tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11133759511375396232024-03-24T00:21:11.185+00:00Parish of LeesfieldSt Thomas, St Agnes & St Hugh'sParish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-31865702323481380252024-03-24T00:20:00.000+00:002024-03-24T00:20:24.572+00:00Sunday Worship 24th March<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfRhni8H7DDbyyrL0Fz0TPiNd_ivzkMDtRan47nKHBt457o1aGSspGanlOzWrOOJWaX4IrefMh5mkFOR-jWk0TyaBfnnFkQFWkQdFFxtQc0neunniK6NqJZDinwaWAIXHfTk2ucSbnpnjtnVs6ywSvVmyuIV0fKiWPZLO2O-MtEkYjPFMUKvJqo-yO1Nl/s1024/Palm%20Sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfRhni8H7DDbyyrL0Fz0TPiNd_ivzkMDtRan47nKHBt457o1aGSspGanlOzWrOOJWaX4IrefMh5mkFOR-jWk0TyaBfnnFkQFWkQdFFxtQc0neunniK6NqJZDinwaWAIXHfTk2ucSbnpnjtnVs6ywSvVmyuIV0fKiWPZLO2O-MtEkYjPFMUKvJqo-yO1Nl/w640-h480/Palm%20Sunday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on Palm Sunday. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. if you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resorces below to worship from home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CUYCxw0quuQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="CUYCxw0quuQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> John 12:12-16<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here we are at last! The forty days of Lent are over and we look towards the tumultuous events of Holy Week that will culminate with Christ’s death on the Cross and His glorious resurrection. But before all that, we read about Jesus’ triumphant entry in Jerusalem on His way from Bethany after He raised Lazarus from the dead. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many of the people present were not there to see Jesus but there for the great feast of The Passover, a major religious festival of thanksgiving for the Jewish people. However, there were also plenty of people who had come especially to see Jesus because they had heard of the miracles that Jesus had performed and listened to His teachings. So, by the time He arrived, word had got around and the atmosphere was fervent with excitement as people looked for the coming of the Messiah. Someone who would overthrow the Romans, and bring peace and redemption to the people of Israel. Someone who would bring justice, reconciliation and freedom to the people who had been exiled and oppressed for long. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They longed so much for change and so as they waved their palm branches, they shouted and screamed, ‘Hosanna, Hosanna’, which means ‘save us’. But of course, Jesus is not a leader who brandishes a sword and leads an army of warriors to slay the enemy. Rather, He is a leader who shows us how we need to make change happen through love and compassion for one another. That can be hard for many, because whilst following Jesus will undoubtedly bring positive changes to our lives and make us feel better, it also comes with a challenge. It is hard sometimes to love those who might do us harm or disrespect us. It not always easy to give what we have to those who have less, and maybe we justify that by telling ourselves we have what we have because we have earned it. Why should we give money or other things away? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I am sure when we look around the world, many of us hope and pray for transformation; an end to war, poverty and suffering and so many other bad things. Our challenge is not to work miracles but to do what we can to help one another and not be tempted in our frailty and weakness to stay with the status quo where we feel comfortable. Jesus wants us to be resilient and follow him, not be tempted to follow the crowd and do ‘U-turn’ like the crowds in Jerusalem did when faced with uncertainty. As we begin this Holy Week, we should recall that Jesus knew exactly what lay ahead – pain, suffering, abuse, mockery and finally death. But He chose to face it all and stand up for love and grace on our behalf. He was willing to put His life on the line for each of us. As we head through the week, perhaps we might reflect on how we might stay the course and follow Jesus who has prepared the way for those willing to follow Him. <i>Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Loving Father, thank you for the grace and love of your Son,</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">who gave His life that we might be saved.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give us hearts of kindness, love and gentleness that we may follow Him, </div><div style="text-align: center;">to live together in your love and shine as lights in the darkness to reveal your glory. </div><div style="text-align: center;">AMEN</div></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Make Way!"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gNDCyAB1Mvs" width="320" youtube-src-id="gNDCyAB1Mvs"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Below is a list of our Church Services for Holy Week. We also have our usual Tuesday morning service of Holy Communion at 10 am at St Thomas' Church, and special Holy Week Worship for all Generations at 6.30 pm at St Agnes' on both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. We hope that you will be able to journey through Holy Week with us.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuemt6lR2G_7FJB2dh4cEublxt_7pyeozfXFFwa0U-GFa6ieygHTUBaADMFm1ULpVhlyY-pDdTQaY6SRzjTJmjH-oHIwl-mOt7g8gVMDUwR6pSfIKli_3omqGXKOdcL2s-RQBWC8pJgR3vRNJgwmGjIa99nU2x7QBRjHCloHLGTE9ozKWjCj5SDgFELj26/s727/Holy%20Week%20and%20Easter%2024%20ls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="727" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuemt6lR2G_7FJB2dh4cEublxt_7pyeozfXFFwa0U-GFa6ieygHTUBaADMFm1ULpVhlyY-pDdTQaY6SRzjTJmjH-oHIwl-mOt7g8gVMDUwR6pSfIKli_3omqGXKOdcL2s-RQBWC8pJgR3vRNJgwmGjIa99nU2x7QBRjHCloHLGTE9ozKWjCj5SDgFELj26/w640-h522/Holy%20Week%20and%20Easter%2024%20ls.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-47540104543935387952024-03-17T01:01:00.000+00:002024-03-17T01:01:40.090+00:00Sunday Worship 17th March<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4z-5W8hbuIrJZjwaOC-myYt91hGuKgqbiTbfDIIVcHsFm3g0I5gmZ95RwTHdL3pHCXVuE5VEK3XoeZn8I4QsA8PvtSr5-zzwLe0wGPFkDrEn4ofPe1qaWSKlJ6TwAmLHRBPOBLiNttdVudcK0L51Gz9Wc0hFfraGOt0V9e4mBWQeSg16qccYt1XslCwn/s273/forgive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="273" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4z-5W8hbuIrJZjwaOC-myYt91hGuKgqbiTbfDIIVcHsFm3g0I5gmZ95RwTHdL3pHCXVuE5VEK3XoeZn8I4QsA8PvtSr5-zzwLe0wGPFkDrEn4ofPe1qaWSKlJ6TwAmLHRBPOBLiNttdVudcK0L51Gz9Wc0hFfraGOt0V9e4mBWQeSg16qccYt1XslCwn/w640-h422/forgive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Our Church Services to day are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find material below to worship from home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Just as I am, Without One Plea"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enJ8JzW_A48" width="320" youtube-src-id="enJ8JzW_A48"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 8:1-11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Adulterous Woman</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>….. but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“No one, sir,” she said.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In our modern day and age how big a deal does society think adultery is? What are your thoughts? Of course it is morally wrong and can be deeply hurtful and to a loving partner, sometimes leading to unrecoverable damage to relationships and families. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But in Jesus’ time it was a much greater deal, right up there with idolatry and murder; it was a capital crime punishable by death. So this was a big deal. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John tells us that this was a trap set for Jesus by the Pharisees. They knew that he was a friend of sinners and associated himself with those on the margins rather than the well-to-do and privileged. He proclaimed a message of forgiveness, but if he declared that the woman should be set free then the pharisees would challenge that he was breaking the law of Moses. They would undermine Him and humiliate Him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Whilst we know little about the woman, her background, age, previous relationships or indeed if she is married; all we are told is that she was ‘caught in the act of adultery’.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For many scholars, there is a view that because the whole thing was an intentional set up, the woman is as much a victim as a sinner. One key question people often ask is, what about the man in all of this? Was He not as guilty? Some would argue that he is more so, as he would have been expected, as a man, to have more spiritual accountability and leadership in God’s eyes. Perhaps he had been set free as a collaborator in the plot. But he too should have been brought for punishment? According to the law: ‘<i>If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbour—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.</i> [Leviticus 20:10]. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The answer is, we do not know? however it increases the speculation that all of this was an elaborate set up. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That said, the woman does not deny her sins. Neither does she attempt to justify her sins by making excuses saying that there are extenuating circumstances; perhaps a bad upbringing or that she has been abused by her husband, maybe he also had affairs. She just accepts that she has sinned and despite her embarrassment, it seem she is willing to accept the judgement of her accusers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But what about the Pharisees? Jesus could clearly see through their plan and evil intent to malign His reputation. Moreover, they were willing to publicly humiliate the woman and have her executed to achieve their malicious agenda. They did not care at all for the woman. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who was the greater sinner? The adulterous woman, or the Pharisees who were eager to point the finger at others, knowing they too were guilty of sin. For some, it is easier to highlight the wrongdoings of others than to look in the mirror and examine our own shortcomings and failings. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is easier to expose and condemn others than to expose our own weaknesses. To say, perhaps we have done bad things, but others have done worse. Does that make our sins any less in the eyes of God? Does pointing the finger in any excuse reduce the impact of our sin in God’s eyes? No.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are times when I read a bible passage and just itch to know more and this is one of them. John says, “<i>Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger</i>.” He then stands up and after saying, “<i>Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone</i>”. He writes more and then they all leave. Wouldn’t you just love to know what Jesus was writing? Maybe he was writing a list of the sins of the accusers, or writing down the Ten Commandments or other laws from the Old Testament. Unfortunately, we don’t know, but it is clear that it struck ‘close to home’ with the religious leaders. John also mentions that the older ones were the first to leave – this might leave us to conclude that they had biggest burden of sin.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are then left in that intimate moment where Jesus is alone with adulterous woman and we see Jesus doing what He does best. He treats her with compassion and dignity. He knows that she is aware of her wrongdoing and is sorry for what she has done. So Jesus shows His grace and forgiveness. Unlike the pharisees, who only had the power to condemn the woman, Jesus has the power to give her hope and set her on a new path. To wipe the slate clean and give her new direction and purpose by putting her sin behind her. To become a new person.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We too have the opportunity to put our sins behind us and become new people with a better outlook on life. To do that, we must first take the time to reflect on our lives and what where we have sinned. We have to be honest and admit our wrongs and bring them to Jesus in prayer. Because through God’s grace we can have a wonderful future if we come to Christ and trust him as our Lord and Savior: <i>For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.</i> [John 3:17].</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Paul</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Most merciful Father, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We pray for honesty and integrity,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to examine our lives and hold before you where we have gone astray.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That by your loving grace, You will lead us to foot of Jesus</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who has the power to forgive, and renew us</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And lead us to better life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">AMEN</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "At The Name Of Jesus"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7w-tDjlpgk" width="320" youtube-src-id="_7w-tDjlpgk"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next week is Palm Sunday, so please see the poster below for details of all our Church Services during Holy Week and Easter.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiQQDpeovDT0KRiMnLgZQVd9zJGa89LDKwDeWPUa8x1PuvplRzIyTEDaj4qgIs5r4iw53L1dWGhyphenhyphenS_iOWtTDo2LVZJALsVqmtsiTeX_byCQ2F329Sm6p-c4GOtgEmOQX-FhbOUF_X2GJAyCxIYt570OLZAsDCwEuqni2jeLFuz7NjO2GN46_MWBdAnTWV/s727/Holy%20Week%20and%20Easter%2024%20ls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="727" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiQQDpeovDT0KRiMnLgZQVd9zJGa89LDKwDeWPUa8x1PuvplRzIyTEDaj4qgIs5r4iw53L1dWGhyphenhyphenS_iOWtTDo2LVZJALsVqmtsiTeX_byCQ2F329Sm6p-c4GOtgEmOQX-FhbOUF_X2GJAyCxIYt570OLZAsDCwEuqni2jeLFuz7NjO2GN46_MWBdAnTWV/w640-h522/Holy%20Week%20and%20Easter%2024%20ls.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-9261086452728814202024-03-09T22:34:00.001+00:002024-03-09T22:34:35.567+00:00Sunday Worship 10th March<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQIBoORQBqhb4QFc2iMtjMOrgGIpOfbugu6H98F1TQbFiynyU6ShTqGDRfx44KyT3IBlFXH7TtLbkcYuT8RWWpF-a2GHb5AOrS_z2WjEOnryqQKeoMEtCJtbcfbX47ZF257CAnsB0OHnlW4YBn10aesJiYQkbnVwhnBjn3lvMWuDVxlfuBPYRBz08qCoV/s284/mothering%20sunday%20new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQIBoORQBqhb4QFc2iMtjMOrgGIpOfbugu6H98F1TQbFiynyU6ShTqGDRfx44KyT3IBlFXH7TtLbkcYuT8RWWpF-a2GHb5AOrS_z2WjEOnryqQKeoMEtCJtbcfbX47ZF257CAnsB0OHnlW4YBn10aesJiYQkbnVwhnBjn3lvMWuDVxlfuBPYRBz08qCoV/w640-h399/mothering%20sunday%20new.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is also Mothering Sunday. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship from home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "I Cannot Tell Why He, Whom Angels Worship"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qh0RKetMB0o" width="320" youtube-src-id="Qh0RKetMB0o"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 3:14-21<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God So Loved The World…….</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today’s gospel passage contains probably the most well-known bible verse in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“<i>For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life</i>”.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m sure if you look around you will see it on bookmarks, necklaces and car stickers. I remember once seeing it sprayed as graffiti on a wall in Glasgow, although to be honest, I’m not sure a message as powerful as this should be considered as ‘graffiti’.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">These wonderful words from John are so totally nourishing to followers of Christ. They provide inspiration and encouragement to raise us all up, whatever troubles we may face. The words remind us that God unconditionally loves everyone in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is sometimes easy to overlook the opening verse, where Jesus talks about a serpent in the wilderness. But this goes to the heart of His message. Jesus is referring to the time when the Israelites were ungrateful in the wilderness and spoke against both God and Moses. God then sent a plague of poisonous snakes which killed many of them. After praying to God, Moses was told to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Then when anyone who had been bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake on the pole was saved and they lived. (<i>Numbers 21:4-9</i>).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus was using this image to foretell His death, where He would be lifted on the cross. Moreover, He was making it clear that everyone who looks on Him in faith will receive eternal life. That was not just a message for those who were physically around to witness His crucifixion, but applies to us all today. We too are called to turn to the light of Christ, believe in Him and follow Him in our deeds, then we will have eternal life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let’s look once more about verse 16: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“<i>For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.</i>”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">More than anything, this articulates God’s wonderful plan for the world. He loved his creation and mankind so much that He gave the most extravagant gift to us that we could possibly imagine. He gave His one and only Son to demonstrate His love and to rescue us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So what does God want in return for this most generous gift? It’s simple, God doesn’t ask for anything but for us to have faith and believe in His Son Christ. That’s about us genuinely wanting to make Jesus part of our lives, longing to be in his presence and experience his light and love!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are all sinners in some way or another - that is sadly in our nature. But that’s the whole point of God sending Jesus to save us from our sins by His death on the cross. Because when we, as people who have sinned, believe in Jesus and trust that He died in our place, we are saved by Him. We need to embrace that God’s love for us is immeasurable and that when we look for the ‘light’ that is Jesus and yearn to open our hearts and minds to Him we will be saved and feel the reality of Jesus’ presence. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are now half way though Lent and whilst we face the solemnity of Holy Week on the horizon, I think it is reassuring to have this reading today which brings us back to the overriding message of the Gospel. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">GOD LOVES US ALL</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Paul</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Heavenly Father, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you for your love. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We marvel that you loved us enough to send Jesus,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are so grateful that as we open our lives to you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You pour your love into our hearts.