Out of the Depths

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.  
I hope you'll enjoy sharing this together. If you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here as well as resources sheets being sent out by email (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com).

Preparation

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him," (Nahum 1:7)
 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn

To God be the glory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15v9iworAU)
 

Word of God

This morning our reading and sermon can be found in the video below.  Thank you to Katie from All Saints' for reading for us.  Here is the passage:

Psalm 130

            A song of ascents.
1    Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
2                       Lord, hear my voice.
            Let your ears be attentive
                        to my cry for mercy.
3           If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
                        Lord, who could stand?
4           But with you there is forgiveness,
                        so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5           I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
                        and in his word I put my hope.
6           I wait for the Lord
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning,
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7           Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
                        for with the LORD is unfailing love
                        and with him is full redemption.
8           He himself will redeem Israel
                        from all their sins.
 
Our other readings today are Romans 8.6-11 and John 11.1-45.
 

Prayers

Our prayers are led by video by Bethan, Maggie and Kath from Selattyn.

Our collect for today 

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.

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.

Conclusion

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:13–14)

Hymn

Our final hymn uses the tune to 'Abide with me' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnEx_Cv-QB8)

Resources for Families

All of us need spiritual help to keep going.  We are in partnership with these groups for children and young people in the area.  Whether you usually join in or not, feel free to get in touch with Mark Addison (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com):

• On Sundays he is sending resources to help you run a Lighthouse Sunday School from home. Email Mark to sign up.

• SPLAT is for children of school years 3-6. Contact Mark to receive a weekly email with resources to do at home, "Splat Splash Newspaper" 

• For ages 11-18 the usual groups are still meeting virtually on Zoom.  If you know a young person who would like to join them, drop Mark a line.

In place of Lighthouse, we would love you, the parents, to run a short family worship session. You can tell your children that all the other Lighthouse children will be doing the same thing at roughly the same time - to create a sense of togetherness even though we're not together in body.

Here's the plan:

• Download the New City Catechism App: http://newcitycatechism.com/mobile-apps/  

• Don't be put off by the word 'catechism'.  It just means a summary of what Christians believe in question and answer form. 

• Select 'children's mode' (top right hand corner)

• Read the question e.g.  What is our only hope in life and death? (We're suggesting Question 1 for this Sunday, then one question per week)

• If your child is old enough get them to then read the answer, or you read it to them.  Perhaps practice memorising the question and answer by hiding the screen and seeing if they can remember it.

• Read out the Bible verse or ask your child to do it (icon at bottom left of screen).

• Listen to the song (icon at bottom right of screen).  Repeat and join in if you would like to.

• Read out the prayer - or get your child to read it out (icon at bottom middle right of screen)

Church Family Update

Dear friends, 

I hope you all are keeping well.  As ever, please be in touch if I can be of any help.  Included today:

• Today's Lent course material for you to use at home

• An update and resources for children and youth

• Volunteering and community support

A Prayer for COVID-19

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.

 "Who do you say I am?"

Our Lent course this week is looking at Mark 8:27-38. It is another of Jesus' provocative questions. The conversation begins generally about what others think, but Peter is then asked directly.  You could read it now or find it here (Mark 8 at biblegateway.com).  You could consider these questions on your own or with a friend (perhaps by phone or social media)

• What did the people in Jesus' time think of him?  What views do people hold today about Jesus?

• If Peter's answer is correct what is so surprising in Jesus' response (verse 29-30)?

Jesus being the Christ is more than just a religious title. The Christ is the promised and perfect king of the Old Testament.  Like Aslan in the Narnia stories, this is the king who would bring in God's perfect rule, unite and purify God's people from every sin, defend them from every adversity and restore his broken world to a global peaceful harmony.  Until his rule is complete he tells us to expect wars and uprisings, earthquakes, famines and epidemics (Luke 21:9–11). That's why news of a Christ is such good news of eternal and universal significance.

• What was Peter not understanding? What was his mistake?

• If we are to have in mind the concerns of God (verse 33), how should the cross shape our view of the world?

  • ... in understanding Jesus (v31-32)?

  • ... in understanding how to live (v34)?

  • ... in understanding the future (v35-38)?

If you are someone with extra time, I'd encourage you to invest some by spending time reading an account of Jesus' life afresh. Then pray in your own words to be shaped by God's cross-shaped priorities.

