Sunday Worship 29th November

 Sunday Worship on the First Sunday of Advent

Welcome to our on-line worship in Leesfield Parish on this, the first Sunday of Advent. We're hoping to be back at St Thomas' for next Sunday's Eucharist, but on-line worship will continue here for all who are unable to be with us in person.

First we have a special Advent message from Bishop David -

Advent is a time of quiet waiting, and you may wish to spend a little time listening to this Taize music "Wait For The Lord" -  

Today we will light the first of our Advent candles in St Thomas' Church, just before the church opens for private prayer at 2 pm until 3. To see the candle being lit and hear the special prayers please click here - https://www.facebook.com/leesfieldparish/videos/416159336091429 

As we watch the candle being lit, we sing our first hymn for today - "Christ Be Our Light"

Today's Gospel Reading -

Reflection - 

On this first Sunday of Advent we are encouraged to join with thousands of churches around the UK in a collective moment of solidarity and hope with Christian Aid. Today’s reflection is by Dr Paula Gooder and a video of this sermon and other worship materials for Advent can be found at caid.org.uk/hope.

Love builds hope: It can feel as though hope is in short supply at the moment. We roll from one crisis to the next, barely catching our breath between each one. The simple task of keeping going is so exhausting that our chances of being able to discover any significant sources of hope feel slim and often beyond our grasp. The season of Advent and the approach of Christmas, however, are a powerful reminder that, contrary to appearances, hope does glimmer around us. It just doesn’t look like we expect it to look.

On one level this shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus, hope for all the world, certainly didn’t look like the people of his day expected him to look. The Jews of the first century had all their hopes pinned on a powerful, majestic king - what they got instead was a baby; they expected him to be in a palace - instead he was found where animals eat. The light that shone so vividly in the darkness was certainly nothing like anyone had thought he would be.

At this time of year, and especially this year as we trudge onwards through what feels like never-ending Covid uncertainty, fear and grief, it is worth reminding ourselves again and again that hope has always appeared among us at an unexpected time and in unexpected form. The Jesus whose birth we prepare to celebrate brings the kind of hope we can neither imagine nor anticipate.

One of my favourite strands of the Advent wait, as we approach Christmas, is that in this season our waiting coincides with that of Mary’s, waiting for the birth of her baby. It is almost impossible for us to comprehend quite how much Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth turned Mary’s life on its head.

One moment she was a normal young woman waiting for the all the future would hold, the next she was staring at the likelihood of a life of shame and exclusion, shunned by everyone she knew, possibly even her future husband. One of the striking features of Luke’s account of Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary is that we hear so little from Mary - a question (‘How can this be?’) and an acquiescence ('Let it be with me according to your word’) is all we are told that she said. She seems subdued, barely uttering a word. The beautifully eloquent, heart-stirring poem of praise - which we call the Magnificat - came later, much later when she went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.

As with so much else in this story we know little the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary. We know that they were related and that one of them was very old while the other was, probably, quite young, beyond that we are given no further details. What is crystal clear, however, is the affection between the two women. Luke tells us that when Mary greeted Elizabeth the child - later named John - leapt in Elizabeth’s womb. There is so much we might want to know. What did Mary say? How well did they know each other? Had they both been lonely and afraid until now? We are left with the scantiest of details and the need to fill in the gaps as best we can, but what we can tell is that the greeting formed a connection, a deep abiding bond between the two of them, a bond founded in love and that it was the love between these two women that changed everything so that Mary was able - possibly for the first time - to sing out her praise and joy and confidence in God. As far as we can tell from what Luke tells us, love was what turned Mary’s fear to hope. Love changed how she felt, love washed away her fears; love built hope.

At first glance this recognition seems odd. Surely hope is to be found in external things? In a change of circumstances maybe? Or a reassurance that all is not as it seems? Perhaps hope is found in a hint of something new, that something better is round the corner? But on reflection it makes perfect sense that love builds hope. It is in relationship that our feelings change, circumstances maybe no different but how we feel about them shifts. When we reach out in love, our ability to make sense of the world improves and our sense of hope ignites. It is when we are grounded in love and compassion that our horizon shifts and our view of the world changes.