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to experience your love today and every day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">AMEN</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness (Christ Be Our Light)"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kt3Qc04ulOM" width="320" youtube-src-id="kt3Qc04ulOM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-51881497095462210742024-03-02T22:20:00.000+00:002024-03-02T22:20:39.564+00:00Sunday Worship 3rd March<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPSJw3WWZSHDkHjXgzZeT0uMAxTmwYywfRdVBLkgUeJANFPznFpOJ-H5Z3GwoPDBwf3FtcDf6WG4zGZVTQ1FF3CWzbnWA64N5IYHIkpc004Mq8P87Vo4pRZLjPXhlsyCpFe0klQOkM3gclHmQNo7naXLWFPKceofcZgbDm33_Tf87J9QUGYzYslxC4UEK/s224/temple%20cleansing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="224" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPSJw3WWZSHDkHjXgzZeT0uMAxTmwYywfRdVBLkgUeJANFPznFpOJ-H5Z3GwoPDBwf3FtcDf6WG4zGZVTQ1FF3CWzbnWA64N5IYHIkpc004Mq8P87Vo4pRZLjPXhlsyCpFe0klQOkM3gclHmQNo7naXLWFPKceofcZgbDm33_Tf87J9QUGYzYslxC4UEK/w400-h321/temple%20cleansing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Lent. Today is the end of our Generosity Week, and we are celebrating with a Parish Eucharist at 10 am at St Thomas' Church, followed by refreshments and the opportunity to meet with the people who help to keep our churches growing and thriving.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XOCfPjLOvC4" width="320" youtube-src-id="XOCfPjLOvC4"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 2:13-22 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus Clears the Temple</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I wonder what your immediate reaction is to this passage. What image comes into your mind when you read about Jesus ‘losing it’ in the temple.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Is this a Jesus that you feel comfortable with? It’s perhaps not the calm and loving image of Jesus that usually springs to mind. I wonder also what you think about Jesus making a whip of cords. How do you picture this whip? It is a huge leather whip like the Romans might have used to punish and torture people or a whip made from rope? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If we look at the literal translation from the ancient Greek, it would have been more accurately described as a collection of handful of twigs or reeds loosely bound together or held in a bunch. If you look closely at the picture, you might be able to distinguish what it may have looked like. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When we read John’s gospel carefully, we can see that Jesus wasn’t using the whip to strike the people or the animals and birds. We are told that he used it drive them away, rather like you might roll up a newspaper to wave it at a wasp or a fly to encourage it to go away.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So to read into this story that Jesus was hurting people would be unfair. Given that clarity, we may not be as uncomfortable with this uncharacteristic image of Jesus. Nonetheless, Jesus still appears to get angry. Can this be described as ‘righteous indignation’? A sort of anger some that Christians believe is justified and therefore not sinful, similar to how we may react today when we see examples of exploitation and social injustice. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next, maybe we should think about why Jesus got angry. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let’s put ourselves in Jesus’ shoes for a moment. Here He is, just before the huge Jewish feast of Passover, going to the temple along with hundreds, if not thousands of other preparing for this most Holy festival. As he looks around He sees that the temple, rather than being a place dedicated to worship, is in reality a huge marketplace with all kinds of trading and commerce taking place. We’re not talking about a few trinkets and souvenirs being sold, but all manner of commerce. It’s not a handful of stalls selling things in church, but more like a full scale retail park. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Very little that’s happening in the Temple is about worship and thanksgiving to God, nearly everything that’s going on is a distraction from what the Temple is really about. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What then do you think provoked this reaction from Jesus? After all, he wouldn’t really have been shocked by what was going on, He would have been to the Temple many times and seen this all before. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, if it wasn’t what was going on that triggered His reaction, maybe it was the fact that there was an acceptance that this was alright. This sort of behaviour had been allowed to flourish and change the whole purpose and function of the Temple and people had just accepted it as the norm. People had become blind to what was happening and lost a sense of purpose about why they were supposed to be coming to the Temple in the first place. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How do we relate this to our lives today? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When I worked as a change manager, there were people who would always ask, how do we make sure that what we are changing has as little as possible impact on business as usual? I would bite my lip, and wonder at the absurdity of the question, because change after all is about doing something differently. To be fair, underlying the question was a sense of not wanting to upset anyone.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But sometimes business as usual means we are not living our lives to the fullest. We allow ourselves to sleepwalk through life on auto-pilot, doing the same old things each and every day, be that at home, at work or at church. When we do that, we can become complacent, or bored, and we can forget what life’s about.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We forget that we are created in God’s image and when He created us He said that ‘it was good’. We forget that Jesus was made flesh and came among us to show us how to live and that He sacrificed himself on the cross to save us. The same Jesus who wants us all have a fulfilled and rewarding life. Who wants us not only to live our lives for ourselves, but for others and for Jesus’ sake.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lent occurs in Spring when we see renewal all around us in nature and in new growth. It’s also a time for us to look at ourselves and ask the question ‘what do I need to clear out or change in my life to see new growth?’ Do I need to change some of my routines and give my life a metaphorical shake up? Maybe overturn a few tables of my own.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How you go about that is up to you, but of course you can always ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. As Jesus reminds us, we are the Temple of God that was rebuilt in Him in three days. Let us allow Jesus to re-invigorate us and overturn a few tables in our lives in this season of Lent, to prepare for a new life in Him. <i>Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Almighty Father, creator of all things,</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Help us to make time during Lent to examine our lives,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give us the courage to change what needs to be changed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">That we may do Your will and become closer to You.</div><div style="text-align: center;">AMEN</div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our final hymn today is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dPbD2G3i-7Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="dPbD2G3i-7Y"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-27655065509500710792024-02-24T22:58:00.000+00:002024-02-24T22:58:40.863+00:00Sunday Worship 25th February<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5cE9q6poT9CUCRM9meapN1SBZgOGtU2lOFNhwq3hsj5MgQgvrbrV3Cm2UVyUyTThyphenhyphendKhsvDikfXuT3Av2WfYFiM5COOaKWLVkeg4MiREehYx70p62-iI0Q2I-JC4PIynjasJxhLrMZKGLENAG1NYqwI7h5JFt-zd4TzfkUIXfcVNFcKi8uPRpbyfW0QY/s766/Picture%20with%20dates.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="766" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5cE9q6poT9CUCRM9meapN1SBZgOGtU2lOFNhwq3hsj5MgQgvrbrV3Cm2UVyUyTThyphenhyphendKhsvDikfXuT3Av2WfYFiM5COOaKWLVkeg4MiREehYx70p62-iI0Q2I-JC4PIynjasJxhLrMZKGLENAG1NYqwI7h5JFt-zd4TzfkUIXfcVNFcKi8uPRpbyfW0QY/w640-h326/Picture%20with%20dates.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Second Sunday of Lent, at the start of our Generosity Week. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship from home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "God Forgave my Sin (Freely, Freely)"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJ3eklr3fc0" width="320" youtube-src-id="QJ3eklr3fc0"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 8:31 to end<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. </i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There used to an advert on TV where the strap line said, ‘who would you give your last Rolo to?'</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It was a bit corny, as many adverts are, but the essence of it was that sometimes we have to make decisions, even hard decisions. It might be as basic as do I buy my girlfriend the deluxe box of chocolates or the more basic brand, or it might be a significant decision such as is now the right time to change my job?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How easy it is to make that decision will depend on a range of factors:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">First and foremost, how urgent is the decision? Is someone at risk of harm if I don’t act? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For example what if someone is bleeding badly after an accident but you don’t feel qualified to render proper first aid. The urgency of the circumstances will probably override your self-doubt because you are in a potentially life saving situation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Secondly, what is the impact and how big is it? A change of job for example may mean I get a big pay rise, but will have to move home and the kids will have to change schools or will I have to travel an extra two hours a day to get there and back. What does that mean for my personal time let alone the cost of fuel?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next you might ask yourself what might go wrong? What are the downsides?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That new job might be one you end up disliking - it doesn’t turn out to be what you expected, the boss and people you work with are difficult to get on with, or they never told me about the pressure to meet silly deadlines. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are like me, you may well end up making a long list of the Pros and Cons - what are advantages and disadvantages of the decision I need to make? You might then try and rank them in some sort of order of priority based on what you think is most important to you and your family. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Of course talking things over with those impacted is also an important thing to do, especially before making a major decision. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In today’s gospel passage, Jesus calls upon us to make a decision to take up our cross and follow Him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So let us think for moment what this might entail. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Is this urgent? I would argue this is a life changing decision, as Jesus Himself says, “<i>those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.</i>“ So, I guess this is pretty urgent, it’s something we should think about today rather than in the future.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then we ask, how big is the impact? Pretty big I would say. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ultimately, this is a decision that will make the difference between eternal life and glory with Jesus in heaven or returning to dust. The stakes don’t get much higher than that!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, what is the downside to choosing to follow Christ? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus does not hide the fact there are consequences of following Him. He wants us to turn away from our self-centred aims and desires where our lives are dominated by a selfish agenda of living for ourselves, diminished through our unwillingness to give.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It means living a life of generosity and love for another.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That generosity is not just about giving money, it’s also about showing our love for others by sacrificing some of our precious time. Giving up some of the busyness that fills our days to help others. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That might entail spending some time with those who are lonely, helping someone with things they might be struggling with when they are ill or even putting your hand up to do some of the many small things that need to be done to keep our church running smoothly.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus’ message is clear, when we choose to follow him, our life will be filled with many blessings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When we give up our life for Christ’s sake it will be saved and our lives will be opened to eternal love and joy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you’re still not sure, why not talk it over with someone who loves you? Jesus wants to hear from you. <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Merciful Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Give me the courage to take up my cross and follow you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">May I be prepared to say, "not my will but Yours be done." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help me to deny myself, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and make loving sacrifices for others, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that I may follow You willingly and joyfully, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to Your praise and glory., </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">AMEN</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "From Heaven You Came (Servant King)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4963QPHAIM" width="320" youtube-src-id="E4963QPHAIM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This Sunday sees the launch of our Generosity Week in Leesfield Parish. On Monday the 26th February at 7 pm, the PCC invites all congregation members to join them in an informal conversation about how we continue to grow in faith and serve our community throughout challenging times. Then on Saturday the 2nd March at 2 pm, we welcome families to come along to our "Generosity Hub", where they are invited to come and meet the folk who volunteer in so many ways in our parish, and explore the ways in which they might be able to help. Flyers for both of these events are attached. The week concludes on Sunday the 3rd March with a celebratory Parish Eucharist at 10 am at St Thomas' Church, followed by refreshments. Please come along to as many of the events as you can. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRejyzvtfIjmwYgcYGvuKPX0ua1lhwQeN2ZDPcfEHF8JuJHTegs3QJiIG1uO9pjKcmWY-kaWmJjGYPbnmVD3khilrwQeduT3ArIyzhcUX36nFJsaWCkHPGtN0_qXeZ7KMZGhEUj_rcKO74vF0ttNXS3SCLa70kNTDor2rIJLMlcMYcz-jG-J97xx7z_Ij/s541/PCC%20Plus%20flyer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="420" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRejyzvtfIjmwYgcYGvuKPX0ua1lhwQeN2ZDPcfEHF8JuJHTegs3QJiIG1uO9pjKcmWY-kaWmJjGYPbnmVD3khilrwQeduT3ArIyzhcUX36nFJsaWCkHPGtN0_qXeZ7KMZGhEUj_rcKO74vF0ttNXS3SCLa70kNTDor2rIJLMlcMYcz-jG-J97xx7z_Ij/w496-h640/PCC%20Plus%20flyer.png" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2CgBgLkTwE_QM00KKJeQyEhwRGZcktBb6HUnQirLdKzymH2JNjGQ2urnwmqfuQ8-D2QKFhpuigp6PfiYdZBOxnYoPzBP5AnhP8WuvLbP5YX4bcBN-Kq7W9bniiffQihdHlx_TCGUqzGuMGwCISHUSt-LiAx37BdytFVIDmiijxmW_-A3z8N2uSnkhiva/s549/Generosity%20Hub%20flyer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2CgBgLkTwE_QM00KKJeQyEhwRGZcktBb6HUnQirLdKzymH2JNjGQ2urnwmqfuQ8-D2QKFhpuigp6PfiYdZBOxnYoPzBP5AnhP8WuvLbP5YX4bcBN-Kq7W9bniiffQihdHlx_TCGUqzGuMGwCISHUSt-LiAx37BdytFVIDmiijxmW_-A3z8N2uSnkhiva/w482-h640/Generosity%20Hub%20flyer.png" width="482" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-6331323474277527252024-02-17T23:55:00.000+00:002024-02-17T23:55:50.853+00:00Sunday Worship 18th February<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI16ayc92u8zM5ekz-vrZhdHCMpwe3asJ1I1SO_svcrK-KKpL4Mfo4Yq7D17wPPVBX8rX4sZMrnvJ8NZH0rkawSvjfVFl01UmhY9aPxCpbanPg4JmO6xjxpcGPm-Vxsms3Bb2u2UROCIgXdCnrQhj_R1p0_RRsGks4WhRKwigP_RY4gTtfMAsjZxYJ3wY/s288/wilderness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI16ayc92u8zM5ekz-vrZhdHCMpwe3asJ1I1SO_svcrK-KKpL4Mfo4Yq7D17wPPVBX8rX4sZMrnvJ8NZH0rkawSvjfVFl01UmhY9aPxCpbanPg4JmO6xjxpcGPm-Vxsms3Bb2u2UROCIgXdCnrQhj_R1p0_RRsGks4WhRKwigP_RY4gTtfMAsjZxYJ3wY/w640-h400/wilderness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Lent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "I Lift my Eyes to the Quiet Hills"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8QSwakKNwA" width="320" youtube-src-id="N8QSwakKNwA"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 1:9-15</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” </i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark’s account of the Baptism of Jesus and his time in the wilderness is, to say the least, brief. However, as the American phrase goes, ‘sometimes, less is more’. In Mark’s account we are not distracted by the details of how Satan tempts Jesus or descriptions of the scenery, Mark’s just gets down to the facts:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus is Baptised, sent to the wilderness and then returns to Galilee, ready to proclaim the good news of God. What jumps out of Mark’s gospel is the sense of urgency with which the Holy Spirit compels Jesus to go to the wilderness; we are told this was immediate. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, no baptism party at the pub afterwards to revel in the wonders of what has just happened, you know, God turning up and all that. No, Jesus is immediately driven to confront the evil one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For the Israelites, the wilderness stirs powerful emotions. It is the place where they wandered for 40 years to the promised land after they fled Egypt. A place where Moses spoke with God and received the ten commandments, and also where Elijah spent 40 days and was fed by the angels.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I suspect we all have a different mental picture of the wilderness; some may think of it as just desert or barren land. If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit the south Mediterranean region, you will probably have an image that resembles opens spaces with dry dusty soil which is sparsely populated with dark green shrubs. Either way it is not a very hospitable place to be and can range from searing heat to freezing cold. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">One thing that most people agree on is that it is a desolate, dangerous, scary place where we can feel isolated and at risk. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But it is also a place where we can be with God, a place where we are not distracted by the hum-drum routines of daily life. In the first century, the desert elders went to the wilderness and lived as hermits in the expectation of finding God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Like them, we also need to create a quiet place to speak with God. I’m not talking about fleeing to some far flung secluded part of the world, but to an inner wilderness. Letting the Holy Spirit send us somewhere that we can spend some quality time to find God and opening up to share our vulnerability and feelings with Him. It’s about searching for Him and not turning our back on God because we are too busy or have too many other things on our mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As Julian of Norwich said, ‘God is ‘hanging about’ all the time, in the hope that we will want to engage’. