Sunday Worship 23rd March

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Lent. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.00 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worhip at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness"

Today's Gospel

Luke 13:1-9                                             Repent or Perish

At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 

Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them - do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

Reflection

The Gospel, for want of a polite  word, is a pile of dung!

I suspect that’s not something you would expect to hear in a sermon let alone for anyone to try to make a case that it’s a fair comment. 

Bad things happen. They happen to everyday ordinary people. They happen to the sinful and innocent alike. 

A forest fire destroys hundreds of houses, thousands of animals and plants and many people. A massive flood does likewise in another part of the world or an earthquake or a Tsunami. Or maybe a gunman or a knifeman kills a young family or innocent children for no apparent reason. 

People are shocked and devastated – they look for reasons and look for someone to blame. There’s always got to be someone to blame. It’s global warming that caused the fires or the flood or the Tsunami. It people destroying the planet! It isn’t the earthquake that’s the problem, it’s the building regulations that weren’t strong enough or folk making a profit by cutting costs. 

Somebody should have known that a person with mental illness might have committed an atrocity, so why wasn’t he locked up beforehand? There’s always someone to blame! 

Some people turn their ire on God, they question and even blame God…. How can such a powerful God allow this to happen to innocent people? Why does God punish people like this? People who were young, mostly good - people who might have had a young family or were in the prime of life – why did God let it happen to them? 

Perhaps you might have thought that yourself, especially if tragedy has unexpectedly struck someone close to you. Sadly, I know of someone who has fallen out with God and refuses to come to church because of a very tragic incident. We hope and pray that individual will feel the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit and come back to Jesus.

There is a whole body of religious study that wrestles with this question of, ‘Is God to blame?’ It’s called Theodicy and has been debated for thousands of years. We cannot delve into this complex theological issue in a short reflection, but it’s fair to say that there are some people who think all bad things are a punishment from God for sin. To some extent that is understandable, because they look at Old Testament examples like God destroying the earth in Genesis and the story of Noah, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 

However, to assert that all people who suffer illness or death are being punished directly by God because they are sinners, is too simplistic an argument. If we go down that avenue, then we could argue that, as we as we are all sinners, we should all be punished in some way right now.  

Jesus explores this in His preamble for today’s parable. The starting point appears to be, ‘bad things happen in life’. He cites Pilate sacrificing Galileans and a tower that collapsed in a nearby town. Amongst those killed would have been people of all ages and backgrounds, some who were gentiles or Jews. Some who were considered bad people and many who were considered to be good. 

However, He uses these examples of random suffering to highlight about another tragedy that could happen, unless things change in our lives. That other tragedy is Judgement – the day when we all stand before God and answer for our sins and deeds. That day that will come at sometime for us all, and none of us know when that will be. 

Like last week's sermon, this is not the gentle, charming Jesus we normally expect, it is a Jesus with sharp edges. He is delivering a ‘pulling no punches’ parable - a warning that we all have to acknowledge that we have sinned and done wrong to others and to God. He also warns that we do not know when judgement day will be, so we cannot wait forever to get matters of eternal importance right in our lives. If we don’t, then it is only when we face God, that we will see His justice for what we have or have not done.

But wait! This is still the kind and loving Jesus we love and adore After all, because He gives us hope and shows us how we might make things right. 

Like the fig tree, God is looking for us to bear fruit and do what is righteous. To do good things and also acknowledge our sins and let God know we are genuinely sorry for dishonouring Him. In Mark 11:12-14,  Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, that it would never bear fruit again. However, here He gives us hope. Like the gardener who wants to feed the barren fig tree with manure and give it one last chance to bear fruit before chopping it down and burning it in the fire; Jesus gives us the Gospel and His good news to feed and nurture us in the hope that we will bear fruit before it’s too late. Perhaps the Gospel is like manure after all. Full of goodness and richness that we can absorb and help make us righteous and worthy of God’s grace. Paul   

Our Prayers

Almighty and merciful Father,

We ask your mercy on us,

for the times we have sinned and failed to do your will.

We thank you for the opportunity to be nourished,

by the word of your Son, Jesus Christ. 