It is so easy to imagine that we need to go looking for hope, that we need to generate it, somehow; that if we try hard enough, we’ll be able to conjure hope by our own efforts. The story of Mary and Elizabeth reminds us that we don’t find hope - hope finds us. Hope creeps up on us when we least expect it; hope can spring up in even the darkest and most despairing of times and one of the factors that causes it to happen is love. When we can forget ourselves sufficiently to care deeply for those around us, when we reach with compassion beyond our own needs, anxieties and concerns, then hope can stir. This hope, however, is not a thin, inward looking hope for ourselves but a hope for the whole world, the world that God created and loved so much that he sent his only Son - the unexpected, unimagined embodiment of hope.

Christian Aid’s theme this Advent and Christmas is precisely this - that love builds hope, when we reach out beyond ourselves to care for God’s world, then hope grows and grows. Love and hope are profoundly intertwined. Jesus, hope of the world, in whom we have faith impels us to love, and as we love, hope is built. Or as the apostle Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 13 – ‘faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love’.

Christian Aid have a special Christmas Carol for this year, "When Out Of Poverty Is Born" 

Bishop Mark also has a reflection to share for the first Sunday of Advent -

Our prayers -

Our final hymn for this morning is a classic Advent hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744, "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" - 

 

POSADA 2020

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and we would usually bring the Posada figures into church to start their journey around the homes of our parish. 

Everything is so different this year, and we'll have to do things a little differently. Instead of the figures going around the parish, Chrissie will "be" the Posada, travelling around and posting special book marks through doors.

Below is a piece about the origins of the tradition, and some of the prayers we use at this time. 

 

 Posada

Posada is a Spanish word meaning “inn” 

Posada celebrations originated about 400 years ago in Mexico, but their roots lie in Europe, in 10th and 11th century Bible plays, which were used to teach an illiterate population about the love and life of Christ.

During Advent two young people were chosen to dress up as Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly Mother and Father. Recalling the Bible story in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, they would travel from house to house in their village telling people about the imminent arrival of Jesus and asking them if they would give them and their soon-to-be-born Son a room.

On Christmas Eve people would perform a community play and bring figurines of Mary and Joseph to Church to be placed in a crib scene. The modern day equivalent of conveying wooden, knitted or rag doll figures of May and Joseph around the neighbourhood is based on this concept.

And Leesfield Parish continues this tradition!

Each night during Advent, wooden figures of Mary and Joseph “travel” around the parish taken by church members to family, friends and neighbours. The figures are finally brought into Church on Christmas Eve to create a Nativity display for Christmas Day depicting the birth of our Lord.

Posada and the Advent season is about preparation and expectation, so the overnight stay of these precious figures symbolises that people are making room for Jesus in their hearts and minds, and in their communities. The figures not only travel to the homes of people in the area, but are also welcomed into schools and care homes.

So as you receive the figures of Mary and Joseph into your home tonight, please think of your own personal journey and those made by others. Make a special place of honour for the figures during their stay with you and pray that, as we travel through life, God gives us His blessings, unites us in His grace, helps us to draw comfort and strength from each other, and keeps us growing in His joy, peace and love.  

Sunday Worship 22nd November

 Sunday Worship - Christ The King

Welcome to Leesfield Parish Sunday Worship, as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Once again we are all worshipping from home, and you'll find the Gospel, address, prayers and hymns here on this page. There is also a video reflection from Archdeacon David Sharples.

Our visiting priest this morning was to be Revd Canon Richard Hawkins, who has sent this message to us along with his sermon -

Greetings everyone,

I was due to be presiding and preaching on Sunday 22 November at St Thomas’ and I am very sorry that we are not all able to be at Church especially as it is the Feast of Christ the King marking the end of the church’s liturgical year. Next Sunday will be the First Sunday of Advent - a new year. For those who are interested then below is the Gospel reading and what I might have preached had I been in church. I hope it won’t be too long before we can gather again in church and who knows the wardens might even invite me again!

Best wishes and many blessings – stay safe

The Revd Canon Richard Hawkins

St Thomas' Church is open for private prayer from 2-3 pm each Sunday, and from 10-11 am each Thursday, and St Agnes'  from 6-6.30 pm on Tuesday.

Our first hymn this morning is "At The Name Of Jesus"

Today's Gospel -

Address -

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory." 

