9TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 9th AUGUST 2020
The Readings for 9th August – Trinity 9
1 Kings 19: 9-18 Romans 10: 5-15 Matthew 14: 22-33
Thoughts for this Week
Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
We all have a lot to cope with at the moment and we have no clue as to when this pandemic is going to end. It is such a chore – having to remember masks when we go shopping, not being able to worship like we used to in Church, not shaking hands, not being able to travel ( this is the longest that I’ve been in the country for forty years!) and queuing to go into a shop. Businesses are struggling if not going bankrupt, offices remain closed and the buses remain on strange timetables. And for those who have sadly lost love ones, the ability to give a proper farewell has been severely curtailed. And so it goes on. Sometimes it feels like we are just about at the limit of what we can do.
Then suddenly it all gets worse. Someone close to us catches the virus or has been diagnosed with cancer, a relative is admitted to hospital, the car breaks down, money dries up and someone is involved in an accident. Fortunately, no one is hurt but the car is a write-off. And then just as you are completing the complicated online claim form, there is a power failure and you lose all the work you’ve just put in. The stress is immense.
It feels as if life has got totally out of control, like being out at sea in a small boat with giant waves throwing us around so much that we’re afraid of falling overboard and drowning.
Jesus’ disciples know exactly what that feels like. Their boat is being battered by wind and waves from all sides and they’re making no headway towards land. They’ve been in a storm on the lake before when they feared for their lives. That time Jesus was with them in the boat. He was asleep, but when they woke him up he commanded the wind and the sea to be calm and they obeyed him.
This time, they’re on their own; but then early in the morning, while it’s still dark, they think they see Jesus coming towards them – except that he can’t be because that would mean he was walking on the water. They’re terrified, not so much by the weather conditions, this time, but by the sight of what they believe must be a ghost.
But then a familiar voice says calmly, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” The wind is every bit as strong and the waves still threaten to turn them over, but somehow the voice saying those words makes all the difference.
Peter, as always, wants to take things a step further. He wants to walk on the water himself to get to Jesus. He steps forward and does indeed make progress, until he realises that the wind and the waves are still a very real danger and allows that fear to overwhelm the faith he had shown in Jesus.
The storm continues until Jesus and Peter are in the boat with the others, when the wind ceases, calm is restored, and the disciples are left in no doubt that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.
We sometimes feel that our lives are out of control and the stress is making us ill. We feel as if we are drowning and something inside cries out, “Lord, save me!” And then although the problems don’t seem to go away and life is still chaotic and difficult; we no longer feel so alone or frightened by what’s happening to us as friends and relatives rally round and offer us support. Good things start to happen.
Perhaps all of us at some time or another feel like this. That our lives have got out of control and are unmanageable. In all the chaos and busyness we don’t have an opportunity to do more than cry out in distress, “Lord, save me.” We may also not see at the time that Jesus immediately reaches out to catch us, just as he caught Peter and returned him to safety.
Jesus will reach out to catch us through the presence of friends offering love and support, practical help and a reassurance that we can get through this storm. He will also, if we let him, use us to reach out to others who have cried out to him in distress.
So, whether we speak them or hear them, the words “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” can make all the difference when someone cries out, “Lord, save me”. Amen.
Rev’d Stephen
Although we are apart, we pray together:
House of Commons Prayer before every session
Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of Your Spirit.
May they never lead this nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals, but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may Your kingdom come and Your name be hallowed. Amen.
For our communities
We pray for our communities and those around us who are struggling with the divisions in our society and are worried about the future. May we be able to bring peace and offer a hopeful vision to those around us.
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For those who are ill
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; in particular we think of Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.
We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them,
Len Wilson and Richard Preedy.
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Cynthia Porter and Jocelyn Lees.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Conform or rebel
Lord,
In my workplace, help me to rebel against dishonesty, laziness and time-wasting.
Help me to conform to hard work, integrity and efficiency.
In my friendships, help me to rebel against disloyalty, unreliability and gossip.
Help me to conform to loyalty, reliability and keeping confidences.
In my devotion to you, help me to rebel against lethargy, cold ritual and complacency.
Help me to conform to the passion for holiness that is in you, and live a cross-centred existence for you.
Amen
I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Family Likeness
Father God, plant in me a thought, a prayer, a word, some silence, I don't care what form your presence takes, just so long as it helps me know you.
Plant, then nurture your chosen mode of knowing until I recognise your hand in its fruitfulness and submit to your season. Temper my inclination to impetuous rushing, outgrowing my capabilities before your time; until then hold me in gentle, measured wholeness.
Plant in my identity a strong familial likeness, traits of genus Christian that make me know you claim me and others to recognise my creator.