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This internal wilderness can be a place of in-betweenness or sanctuary where we try and close our minds to all distractions and let the spirit guide us towards God. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Admittedly, it can be difficult at first. I remember the first time someone suggested a form of benedictine meditation to me; I sat in a quiet room and closed my eyes before doing slow breathing to get myself ‘into the zone’. All was calm until I suddenly became aware how loud the ticking clock was – something that I normally never notice. Next it was the sound of the birds in the garden. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But with a little determination you can get there, but don’t try too hard ……. this is meant to be a relaxing and peaceful experience not a stressful one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Sometimes, we find our mind wandering all over the place, as we come face to face with our troubles and fears, hopes and dreams and the reality of our lives. I tend to think of these random distractions as Satan’s attempt to sidetrack us from our desire to be with God. Just like Satan did with Jesus, he is trying to tempt us, to put obstacles in our way and to get us to shift our focus away from God and His word. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But bear with it, you will get there, to a place where you can experience the goodness of God. A wilderness free from distraction which becomes an oasis where we can invite God to draw near to us and satisfy us with His love. [Deuteronomy 31:10] </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is heartening to know that our wilderness contains angels to guide and minister to us, and also that Jesus has not only been there before us, but that He remains with us and by our side through all our experiences. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let us recognise God’s hand at work in our lives and the world, and feel invigorated not just for ourselves but for others. That we, like Jesus, may share the good news of God and his unending love for us all. <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Almighty God, whose blessed Son was sent by the Spirit into the wilderness,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to be distracted and tempted by Satan:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Come quickly to help us who are assailed by daily temptations;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That we may recognise them for what they and dismiss them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lord of mercy and grace,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to make time in our lives for you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">let your angels show us the way that we may overcome our weakness </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and through your loving grace, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">forgive us when we give in to temptation.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Father, Hear the Prayer we Offer"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r1-9wam-2Rk" width="320" youtube-src-id="r1-9wam-2Rk"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Now that we are in the season of Lent, many of us are giving up some of our little pleasures. For some great ideas about how we can make some lifestyle adjustments to benefit God's creation, please see this webpage - <a href="https://arocha.org.uk/go-green-for-lent/">arocha.org.uk/go-green-for-lent/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Churches Together in Lees and District Lent Lunches begin this Tuesday at Zion Methodist Church – please see the poster for details. All are most welcome to join us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBctWNrAs9FrOkKRJgOMFEdiFHZytWlndbb9mZdwtNbXLqdW0zumgCC2k-ihzhgAf1WkKoN3-fkHQdTxZi-xM5u4jgwedZ8xmKiiYn3gP-wT2L16iK1fyjoHT0RYVKA4m97Zxq4MT6porMK-QJKHOYjna-nVYqgyehM7pOLYPgKnTBM7DMIYwK3D9MNJjX/s685/Lent%20Lunches%20CT%202024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBctWNrAs9FrOkKRJgOMFEdiFHZytWlndbb9mZdwtNbXLqdW0zumgCC2k-ihzhgAf1WkKoN3-fkHQdTxZi-xM5u4jgwedZ8xmKiiYn3gP-wT2L16iK1fyjoHT0RYVKA4m97Zxq4MT6porMK-QJKHOYjna-nVYqgyehM7pOLYPgKnTBM7DMIYwK3D9MNJjX/w550-h640/Lent%20Lunches%20CT%202024.png" width="550" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Also on Tuesday, the Ladies of Leesfield will be holding their monthly meeting at 2 pm in St Thomas’ Community Room. Everyone is warmly invited to come along – you don’t have to be a lady, or from Leesfield!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Beginning next Sunday, we have our Generosity Week in Leesfield Parish. Throughout the week we will explore how we can thank God for His amazing gift to us, and repay Him with our own generosity. An outline of the week is shown in the poster attached, and more information will be added next week.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bHe7-Rzq7BpcN7dQ97H08Yd_0eRYhE5LoTfNtjAis1q01enQCB9CrtkGV45hd6ugJTeUSV1gsGAGWixO8v1u0VQg6SlewCS5KtR5an4tRVN4Sp-GEE8H1QLdRkzABbbZczkoOz7807a6-hTllVfxAI_ZZPlYtNVVX2DdnXmoiDqsnrRCdGO-T7Jmon-7/s526/Poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bHe7-Rzq7BpcN7dQ97H08Yd_0eRYhE5LoTfNtjAis1q01enQCB9CrtkGV45hd6ugJTeUSV1gsGAGWixO8v1u0VQg6SlewCS5KtR5an4tRVN4Sp-GEE8H1QLdRkzABbbZczkoOz7807a6-hTllVfxAI_ZZPlYtNVVX2DdnXmoiDqsnrRCdGO-T7Jmon-7/w462-h640/Poster.png" width="462" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The funeral of Marie Kerr will take place on Monday 4th March, 11 am at St Thomas’ Church, followed by interment at Lees Cemetery. Refreshments will be served in the Community Room afterwards. Please hold Marie’s family in your prayers.</span></div></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-75831208189155761642024-02-10T23:39:00.000+00:002024-02-10T23:39:01.157+00:00Sunday Worship 11th February<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvvYoaCW-IXTQMMSwyNcmhLkQLhBF5xnmDd09iRnno9oqGisR2sfw4I6oPVyvb8m6dL7tYI-JLmgHLs7KfzFaFznxoBrrx-Ff6H6uX5RklzciJj2-qP5BVr1729thm_41I8_IluSyJT0vH4tJ_znHvoUuS5BN_sC_S_xrGOSmq_HomSI5NRy_1Q6L1OmM/s270/transfiguration%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="270" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvvYoaCW-IXTQMMSwyNcmhLkQLhBF5xnmDd09iRnno9oqGisR2sfw4I6oPVyvb8m6dL7tYI-JLmgHLs7KfzFaFznxoBrrx-Ff6H6uX5RklzciJj2-qP5BVr1729thm_41I8_IluSyJT0vH4tJ_znHvoUuS5BN_sC_S_xrGOSmq_HomSI5NRy_1Q6L1OmM/w640-h427/transfiguration%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Sunday next before Lent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find materials below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IaLM9bNhN9w" width="320" youtube-src-id="IaLM9bNhN9w"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 9:2-9<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Transfiguration of Christ</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Last week, Revd Paul Monk concluded his Sermon by highlighting the need for us to consider how we use words and how we shape our words, our worlds and how they shape us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This week we hear of the Transfiguration of Christ. Just the word transfiguration seems to have something extremely significant about it don’t you think? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ponder for a moment, when was the last time you used the word ‘transfigure’. Can you ever remember using it? Do we ever say something like, ‘that was a transfiguring day’, or maybe, ‘that conversation or meal I just had was really transfiguring’! Even if we won a decent amount on the lottery we might say it was life changing but I doubt we would describe it as transfiguring. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Transfiguration is clearly something quite exceptional. Hardly surprising then, that we are told that Mark, James and Peter were so frightened. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I don’t know how many of you reading this are hikers or serious walkers, but those who are will know that being on a mountain can be quite scary especially when you are all alone and something unexpected happens. In some cases that might be something dashing in the corner of your eye that startles you or a sudden change in weather conditions as happened here when the cloud suddenly came down.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But what the disciples saw must have been truly beyond belief, as they witnessed a supernatural change in their teacher and ‘<i>His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them</i>’. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Try, for a moment, to imagine what would be going through your own mind if you saw this. Remember that, despite witnessing Jesus perform miracles of healing and his extraordinary wisdom and teaching, until this point Jesus was just a human being in their eyes. Suddenly, not only His clothes were shining brilliantly, but we know from other Gospel accounts that his face was shining too. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What might you think? Had Jesus been struck by lightning or perhaps some other unknown force of nature? The disciples also saw and recognised the presence of Moses, who they would know from scripture had been in the presence of God on Mount Sinai and as result his face had been shining.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Perhaps, frightened as they were, they had begun to understand the importance of what was happening. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here on top of another mountain, [Mount Tabor] they were experiencing the true nature of Jesus being fully revealed to them in all His glory as the mask of humanity was removed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then for the avoidance of doubt, they are enveloped in a cloud and a voice came from the cloud: “<i>This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!</i>” </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Whether you describe this as a transfiguration or a transformation, it was a turning point for Jesus as His identity was revealed to the disciples and He started His journey towards Jerusalem and the Cross. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At the top of Mount Tabor, Peter, James and John quite literally saw Jesus ‘in a different light’ as His magnificence and divine identity was exposed for them to witness. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In the last few weeks, our scriptural journey has taken us from the birth of Jesus, through Epiphany, the Presentation of Christ at the temple, and ended up with the wonderful revelation of the Transfiguration just two weeks before we start on the sombre path walking with Jesus toward His crucifixion. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But as we head along that path, we can be reassured that the message of the Transfiguration is so profound and significant that it is shining a divine and guiding light that beams past the Cross and towards the good news of the resurrection of our Lord. A light of promise, hope and love for all us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">May the Lord make His face to shine upon us. <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Heavenly Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We thank You for revealing the glory of Your Son Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The transfiguration of Christ marked a turning point and the start of His journey to the Cross and glorious resurrection.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to examine our own lives and the turning points ahead, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that we may make the right decisions </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and be guided by the illumination of your loving presence</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "How Great Thou Art"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2tkr9ME_s64" width="320" youtube-src-id="2tkr9ME_s64"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All are welcome to join us at our Ash Wednesday Service this week, as we embark on our journey through Lent.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6Da8P7wsNn73JCWWwoHi_vzomgpHZ60Cj_tO9-_Ma_hmr06_QmPMy7z0u-kszeBUrtFmM43ev4j-3uiDzoH6Ehiq95r8C9QbIbXT6wsbBK196VD2eq_BnvNHHD150Jf73bG9DxMoeNpgDtFSufVWcUNi26EuxuVt4zzzjocI8ufruFw56nxOKln4dFLr/s724/Ash%20Wed.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="724" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6Da8P7wsNn73JCWWwoHi_vzomgpHZ60Cj_tO9-_Ma_hmr06_QmPMy7z0u-kszeBUrtFmM43ev4j-3uiDzoH6Ehiq95r8C9QbIbXT6wsbBK196VD2eq_BnvNHHD150Jf73bG9DxMoeNpgDtFSufVWcUNi26EuxuVt4zzzjocI8ufruFw56nxOKln4dFLr/w400-h320/Ash%20Wed.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-37111487690391053952024-02-03T23:34:00.002+00:002024-02-03T23:34:45.744+00:00Sunday Worship 4th February<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNay9SvetfMIsCUH_KxE4_g5TPNiSI0XTf4xVg0mknr_huBFBxTJlamYsw0Cro4DfloTumicnJIF_zMmF3D1tC3egB0kcAXYGbSBCZ0ylpCpQHopb416c4Jj0fU0dNcD-7POOKpqw27I1DeboYpxTZmRDcCsnPXo-aC-MgEPs48mAJI83lMIBeyWpxPHDu/s691/Med%20Val%202%20before%20Lent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="691" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNay9SvetfMIsCUH_KxE4_g5TPNiSI0XTf4xVg0mknr_huBFBxTJlamYsw0Cro4DfloTumicnJIF_zMmF3D1tC3egB0kcAXYGbSBCZ0ylpCpQHopb416c4Jj0fU0dNcD-7POOKpqw27I1DeboYpxTZmRDcCsnPXo-aC-MgEPs48mAJI83lMIBeyWpxPHDu/w640-h496/Med%20Val%202%20before%20Lent.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish. Our Sunday Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find a full service transcript from our good friend Revd Paul Monk here - <a href="https://www.medlockhead.co.uk/resources/2024-02-04%20--%20Lent%20-2.pdf">Medlock Head 2 before Lent</a> </span></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-36056899158961712372024-01-28T05:20:00.000+00:002024-01-28T05:20:00.838+00:00Sunday Worship 28th January<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XcIh7yfj2P2gMnA6zAmGCniRayzoXa6bUF1ytElhVzFub-6_WimtejJaO2W1EIJ5tcYBvgwthr4b4uBifBfU-fCqFnuIwJK-Y2b2p6t8J0Q_HJ7jWI4RojvOMYXKpAfOTdBtR6Pl4nCAiBEe7ijpOabLoCHj9eRv4x4lvxHKuMuDWKddklUjdtMVccEl/s767/St%20T%20&%20St%20A.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="767" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XcIh7yfj2P2gMnA6zAmGCniRayzoXa6bUF1ytElhVzFub-6_WimtejJaO2W1EIJ5tcYBvgwthr4b4uBifBfU-fCqFnuIwJK-Y2b2p6t8J0Q_HJ7jWI4RojvOMYXKpAfOTdBtR6Pl4nCAiBEe7ijpOabLoCHj9eRv4x4lvxHKuMuDWKddklUjdtMVccEl/w640-h204/St%20T%20&%20St%20A.PNG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><p style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's Gospel</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 1: 21-28<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Jesus Drives Out the Evil Spirit</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are two key themes to Mark’s account of Jesus at the synagogue, His teaching and the casting out of the unclean spirit. It is usual for the sermon to focus on the casting out of demons but I thought I would write about the former theme of Jesus’s teaching.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Writing a sermon or reflection is certainly not easy. I’m sure any of the visiting priests who are kindly supporting us at the moment will undoubtedly share that view. I know of some folk who start their sermon on Monday reading up what various scholars say as well as researching the background behind the passage and learning about how things were at the time Jesus was around.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are many different approaches to preparing a sermon but by far the most important aspect is to pray and seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide and provide some divine inspiration. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We read that when Jesus was preaching and teaching in the synagogue, he taught as ’one having authority’. It is also clearly implied that He had much more wisdom and knowledge than the scribes and church elders. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At the risk of stating the obvious, that is hardly surprising is it? He is the Son of God, He is God incarnate and filled with the Holy Spirit. One would expect him to speak with total authority. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Yet, we know from the bible, that even Jesus often escaped from the crowds and His disciples to spend quiet time alone praying and talking with God the Father. He immersed himself in scripture, meditation and prayer. For anyone who has a teaching role, be it at work, school or in church, we can only do this if we have the base knowledge and spend time researching. But to teach with authority and confidence requires an additional element of dedication and commitment. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The gift of wisdom and ability to teach authoritatively are not just the result of many years of hard work, they are also gifts from God who will reward our commitment and requests for guidance. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I know from listening to comments from people after the service, that there are occasions when the sermon really seems to hit the mark, whether that’s the style of presentation, charisma of the priest or the underlying message that resonates with us. Whatever the reason we should be grateful to God for the blessing of those who bring the Word of God to life. Equally, we should also take a little time to say thank you to the vicar who has spent so much time preparing and praying so that they can speak with authority.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Merciful Father</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We ask for you to fill us with the Holy Spirit,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that we might hear your Word and be enlightened.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to listen and read intently </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and to make the time to ponder </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and understand the meaning of the scriptures. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-68242083835673194712024-01-21T00:16:00.000+00:002024-01-21T00:16:37.023+00:00Sunday Worship 21st January<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Sunday Worship</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH2Jk2m1i778Sm94IPfsnjF7cQhAQGzJVmrTrWvCjUJ3rBJbzRoZv3tAIG1aXOX-m4jUtWjMI_fptpn0aLU43QyWfyT9d7rfwmpaONad1n0fErdGywpENVtHtCgtOwANzDZsXZbeNebs-FV8pgS1_ifgMf90Fmh4uw_28ko7bkC30Hr_eXlzMLE1sEhN0/s1024/wedding%20at%20cana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1024" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH2Jk2m1i778Sm94IPfsnjF7cQhAQGzJVmrTrWvCjUJ3rBJbzRoZv3tAIG1aXOX-m4jUtWjMI_fptpn0aLU43QyWfyT9d7rfwmpaONad1n0fErdGywpENVtHtCgtOwANzDZsXZbeNebs-FV8pgS1_ifgMf90Fmh4uw_28ko7bkC30Hr_eXlzMLE1sEhN0/w640-h632/wedding%20at%20cana.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday after Epiphany. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "O Thou, Who at Thy Eucharist Didst Pray"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u4FERL8Xeno" width="320" youtube-src-id="u4FERL8Xeno"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 2:1-11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Wedding at Cana</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Before I start this reflection, my thanks go to Ruth who gave me a lovely book at Advent called the Preacher’s Companion, which has in part inspired some of my thinking today.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In John’s gospel, he recounts the first of all of Jesus’ miracles. The scene is set at a wedding, a time and place of happiness and joy. It’s also a scene that is ordinary, something that we are all familiar with. But then disaster seems imminent - all the wine has gone! We do not know why Mary was the one to deal with this issue, but it is clear that she had no doubt whatsoever that Jesus could resolve the embarrassing issue. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To be honest, it appears that<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus’s initial reaction is quite dismissive, almost rude to his mother when he effectively says, ‘so what?, what’s that got to do with us?’ </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nonetheless, Mary is resolute and tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them. Then Jesus, without any fuss or fanfare, turns the water into gallons of the finest wine. This indeed is a miracle and the first of many signs that Jesus is the Messiah. He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But the most amazing thing is that ‘How did Mary know?’ There has been no previous signs or inkling that Jesus had the power or will to do anything like this. Through the grace of our Lord, she instinctively knew that it was Jesus’s time to step into the limelight. You will hopefully recall that Mary stored and treasured what was said about Jesus just after He was born, [Luke 2:19] and likewise she heard and marvelled at the prophesy of Simeon in the temple. We should not therefore be surprised that Mary might expect Jesus to do something miraculous when his friends needed help. She was fully prepared to expect the unexpected.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Most of you will remember David Halford who was our associate priest for many years, and he would regularly remind us in his sermons, that when we have faith and expectation, we can all see the wonders of God at work in the ordinary every day things in our lives. So too, we can also see the work of Jesus in the everyday, even mundane things in our lives; we just have to set our expectations, observe and recognise His hand at work. Perhaps when something good comes out of a bad situation, when someone unforeseen or a stranger helps us out, or just those times when everything just works out fine first time. We should not be afraid to ‘join the dots’ and wonder if Jesus was providing a helping hand. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Miracles happen, and the ordinary can become extraordinary when we do what Jesus wants us to do and humbly trust in Him. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Loving Father</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We give you thanks for the presence of your son Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who watches over us and reaches out to help us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to recognise His hand at work in our lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and to give Him thanks and praise. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Rejoice, the Lord is King"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AhEUCSzaU8M" width="320" youtube-src-id="AhEUCSzaU8M"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This afternoon at 3 pm, we join our fellow Christians from the local area in the Churches Together in Lees and District service to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All are warmly invited to join us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6rQmE2A4OaAGrykea9rS5GFKUoLxpGvhjGIJdtjWwQcegHmfNLFDAaNxPR6b6gejI7YTZVsgnaov2Pwo7ZTtUR_peebNdeKoT1CD_GCQaCtnltIWkQtQd1HISqnNw0kf8JwUVfd7wS30Wic1YfOe90RWdSaFZPvHPd6Km-NCdQ3xy4hODTcC6sGd35Sa/s811/Week%20of%20Prayer%2024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="811" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6rQmE2A4OaAGrykea9rS5GFKUoLxpGvhjGIJdtjWwQcegHmfNLFDAaNxPR6b6gejI7YTZVsgnaov2Pwo7ZTtUR_peebNdeKoT1CD_GCQaCtnltIWkQtQd1HISqnNw0kf8JwUVfd7wS30Wic1YfOe90RWdSaFZPvHPd6Km-NCdQ3xy4hODTcC6sGd35Sa/w400-h285/Week%20of%20Prayer%2024.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-65296972097596147282024-01-14T03:03:00.000+00:002024-01-14T03:03:06.321+00:00Sunday Worship 14th January<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZCbBSg9R_jUDC3PcwcX6nquHMslexS5KyoB0gbaRyiDQvYA3TrVIqhPrGiDsvpD_kYvbn6_pkMVPGJiMvQo_61Fgo_sypdxYkD3OBzxBJnWzUm4rfcyCFpn4-0FRO3dn-EzGzBu35vXUtJHXO4UIXAciTNy3_RS7zIkKq9GzK6oqa43Q9Db9UYIUhsvt/s240/come%20and%20see.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZCbBSg9R_jUDC3PcwcX6nquHMslexS5KyoB0gbaRyiDQvYA3TrVIqhPrGiDsvpD_kYvbn6_pkMVPGJiMvQo_61Fgo_sypdxYkD3OBzxBJnWzUm4rfcyCFpn4-0FRO3dn-EzGzBu35vXUtJHXO4UIXAciTNy3_RS7zIkKq9GzK6oqa43Q9Db9UYIUhsvt/w640-h480/come%20and%20see.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. Church services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.00 at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ytBTMr0K__I" width="320" youtube-src-id="ytBTMr0K__I"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 1:43-51<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Jesus Calls Philip and Nathaniel</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today is the second Sunday after Epiphany and the wise men are making their way back having come to see the infant king at Bethlehem. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In chronological terms the passage above happens some thirty years later, just after Jesus has been baptised and He is starting his ministry. Up to that point there is nothing really to tell about Jesus, other than the story of His birth and presentation at the temple. He is just a stranger from Nazareth. on earth in human form.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But Jesus is starting His divine mission here on earth. He is starting to call His disciples and build the church. He approaches Philip and says to him, “Follow me”. That’s all we know, there is no scripture that describes Philip’s reaction or record of any debate where Philip asks, ‘who are you?’ We are just told that Jesus asked Philip to follow Him and we assume that’s exactly what he did.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next we are told that ‘Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.”’ Nathaniel’s response is somewhat dismissive, even jokingly offensive when he replies, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” In response, Philip just replies, “Come and see.” Again there is no record of any long debate or Philip going to lengths to explain why Nathaniel should go, but clearly he goes with Philip to see Jesus. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The fact that Jesus tells Nathaniel that He saw him under the fig tree is far from earth shattering news. Neither is what Jesus says to Nathaniel about him not being an deceitful person. Yet Nathaniel’s reaction in identifying Jesus as ‘The Son of God’ is astonishing. The impact of meeting Jesus in person seems to be phenomenal.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus isn’t stood there with a huge crown and robes, or veil of visible light around Him. He doesn’t have a big badge on his cloak saying, ‘Messiah’ or ‘Anointed One’. We aren’t told that Jesus has a magnetic personality or terrific wit, yet everyone who is called is not only content, but happy to follow Him. The beginning of His church is coming into place and from that point people will follow Jesus, not because they have met Him in person but by people telling each other about Him. To a large extent that’s the way the church has grown over two millennia and continues to grow at a pace in Africa and parts of the Far East. By word of mouth and people inviting others to ‘come and see’ just as Nathaniel did and also the Wise Men.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That might seem incredible at a time when many are bemoaning the fact that in the West, there seems to be an overall decline in Christianity. As we continue our Christmas journey through the season of Epiphany, there is a clear call for us to encourage others to ‘come and see.’ Like Philip, we should not feel we have to extensively explain why people need follow Jesus. Rather we just offer them the invitation and let them ‘come and see’ what Jesus is doing in the world today! <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Most Loving and wonderful Father, </span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who took human form,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and walked amongst us, growing His church here on earth. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Help us to follow Him and spread the good news of your kingdom,</div><div style="text-align: center;">To all who have ears to listen. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen</b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Will You Come and Follow Me"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uu7ihXeTsMQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="uu7ihXeTsMQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-59624398230468948262024-01-07T00:53:00.000+00:002024-01-07T00:53:18.165+00:00Sunday Worship 7th January<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0vWrZ2GKqHkn4R73P42qVbSi3m3mOIeEksVF6kFximQdYvTQy79euXk3B5ZOMVJiasXkxsMbpl3ECg8j8TO7p0J-1jUUQuRlGPEPALoUC-6zZbzvUi_ISzLyLW2Y9gDWjeo_eRqpk60moxRpOuZLFNBAAQGSM7mlcUEfMJaUa7Oj3JDkvx6RJX2iQ_tT/s1024/Baptism-of-Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1024" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0vWrZ2GKqHkn4R73P42qVbSi3m3mOIeEksVF6kFximQdYvTQy79euXk3B5ZOMVJiasXkxsMbpl3ECg8j8TO7p0J-1jUUQuRlGPEPALoUC-6zZbzvUi_ISzLyLW2Y9gDWjeo_eRqpk60moxRpOuZLFNBAAQGSM7mlcUEfMJaUa7Oj3JDkvx6RJX2iQ_tT/w640-h488/Baptism-of-Christ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday after Epiphany. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home. The focus of today's Gospel and reflection is the Baptism of Christ, but if you prefer to follow an Epiphany order of service, our good friends at St Barnabas Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead have kindly agreed to share theirs with us. You can find the full service transcript here - <a href="https://www.medlockhead.co.uk/resources/2024-01-06%20--%20Epiphany.pdf">Medlock Head resources Epiphany</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "We Three Kings of Orient Are"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zNBbCkDMSLw" width="320" youtube-src-id="zNBbCkDMSLw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 1:4-11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Baptism of Jesus</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In today’s Gospel we hear the marvellous story of the Baptism of Jesus in the wilderness. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A strange place to have a baptism you might think, but to the Israelite people of that time the wilderness had a huge significance. To many it was deemed to be a Holy place where God dwelled and had looked after His people when they left Egypt and wandered for forty years in search of the promised land with Moses. A place where God had provided water from the rocks when they were thirsty and heavenly food, (Manna) when they were starving.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So what better place to call people to in order to repent and be cleansed of their sin as they looked for God’s presence. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And the people flocked from far and wide to this strange person in the wilderness; some because of John’s growing reputation, some because there were rumours that he was a prophet or even perhaps the promised Messiah and some because he was talking about the one who would be much greater and come after him, [Mark 1:8]. He was giving a message of hope to the Israelites who had been exiled and badly treated for generations. They desperately wanted God’s intervention once again so they turned up in the hundreds even thousands. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John’s activities and preaching were so powerful that those who came to repent and be baptised included people from neighbouring regions who were not Israelites.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In the midst of this we see Jesus coming to be baptised by John in the river Jordan. To everyone except John the Baptist, Jesus was no one special or out of the ordinary. He had not yet started His own teaching ministry or performed any miracles. He was to all intents and purposes, just a regular person like the rest of us. A stranger from Nazareth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In those days, baptism was by total immersion, by which I mean, it wasn’t just a splash of water on the head, it involved being totally submerged – head to foot in the river. In some places this still happens. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Jesus comes up out of the water everything changes. Mark describes how the heavens are ‘torn apart’. This is not like a little break in the clouds on a dreary day, it is an earth shattering manifestation. ‘It’s as though an invisible curtain, right in front of us, was suddenly pulled back, so that so that instead of the river, the sandy desert and the crowds we, are standing in the presence of a different reality altogether.’ The heavens referred to here are the heavens that God made in the beginning, when he created everything. That is, ‘a dimension beyond our comprehension’, where God and the angels dwell.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But as dramatic as this is, it’s just the overture for what is to follow, as the Holy Spirit then descends on Jesus in what resembles a dove. The Holy Spirit that hovered over the waters when God first created the earth at the very beginning of the bible, [Genesis 1:2]. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As if that isn’t astounding enough, Jesus then hears the actual voice of God from heaven, telling Him not only that He is God’s son, but also praising Him and saying how pleased He is with His son. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Those who witnessed the event were in the presence of all three components of the Trinity, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. How momentous is that? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For myself, this is one of the most powerful moments of Mark’s gospel, but what does that mean for Jesus and for us?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The baptism is the keystone in the life and ministry of Jesus. The empowerment by the Spirit to be God’s Servant, and the declaration from heaven, “You are my Son”, enable Jesus not only to speak and act for God but as God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is the starting point of Jesus’ mission on earth, that will be played out through the rest of His story and end at the cross where He will die for the redemption of all our sins.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For those who have already been baptised I suspect that the occasion felt somewhat less dramatic. That does not mean it is less significant!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I wonder how many of you can remember getting baptised or what day you were baptised on. For myself, I can easily remember the date because I was baptised on my birthday. Not any old birthday but my actual birthday - the day I was born. If you don’t know the date you were baptised you may want to try to find out, because like our birthdays, it’s a special day to celebrate. Even if we can’t personally remember it, it’s just as special and important as the day that Jesus was baptised.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It’s the day when our sins were washed away in Holy Christ-filled waters. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It’s the moment when through the power of the Holy Spirit and by the grace of God, we are welcomed into God’s church. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The point where we are reminded that through Jesus actions, we have passed from darkness into light and where we are invited to follow Him who said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” [John 8:12].</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Above all, it is a time when the living God looks at us, and says, “You are my dear, dear child; I’m delighted with you”. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Bishop Tom Wright suggests, ‘That you try reading that sentence slowly, with our own name at the start, and reflect quietly on God saying that to you, both at your baptism and every day since.’ </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How spiritually reassuring and full of love is that? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus’ baptism was the starting point for His mission and our baptism is the starting point of our journey with Him. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Just as the Holy Spirit hovered over God’s creation in the beginning, he hovers over us at our baptism to make us a new creation in Jesus Christ. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For anyone who hasn’t been baptised yet, the good news is, that baptism into God’s church is available to everyone who wants to follow Jesus and believe in Him. We are all invited to be filled with God’s grace and the Holy Spirit and to follow Jesus. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Loving Father, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We give you thanks for your son Jesus Christ,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who through the power of the Holy Spirit,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You empowered to fulfil his mission and win for you a people on earth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Grant that we who have been baptised, may follow Him</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and daily shape ourselves in His image.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Q5A4TctOn0" width="320" youtube-src-id="8Q5A4TctOn0"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-27959733976640344522023-12-30T22:39:00.000+00:002023-12-30T22:39:41.127+00:00Sunday Worship 31st December<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ACe8rMPzV9rreYyXnvSdnPNvbN8ENL9skzkqXAQmChArRe6wL7S7QfsrffdpzueY4k8skrYh1hg_4vAyFGpaJmNk-RGbS0AgHQWaoejMbQCWYz-hadd5Q0_sA-YwAORwPPppXmwAkgOzh_1JpTDt_EHRzzxQwjYUIFpTO8U91OJF_-Mpw37SD8KvH8N1/s320/word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ACe8rMPzV9rreYyXnvSdnPNvbN8ENL9skzkqXAQmChArRe6wL7S7QfsrffdpzueY4k8skrYh1hg_4vAyFGpaJmNk-RGbS0AgHQWaoejMbQCWYz-hadd5Q0_sA-YwAORwPPppXmwAkgOzh_1JpTDt_EHRzzxQwjYUIFpTO8U91OJF_-Mpw37SD8KvH8N1/w640-h360/word.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday after Christmas. Today we have just one service in the parish, at 11 am at St Thomas' Church.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find today's Gospl, a reflection, prayer and hymns below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "O Little Town of Bethlehem"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_q430z13oc" width="320" youtube-src-id="H_q430z13oc"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 1:1-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Word Became Flesh</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For those of you who come to our annual service of nine lessons and carols, I am sure you will be familiar with today’s scripture reading – it’s the last reading that we always say by candlelight with the church lights turned out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There have been whole books written on this passage alone, but don’t worry I’ll keep this short, after all, I’m sure some of you have New Year’s Eve parties to attend!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This is the preface from the Gospel according to John, who jumps straight in by introducing us to the divine nature of Jesus. Moreover, it begins by setting out the absolute power and magnificence of God himself by referring back to Genesis and the creation of all things from nothingness. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He reminds us that everything that exists and ever will exist happens because God wills it to be. John also highlights just how much God loves us, so much so that He gave us His only Son who lived amongst us and will always live amongst us, to be with us and by our side. [John 3:16]. All we have to do is to recognise His presence and turn to Him. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In just a few paragraphs, John paints a magnificent outline of divinity which sets the scene for the whole gospel and includes references to life, light, truth, the world, and the existence of Jesus from the beginning of time to the end of time. I have to admit it’s pretty heavy and powerful stuff, both theologically and conceptually. But we don’t have to worry that this is complex or even supernatural; we just have to accept and have faith in Jesus the word made flesh by God. Jesus who didn’t just look like one if us but someone who was actually human. Someone who experienced life and growing up as we did, and someone who would eventually give up that life on the cross to save us all. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John tells us that Jesus is the ‘light of the world, the true light, which enlightens everyone’. So as we start a new year, let us gaze at that light, and let Jesus shine in our lives so that we may be guided by Him and experience His grace, truth and love for us. <i>Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">The Son of God has become flesh and now dwells among us. </span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">He is the Word, the Light and is full of grace and truth. </div><div style="text-align: center;">May we always recognise the glory of the Risen Jesus as John did. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen.</b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vZhgpb97y7Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="vZhgpb97y7Q"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-70899006280781051812023-12-24T20:50:00.000+00:002023-12-24T20:50:22.947+00:00Christmas Joy<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Christmas Joy</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HLvynZfx_rLbRD2EoMXyw0iSRmnZ4KFkS7hXcIm4X9RvnuVRAUqASdZUthA7S-sVLZXHII-YkFlzy0iNzOVcjSFbIF_uiWcQ42fWwYyth1OJc5OhS36Fmla6-MOXGjE5MenKeKxFAx0hjDrAAo2YoATCsRNVK-fzgDgAA-N2J5xR_MrBqfAK_PEQcjjr/s1138/Christmas%20Night.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="1138" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HLvynZfx_rLbRD2EoMXyw0iSRmnZ4KFkS7hXcIm4X9RvnuVRAUqASdZUthA7S-sVLZXHII-YkFlzy0iNzOVcjSFbIF_uiWcQ42fWwYyth1OJc5OhS36Fmla6-MOXGjE5MenKeKxFAx0hjDrAAo2YoATCsRNVK-fzgDgAA-N2J5xR_MrBqfAK_PEQcjjr/w640-h260/Christmas%20Night.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to our Christmas Worship in Leesfield Parish. Our services are at 11.30 pm at St Thomas' Church, and 9.15 am on Christmas Day at St Agnes'. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are not able to be with us in person, you can find some Christmas Carols and worship resources below.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our friends from the Churches of St Barnabas Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead have kindly agreed to share the transcript of their Midnight Mass service with us, and you can acces this by following this link - <a href="https://www.medlockhead.co.uk/resources/2023-12-24%20--%20Midnight%20Mass.pdf">Medlock Head resources Midnight Mass</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Carol</b> - How Far is it to Bethlehem</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Z1qWENhuaM" width="320" youtube-src-id="4Z1qWENhuaM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Collect for Midnight Mass</b> -</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Eternal God,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to see the radiance of your heavenly glory;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">one God, now and for ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen. </b></span></div></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Carol</b> - It CameUpon the Midnight Clear</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_U_Dzovu1XA" width="320" youtube-src-id="_U_Dzovu1XA"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Gospel</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Luke 2 :1-20</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Birth of Jesus</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Shepherds and the Angels</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Carol</b> - O Holy Night</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uLKuKaLf_vI" width="320" youtube-src-id="uLKuKaLf_vI"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>A Christmas Blessing</b> -</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">May the joy of the angels,<br />the eagerness of the shepherds,<br /> the perseverance of the wise men,<br /> the obedience of Joseph and Mary,<br /> and the peace of the Christ child<br />be yours this Christmas;<br /> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and the blessing of God almighty,<br /> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,<br /> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>be among you and remain with you always.<br /><b>Amen</b>.</span></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Carol</b> - O Come, All Ye Faithful</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zw-FAqx9kpw" width="320" youtube-src-id="zw-FAqx9kpw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Tomorrow's <b>Christmas Morning Service on the BBC</b> comes from Manchester Cathedral. You can watch on BBC1 or IPlayer at 10.15 am.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Wishing you all a Joyful Christmas and a hope-filled New Year.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-88938442370409427312023-12-24T01:12:00.000+00:002023-12-24T01:12:41.931+00:00Sunday Worship 24th December<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx1FcZHv_mAaGKd0MVfgsPE3bM_AN7UqW8vGHwrTqk86hIvxjb0PYqH_Wrut24eH-2vDX2rgJmV0WoUphUCm9r4bWnIDkrWI8K34ib7UvWPIibXLy7b4zhBrbOYGZuiaQxwWXnAp60MgADPA56OGZ_iHHlwWGiinDz3F1HyU8HRRdXgutOYNZZKlPtXCN/s1023/Annunciation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1023" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx1FcZHv_mAaGKd0MVfgsPE3bM_AN7UqW8vGHwrTqk86hIvxjb0PYqH_Wrut24eH-2vDX2rgJmV0WoUphUCm9r4bWnIDkrWI8K34ib7UvWPIibXLy7b4zhBrbOYGZuiaQxwWXnAp60MgADPA56OGZ_iHHlwWGiinDz3F1HyU8HRRdXgutOYNZZKlPtXCN/w640-h360/Annunciation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Sunday morning services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. Today is also Christmas Eve, and you can find details of our Christmas services in the notices at the end of this blog.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to attend our services in person, you can read the Gospel, reflection and prayers below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Mary Did You Know"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KqcLhrYf69A" width="320" youtube-src-id="KqcLhrYf69A"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Luke 1:26-38<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Birth of Jesus Foretold</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here we are, on Christmas Eve as we wait with anticipation for the coming of our Lord and no doubt the children wait to see what is inside the Christmas presents. This year, the fourth Sunday in Advent falls on Christmas Eve and we recall the wonderful story of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel visits Mary and gives her the good news that she has been chosen by God to give birth to the saviour of the world. That it will be Mary’s responsibility to play the crucial role in the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophesy [Isaiah 9:6-9], to bear the one who is to be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is a story of great hope, trust and obedience. No matter how many times I read this passage, I am filled with awe and wonder at Mary’s reaction; this teenage peasant from some little known, remote town, who is chosen by God to do something that will have a truly massive impact on the whole world forever. Then to see her reaction which is to humbly say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” How trusting and obedient is that?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This story is so full of hope and takes place at a time when God’s people have seen much turmoil and war for hundreds of years including exile at the hands of the Babylonians. Here is God about to show his people that through him nothing is impossible. It is God’s plan that we should all be saved through His Son, not just the Israelites, if we believe and trust in him. Trust and faith in God is exactly how Mary and Joseph responded to the Angel Gabrielle despite the potential ridicule and scorn they may face. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So what does all this mean for us? How do we see our lives on a daily basis? We are surrounded by issues and worries; as we look around there are wars being fought across the world, people are starving and there is the looming fear of a global climate catastrophe. Add to that any personal worries we may have such as our health, the cost if living and job security, and it is easy to get despondent. Perhaps, as we await the coming of Jesus, we too need to remind ourselves that through God nothing is impossible. To put our faith in God and trust in His divine power. To pray to Him, put our worries in His hands and believe that He has a plan for us all. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Happy Christmas to you all, Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour:</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">fill us, your servants, with your grace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give us the confidence to put our concerns and worries into your hands </div><div style="text-align: center;">and to trust in your divine power and plan for each of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Jesus name we pray. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen</b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fzC9dxwRddc" width="320" youtube-src-id="fzC9dxwRddc"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Zv8gPN4nZgI_YHLqom3dT0roJKca1IogC-CcXI-AYM1_BMJhUs58s98pMO2b8lgOMMMo1ObqRlYvEUL6d4Y0CnYbxr_tXaPprQLObg1QKQTNSPOGfKmWhUNyCLkXgdXtRPv3RuYU-NSuMikru4jtm4YZbPwypsGiYBCopZIoam8Ro3a-kW9ij9QyL_9/s628/crib%20w%20animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Zv8gPN4nZgI_YHLqom3dT0roJKca1IogC-CcXI-AYM1_BMJhUs58s98pMO2b8lgOMMMo1ObqRlYvEUL6d4Y0CnYbxr_tXaPprQLObg1QKQTNSPOGfKmWhUNyCLkXgdXtRPv3RuYU-NSuMikru4jtm4YZbPwypsGiYBCopZIoam8Ro3a-kW9ij9QyL_9/w286-h400/crib%20w%20animals.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning services are as follows - </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Christmas Eve - <b>Nativity and Crib Service</b>, 5 pm at St Thomas’. All are most welcome to come along and join with our Sunday School families as we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Christmas Eve - <b>First Communion of Christmas</b>, 11.30 pm at St Thomas’. This is our traditional Midnight Mass, to which everyone is invited.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Morning Eucharist</b> – 9.15 am at St Agnes’. Starting Christmas Day with a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Families are most welcome.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day there will be Carols and links to on-line services here later. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There will be no Tuesday service of Holy Communion or Worship for all Generations this week. Next Sunday, the 31st December, there will be a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas’, with no service at St Agnes’ on that day. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p> </p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-1212995850647845202023-12-17T01:00:00.000+00:002023-12-17T01:00:30.939+00:00Sunday Worship 17th December<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wx5Udkt_6PfXK4a0_wJEl_sma32B87deB4VmdrxEDoDN7sAMpyg8k6KpRPF5zI1Fw_LOJBTRDgsIL9jYs9JCDcBq2snAXtq369n55cY_1m0ta0Vgy9QAODVAf2JCOTAAlYnqq7DL5bahBTYGJPOyGdNDQNY3QReQXAmZC_8M48LEkU_UR0DKzw9iv0Q0/s3036/Advent%203%20Gaudete%20Sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2024" data-original-width="3036" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wx5Udkt_6PfXK4a0_wJEl_sma32B87deB4VmdrxEDoDN7sAMpyg8k6KpRPF5zI1Fw_LOJBTRDgsIL9jYs9JCDcBq2snAXtq369n55cY_1m0ta0Vgy9QAODVAf2JCOTAAlYnqq7DL5bahBTYGJPOyGdNDQNY3QReQXAmZC_8M48LEkU_UR0DKzw9iv0Q0/w640-h426/Advent%203%20Gaudete%20Sunday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday". Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn his morning is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kKu0or0t8Uw" width="320" youtube-src-id="kKu0or0t8Uw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's Gospel</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">John 1:6-8,19-28<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> John the Baptist Denies being Christ</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptising. </i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Last week, we heard Mark’s version of the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism for the repentance and forgiveness of sins. However, other than a brief description of his clothes and diet it doesn’t really paint a picture of what John’s role was or his importance. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In John’s Gospel, this is clearly called out from the very outset in verse 6-8; He was a man ‘sent from God’ and he had a very clear purpose – to be a witness and to testify to Jesus, the light of the world. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He makes it abundantly clear that this is his purpose in life, to be a witness and testify that Jesus is the Son of God and light to the world. He is also unequivocal in stating that he himself is not Jesus and neither is he a reincarnation of Elijah or Moses, nor is he himself a prophet, albeit he does confirm that he is the ‘voice in the wilderness’ as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, (Isaiah 40:3).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">From before he was born, when he jumped in his mother’s womb in the presence of the pregnant Mary, mother of Jesus; John knew exactly what his reason and destiny in life was. How wonderful is that? Imagine, what it would mean for each of us if we knew exactly what our purpose in life is. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Clearly, there are some times in our lives when our purpose seems clearer than others. When we fall in love, care for someone deeply and have a family and feel that our purpose is to look after them. Or perhaps it’s some sort of passion we have for a cause, to make a difference and help others, or simply just to reach out and help strangers and make a positive impact in the world. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Whatever it is, like John, we need to trust in God’s will. That he will guide us to love each other and work for justice and peace with kindness, love and generosity, however large or small our role is. So that we too may shine as a light in the world. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Paul </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Holy and gracious Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We pray for clarity of purpose in our lives, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to look wider than our current circumstances and further than our immediate future;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That we may discern your will and understand what part we can play in your world.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help each of us to fulfil our role</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">in bringing your kingdom nearer. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Gaudete"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Coyrm-dURrE" width="320" youtube-src-id="Coyrm-dURrE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This evening at 6.30 pm we have our traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas' Church. Everyone is invited to come and join us, and there will be refreshments afterwards.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W4F4jC_wY-pO7wiEOswq2yuM-UhyphenhyphenqVTX4tc8LWgKpOnRfYHTxNd22xW2Rot508_rkhxuhyphenhyphenAiaSTAsjeOKsNaZqjXkHwCbbTVB0VRqS-AS6YoGVzxBRfP4BqwL8hsPh_vGsMLD9TU8eVNmbt2ASe_17hbJ37GCSl8DfhhaZTqa9QBVaqAcnfGzKn1v1Nk/s1156/Lessons%20and%20Carols%2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1156" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W4F4jC_wY-pO7wiEOswq2yuM-UhyphenhyphenqVTX4tc8LWgKpOnRfYHTxNd22xW2Rot508_rkhxuhyphenhyphenAiaSTAsjeOKsNaZqjXkHwCbbTVB0VRqS-AS6YoGVzxBRfP4BqwL8hsPh_vGsMLD9TU8eVNmbt2ASe_17hbJ37GCSl8DfhhaZTqa9QBVaqAcnfGzKn1v1Nk/w400-h224/Lessons%20and%20Carols%2023.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then on Monday at 6 pm we meet at St Thomas' to go Carol Singing around Lees. This is a great way to take Christmas out to people who might not be able to get to church. We also collect money for the Booth Centre for homeless people in Manchester. Singers and collectors are most welcome to join us, especially family groups.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGgwxU3FyTne5UeAJmX_-n4YAY-qKCWWTjzFN1D1pVLUzqUGzPvmYg56sOByq3GCh16IWoFLGlTJOTXfVHy9xkVH_6Vc9OGFnaBGU7nuD972R8KGVAMdhdGmP9djwrDv0O-M-jut1BxexLRqL2jpb-Lu-GoF4UBE_wxSvS8Y24tXHVizpINa-0EyOpRbe/s409/Carol%20Singing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="409" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGgwxU3FyTne5UeAJmX_-n4YAY-qKCWWTjzFN1D1pVLUzqUGzPvmYg56sOByq3GCh16IWoFLGlTJOTXfVHy9xkVH_6Vc9OGFnaBGU7nuD972R8KGVAMdhdGmP9djwrDv0O-M-jut1BxexLRqL2jpb-Lu-GoF4UBE_wxSvS8Y24tXHVizpINa-0EyOpRbe/w400-h148/Carol%20Singing.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our full programme of services for Christmas is shown in the poster below.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="441" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8b-YgsV5yv5PKQJatpHr5ESKdTnQZrrDO9olsdgCIIC6r_fZQloj85h699-31_hkyUK1jvKWlnXiK6zDCWOrxE7btqBI7igDHSuGXDTvGg2b-zcF4h_giQ1bAOJZA5LwAWvtm-4PXUhqg4HA3pRhwF3zLiULxEe9Oios2oAlhcKGaRqhh334Fo9Jvhxf/w452-h640/Christmas%20poster%202023.png" width="452" /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-64451890020524247262023-12-10T03:23:00.000+00:002023-12-10T03:23:47.003+00:00Sunday Worship 10th December<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2kw6dT22Tp7QzatDFFtQ_WK7ri9PmzypBrBJs9BoCFLqsWPAvKDCmEPebd8k4mQ543ofg6a9S1E1iapWxBFos13y_uFAcozKaXJOm8NjwOJv-ijzh43-IuUIAp2lLzVgGwrEtRs_okULiVOVoTeKTmkaPn1pLn4W9tp5eXJ4fif3ZdS3w-pHh4rHaKxZ/s240/John%20the%20Baptist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2kw6dT22Tp7QzatDFFtQ_WK7ri9PmzypBrBJs9BoCFLqsWPAvKDCmEPebd8k4mQ543ofg6a9S1E1iapWxBFos13y_uFAcozKaXJOm8NjwOJv-ijzh43-IuUIAp2lLzVgGwrEtRs_okULiVOVoTeKTmkaPn1pLn4W9tp5eXJ4fif3ZdS3w-pHh4rHaKxZ/w640-h480/John%20the%20Baptist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Advent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn his morning is "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pIr21lLgFpg" width="320" youtube-src-id="pIr21lLgFpg"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 1: 1-8<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> John the Baptist Prepares the Way </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.</i></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i>As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,</i></span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;">“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">who will prepare your way;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">‘Prepare the way of the Lord,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">make his paths straight,”</div></i></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I wonder what thoughts are conjured up in your mind when you think of the wilderness. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Is it perhaps some endless desert with no vegetation or water, nothing but endless sand and scorching heat. Or maybe a huge barren landscape, dotted here and there with trees and rough grass but barely anything else. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Hebrew word for wilderness is ‘midbawr’ which is derived from the root word ‘DBR’ and interpreted by Jews as a verb ‘to speak’. Many scholars believe that the word is also often used in the old testament to describe the action of pushing something out or driving something away and is generally associated with shepherds driving their flocks away into pasture land far away from the towns. Another translation of the word is to describe as meaning places of pasturage with no houses or trees but only wide, open space. Therefore, in ancient biblical terms, whilst the wilderness was almost certainly an unhospitable and desolate environment, perhaps even hostile, it was not a desert. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The wilderness is prominent throughout ancient scripture, not least when the slaves encountered their God after Moses led them out of Egypt. Where God fed them with manna from heaven and handed down the ten commandments. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They would also associate it with the time the Israelites were exiled following the conquering of Judea by the Babylonians, 600 years before Jesus was born. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are also totally different types of wilderness. Maybe a place where people find themselves at a time of struggle or depression. Or a place where we might associate with isolation, where people feel alone with no idea of who to turn to or where to turn to. For example after the death of loved one.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Indeed, there are times when we might also feel we are in a spiritual wilderness. Where our personal faith is tested and we feel a sense of inner desolation. For instance, when we might look around the world and see the many wars where tens of thousands of innocent people are being killed, or the devastating impact of climate change that causes death and devastation for so many. Times when we might ask the question, ‘Where is God in all of this?’</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I think whatever type of wilderness we may look at, it is reasonable to conclude that it is far from a favourable or good place to be. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So why, then, would John the Baptist choose to live there on a diet of locust and honey? Moreover, why would he choose such a place to preach his ministry of repentance and forgiveness? What sort of place is this to baptise folk? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark‘s Gospel and quotation of Isiah reminds us of the times the Israelites were previously exiled in the wilderness. On each occasion they were encouraged to believe that their God would bring them out safely. In the first instance, to the promised land, and in the second instance, back to their home in Jerusalem. Even when they were at their lowest point and there were many who questioned God’s promise, they were encouraged not to turn their back on God.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark tells us how John gave the people a message of hope. Despite all the centuries of persecution and turmoil, he was saying God has heard your cries and seen your pain. Much the same as the message that was given to Moses. And John was preaching and inviting them to a new way of life though repentance, and he was paving the way for Jesus. So the people came to the unhospitable desert, not in their dozens, but in their thousands.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That same message is there for us too, especially when we are at our lowest. When things feel as bad as they can get and we are in our own wilderness, whatever that may look like for us or how long we have been there. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark is showing us that it is when we are in the desert, we are most likely to hear God speaking to us. To hear Him telling us that He is the dependable one who we can always rely on. In the most desolate of times and places, God calls to us to tell us that He is coming to transform us. John the Baptist is not only straightening the path for Jesus, he is also straightening our path that we may be able to walk with Him through repentance and forgiveness and trust in the Lord. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Paul </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Gracious Father,</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Despite how hard we try, </div><div style="text-align: center;">We still get things wrong and make the wrong choices.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help us to listen more closely to your will</div><div style="text-align: center;">And forgive us when we mess things up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord of compassion and mercy,</div><div style="text-align: center;">As we prepare for your coming,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hear our prayer for all those who are in suffering,</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the wilderness or in a place of darkness or despair.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever the reason for their suffering,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let them hear your voice calling </div><div style="text-align: center;">and bring them your loving peace. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Amen</div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kt3Qc04ulOM" width="320" youtube-src-id="kt3Qc04ulOM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This afternoon at 3 pm we have our Christingle Service at St Thomas' Church. All are most welcome to join us in this wonderful family-friendly service.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then next Saturday, the 16th December, we are pleased to welcome our fellow Christians from around the area for Churches Together Advent Praise. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-0FFjbhO8YMXoS9QU330vA90J39V3caNTPhs9wtkfLsT87N8yv_fe3U0raUcYJLf5rMiCMH6UX7RZ-sR5l9P6ozK7XjpBoUv5RaXenOInRjfpWjbxGoNFnwd6sDg9k2hOoFFuuiHzRJN8RUKFd8cebnnCq3dTfAah_NS91-p6HN1uuLhVY1e2IEsALnR/s580/CT%20Advent%20Praise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="442" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-0FFjbhO8YMXoS9QU330vA90J39V3caNTPhs9wtkfLsT87N8yv_fe3U0raUcYJLf5rMiCMH6UX7RZ-sR5l9P6ozK7XjpBoUv5RaXenOInRjfpWjbxGoNFnwd6sDg9k2hOoFFuuiHzRJN8RUKFd8cebnnCq3dTfAah_NS91-p6HN1uuLhVY1e2IEsALnR/w488-h640/CT%20Advent%20Praise.png" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-85365265749948218842023-12-02T21:09:00.002+00:002023-12-02T21:09:58.133+00:00Sunday Worship 3rd December<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b> Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0KhQ3qbu6N8I6eWoEGDOJK4Sp0gwU_F3AbHwZjBD79Zu_dkLlJNNL5jwU09ayUCIcO9xMl4nxiCNjqxMoaAD2adIXDYqvO7Id6E_pE2FxLKP6pHiOAYPK6RSMK3xjfDdVSa1QXiBP14qvTd7ktXAmP8gG7c5lKRHwnaZM0irzbN66LRH68PL7P6aeUK7/s327/Advent%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="327" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0KhQ3qbu6N8I6eWoEGDOJK4Sp0gwU_F3AbHwZjBD79Zu_dkLlJNNL5jwU09ayUCIcO9xMl4nxiCNjqxMoaAD2adIXDYqvO7Id6E_pE2FxLKP6pHiOAYPK6RSMK3xjfDdVSa1QXiBP14qvTd7ktXAmP8gG7c5lKRHwnaZM0irzbN66LRH68PL7P6aeUK7/w640-h382/Advent%201.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Advent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. Today are our "Toy Services", where we bring toys for children who may not otherwise have any gifts this Christmas.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn his morning is "Wait for the Lord"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jn9n7hqc0CE" width="320" youtube-src-id="jn9n7hqc0CE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mark 13:24-37 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Signs of the End of the Age</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Jesus said, </span></i></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;">“In those days, after that suffering,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">and the stars will be falling from heaven,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."</div></i></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today sees the first Sunday in Advent and also the start of a new church year. Yet when we look at Mark’s Gospel, we find Jesus at the beginning of Holy Week, just before He enters Jerusalem. Perhaps that seems strange. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Advent is a time of reflection, and waiting. A time of waiting for Jesus which many people quite naturally associate with the nativity and Jesus’ glorious birth in Bethlehem. It’s about hope and expectation of the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus our Emmanuel. For our children, it’s also a time of excitement and anticipation on the run up to Christmas festivities and all that entails. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But it’s not just about the birth of Jesus, it’s also a time when we patiently wait and think about the second coming of Jesus. When He will come again in glory, at the end of the age. The end of time. A time when, as we read about last week, Jesus will sort out the sheep from the goats, (Matthew 13:31-34). The time that Jesus was talking about just before He entered Jerusalem. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Looking at this aspect of Advent, it might start to fill us more with a sense of foreboding and darkness rather than joy and happiness. But of course, there is far more to it than that. Jesus is speaking to His apostles when He tells them, “<i>It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch</i>”. He knows that He is about to leave them and be crucified, and He is painting a clear picture of what He wants them to do. He is also addressing all future Christians, including us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He is giving them a ‘ how to do it’ guide for looking after and building His church during His absence. He is putting us in charge as the doorkeeper and asking us to watch, to be alert and to stay awake. To watch for the light in times if darkness. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, what does staying alert, watching and keeping awake entail? Obviously, Jesus isn’t expecting us never to go to sleep, that isn’t humanly possible. Rather, He is asking us to maintain an awareness of His presence amongst us and not just look for the signs of the end of the age but also the signs of His work in our world every day. The acts of compassion, healing and redemption in our lives and across the globe. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When we look at the world, the wars, starvation, climate catastrophe, and persecution and so much more, it could be all too easy to let ourselves be consumed by darkness and despair. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But Advent is first and foremost a time of hope, that is why the first Sunday of Advent is sometimes called Hope Sunday. Jesus comes to us and will do so when we least expect Him to, in ways that we don’t anticipate, and through those we might least expect to bear his likeness. Being alert is about recognising His presence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is about the hope and light of Jesus Christ in our lives, who wants to make sure that we are never abandoned into the darkness. Because when we have something to hope for we can overcome the bad things in our lives that worry and burden us, the things that weigh us down with despair or misery.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As we journey through Advent this year, let us be alert and look for the light of the coming of Christ, the ultimate answer to all our prayers and source of our salvation. <i>Paul D</i>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Heavenly Lord, as we start the season of Advent,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let our hearts and minds be focussed on you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Father God, you gave us your only Son Jesus </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To be a light of hope for the world,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A gift of hope and joy laid in a humble manger.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lift us from sadness and despair,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to feel your presence and remember that, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For you, nothing is too difficult, and that </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">you will come again to bring salvation.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIszhvHjBxQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="BIszhvHjBxQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next Sunday, the 10th December, we have a family Christingle Service at 3 pm at St Thomas' Church. This is a lovely service for all ages, where we make our Christingles, pray and sing. All are most welcome - all you need is to bring your own orange. The collection taken at this service is sent to the Children's Society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4AkmdoG3CuPGs0vod4MkTMNeUtjI8sulMW0sC3Q36DyhuLOzdsAcKJv90_8JvdpPxLG_kg9KLPPe-5k0o6qjNT5kGeZa8O6O7LBQeYcYsc_QgirQFgT-0HXJTi9LVvpsIoaLzEx4wpov5nWFhMFbb8c68xgj4mH7q2C8S5OJhrOZJmSD2Bc0N8a4ATb3/s600/what-is-christingle_600x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4AkmdoG3CuPGs0vod4MkTMNeUtjI8sulMW0sC3Q36DyhuLOzdsAcKJv90_8JvdpPxLG_kg9KLPPe-5k0o6qjNT5kGeZa8O6O7LBQeYcYsc_QgirQFgT-0HXJTi9LVvpsIoaLzEx4wpov5nWFhMFbb8c68xgj4mH7q2C8S5OJhrOZJmSD2Bc0N8a4ATb3/w640-h320/what-is-christingle_600x300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-73188138244387261852023-11-26T00:33:00.000+00:002023-11-26T00:33:39.144+00:00Sunday Worship 26th November<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JCeTOFThrbA4UvkJ2NkVu84kiHQUwjjnDxlWHWhEAKwPknGjj10lvPW-J_SL8wlb9FC-QvEE4EIczTdfHxeuU2zmg9hxM4MAKVCtHl-ISJCL8MLxTJB4xvj8uPqg15h385HkLSBTNzPld7yCrPRE1_upa2o-IsYZVEeHCwivXJFrqxOMVehiM1ReX8Kp/s259/Christ%20the%20King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JCeTOFThrbA4UvkJ2NkVu84kiHQUwjjnDxlWHWhEAKwPknGjj10lvPW-J_SL8wlb9FC-QvEE4EIczTdfHxeuU2zmg9hxM4MAKVCtHl-ISJCL8MLxTJB4xvj8uPqg15h385HkLSBTNzPld7yCrPRE1_upa2o-IsYZVEeHCwivXJFrqxOMVehiM1ReX8Kp/w640-h479/Christ%20the%20King.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish as we celebrate <b>Christ the King</b>. Our Church services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find today's Gospel reading, a wonderful reflection from our friend, Revd Dr Paul Monk, prayers and hymns below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "From Heaven You Came (Servant King)"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4963QPHAIM" width="320" youtube-src-id="E4963QPHAIM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Matthew 25: 31-46<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Sheep and the Goats</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus said, “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. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today’s Gospel tells us about the great final judgment that every human on planet Earth will participate in, including you, and me. We find this parable in Matthew chapter 25, which shares three different parables all in connection to the return of Christ. The parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats, which we’ll be looking at today. Additionally, in Matthew 24, we see Jesus talking about the end times, so nestled immediately after his talk about the last days and the destruction of the temple, are these 3 parables. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The parable is very simple, yet it’s also quite complex. It’s also exceedingly practical. It’s a parable about sheep and goats. It’s interesting how Jesus taught the crowds who followed him. He taught spiritual truths by referring to normal parts of everyday life. Typically, ancient nations like Israel were designed in a particular way. There were various walled cities, to defend against invading armies. And these walled cities would be surrounded by farmlands and grazing pastures. There was no complicated supply chain to keep everyone supplied. If a city wanted food, it would have to be surrounded by farmlands and flocks and herds. It’s common. If you think about cities and large towns today it’s pretty similar, you have the innercity area, and surrounding the city you see various farmlands. So what would everyone see and be aware of? Flocks of sheep, goats, farming, planting, and so on. So Jesus taught by referencing such things. If Jesus was walking the Earth today, I imagine he would reference things like the internet, cars, colleges, industries, restaurants, and sports teams.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But, in any case, Jesus teaches here in Matthew 25, about when he returns to Earth. We know that this will happen at some point in the future, though we don’t know exactly when. So let’s just dive in. It says, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Sheep will typically follow their master, and tend to gather in flocks. Goats are different. They are more independent and more likely to be resistant and go their own way. Jesus uses a simple contrast to help us understand the judgment. And it continues, saying - </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">‘Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ If Jesus taught this parable today he would be accused of teaching a works based gospel. This kind of talk makes us wonder, what about grace through faith alone! Do we just have to believe! Well, here it is. Jesus puts a firm emphasis on what people do for others. But surely we couldn’t do any of these things properly without believing in Him first. So the fact that our deeds must bear fruit, it’s very important. It’s vital. It’s evidence of real faith. And if it’s not happening, something is very wrong. Surely we are all providing for others? We provide food to the hungry. Providing water to the thirsty. Offering advice and a cheery word for the homeless. We provide clothing to charities especially for children which fulfil that mandate to provide clothing. And we’re also called to visit and care for the sick, and to visit those in jail. Now you may be tempted to say well there are many charities doing this so I’m good I want to challenge us today, be out there meeting needs. Make it part of our life, make a plan, and get to work providing for the needs of others. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Gospel continues, ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ‘The King will reply, ‘truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The amazing thing is, whenever we do one of these things for someone in need, it’s just like we did it for Jesus himself. Did you give someone some food? You did it for Jesus. Did you visit someone in hospital? You did it for Jesus. Did you minister to a child? You did it for Jesus. And apparently part of our judgment as Christians will be, did we fulfil these mandates to help those in need? And in particular, did we help other Christians in need? That’s the most difficult part of this parable to understand though, is Jesus talking about “the least of these my brothers” is he talking about Christians only? Or is he talking about helping anyone? Honestly, I think the best way to resolve this, is to simply help whoever is in need. We could say, and particularly, be helping other Christian brothers and sisters, is that fair? Help anyone, but in particular, if a Christian brother or sister is in need in our faith community, prioritise that need. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then we see Jesus addressing those on the left, the goats, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ ‘They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” and he will reply, ‘truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these; you did not do for me.’ </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever noticed someone in need, and the Lord was moving in our heart to go talk to them or help them or pray for them, and we’ve felt the Holy Spirit say go do it, and we didn’t? There have been times most of us have felt that. So if the Spirit is speaking to you, be sure to go quickly and do it. And honestly, if you did feel the Lord moving you to help someone or meet a need, and you didn’t do it, let us repent and ask God’s forgiveness. The Bible says that to know the good we’re supposed to do, and to not do it, that is sin, from James 4:17. In any case, we see Jesus saying depart from me, to the goats, who did not care for him. These are the lazy Christians who did not help those in need. They didn’t serve others. They served themselves. And if we live that way, we’ll be held accountable. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus actually says to them, you are cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Scary stuff. And sometimes we don’t like to talk about this part, about divine accountability. God is love. God is mercy. God is gracious. But God is also a just judge .So It matters how you live and the choices to make. We are all accountable to God. And there will be a day of judgment, when we give an account for how we lived. Make doing acts of kindness and love part of your daily life. God will give you opportunities to help people and meet needs. All you have to do is take those opportunities. What is our motivation for this lifestyle of service: God is really real. The Bible is really God’s word. Jesus Christ is really our Saviour. Which means every good deed we do in this life for someone, is just like we did it for Jesus our Lord himself. And we know we will be rewarded in heaven for each good deed we do. Finally I want us to picture in our mind a vision from God, in which they see Jesus in heaven, and Jesus will show these people their house in heaven, and how every time they do a good deed, or preach the gospel, or meet someone’s need, it adds on something new to the house. And Jesus is the carpenter, building the house in heaven, preparing it for them when they arrive in heaven. How beautiful is that? I think it’s amazing. And indeed God’s word says that we will be rewarded for what we do in this life for Christ. Great is our reward in heaven, when we serve Jesus here. Every loaf of bread, every gallon of water, every piece of clothing given to those in need are jewels in your crown in heaven. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I know these things are true. So Christians, be like the sheep that follow our great shepherd Jesus Christ. Don’t be like the goats, who pretend to care about the needy, but don’t really do anything to help people. They just serve themselves. Don’t just pretend. Really live it out. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Rev. Dr. Paul Monk</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Collect for Christ the King</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Eternal Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and in the bond of peace,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">who is alive and reigns with you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">in the unity of the Holy Spirit,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">one God, now and for ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen.</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Christ Triumphant, Ever Reigning"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPXSILECWm0" width="320" youtube-src-id="MPXSILECWm0"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All our Advent Services and Events are shown in the poster below</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCsXEElLsHFfZwjTB1XSaxir4If6a6GhuTCAfm6wImDSy4gsKeq-sw92NTr4u1zEhFIFbzxcTPGnWndrBjsjWDjK-YCCM94auL3ER9KC_GMPscxPpRdqZ_S7d6DqN9zU8rUQ66blW5E7WU2hYsMcvLSyt6WqJ-te8FtBX2zsF8_Wj5dBTtZ9pxBTl5gTV/s928/Advent%20Services%20and%20Events.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="928" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCsXEElLsHFfZwjTB1XSaxir4If6a6GhuTCAfm6wImDSy4gsKeq-sw92NTr4u1zEhFIFbzxcTPGnWndrBjsjWDjK-YCCM94auL3ER9KC_GMPscxPpRdqZ_S7d6DqN9zU8rUQ66blW5E7WU2hYsMcvLSyt6WqJ-te8FtBX2zsF8_Wj5dBTtZ9pxBTl5gTV/w640-h438/Advent%20Services%20and%20Events.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-5384261934664532312023-11-19T00:09:00.000+00:002023-11-19T00:09:04.966+00:00Sunday Worship 19th November<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdswckom04g5Lyr5bHu-Vlku6u9KcRLYXi_Om7NxuW7ksQ7OsCSy17W4F_vchBitI9EWLpKgxRSFGIplZWXjZLWjyOW1c2XEbv5Jv3oayziHcknLwz5EpItUviqEbumgVjAOgf3kyPyte7F50SNvJF49_0z_l3DQI7ZMXbaLFucFsaTopcdvUhE4fJcnVp/s733/St%20Hugh%20crosses%203.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="733" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdswckom04g5Lyr5bHu-Vlku6u9KcRLYXi_Om7NxuW7ksQ7OsCSy17W4F_vchBitI9EWLpKgxRSFGIplZWXjZLWjyOW1c2XEbv5Jv3oayziHcknLwz5EpItUviqEbumgVjAOgf3kyPyte7F50SNvJF49_0z_l3DQI7ZMXbaLFucFsaTopcdvUhE4fJcnVp/w640-h364/St%20Hugh%20crosses%203.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 2nd Sunday before Advent. Today we will be celebrating St Hugh's Day with a special family service at St Hugh's School. The service will be at 11 am, and there will be no service at either St Agnes' or St Thomas' today.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find a Bible reading, reflection and prayers below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Collect for St Hugh of Lincoln</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">O God,</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">who endowed your servant Hugh</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a wise and cheerful boldness</div><div style="text-align: center;">and taught him to commend to earthly rulers</div><div style="text-align: center;">the discipline of a holy life:</div><div style="text-align: center;">give us grace like him to be bold in the service of the gospel,</div><div style="text-align: center;">putting our confidence in Christ alone,</div><div style="text-align: center;">who is alive and reigns with you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the unity of the Holy Spirit,</div><div style="text-align: center;">one God, now and for ever.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Morning has Broken"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-QZRsrO06A" width="320" youtube-src-id="K-QZRsrO06A"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Matthew 25: 14-30 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Parable of the Talents</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’ll start this reflection by asking the question - what was a talent in biblical terms? The answer is, a unit of currency similar to a denarii. It was worth a significant amount in value and some suggest it was equivalent value to 75 pounds in weight of gold. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But to some extent that is irrelevant, because the underlying message here is about how the slaves used the money the that the rich man had given them. We are told that the rich men divided his wealth between the slave according to their talent. The first two slaves worked actively and traded the money successfully thereby doubling their master’s investment. Presumably, there was an element of skill involved and had they not been experienced they could potentially have made a loss. Interestingly, the second slave was just as successful as the first, and made the same rate of return on the amount he was entrusted with. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The third slave however, chose to play it safe and just put the rich man’s money where it would be secure and he could guarantee being able to return it in full. At first it might seem like this was reasonable. We have been told that this slave had the least ability or experience yet he had still been entrusted with a relatively huge sum of money, (probably worth over 15 years wages). So, keeping it safe might seem like a satisfactory option. As the slave freely admitted, ‘he was afraid’ of the master and presumably of the consequences of losing some or all of the money.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nonetheless, instead of being praised, he is severely admonished and cast out. Does that seem harsh? After all, there is no suggestion that he was a bad or dishonest man.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">However, we are given two other pieces of information to consider. Firstly, the rich man was away ‘for a long time’. Secondly, just as we have in our time, there was the option to put the money into a bank where it would have accrued interest over the long period while the master was away. This would not have required any great experience from the slave and would have made a return on the investment, even if modest by comparison with the other two.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, how does this apply to us in our everyday lives? We need to consider what God has entrusted us with. We are blessed with ‘talents’, that is in a skill sense rather than monetary sense. Just like the slaves, some of other may have more or less skills or abilities than others, but what we have is given to each of us by God. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They are our talents to use and nurture both in our human and spiritual development. They are talents given for us to use, not only for ourselves but for the good of others and for the glory of God who gave them to us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We all have something to offer, none of us is useless despite how hard a deal we think we may have been given from time to time. It is not for us to worry about or be jealous that someone else appears more talented or more able to help. It is for us to develop whatever we have; be that an ability to develop lifesaving medicines, sort out international conflicts or simply care for those in our community as best we can.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At the end of the day, God does not expect us all achieve the same level of contribution. The return God expects from us is commensurate with the level of talent we have been given. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The third slave was not condemned because he didn’t double the money that the rich man had given him, he was cast out because he did nothing at all with what he had been given. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We all have a choice about how we use what we have been blessed with. It is up to us to decide of we want to enter into the joy of the master or be thrown into the darkness. <i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Loving and generous Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We thank you for blessing us with a variety of skills and talents.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to use what we have to your glory</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and to support others where we can.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We pray for guidance and wisdom to use what we have,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to make the world a better place and bring your kingdom closer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Amen</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "How Great Thou Art"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/USM71JqV30o" width="320" youtube-src-id="USM71JqV30o"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-40758425727992325222023-11-12T06:16:00.000+00:002023-11-12T06:16:26.142+00:00Sunday Worship 12th November<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHKoR9maLYU_vdBQpRPFiSm6rBofanYY4-gEGDFPcQJg0e-HVGfyNq-C4mPtHcqCS-uoYur-7XcS6TVd76j-tGkHKC3yExy8_FJFjaneCBg7T_yNSPKhu8xpqIU6zDNjczQ35QrWv2Uy4JFprqnziZmbVaMX4L0G7-mHMaxDEzC33CXj0D-3kpdkZjZL7/s334/red%20and%20white%20poppies%20wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="334" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHKoR9maLYU_vdBQpRPFiSm6rBofanYY4-gEGDFPcQJg0e-HVGfyNq-C4mPtHcqCS-uoYur-7XcS6TVd76j-tGkHKC3yExy8_FJFjaneCBg7T_yNSPKhu8xpqIU6zDNjczQ35QrWv2Uy4JFprqnziZmbVaMX4L0G7-mHMaxDEzC33CXj0D-3kpdkZjZL7/w640-h262/red%20and%20white%20poppies%20wide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday before Advent. This morning’s service will be at St Thomas’ Church at 9.30 am, with no service at St Agnes’. It will be a short Service of the Word, with no hymns, and the names of the servicemen from our parish who died during the two World Wars will be read out and commemorated.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Following our own service, we will assemble at Lees Library at 10.15, together with the Royal British Legion, fellow Christians from Churches Together in Lees and District, uniformed organisations, and members of the local community. We will then process to Lees Cemetery for the annual Service of Remembrance.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8eorCEMIK4" width="320" youtube-src-id="g8eorCEMIK4"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Matthew 25:1-13 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Parable of the Ten Virgins<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you the sort of person who always sets off in plenty of time to get to an appointment or stocks up with essential items just in case you can’t get to the shops? Or are you the sort of person who is always on the last minute and then start to panic if you’re in a traffic jam because you’ll be late? Perhaps you’re the sort of person who always waits until the needle on the fuel gauge is well in the red believing there will be plenty of time to get fuel. You haven’t considered that there may be a diversion on the road or that the garage will be shut when you get there. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Whilst there are several aspects to this parable, the key point is are we prepared? In this case, are we prepared for the second coming of Jesus when we will all be judged? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We can compare the oil for the lamps as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, that is sent to nourish and guide us and also to God’s grace. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We get this through belief and trust in Jesus and what he did for our salvation. Moreover by having an ongoing loving relationship with God. A relationship that happens every day not just occasionally. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Building that relationship, can of course come through reading or listening to scripture, even turning to scripture for comfort when we are struggling or facing difficult times. It also comes from praying regularly. That doesn’t have to be formal prayers or using a complex set format. It doesn’t have be at a set time of day or just once a day. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Rather, it can be finding some quiet time and just talking with God, silently in reflection and thought, or if you prefer, talking out loud. Telling God about what sort of day you’ve had so far; perhaps just thanking Him for something wonderful you’ve seen in creation as you walk along. Maybe, thanking Him for something that gone well that day and we can of course always talk to God about what’s troubling or worrying us. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If we have an active relationship with God, we will have His grace in abundance. God has grace in unlimited amounts, but it is not something that can be stocked up on at the last moment, or something that you can borrow from someone else. Each of us is responsible for acquiring our own grace, and no matter how busy our lives are, each of us responsible for building our relationship with a God who loves us so much that He sent His only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. <i>Paul</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Gracious Father, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help me to understand what I can today and every day, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to prepare for the time when Jesus comes again.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lord, give me the grace today to find you in every encounter. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help me to recognise you and build a closer relationship with you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And fill my lamp with the oil of your loving grace.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Great is Thy Faithfulness"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4ox4es1jo8" width="320" youtube-src-id="r4ox4es1jo8"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Next Sunday, the 19th November, we will be celebrating St Hugh’s Day with a Parish Eucharist at St Hugh’s School on Wildmoor Avenue, Holts. Revd. Chris will be leading this family-friendly service, which will be the only service in the parish on that day, and children from the school will be singing. If you would like to attend, but do not have transport, please contact your churchwardens and they will try to pair you up with someone who can take you. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-76874731778900901522023-11-05T02:28:00.002+00:002023-11-05T02:28:59.755+00:00Sunday Worship 5th November<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QwVXrZFm_6H5zoAHmMgtjapB_v2P32zhVPgb9fvtgL8f28ghWNV4c-vbZnz6DYI6hKlNnd7Rkt6emPX1Y5vXmgjbH_DK1_Ju4BMEfd8l8FEuRr_4Mu5k2_oSreDM2qoa0oBNtG6xhF70kx6LIYa47Zl0T4Fvb2uENqNLSDMFzhstsWAoIZIraTG-6wp_/s760/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20020727.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="760" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QwVXrZFm_6H5zoAHmMgtjapB_v2P32zhVPgb9fvtgL8f28ghWNV4c-vbZnz6DYI6hKlNnd7Rkt6emPX1Y5vXmgjbH_DK1_Ju4BMEfd8l8FEuRr_4Mu5k2_oSreDM2qoa0oBNtG6xhF70kx6LIYa47Zl0T4Fvb2uENqNLSDMFzhstsWAoIZIraTG-6wp_/w640-h598/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20020727.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday before Advent. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are not able to be with us in person, we are pleased to be able to share today's service transcript from our neighbouring churches of St Barnabus Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead. Just click on the lonk below to access - </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.medlockhead.co.uk/resources/2023-11-05%20--%20Fourth%20before%20Advent.pdf"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Medlock Head resources 4 before Advent</span></a><br /></p>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-83308402206552436962023-10-29T00:07:00.001+01:002023-10-29T00:07:49.381+01:00Sunday Worship 29th October<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji11CyS3Zey6FzntgjL6H4Ukz_dBqlLgXCpTiTs4rPxfgnw7jqNMRmD8WIXa_5VSQ5Eq2JYaHN2Ad6D1NvlDPGpurOAz8KLsya9AuVW38rJwpobv_N13OnnH74mvVDjyKjKZwNOPBvrCaq1_9WcGdnyKN8Vb6qqxuusKuw766eeeg4Nb5eAUHVD2iJVZhh/s379/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="379" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji11CyS3Zey6FzntgjL6H4Ukz_dBqlLgXCpTiTs4rPxfgnw7jqNMRmD8WIXa_5VSQ5Eq2JYaHN2Ad6D1NvlDPGpurOAz8KLsya9AuVW38rJwpobv_N13OnnH74mvVDjyKjKZwNOPBvrCaq1_9WcGdnyKN8Vb6qqxuusKuw766eeeg4Nb5eAUHVD2iJVZhh/w640-h304/bible.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 21st Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Beauty For Brokenness (God of the Poor)"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O5_TVy2gHRg" width="320" youtube-src-id="O5_TVy2gHRg"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Matthew 22:34-46 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Question about the Messiah</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,</i></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i>‘The LORD said to my Lord,</i></span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;">“Sit at my right hand,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">until I put your enemies under your feet”’?