicated her life to prayer and worship as she waited for God to act, and in the end God did act in Jesus. Anna saw Jesus, and believed he was the one who she and the world needed as their saviour.
As you continue to wait – as Christians it is important that you use the time to focus on Jesus, getting to know him better, and then become those who live out the Good News about Jesus, so that in a desperately worrying world we can be the ones who can give hope – because we focus our lives on Jesus, and be enabled to give that hope to others.
May God bless you and keep you in the days ahead, and may he equip you to bring joy and hope to a weary world.
Amen.
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Music
Come, thou long-expected Jesus – Wesley/Prichard
Performed by Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dmO8UPlWoo
Prayers of IntercessionLet us pray to the Father through Christ who is our light and life.
Loving God, today as we recall the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the beginning of a life of love and service to all men and women, we open our hearts and minds to Him and bring to you our cares and concerns for your world and your people.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
Our world is marked out by so much injustice, greed and selfishness, which is such a big part of our lives and those of everyone around us. Help us to learn how to put the needs of others more firmly before our own, May those who have the power and authority in our government and communities use it wisely, and may we, and they serve the Lord with gladness.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
The world in which Jesus was born was like our own, divided by war and pestilence. We read daily of the fight against the Pandemic both at home and in so many places. We are glad that there are now vaccines available, we pray that the green shoots of hope may blossom and grow into an end to current restrictions. But we remember those, where fighting the Pandemic is part of daily life. We ask that your hand be on all those frontline workers, strengthen and comfort them, giving your grace and strength to all whose life is built round caring for others.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
Jesus came into our world bringing your promises of grace and freedom for all who believed in you. We rejoice in the great body of people who form your church and to whom we are glad to belong. We pray for Christians everywhere and especially for those who follow you in the Diocese of Sheffield. Bless the work of all ministers and our Bishops and help us all, in home, work or leisure, to be clear witnesses of Jesus’ life.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
The light given off by a candle reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. When we light our candles to remember Him, we remember too those who have died and gone before us. We remember them and those who mourn them.
We pray in our minds for all who we know have need of You. Those who are sick, in hospital; those who are affected by the Pandemic or financial trouble, those who are lonely or depressed, those who have no family help or contact. Bless them and give them comfort and give us courage to do what we can do to help.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ .
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Lord, have mercy,
Christ have mercy
Prayers of Penitence
Hear the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ:
‘I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me shall never walk in darkness
but shall have the light of life.’
Let us therefore bring our sins into his light
and confess them in penitence and faith.
Father eternal, giver of light and grace,
we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour,
in what we have thought,
in what we have said and done,
through ignorance, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We have wounded your love,
and marred your image in us.
We are sorry and ashamed,
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us, forgive us all that is past,
and lead us out from darkness
to walk as children of light.
Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy upon us
pardon and deliver us from all our sins,
confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,
and keep us in life eternal
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Music
Abide with me – Lyte
Performed by Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deJDkU6qiGE
The Peace
In the tender mercy of our God,
the dayspring from on high has broken upon us,
to give light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also, with you
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Closing Prayer
God our Father
your Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illuminate our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds,
through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen
Music
This little light of mine – Traditional
Performed by Soweto Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUK0S_cEXY
Stay Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
The Greeting
The Lord of glory be with you
The Lord bless you
Introduction
Music
Peruvian Gloria – Traditional Peruvian
Performed by Fresh Claim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4TLwVM9mQ
Gloria
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, Son of the Father.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory for ever.
To him be glory for ever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen, Alleluia, amen.
Traditional Peruvian collected by John Ballantine
The 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.
Let us pray that we may know and share the light of Christ.
The Liturgy of the Word
Readings
Malachi 3. 1-5
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hebrews 2. 14-end
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered he is able to help those who are being tested.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Reading
Today the Lord is presented in the Temple in substance of our mortal nature.
Alleluia
Today the Blessed Virgin comes
to be purified in accordance with the law.
Alleluia
Today old Simeon proclaims Christ
as the light of the nations and the glory of Israel.
Alleluia. Praise to Christ, the light of the world.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
Glory to you, O Lord
Luke 2.22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the chi to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ
SermonThe Ven. John Hawley
You may wish to read the sermon below or follow this link to the video John has recorded for us. After clicking the link the file will automatically download and then start playing for you.
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Good morning to all of you at Dinnington – those watching by video, and those simply reading this sermon. I hope you are staying safe and well and that the NHS near you is rolling out the vaccine for all of you.
On Tuesday we are to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – the traditional end to the season of Christmas and Epiphany – and the time when you can indeed take down those Christmas Decorations and put away the Nativity scene.
We are focussing on that feast today – when Joseph and Mary took the 40 day old Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple to dedicate him to God – like all first born Jewish males, and for Mary to be purified.
As well as Mary and Joseph – two other characters play their part – the priest Simeon, and the prophetess Anna.
All of them are focussed on Jesus – and for Simeon and Anna - it had been a long time coming. Their waiting was now over.
During the Lockdown period we spend a great deal of time `waiting`. Waiting for a delivery, waiting for a phonecall from a loved one, waiting for the vaccine. It can be hard to wait – for many its been a real struggle, and will continue to be so. BUT in the midst of our waiting there has often been seen on TV the almost euphoric reaction of those who have received the Covid vaccine. Relief, a form of safety, at last !