[Taken from: Another Pot of Coffee – Irena Milloy]
Mike Chinneck
Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen
May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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 lory are yours glory now and for ever.
Amen.
8TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 2nd august 2020
The Readings for 2nd August – Trinity 8
Isaiah 55: 1-5 Romans 9: 1-5 Matthew 14: 13-21
Thoughts for this Week
Readings: Isaiah 55: 1-5. God invites everyone who thirsts to come to the waters, and those with no money to share wine and milk for free. God promises an everlasting covenant with David, drawing in all nations.
Romans 9: 1-5. Paul laments for his Jewish kindred, to whom belongs God’s covenant. Longing for them to believe in Christ. He would happily sacrifice himself for their sake.
Gospel:Matthew 14: 13-21. Jesus withdraws from the crowd in a boat, but is followed by a multitude of men, women and children who follow him on foot, some prepared better than others. Jesus provides for all their needs, healing the unwell, and ensures all are fed.
Recent news reports featured the sacking of 350 experienced pilots by British Airways and the retirement of their 747 Jumbo fleet of 32 aircraft, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus response. The inevitable cycle of economic downturn in customers, income, jobs, infrastructure and overheads, in the quest for survival. A downward spiral which has touched every Diocese and Church Organization in the land, a continued reduction in income staff and buildings in response to shrinking membership.
For quite some time I have been troubled by what can only be described as a disturbing spiritual motivation, hiding within the complex subjects of Global Warming, Brexit and Coronavirus Pandemic. Common to all three, it is the power of disunity. The power to separate, unlike any previous conflict and totally alien to the Christian Spirit, by which we have a powerful bond within the unity of The Holy Trinity, to form what I often refer to as the quadrinity. A unity revealed in the well-known Gospel of today, when the logistics of how to feed a very large crowd with what appears to be a very small amount of food is dealt with by God the Son within the example of latent human generosity. And how the very presence of Christ and perhaps a little boy’s sacrificial example, released sufficient flow of food to produce an overflow.
Firstly, the miracle is told in all four Gospels, giving an indication of it’s importance. All follow the same basic form. The crowd, by this time in Christ’s ministry are Followers, many already hooked by his teaching and healing. Within reason, they know what to expect. It appears particularly in John’s account of the experience, that Jesus was testing the faith of Phillip and Andrew as much as anything else. We note that in all the accounts it is the Disciples who are concerned about the possible hunger of the crowd and also their own. John’s Gospel introduces the generosity of the little boy willing to give up what little he had for Christ.
Christ expresses a certain familiarity with the people in the crowd. I guess he will have seen many of the faces before and he will already know that many would not have come to a gathering like this without some provisions. But many miles will have been walked to get there, and provisions were hard to come by and if there is no need, not to be shared. But this crowd owed Christ a lot in terms of healing, teaching and the promise of forgiveness. While not obvious, all it needed was a trigger or key to unlock their gratitude.
The gift of five loaves and two fish became that key which unlocked the sharing generosity of the multitude and the ministry of that day became a miraculous event involving God and
humanity. Leaving us with the guidance that whatever we bring to God in His service, on behalf of our fellow humanity no matter how small, it will be enough if we share it in faith. Final thought – Did Christ feed the multitude with the help of the little boy or did the little boy feed the multitude with the help of Christ?
Amen
Roger Davenport
Although we are apart, we pray together:
Heavenly Father, you are the light of our world, through your Son, Jesus Christ you feed us with the bread of life. We ask that we can receive Him into our daily lives to live a fruitful God-filled life together and as a true and complete family until eternity, filled with the fullness of your love so that we can abide in you as you abide in us.
Lord in your mercy....
We give you thanks for your churches and ask that in the not too distant future we may be able to reunite with our friends and fellow Christians, to once again share our faith, be able to join in prayer and jubilation, to listen to your word and to sing your praises as a united Christian family and community.
Lord in your mercy....
Blessed are you, Lord God, for the gifts you give to your people. We pray and give thanks for our social workers, carers, home helps, doctors and nurses who do so much to make our life that much easier. During the recent epidemic, we know and appreciate that without them, life would have become intolerable for some and much harder for so many.
Lord in your mercy....
We pray for all those who are in need. For those we know and those we love, give them the strength and courage to overcome their difficulties or illness and restore them to full health and normality in your true glory. We think of, especially, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.
We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them,
Len Wilson, Richard Preedy and Paul Warren.
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Frank Marshall,
Rev Michael Dymock, Michael Allen, Eric Doy, Janet Coleman, Pauline Phipps (also Roy Phipps 2010), Pamela Speedy and Dot Baker.
Lord in your mercy....