(Matthew 25:31)

A few weeks ago I was struck, indeed greatly moved, by the picture of Her Majesty The Queen, face covered with a mask, standing alone at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey. Her black coat and mask seemed to reflect the black Belgian marble of the grave itself. In a year of so much pain it was a very poignant moment as she did her duty as she has done for over 73 years. It was on the occasion of her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth (as she then was) broadcast a message to her people, dedicating herself to their service. Some seven years later, after she succeeded to the throne on the untimely death of her father, King George VI, she renewed those vows formally in the oaths which she took at her coronation in Westminster Abbey in June 1953.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. It is an image at the heart of the Christian tradition, and finds expression in many of our hymns, and in countless stained-glass windows. The image celebrates the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Death gives way to life, goodness triumphs over evil. The complete and final revelation of the kingship of Christ will be at the Last Day, when he returns "and all the angels with him ... [to] sit on his throne of glory". In John's Gospel, Jesus appears to anticipate and look forward to that moment: "Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory I had in your presence before the world existed."

Yet there is a paradox at the heart of kingship, of any monarchy, or any kind of political leadership. Those who become leaders do so in order to serve their people, and to promote their well-being in every aspect of life.

The sad truth is that the course of history is marked by leaders who have done and continue to do exactly the opposite. They have taken power for their own selfish ends; they have sought personal gain at the expense of their people, and caused them enormous pain and suffering and deprivation. In our own time, dictatorships have and still flourish, despite international disapproval, political pressures and commercial sanctions levelled against them.

The Gospels tell us that the fullest expression of the paradox of leadership is to be found in the life of Jesus. Born in humble circumstances, he lived in obscurity for some 30 years before coming face to face with his vocation at his baptism by John in the River Jordan. That vocation was tested as Jesus underwent a spiritual crisis in the wilderness. It was only then that he emerged to fulfil his call to leadership, and embrace all that lay before him. None of the claims that Jesus made were for himself, even when he read in the synagogue at Nazareth where he had been brought up the passage from Isaiah beginning "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ... " and followed the reading with the words "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Some were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. Others were offended and threatened by Jesus' model of leadership through service, and sought his removal. Perhaps neither side could fully understand that in all his preaching and teaching and healing, Jesus sought to promote not himself, but the glory of God.

However, there is one expression which recurs many times in the Gospels. Jesus refers to himself as "the Son of Man". "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." This verse from St Mark's Gospel carries perhaps the ultimate expression of leadership through service and self-sacrifice, but it also carries with it overtones of the kingship of Christ. It is the same Son of Man who will come "in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his throne of glory".

As Christians, we share in the glory and the kingship of Christ. St Peter calls us "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people". That is a high calling to live up to.

The parable of the sheep and the goats tells us that we fulfil our calling - and are judged in our calling - by our willingness to see Christ in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. Jesus appears to be giving us here an agenda for social involvement.

It is an area in which the Church, in spite of its many failings, has been active over long periods of time not least most recently in the many foodbanks that have been set up during this current pandemic. Social involvement is an area in which many of us already make our own personal contribution. But that is only part of the picture. Jesus is telling us that his kingship is to be seen in those in need. In caring for them, we are giving glory to him.

May our daily deeds and action give glory to God. 

Amen

Video reflection by Archdeacon David Sharples -

This morning's prayers -

And our final hymn today is  "Crown Him With Many Crowns"

God and Mental Wellbeing

 Worship for all Generations – God and Mental Well-being

Well, if it works out as we all hope, we are now exactly halfway through this 2nd Lockdown of 4 weeks to early December. Many are struggling to get through this pandemic. We are, fingers crossed and dare I say ‘God Willing’, seeing some light at the end of a very long and drawn out tunnel with recent talks of vaccines and more. But many are not only suffering from Covid 19 but also the Mental health strains that the situation we are in offers. For me the Mental Health effects on some must be substantial.

Despite all the advances in treatment, despite all the ways in which our culture has become more enlightened and compassionate, somehow mental illness remains in a category of its own, regarded as some sort of peculiar affliction that is best dealt with by toughing it out, straightening up, putting one’s will into play, and hiding any evidence of possible symptoms.

I am not a mental health counsellor, yes I have had a little bit of training both through my Authorised Lay Minist erTraining and as a Mental Health Advocate at work, and I guess I could provide spiritual counselling at part of my role in the Church. Whenever considering your mental health I would like to offer a few thoughts:

• Be gentle with yourself. All of us are struggling and doing the best we can.

