Thy Kingdom Come: Saturday 30th May

… for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.” Pray for God’s help as you read Romans 11:33-36.

• What reasons to praise God are given here?

• How is God different to us?

• Pray through each line of the Lord’s Prayer slowly to our Father.

You may also like to use the following prayer and make it your own:

Sovereign God,
Your cause, not our own, engages our hearts, and we appeal to you to set up your kingdom in every place where Satan reigns.
Glorify yourself and we will rejoice, for to bring honour to your name is all we desire.
We love you because you are God, and long that others should know it, feel it, and rejoice in it.
O that all people might love and praise you!  That you might have all glory from the whole world! Let sinners be brought to you for your great name! 
To our own understanding, everything respecting the conversion of others is as dark as midnight, but you can accomplish great things; the cause is your own, and it is to your glory that people will be saved.
Lord, use us as you will, do with us what you will; but, O, promote your cause! Let your kingdom come, let your purposes be advanced in this world!
Bring people in great numbers to Jesus!  Let us see that glorious day, and give us hearts to pray for the salvation of souls; let us be willing to die to that end, and while we live let us work for you with all our strength, using our time wisely in this work, both in health and weakness.
It is your cause and your kingdom we long for, not our own, so Father, answer this request! We ask it in Jesus’ name.
Amen.  (from Valley of Vision)

Thy Kingdom Come: Friday 29th May

“… lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil …” Pray for God’s help as you read Ephesians 6:10-20.

• Where does the church’s strength and defence come from? (See also Ephesians 1:18-23)

• What actually are we called to do?

• How do we stand firm in practice?  How does Paul plan to stand firm (verses 18-20)?

Pray for God’s help to stand firm in faith, ethically, and in witness.

Please also pray … for our individual witness:

• Pray for those you live near, work with, relax with, or regularly see in life (shop workers, delivery people, etc.), for family members and friends.

• Pray our prayerfulness: that we would completely depend on God as we life for Christ.

• Pray for God to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5)

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday 28th May

… as we forgive those who sin against us …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… as we forgive those who sin against us …” Pray for God’s help as you read Matthew 18:21-35. 

• Compare what the servant asks for and what he gets (verses 26-27).  How should this affect the servant?  What effect does it have? What is motivating the servant in verse 28?

• How do you think the master should respond in verse 32-34?

• When are we unforgiving to others? Why do we find forgiveness so hard? Does the parable help us see forgiveness rightly?

Pray for forgiveness from God for our unforgiving attitudes.  Pray for our hearts to be changed by an understanding of God’s forgiving grace to us.

Please also pray … for our church to grow to maturity:

• For our church to be speaking the truth to each other in love so that we grow to become the mature body of Christ our Head (Eph 4:15)

• For all our relationships to help us grow together in love and maturity.

• For us to be a welcoming community that reaches out to those around us with the word of life.

Thy Kingdom Come: Wednesday 27th May

“… forgive us our sins …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… forgive us our sins …” Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 32.

• What is unexpected about where blessing is found? Where do we usually think real blessing is?

• How does the Psalmist describe the weight of sin? Think about a time when you have been deeply aware of your failings. Pray that we would be humbly aware of our sin and be swift to confess.

• What is the Psalmist’s advice for those who are aware of their sin (v6-11)?  Which parts of this would you most like to grow in?

Confess your sin to the Lord. The sins you are aware of, the sins you have hidden, and the sins you’re not aware of.

Praise God for the blessing of forgiveness: that sin is totally covered.  Pray that we would know the release of sins forgiven.

Pray for others you know to become aware of their sin against the Lord, and to turn to him for forgiveness.

• Please also pray … for our Lighthouse Sunday School & Sparklers (in Gobowen), Café in the church, Little Badgers & Praise in the Pub (in Selattyn) and all the families in contact with the churches:

• Pray that children and young people will receive Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, be rooted and built up in him, be strengthened in the faith, and overflow with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6,7)

• For the leaders to be encouraged in their work, and to labour with joy and faithfulness.

Thy Kingdom Come: Tuesday 26th May

“… give us today our daily bread …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… give us today our daily bread …” Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 121.

• Where do we look for help and support in trouble?

• The ‘high places’ or ‘mountains’ (verse 1) are about the danger of idolatry.  High places were shrines for false gods and as the psalmist looks to them, he reminds himself that the Lord is his help. How is the One True God described? How does this emphasise he is able to supply all we need (unlike the lifeless idols)?

• Where do people in our culture look to give them what they need in and from life?  What are you tempted to look to for security and satisfaction, rather than from God[SN1] ?