Lent Course next week?

Would you like to meet in video conference next week to study the Lent Course?  If you would be interested, just let me know. 

Church on Sunday

I will email again on Sunday morning with some resources so that wherever we are, we can all set the same time apart to pray, read scripture and worship together.  I will include some resources for families. As we plan to have "church at home", though we're scattered for a time, we can know the comfort of meeting with God in word and prayer.

Resources for Families

All of us need spiritual help to keep going.  In normal times, we would be in partnership with these groups for children and young people in the area.  Whether you usually join in or not, feel free to get in touch with Mark Addison (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com):

• On Sundays he is sending resources to help you run a Lighthouse Sunday School from home. Email Mark to sign up.

• SPLAT is for children of school years 3-6. Contact Mark to receive a weekly email with resources to do at home, "Splat Splash Newspaper" 

• For ages 11-18 the usual groups are still meeting virtually on Zoom.  If you know a young person who would like to join them, drop Mark a line

Volunteering and community support

Many of you have been so kind in offering support to others in need. So many have mentioned how much it means to them to receive a call or offer of help.  I am happy, when able to coordinate offers of help locally as people have needs so please get in touch if there is anything we can help with.

Also please consider helping as a NHS volunteer responder.  There are a variety of roles to help with. See https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

Mailing List Admin

Our mailing list is now being sent using a mailing list service called 'Mailchimp'.  This means you can invite others to receive these using this link: http://eepurl.com/gXHAkr You can also unsubscribe or update your details using the links in the footer of any email.

With warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Isolated? You're not alone

If you’re self-isolating, social distancing or ‘shielding’ as someone at-risk, we’re here for you.

Please be in touch if you would like to chat or if we can help with anything.

• Can we arrange someone to help with errands?

• Would you like someone to chat to or to keep in touch with you?

You may also like to know:

• Free email encouragements. If you know someone who would like to receive these emails, please contact us on allsaintsgobowen@gmail.com

• Stans are offering a delivery service free for over 60's within a 5 mile radius of the store. Phone 01691 772348. T's & C's apply.

• Gillhams, and I’m sure others, are offering local delivery including books from Booka. Phone 01691 653187

• Many local pubs and takeaways are offering delivery

• Other local offers are often posted on https://en-gb.facebook.com/gobowenlife/

• Foodbank: you can contact or support the foodbank directly online or shop for them. See https://oswestryandborders.foodbank.org.uk/corona-virus-update/

If we're with the Shepherd, we're ok

Dear friends, 

You are all very much in my prayers and thoughts as we have our first Sunday apart. Below is some guidance so we can join together in spirit as we pray and praise together in our homes this Sunday. As ever, please be in touch if I can help in any way, or for a chat. 

Church at home for Mothering Sunday

Preparation

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

What is essential for life?  Who helps provide it for you?

Who looks after you and who do you look after?  What can we give thanks for about these people?

Today is Mothering Sunday when Christians have traditionally returned to the church they grew up in (which often meant they visited their Mothers too).  Whatever our experience from our own parents, this is a time to give thanks for those who have looked after us over the years, both spiritually and physically. And also to give thanks to our wonderfully gracious Lord and Shepherd who looks after us in green pastures or dark valleys.

Spend some time in prayers of thanks.

Sing: Great is thy faithfulness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTKIqmdfHSk)

Word of God

Read Psalm 23 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+23&version=NIVUK)

(Other readings set for today are Ephesians 5.8-14, John 9.1-41)

Listen (or sing along) to this modern setting of the psalm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXPPzuCJMCs

If we're with the Shepherd we're OK.  Many people love this psalm for how comforting it is, and what a comfort it is.  It takes us through various scenes and circumstances of life.  But it's not about a triumphant super-sheep able to survive in any tough place.  This psalm takes us to the perfect shepherd, our LORD.  If we are with him, we're ok.  The sheep doesn't have to be clever or strong, wise or resilient but just needs to stick with the Shepherd.

• in verses 1-3, he provides for all we need

• in verse 3, he guides us to a beautiful God-honouring life

• in verse 4, he protects us, in hardship, although not from hardship

• in verse 5, the honour of a close relationship with the king

• in verse 6, the security of a blessed and peaceful future with him.