For Simeon and Anna – they were part of a group called `The Quiet in the Land`. They had always been waiting in expectation of the coming of the Messiah to save the nation and indeed the world, and then they saw the Messiah in Jesus. Here was fulfilment, and they were able to rejoice as they met with and saw Jesus.
Mary and Joseph were focussed on Jesus too. They were dutiful towards God by having their child circumcised, and now they dedicated him to God. By all this they showed their devotion towards God by their obedience to all the appropriate religious practices of their faith. They were good and godly parents – focussed on their son Jesus – doing everything for his good.
In our waiting during Covid – how important it is for us as Christians to be dutiful and to focus on Jesus too – by engaging in daily bible reading, and daily prayer – as we bring each day and ourselves and our loved ones to God as part of our positive waiting.
Simeon the priest was a man filled with the Holy Spirit – and had a spirit filled ministry. As we wait – how significant it could be for us to seek the same filling of God's Holy Spirit – and then to ask God – what is my ministry to be ?
In these waiting days – people are setting themselves all kinds of new projects to keep them occupied. Improving the house – sorting out the garden – taking on a new exercise regime – taking on a new hobby – but how about us as Christians setting apart a time each day to seek God's guidance about what kind of ministry He wants us to have in the future?
Simeon was able to reassure Mary and Joseph about who their son was. He did it in such a way as to bring great joy to Mary and Joseph as the scriptures tell us that they marvelled at what Simeon had said.
Isn't this the kind of ministry and effect you might have if you allow God to fill you with his spirit, and become someone who in listening to God can bring joy to others.
Anna was also focussed on Jesus, and as an 84 year old she would have seen it all, and have experienced all the ups and downs of life – indeed, widowed after only 7 years of marriage – but now she dedicated her life to prayer and worship as she waited for God to act, and in the end God did act in Jesus. Anna saw Jesus, and believed he was the one who she and the world needed as their saviour.
As you continue to wait – as Christians it is important that you use the time to focus on Jesus, getting to know him better, and then become those who live out the Good News about Jesus, so that in a desperately worrying world we can be the ones who can give hope – because we focus our lives on Jesus, and be enabled to give that hope to others.
May God bless you and keep you in the days ahead, and may he equip you to bring joy and hope to a weary world.
Amen.
The Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Music
Come, thou long-expected Jesus – Wesley/Prichard
Performed by Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dmO8UPlWoo
Prayers of IntercessionLet us pray to the Father through Christ who is our light and life.
Loving God, today as we recall the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the beginning of a life of love and service to all men and women, we open our hearts and minds to Him and bring to you our cares and concerns for your world and your people.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
Our world is marked out by so much injustice, greed and selfishness, which is such a big part of our lives and those of everyone around us. Help us to learn how to put the needs of others more firmly before our own, May those who have the power and authority in our government and communities use it wisely, and may we, and they serve the Lord with gladness.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
The world in which Jesus was born was like our own, divided by war and pestilence. We read daily of the fight against the Pandemic both at home and in so many places. We are glad that there are now vaccines available, we pray that the green shoots of hope may blossom and grow into an end to current restrictions. But we remember those, where fighting the Pandemic is part of daily life. We ask that your hand be on all those frontline workers, strengthen and comfort them, giving your grace and strength to all whose life is built round caring for others.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
Jesus came into our world bringing your promises of grace and freedom for all who believed in you. We rejoice in the great body of people who form your church and to whom we are glad to belong. We pray for Christians everywhere and especially for those who follow you in the Diocese of Sheffield. Bless the work of all ministers and our Bishops and help us all, in home, work or leisure, to be clear witnesses of Jesus’ life.
In your mercy hear our prayer.
The light given off by a candle reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. When we light our candles to remember Him, we remember too those who have died and gone before us. We remember them and those who mourn them.
We pray in our minds for all who we know have need of You. Those who are sick, in hospital; those who are affected by the Pandemic or financial trouble, those who are lonely or depressed, those who have no family help or contact. Bless them and give them comfort and give us courage to do what we can do to help.
Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ .
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Lord, have mercy,
Christ have mercy
Prayers of Penitence
Hear the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ:
‘I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me shall never walk in darkness
but shall have the light of life.’
Let us therefore bring our sins into his light
and confess them in penitence and faith.
Father eternal, giver of light and grace,
we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour,
in what we have thought,
in what we have said and done,
through ignorance, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We have wounded your love,
and marred your image in us.
We are sorry and ashamed,
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us, forgive us all that is past,
and lead us out from darkness
to walk as children of light.
Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy upon us
pardon and deliver us from all our sins,
confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,
and keep us in life eternal
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Music
Abide with me – Lyte
Performed by Choir of King’s College, Cambridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deJDkU6qiGE
The Peace
In the tender mercy of our God,
the dayspring from on high has broken upon us,
to give light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also, with you
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Closing Prayer
God our Father
your Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illuminate our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds,
through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen
Music
This little light of mine – Traditional
Performed by Soweto Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUK0S_cEXY
Stay Home: Stay Safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
Sunday 24th January 2021
Sermon by The Revd. John Hibberd
Mission Development Adviser
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This week we are trying another first for St. Leonard's as well as having the service here for you to read, the hymns and sermon for you to listen to we now have, thanks to Dave and Kate, a YouTube link where you can listen to them reading the service for you to listen to.
