26 September 2020
Dear Friends
Week Commencing Sunday 27th September 2020
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
The Sundays Alive family service can be found here.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on its Facebook page.
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship at 2pm – conference call has now resumed.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm –The link is here.
WednesdaysAlive at 8pm for worship and prayer will meet on Zoom. Contact me for the Link
Church Services will remain virtual but additionally, physical meetings continue to be explored. Last week I asked that you listen to “From the Vicar’s Desk” on our YouTube channel and let us (Vicar and Wardens) know whether or not you would be likely to attend a physical service. I said we had been actively looking at the feasibility of holding some sort of services. As of the middle of the week, a record 48 viewings of the message were logged. Subsequently, we have had 2 email responses, one saying they wouldn’t attend and one that they would – and 2 telephone responses expressing the same views. About 8 people have indicated indirectly an interest in returning. Some who had previously expressed a desire to return have not responded. Please listen to the “From the Vicar’s Desk” and let us (Vicar and Wardens) know if you would be likely to attend a physical service. This will help the PCC come to a wise decision.
Blessings
Larry
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8 Aug 2020
Dear Friends,
Week Commencing Sunday 9th August 2020
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
The Sundays Alive family service can be found here.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on its Facebook page
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – Details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom contact Larry.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
Blessings Larry
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26 July 2020
Dear Friends
Week Commencing Sunday 26th July 2020
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive family service can be found here.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on its Facebook page
Bible readings and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
A short “advert” for Through Faith Missions is here.
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – Details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom contact Larry.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
Blessings
Larry
Here is the quote in full that I mentioned in the From the Vicar’s Desk video that had spoken to me deeply this week.
“March 8.–Accompanied A.B. in one of his rounds through some of the most miserable habitations I ever beheld. Such scenes I never before dreamed of. Ah, why am I such a stranger to the poor of my native town? I have passed their doors thousands of times; I have admired the huge black piles of building, with their lofty chimneys breaking the sun’s rays–why have I never ventured within? How dwelleth the love of God in me? How cordial is the welcome even of the poorest and most loathsome to the voice of Christian sympathy! What imbedded masses of human beings are huddled together, unvisited by friend or minister! ‘No man careth for our souls‘ is written over every forehead. Awake, my soul! Why should I give hours and days any longer to the vain world, when there is such a world of misery at my very door? Lord put thine own strength in me; confirm every good resolution; forgive my past long life of uselessness and folly.” (Aged 21)”
Robert Murray M’Cheyne
Psalm 142
I cry out to the Lord with my voice;
With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.5 I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me.”
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19th July 2020
Dear Friends
Week Commencing Sunday 19th July 2020
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive family service can be found here.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on it’s Facebook page
Bible readings and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
A very short message from Bishop Andrew to the wider Christian Community here.
Jamie Muir asks what might God’s Air Bridge to us look like? here.
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – Details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
I was asked for the Words of Revd Malcolm Guite’s poem:
Hold On – a new song
Well the world has changed around us
Like the shifting of a dream
And it’s left us stranded where we are
An island in midstream.
And the tides of time have borne away
All the goods we counted on
But we will not be swept away
If we can just hold on
So here’s an arm to reach for you
And here’s a warm embrace
I know that in the darkness here
You cannot see my face
But let us trust each other
In these hours before the dawn
Hold on my own beloved one
Keep praying and hold on
Chorus
Hold on to your history
Hold on to your myth
Hold on to the one you love
And love the one you’re with
Hold on through the ecstacy
Hold on through the pain
And if you ever lose your grip
Then hold on tight again
I know that you are tired now
I know the wind blows cold
I know its hard to hold on when
There’s nothing left to hold
But we can hold together
Till these dreadful days are done
And one day Love will set us free
Till then we’ll just hold on
Chorus
Hold on to your memory
Hold on to your hope
Hold on to these threads of love
And twist them into rope.
Hold on through the infamy
Hold on through the scorn
I’ll hold you, and you hold for me
Together we’ll hold on
Hold on, Hold on, Hold on….
Blessings, Larry
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12 July 2020
Dear Friends
Week Commencing Sunday 12th July 2020
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive family service can be found here.
Bible readings and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – Details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on it’s Facebook page
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
Blessings Larry
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5 July 2020
Dear Friends
You can find a few words From the Vicar’s Deskhere.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive service can be found here.
Bible readings and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on the Sundays Alive Facebook page
Thank you to all who prayed for me and the situation during the week.
Blessings, Larry
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28 June 2020
Dear Friends
You can find a very few words From the Vicar’s Deskhere.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive service can be found here.
A Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom – link sent out on Wednesday by email and Facebook.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on the Sundays Alive Facebook page
Thank you to all who are working away behind the scenes to keep church life going.
Blessings, Larry
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20 June 2020
Dear Friends
You can find a very few words From the Vicar’s Desk here.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive Service can be found here.
A Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
A song by Kayne West based on Revelation 19 is here.
A separate edition of the Michael Eldridge acapella song (the one from the USA not our Church Warden) which advertises our prayer chain.ishere.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call. – details from Dawn and the team.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom – link sent out on Wednesday by email and Facebook.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on the Sundays Alive Facebook page
ROTAS – Morning Service for Reading and Intercessions (prayers) – Thank you for those who have done our readings and prayers this week.
Blessings, Larry
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13 June 2020
Dear Friends
You can find a very few words From the Vicar’s Deskhere.
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive Service can be found here.
A Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the rest of the morning service) can be found here.
A bit of non-conformist humour can be found here.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat – 01276 691127
There are various opportunities to make contact together during the week:
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email David Swift will be hosting this week.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom – link sent out on Wednesday by email and Facebook.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on the Sundays Alive Facebook page
ROTAS – Morning Service for Reading and Intercessions (prayers) Andrew will be contacting everyone on the original rotas that we had for reading and prayers to see if you can provide an electronic version of a reading or intercessions for our cyberspace services. There are many ways to provide this, and he will talk you through the way that suits you best. To provide a reading or intercessions is no more difficult than talking on your mobile phone, although more advanced ways are available!
I very much appreciated this talk by Rico Tice – you can find it here.
I shall not be available on Wednesday due to a family funeral.
I’d like to leave you with a hymn that expresses how I feel in our present isolation – here. (It’s also at the end of From the Vicar’s Desk!)
Blessings, Larry
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6 June 2020
Dear Friends,
You can find a very few words from me here.
I’m very happy to receive a phone call if you would like to chat.
There are other various opportunities to make contact together during the week.
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship – 2pm conference call.
Wednesday Zoom Social at 12.15pm – link sent out on Wednesday by email.
WednesdaysAlive prayer and worship time on Zoom – link sent out on Wednesday by email and Facebook.
Sundays Alive Zoom Social at 4pm – link can be found on the Facebook page
The Sunday Morning Worship service can be found here.
The Sundays Alive Service can be found here.
A link to a very short talk (by a friend) on the Trinity for teenagers (and others) is here.
A Bible reading and the Bishop’s sermon (without the service) can be found here.
Blessings, Larry
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Dear Friends
Please find the links to our services below as well as a few words from my desk.
From the Vicar’s Desk is here
Sunday Morning Worship is here
Sundays Alive is here
There is no link to the 6pm Diocesan Virtual Pentecost Service but you much st search YouTube for “Diocese of Guildford”.
As ever do give me a ring if you would like a chat – my numbers are as below:
Blessings, Larry
24 May 2020
Dear Friends,
Please find links for the services for this Sunday below:
A few words for me here
Morning Worship here
Sundays Alive family service here
…and something a bit lighthearted here
Blessings, Larry
17May 2020
Dear Friends
Our isolation continues…
Please find a few words from me here
Please find our morning service here
Please find our Sundays Alive service here and note that our Zoom meeting will be earlier at 4pm so see if this will help families with younger children.
I will send another email on Wednesday morning with links to our 12.15 church Zoom social and 19.50 for 20.00 our Wednesdays Alive praise and prayer Zoom
Blessings, Larry
10 May
Dear Friends,
I have said a few words From the Vicar’s Desk on video which can be listened to here.
I very much hope that it might be possible later in the week to share a link to Neal Walker’s funeral which is at 4pm on Thursday14th May so that you might join us virtually at Easthampstead Crematorium on your computers and tablets.
I prepared a short video for VE Day which I managed to share on Facebook so some of you might have seen it. You can view it here.
Bishop Jo is preaching again at our Sunday Morning Service which can be seen here.
Sundays Alive service is here and there will be a Zoom at 5pm – the link is on the Facebook page.
There will be an opportunity to meet up for a Virtual Social at 12.15 on Wednesday – I will send the link on Wednesday by email.
There will also be a Wednesdays Alive Worship and prayer time on Zoom at 19.50 for 8pm – I will also send the link on Wednesday by email.
Every blessing, Larry
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Dear Friends,
2 May 2020
Dear Friends,
I trust you are well despite the restrictions placed upon us.
I’m continuing to learn about technology and edge forward. This week our services will feel similar to previous weeks but there will be no need to click on all the links any longer as I have now learnt how to combine them all together into one.
*** You can find the whole Morning Service by clicking here
There will be a Zoom meeting to keep in touch at 12.15pm on Wednesday Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 289 488 8607
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2894888607
*** You can find the whole Sundays Alive family service by clicking here
There will be a Zoom meeting at 5pm check the Sundays Alive Facebook page for a link.
*** Those of you that enjoy contemporary Christian music might like to listen to the songs from last weeks WednesdaysAlivehere
*** RESOURCES
This call to prayer from an NHS Consultant is part of the morning service. Others can view it here *** The Bishop’s sermon is part of the morning service. Others can view it here *** This short humorous talk about making the bed by a friend is part of the Sundays Alive service. Others can view it here *** A more reflective talk from another friend Christopher Spicer on how God might use the current crisis for our good. here ***
Please do give me a ring if you would like a chat during the week.
Blessings, Larry.
25 April 2020
Dear Friends,
I’m attaching a plan for Sunday’s morning worship. This time there are more opportunities to press click during the service. I looking for a way to link these different items together – if you are skilled in video editing I’d love to hear from you.