Jesus is the ultimate good Shepherd.  Our confidence in hard times is in the Shepherd who has proved his commitment to us.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)

Because he has laid down his life for us, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  If we're with the shepherd, we're ok. 

Prayers

Include prayers of confession and prayers for those you are concerned for.

Good Shepherd of our souls, we thank you for those you have given to care for us through the years and for your unfailing and tender love through good times and hard.  Please keep us safe in your hand and help us to trust you, day by day. Amen.

Merciful Lord, absolve your people from their offences, that through your bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the chains of those sins which by our frailty we have committed; grant this, heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Conclusion

"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)

Sing: Guide me O my great Redeemer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAN4EojeF0Y)

Families & Lighthouse Sunday School

In place of Lighthouse, we would love you, the parents, to run a short family worship session. You can tell your children that all the other Lighthouse children will be doing the same thing at roughly the same time - to create a sense of togetherness even though we're not together in body.

Here's the plan:

• Download the New City Catechism App: http://newcitycatechism.com/mobile-apps/  

• Don't be put off by the word 'catechism'.  It just means a summary of what Christians believe in question and answer form. 

• Select 'children's mode' (top right hand corner)

• Read the question e.g.  What is our only hope in life and death? (We're suggesting Question 1 for this Sunday, then one question per week)

• If your child is old enough get them to then read the answer, or you read it to them.  Perhaps practice memorising the question and answer by hiding the screen and seeing if they can remember it.

• Read out the Bible verse or ask your child to do it (icon at bottom left of screen).

• Listen to the song (icon at bottom right of screen).  Repeat and join in if you would like to.

• Read out the prayer - or get your child to read it out (icon at bottom middle right of screen)

You may also like this new song from Keith & Kristyn Getty based on this catechism question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibIi1rz7mw

With very many thanks and warmest prayers and greetings from us,

Steve

Encounter Christ in isolation

Many of us were taught about Jesus as children in Sunday School or in RE lessons. But my experience is that when people look again at the original historical accounts of Jesus’ life their ideas about him change. The best place to start is to get reading a gospel for yourself. Matthew, Mark, Luke or John are the eye-witness accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible called gospels.

One way to do that is using this great online resource ‘Uncover’ which has videos and questions to help you engage with Jesus as you read.

https://www.uncover.org.uk/mark/read/

Peace and hope in a time of crisis

Following national guidance, all our services and events are postponed until further notice. This means that for the foreseeable future, there will be no Sunday Services, events or small groups.  Open-air prayer resources will be made available outside the churches soon for any who wish to come to pray.

It will be sad not to meet face to face this Sunday, but we can pray together.

I will be trying to communicate with as many as I can by phone and email. I will also be sending regular email updates with encouragement, news and resources to help you keep going and growing in faith in this time. If you would like to receive these email updates, please let me know.  Further resources for prayer will also be posted here.

Each Sunday in particular I will send and upload some resources to help us unite in our prayers and devotions. Perhaps keep 9:30am or 11am set aside as a time to pray together.  

In addition, there is a national movement to pray together at 7pm on Sunday 22nd March.  The Archbishops write:

“Wherever you are this Sunday please do join in this day of prayer and action and remember specially those who are sick or anxious and all involved in our Health Service. As one action we are calling on everyone to place a lighted candle in their window at 7.00 p.m. as a sign of solidarity and hope in the light of Christ that can never be extinguished.”

Please be in touch with me if there is any support I can give: call 01691 590564 or email allsaintsgobowen@gmail.com

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17)

May you know his eternal encouragement and good hope,
Steve

Armistice centenary commemorations

All Saints commemorates the centenary or the WW1 Armistice with displays of hand knitted poppies, a service, and a period tea.

Church Hall Open Day

On Saturday 12th of May a successful open day was held to mark the refurbishment of the church hall. 

The weather was glorious and we were so pleased to be joined by so many families and guests, a good time was had by all.

Church Hall Open Day

All invited...

Why not come along?

We are always happy to see new people join our congregation. 

Why not join us for our main Sunday service which begins at 11am.

Growing Young Leaders Course

Christmas Tree Festival a Success

We were delighted that this years Christmas Tree festival was such a success. So many of the the communities local organisations supported this years event and gave a real sense of togetherness for this important part of the year.