We hope that you enjoy this new approach.
Click on the link below and it will take you to Youtube, you do not have to subscribe to watch and listen
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzBmOtfwjL8
Preparation
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hymn: Gather around for the table is spread – Traditional
Performed by Louise Bushell and Chanah Ambuter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1LqCKDFMxM
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.'
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
Genesis 14. 17-20
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,
‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’
And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything
Revelation 19.6-10
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunder-peals, crying out,
‘Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; to her it has been granted to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure’— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow-servant] with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’
Gospel: John 2.1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 1 and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Let us wait upon the Lord
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: Revd.John Hibberd
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/f9767de2c01897552ccce27d6257f32e20210119112923/56e5e0ee9b483fca787c619c5bacbd0720210119112923/68dcef
Click on this video link to download and listen to Revd. John Hibberd’s Sermon
You may also read his words here
Sermon: a very special wedding
‘I publish the banns of marriage between Jesus Christ, bachelor of the parish of the world and … His bride … also of the same parish. If any of you know any reason in law …’
There is a wedding theme to both John 2 & Revelation 19. This feels very poignant after many months of disruption to people’s wedding plans. But there is an unmistakeable note of celebration in a God whose Son creates 180 gallons of top wine in his first miracle and who plans a wedding banquet at the end of days. You know how excited and privileged you often feel to receive a wedding invitation. So, do you have an invite to this wedding?
Some rather glibly assume that this wedding is for everyone, even if they’ve never been interested in God all their lives! God wouldn’t exclude, would He? But it says: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb’. God loves to invite but so many just ignore this or treat as one more piece of ‘junk mail’. The clue is that it is the wedding supper of the Lamb; a reminder that Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice on the cross to win us forgiveness. This great celebration is for those who have recognised their need for this and responded to the incredible mercy and grace of God.
So, how exactly do you receive an invitation? The miracle at the wedding in Cana was seen by many but John shows us a crucial difference in the response of Jesus’ followers. ‘He thus revealed his glory and his disciples put their faith in him’. It is not enough to have a theoretical knowledge about God or to admire Jesus from afar or be willing to concede that he did do miracles. It’s actually not enough to try to ‘be good’ or even to engage in religious practices. Many of these things have value but they are hollow without the definite step of placing your trust in Jesus Christ, whether this is a sudden decision or something that takes place over a period of time. A prayer like the one below may help:
Lord Jesus I offer my whole life to you, unreservedly
I’m going to stop being “god” in my life and let you in
Thank you for dying for me on the cross
Thank you for the new life you give to me
Please give me an invitation to that wedding feast. Amen
Personal trust in Jesus Christ is our RSVP. Through it we receive a sure hope of being part of that great wedding feast of the Lamb.
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Amazing Grace – American Folk Melody
Performed by Harlem Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaKf6P2nhKg
Prayers of intercession,
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord we pray that today, with all its tasks, may be holy, good and joyful: we offer you our praise and our worship
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for your world and for all creation, with it fragility and beauty help us to do your will today, help us to care for your creation
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for your Church and for her life, Draw us to her so that our understanding of your will becomes clearer and our love for you deeper,
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for unity in the church, guide us Lord help us work together to bring about your kingdom. We pray that people in our church, our diocese, our country and the world will find common ground in which we can praise you, help us to always hear your word and help us reveal the Glory of Christ to those from whom he is hidden
We pray for St Leonards, as we think about our next incumbent, draw to us a person that will help us to reach out in our community, that will grow our church.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for peace in the world, we pray that nations no longer take up arms against other nations, we pray that difference is settled without violence, we pray that injustice is addressed .We pray for peace in the world.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for peace in our homes, we pray for peace, reconciliation, friendship and love within our families, friends and communities, Lord we ask that your peace be with us now and always
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for people that are ill in body, mind and spirit, Lord be with them in their time of need, in times of illness and in times of great anxiety let them know your love and feel within it, the power of your healing
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for people who work to heal, we give you great thanks for their gifts and dedication, and at this time we ask that you protect them from harm
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for the country during the lockdown, sustain us Lord through these difficult times, help us to hear your calm voice when we are angry, frustrated and sad, help us, when we worry about family and friends, to know that you are with them always as well, and even though we are isolated, we are never on our own.
Lord we pray and hold up to you our families our friends, all those whom we love and all those that have asked for our prayers. In particular this morning we hold up to you
Marie Alton, Sheena Billett, Maureen Campbell, Jean Chambers, Mick Cheshire, Ann and Les Corlett, Lee Fleming, Christine Foster, Helen Grimshaw, Cecil Heatley, Audrey Howard, Jackie Lidgate, Stan and Norma Mason, Elaine and Richard Maughan, Margaret McGee, Matilda and the Murray Family, Ruth Rees, Doreen Robinson, Gemma Robinson, Lesley Wade, Tony Walker and Douglas Willoughby
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for those who have died. We thank you for the lives of Sheila Smoothey, Ron Atkins, Wendy Smith and George Bagley
We give you great thanks for the love and the gifts that they shared during their time with us.