Finally heavenly Father, the giver of all good things, we give you thanks for all those who have provided for us. We pray for our homes, our friends and for all those that we also try to provide for. May we also be sensitive and caring to all those who live in our community.
Bill Meakin
Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen
May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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.
7th sunday of trinity - 26th july 2020
The Readings for 26th July – Trinity 7
1 Kings 3: 5-12 Romans 8: 26-end Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52
Thoughts for this Week
The 22nd July saw the day we commemorate Mary Magdalen.
Nearly everyone, churchgoer or not, can probably tell you something they know about her. The fallen woman forgiven by Jesus who then becomes one of his most devoted followers. The first person to see the risen Jesus. The subject of many old master paintings, not to mention the legends of her promoted in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, and the book and film of The Da Vinci code.
However, the notion of her as the redeemed sinful woman is not voiced in scripture. It did not appear until the 8thcentury when a Pope gave a sermon in which he contrasted the roles of women. Hold on to your diversity hats please. He preached that all women fell into one of two categories, each one exemplified by a Mary in Jesus’ life. The first was the virtuous and obedient example of Jesus’ mother. The other the adulterous but subsequently repentant Mary Magdalen, as he assumed a link between her, and the story of the woman taken in adultery. This idea caught on, and it was not until the 1960s that the bible readings for her commemorative day were quietly altered to reflect her role as disciple rather than the unidentified fallen woman.
Scripture does tell us that Mary Magdalene was healed of seven demons. What these were is not specified. Perhaps mental ill health or complex physical conditions were involved. Also, her title of Magdalene has been assumed to show she hailed from the town of Magdala. Yet Jesus was fond of giving nicknames to His followers: Peter was the rock, and James and John the sons of thunder for their volatility. Magdala means watchtower or lighthouse in Aramaic, something that offered help, light, and protection. This too could be a nickname reflecting personality traits of Mary’s.
Luke’s Gospel tells us that Mary was one of those who financially supported Jesus’ mission. Yet this woman, unusual in being independently wealthy and free to follow Jesus outside of the constraints of the time, jeopardised that position in order to follow and assist His work. It was she with other women who remained at the foot of the cross throughout Jesus’ ordeal, whilst the male disciples went into hiding out of fear. She who first arrived at Jesus’ tomb in order to undertake the required burial rites for Him. Therefore perhaps the title of tower might refer to her support, her endurance, and her strength of faith. Her reward was to be the first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection, and sent to tell the others that He had risen.
Does it matter whether Mary was a fiercely independent woman who believed Jesus’ teachings and decided to follow and support His mission? Or whether she was a woman who had transgressed the rules of that historic society, but found a new life through Jesus’ forgiveness? I don’t believe it does. Both versions offer a window through which we can view what the Kingdom of God offers us. We are all sinners; we all fall short in our behaviours. In 1st century Palestine prostitution and adultery were viewed as the worst of failings. Therefore this story is telling us that Mary’s life once she encountered Jesus was totally turned around. She was forgiven for even the worst of behaviour during those times; and her life was transformed because of it, for her and everyone around her.
If Mary were instead a wealthy woman of means her story provides an example of what we too are called to do in living out Jesus’ teachings; to follow Him in devotion, offering both sacrifices and generosity in doing so.
Our other Gospel readings for today, from Matthew 13:31-33 and 44-52 are parables on how God’s kingdom of is realised here on earth. These also reinforce Mary’s story, and are worth reflecting on considering she probably heard them first-hand. Whatever we each believe to be the truth behind Mary’s story, that truth offers us something for the living of our lives today.
Sharon Paine
Although we are apart, we pray together:
A former vicar said (humourously) (I think) that a Church gets its appropriate Patron Saint; Elham had the Virgin Mary; Wootton had the soldier St Martin (church wardens Col. Whitamore and Col. Ball); and Denton had Mary Magdalene…Well, Mary Magdalene, we at Denton are proud to have you as our Patron Saint. The first person to see the risen Christ; the first to spread the word; the mystery woman; the human face of Christianity.
A silver mist, low-lying on the lawn,
The garden blushing to the breaking dawn,
Three crosses silhouetted on a hill,
The air high-charged, yet absolutely still;
Talking figures, moving out of sight;
The world emerging in a different light.
Oh my God, I wish I could have seen
What cracked the Rock and changed the Magdalene.
Lord, we thank you for Mary Magdalene, whose way of life was changed by knowing Jesus. We pray for all marginalised people; homeless people, who are often cold-shouldered; refugees ,who have left war zones only to find harsh and sometimes violent lives in camps; people who are trafficked as if they are not human; addicts, who would rather have friends to depend on; prisoners, who want to be given a second chance.