The Sundays Alive afternoon service is available on the new joint Messy Church Facebook page.
Please especially remember in your prayers those who do not have email or the internet and are feeling more cut of than the rest of us.
I would be interested to know if any of you would appreciate me hosting a Zoom meeting – say at 12.15pm (just after the bells) on a Wednesday?
Every blessing, Larry
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18 March 2020
Dear Friends,
Attached is for all ages and there are a variety of choices that you can make.
Do feel free to revisit the pages attached if you feel like a sing-song or you feel that you would like to listen to something again or a read an article (at the end)
Children might like to make a flag to sing along to songs with – there’s nothing to stop adults either for that matter.
I’m slowly learning about technology…..
Blessings, Larry
NB If you see anything that’s worth sharing do let me know.
ALL AGE CHURCH WORSHIP FOR 2nd after EASTER – SUNDAY 19th April 2020
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people – Praise the Lord!
Welcome
Christ is risen He is risen indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia!
OPENING PRAYER
O God
we have come to this house of prayer:
help us to remember
that you are here with us,
to pray to you and sing your praise
with all our hearts,
and to listen to your word
with open minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OPENING BIBLE SENTENCE
Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us: ♦
so let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: ♦
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5.7b, 8
SONG (Adults – children to learn)O worship the King CLICK
or
SONG – Lions go roarCLICK
COLLECT FOR PURITY
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.
CONFESSION
O 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.
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS
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.
SONG – Spirit of the living GodCLICK
and
SONG – Jesus is the name we honourCLICK
PSALM 91 (my friend Jamie recites this psalm on his way to theatre) CLICK
BIBLE READING – John 20:19-end (see below for text or read in your own Bible)
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
SERMON from Bishop Andrew Sermon ‘Inside Out’ John 20:19-endCLICK
and/or
SUNDAYS ALIVE THOUGHT(and others) a skirmish with the Trinity (by John Watson) CLICK.
SONG (Quieter) Be still for the presence of the Lord CLICK
or
SONG(Louder)These are the days of Elijah CLICK
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Dear Friends,
Hallelujah He is Risen, Happy Easter
Please find our Easter Service attached.
There is no sight of the promised Easter Sermon from one of the Bishops but I hope the service will still be a blessing to you.
If/when a sermon appears I will send it along.
Blessings
Larry
ALL AGE CHURCH WORSHIP FOR EASTER SUNDAY 12th April 2020
Welcome
Christ is risen
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people – Praise the Lord!
OPENING PRAYER
O God
we have come to this house of prayer:
help us to remember
that you are here with us,
to pray to you and sing your praise
with all our hearts,
and to listen to your word
with open minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OPENING BIBLE SENTENCE
Colossians 3:1-4
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
SONG (Adults and children to learn)Jesus Christ is risen today CLICK
COLLECT FOR PURITY
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.
CONFESSION
O 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.
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS
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.
SONG – He is Lord, He is Lord CLICK
SONG – Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen CLICK
CREED (portion) – what we believe
Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day
according to the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers
and to all the apostles:
this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
BIBLE READING – Mathew 28: 1-10 (see below for text or read in your own Bible)
Jesus Has Risen
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Her Majesty the Queen – Easter Message – CLICK
No sermon arrived from Guildford Diocese – there is a short talk at the bottom of this sheet.
INTERCESSIONS (Prayers asking and thanking God for things)
SONG – Behold the Lamb CLICK
AT THE COLLECTION
All things come from you O Lord – And of your own do we give you
(Take a moment to thank God for all that we have been given and consider how much we should give back to him to and through the church and to others.)
THE PEACE
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples
and said, Peace be with you. Then they were glad when they
saw the Lord. The peace of the Lord be always with us
REMEMBERING THE LORD’S SUPPER
Father, we give you thanks and praise
through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord.
Jesus, you died to set us free
We worship and adore you
Jesus you are risen from the grave
We worship and adore you.
We worship and adore you
with angels and archangels
and all the company of heaven, saying:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
the night before Jesus died
at supper with his friends
he took bread and gave you thanks.
He broke it and shared it, saying:
“This is my body given for you”.
After supper he took the cup of wine.
He gave you thanks and said:
“This is my blood of the covenant
which is poured out for forgiveness.
Eat this bread and drink this wine
and remember me.”
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Father as we remember that Jesus gave himself for us – we give ourselves to you.
Accept through him our thanks and praise.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
and help us to live as your people
so that we may bring glory to your name.
Blessing and honour
and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever. Amen.
SONG (Adult) Thine be the glory CLICK
or
SONG(children) Good news, Jesus was born CLICK
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
SONG(adult) – See what a morning CLICK
or
SONG (children) – Our God is a great big God CLICK
BLESSING
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He has given us new life and hope
by raising 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.
Let us go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
CLOSING MUSIC CLICK
Time for a quality cup of Coffee
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
There are activities & other things to watch and do on the Sundays Alive Facebook page
The Power of the Cross CLICK
A short talk (4 mins) about Judgement and Grace – Hugh Osgood (my former pastor) CLICK
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Dear Friends,
Please find a Good Friday Service attached. There is perhaps more content than you might need so feel free to pick and choose.
Good Friday – an opportunity to watch the Wintershall Play on Facebook – I don’t think you have to be a member of Facebook to watch.
Wintershall 7 hrs ·
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” The breaking of bread at the Last Supper has been re-enacted through the centuries as a way of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. This shared meal is a beautiful picture of our unity with Christ and with one another as believers.
We will be streaming a documentary tomorrow on Good Friday at 12 and 3pm using pre-recorded clips, without an audience, from the Wintershall Passion and the One Good Friday cities and towns.
There will be messages from both Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Bishop Jo Bailey Wells, as well as interviews with the Wintershall team. This will be followed by a full showing of 2019 Trafalgar Square production. Join us: CLICK
Keeping in touch with one another I do hope you are making an effort to keep in touch with church friends and others. We received this email from Eda earlier today which I thought I would pass on “Easter Blessings to everybody in Heatherside Church, May all this uncertainty, all over the world be resolved ….we ask in your Dear name, O Lord , Amen from Eda“
Other things Apologies that Dawn’s email address was incorrect in my previous email.
Every blessing
Larry
Good Friday 10th April 2020
WELCOME
This is the day that the Lord has made Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people Praise the Lord!
Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,
to you be glory and praise for ever.
As we behold your Son, enthroned on the cross,
stir up in us the fire of your love,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and walk with you in newness of life
singing the praise of him who died
for us and our salvation.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
READING Isaiah 52: 13-end
The suffering and glory of the servant
13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him –
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness –
15 so he will sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
PAUSE & REFLECT
SONG There is a green hill far away CLICK
CONFESSION
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.
The Lord enrich us with his grace,
and nourish us with his blessing;
the Lord defend us in trouble
and keep us from evil;
the Lord accept our prayers,
and absolve us from your offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.
SONG My Lord what love is this CLICK
READING John: 18: 1-14
Jesus Arrested
When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
PAUSE & REFLECT
SONG Jesus Christ I think upon your sacrifice CLICK
READING John 18: 15-40
Peter’s First Denial
15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.
He replied, “I am not.”
18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus
19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Peter’s Second and Third Denials
25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it, saying, “I am not.”
26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
Jesus Before Pilate
28 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”
30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”
31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.”
“But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. 32 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die.
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.
PAUSE & REFLECT
SONG Meekness and majesty CLICK
READING John 19: 1-27
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.
4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.
“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,
“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”
So this is what the soldiers did.
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
PAUSE & REFLECT
SONG My song is love unknown CLICK
READING John 19: 28-42
The Death of Jesus
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken, 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”
The Burial of Jesus
38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Time for your own Prayers – quiet music – CLICK
(Fade/end to suit)
SONG When I survey the wondrous cross CLICK fade to suit
COLLECT – A special prayer
ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee
graciously to behold this thy family,
for which our Lord Jesus Christ
was contented to be betrayed,
and given up into the hands of wicked men,
and to suffer death upon the cross,
who now liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Ghost, ever one God,
world without end. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Be with us, Lord, as we go out into the world.
May the lips that have sung your praises
always speak the truth;
may the ears that have heard your word
listen only to what is good;
and may our lives as well as our worship
be always pleasing in your sight,
for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
MUSIC CLICK
Additional Music for reflection
SONG Power of the crossCLICK
SONG Cathedral version of – When I survey the wondrous Cross for Sydney CLICK
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The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday
WELCOME
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people Praise the Lord!
SONG – Lord Jesus Christ CLICK
Prayers of Penitence
Our Lord Jesus Christ says:
‘If you love me, keep my commandments.’
‘Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.’
Let us confess to almighty God our sins against his love,
and ask him to cleanse us.
Silence is kept.
Have mercy on us, O God,
in your great goodness;
according to the abundance of your compassion
blot out our offences.
Lord, have mercy.
Against you only have we sinned
and done what is evil in your sight.
Christ, have mercy.
Purge us from our sin and we shall be clean;
wash us and we shall be whiter than snow.
Lord, have mercy.
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.
SONG – As we are gathered (not physically but spiritually) CLICK
The Collect
Let us pray that we may love one another as Christ has loved us.
Silence is kept.
God our Father,
you have invited us to share in the supper
which your Son gave to his Church
to proclaim his death until he comes:
may he nourish us by his presence,
and unite us in his love;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Exodus 12: 1-14
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL READING
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:
Love one another as I have loved you.
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 13.1-17, 31b-35
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, O Christ.
SONG– Broken for you – broken for me CLICK
REFLECTION Take some space to reflect on the scriptures
SONG – A new commandment CLICK
A meditation on the washing of Feet
God is love, and where true love is, God himself is there.
Here in Christ we gather, love of Christ our calling;
Christ, our love, is with us, gladness be his greeting;
let us all revere and love him, God eternal.
Loving him, let each love Christ in all his brothers.
When we Christians gather, members of one Body,
let there be in us no discord, but one spirit;
banished now be anger, strife and every quarrel.
Christ our God be present always here among us.