Lord hear us, Lord Graciously hear us
Lord be with all who are bereaved, loss often makes us feel so isolated, and loss at this pandemic time is so hard. We know you are with us always Lord and you will never let us go, reach out to us now Lord, help us in our despair, in our confusion and our sadness to understand and grasp the depths and breadth of your love, help us to find comfort in you.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously hear us.
As we begin a new day and a new week send us out Lord, give us the faith to follow you wherever you take us, let us be lights in your world.
Accept these prayer for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Hymn: One Bread, One Body – John Michael Talbot
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3-a35jsHw
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Waiting – French Traditional
Performed by Reading Phoenix Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6iIgzTu9P4
Stay Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us
and also with you.
Faithful one, whose word is life:
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hymn: Gather around for the table is spread – Traditional
Performed by Louise Bushell and Chanah Ambuter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1LqCKDFMxM
Invitation to confession
St Paul says
'Be imitators of God;
love as Christ loved;
do not grieve the Holy Spirit;
put away all anger and bitterness,
all slander and malice.'
So let us confess our sins to God
who forgives us in Christ.
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought and said
and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings:
Genesis 14. 17-20
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,
‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’
And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything
Revelation 19.6-10
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunder-peals, crying out,
‘Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; to her it has been granted to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure’— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow-servant] with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’
Gospel: John 2.1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 1 and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Let us wait upon the Lord
In whose word is our hope
Sermon: Revd.John Hibberd
Download link
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/f9767de2c01897552ccce27d6257f32e20210119112923/56e5e0ee9b483fca787c619c5bacbd0720210119112923/68dcef
Click on this video link to download and listen to Revd. John Hibberd’s Sermon
You may also read his words here
Sermon: a very special wedding
‘I publish the banns of marriage between Jesus Christ, bachelor of the parish of the world and … His bride … also of the same parish. If any of you know any reason in law …’
There is a wedding theme to both John 2 & Revelation 19. This feels very poignant after many months of disruption to people’s wedding plans. But there is an unmistakeable note of celebration in a God whose Son creates 180 gallons of top wine in his first miracle and who plans a wedding banquet at the end of days. You know how excited and privileged you often feel to receive a wedding invitation. So, do you have an invite to this wedding?
Some rather glibly assume that this wedding is for everyone, even if they’ve never been interested in God all their lives! God wouldn’t exclude, would He? But it says: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb’. God loves to invite but so many just ignore this or treat as one more piece of ‘junk mail’. The clue is that it is the wedding supper of the Lamb; a reminder that Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice on the cross to win us forgiveness. This great celebration is for those who have recognised their need for this and responded to the incredible mercy and grace of God.
So, how exactly do you receive an invitation? The miracle at the wedding in Cana was seen by many but John shows us a crucial difference in the response of Jesus’ followers. ‘He thus revealed his glory and his disciples put their faith in him’. It is not enough to have a theoretical knowledge about God or to admire Jesus from afar or be willing to concede that he did do miracles. It’s actually not enough to try to ‘be good’ or even to engage in religious practices. Many of these things have value but they are hollow without the definite step of placing your trust in Jesus Christ, whether this is a sudden decision or something that takes place over a period of time. A prayer like the one below may help:
Lord Jesus I offer my whole life to you, unreservedly
I’m going to stop being “god” in my life and let you in
Thank you for dying for me on the cross
Thank you for the new life you give to me
Please give me an invitation to that wedding feast. Amen
Personal trust in Jesus Christ is our RSVP. Through it we receive a sure hope of being part of that great wedding feast of the Lamb.
Affirmation of faith
We believe in God the Father,
God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being,
all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Saviour,
Son of God in human frame,
virgin-born, the child of Mary
upon whom the Spirit came.
Christ, who on the cross forsaken,
like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen,
heaven's king to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended
till as judge he comes again.
We believe in God the Spirit;
in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion,
one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven,
Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory
to the life that knows no end
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and
hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and
all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and
righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Amazing Grace – American Folk Melody
Performed by Harlem Gospel Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaKf6P2nhKg
Prayers of intercession,
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord we pray that today, with all its tasks, may be holy, good and joyful: we offer you our praise and our worship
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for your world and for all creation, with it fragility and beauty help us to do your will today, help us to care for your creation
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for your Church and for her life, Draw us to her so that our understanding of your will becomes clearer and our love for you deeper,
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for unity in the church, guide us Lord help us work together to bring about your kingdom. We pray that people in our church, our diocese, our country and the world will find common ground in which we can praise you, help us to always hear your word and help us reveal the Glory of Christ to those from whom he is hidden
We pray for St Leonards, as we think about our next incumbent, draw to us a person that will help us to reach out in our community, that will grow our church.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for peace in the world, we pray that nations no longer take up arms against other nations, we pray that difference is settled without violence, we pray that injustice is addressed .We pray for peace in the world.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for peace in our homes, we pray for peace, reconciliation, friendship and love within our families, friends and communities, Lord we ask that your peace be with us now and always
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
Lord we pray for people that are ill in body, mind and spirit, Lord be with them in their time of need, in times of illness and in times of great anxiety let them know your love and feel within it, the power of your healing
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for people who work to heal, we give you great thanks for their gifts and dedication, and at this time we ask that you protect them from harm
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for the country during the lockdown, sustain us Lord through these difficult times, help us to hear your calm voice when we are angry, frustrated and sad, help us, when we worry about family and friends, to know that you are with them always as well, and even though we are isolated, we are never on our own.