• If you’re amazed that God would show this care over you, remember we can only pray this prayer in Christ — think of how this psalm is reflected in Jesus’ temptation, ministry and death.  Read Romans 8:31-32.

• Pray for yourself and others you know, that in temptation, we would say “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Give thanks for God’s provision of life, food, spiritual blessings and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Pray that we would be generous with what we have been given as we draw people to see the wonder of our God.

Please also pray for … people to lift their eyes to our Lord at this time:

• Those isolated or struggling

• For the ill and those caring for them

• For those suffering with their mental health

• For any who are anxious or fearful

• For all those whose hopes and plans for this world are changed

Thy Kingdom Come: Monday 25th May

“… your will be done, on earth as in heaven …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… your will be done, on earth as in heaven …”

Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 33.

• Verses 1-9: How is God’s will revealed? How is it described? Why does it cause us to praise him?

• Verses 10-19: What are the results of either fighting or following his will?

Confess the ways that we fail to follow the Lord’s will in our lives.  You may find Psalm 32 helps with words to use.

• In verses 20-22, the Psalmist invites us to join with him in putting his hope in God. Pray the psalm that today we would joyfully walk in his ways as we hope in him.

Please also pray … for

• OM working around the world and the staff based at the Quinta

• Stephen Hatch at St John’s School in Tanzania.

Stand firm in grace: Church at Home

Welcome

Hymn

Our first hymn calls us together to praise God that he keeps us all through life’s journey.

Confession

Seeing we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and make our confession to our heavenly Father.

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:5–7)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our readings are Acts 1:6-14 (read by John from All Saints’) and 1 Peter 4:12–5:14.

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Sermon: Stand firm in grace

Hymn

This hymn is a comfort for weary souls in the trials of this life.

Prayers

Our prayers this morning in the video are led by Alison from All Saints’.

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

You may wish to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10–11)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Thy Kingdom Come: Sunday 24th May

“The God of all grace”

Today we’re using 1 Peter 4-5 to shape our prayers.

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10–11)

Pray for God’s help as you read 1 Peter 4:12–5:13.  We’ll be looking at this in church this morning.

• How does the church keep going?  What are our resources and motivations?

Thank God for his enduring grace to keep his people going.

Pray for someone from church, that they would stand firm, persevere and be filled with joy.

• Please also pray … for our national leaders

• For leaders of the nations to govern with wisdom, integrity and justice.

• For wisdom and guidance in the current circumstances.

• For the Church of England to clearly hold out the gospel to this nation.

• For our PCC, wardens and leaders to lead diligently, wisely and faithfully with joy and thankfulness in Christ.  For the provision of workers, raising of leaders, management of finances and the maintenance of buildings so that the gospel work can continue.

Thy Kingdom Come: Saturday 23rd May

“… your kingdom come …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… your kingdom come …” Pray for God’s help as you read Acts 17:24-31.

• What is the extent and power of God’s rule (verses 24-26)?

• How does God want people to respond to his rule (verses 27-31)?

Thank God for those he has placed living near you or whom you meet regularly.

Pray for opportunities to show them Jesus, his resurrection and his coming.

• Please also pray for … for our mission and evangelism:

• For opportunities to speak to people about Jesus.

• For the all our activities as a church, that as people hear of Him, many would turn in repentance and faith.

What Is God Up To?

The Temptation to Overinterpret Suffering

“What do you think God is doing? Why is he allowing this pandemic?” he asked. Then he added, “I know you have thought a lot about this.” I had not thought about it….

…continue reading at ccef.org

Thy Kingdom Come: Friday 22nd May

“… hallowed be your name …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… hallowed be your name …” Pray for God’s help as you read Revelation 4.

• John is writing down the spiritual reality in heaven.  Why is God worthy of praise?

• One common use of the word ‘hallowed’ today is about sports pitches: hallowed turfs and grounds.  In the Lord’s Prayer we’re asking for God to be glorified. What might it look like for you to glorify God in the tasks, challenges and relationships he has given you today?

• Pray through the people might see or encounter today that God would help you to glorify him and be a blessing to them.

• Pray that God would open people’s eyes to see his glory in the face of Christ (2 Cor 4:6)

Please also pray for … those in local mission seeking to glorify God, such as:

• Oswestry Foodbank helping those in need locally and many others supporting the vulnerable.

• Christians working in all sorts of settings including healthcare, schools etc.

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday 21st May — Ascension Day

“Our Father in heaven…”

Today we’re beginning our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer. Today is “Our Father in heaven…” Pray for God’s help as you read Galatians 4:3-7. 