We pray for the unemployed, who feel unvalued by society; for victims of abuse, who want to regain their self-esteem; for disabled people, who want to be treated without differentiation; for elderly people, who want dignified care and interaction without being patronised; for the mentally ill, who need time and understanding.
We bring to you all people living on the edge of society. Fold them in your all-embracing arms and help us towards making this world a kinder place. Amen
Lord, we thank you for choosing a woman as the first to meet the Risen Christ. Mary Magdalene demonstrates the importance of women in the Church and in the world. We celebrate the talents of great women throughout time, in all walks of life; in medicine, Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson; in literature, Jane Austen, George Elliot, the Bronte sisters; poets Sylvia Plath, Carol-Ann Duffy, Grace Nichols. In social reform, we celebrate Mary Wollestonecraft, who championed women’s rights; Josephine Butler, who fought against child prostitution, and trafficking; Elizabeth Fry, who helped to implement prison reform; Emmeline Pankhurst, who fought for women’s suffrage; Marie Stopes, a pioneer of birth control and family planning.
These are just a few examples; and we celebrate also women who are teachers, politicians, priests, lawyers, doctors, police, nurses and carers, home- makers, mothers, foster parents, office and manual workers and those in other jobs; all playing a part in a diverse society. Amen
Lord, we ask your blessing upon the sick and dying. We think particularly of those suffering from Covid-19, but let us also remember those suffering from cancer and other diseases and conditions. We pray for healing and relief for the sick, and gentle passage for the dying.
We think of, especially, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.
We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them, Richard Preedy and Paul Warren.
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Madeleine Hutchings, Colin Smith, Peter Greenhalgh, Ken Goldsmith, Edna Chapman and Mick Price.
Amen
Sue Clough
Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen
May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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.
6th sunday of trinity - 19th july 2020
This Week's Readings:
Wisdom of Solomon12: 13, 16-19 Romans 8: 12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Thoughts for this Week
In these last weeks and months a lot of people have been out in gardens planting seeds, tending plants, some for the first time in years, some earlier than usual. We’ve been thankful when we had seeds or could get the seeds or plants we wanted, been surprised again and again when seed germinated and plants flourished, thanked God for the beauty and wonder of new life in plants, enjoyed their greenness or amazing colours.
One of today’s readings is about planting seeds and them growing. We could call it Seeds and Weeds. We can read the story and also Jesus’ explanation.
Good seed – that’s great. Jesus says he sowed good seed, as His Father had created the world “ and it was very good”, but then what happens, his servants come and tell him of weeds. These days some people say that weeds are just a good plant in the wrong place, but some of us know there are some weeds that we really don’t want – couch grass, knotweed, bindweed, ground elder. Some were planted as food long ago and now we don’t use them, we could eat them in salad or like spinach. But in our reading the word used for weed is darnel, a common weed in Israel which has three characteristics important to us , it looks very like wheat at first, it twines its roots round those of other plants so you can’t remove it without damaging them and it is poisonous to eat so you really don’t want it in a good wheat field. However when full grown the wheat is heavy with grain and the darnel not, so you can tell them apart.
Are there things in our lives that we see as weeds, sapping our energy, taking our water and nourishment or sunshine – illness or people or happenings, some really evil, some just unpleasant. It would be so nice to be able to root them out and throw them away but Jesus says we should wait. As far as illness is concerned we take every chance for improvement in health and there pray for God’s blessing on all working in the health services, in research and in action.
Maybe we need to particularly ask God to bless situations or people, if at all possible, give it a chance to change from weed into wheat. Don’t spoil our lives by cursing, “bless those who curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”, God says “ I will bless you and you will be a blessing to others…”. There were, and are, times when we are weeds, God gave and gives us chances to be wheat and fruitful, to change through the power of his Holy Spirit.
The parable teaches us that there is always a hostile power in the world, seeking and waiting to destroy the good seed. Our experience is that both kinds of influence act upon our lives, the influence which helps the seed of the word to flourish and to grow, and the influence which seeks to destroy the good seed before it can produce fruit at all. The lesson is that we must be for ever on our guard. It may be hard to distinguish between those who are in the Kingdom of God and those who are not. A person or situation may appear to be good and may in fact be bad; they may appear to be bad and may yet be good. We are often very quick to classify people and label them good or bad without knowing all the facts. But Jesus says judgment does come in the end, it is not hasty, and that the only person with the right to judge is God. It is God alone who can discern the good and the bad; it is God alone who sees all of a person and all of a life.
We thank him for forgiveness, we are not fixed as weeds or wheat, we can change.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.