Lord we pray and hold up to you our families our friends, all those whom we love and all those that have asked for our prayers. In particular this morning we hold up to you
Marie Alton, Sheena Billett, Maureen Campbell, Jean Chambers, Mick Cheshire, Ann and Les Corlett, Lee Fleming, Christine Foster, Helen Grimshaw, Cecil Heatley, Audrey Howard, Jackie Lidgate, Stan and Norma Mason, Elaine and Richard Maughan, Margaret McGee, Matilda and the Murray Family, Ruth Rees, Doreen Robinson, Gemma Robinson, Lesley Wade, Tony Walker and Douglas Willoughby
Lord hear us Lord Graciously Hear us
We pray for those who have died. We thank you for the lives of Sheila Smoothey, Ron Atkins, Wendy Smith and George Bagley
We give you great thanks for the love and the gifts that they shared during their time with us.
Lord hear us, Lord Graciously hear us
Lord be with all who are bereaved, loss often makes us feel so isolated, and loss at this pandemic time is so hard. We know you are with us always Lord and you will never let us go, reach out to us now Lord, help us in our despair, in our confusion and our sadness to understand and grasp the depths and breadth of your love, help us to find comfort in you.
Lord hear us Lord Graciously hear us.
As we begin a new day and a new week send us out Lord, give us the faith to follow you wherever you take us, let us be lights in your world.
Accept these prayer for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Collect prayer
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.
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, we pray together……..
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Sharing of the peace
Jesus said:
' Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you are to love one another.'
The peace of the Lord be always with us
And also with you
Hymn: One Bread, One Body – John Michael Talbot
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3-a35jsHw
Closing prayers
Almighty God,
we thank you for the gift of your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light upon our paths,
and a strength to our lives.
Take us and use us
to love and serve all people
in the power of the Holy Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us bless the Lord:
thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn: Jesus Christ is Waiting – French Traditional
Performed by Reading Phoenix Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6iIgzTu9P4
Stay Home : Stay Safe : Trust in the Lord : God Bless
All materials are taken from New Patterns for Worship, copyright the Archbishops’ Council 2002
Third Sunday All Age Worship
17th January 2021
Galilee
The Preparation
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord, O my soul) – Matt Redman
Performed by Matt Redman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
The Collect
Almighty God
In Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory:
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.
The Word of God
John 1. 43-51
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Come with me!
(Philip was from Bethsaida, the town where Andrew and Peter lived.) Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one whom Moses wrote about in the book of the Law and whom the prophets also wrote about. He is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
"Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," answered Philip.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, he said about him, "Here is a real Israelite; there is nothing false in him!"
Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you when you were under the fig tree before Philip called you."
"Teacher," answered Nathanael, "you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus said, "Do you believe just because I told you I saw you when you were under the fig tree? You will see much greater things than this!" And he said to them, "I am telling you the truth: you will see heaven open and God's angels going up and coming down on the Son of Man."
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk
Several years ago, Mags and I went on an amazing trip to China with our husbands, Ged and Kevin. Part of the trip was by boat along the Yangtze River. If you have been there, or seen pictures of the Yangtze, you will know that a long stretch of it passes through a very deep gorge with sheer rock faces on either side. The river is very fast flowing, carrying with it an air of menace with the possibility of survival being pretty low if you happened to fall in.
One day, while scouring the steep cliffs for wild life, we came across laterally formed caves cut into the sheer rock face and near the entrance, clothes drying on washing lines! Extending outwards from the floor of the cave, just above the river, was a wooden walkway fastened to the rock face. Imagining people living in such circumstances was, initially, shocking to the western eye raising comments like, ‘how awful’, ‘how do people live like that’, ‘what about the danger from the river’…? On reflection, however, looking at it in a more open minded way, then why should people not live there if there was a need or the wish to do so?
The area was stunningly beautiful, there was no overcrowding like there was in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai and if a remote way of living, albeit hard, was required this was certainly a way of achieving it. The river provided employment like fishing, transport and the movement of goods. The terrain did not lend itself easily to the development of settlements. Frankly, judging the situation negatively was inappropriate to say the least given that we knew nothing about the circumstances of the people living there or where or how they preferred to live their lives. Perhaps, as travellers, we are inclined to compare different lands and cultures with our own, suggesting a superior edge that rather defeats the object of travel as a means of broadening the mind.
Part of the human condition is, at times, to be judgemental. Often, this attitude is not supported by hard facts or, more significantly, by understanding. We see this in our Gospel reading today. Philip was excited about telling Nathanael that the Messiah had come and that he was the son of Joseph from Nazareth. He was immediately ‘knocked back’ by Nathanael’s response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” All of those who had spoken to Jesus accepted him as the Messiah without reservation, but Nathanael had not had that conversation. Once Jesus had spoken to him, however, he knew that this man was indeed someone special and he believed that even though Jesus was born in humble circumstances in Nazareth, a small, ordinary hill town fairly close to the Sea of Galilee, he was indeed the Messiah.
This is an interesting Gospel story to contemplate. It reminds us to think about our attitude to places, people or situations that we may shrink away from because of preconceived opinions based on limited information or understanding. It is particularly problematic if, as people of God, such feelings should relate to people or situations within our own communities.