• What would our status be without Jesus?

• What has God done for us?  What is our new status?

• How does this encourage you to pray?

Thank God for welcoming us into his family by including us in his son, Jesus.

Confess that in sin we needed his rescue.

Pray for a deeper delight in our adopted sonship-in-Jesus as we cry Abba through him to our Father by the Spirit of Sonship.

• Please also pray for… our prayer life as a church

• Today we remember that Jesus ascended to heaven so that he can pray for us and we can pray with confidence to our Father through him.

• “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14–16)

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
to have ascended into the heavens,
so we in heart and mind may also ascend and with him continually dwell;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come

As we come to the climax of our Easter Season it feels a long time since we met in person.  Christ and his resurrection are still wonderfully true and give us a hope and a future despite the trials and struggles of this world.

At this time I am reminded of our limitedness. We don’t know how long this will last, we cannot control the virus as much as we would like, nor remove the grief for those whose loved ones have died. We need to pray.

We need to pray for the current crisis, and also we realise how much we needed to pray all along. We long for God’s work in our church, community, nation and world. At this time we are all the more aware of our dependence on him.

The eleven days between Ascension and Pentecost (21st-31st May) are set aside as a global partnership of prayer for God’s mission called “Thy Kingdom Come.”

• DAILY PRAYER. Below is a prayer diary to download and you are invited to join with us all as we pray together. The prayer diary will be posted daily here if you’d rather view on a browser. You could bookmark (on a computer) or save a link to your home screen (on mobile devices) for quick access.

• LIVE SERVICE TODAY. I will lead a short service of scripture and prayer on the evening of Ascension Day (Thursday 21st) at 7pm.

If you would like to be sent a link to join us on the zoom service, please get in touch.

A Life of Blessing: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

From Thursday 21st I will be sending out some resources for the ten days to Pentecost as part of the global prayer initiative “Thy Kingdom Come.” It is a time to join together in prayer for our community and the world so I hope you can join with us.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Please email if you like to be sent the link

Also this evening at 6pm you are invited to join us for our Virtual Prayer Supper. We'll meet at 6pm and use the same login as today's coffee time.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Welcome

Hymn

This hymn reminds us of God’s amazing and saving grace to us in Jesus. Once found by him, we are his forever.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)  

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song

Our next song is a favourite in our household, and reminds us that we can rely on God in every situation.

Word of God

Our readings today are Acts 17:22-31 and 1 Peter 3:8-4:11.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.

from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7

Reflection: A Life of Blessing

Prayers

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; 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.

Today's prayers are led by Geoff from All Saints' in the video.

Conclusion

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Closing Hymn

As we're thinking about being a blessing, here's a sung blessing recorded recently by some UK churches. Let's pray for our nation and community that God would give the blessing of faith in Christ to many at this time.

Exile's long walk: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All hail the power of Jesus’ name.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24) 

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our readings are Acts 7:55-69 and 1 Peter 2:11-3:9 read by David from St Mary’s and Catherine from All Saints’.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.

from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7

Reflection: Exile's long walk

Hymn

Prayers

Today’s prayers are led by Margaret from All Saints’ in the video below.

Collect

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

It is well with my soul.

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Seeking Help

We know from research and statistics that at times of close social proximity instances of domestic abuse increase. People are at home and may be unable to escape the risks they face during this lockdown period.

Should you have any concerns about a person you know or are yourself worried or experiencing difficulty about domestic abuse, please seek help. If you are at immediate risk you should call the Police immediately using 999,

• Speak to a trusted friend or to the Vicar at allsaintsgobowen@gmail.com

• Speak to one of our Safeguarding Coordinators.

• Call the West Mercia Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 783 1359 or the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.

• In an emergency, dial 999.

Built Together: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All people that on earth do dwell.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Please read our first reading from Acts 2:42-47.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
(from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7)

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 2:4-10.

Hymn

This song rejoices in God’s work to build us together into Christ our sure foundation.

Prayers

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Lets sing of Jesus. As Peter quotes the LORD saying, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6)

Hope & Holiness: Church at Home

Dear friends,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

I hope you find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord. This week you are also invited to join us for a mingle and virtual coffee after church.  The details are below.

My very many thanks to Alan Reynolds and Mikey for putting together last weeks service resources. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. (My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Church Coffee on Zoom

We miss not meeting in person so after church this week you are invited to join us to mingle and meet on 'Zoom' this Sunday at 12 noon. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. Please contact us if you would like to be sent the link.