Grant us love’s fulfilment, joy with all the blessed
when we see your face, O Saviour, in its glory;
shine on us, O purest Light of all creation,
be our bliss while endless ages sing your praises James Quinn SJ
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
PRAYERS
In the power of the Spirit let us pray to the Father through Christ the saviour of the world.
Father, on this, the night he was betrayed, your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet.
Add you own thought and prayers
We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service. Lord, hear us and humble us.
On this night, he prayed for his disciples to be one.
Add you own thought and prayers
We pray for the unity of your Church. Lord, hear us and unite us.
On this night, he prayed for those who were to believe through his disciples’ message.
Add you own thought and prayers
We pray for the mission of your Church. Lord, hear us and renew our zeal.
On this night, he commanded his disciples to love, but suffered rejection himself.
Add you own thought and prayers
We pray for the rejected and unloved. Lord, hear us and fill us with your love.
On this night, he reminded his disciples that if the world hated them it hated him first.
Add you own thought and prayers
We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. Lord, hear us and give us your peace.
On this night, he accepted the cup of death and looked forward to the new wine of the kingdom.
Add you own thought and prayers
We remember those who have died in the peace of Christ. Lord, hear us and welcome all your children into paradise.
A SPECIAL COLLECT FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY
Almighty God,
whose glorious Son washed the feet of his disciples
and loved them to the uttermost:
give us your needful grace to love our neighbours as ourselves,
in these days of worry and isolation,
that we may bear witness by the power of his Spirit
to the love of him who died for us all
to rescue us from the wrath to come,
Amen.
SONG – Brother Sister let me serve you CLICK
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
A traditional prayer said after the Lord’s Supper which we remember tonight
Silence is kept.
Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament
you have given us the memorial of your passion:
grant us so to reverence the sacred mysteries
of your body and blood
that we may know within ourselves
and show forth in our lives
the fruit of your redemption,
for you are alive and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
THE CONCLUSION
When the disciples had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus prayed to the Father, ‘If it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me.’ He said to his disciples, ‘How is it that you were not able to keep watch with me for one hour?
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners.’ Christ was obedient unto death. Go in his peace.
ADDITIONAL SONG CLICK for use to meditate on the Lord’s Supper and it’s deep foundational truths that the Lord Jesus has instituted for us as we remember Him and celebrate his victory and our new life we have received in Him.
Collects for the present time
Lee Gatiss offers a selection of prayers appropriate for use this Easter time and beyond.
A Collect for Maundy Thursday
Almighty God,
whose glorious Son washed the feet of his disciples
and loved them to the uttermost:
give us your needful grace to love our neighbours as ourselves,
in these days of worry and isolation,
that we may bear witness by the power of his Spirit
to the love of him who died for us all
to rescue us from the wrath to come, Amen.
A Collect for Good Friday
Heavenly Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ shared our flesh and blood
that he might make atonement for our sins
and through the eternal Spirit offer himself unblemished to you:
grant us steadfast faith
to suffer as he did all the thorns and thistles of this mortal life,
that just as he breathed his last in expectant hope of your fatherly goodness,
we too may rest secure in the grace of the one who bore our sicknesses and carried our sorrows.
For we ask in his precious name, Amen.
A Collect for Easter Sunday
Our God and Father,
in whose great mercy we have been given new birth
into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead:
strengthen us with that solid hope
and calm our anxious thoughts and fears
in the midst of the dangers we now face,
that we who often stagger in desperate times
may rejoice and be satisfied with him
whose painful anguish of soul brought us the light of life.
For we ask in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Lord Jesus,
who was delivered over to death for our sins
and was raised to life for our justification:
fill our hearts with thankful praise for all the blessings we enjoy in this life
and, having been justified by your grace alone,
renew our hope of eternal life,
O Christ our healer and redeemer, Amen.
For those diagnosed with COVID-19
Lord Jesus,
who offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears
to the one who could save him from death,
and was heard because of his reverent submission:
have mercy on ____________(insert names)
(and) all those who live in the shadow of this terrible virus,
that they may have strength for the struggle and hope for the future;
And in the midst of the heat and urgency of their condition
grant their thirsty souls true repentance for their sins,
that they may know forgiveness and eternal life in you, Amen.
For those grieving in isolation for the death of loved ones
Gracious Heavenly Father,
who knows our grief is the price we pay for love:
give gospel comfort and consolation
to those who feel the pain of bereavement
and the anguish of separation at this time of global crisis;
and reminded as we are of the fleeting frailty of this life,
teach each one of us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
For we ask in the name of your Son,
who was cut off from the land of the living
to rescue us from the present evil age,
Amen.
For those dying alone during this time
Sovereign Lord, our rock and our salvation,
who has promised never to leave or forsake those who put their trust in you:
hear the feeble sighs and groaning
of those now fighting their final battle without their loved ones by their side;
by your Spirit, grant them grace and strength to endure what they must,
and having put their faith in Christ,
may their eyes see at last the Redeemer
for whom our hearts have always yearned,
so that along with all those who love the Lord Jesus with an undying love, they may receive the crown of righteousness from him
on the day we meet again,
Amen.
Lee Gatiss is Director of Church Society.
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Paintings and Reflections for Holy Week 2020
This series of paintings is a precious legacy that was gifted to me by my father, Paul Robertson, to use in my ministry. He originally painted them (along with many, many other such treasures) as an aide to worship and reflection at St Patrick’s, Wallington, where I grew up and where my parents still worship. Over the last dozen years, this Holy Week journey has been offered in a variety of settings as a focus for prayer, retreat and meditation.
This year, my hope is that this set of pictures and reflections will help us journey into the mystery of the cross and resurrection from our homes, where we are currently in lockdown, due to Covid-19. You may want to use them for a few minutes or an entire day, or anything in between.
At St Michael’s, Sheerwater, we will be using these pictures each day. If you have any reflections, questions or responses, I’d love to see them posted on the FB page (St Michael’s Shared Church, Sheerwater) or on the church Whatsapp thread.
May we each encounter Jesus in new ways as we take this journey together,
Gillaine
Reverend Gillaine Holland
About the Artist:
Paul Michael Robertson was born in 1931 in Beddington, Surrey, he attended Wimbledon Art School from 1947 – 1951 and then the London Institute of Education from 1951 – 1952. Following National Service, Paul taught in Secondary and Higher Education until he retired in 1989.
Throughout his life, Paul has exhibited in local shows and sold privately throughout the country. Paul paints mainly from observation, memory and imagination, loving the textures and patterns of nature and the effects of light and shadow. In his paintings of Christian themes, he seeks mostly to express the feelings (rather than the appearances) of the subject, using textures, colours and abstracted images to powerful effect.
Paul lives in Wallington with Pauline, his wife of sixty seven years, with whom he shares his passion for art. Further work can be viewed at www.paulrobertsonartist.co.uk but please do not try to contact him through his website. If you have an interest in his work, then email me at:
rev.gillaine.holland@stmichaelssheerwater.org.uk
These paintings are definitely not for sale but you are welcome to print the pictures for your own use -with acknowledgement to my father.
The following notes are offered as a way into each of the paintings. Use what is helpful and discard what is not:
- Find a quiet space and let anyone who lives with you know that you want some time alone.
- Nobody prays well if they are uncomfortable! You are invited to be attentive to your body: sit in a chair that is supportive with both feet on the ground and your hands relaxed on your lap.
- Take a moment to breathe deeply and become present to yourself and to God.
- When you are ready, invite God to be in your looking and thinking.
Come Holy Spirit;
fill my heart with your love as I look.
Father, guide me as I contemplate.
Give me courage and curiosity as I explore.
Let me hear you speaking, Jesus, and sense your presence with me.
Amen.
- Spend time carefully looking at each painting. Give your attention to all you see. Look at the colours, shapes, patterns, details and notice the many symbols hidden in each image. Don’t rush. There is time.
- Notice what you are drawn to and spend time there.
- What do you notice that is familiar from your understanding of the story represented?
- What do you notice (perhaps for the first time) that surprises you or takes you into a new relationship with the story?
- Notice how you feel about the painting. Can you describe your emotional reactions?
- Where might you be found in the painting?
- What does the painting mean for you right now – in your life?
- What might God be saying to you through the painting?
- How would you respond?
Your response might be written, drawn, spoken or unspoken. It might be modelled, knitted or gardened, glued, crocheted or cooked! Find whatever you would like to use to respond with or sit in silence.
Wait in silence and rest in the presence of God.
I have also provided a short reflection on each painting to help you find a way in but I would encourage you to turn to this last: after doing your own looking and praying so that God’s unique message toyou isn’t coloured by my thinking.
For Palm Sunday and Monday of Holy Week (5 & 6 April)
‘Entry’
Entry
We begin with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday): The mood changes as Jesus moves purposefully from the open countryside (Luke 7:16 & 17) where he has a huge following (Luke 5:11 & 15) to set his face towards Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Traditionally, you go ‘up’ to Jerusalem but this is a spiritual journey of descent which starts at the top of the image where ‘hosannas’ echo in the air. ‘Hosanna’ means save us or help us. Bright halos of gold crown the beginning of the path down, where we can see the little hoof marks of the young donkey that carries Jesus into the city. White lines of the plentiful harvest that Jesus commented on (Luke 10:2) join the path, which slowly deepens in colour and descends into the confines of a dark tunnel. The circular sun shapes repeat downwards representing the Son who willingly descended for us. The branches and leaves spelling out ‘Hosanna’ (Mark 11:9) change to ‘Crucify’ (Mark 15:13) as they fall into the pit. The dark night of the soul approaches. The crown of glory gradually morphs into the crown of thorns. Shining gold becomes a more threatening red. The paths, rocky ground and brambles are reminders of the dangers in the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3ff). As we descend, the path becomes a cross spattered with droplets of blood. At the pit of the tunnel awaits the gaping mouth of the skull – Golgotha.