Within months of our time in China a new dam on the Yangtze was completed. The water level in the gorge was raised significantly and the probability that the cave dwellings had to be vacated, was highly likely. The Chinese government had built new, modern homes for those affected by the dam project, so all was not lost, but then maybe for some, perhaps it was.
Hymn: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – Whittier/Parry
Performed by London Regency Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAxiN0egN-I
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intercession and Thanksgiving
Lord we come before you to say sorry, for any moments when we forgot you and let you down.
We are sorry for the times, we are first to give our own opinions, and fail to hear your voice.
O Lord, grant us the desire to have you as our Saviour, not just in the next world, but in this; that you will change and alter all that is within us that does not reflect your love.
That your nature may be formed and created in our hearts, that the Kingdom of God may be seen in our lives.
May the mind of Christ our Saviour, live in us from day to day, by his love and power controlling all we do and say.
May the peace of God our Father rule our lives in everything, that we may be calm to bring comfort to the sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill us, as the waters fill the sea, ever exalting him who has called us, to this life of victory.
May his beauty rest upon us as we seek to win the lost, seeing only Jesus.
We thank you Lord that you have called us by name, may your blessing be upon us and guard our hearts and direct our thoughts in this coming week.
We give you thanks for all the people you have brought into our lives, that have made a difference and we Praise you for the blessings of relationships.
Lord help us to be a blessing to others, especially those who are hurt, grieving, sick or lost, gives us your words of wisdom and guidance that they may see only you.
We lift our hearts to you, our Father, Son and Holy Spirit ever reigning one God for ever and ever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: Be still for the presence of the Lord – David J. Evans
Performed by Adventist Vocal Ensemble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4swFB-B_0g
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: Will you come and follow me? – John L. Bell
From the album Spirit and Song Vol. 5 disc J (performer not quoted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o469PRLdbHU
Stay at home: Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with us.
And also with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Hymn: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord, O my soul) – Matt Redman
Performed by Matt Redman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Prayers of Penitence
God our Father,
We come to you in sorrow for our sins.
For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for
our lives;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For failing you by what we do and think and say;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For letting ourselves be drawn away from you
by temptations in the world about us;
Father, forgive us:
save us and help us.
For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son;
Father, forgive us
save us and help us.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days. Amen
Blessed is the Lord
for he has heard the voice of our prayer
therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
and in our song we will praise our God.
The Collect
Almighty God
In Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory:
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.
The Word of God
John 1. 43-51
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Come with me!
(Philip was from Bethsaida, the town where Andrew and Peter lived.) Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one whom Moses wrote about in the book of the Law and whom the prophets also wrote about. He is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
"Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," answered Philip.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, he said about him, "Here is a real Israelite; there is nothing false in him!"
Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you when you were under the fig tree before Philip called you."
"Teacher," answered Nathanael, "you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus said, "Do you believe just because I told you I saw you when you were under the fig tree? You will see much greater things than this!" And he said to them, "I am telling you the truth: you will see heaven open and God's angels going up and coming down on the Son of Man."
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Talk
Several years ago, Mags and I went on an amazing trip to China with our husbands, Ged and Kevin. Part of the trip was by boat along the Yangtze River. If you have been there, or seen pictures of the Yangtze, you will know that a long stretch of it passes through a very deep gorge with sheer rock faces on either side. The river is very fast flowing, carrying with it an air of menace with the possibility of survival being pretty low if you happened to fall in.
One day, while scouring the steep cliffs for wild life, we came across laterally formed caves cut into the sheer rock face and near the entrance, clothes drying on washing lines! Extending outwards from the floor of the cave, just above the river, was a wooden walkway fastened to the rock face. Imagining people living in such circumstances was, initially, shocking to the western eye raising comments like, ‘how awful’, ‘how do people live like that’, ‘what about the danger from the river’…? On reflection, however, looking at it in a more open minded way, then why should people not live there if there was a need or the wish to do so?
The area was stunningly beautiful, there was no overcrowding like there was in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai and if a remote way of living, albeit hard, was required this was certainly a way of achieving it. The river provided employment like fishing, transport and the movement of goods. The terrain did not lend itself easily to the development of settlements. Frankly, judging the situation negatively was inappropriate to say the least given that we knew nothing about the circumstances of the people living there or where or how they preferred to live their lives. Perhaps, as travellers, we are inclined to compare different lands and cultures with our own, suggesting a superior edge that rather defeats the object of travel as a means of broadening the mind.
Part of the human condition is, at times, to be judgemental. Often, this attitude is not supported by hard facts or, more significantly, by understanding. We see this in our Gospel reading today. Philip was excited about telling Nathanael that the Messiah had come and that he was the son of Joseph from Nazareth. He was immediately ‘knocked back’ by Nathanael’s response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” All of those who had spoken to Jesus accepted him as the Messiah without reservation, but Nathanael had not had that conversation. Once Jesus had spoken to him, however, he knew that this man was indeed someone special and he believed that even though Jesus was born in humble circumstances in Nazareth, a small, ordinary hill town fairly close to the Sea of Galilee, he was indeed the Messiah.
This is an interesting Gospel story to contemplate. It reminds us to think about our attitude to places, people or situations that we may shrink away from because of preconceived opinions based on limited information or understanding. It is particularly problematic if, as people of God, such feelings should relate to people or situations within our own communities.