Janet Butcher-Weisner
Although we are apart, we pray together:
We start with the Wisdom of Solomon 12 vs 13
“There is not any god besides you, Lord, whose care is for all people.”
A prayer adapted from the Children’s Society
Generous God, you have created such a beautiful world, fruitful and bountiful beyond our needs ; yet we sow it with the weeds of selfishness and greed, and spoil it for one another. Strengthen those who strive for fairness and justice, care and love to be hallmarks of our shared life; especially those who work for the wellbeing and flourishing of our children. Bless The Children’s Society, and all other Agencies around the World, in all their work to end hunger, poverty and distress in families, especially as our school summer holidays approach; may they encourage and enable all our young people to be nurtured, cherished and fulfilled.
Lord, in your mercy. Hear our Prayer.
We pray for our Church and the wider Community
God, at this most important time we pray for the Leadership of our church that they may seek to encourage us to spread your Word; that we scoop up the seed that falls anyway than
good ground so that your Word is heard and interpreted universally as the only acceptable. We pray that our political Leaders continue to consider the needs of the people and celebrate the day when this virus is beaten. We pray for those who continue on the front line; keep them strong and well protected.
Lord, in your mercy. Hear our Prayer.
For those we know and need our help
Holy Father we pray that you will pour out the living water of your Spirit upon all who are in need. We pray for those who face every day in pain, fear, loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Let them find in you refreshment, hope and comfort for their spirit and the peace of mind that comes with the assurance of your presence alongside them. We think of, especially, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody,
Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton,
Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.
Lord, in your mercy. Hear our Prayer.
For the faithful departed
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench - We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. We thank you for those who have died in the faith of Christ, and we thank you for allowing us to share our lives with them. We remember Richard Preedy and Paul Warren. We pray for those who mourn. Open their minds that they may find a new direction in life, and grant them the comfort of your presence.
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time:
John Ames, Florence Sharp, Charles Barker and Danny Norton.
Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen
Paul Sharman
May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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.
5th sunday of trinity - 12th july 2020 - sea sunday
This Week's Readings
Psalm 107: 23-31 Acts 27: 27-32, 39-44 Luke 10:25-37
Thoughts for this Week
Who then is our neighbour? Our neighbour doesn’t just mean those who live next door, it means everyone including strangers we don’t know. It could be someone we pass in the street, the person who delivers our parcels, the one who serves our drink in the coffee shop or those who go down to the sea in ships.
You might never have met a seafarer, but they have a big impact on your lives. Your cooker at home, the oranges you buy in the supermarket, the fish you eat, and the petrol you put in your car – all of these have been brought into to this country by ship. In fact, 95% of everything we use comes to us by sea, and as seafarers do so much for us, how can we then be a good neighbour to them? When seafarers arrive in port, they are strangers in a foreign land. Often their home is thousands of miles away and it can often be a daunting experience. They don’t know the locals, often they don’t speak the language and, on some occasions are prevented from doing the things that we take for granted. Where can I find a shop to buy batteries? Where can I access the internet to contact my family? Where is the nearest church? Frequently the ship comes alongside the berth miles from anywhere and it is not possible for the seafarer to get ashore anyway!
When I was at sea as a young man, I was often excited about arriving somewhere new. Of course, it was a great adventure but there was always relief too, as entering harbour meant that we had arrived safely. My first trip to sea was aboard a steam driven container ship called the SS ACT 6, sailing non-stop from Liverpool to Melbourne via the Cape of Good Hope. I can still remember that sense of relief and thankfulness as we picked up the pilot at Queenscliff and entered into the calm of Port Philip Bay for our arrival into Melbourne after enduring the tempests of the Southern Ocean, where the waves often seemed bigger than the huge ship herself. The words of Psalm 107 accurately describes that part of the voyage; They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in
their calamity; they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and they were at their wits’ end. On some very rough days I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one who was praying to the Lord for deliverance while the ship was being tossed around like a cork. And when we arrived into harbour, it was strangers who came aboard to greet us. The port chaplains of the Missions to Seafarers, the Apostleship of the Sea and the Sailors Society were like the Samaritan in our gospel reading; concerned for the welfare of people they didn’t know. In those pre internet days communication was somewhat basic, and on the first night I went down to the mission to phone my parents to let them know I had arrived safely. I appreciated the crackly three-minute call and so did they. Help today might include providing a mobile phone top up card, internet access, providing a bus into town, and the seafarers club, warm clothes in winter, arranging a church service or just offering the simple act of hospitality.
The chaplains also help seafarers resolve pay and working issues with their employers. Unfortunately, they often have to look after seafarers when the ship and crew have been abandoned by unscrupulous or bankrupt owners and are left to fend for themselves in a strange land.