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

Jesus shall reign

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our first reading is from Acts 2:36-41, and is read to us by Betty from St. Mary's.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 1:13-2:2.

Hymn

Our next hymn rejoices "blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah".

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Barbara from All Saints' in the video below. 

Today's Collect

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:12–13)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Our final hymn lifts our eyes to our great hope that leads to holiness. All my hope on God is founded.

Living Hope: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well. Here are some resources that I hope will help you as we each have church at home this Sunday. I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are also invited to join us for our ‘Prayer Supper’ at 6:00pm this Sunday evening via Zoom. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. If you would like to be sent a link to join us, please email mikeyreade@hotmail.co.uk.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

Alleluia, Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Hymn

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord.

Preparation

Open our eyes, Lord - enlarge our seeing.
Open our hearts, Lord - increase our faith and love.
Open our minds, Lord - deepen our knowing.

Often we do not live the Lord's abundant life:
Lord have mercy - Christ have mercy - Lord have mercy.

Word of God

Our reading this Sunday is 1 Peter 1:1-12. Please read this, then let's join together in affirming our faith:

We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Life
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Love
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Light
Blessed be you O God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Reflection: Living Hope

The First Letter of Peter gives us an uplifting Easter message:

"[The Father] has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” (1 Peter 1:3)

The problem we have is both life and hope are easily crushed.

At the moment our globally interconnected world is being shaken to the core by COVID-19.

Life is profoundly changing – probably not just temporarily; assumptions of the last 60 years or so are being challenged.

This is not so different from those early Christian/Jewish communities, written to as the “Exiles of the Dispersion” (1 Peter 1:2), in present day Turkey.  Once these were strong Christian centres, but Rome would bring a ‘fiery test’ to these young churches.

‘Living Hope’ - raises embattled spirits both then and today.  To look beyond the present moment and crisis to a Hope that lifts us into eternity.  Not to escape the present – but to enable us to meet the moment with renewed energy and compassion.

There is a big contrast and division between:

• Hope founded upon this world - as even with good humanitarian actions, we are good at spoiling things (see the 7 deadly sins), and

• Hope founded upon the source of life and Hope – God whom we meet in Jesus.

The “Living Hope” flows on into an ‘inheritance’  (1 Peter 1:4) that is:

• ‘imperishable’:   It cannot be spoilt, or taken away (yet we trust the perishable)

• ‘undefiled’:   It cannot be corrupted by human action/sin. (yet we constantly recycle our sins)

• ‘unfading’:   It will last!  All that is around us will change, even the mountains and seas, even the world’s botoxed beauty will change!  This Living Hope comes with a Resurrection guarantee.

In the meantime, life goes on.  After the apparent catastrophe of Good Friday, there is Easter.  Everything now takes on a deeper, richer form, within the unique stream of life that flows from the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Spirit.

Here, then, is:

• the Love of Christ – that embraces all.

• the Light of Christ – to lead and inspire in the pilgrimage.

• the Life of Christ – that we now see to be an eternal Living Hope.

Hymn

You are the king of glory.

Intercession

We pray for all working in the NHS and support services.

We pray for Governments worldwide - for wise leadership and decision making.

We pray for those who are sick, troubled, fearful and bereaved.

O Lord, we bring

{name/situation}     in their weakness, for your strengthening.

....................    in sickness, for your healing.

....................    in trouble, for your guidance.

....................    in authority, for your leading.

Today's Collect

Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Hymn

Thine be the glory.

Conclusion

Thank you O Lord,
your steadfast love never ceases.
Your mercies are new ever morning,
great is your faithfulness.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.

Church at Home, Easter Sunday

Dear friends, 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Our warmest greetings to you at this Eastertime.  Over the coming days, although we can’t meet in person, we can unite in prayer. With so much to pray for, I particularly pray that the riches of hope and mercy found in our risen Lord would be found by many over the coming days.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

I hope you find the service a real encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preparation

"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!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." (John 20:19–20)

Alleluia! Christ in risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Hymn

Christ the Lord is risen today

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn of praise

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;

Word of God

Our first reading for Easter Sunday is John 20:1-18. Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:
THE NICENE CREED

On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is,
seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.

Easter Reflection

Please turn to Acts 10:34-43, which is read for us by Denise from All Saints’ in the video below.

Hymn

In Christ alone

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Mikey from All Saints' by video. 

Today's Collect

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Say out loud for all to hear:

"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Thine be the glory

Good Friday Reflection

If you want to catch up on our live Good Friday meeting, the video we saw is here for watching again