Within months of our time in China a new dam on the Yangtze was completed. The water level in the gorge was raised significantly and the probability that the cave dwellings had to be vacated, was highly likely. The Chinese government had built new, modern homes for those affected by the dam project, so all was not lost, but then maybe for some, perhaps it was.
Hymn: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – Whittier/Parry
Performed by London Regency Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAxiN0egN-I
The Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of Intercession and Thanksgiving
Lord we come before you to say sorry, for any moments when we forgot you and let you down.
We are sorry for the times, we are first to give our own opinions, and fail to hear your voice.
O Lord, grant us the desire to have you as our Saviour, not just in the next world, but in this; that you will change and alter all that is within us that does not reflect your love.
That your nature may be formed and created in our hearts, that the Kingdom of God may be seen in our lives.
May the mind of Christ our Saviour, live in us from day to day, by his love and power controlling all we do and say.
May the peace of God our Father rule our lives in everything, that we may be calm to bring comfort to the sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill us, as the waters fill the sea, ever exalting him who has called us, to this life of victory.
May his beauty rest upon us as we seek to win the lost, seeing only Jesus.
We thank you Lord that you have called us by name, may your blessing be upon us and guard our hearts and direct our thoughts in this coming week.
We give you thanks for all the people you have brought into our lives, that have made a difference and we Praise you for the blessings of relationships.
Lord help us to be a blessing to others, especially those who are hurt, grieving, sick or lost, gives us your words of wisdom and guidance that they may see only you.
We lift our hearts to you, our Father, Son and Holy Spirit ever reigning one God for ever and ever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: Be still for the presence of the Lord – David J. Evans
Performed by Adventist Vocal Ensemble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4swFB-B_0g
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Hymn: Will you come and follow me? – John L. Bell
From the album Spirit and Song Vol. 5 disc J (performer not quoted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o469PRLdbHU
Stay at home: Stay safe: Trust in the Lord: God Bless
During the recent lockdown and beyond our Musical Director, Jo, has been continuing to chose the music we would have listened to at our Sunday Services. She explains each week what brought her to the choices made. We hope you enjoy listening and watching them.
If you click on the links in green it should then take you to YouTube.
If you click on the links in green it should then take you to YouTube.
Sunday 27th December
Hi all
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas Day, however you spent it.
The music for this Sunday's service is below. Enjoy!
While Shepherd's Watched - Thomas Clark
Performed by Bury Christian Fellowship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkUGOya66Bo
O Holy Night - Adolphe Adams
Performed by Dinnington St. Leonard's Choir
(See last week's post for video if you haven't heard it already!)
Joy to the World - Traditional
Performed by Micah Stampley and Sherri Jones-Moffett
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uptV608jZY8
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas Day, however you spent it.
The music for this Sunday's service is below. Enjoy!
While Shepherd's Watched - Thomas Clark
Performed by Bury Christian Fellowship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkUGOya66Bo
O Holy Night - Adolphe Adams
Performed by Dinnington St. Leonard's Choir
(See last week's post for video if you haven't heard it already!)
Joy to the World - Traditional
Performed by Micah Stampley and Sherri Jones-Moffett
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uptV608jZY8
Sunday 6th December
Hi all
This weekend we will be back in church but I will continue posting music on here to reach those of you unable to come.
As we move into Advent I am mindful of two people, now no longer with us, who HATED the dreariness of the music that often goes with Advent readings - I will therefore try my hardest not to be responsible for any dreary music over the next few weeks!
Enjoy
Hills of the North Rejoice – Martin Shaw
Performed by Ruth and Joy Etheringham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYi6pKL4i5o
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear – Trad.
Performed by the Choir of Winchester Cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSn0_Zj6gjQ
Do Not Be Afraid – Gerard Markland
Performed by Marilla Ness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iXnD1jELtl8
Come to the Water – John B. Foley
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwG6PCWnih0
This weekend we will be back in church but I will continue posting music on here to reach those of you unable to come.
As we move into Advent I am mindful of two people, now no longer with us, who HATED the dreariness of the music that often goes with Advent readings - I will therefore try my hardest not to be responsible for any dreary music over the next few weeks!
Enjoy
Hills of the North Rejoice – Martin Shaw
Performed by Ruth and Joy Etheringham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYi6pKL4i5o
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear – Trad.
Performed by the Choir of Winchester Cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSn0_Zj6gjQ
Do Not Be Afraid – Gerard Markland
Performed by Marilla Ness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iXnD1jELtl8
Come to the Water – John B. Foley
Performed by Emmaus Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwG6PCWnih0
Sunday 29th November
Hello all
Below is the music for this week, chosen to suit this week's readings. I hadn't heard the first one since I was singing in my worship band at University, came back to me as soon as I read the reading from Isaiah!
Enjoy :)
Awake, awake O Zion – Nathan Fellingham
Performed by Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja4OkYH1jyE
Lord of the Dance – Sydney Carter
Performed by The Dubliners and Jim McCann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPGSFDy8wo
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – John Greenleaf Whittier/Hubert Parry
Performed at the NBC Big Sing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqOnjmr9Ah0
Will you come and follow me (The Summons) – John L. Bell
Taken from CD Spirit and Song Vol. 5 Disc J (performers not quoted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o469PRLdbHU
Below is the music for this week, chosen to suit this week's readings. I hadn't heard the first one since I was singing in my worship band at University, came back to me as soon as I read the reading from Isaiah!