I wonder where we are in this journey downwards? Even though the weather has begun to turn and there is spring growth in our land, the bright skies of celebration seem a long way behind us. Yet, as I write, this is only week 2 of what looks to be at least 12 weeks of lockdown. As a nation we have had to deliberately set our faces towards a steep descent into isolation. Unlike Jesus, we have been forced to step onto that dark and bloody ladder and to stare death in the face. How extraordinary then, to understand that Jesus willingly chose that journey ahead of us. He descended to a place of isolation, abandonment and death. He did it so that no matter how deep this tunnel proves to be, we can know that there is a God who trod the path first in human form; a God who promises to tread this path with us again so that we do not have to walk alone; a God who will show us the way. This is the God we Christians proclaim: a God who walked willingly into the very mouth of death and yet was raised.
It is too early in this traumatic journey to talk about resurrection. We are still on the way down. Each day brings rising numbers of unnamed people affected by Covid-19 and yet each one was made in the image of God and is known completely by their Creator. The journey of Holy Week gives us a place to put the very real fears and anxieties of this season and calls us to trust that there is something ahead, beyond what we can currently see.
For Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week (7 & 8 April)
‘Cleansing’
Cleansing
Here we witness the explosive effect of Jesus going into the temple to clear out all those who are abusing the system (Matt 21:10-17). He angrily denounces the greed and overbearing regulations that have perverted God’s plan for what should be a house of prayer (Isa 47:1ff). Jesus overturns the table, scattering the livestock, their skeletal owners and the money they’re collecting at the expense of the poor. 9 sheep run away but 1 returns to show gratitude (cf Luke 17:12ff). The little lamb stands without fear in front of the blazing white-hot fury of Jesus Christ, reminding us that Jesus will become the sacrificial lamb as this week unfolds. In the bottom centre of the picture, water flows according to Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Ezek 47:1ff). Prison doors fly open to set captives free (Luke 4:18) and furniture legs (bottom centre) form a reminder of the Crucifixion. All is scattered.
I don’t know how you experience anger. It’s often painted as something that good Christians (especially us women) shouldn’t feel. Yet, surely, when faced with injustice, suffering, greed and abuse, anger is the only right response? Anger can be our friend (not a nice one) but one that tells us something deep and important is going on. Injustice makes me angry. People stuffing their shopping trollies with too much food when my dad, who painted these pictures, can’t get an internet delivery aged 89, makes me angry. Stories of money-grabbing opportunists pretending to be neighbourly, before stealing shopping money from house-bound people make me angry. Whilst this disease is indiscriminate, touching rich and poor alike; you can bet that if you happen to come from one of the poorer parts of the world, your chances of dying are much, much higher than mine – and that makes me angry. There is a long and noble history of angry prayer in the Bible. God seems to encourage and even welcome honest and open dialogue from God’s people. It’s good to know that even Jesus expresses rage.
Perhaps as disbelief gives way to anger at this virus, at our situation, at suffering and death, we might find a way to move into this painting and show up at our house of prayer in magnificent fury, denouncing all that is deathly and evil, clearing our place of prayer so that, like that one lamb, we might stand face to face with the one who shares our anger and trust in the one who fully intends to do something about the situation.
For Maundy Thursday (9 April)
‘Eucharist’
Eucharist
A stylised view of the last supper, rich with symbols from that evening’s events: the water bowl for foot-washing, the prominent blood-red cup, the broken bread, bitter herbs from the Passover feast. Jesus himself is stylised in the form of both a cross and a 7-branch temple Menora (candlestick) reminding us that he is both the Light of the World and the one who replaces the need for further sacrifices in the temple. Judas, his cup knocked over, leans away from the temple and the skeletal figure melts away through the door and into the night. The Mandala (oval) is the traditional shape for showing Jesus in glory. His disciples have a share in this; they are enveloped in their own Mandala of light.
The buildings of Jerusalem spell out the familiar words of institution.
The disciples, gathered around Jesus for the annual Passover meal, probably had little idea they would not eat this meal with Jesus again – not until the great heavenly feast (Luke 22:15ff). I guess most of us had our last supper similarly unaware that it was to be our last, for a while at least. Bread taken and blessed, broken and shared with wine outpoured, is the basis of our weekly worship. Rich with Passover story, God’s people celebrate their freedom from the slavery of sin, recalling both the first Passover story that set the Hebrew slaves free from Pharaoh and the Crucifixion-Resurrection story, which sets us free from even death itself. The sudden shutting down of public worship, the end of our physical meeting, has robbed us of more than we can express. This Maundy Thursday we will not be able to gather around food to retell the stories of faith, to re-enact foot-washing, to break bread and drink wine. How might we lament our loss in this season and how might we be nourished in other ways? What will feed your faith in this season? Can we feast on the word, the story itself, our Scriptures?
One way you might like to do that, is to watch ‘Out of Egypt’ on the Youtube link below. Brain-child of composer James West, scripted by Jay Whittaker and directed by Audrey Hofmeyr, this musical production involved a whole church effort from Christ Church Guildford, just before I moved on. My entire family are in it and despite that, it’s really rather good! It follows the story of Moses from baby in the bulrushes, through the discovery of who he is and his calling from God, right through the plagues and the final Exodus from Egypt. If we watch it in the early evening (pausing to clap the NHS at 8pm) then we can meet afterwards on Zoom at 8.30pm for a conversation and a final prayer before we head into Good Friday. Here’s the link to the show:
Enjoy!
For Maundy Thursday or Good Friday (9 & 10 April)
‘Betrayal’
Betrayal
The dominant symbol is the cup shape, standing for suffering (Luke 22:42 & 44) which also becomes the pathway of the Gethsemane garden. As it encloses the disciples (indicated by 11 rings/haloes) it is also a reminder of the intimate fellowship of the last supper. At the base of the cup, the solid mine-like circle shows Judas leading the soldiers to Jesus (John 18:2-3.)
It has been said that you can only be betrayed by a friend. Betrayal is a breach of trust and we can put our trust in more than just friends. A sense of betrayal is normal in the cycle of grief and loss – How could they leave us? How could they do that to us? In this larger circle of grief, a sense of betrayal is also normal but who do we feel betrayed by? Questions have been raised about the speed of China’s response to the Covid-19 crisis and to our national shame, we have witnessed a rise in racist behaviour towards the Chinese. The Government has come under fire for not providing enough protective equipment, enough financial support, a quick enough lockdown. When people suffer and die, we look for people to blame, to pass our anger on to.
Judas betrayed his friend Jesus. He offered him up to those who wanted to harm him for just 30 pieces of silver. Was it just greed? He apparently had his hand in the common purse on a regular basis. Was it disappointment? Jesus wasn’t the kind of Messiah/Saviour he was looking for. Maybe he felt betrayed by Jesus?
Whatever the motive, Jesus stands and receives the kiss of a friend and refuses to allow the rest of his friends to defend him. He chooses to accept the betrayal square on and not to retaliate; not to let anger or bitterness eat away at him. Much easier said than done. In my experience, forgiveness is a lengthy business; a decision to put aside the normal human response and to ask God to help us. It cannot be rushed.
Perhaps this painting can help us explore our own betrayals and to consider where we are on that journey. It is ok to pause here, in this sharp-edged garden, a place of anger and strife, and to know that we are not ready to be quite as brave as Jesus – not yet.
For Good Friday’s hours at the cross (9 April)
‘Scourging’
Scourging
This disturbing image of pain take us beyond the brutality of the flogging Jesus received (John 19:1-3 and Matt 27:27-31) and moves us into an image which expresses the agonies felt for all the suffering inflicted in our world. The red ribbons of blood might also be the tattered scarlet robe which was put on him, along with the crown of thorns on his head, to mock his kingship. As darkness closes in from the edges of the painting, the light of the world is being dimmed before us.
We may we feel that we are suffering (and so we are) but this image reminds us that there is nowhere we can go, nothing we can experience that has not been fully experienced by Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that the club banging on Jesus’ head feels a bit like the nation’s screen headache, most of us are not suffering like this. Our freedom has been curtailed. We miss our social circles. We are limited in what we can do. Perhaps for us, this offers some perspective. There are, however, many who would understand this image of pain: those trapped in violent homes, those watching loved ones die, those in parts of the world where lockdown means no food and actually watching your children starve. Can this image disturb us into action? For those of us who have a secure income, who might we bless and help today? Who needs our prayers? Who needs to know that Jesus stands with them today?
Then might we return to the image of kingship that this picture offers us? What kind of leader is this Jesus? What does he require of our own leadership of others in response to this image? Whether we are leaders or followers or both at once, this is a challenging model of what it is to be in charge and to follow Christ in these times.
For Good Friday’s hours at the cross (9 April)
‘Affliction’
Affliction
‘Affliction’ seeks to present an image we will recoil from. The thorns viciously snake around the naked eye at the centre of the figure and cause us to flinch. The imagery is jarring and jagged and takes us beyond the usual delicate images of Christ’s death on the cross. The pointed nails pierce hands in such a way that the hands themselves mirror and multiply the blade of the nails. Jesus’ ribcage is exposed, his side pierced and any light in the painting comes from the hellish fire building from the bottom of the painting. This is evil’s day: Caught in a web of spikey, coiling tendrils, Jesus takes on the full force of all that is wrong in the world and in us, every act of rebellion against God from creation through to the end of history.
Here, we must stare in horror and wonder at the love that brought Jesus to this place. Replacing the pure white lamb from our first painting, Jesus becomes the lamb of the world, making the final sacrifice for us all.
For Good Friday’s hours at the cross (9 April)
‘Crucifixion’
Crucifixion
After the excruciating pain of the previous paintings, this image gives way to the pervading sense of desolation as the 3 hours at the cross draw to a close. The place of the skull, Golgotha, waits for its next victims. Its tombstone teeth remind us that many met their death here at the hands of the Romans.
In his final moments, flanked by 2 criminals (one repentant and the other not), Jesus cries out ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ The moment Bonhoeffer describes as when God became an atheist. (Mark 15:33-34).
Jesus felt abandoned by God and yet God was present. How could God be otherwise? When clouds form and darkness gathers, we say, ‘The sun isn’t shining!’ but it is. We just can’t see it. It has brought me great comfort to know that even Jesus experienced that sense of abandonment by God. Not even God’s own son was able to see his Father at all times.