So today on Sea Sunday we thank God for seafarers and the work they do. We also thank God for all who support them, especially those who are called to be a Good Samaritan, the port chaplains and ship visitors of the Mission to Seafarers, the Apostleship of the Sea, and the Sailors Society. And by supporting these Mission Societies we are also being a good Samaritan to people we don’t know, especially to the strangers to whom we owe so much, those who go down to the sea in ships today, and do their business upon the mighty waters.
Amen.
Rev’d Stephen Dougal
Although we are apart, we pray together:
Please use in conjunction with your own prayers.
Trust God Always: “All will be well”. Prayerful petitioning on behalf of all under God’s benefaction. Believing there is harmony and a powerful loving Spirit at the heart of the universe, a God in whom we can trust. We believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. We believe in love, even when we can’t feel it. We believe in God, even when He is silent……. In faith, let us do what we can and pray. As we offer our lives in thanksgiving. Help us to be open, ready for when you speak in the stillness. Please keep us relaxed both in body and mind, constant in our love towards you, confident in your redeeming grace through Jesus Christ our Lord…. Amen
Faith: Christ is the King to whom all authority has been given in heaven and on earth. While we may own him as our Lord, we yield to him in obedience. May we dedicate our lives to his service… So come Lord Jesus and reign in us that we may be agents of your Kingdom… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
“Nothing is impossible for God”: God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolated loneliness, be their consolation... In their anxiety, be their hope... In their darkness,
be their light... Through him who suffered alone on the cross and now reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord…
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
People of Faith (The Church): Dear Lord please anoint your Church with the Spirit of recovery and evangelistic mission. We pray for Archbishop Welby, Bishop Rose and all who serve under the banner of Christ within the Elham Valley Ministry. Help us Lord, to proclaim the spirit of the Gospels by action and word within the needs of recovery and national rebuilding, that others may be drawn to your love, worship, and service…
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our Nation: Dear Lord God, please bless this land which you have given... Sustain our Queen… Guide our Politicians... Resolve our differences... Revive your Church... Forgive our selfishness... Protect our homes... And may your will be done in this nation, as it is in heaven…..
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Those who bravely serve: Almighty God we cannot thank you enough for the Spirit which sustains those who continue to serve in the front line of this Pandemic. While our gratitude goes out to Doctors, Nurses and all who sustain our N.H.S. there are many others, known to you, too numerous to mention. Please sustain their bravery by your mighty power, keep them safe and in your mercy hear their prayers and the prayers we offer up for them…….
Amen
For the Unwell & Recovery: Father please comfort and heal all those who suffer in body mind and spirit. May their healing and wholeness be empowered by your hand and may those who care for them be sustained in all aspects of their care, especially Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody,
Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton,
Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing and also the many others who we don’t know.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers and the prayers of others for their wellbeing…
Amen
Departed & Bereaved: Dear God of Compassion, we thank you for those who have influenced our own lives and now dwell with you in glory: Anne Banks, Paul Warren. For us, who have to compensate for the loss of a loved relative or friend, the spiritual pain can be a life scar. Loving Lord, please enter the lives of those who mourn and bring them courage, faith and peace in the warmth of their memories…
Merciful Father, accept all our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ...Amen
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Stanley Bradshaw, David Addington, John Coleman, Nora Parsons, Dorothy Middlemiss, Pamela Jones, George Standish, Betty Newman, Jack Bayley, Judy Pope and Gwen Gasson.
Roger Davenport
May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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.
3rd and 4th SUNDAYs OF TRINITY - 28th JUNE & 5th July 2020
*This edition of the ‘Prayer Hub’ covers two weeks due to annual leave*
Thoughts, readings and prayers for the first week; 28th June
The Readings for 28th June – Trinity 3
Jeremiah 28: 5-9, Romans 6: 12- end . Gospel – Matthew 10: 40-42
Thoughts for this Week
Destiny, or fate as it is sometimes referred to, determines the quality of our life. If it shines on us, we do well. We may succeed in business beyond our wildest dreams, become rich by winning the lottery or football pools. We could reach the top position in our company with little effort on our part, possibly have the best looking partner in the world, which others may drool over. In the end, absolutely anything we may desire is achievable. (Luke 11:9)
Rewards can also be a contributory factor in the outcome of our overall destiny. The appreciation shown by others for our efforts in life can undoubtedly afford immense satisfaction within us, and a real feeling of worth is often achieved. This, in turn, contributes greatly to our self-esteem, and increases our chances of successfully tackling tasks which are beset, which we would not otherwise contemplate.