Enjoy :)
Awake, awake O Zion – Nathan Fellingham
Performed by Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja4OkYH1jyE
Lord of the Dance – Sydney Carter
Performed by The Dubliners and Jim McCann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPGSFDy8wo
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – John Greenleaf Whittier/Hubert Parry
Performed at the NBC Big Sing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqOnjmr9Ah0
Will you come and follow me (The Summons) – John L. Bell
Taken from CD Spirit and Song Vol. 5 Disc J (performers not quoted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o469PRLdbHU
Sunday 22nd November
Hello everyone
Below is the music to suit the readings for this Sunday. As it would have been our 3rd Sunday family service I have included one with actions, maybe those of you with children can join in and dance along? Or even those of you without children!
Enjoy
At the Name of Jesus – Rev. Michael Brierley
Performed by the Westminster Hall Choir and Epworth Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7w-tDjlpgk
Immortal, invisible, God only wise – Walter Chalmers Smith
Performed by Jaron and Katherine Kamin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fff2xQETe1c
Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet – Michael Smith/Amy Grant
Performed by Maranatha Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWJZwgmKMo
Rise and Shine – Traditional
Performed by HCPT – The Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwpubq1gXU
Below is the music to suit the readings for this Sunday. As it would have been our 3rd Sunday family service I have included one with actions, maybe those of you with children can join in and dance along? Or even those of you without children!
Enjoy
At the Name of Jesus – Rev. Michael Brierley
Performed by the Westminster Hall Choir and Epworth Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7w-tDjlpgk
Immortal, invisible, God only wise – Walter Chalmers Smith
Performed by Jaron and Katherine Kamin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fff2xQETe1c
Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet – Michael Smith/Amy Grant
Performed by Maranatha Singers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWJZwgmKMo
Rise and Shine – Traditional
Performed by HCPT – The Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwpubq1gXU
Sunday 15th November
Hello all
Below are the links to the music we would have been listening to in church tomorrow. They have been chosen with this week's readings in mind. Enjoy!
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – Trad. French Carol melody
Performed by Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wl4u8lnDQs
The Lord’s My Shepherd – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stoneleigh Worship Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIQQayhpak
Nada Te Turbe – Jacques Berthier
Performed by The Taize Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go1-BoDD7CI
The Blessing - Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship
Audio performed by over 65 churches as part of the UK Blessing in May during the first lockdown
BSL performed by Additional Needs Alliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnEhIz2eHow
Below are the links to the music we would have been listening to in church tomorrow. They have been chosen with this week's readings in mind. Enjoy!
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – Trad. French Carol melody
Performed by Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wl4u8lnDQs
The Lord’s My Shepherd – Stuart Townend
Performed by Stoneleigh Worship Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIQQayhpak
Nada Te Turbe – Jacques Berthier
Performed by The Taize Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go1-BoDD7CI
The Blessing - Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship
Audio performed by over 65 churches as part of the UK Blessing in May during the first lockdown
BSL performed by Additional Needs Alliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnEhIz2eHow
Sunday 8th November Remembrance Day
I would like to share with you the music I chose for our service this Sunday. Everything was carefully chosen to combine Remembrance Sunday with our usual service of Holy Communion. Please follow the links to watch/listen in your own homes. If you are unable to follow the links please message me and I will send you the download.
‘O Valiant Hearts’ – Charles Harris
Performed by The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lP-VGSf92Y
This music would have played as the Poppy Wreath was laid in church by the Dinnington branch of the Royal British Legion and is a much loved hymn by the congregation on Remembrance Sunday.
‘Abide With Me’ – William Henry Monk
Performed by The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szJIZXxrsLQ
This music would have been played during Holy Communion.
‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ – Gustav Holst
Performed by The Bands of HM Royal Marines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d9fZAeYels
This would have followed a time of silence and reflection and Rev. Steve Wilcockson would have recited some of the traditional words of Remembrance at this point. We would have followed this by standing to listen to the National Anthem.
‘Hymn to the Fallen’ – John Williams
Performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnocxD5u2bA
This would have quietly played as everyone left church following the Blessing.
I will continue to choose music to suit the readings we would have had in church throughout lockdown and will post them here at the weekend.
‘O Valiant Hearts’ – Charles Harris
Performed by The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lP-VGSf92Y
This music would have played as the Poppy Wreath was laid in church by the Dinnington branch of the Royal British Legion and is a much loved hymn by the congregation on Remembrance Sunday.
‘Abide With Me’ – William Henry Monk
Performed by The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szJIZXxrsLQ
This music would have been played during Holy Communion.
‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ – Gustav Holst
Performed by The Bands of HM Royal Marines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d9fZAeYels
This would have followed a time of silence and reflection and Rev. Steve Wilcockson would have recited some of the traditional words of Remembrance at this point. We would have followed this by standing to listen to the National Anthem.
‘Hymn to the Fallen’ – John Williams
Performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnocxD5u2bA
This would have quietly played as everyone left church following the Blessing.
I will continue to choose music to suit the readings we would have had in church throughout lockdown and will post them here at the weekend.