After the drama and the betrayal, the violence and the pain, here we have those final moments many of us have witnessed when life ebbs away and all is still. Even the very painting seems to cry. It is finished. Not just the torture, the pain and the crucifixion but the task Jesus set out to complete. It doesn’t look like much of an accomplishment – not yet – but like the women who witnessed this brutality, we must wait and see.
For Low Saturday (11 April)
‘Burial’
Burial
‘Burial’ takes us below the mourning figures of the women, into the mouth of the tomb, where the body of Jesus rests within the well of a lift shaft – or is that a throat? It is a reminder that he descended to the dead. The hopelessness of Hades, and the futility of humanity without God, is expressed by the twisted and broken ladders and stairways that lead nowhere. A power starts to work in the burial place on the left and life returns to some of the dead (Matt 27:52-53.) In the top right hand corner a new order is foretold by the splitting of the temple walls (Matt 27:51).
Whilst the events leading up to and including the crucifixion are easily imaginable, and we can easily identify with the mourners in their numb helplessness, we have very little to help us understand what happened between Good Friday and that first Easter morning.
I remember a story I was told in church one year: a teacher asked the class what they thought Jesus was doing in the place of the dead in those days. A small boy said, ‘He went to get his friend back!’ Judas betrayed Jesus. Surely, if anyone deserved to remain in death’s clutches it was him? Yet, I find the idea that even Judas might be forgiven a reassuring one. Realising what he’d done, he went and hung himself. Judas undoubtedly regretted his betrayal but thought it was too late to sort out. It may have been too late for any action on his part but I like to imagine Jesus arriving at the gates of death and with an almighty kick, breaking them into splinters as he yells, ‘It’s ok – I’m coming for you!’ I want that to be true because if, on this day, he’s coming for Judas, then he’s also coming for me and for you but for now we wait…
For Easter (12 April and beyond)
‘Resurrection’
Resurrection
A rainbow shaft of light bursts up from the deep, radiating pure light from the risen Lord Jesus Christ. We see, on the right of the chasm, the melting of the grip of death and, to the left, the dawning of a new heaven and earth. Blazing glory, circles of light and life; here is what we have been waiting for – death has been defeated. Read the story for yourself in John 20.
Whilst we may be stuck in our homes and unable to celebrate Easter in our church buildings, nonetheless, Easter comes. Like the sun, that may or may not seem to shine today, Jesus is risen. How will you celebrate today? How will you show your gratitude for what God has done? How will you bear witness to what God has birthed in you for this season?
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
4 April 2020
Dear Friends,
Church Worship – Palm Sunday 5th April
Welcome
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people
Praise the Lord!
Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,
to you be glory and praise for ever.
As we behold your Son, enthroned on the cross,
stir up in us the fire of your love,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and walk with you in newness of life
singing the praise of him who died
for us and our salvation.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
Hymn – Rejoice the Lord is King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDFAv0eh-s8
Confession
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. cf Psalm 51
Prayer for forgiveness
May the Father of all mercies
cleanse us from our sins,
and restore us in his image
to the praise and glory of his name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song – Hosanna in the highest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7u0grU-cwI
Time of Sharing – testimony
HYMN – All creatures of our God and King
(a modern take on an ancient song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUZD0hgtSgE
Bible Reading – Matthew 21:1-10 New International Version
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
Address – Bishop Jo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAioIxv_uV0&fbclid=IwAR31D9Tyg3S6jJ9D54Z9qlzeZcmzPU5_W3RqSLGeAscfQVyUaaZZ-HUsBYk
Time for your own Prayers – quiet music
(Fade/end to suit)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_UwvzWjQlI
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Song – Our Father
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eIVSWdBaTE&feature=youtu.be
Hymn – O worship the King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAyKmYD2Zg8
The collect – a special prayer for each Sunday
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Blessing Prayer
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed:
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live this day in love to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Music (fade it out to suit)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyMz0w2UC9s&list=RDPyMz0w2UC9s&start_radio=1&t=46&t=46
END – a quality cup of coffee…….
Contemporary Songs to listen to during the week and an interview
An interview with Mr and Mrs Gumbel (of the Alpha Course)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0681ddPAGI
Hosanna from Hill Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoM0AT8fBvs
Stuart Townend – Come People of the Risen King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNlP8Sy23XE
3 April 2020
Greetings Dear Friends,
I am sending this email a bit wider than our usual distribution list – if you don’t usually receive our/my weekly emails I would be very happy to add you to our normal list for emails and updates. Send me a text 07913670654 or message me on social media or email at revlarrybain@aol.com. We have done our best to divide church folk into smaller groups with a person to be a point of contact – you should have received an email from Mike Eldridge on their behalf. Please contact those people direct if you need help or someone to talk to. Might there be a friend you might phone every day?
It is my sad task to inform you that Barbara Thomas a former member of our church and wider community has sadly died. It was not sensible to have her funeral locally due to the present restriction so there was a service yesterday in Huddersfield. Please keep Jeremy and Hilary her children in your prayers in these days. There is an online Remembrance Page for you to post thoughts and photos and share their memories. https://barbarathomas.muchloved.com/
I think it was Bob Dylan who sang “the times they are a changing”
(see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WD_ats6eE )
and certainly there are many changes to adjust to. As you know I’m no stranger to change have lived on the Pakistan/Afghan border. The one constant is the deep truth that God is with us – and that’s just not at all depend on our feelings which are shallow compared with the deep, deep love of Jesus that surrounds those that believe in Him and those who as yet have not turned to Him. Might we GENTLY point our friends and family members to our loving God in this time of challenge?
You may have heard that I have been ringing out church bells across Heatherside just before 12 noon and encouraging people to say the Lord’s Prayer. Can I encourage you to continue to be good neighbours – even if you are self-isolating – a friendly telephone call or a wave from the window might make someone’s day. Most roads are forming small self-help groups hopefully they may have been in contact already.
There is a website here https://www.surreyheath-prepared.uk/ – and there is also helpline 01276 66798 where you where you can offer to help as a volunteer or request help from centrally. You can ask for help for yourself or a neighbour – if you cannot currently access funds you will still be provided with food. This has been a considerable voluntary and public sector task for the whole Borough. Behind the scenes I have been part of this effort along with fellow clergy, Councillors and many others.
Heatherside – I saw this wonderful aerial view down the Wellingtonia Avenue
https://www.facebook.com/HarperAspreyWildlifeRescue/videos/219449262469094/ and thought you might like to see it as well.
I will continue to send you a simple weekly Sunday service by email and also share it on Facebook and the Church website with a guest speaker each week.
I have started to share a daily bible reading and a short prayer from Lee Gatiss of the Church Society (of which I am a member). A sample can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KI92oShyaY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1r-7pvu0MgtrpHSE4Na5chvhcO-TU7m_T0v9rEUCJa_XiHHIjeLE4J4_8
I was grateful for the work that was done by Becky Speyer from St Peter’s to organise Messy Church on Facebook for our children and their families. I’m still working something for this Sunday.
I know that there is a strong team (Dawn and friends) connecting our Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship friends together for which I am also very grateful.
For those who normally come to our WednesdaysAlive meeting I’m grateful to Steve for leading our evening meeting on Facebook each week
https://www.facebook.com/Wednesdaysalive/
We are looking at extending the Prayer Chain to those outside of our church community in the days ahead.
A closing thought….
I probably (feeling my age) shared this before but I would like to share it again – some words from St Paul to Timothy – but words that could quite well be applied to ourselves. Reminding Timothy of his spiritual heritage – we all have our own spiritual heritage – and encouraging him to stay faithful despite discouraging times – and Paul’s imprisonment and suffering. I pray that God will use these simple words to challenge and encourage you in these strange times.
Timothy’s Faith and Heritage – 2 Timothy 1
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the [b]genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I’ll leave you to mull over that thought and scripture.
Every blessing, Larry
NB A bit of exercise is also commended elsewhere in scripture – here is an a short video which I have started to do from my chair each day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLiJ5SsyAX0&feature=youtu.be
This Sunday is Messy Church and materials can be found to do this at home on a new joint Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/FHSMessyChurch/
Welcome
Although divided by geography/isolation we are one people – praise the Lord!
Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief
your only Son was lifted up
that he might draw the whole world to himself.
May we walk this day in the way of the cross
and always be ready to share its weight,
declaring your love for all the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
Hymn – Dear Lord and Father of mankind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqOnjmr9Ah0
Confession
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. cf Psalm 51
Prayer for forgiveness
May the Father of all mercies
cleanse us from our sins,
and restore us in his image
to the praise and glory of his name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Song – Be still for the presence of the Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZugvUQ4m90U
Reflection – Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer
https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/going-church/lords-prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Address – Bishop Andrew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TBhCIh0Zbo&feature=youtu.be
Time for your own Prayers – quiet music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D37uHvMV15U
Hymn – And can it be (5.14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t66l03XmQI
The collect – a special prayer for each Sunday
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Blessing Prayer
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed:
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live this day in love to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Music (fade it out to suit)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev7VRaVpUpA
END – a quality cup of coffee…….
***
A reflection to be thought about at another time
Chose Faith not Fear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1QemxVqZ1U
A contemporary response – singing in the dark…etc
I know we are not meant to use the “H” or “A” or in Lent but I’ve lost track of the date!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfEZQe9nCaI&list=PLotWc2CigiCGtgvAHS4NljNphBX1MnooQ&index=2
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends
Dear Friends
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached as usual.
I shall be taking the morning service at St Andrew’s as they are still in their interregnum – pray that an announcement will be made soon as to who the new Vicar will be.
In the afternoon this weekend, we will be having Messy Church – do invite a friend and bring them along.
- Starting from this Sunday (5th January) we will have coffee after the morning service NOT before.
- This means that we will start the morning meetings at 10am. We will review this change at Easter.
- This Sunday is our annual Covenant Service – a time to renew our commitment to God in light of his great and loving commitment to us.
- We will start our new preaching series on January 12th working our way through the book of Hebrews.
- We will make our own Christingles at the 4pm service this Sunday.