• Be patient. Humans are incredibly complicated, dare I say unpredictable even on our best days, and we will not always respond in the same way.

• Be grateful. Many spiritual traditions urge cultivating a practice of gratitude, something as simple as finding three things each day, however small, to be thankful for. Gratitude can shift an entire world view toward greater trust, bit by bit.

• Be vulnerable. We form our deepest connections with others not around our accomplishments or successes, but around our experiences of suffering. We bond when we share stories of those experiences with one another.

• Be kind. When we notice someone else, even for just a moment in a shared glance or holding open a door, we are lifted out of our own loneliness and a bit closer into the human community.

One in four adults and one in 10 young people will have a diagnosable mental health issue at any one time. On any given day in Church, there will be people with many different stories sat in front of us.

There will be stories of the lives being lived now, the stories of the past and those with concerns for the future. Behind each face, there will be layers of what has influenced, blessed, wounded, hurt, healed and shaped this person over years. There will be situations that bring pain and pressure in their lives from their own minds, their home life and family situations, from school, the work place, the church and the wider community. Personal tragedy and challenges can strike at any moment and scars can build upon scars, slowly impacting people's wellbeing long after the event has passed.

In all these circumstances, it would be wonderful if people felt able to be themselves, to talk about the anxiety, the hurt, struggles in daily life, the sadness, the depression, the feelings of being overwhelmed, the mind that always thinks the worst, or can't seem to find a way forward, the thoughts, the loneliness, the experience of being trapped and of failing; to talk about the feelings of unworthiness, of guilt, shame and discrimination. All are experiences associated with poor mental health or being down in faith.

We can so easily respond by saying 'All you need is Jesus' – or 'If you trusted God more, you would be fine.' On the face of it that can sound very spiritual but to the listener it can be profoundly unhelpful and usually closes down any chance of sharing, understanding and ministering to what is really needed.

Frequently we see Jesus responding to people's needs. He can see past their outer appearance and actions to what is in their hearts and where they need healing. Jesus thinks carefully about what he has to say and seeks to show them that God understands, can forgive them and set them free, and ultimately and fundamentally that he loves them.

The more I read the Bible and follow Jesus, both in times of great joy and some very dark places, I don't find myself in conflict between the high bench mark of faith and the fact my story often looks different. I have found God drawing close to me, despite who I am at times. I think church and faith are places for people who struggle. Rather than battling with the fear of being seen as falling short, I find myself in pretty good company with others for whom life has its challenges too.

Followers of God are not superhuman – they are ordinary people like you and me looking to follow an extraordinary God

Neil

Let us pray to God,

who alone makes us dwell in safety:
who is our refuge and stronghold.
For the mental health and well-being of our nation, for all who are affected by coronavirus and the effects on their mental wellbeing,
that they may find relief and recovery and may be at peace and free from worry:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For the isolated and housebound,
that we may be alert to their needs,
and care for them in their vulnerability:
For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For our homes and families,
our schools and young people, our care homes and elderly and all in any kind of need or distress:
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health both now and in the future:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For a blessing on our local community,
that our neighbourhoods may be places of trust and friendship, where all are known and cared for:
For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill, the dying and those who have died
that they may know your comfort and peace as we take a moment of  silence to think of those known to us.

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

St Hugh's Day 17th November

 St Hugh's Day

On St Hugh’s Day, when the congregations of the Parish of Leesfield would usually gather in the school hall for a celebratory Eucharist, our thoughts and prayers are with all the children, staff and families of St Hugh’s School. We miss the singing of their brilliant choir, and look forward to joining them next year for a wonderful service of music and prayer.

The school had a lovely Zoom assembly led by Curate Amy to celebrate, and were joined by Bishop Mark.

St Hugh of Lincoln Prayer

O holy God, you endowed your servant and bishop Hugh of Lincoln with wise and cheerful boldness, and taught him to commend the discipline of holy life to kings and princes. 

Grant that we also, rejoicing in the Good News of your mercy, and fearing nothing but the loss of you, may be bold to speak the truth in love, 

in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever, 

Amen

St Hugh was canonised by Pope Honorius III in February 1220. That is almost 800 years ago. He is the patron saint of sick children, sick people, shoemakers and swans.  Yes, I said shoemakers and swans!! And he is honoured on the nearest Sunday to November 17th. So today we shall honour him in prayer and praise as we would normally do each year at St Hugh’s School.