</div></i></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m not going to try and fool anyone. The reality is that there are many questions in life that are hard. Not just when it’s about things that are very complex and theoretical like quantum physics, but also some things that are just beyond our ability to comprehend.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In today’s passage, Jesus is referring to Psalm 110 written by David 1000 years BC. It is one of the most quoted psalms in the bible and would have been widely used in the temples in Jesus’ time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I mentioned in my last reflection how the Pharisees were considered by many to be hypocrites because they had a habit of interpreting the religious laws for the benefits of themselves and the government leaders of the day. That said, they were also extremely learned scholars who studied all the Jewish religious texts intensely. They were the experts regarding interpretation of the scriptures.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This event takes place when Jesus has been undergoing an examination and a series of challenging and questions from the Pharisees in an attempt to try and catch Him out and expose Him for blasphemy. Remember last weeks question about paying taxes to Caesar? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But now, the tables are turned and Jesus has the opportunity to reverse things and ask them a question. It should be noted that Jesus wasn’t just challenging one or two pharisees, they were all gathered together, so he was giving them all the opportunity to draw on their collective and extensive knowledge of the scriptures. He was taking them all on at once! It looked like He was giving them the ‘upper hand’.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Jesus asks them, : “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?”, they reply with, “The son of David.” This is based, as we might expect, on the Scriptures, where King David was told, ‘<i>When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom.’</i> [2 Samuel 7:12-13]. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It shows their understanding that the Messiah will be a flesh and blood, human descendant of King David. The Pharisees get a tick, but unfortunately not the gold star because they haven’t answered the question fully. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus’ follow up question is far harder than a simple interpretation of Samuel. As we have seen, He quotes the actual words of David which were accepted by religious scholars to have been given to Him by God about the Messiah: ‘<i>The LORD said to my Lord</i>’. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The learned scholars are now in a dilemma; they can maintain that the Messiah is just flesh and blood, but if they do so, how do they explain what David has said about the Messiah? - because David refers to Him as LORD, and these words were given to David by God. How do they understand that a human being can also be God? So they just sit in silence – there doesn’t even appear to be any philosophical debate on the question.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The truth is that they are totally incapable and unprepared to accept that Jesus can be both human flesh and also divine. It’s a massive thing to conceptualise even for us. It’s a question that goes to the heart of our belief and requires faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus did not just ask this question of the pharisees, He also asked the same question from His disciples, [Matthew 16:15-17], and it was Peter who replied, "<i>You are the Christ, the Son of the living God</i>" Jesus commended Peter and called him blessed because He knew, as with David, that knowledge had come directly from God. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As I said at the beginning of this reflection, there some questions that are really hard, not least theological ones. There are some things that we must accept are beyond our ability as humans to answer on our own, based on our experience, knowledge or basis of proof. We have to understand and accept our limitations because we are not divine.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nevertheless, the question that Jesus asked His disciples and the pharisees is one that we should all take time to reflect on. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus does not ask us to think about who other people think He is. He is asking each of us in person, ‘<i>Who do you say that I am’</i>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is something we need to pray on and ask God. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The following quote from John 1:14 may help: ‘<i>And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Paul</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Holy and merciful Father,</span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">We pray for your guidance in our understanding of your word.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As we read your Good News,</div><div style="text-align: center;">may we be filled with Holy Spirit,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and may our faith grow day by day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Jesus’ name we pray.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amen</b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Thou Whose Almighty Word"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aJuqdIVH8VY" width="320" youtube-src-id="aJuqdIVH8VY"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Notices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On Thursday 2nd November we have our annual service for All Souls at St Thomas’. This is a gentle, reflective service where we light candles and pray for the souls of the dear departed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGSa7bAkrWUYZ6PUOaY8pJVeTatzbPvNYAHbmKQQvmp5UazIipPRjTxMV2JP48NWmwEnBxS0GyG62ZIUE1O5E6VX9uagk8Ex2yUQt7Q6P3wiTYPp5pdRNVy-A-E0DdJ0U2Wdcu8VBU8mro5NfPrinxVyft_RWSx5o9lyLbXcLCn7e_1Dk1CdqgtJKo3-f/s943/All%20Souls%202023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="943" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGSa7bAkrWUYZ6PUOaY8pJVeTatzbPvNYAHbmKQQvmp5UazIipPRjTxMV2JP48NWmwEnBxS0GyG62ZIUE1O5E6VX9uagk8Ex2yUQt7Q6P3wiTYPp5pdRNVy-A-E0DdJ0U2Wdcu8VBU8mro5NfPrinxVyft_RWSx5o9lyLbXcLCn7e_1Dk1CdqgtJKo3-f/w400-h281/All%20Souls%202023.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-243475787135780182023-10-22T01:29:00.000+01:002023-10-22T01:29:19.963+01:00Sunday Worship 22nd October<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQJdnTti3hPGZ76UkHixWkgp0UFnlts_RnkUBKh7CVMVCf2vKRFP8ODJQlO3HEvFudPhRw6wQ0jiGzsKvORfFi3mFicKAF0WdWnW0rz2O1Rn2vWjDgZJzPA0SZEnnNX_IvUgTCXuXxYs_xrz7S7rsIaB1MEFy6_2sX0Xj2K3IrGMc8vqCAZmil4WhprQ9/s320/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQJdnTti3hPGZ76UkHixWkgp0UFnlts_RnkUBKh7CVMVCf2vKRFP8ODJQlO3HEvFudPhRw6wQ0jiGzsKvORfFi3mFicKAF0WdWnW0rz2O1Rn2vWjDgZJzPA0SZEnnNX_IvUgTCXuXxYs_xrz7S7rsIaB1MEFy6_2sX0Xj2K3IrGMc8vqCAZmil4WhprQ9/w640-h360/taxes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 20th Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find today's Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "As We are Gathered, Jesus is Here"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v1_Ps0H6qGw" width="320" youtube-src-id="v1_Ps0H6qGw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Matthew 22:15-22 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Paying Taxes to Caesar</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Some of you will I am sure have a reasonable idea of who the Pharisees were; to recap briefly, they were members of a Jewish religious sect that were often considered to be hypocrites because they professed the highest standards of piety and adherence to religious law but put themselves above everyone else. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But who were the Herodians? The Herodians were a political party of Hellenistic, [Greek], Jews who wanted to restore a Herod to the throne in Judea. They were supportive of the Romans who were an occupying force in Judea and surrounding regions, and as such were despised by the common people. They were also strongly opposed to the Pharisees because they wanted a descendant of David on the throne rather than a descendant of Herod. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">However, in today’s reading we see a dubious alliance between the two opposing groups. The common denominator being that neither group particularly liked Jesus and what He stood for. So between them the Herodians and Pharisees attempt to lay a trap for Jesus with what might be described as a lose - lose situation. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They started by trying to lull Jesus into a false sense of security by flattering Him, perhaps trying to seduce him into believing that they were beginning to be won over by His teachings. Then they pose a trick question that they hope will trip Jesus up. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” If Jesus, answers ‘No’, then the Herodians will report back the Roman authorities and no doubt have Him arrested. Whereas if Jesus says ‘Yes’, He would risk enraging His followers who have been persecuted by the occupying Romans and heavily taxed, especially the poor who had to suffer more disproportionate levels of tax.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But as we know, Jesus is not normally one to respond with a simple Yes or No. He is unwilling to play their game, so he ‘ups the ante’. By asking the question, “<i>Whose head is this, and whose title?”. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus is highlighting that the coin, as well as being a means of payment, is also a sign of idolatry. It is stamped with the image of Caesar. It is made by human hand for the use of humans and for paying the emperor. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are told that, ” <i>When they heard this, they were amazed</i>”. On the face of it, it might seem like Jesus has simply deflected the question with a cleverly worded response. He had found a way of sitting on the fence and not upsetting anyone. But that is not what makes this so amazing. If we look a little deeper we can hopefully see a greater significance. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When we consider the ministry of Jesus, we do not see a person who is openly hostile towards the government of the day, despite the extensive corruption and maltreatment of the poor. Similarly, he is certainly not supportive of the authorities, neither the emperor nor the religious leaders of the time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is fair to say that there were many who had hoped that the Messiah would be someone of great power and strength like King David. Someone who would lead armies and rebellions to overthrow the Romans. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But that is not Jesus’ way. Jesus shows us that, despite how good or bad the system is, and the circumstances we find ourselves in, we need to work within it. Yes, we have a duty to challenge through reasonable means, using the system itself, but we are not called to rebellion every time we object to the government, be that a democratic or autocratic regime. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, Jesus does not jump in with both feet and take the opportunity to openly condemn Caesar and the government, no matter how much the people may resent them. Instead He reacts with wisdom and restraint. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In His response He shows us that there is a way to respond to the needs of others whilst remaining within the restrictions and even inequities that are imposed on our daily lives.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He is reminding us that we have a far higher duty that goes beyond paying what is demanded here on earth. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The coin that was handed to Jesus was made by the Romans and stamped with the image of the Roman emperor. Jesus is reminding us that we are all created by the God, the Father, we are all stamped with God’s image [<i>Genesis 1:26</i>], made in His likeness. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jesus is clear that we are to, ‘<i>give to God the things that are God’s’</i>. I believe that means….</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We are to give ourselves to God. To worship and praise Him for His grace and mercy. We are also called to give back to God by loving one another and looking after each other. Our gifts can be evaluated by our actions, how we support communities and those who are needy in the world. When we bless others, we are giving to God what is God’s. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <i>Paul</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Most Merciful Father,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We thank you for your grace and mercy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We pray that we may give to you what is yours.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Give us wisdom to understand what pleases you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and to live our lives in a way that blesses others.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D-Lf_dL9XvgrR9xV6uydwBTGoDefFdmLWnj70_Ck6TwJwUnmTkFX7bBBORtHZ8bXEFqk99Jwic4fNFbvXbPIHRqXgyt7MrA3a7s-tlhjJu-mVd7F2_gCZ955n9JKfyKgCwVSa9ZhJpSwdlU8h7JqUMwLAq11DvPDPtAj2b4g00B0VQWnE5dnYK9cPsz2/s700/prayer%20for%20peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D-Lf_dL9XvgrR9xV6uydwBTGoDefFdmLWnj70_Ck6TwJwUnmTkFX7bBBORtHZ8bXEFqk99Jwic4fNFbvXbPIHRqXgyt7MrA3a7s-tlhjJu-mVd7F2_gCZ955n9JKfyKgCwVSa9ZhJpSwdlU8h7JqUMwLAq11DvPDPtAj2b4g00B0VQWnE5dnYK9cPsz2/w460-h640/prayer%20for%20peace.jpg" width="460" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "Jesus is Lord, Creation's Voice Proclaims It"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HHYt40whHQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="8HHYt40whHQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113375951137539623.post-79368328423064468952023-10-15T01:32:00.000+01:002023-10-15T01:32:21.723+01:00Sunday Worship 15th October<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday Worship</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIF7mvKyHvuB_HqlwjSCTbmFbAa2DFDmRdDNgTLwoxNlmM75j7iw1G1YanEnwqdRcLa7-JMkhRXDHA2BEIEj_3CHc4FqIMPaxb3sVQhQ50w_2g6v_9_yhkSsmzzTtwV0NgkCehE8EF4vnpqrZIruRWajJDMM6mZBaad863eXLpO_ZfzYjF8w7ecP9jrV8/s270/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="270" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIF7mvKyHvuB_HqlwjSCTbmFbAa2DFDmRdDNgTLwoxNlmM75j7iw1G1YanEnwqdRcLa7-JMkhRXDHA2BEIEj_3CHc4FqIMPaxb3sVQhQ50w_2g6v_9_yhkSsmzzTtwV0NgkCehE8EF4vnpqrZIruRWajJDMM6mZBaad863eXLpO_ZfzYjF8w7ecP9jrV8/w640-h427/peace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 19th Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. if you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to help you worship at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first hymn this morning is "Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness (Christ be our Light)"</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kt3Qc04ulOM" width="320" youtube-src-id="kt3Qc04ulOM"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Today's Gospel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Matthew 22:1-14 <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Parable of the Wedding Banquet </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Once more Jesus spoke to the people in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” </i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In this parable, Jesus uses very exaggerated allegories to paint the picture of the King who is shunned. In brief, Jesus is describing the behaviour of the Jews who failed to recognise the message of God’s kingdom of heaven and salvation that He had come to deliver.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Jesus describes the slaves being mistreated and murdered He is referring to the prophets in the Old Testament who were ignored and in some cases killed by the Israelites. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Up until Jesus’ time, the Israelites had been considered as the chosen people of God, from as far back as Abraham. <i>God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, [Deut. 7:6]</i> Here, Matthew is addressing his gospel to the Jewish-Christian readers who should have recognised Jesus’ words, ‘those invited’, to mean the people of Israel. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Yet, during Jesus’ time on earth and also during the early growth of the Christian church, many of the Israelites failed to follow Jesus or accept His message and teachings. To use an appropriate phrase, they just didn’t want to come to the party.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">God, (the king in this parable), then says, <i>invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet…..the good and the bad</i>. This is seriously good news for all of us. Jesus is saying that from now on, we are all invited to follow Him. We are all invited to God’s kingdom in heaven. Being called to be God’s people is no longer the sole privilege of Israelites, but also the gentiles, the Greeks and everyone else - even sinners! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This is reiterated explicitly by Jesus when He commissions His disciples; <i>Go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptised will be saved and the one who does not believe will be condemned. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">However, there is more to it than us just saying we are followers of Jesus, we also have to act as disciples in our love for one another and live in a righteous and obedient way. It’s not just about turning up to the party but also doing what is expected, like wearing the right clothes. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Paul</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Our Prayers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">God of love and Mercy,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you for inviting us all to be part of your heavenly kingdom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Help us to clothe ourselves with righteousness</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and so to follow the teachings of your Son, Jesus.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lord we pray that we will make time to be true disciples</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To proclaim your Good News and invite others to your eternal banquet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Amen</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A special prayer from the English Cathedrals</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaARGgNqsG-_IXL2cqMW8PccCewN-T8Oy4Wl4RZvIeOrq3r8c1BBST_HtaRbT16tsIFUQLZD7NJHgsbNjwT7FjCkD49qT5nodc_B2LlLuX5gckUBgBESrUSI9Fa9v9sXHKU64IHOpOTSJmP-SfwLbM-OaHm69vKXgW8T-6y4pK4kQyoUfinGxiMu76i0E/s865/Cathedrals%20Prayer%20for%20Peace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="865" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaARGgNqsG-_IXL2cqMW8PccCewN-T8Oy4Wl4RZvIeOrq3r8c1BBST_HtaRbT16tsIFUQLZD7NJHgsbNjwT7FjCkD49qT5nodc_B2LlLuX5gckUBgBESrUSI9Fa9v9sXHKU64IHOpOTSJmP-SfwLbM-OaHm69vKXgW8T-6y4pK4kQyoUfinGxiMu76i0E/w640-h408/Cathedrals%20Prayer%20for%20Peace.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today's final hymn is "The Lord's My Shepherd"</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s3hNZT6ddJg" width="320" youtube-src-id="s3hNZT6ddJg"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Parish of Leesfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311387525511994963noreply@blogger.com