Advent Sunday Christina Rossetti
BEHOLD, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out
With lighted lamps and garlands round about
To meet Him in a rapture with a shout.
It may be at the midnight, black as pitch,
Earth shall cast up her poor, cast up her rich.
It may be at the crowing of the cock
Earth shall upheave her depth, uproot her rock.
For lo, the Bridegroom fetcheth home the Bride:
His Hands are Hands she knows, she knows His Side.
Like pure Rebekah at the appointed place,
Veiled, she unveils her face to meet His Face.
Like great Queen Esther in her triumphing,
She triumphs in the Presence of her King.
His Eyes are as a Dove’s, and she’s Dove-eyed;
He knows His lovely mirror, sister, Bride.
He speaks with Dove-voice of exceeding love,
And she with love-voice of an answering Dove.
Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go we out
With lamps ablaze and garlands round about
To meet Him in a rapture with a shout.
Larry
Moment of Ordination of Jay as broadcast on local TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3ZkBrO4k-Q
- The next Pop Up Coffee shop is for the Disability organisation Parity at 10am on 19th October and the following one will be for Children of the Dump on the 16th November – baked goods always welcome.
- The next Messy Church will be on 17th November at 4pm – bring your friends.
- The turning on of the Lights at the Heatherside shops will be during the late afternoon on 24th November.
- Confirmation will be on 1st December in the afternoon
- The Carol Service will be the evening of 22nd December
Hi friends.
The churchesTogether@GU16 Light Party is on for 2019!
Thursday 31st October 5:30-7:30 @ St Peters Frimley (Helpers need to arrive early) [This is in half-term].
This happens on Halloween as a much better alternative to trick or treating. We were full last year so please advertise this and tell people to book early – they can do this online, or if they have no internet they can call me on 01252 838281
I need you to please publicise this in your churches and we will also send invites to families who have attended the holiday clubs.
Parents come with their children and work together in teams to overcome super-hero challenges.
We have as many challengers as we have helpers – so the more helpers the better. We will also have some crafty activities, and some things suitable for under 5-s, so the whole family can come together, maybe bringing some friends.
We hope to provide light refreshments and some spiritual food too.
If you can help please let me know, otherwise please ask around and encourage others to help. (Attached is a list of jobs). To run challenges people need to turn up early and read the instructions – everything will be provided and set up. Please let me know contact details of volunteers or get them to ring me. 01252 83 82 81
Link to online registration:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/light-party-tickets-74561315903?aff=ebdssbeac—
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
This is just to let you know that our move to West Dorset last Friday went very well and we are gradually settling in to our new home (despite the mountains of cardboard boxes still to unpack) and getting out and exploring the local area. We have already had visitors in our first week and would happily welcome anyone who would like to come and see us – Larry has our address.
We would also like to say a big thank you for all the cards, presents, good wishes and prayers you have given us and for the send-offs we had at both services on our last Sunday with you.With love and best wishes
Lynn and Peter
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
We can’t offer refreshments there so please bring your own picnic and drinks, rugs/folding chairs if you need them, and any outdoor games equipment you think might be fun. We will bring our boules set, tennis rackets and balls, soft baseball bat.
It would be really nice to know who is coming!” .
From the Virtual Office
At our 4pm Sundays Alive service this weekend we welcome the family and friends of Rebecca for her baptism. All the church family are invited to join Elizabeth and Barry in this celebration.
Our sermons over the summer will be based on Gospel passages and then on 1st September we look forward to welcoming Dr David Clark to open our autumn series on Hosea.
I am away on annual leave after the Baptism returning for our services on Sunday 25th August when we will be saying our goodbyes to Peter and Lynn as they move to Dorset to retire. Pray that they will find a new home and a new church family to serve.
Blessings, Larry
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
A correction for last weeks notices about the day with Mary Seaton on 12th October – the time should be 10am to 3pm – apologies.
Blessings, Larry
Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
The Parish Giving Scheme
Key benefits
The Parish Giving Scheme is a modern and efficient way of managing planned giving to churches. Tried and tested, this scheme will:
- Reduce the time our Treasurer and Gift Aid Secretary will need to spend on administration
- Improve cash flow through the efficient reclaiming of Gift Aid
- Overcome static giving with the option of donations automatically uplifted by inflation each year
- How does the Scheme work?
The Parish Giving Scheme enables a planned giver to donate to our Church as we are now registered with the scheme.
Donations can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. They are collected by Direct Debit on the first day of the month.
The donations are then passed on to the church by the tenth of the month.
The Gift Aid is then remitted to the parish monthly once the PGS office has received the money from HMRC.
Regular donations can easily be changed/adjusted by making a telephone call or sending an email to the PGS office.
An introductory leaflets/forms for donors are available at the back of Church or from Larry, Mark or Yvonne.
- Agenda
- APCM Minutes from 18th March 2018
- PCC Report for year ending 31st Dec 2018
- APCM Reports 2018
- Finance Statement
- PCC nomination form
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Friends,
Lent is nearly upon us – a time for reflection and turning our face forwards towards Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and beyond. I pray it will be a useful time for each of us in our Christian journeys.
Our focus in our morning sermons this Lent will be on Prayer – later this week a 40 day prayer guide will arrive as well as some booklets suitable for us to pass on to friends called “Try Praying”. So I’m hoping each one of use will accept this challenge to focus on prayer and invite a friend to “have a go”. If you are able to donate £5 in order to crowd fund this initiative I would be very grateful.
We will mark Ash Wednesday at 8pm at St Francis. (I note that Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb and likewise we shall meet in a borrowed Church – for which, of course, I am very grateful).
If you are unable to come on Wednesday evening you can find an Ash Wednesday Sonnet to read or listen to hear from Revd Malcolm Guite:
https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/a-sonnet-for-ash-wednesday-2/
Receive this cross of ash upon your brow,
Brought from the burning of Palm Sunday’s cross.
The forests of the world are burning now
And you make late repentance for the loss.
But all the trees of God would clap their hands
The very stones themselves would shout and sing
If you could covenant to love these lands
And recognise in Christ their Lord and king.
He sees the slow destruction of those trees,
He weeps to see the ancient places burn,
And still you make what purchases you please,
And still to dust and ashes you return.
But Hope could rise from ashes even now
Beginning with this sign upon your brow.
Blessings, Larry
Please find attached the notice sheet for tomorrow.
Gentlemen: I’m looking to start a Men’s Group fortnightly get together on Tuesday evenings – some good Bible – some good company – and some good food. Would anyone like to help coordinate this with me?
Friends,
The Church Wardens and I have reluctantly decided that we should NOT have a service tomorrow morning and I think this is wise.
We have consulted widely and in view of the likely condition of the roads and footpaths following the coldest night of the year we believe that it would not be right to hold church tomorrow at 10.30am.
Many of our morning congregation are unsteady on their feet (I slipped over yesterday!) and others drive some distance to be with us and given the snow melt today all the surfaces are likely to be wet and subsequently frozen first thing first thing.
It would be very helpful if you could phone a couple of friends who you think might not do email or not check their email frequently and let them know.
Can I suggest that you might have a look at Ephesians Chapter 3 for yourselves and consider:
- the mystery that St Paul explains (vs 2-6) The inclusion of Jews AND Gentiles
- the role of St Paul (7-9) St Paul leads by example.
- the role of the Church (vs 10) now there’s a challenge
- the heavenly audience (vs 11-12) what a thought!
- the importance of suffering and not being discouraged (v12) when the rubber hits the road
- joining in with St Paul’s priorities and praying for each other (vs 14-21)
Personally I think verse 10 is the most challenging – that God should choose to use the Church to accomplish his will. What might this mean for us.
A decision about the Sundays Alive service will be made at 1pm and posted on facebook. Feel free to ring me if you don’t do Facebook.
ANNOUNCEMENT
New Electoral Roll
The electoral roll must be completely renewed this year. If you wish to have your name on the new roll, you will need to apply for enrolment as soon as possible so that the new roll can be prepared in line with the current Church Representation Rules. Forms will be available from Lesley Lee or Rev Larry Bain.
Friends,
Please find the details of the Christmas and New Year services on out latest notice sheet attached.
May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
“May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
Romans 15:13
Every blessing to you all,
Larry
1) ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1: 1
2) ‘Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.’’ Isaiah 7:14
3) ‘A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ Isaiah 40: 3
4)‘“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness. ’Jeremiah 23: 5 – 6
5) ‘But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient days.’ Micah 5: 2
6) “ The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means, God with us).’ Matthew 1: 23
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
What sort of redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?
Answer
The one who is truly human and also truly God.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Who is the Redeemer?
Answer
The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom God became man and bore the penalty for sin himself.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
How does the Holy Spirit help us?
Answer
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s word.
Ephesians 6: 17-18
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?
Answer
That he is God, co-eternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe.
John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
What is our only hope in life and death?
That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our saviour Jesus Christ.
Romans 14:7-8
For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
How does the Holy Spirit help us?
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand Gods word.
Ephesians 6:17-18
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Dear All
What should we pray?
The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.
Ephesians 3:14 – 21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Prayer:
With what attitude should we pray?
With Love, perseverance, and gratefulness: in humble submission to Gods will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God.
What is Prayer?
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 15
Since no one can keep his law, what is its purpose?
Answer:
That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a saviour. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our saviour.
Romans 3:20
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 14
Did God create us unable to keep his law?
Answer:
No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen;
We are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.
Romans 5: 12
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.
Rev’d Larry Bain 01276 691127
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 13
Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly?
Answer:
Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word and deed.
Romans 3: 10 – 12
None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 12
What does God require in the ninth and tenth Commandments?
Answer:
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love.
Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.
James 2:8
If you really fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing well.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 11
What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth Commandments?
Answer:
Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbour, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love.
Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them.
Eighth that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
Romans 13: 9
For the commandments, “you shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
Question 10
What does God require in the fourth and fifth Commandments?
Answer
Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath.
Fifth, that we love and honour our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.
Leviticus 19:3
Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 9
What does God require in the first, second, and third Commandments?
Answer:
First, that we know and trust God as the only true and living God.
Second, that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly.
Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence, honouring also his word and works.
Deuteronomy 6: 13 – 14
It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 8
What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?
Answer:
You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below – you shall not bow down to them or worship them. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honour your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.
Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before me.
Question 7
What does the law of God require?
Answer:
Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbour as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
Matthew 22: 37 -40
And (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the Prophets”
Kind regards, Yvonne
Dear All
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 5
What else did God create?
Answer:
God created all things by his powerful word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.
Genesis 1: 31
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Kind Regards, Yvonne
Dear All
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Question 4
How and why did God create us?
Answer:
God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory.
Genesis 1: 27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Kind Regards, Yvonne
Dear All,
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Over the next few weeks we will be sending out, with the Church notices, a Catechism: question, answer and a Bible passage.
Kind Regards, Yvonne
Question 3
How many Persons are there in God?
Answer:
There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit.
They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
2 Corinthians 15: 14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Dear All,
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have used Catechisms – collections of questions and answers designed for memorisation and recitation to teach the core doctrines of the faith.
Over the next few weeks we will be sending out, with the Church notices, a Catechism – question, answer and a Bible passage.
Kind Regards, Yvonne 27 April 2018
Question 2
What is God ?
Answer:
God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
Psalm 86: 8 – 10, 15
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God….. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Question 1.
What is our only hope in life and death?
Answer :
That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our saviour Jesus Christ.
Romans 14: 7 – 8
For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
Rev’d Larry Bain (Away on special leave from 16th April until mid July)
NB I’m grateful that Yvonne will be sending out these emails whilst I’m away. All requests for notices to Paula as usual.
Friends,
- Watch the Barabbas video Steve mentioned in his Good Friday address:
Next Sunday (25th March) is Palm Sunday – the clocks will go forward – we will have refreshments after the service. In the afternoon we will have Messy Church.
Blessings, Larry 17 March 2018
I was delighted to hear today that some of our Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes went to Central Asia where I worked in the 90s. There are many poor children in these countries.
We launch our joint Messy Church project tomorrow (Sunday) at 4pm working together with St Peter’s Frimley. Please invite your friends. We will do this once a month. Please pray for this new venture.
Churches Together in Camberley have a Prayer and Praise meeting tomorrow (Sunday) at St Michael’s Camberley at 6.30pm – arrive a bit early as there will be singing before the start.
Blessings, Larry 27 January 2018
Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
I the wider community there has been discussion both at the Heatherside Ward Residents Association meetings and on facebook Heatherside Residents Forum about raising support (and funds in due course) to erect a pillar on the grass at the corner of Martindale Avenue and Cumberland Road. Similar pillars exist in Deepcut and in Frimley Green. I fully support this idea.
Members of the wider community have been pledging their support and an offer of money towards such a project (mostly £5 each). For those of you wishing to pledge support for this idea but who do not use or prefer not to pledge by Facebook there will be a sheet at the back of church. It is necessary to secure these pledges to convince the borough council to allow us as a community to go ahead with the project. One of our neighbours Len Williams is coordinating this effort and his idea is explained more fully on the attached letter which contains pictures of nearby pillars.
Blessings, Larry 20 January 2018
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached for this week.
Thank you to all of you who prayed for our Living nativity event last week. I was delighted at the large numbers that attended and stayed and relaxed over a coffee with us. I was amazed to discover that we have manged to cover our costs and make a small contribution to the Residents Association for next years Christmas Tree events.
Blessings, Larry 12 January 2018
Friends,
I’m very grateful to have got through the Christmas period without a cold this year – always good to be grateful. I hope you all had a great Christmas and are looking forward into the New Year with hope. I will be away on retreat with some other church leaders from sunday evening returning in time for Wednesdays Alive.
In the morning tomorrow (Sunday 7th) we will have our annual Covenant Service when we will recommit ourselves to living and serving God afresh.
In the afternoon Millers Ark Living Nativity will be joining us at St Francis from 2pm until 4pm followed by church at 4pm. The Pop Up Coffee Shop will also be “popping up” to do the refreshments for the event. This is an event that is really easy to invite your family and friends to. Please find the notices attached and a copy of the Living Nativity poster for any last minute invitations.
Blessings, Larry 6 January 2018
Friends,
THIS Sunday (3rd December) the afternoon Sundays Alive service will be moved to 5pm as we join with St Francis and some of the uniformed organisations to have a Christingle Service.
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
Tomorrow (Sunday 26th) there will be a normal service in the morning BUT the afternoon service is not happening because we are joining the rest of Heatherside Community to sing carols and Christmas songs around the tree in Heatherside Arcade at 5pm. Lights on at about 5pm.
If anyone would like to volunteer as a steward to generally keep us safe that would be very helpful.
We will also need a jolly person to give away popcorn.
I’m happy to do the sound but just as happy to share this role if someone would like to help.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
Blessings, Larry 25th November 2017
Please find the notices for Sunday attached.
Friends,
Please find the notices for tomorrow attached.
This is a REMINDER that the CLOCKS CHANGE TONIGHT so we get an extra hours sleep.
If you are interested in a free fireworks display there will be a short display on Tuesday evening (31st) at 7.45pm on Heatherside recreation ground. They started a few minute early last year so go early.
Please pray for our Parochial Church Council on Monday evening (30th October).
Blessings, Larry 28 October 2017
NB I quite in enjoyed watching this :
Dear Friends,
Peter Stapleton writes:
“Many of us have been praying for Lorenzo, who was born 15 weeks premature in July to Charlie and her fiancé John. He had many problems, and following a third operation he lost his struggle and died on Tuesday evening in his parents’ arms. He had been baptised on Sunday, and his funeral is next Friday. The family is grateful for the support and prayers and ask that we continue to pray for them during this difficult time.”
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
Blessings, Larry 14 October 2017
Friends,
I am delighted to let you know that a new Archdeacon has been announced for our half of the Diocese. His name is Paul Davies and I attach a press release from the Diocese.
The next Women of the Word event is tomorrow (Saturday) at Heatherside Community Centre on Saturday 7 October at 9.30am. Guest speaker will be Lisa Edge of Acorn Christian Healing Foundation.
Blessings, Larry 6 October 2017
Friends,
Church seems busy with a full notice sheet – please take time to see if there is anything that would be good to be involved with or invite others to.
Please continue to pray for those on the Alpha Course and for those who being Baptised and/or Confirmed on 19th November and their families.
Thank you for your prayers for last weekend’s Pop Up Coffee Shop and Harvest Service.
Blessings, Larry 30 September 2017
NB note the Prayer and Praise service at St Paul’s this Sunday (1st) at 6.30pm for Churches Together in Camberley.
Friends,
I shall be away on Monday and Tuesday at a conference called ReNew. More information – https:
Friends,
Please find the notice sheet attached.
Please particularly note the early start time for the Harvest service on 23rd September at 10.15am when the uniformed organisations will be joining us.
I would love to hear from you if you are thinking of Baptism and/or Confirmation as Bishop Andrew has agreed to come and join us at 4pm on 19th November.
Blessings, Larry 9 September 2017
Please find the notices attached.
Larry (still on leave) 1 September 2017
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached for the next 2 weeks – combined.
We look forward to hosting our next coffee morning here on Monday (31st).
Blessings, Larry 29 July 2017
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
Blessings, Larry 22 July 2017
Dear Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
Blessings, Larry 15 July 2017
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Friends,
The Pop Up Coffee Shop is tomorrow (Saturday) in the Community Centre between 10am and 11.30am and will raise funds for the children’s charity Sparklers. Please pop in for a coffee and a cake.
Tickets for the Pop Up Gig Night on 1st July can be bought from me for £10 and include a Fish & Chip supper and the Band Unplug the Wood.
Blessings, Larry 16 June 2017
Dear Friends,
Sundays Alive this weekend (11th June) will be having a meal together after church this week. Steamed bacon pudding with potatoes and cabbage as well as less exotic food! – All welcome – bring your friends but let me know for numbers. Bring food if that works better for you.
The notices are attached.
Blessings, Larry 9 June 2017
Friends,
Please find the notices attached. We look forward to welcoming the family and friends of William Roberts who is being Baptised at our 10.30am service 4th June.
Blessings, Larry 3 June 2017
Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
There will be no Kids Alive this week as some of us will be attending the funeral of Karen Badger in Maisey Hampton. There are many things to pray for in our church family at the moment but can I ask you to also be praying for Jon Badger and the family and friends of Karen as we give thanks for her life on Thursday.
Blessings, Larry 20 May 2017
Dear Friends,
Whilst away on holiday this week I received the sad news that Karen Badger who formerly worshipped with us had died.
Please pray for Jon and the family and friends of Karen after her untimely death. As soon as details of a funeral or memorial service are known we will publish them.
Please find the notices attached as usual.
Blessings, Larry 13 May 2017
How did a personal tragedy lead Loretta Minghella OBE 
CEO of Christian Aid to follow her calling?
Dear Friends,
Please find the notice sheet attached.
I’m on leave this week returning next Sunday (14th).
Blessings, Larry. 6 May 2017
Friends,
Tomorrow is our Annual Meeting of Parishioners and our Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2016. Please do join us at 3pm for afternoon tea at St Francis Church when we will do our annual business together. The Sundays Alive congregation are hosting a BBQ after the service – all our welcome to stay on.
As far as our elections go:
Two people have been nominated for the role of Church Warden of which we have two vacancies.
There are four vacancies for the Parochial Church Council and I am aware of two persons standing for election. There are two vacancies for Deanery Synod and I am aware of one person standing for election.
It is possible to to nominate persons for any of these positions right up until the meeting – I have the necessary forms.
I am attaching all the paperwork for the meeting that is available and the notice sheet for this week.
Blessings, Larry 29 April 2017
Dear friends,
Please find the Notice sheets attached as usual.
Sunday week 30th April we will have our Annual Parochial Church Meeting at 3pm at St Francis Church Hall at 3pm with afternoon tea.
There are four vacancies for PCC members – if you would like to stand for election you will need to a proposer and seconder. Might there be a someone you would like to challenge to serve us in this way? Forms available at both services on Sunday.