Sometimes destiny can be considered as a reward from God for our efforts in life on other matters for which He is pleased. Just as children are rewarded when they do well, we also, as children of God, reap the same benefit.
Many people believe that destiny is preordained. They have no control whatsoever over it and just have to accept it as it happens. Although this is partially true, it does not always have to be the case. Occasionally people do have a certain amount of control over their life. Choices can be made that significantly alter the predetermined events to come, and can make the difference between happiness or misery. Destiny may be controlled by God or from another source. If it is from God, we often don’t know why we have to follow a particular road in life, or where it will lead to. (Proverbs 16:9) Sometimes we just have to trust to God… that it is often His wish. He has planned a course for us to follow with an ultimate aim in mind. A goal for us to achieve. It could be considered as a walk with God through the forest of life. A walk where God holds our hand, and leads us every step of the way. (Joshua 1:9) To what end we may ask? All will be revealed in a future time to come. We may rest assured that it will certainly be a better life and be worth all the effort. We just need to have the necessary trust and faith. (Micah 6:8)
Uncertainty often holds a person back, they become fearful of the unknown or what is to come. Unless they have a clear notion in their head as to why they have to do something it can be unnerving to their inner confidence. They feel unsettled in themselves. They find themselves stumbling for the least of setbacks because they don’t understand the ultimate goal. There are passages in the bible which portray significant stories where people are asked by God to undertake tasks without explanation or reason. The stories of Moses and Abraham are two in particular.
Destiny, generally speaking, is a series of opportunities in life and how we react to them. They are there for the taking if we want them or we can choose to ignore them if we prefer, and walk away. We have to be careful however, which we choose to accept and take on, and which we reject, or we may never progress forward. Certain opportunities can be considered as golden, which may only occur once, so it may be prudent to grasp them with both hands and make the most of them. If we misunderstand as such and make the wrong decision, then we only have ourselves to blame. As the proverb states: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” We do need to maintain balanced thinking to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. However, we also need to consider both the pros and cons of any predestined action that fulfills our will or desire as we see it. To make and achieve the best from life, each set of opportunities has to be viewed on their individual merits and then ultimately, if we choose to accept them, trust and have faith in God to accomplish them.
Amen.
Bill Meakin
Although we are apart, we pray together:
We thank you Lord that in the Bible it is written: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7). We may have many fears and worries at this time, but we thank you that through them all you have promised to be with us. Help us not to worry so much. We thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes.
Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day.
We pray for those waking up each day to the fallout caused by COVID-19, that they would reach out to you, Lord. We pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones, may they know your comfort. For those businesses and livelihoods that have been thrown into chaos and uncertainty. May they know your peace and hope for the future. For each person in our land to know your peace and hope in this difficult situation, especially those who suffer from mental health issues and abuse at home.
We pray for our World. Despite Covid-19 many countries continue in turmoil through war, disasters, political unrest, poverty, internal fighting, and oppressive regimes. For countries such as Somalia, Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, North Korea and Yemen. In the stillness we lift them to you O Lord.
[Pause]
Lord we come to pray for own Local Concerns. Help all those in the ministry team of the Benefice as they bring encouragement and support to us despite the restrictions. We pray for Jane and Stephen in the challenges they face in overseeing the provision of ministry in all our churches and organising the virtual services. We pray for those who are unwell, anxious about the situation in our country, dealing with uncertainty in their work, desperately missing.
Lord we offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
Amen.
Gary Colvin
Lord, we commend to your love and care all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens,
Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, for all known to us who need a prayer for healing and also the many others who we don’t know.
We pray for those recently departed, and those who mourn them:
Anne Banks.
And we remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Vera Austin,
Flora Moore, Owen Morris Jonathan, Joan King, George Crow, Jean Hawkins and
Sylvia Stewart.
Merciful Father, accept all our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ...
Amen
May we conclude for both weeks with the prayer Jesus taught us; ( please see end).
......................................................................................................................................................................................................
Thoughts, readings and prayers for the second week; 5th July
The Readings for 5th July – Trinity 4
Zechariah 9: 9-12, Romans 7: 15-25a Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-end
Thoughts for this Week
The pandemic dominates the news. As I write these words (two weeks before they appear in the bulletin for 5 July) there is much talk about the relaxation of restrictions. Many people are ambivalent; more freedom will be welcome, but it brings concerns about the possible results. So, in the midst of our worries, some words from today’s reading from Matthew’s gospel bring welcome reassurance and hope; Jesus says: “Come to me, all you that are weary, and I will give you rest”.