So what  will we talk about here then?  Well of the 4 things St Hugh was Patron Saint of, there are 2 obvious ones in respect of biblical teachings – Sick Children and Sick People.

We can all recall what Jesus did for sick children and sick people.

Yes, you’re correct, he helped heal the sick on many occasions in the bible. There are over 40 verses in the bible of Jesus healing - the paralysed, crippled, mute, lame, blind, cleansed a leper and general illnesses.  There are so many we can talk about. However, it is worth mentioning that, like Jesus, St. Hugh especially loved outcasts and oppressed people.  Contrary to most others then, and probably some now, who avoided or would avoid literally "like the plague", St Hugh compassionately reached out to those afflicted with leprosy, to the sick, and to the poor.  He would wash and dry the lepers' feet, sit with them, teach them, console and encourage them, and embrace and kiss them one by one – very Jesus like I think…don’t you?

Now, of course we could concentrate on Shoemakers. Well we could if there was an abundance of verses around Shoemakers but to be honest there aren’t many at all. However, there are more verses which are shall we say ‘anti-shoemakers’ in that there are many teachings around ‘taking off your shoes’ or in those days, sandals and indeed walking barefoot.  In the Book of Exodus Ch 3 verse 5 Moses was told to take off his shoes. God said “Do not come near here, remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground”. This happens across the globe today across many religions but just imagine being asked to take your shoes and socks off as you enter church as our wonderful Churches could be seen as the same holy ground has walked on by Moses. 

It might surprise you to hear that on our St Hugh celebration I am actually going to look at the Swan.

At this point you might want to find on the internet or elsewhere the large swan picture which is taken from a stained-glass window at Lincoln Cathedral.  The legend goes that Hugh, a good monk who wanted peace and silence would often hang out at one of his get-aways at Stow Park, about nine miles northwest of Lincoln. He loved the company of birds and other wildlife and nature.  At around the time of Hugh's enthronement as Bishop, a swan -- a BIG swan -- appeared on the lake and immediately proceeded to drive off all the other lake inhabitants. Besides being big, he was also mean and ferocious.  Hugh's staff, for some reason, wanted to present the massive swan to Hugh, and for unexplained reasons the Swan allowed itself to be captured. We're told that upon his arrival in Hugh's presence the swan ate bread from his hand with ease and satisfaction.  After that, the swan and Hugh were seemingly best of friends. Only when Hugh would take off for his pastoral visitations would the Swan head back to the lake and wreak its usual havoc on others, human and animal. Whenever Hugh would return from his trips, there would be the swan waiting for him.  The swan seemed to feel like he was Hugh's bodyguard, the swan jealously threatened anyone who came near Hugh, even his companions, with beak and wings and a shrieking cry. If a person managed to get on the Swan's enemy list, only Hugh's direct order would move the bird to tolerate that person and not attack them!  

The swan apparently had the most amazing long-term memory, as good or better than an elephant’s.  One time Hugh had to be away for two whole years.  No one else knew when he'd return, except for his Swan who somehow sensed it on some inner radar. He squawked and cried so loudly just prior to Hugh's appearance at Stow Park in Lincoln.   He greeted his master with outspread wings, then disappeared into the house with Hugh to stay with him, munching on his daily portion of bread, cut up into a finger's length, we're told. Their friendship lasted for 15 years.

Apparently, six months before Hugh's death, the swan fell into a deep depression which I guess could be possible for even a swan, and for the first time upon Hugh's arrival at Stow Park, the swan made no sign of recognition or greeting and stayed out in the middle of the lake.  After several days it allowed itself to be captured and brought into the house, but it stood around, listless, dejected, and, well...sad.  That visit was the last time Hugh and the swan saw one another, for Hugh died in London on November 17, 1200.

The swan outlived St. Hugh by several years, but never cozied up to anyone else as a friend.  We don't know what Hugh called the swan during his lifetime: some simply refer to it as "The Swan of Stow".   Nevertheless, it has attained historical notoriety and fame, along with its master, through sculpture, painting, and writing…and of course the stained-glass window.  