Blessings, Larry 22 April 2017
Friends,
Very much looking forward to celebrating Easter with you tomorrow. We will be having a Family service at 10am for 10.30am with Hot Cross buns.
We had another excellent Pop Up Coffee Shop today raising £170.00 for Cancer Research.
Blessings, Larry 15 April 2017
Friends,
Please find the notices attached.
If you are coming in the morning please allow extra time at the end of the service so that we can work on our goals for the year ahead.
Blessings, Larry 8 April 2017
Friends,
I was sad to hear that Jean Fletcher had died this week. Please see the notice sheet for details of her Thanksgiving Service. We pray for Bob and the family in particular.
I’m very much looking forward to Mary Seaton speaking to us again tomorrow/today (Sunday morning).
We had hoped to look at putting together the Church Plan (for the morning service) during the meeting next Sunday but strong feelings have been expressed against doing this so we will now meet at the conclusion of the service which will mean that we all need to plan to spend longer at church next Sunday (9 April). I’m attaching a form for you to start to prayerfully gather your thoughts on.
Blessings, Larry 1 April 2017
Dear Friends,
Please note that the clocks go forward an hour this evening.
The notices are attached.
Blessings, Larry 24 March 2017
Dear All,
Please find attached the notices for this week. 18 March 2017
Friends,
Attached is the notices this week,
Blessings, Larry 11 March 2017
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
- Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury’s book Dethroning Mammon has been suggested as suitable reading for Lent. Can be bought at the Triangle Bookshop Farnborough or ordered on line.
- Andrew Watson has put together a Lent Challenge and the leaflets will be at Church this Sunday.
- The Church Society is producing a Lent resource via Facebook everyday through Lent and I am proposing to share it on our Facebook pages each day.
Don’t forget the next Pop Up Coffee Shop 10-11.30am 18th February Heatherside Community Centre.
This month all proceeds will be going to help Camberley Family Contact Centre (CFCC) whose aim is to promote contact in a safe and welcoming environment, between children and non residents members of their immediate family.
Friends,
Just in case you weren’t in church last Sunday – we had another very successful Pop Up Coffee Shop last week raising £130.00 for the Fountain Centre and in the evening nearly 70 folk for our Pop Up Music Night at St Francis raising £150.00 for the Hyper Mobility Syndrome charity and £260.00 for our church. A very big thank you to all who helped make our day such a success.
It’s not too late to join the Alpha course next Wednesday morning – have word with Liz Haffenden or Penny Eldridge.
Blessings, Larry 28 January 2017
Friends
Many of you will remember Keith King, a former member and Church Warden of Heatherside Church. He passed away peacefully last week – please pray for Diana and their family at this sad time.
What a busy weekend with our Pop Up Coffee shop this morning and the Pop Up Gig Night tonight.
Please find our notices attached.
Blessings, Larry. 21 January 2017
Dear Friends,
Friends,
Dear Friends
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Friends,
I’m very much looking forward to the clocks going back tonight and gaining an extra hours sleep. This is your reminder.
Dear Friends,
Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Dementia Friendly Churches.
A FREE Training opportunity for Local Churches to become Dementia friendly.
This short course is being held at St.Paul’s Church, Crawley Ridge on Saturday 24th Sept 10am-12:30pm & Thursday 29th Sept 7:00–9:30pm. After the session you will be able to wear a Dementia Friends Badge and display a Dementia Friends Sign in your church. We will also have a presentation from Maureen Hume of Camberley’s Alzheimer’s Café, a taster session from Elsie Hawkins from High Cross’ Melody for the Mind and the opportunity to hear personal testimonies.
Refreshments willbe provided. Please contact Karen:karen.pdo.ctc@gmail.com or 07931 336511 to register your interest.
Church Library Closing.
The library of audio cassettes, CDs and VHS recordings of teaching materials has ceased to be regularly used and is therefore being brought to an end. Andrew has the list of available items.
If you are interested in any of the items, or know of an organisation which could use them, please contact Andrew.
Aid to Calais.
Julie Green will be making a trip to Calais on 23-34 September.
Julie is hosting a ‘spice-bag-making evening’ on 13 September, 7.30-9.30 pm at her home. All materials will be provided – just come along, help to assemble bags and enjoya glass of wine or tea/coffee and a chat. If you would like to help in any other way (e.g. donations for the spice bags or a financial contribution)please ask.
Addiction Recovery Course.
St Paul’s will be running an Addiction Recovery Course, starting on Tuesday 6 September from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for 15 weeks. While it is a Christian-based course, it’s open to people of all faiths or none and is for people with any addiction. Contact St Paul’s on C 700210.
Job Vacancy.
Samaritan’s Purse are recruiting for a Regional Volunteer Manager www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/jobs
Women Women of the World.
You are invited to a Ladies’ Breakfast on Saturday 15th October 9.30am at St Johns Church Hall, Cove Farnborough. The guest speaker will be Michele Grandfield. The cost is £5 per person, please book in advance. 01252 522960 email: info@womenoftheworld.org.uk
For more information please speak to Penny Eldridge.
Friends,
Friends,
Please find the Notices attached.
Friends,
Friends,
Blessings, Larry
St-Etienne-du-Rouvray: Bishop Andrew statement:
The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson has spoken of his anguish on the death of Father Jacques Hamel today at the Church of St Etienne du Rovray, near Rouen. Bishop Andrew said:“I am deeply saddened by the events today at the Church of St-Etienne-du-Rouvray, and we join with our brothers and sisters in France in prayer and anguish.
“Our Diocese of Guildford is linked with Evry, near Paris, and I have written to Bishop Michel of that Diocese to convey our shock and prayer.
“There is no peaceable alternative to a society where people of all faiths are valued and free to worship without fear, but these events show that this is something which can never be taken for granted.
“Now more than ever we must resist the language of fear and reprisal, and speak aloud the values of tolerance and love which unite the vast majority of our global family.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, wrote on his facebook page:
“Evil attacks the weakest, denies truth and love, is defeated through Jesus Christ.
“We pray for France, for the victims and for their communities.
“Le mal attaque les plus faibles, nie toute vérité et amour, est vaincu par Jésus.
“Prions pour la France, ses victimes et ses communautés.”
Last Friday Curry Club. 29 July 2016. We plan to have a change from curry and go for Chinese this month. See you at The Four Horseshoes, 13-15 Burrow Hill Green, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8QP and then at 9pm at Eastern and European, 160 Windsor Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8QX.
Mission Life Grace Conference. 23 to 27th August Camping in Devon – come and join us. Let’s go as a group. Conference Website.
PCC Meeting. 2nd October 2016 8pm at Church House.
Street Angels. If you would be interesting in serving the community in this way please speak to Larry C691127.
I’m attaching the Notices for this week and a copy of Archbishop Justin’s sermon to mark the Queens 90th Birthday. Clearly their was a great calling on the Queen’s which God had prepared her for – I wonder what is the calling that God has for each one of us? How faithful are we to that calling I wonder? What a great example the Queen is to each one of us…
I’m very much looking forward to sharing lunch tomorrow to celebrate the royal Birthday.
Blessings, Larry
Archbishop preaches at Queen’s 90th birthday thanksgiving service Friday 10th June 2016.
The Archbishop of Canterbury preached and gave the blessing at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral today for The Queen’s 90th birthday.
You knit me together in my mother’s womb… I thank you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made [Psalm.139:12]
Ninety years ago, Her Majesty The Queen was born, like every human being knit together in her mother’s womb, and today we thank God for the way in which she, like every human being, is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Before we ever come to light, God marks our journeys. No one at The Queen’s birth knew for what she was destined. Today we recognise that God knew.
You encompass me behind and before and lay your hand upon me [Ps.139: 4]
Sixty-three years ago at the Coronation, again in the words of the Psalmist, God uniquely laid his hand upon Her Majesty, anointing her as our Head of State, our Monarch.
We are here today to worship the God who made our Queen, and to celebrate the way in which God’s hand has been so uniquely evident in her life.
Psalm 139 explores fear and wonder, and the connection between them.
In life there is much to fear. Over and again the Psalm describes those things we might be afraid of – the fears we harbour individually as well as the fears we share corporately.
Fear makes us want to flee – from God, from one another, often even from ourselves. But over and again that fear is turned into wonder as we see that God is before, behind and beyond it.
Over the 63 years and the 90 years there has been much to fear: at times of personal challenge or national crisis. But just as the psalmist sees through fear to something more stirring and more extraordinary, so we look back on Your Majesty’s 90 years in the life of our nation with deep wonder and profound gratitude. Through war and hardship, through turmoil and change, we have been fearfully and wonderfully sustained.
The one who turns fear to wonder is Jesus. The story of Jesus shows us that God enters into the most fearful places imaginable in our lives – of sin, betrayal, violence, rejection, even death – and turns each one of them from horror into glory.
Nothing is outside God’s understanding. Nothing is beyond God’s grace. Nothing is too broken for God’s transformation. No one can flee from God’s redeeming goodness or finally escape God’s loving attention.
‘Consider the lilies, how they grow,’ says Jesus. They too are the handwork of God who clothed them in glory, from the overflow of his love and care. How much more does God care for and clothe each one of us.
Your Majesty, today we rejoice for the way in which God’s loving care has fearfully and wonderfully sustained you, as well as Prince Philip marking his 95th birthday today.
And we rejoice, Your Majesty, for the way in which the life God has given you in turn you have given wonderfully in service to this nation. You have been an instrument of God’s peace, and through you God has so often turned fear into wonder – and joy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Please find the notice sheet attached for the week ahead.
For those of you who use Facebook there is a link below to a live Bible Study that ++ Justin did recently which can be watched here:
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It reminded me just what a helpful thing it is to sit down with a friend and discuss a bible passage together. I still have some copies of The Word ONE TO ONE bible guides which are really great for using with a friend – just ask me if you would like a set. I have really enjoyed reading them together with friends this last year.
I hope that you have been spending the time in anticipation of Pentecost which we celebrate tomorrow.
I attach the notice sheet for this week and a corrected version of the Term card which now has the correct time for Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship.
Blessings, Larry