Let us feed on his teaching, to do fruitful things,

And truly repent for all our sins. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "All My Hope on God is Founded"

Sunday Worship 16th March

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday worship in Leesfield Parish on the Second Sunday of Lent. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9'15 at St Agnes' and 11.00 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "The King of Love, My Shepherd is"

Today's Gospel

Luke 13:31-35                          Jesus’s sorrow for Jerusalem

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! 

How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Reflection

Jesus has a mission, and that mission is to enable God’s kingdom to break through here on earth.

Throughout His ministry, we see endless examples of Jesus casting our demons and healing the sick. It is a trademark of His mission.

He even empowers His disciples to go out and do the same work. As He continues His journey towards Jerusalem, people flock to Him in their droves, no doubt spurred into action by the stories of His new teaching and tales of His miraculous healing abilities.

At the start of the passage we hear the Pharisees giving Jesus a warning. Was this an outright threat or a friendly bit of advice? Although many Pharisees felt threatened because Jesus was exposing examples of hypocrisy, there were some, like Nicodemus, who were open to listen to Him - even if they found some of what He was saying hard to understand. 

Despite the warnings, Jesus is defiant and refuses to be deflected from His mission of bringing God’s kingdom into this world. He will continue, today and tomorrow, and His work will not be completed until Jesus decides that it is time. 

Jesus is also aware of two other important things – firstly Jerusalem has a reputation for being hostile towards prophets, not least those who have the temerity to challenge the establishment, (be that religious leaders or the Roman Empire) - He exclaims, “Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!”.

Secondly, He is aware of the fate that awaits Him in Jerusalem. 

But Jesus will not be deterred. However, what is remarkable is how Jesus reacts. He feels sorrow for Jerusalem; He laments their inability to recognise who He really is and their reluctance to take comfort in Him. Despite what He knows about the city and its occupants, He still feels sorrow and compassion for them.

There is the wonderful metaphor when Jesus says, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem - How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings”. 

He longs to gather them under His protection and show them mercy and compassion. As we read His words, we can feel His yearning to save these people and show them redemption and forgiveness, despite their wretchedness. 

Yet, they are determined to reject all that Jesus represents. They refuse to be gathered  into His salvation and will ultimately turn against Him.

As a consequence, He warns them that will never again see Him until the time when they are prepared to accept Him for who He truly is. The divine Son of God. 

That might take some time to think about – What must it be like to be cut off from Jesus?

It’s a really sobering thought isn’t it?

Those who reject Jesus’ compassionate offer of salvation, healing and deliverance will find themselves abandoned, and left to their own devices. 

As we progress through this season of Lent, and as we contemplate the ministry and passion of Jesus, we should also consider that turning our back on Jesus and all He represents has consequences.

 

Jesus’s longing is show mercy and unbounded love for us - but His longing for us must be met by our own longing for Him; and a longing for salvation, healing and deliverance. 

As we reflect on the passion of  Jesus’ during Lent, we should also remember that His death was only one part of the process by which Jesus completes his work of deliverance and healing among His people. 

By His resurrection on the third day, Jesus is able to carry on His mission of healing and bringing the kingdom of God here to earth, through all of us who continue to believe in Him.

Paul 

Our Prayers

Merciful Father,

We thank you for the mission of your Son Jesus,

who cares and loves each and every one of us.

Help us, as His disciples, to continue His work,

to spread the Good News of your Kingdom

 and bring light to those who are in darkness.

In Jesus name we pray. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Give Thanks, With a Grateful Heart"

Sunday Worship 9th March

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Lent. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.00 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Forty Days and Forty Nights"

Today's Gospel

Luke 4:1-13                                 The Testing of Jesus

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”  Jesus answered him, “It is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”

Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Reflection

“When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.” 

I don’t know about you, but when I read this line it always feels like an ominous warning. The devil is always waiting around the corner looking for opportunities to test us and trip us up.

 

No matter how well intentioned we might want to be, there are always instances where we might be put to the test. How many times have you ever said, “well I really shouldn’t….but….”