For me, this is a companionship and love for each other not dissimilar to the love given to us all by our Lord God.  The Swan loved Hugh unconditionally and Hugh the same with the swan. God loves us all without any conditions, like the swan was there for Hugh, God is always there for us.  I suppose you could say God is our Swan of Stow, our guardian for all of our lives.

Neil

. 

Sunday Worship 15th November

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Leesfield Parish Sunday Worship. Once again we are all worshipping from home for a while, and you'll find the Gospel, reflection, prayers and hymns here on this page.

St Thomas' Church is open for private prayer from 2-3 pm each Sunday, and from 10-11 am each Thursday. From this Tuesday St Agnes' is also open for private prayer from 6-6.30 pm.

Our first hymn this morning is "When Morning Guilds the Skies"

Today's Gospel -

Reflection

In this week’s Gospel reading we again think about the being prepared for Jesus’ second coming and the day of reckoning. Last week we looked at the need to be prepared and to nurture our relationship with God. 

In this Gospel, the parable of the Talents addresses how we should use what we have for the benefit of others and what risk should we take.  

The word Talent has a dual meaning here. In literal terms a Talent was a form of currency which equated to 6000 dinarii. To put that into context a dinarii was worth about a week’s wage for an average worker, so each Talent was worth about 20 years’ pay. According to the Office of National statistics the average UK salary is £36,611 – so 1 talent would be worth £3/4 million. Therefore, the Master going on his journey was entrusting his slaves with hugely significantly amount of money to look after for when he returned. 

The second meaning of the word Talent can be interpreted to mean skill or ability. Hopefully, most of you can remember Stewardship campaigns that Edith promoted during her tenure with us at St. Thomas where the focus was about how each of us in the parish can use our talents for the benefit of others.

There is a direct parallel here with this Gospel message. Each of the servants was given a huge amount to look after, based on their ability. All knew that the Master was certain to return even though they did not know when. The first two servants took the money and whilst we do not know how they did it, both used their ability to make a good return for their master. For this they were justly rewarded. 

The third servant however, was lazy and even frightened to risk losing the money so he simply buried it rather than doing what his master expected by using it to prosper his master’s affairs. He couldn’t even be bothered to put the money in the bank to earn interest. To make matters worse he also tried to justify his actions by suggesting his master didn’t deserve because he was greedy and not entitled to a return.

So, what does this mean for us? God has endowed each of us in various ways and whilst we have different blessings - spiritual and physical gifts, people and technical skills, wealth, education and time; it is right to use them as Jesus would expect us to in loving our neighbours.  

The first step is to recognise the talents we have and the opportunities to use them; whether it’s ringing someone who’s lonely, helping out in the community and church or something more adventurous. Secondly, it’s about taking some risk - is it acceptable to say ‘I’ve never done that before” or “I might not be able to do that” as an excuse not to help? I’ve seen so many examples this year where people have stepped out of their comfort zone to make things happen – How many of us knew how to have Zoom meetings in January or even what Zoom was? Similarly, we have new people volunteering to do things in the parish and bringing new ideas forward. This is God’s mission in action. What will we have to show for our Talents when Jesus returns? 

This morning's prayers -

And our final hymn today is  "From Heaven You Came (The Servant King)"

Remembrance - Leesfield Scout Group

 Leesfield Scout Group

Well as I am sure you already know, Remembrance Sunday this year was not the usual affair with no parade, no service of remembrance & quite rightly in the current circumstances not much of a public turnout, around 30 – 50 people & all spread out with much more than 2m between them. 

Keeping everyone as safe as we can just three of our Leaders went down to Lees Cenotaph on Sunday morning to lay a wreath with many of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Leaders observing a two minute silence & reflection on their own doorsteps. 

Fantastically & unexpectedly we had a couple of members of Oldham Band (Lees) there to play the last post at 11am and give some structure to the laying of a few wreaths. The Cenotaph was already covered in poppies where individuals & organisations had obviously been very sensible and attended throughout the week to lay their own wreaths, The Poppy Pebbles from Sunday School are a fantastic addition & make a great addition to how we remember.

John & Karen very kindly went to the Cenotaph for 11am on the 11th November to observe a two minute silence which is something we don’t normally get to do, so perhaps a lockdown has some upside.

Kingsley

Armistice Day 2020

 Armistice Day

Above is a picture of a few of the lovely tributes left at Lees War Memorial for Remembrance Sunday by the children of our Sunday Schools. Whole families, including our uniformed organisations, from around the parish marked Remembrance Sunday by joining on line services from home.

