The Collect:
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Post Communion Prayer:
Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7-11
So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8 If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked ones, you shall surely die’, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life. 10 Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: ‘Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?’ 11 Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 15-20
‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’
Please Pray for Leah Laughland, Joseph, Mark, Andy Ashman, Val Pinder, Roger Goody, Jenni Lister, Wendy Cook, Millie Collins, Jill Fitch, Poppy Allard, Michael Kirk, Lilian Bowles & family, Claire Laker.
Please contact the Benefice Administrator Alison Dale 07985025381 or beneficeadmin@elhamvalleygroupofchurches.co.uk to add people to the prayers.
Please pray for the departed, and those for whom an anniversary of death falls at this time, Robert Martin, HM Queen Elizabeth II, John Chapman, Betty Jones, Colin Brown & Vivien Skidmore.
For Baptisms and Weddings please contact the Benefice Administrator as above.
To arrange for Funerals, Ashes Interments, Thanksgivings, Blessings, Renewal of Vows, and all other services please contact Revd Sharon Paine - 07503 290552 or email sharonpaine10@aol.com
Parish Notices:
Wedding – Lucie Brachet & Ryan Hobbs – Sat. 5th Sep. 1.30pm – Wootton
Concert by The Elham Duo – Sun. 13th Sept. 3pm – tickets £15 on the door.
Benefice Notices:
Benefice Prayer Meeting
For the last several months a few of us have met at Lyminge church at 9am on the 4th Thursday of each month. We pray for our benefice churches, the village communities, and any particular need we are aware of, both local and wider. It would be lovely to have representatives from other churches to join us in upholding these needs in prayer. Do feel free to join us. The next meeting is on the 24th September.
If you have any questions, or prayer requests, do contact me on sharonpaine10@aol.com or 07503 290552. Rev. Sharon
Meeting with Archdeacon Darren – to discuss the vacancy in the Benefice. Thursday 24th September 7pm at Lyminge Church. Would PCC members please let their church warden know if they will be attending, for catering purposes. Churchwardens, please advise Alison Dale of the numbers.

Churches around the UK have come together to sing a blessing over the nation.