Matthew makes clear why these words bring hope, telling us that Jesus says; “No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him”. In other words, Jesus tells us, and shows us, what God is like. One writer puts it like this: “Jesus’ human life is a living parable of God’s relation to the whole of creation and to the human world.” During his human life Jesus showed what God’s love is like; he healed people with physical and mental illness, he associated with outcasts. He taught about God’s love by calling himself the good shepherd. What Jesus’ life shows to us today is a God who heals and forgives, a God with compassion for all his creation, a God of unlimited love.
That is reassuring; it gives us hope and courage in difficult times. But it is also immensely challenging as we remember that God’s love is for all, regardless of gender, nationality, race, or religion.
Many of us in the Elham benefice may well escape the worst of the results of the pandemic and the lockdown. However, many people in this country will have lost their jobs and some families will be surviving only with help from foodbanks. For some in other countries lockdown means starvation. Those of us who are elderly may not have been too seriously affected but many children will have had their education disrupted, and many young people will find it even harder to buy their first home.
And, as that remarkable and prophetic young woman Greta Thunberg has reminded us, all the concerns about the environment are still with us. Many people, especially in other countries, are suffering because of the exploitation of our planet; the future of all young people, in this and every other country, is being compromised by what is happening today.
It is complex to decide what action we can take as individuals – by charitable giving, changing our lifestyle or whatever. It is even more complex to decide what we should encourage our government to do, recognising that we shall have to contribute to the cost. But we cannot escape the challenge, because the love of God as revealed by Jesus Christ is not just for us but for all people, for all God’s creation.
And so we pray, in the words of a hymn:
“Take us, use us in your service:
we would follow where you lead.
Only your divine compassion
meets the depths of human need.”
Ted Clark
Although we are apart, we pray together:
This week sees the Saint’s Day of Canterbury’s special saint, Thomas Becket, murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170:
Thomas, hair-shirt bristling,
Rigid hands clasping cup.
“This is my blood which is…”
Stamp of rash footprints,
Song of tuned steel,
Prayers spreading over flagstones.
Lord, we thank you for Thomas, who had the courage to stand up for what he believed was right, and who died for his convictions. Please help the leaders of our Government and Church to develop the qualities of wisdom, integrity and boldness. Help us all to do what is right and to have the courage to stand up for our Christian principles.
Amen
Thomas’ shrine became a center of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages, especially for people who were praying for, or giving thanks for, the healing of sickness. We are more aware than ever before of the need to pray for healing.
Chaucer wrote:
“…from every shires ende
Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende,
The hooly blissful martir for to seke,
That hem hath holpen whan that they were seeke.” (sic)
Lord, in this dark and confusing time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we pray deeply for those who are sick. Spread your healing hands over them, to relieve their suffering and restore them to health. Give gentle passage and peace to the dying and the comfort of your loving embrace to the bereaved. We give thanks for medical staff and all other key workers. Help us to bravely face the new way of living which confronts us all.
Amen
Lord, we pray for the achievement of equality for all people, throughout the world. Help us to eliminate discrimination and racism. We pray that demonstrations may be peaceful, and that Governments and communities will work together to bring positive conclusions. May we take steps towards making the world into a fairer and kinder place, where diversity is celebrated and people are seen as individuals, and not judged by the colour of their skin, their sexual orientation, their religion, their disabilities and difficulties and their social and economic circumstances.
Amen
Finally, Lord, we welcome Deb to the ministry team of our benefice, and we thank you for guiding her to us. Fill her with your Holy Spirit and bless her with the gifts of enthusiasm, humour, compassion and enlightenment during her work in our community.
Amen
Sue Clough
We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Stanley Parsons and Evelyn London.
Merciful Father, accept all our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ...
Amen
May we conclude for both weeks with the prayer Jesus taught us;
Traditional
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Contemporary
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.
Changing Lives Prayer Network
Connected in Prayer: Pentecost to Harvest 2020
Our latest Seasonal Prayer Card is out now! Sadly we can't distribute physical copies right now as they could be a risk for spreading infection - however, you can view the card online here or on your smartphone or tablet via the Issuu app. Thanks, as ever, to Primrose Northrop for her beautiful illustrations.
a prayer for guidance during lockdown
Father God, we are beginning to at last understand, that the things that are wrong with your world are the sum total of all the things that are wrong with us as individuals.
Yet, by making us in the Spirit of your own image, our hearts and minds can find no rest until they rest in you.
We are perhaps, too Christian to enjoy sinning and too fond of sinning to fully enjoy Christianity.
Most of us know perfectly well what we ought to do; our trouble is, that deep down not all of our ’Self' wants to do it.
Your guidance and strength is our only hope. So our honest prayer must be;
Knowing nothing is impossible for You, “Lead us heavenly Father lead us, and give us the determination and strength to continually seek Your Leading”.
Amen