The parish held an early Remembrance service last Wednesday at St Agnes', and a recording of that service will be shown at 11 am today on our facebook page - just click here -  Leesfield Parish  

Remembrance Sunday

 Remembrance Sunday

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives have been taken away in world wars and other conflicts past and present. 

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, 

We will remember them 

We will remember them

Below are the names of the men of Leesfield Parish, who lost their lives in the service of their country during the two World Wars.

HOMILY / THE TALK 

It is eternally important that we remind ourselves of the dreadful cost of war if we are ever to live in peace. The most compelling outward sign of our remembrance is the simple red flower, the Flanders Poppy. It has become the symbol of the Royal British Legion, but more than that, across the world, it has come to represent the sacrifice made by all those men, women and children who have given their lives in conflict. 

From early history flowers have become symbols; Clover leaf for the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Lilies for purity, Roses for love and for England, Daffodils for the Marie Curie charity and for Wales, Thistle for Scotland and the Shamrock for Ireland. But, how was the poppy chosen as the universal symbol of remembrance? 

As you might expect, it began with a death, the death of a friend of a man called John McCrae in 1915 in Belgium. John McCrae was kneeling at the grave of his friend and was moved to write a poem reflecting the scene around him. He wrote: 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow 

Between the crosses, row on row 

That mark our place; and in the sky 

The larks, still bravely singing, fly 

Scarce heard among the guns below. 

We are the Dead. Short days ago 

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 

Loved and were loved, and now we lie 

In Flanders fields 

In 1921, the British Legion began the Poppy Day Appeal to raise money for poor and disabled veterans, and now the Poppy campaign is the Royal British Legion’s most important activity. 

As we know, the appeal continues to raise the funding needed to help all service-men and women and their families in the most practical way. However, critically, the appeal serves to maintain our awareness of our past, and present, in order that our prayers for peace, and the future of our families, our children and grandchildren, will be fulfilled. 

The bible records much violence, many wars and countless deaths, especially in the Old Testament, and it is a heart breaking reflection that there has probably never been a time when conflict has not existed somewhere in the world both in the past, currently and dare I say it..in the future. 

The book of the prophet Micah was written around 700 years before Jesus, and in our reading today he prophesied a future of hope, an ideal world, a world when nations come together in peace instead of war. His words came against a background of violence with the fall of Samaria in the North and instability in the region created by the aggressive superpower of Assyria. However, Micah never lost faith for the future. His vision saw a time when the arms of war would be turned into farming tools and people would live in peaceful community. 

Jesus was born into an occupied land, and he lived and died in that occupied land. The Jews were waiting for their king, the Messiah, and they expected him to overthrow the Roman invaders by the traditional, violent, means. You see Peace was not really on the agenda in those New Testament times. Jesus came and taught peace to the disciples and anyone who would hear him, he said,  

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” 

The message that Jesus carried did not suit the Pharisees and religious leaders because he threatened the norm, whatever that is, and anyway he did not fit their idea of the anticipated mighty and all-conquering Messiah. The local Roman authorities were worried that any unrest would reflect badly on them. 

They wanted a quiet life; peace on their terms was just fine.  

So Jesus, the light of the world, died for us in an act of darkest violence. Three days later, as the Son of God, he rose again in light for us. 

Peace is a precious commodity; it comes from trust, patience, tolerance and faith. It is not unilateral, it cannot be “Peace only on my terms”, it results from mutual agreement and understanding.  

Peace has never been easy to achieve; it is very hard work to establish and keep the peace at any level in our society. 

Yet regardless of the difficulties, peace must be what we all strive for, what Micah foresaw, what Jesus taught us. 

The driving force for peace must come from us, it must come from our remembrance of those who have given their lives in war; it must come from those injured in conflict and for their families and loved ones. Peace will not come if we forget; it won’t happen if we wait for others to work for it. 

It is through our vigilance, our voice, and our prayers that peace and light will emerge. 

The poppies, wreaths and crosses that we lay at memorials on Sunday remember not only those from this community who have given their lives. We also remember the injured and their families for whom we have no recorded names. 

The Poppy is our symbol of Remembrance, but let us remember through the remembering of pain and loss that there is always the light of hope, love and faith through Jesus Christ.