Most of the time it’s in relation to fairly minor things like having another piece of cake or another drink. Relatively harmless things in the grand scheme of things, (unless you’re driving home!). 

We are also tested in our resilience to do what is right by not procrastinating or putting things off that we know are important, especially when our lack of action impacts someone else. That is why when we pray for forgiveness, we say we are sorry ‘for what we have not done’. 

I think it is no accident that this encounter happens just after Jesus has been affirmed by God as His son at His baptism, and before He begins His ministry. Also bear in mind that Jesus Himself must have told the disciples about the encounter after He began His ministry because there was no one there with Him in the wilderness. It was clearly important to Him.

Rather than refer to this in the usual way as the “temptations” of Christ, I have chosen to call them tests. Because that’s what they are – Jesus is alone in the wilderness, praying and reflecting hard about how God is calling Him to His mission. He is fasting and praying in isolation and Satan takes the opportunity to strike just as He did in the Garden of Eden when He caused the fall of Adam and mankind.  

This same Satan that tested Eve is still as devious and wily, and thinks there’s an opportunity to take advantage of Jesus when He’s vulnerable and hungry and also by misquoting scripture. 

Firstly Satan appeals to His physical hunger for food, and asks Jesus to turn stone into bread. On the face of it this wouldn’t hurt anyone, would it? But it would compromise Jesus’ validity as the servant King if His first miracle was to do something to help Himself – a servant of mankind who looks after themselves first. That’s a test we all face as individuals and moreover for our leaders who currently seem obsessed with putting themselves and the country first. 

When Satan asks Jesus to worship him in return for authority and glory it was effectively asking Jesus to be unfaithful to God and avoid His destiny on the Cross. To go against God’s plan. Like many folk who want everything today and instant fame or results, we should learn to have faith in His God’s plan for us, however that works out. As Mother Teresa said, “we are called to be faithful not successful”. Moreover, we should never try and succeed at the cost of others.

Lastly, Satan attempts to test Jesus’s faith in God because He is God’s son. Satan uses scripture to goad Jesus into doing his will, but Jesus also knows the Word of God inside out and cannot be caught out by Satan quoting the bible out of context. We also are God’s children and we should have faith in Him, we too are called to trust God and not to test God. 

I started by thinking about the devil being always around the corner – He has been there since the beginning of creation and when I look around the world today, at examples of greed, selfishness and war, I think that there is no doubt that he is still there, influencing people and leading them astray every day. However,  Jesus has shown us that with humility and faith in God, the devil can be defeated. When we do what we know is right and put God and others first, Satan cannot win.

  

Yes Satan is around the corner and being tested by him is inevitable - but it is not an unsurmountable test. No matter what is happening in our lives, no matter the temptations and trials and tests we might be going through, we can turn to Jesus, and he will be there for us, to lead us and guide us all along the way.    Paul 

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the example of Jesus in facing temptation 

and overcoming the schemes of the enemy. 

Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit 

and grant us wisdom to recognise and resist the temptations 

that seek to lead us astray. 

Help us to choose Your will above all else. 

In Jesus name we pray. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Lead us, Heavenly Father, Lead us"

Notices

The Churches Together in Lees and District Lent Lunches start this Wednesday at Zion Methodist Church. All are most welcome - please see the poster below for details.

This year is the full renewal of the Parish Electoral Roll. Even if you have been on the roll previously, you will need to complete a new form The Electoral Roll is a list of people who are members of our churches and are entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

A new Electoral Roll is compiled every 6 years, and everyone needs to apply, even if they have previously been included. 2025 is the year for a new roll, and we have to complete it not less than 15 days before the APCM, which will take place on Sunday 27th April.

It’s important to us and to the Diocese to know how many members we have. And it’s important to you because you need to be on the Electoral Roll if you wish to be elected to the PCC or any other office. Also, the numbers on our roll determine how many representatives we have on Deanery Synod, which affects our influence on decisions about the future of our parish.

Any person who is aged over 16, has been baptised, and is a member of the Church of England, who lives in the parish, or if living outside parish has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the 6 months prior to enrolment, is eligible to be included on the Electoral Roll.