A hymn for Remembrance Sunday "I Vow To Thee My Country" 

 

Prayers 

Almighty and eternal God, 

From whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, 

Either by death or life: 

Hear our prayers and thanksgivings 

For all whom we remember this day; 

Fulfil in them the purpose of your love; 

And bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Amen. 

 

Most holy God and Father, 

Hear our prayers for all who strive for peace 

And all who fight for justice. 

Help us, who today remember the cost of war, 

To work for a better tomorrow; 

And, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict, 

Bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence; 

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  

Amen 

 

We bring together all our prayers by saying together the family prayer, which Jesus taught us to pray: 

Our Father, who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy name 

Thy kingdom come 

Thy will be done 

On earth as it is in heaven 

Give us this day our daily bread 

And forgive us our trespasses 

As we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation 

But deliver us from evil 

For thine is the kingdom, 

The power and the glory, 

For ever and ever, 

Amen 

 

THE BLESSING  

God grant to the living, grace;  

to the departed, rest;  

to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all humankind, peace and concord;  

and to us and all his servants, life everlasting;  

and the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain with you always.

Amen 

....................................................................................

Below you will find a pre-recorded Remembrance Day service from Churches Together in Lees and District

There is also a service from the War Memorial at Waterhead with Revd Paul Monk, Vicar of Holy Trinity Waterhead

More services will be available later on our facebook page, and you'll find links to them by clicking here - Leesfield Parish

 

 

Sunday Worship 8th November

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Leesfield Parish Sunday Worship. Once again we are all worshipping from home for a while, and you'll find the Gospel, reflection, prayers and hymns here on this page.

Please see the notice after the final hymn about private prayer.

Our first hymn this morning is "All My Hope On God Is Founded"

Today's Gospel -

Reflection

As we go through November, we head towards to the end of Church year which finishes before Advent. In the next few weeks, the Gospel readings point us towards the second coming of Jesus and the final day of judgement.  

In today’s Gospel, often referred to as the Parable of the 10 maidens, is not as much about the wise and the foolish but about the wait leading up to the second coming. A wait that has been over two millennium so far, probably longer than anyone expected and who knows how much longer. No one can know how long Jesus’ return will be delayed, but as result of that delay we can be thankful that we have been born and have the opportunity to participate in God’s grace and experience the everlasting life that Jesus has prepared for us.  

For many the coming of the end of the world and final judgement seems almost abstract no matter how strong our faith may be. But we can be sure it will happen because Jesus said He is coming, and coming on a day and at an hour when you don't expect Him. 

Waiting can make us impatient even when we know for definite when an event will occur, especially if we are waiting for something pleasant like an anniversary or a holiday, and of course Christmas. On the other hand, waiting can be arduous and stressful - for example when we are waiting for test results or the outcome of a job interview. 

Whether Jesus returns next week or the next millennium one thing we do know is that we must be prepared and not be complacent.  

In the case of the foolish maidens they did not prepare for the longer than expected wait and then suddenly the bridegroom was here and they had no oil in their lamps. It was too late to get any more and in any case the shops would have been closed.  

As we ourselves wait we must make sure we have a plentiful supply of oil – in our case the oil is the strength of our faith borne of a healthy relationship with God. Of course that it not always as straightforward as it seems; there are plenty of distractions and demands in our busy lives and we can easily lose focus. Homes, family, job security, pain, loss, success and opportunity are all examples of what we believe are important to us. However, if we focus on just these, then like the foolish maidens, we run the risk of being caught out when Jesus returns. Our level of faith must be strong and we can only have that when we regularly make space for God in our lives.   

Fortunately, building a relationship with God is within our grasp – he is always there to listen to us. It doesn’t have to be formal prayer or written down – we can just take some time to tell him what we are thinking - share our thoughts, our concerns and views on the world and our lives and of course thank him. If we pray throughout the day when we have something to share, I hope you’ll find it’s not that hard to be on good speaking terms with God.  

Being faithful also involves us being familiar with God’s word – and that doesn’t mean being able to recite the Bible word for word, however we should all be able to think of some relevant passages now and then that will bring comfort to ourselves or others.

This morning's prayers -

And our final hymn today is  "Lord For The Years"

Please see this notice about private prayer whilst we are unable to worship in church - we will keep you updated about when we will return.