Sunday Worship 28th February

 Sunday Worship on the Second Sunday of Lent

Welcome to our Worship on the second Sunday of Lent. Our Sunday service has now resumed at St Thomas' Church, but if you, or members of your family, are in a vulnerable group you are strongly advised to remain at home to worship. This morning's Worship is led by Revd Richard Hawkins, who has kindly agreed to share his reflection here. If you can't be with us in person, you'll find everything you need to worship from home here on this page, or you can find links to other services on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish .

Our first hymn today is "I Cannot Tell Why He, Whom Angels Worship"

Today's Gospel

Mark 8.31-end

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

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.’

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.’

Reflection

Jesus said, "You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things, " (Mark 8,33b) 

In T.S. Eliot's play Murder in the Cathedral, Archbishop Thomas Becket has to choose between self-sacrifice and self-preservation. Henry II’s four knights are approaching Canterbury Cathedral to make Becket recant his stand against the king: the alternative, Becket knows, is death. 

Becket's priests urge him to bolt and bar the cathedral doors as he would against "the lion, the leopard, the wolf and the boar". But Becket refuses, saying, "I give my life to the law of God ... unbar the door. We have only to conquer now, by suffering. Now is the triumph of the Cross. Open the door! I command it!" So Eliot's Becket chooses to think in God's way, not in a human way. His choice is to take the way of the cross. 

Jesus informed the disciples that as God's Messiah, his "anointed one", he was going to have to "suffer many things .. be rejected.. and be killed". Peter was utterly confused. He had no notion of a suffering, self-sacrificing Messiah. He held the view of most Jews that when the Christ came he would conquer Israel's enemies and reign in triumph over them. Knowing that this view prevailed and that as God's Christ he had very different enemies to conquer and very different triumphs to win.

 Jesus saw Satan at work in Peter's naive wish to protect him and told his leading disciple to try and think more as God thinks. Jesus had come to defeat the sinfulness and heal the brokenness of flawed humanity. His triumphs were to be the victories of truth over falsehood, forgiveness over revenge, self-giving over self-interest. He knew that this was God's way of thinking, God's way of rescuing humankind. What he didn't need was the constant distraction of having to fight off attempts by people to make him into their idea of a Messiah, complete with crown and magnificent white horse.

So he calls the crowds to him. He needs them to know the consequences of being his disciple. He tells them that following his way would inevitably incur immense effort, expense, suffering and even, for some, death. God's victories are often won only at terrible cost. Just as Christ is to go the way of the cross, so must his true followers. While for some it would mean actual death, for all it means the death of self-centred aims and desires and the acceptance of Christ's way of unremitting, self-giving love. His way must be their way. 

However, Christ's way also has its own special blessings and rewards, let's remember. Those who live only for themselves lose out grievously. They become prisoners of their own selfishness - isolated in their self-obsession, dominated by their own selfish agenda, diminished through their unwillingness to give. By contrast, the way of self-giving love actually opens lives wide to the love and friendship of others, to life's deepest joys and satisfactions. And to point up the ultimate triumph of our Lord's costly way, Jesus does not shrink from describing the searing shame and ignominy that falls upon those who repudiate his way - a prophecy of Peter's very own triple denial that still lies in the future.

Putting it simply, if we keep ourselves to ourselves, that's all we get. Furthermore, life at its best is not found in grabbing at wealth, power and status. In such grabbing we lose our true selves, says Jesus.

Our Lord calls us to choose the way of the cross by overcoming evil with good and by thinking and living in the way of God's grace. It is a costly assignment often wounding, always challenging. But this is the way our living, loving God transforms us and meets our deepest needs. Christ wants us to find abundant life by following his way - it may deny us ease, but will give us glory.

Christ's way is found in simple things, like bearing insults when collecting for a Christian charity: or refusing to join in illegal practices at work: or giving sacrificially of our money to help the needy: or finding new ways of engaging with friends, family and fellow congregants when we are in lockdown and socially distancing; or finding joy in new and different forms of worship on line or on Television.

On 9th April 1945. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged at Flossenburg concentration camp. He had chosen to oppose Hitler and so sealed his fate. In July 1944 Bonhoeffer had written. "It is not the religious act that makes the Christian, but participation in the sufferings of God in the secular life." Few of us are ever faced with the choices of a Bonhoeffer or a Becket, but in less dramatic ways we are all called by our Lord to think and act in God's way. 

Let us reflect on how Jesus calls each and every one of us to think and act in God’s way.

Our Prayers

Merciful Father, open my mind to hear the teachings of your son Jesus,

Help me to know your truth and follow your will. 

Close my ears to the voice of Satan and let him not blind me to your will.

Give me the strength to take up my cross 

and follow you in faith and the confidence of your everlasting love.

In Jesus' name, I pray. 

Amen. 

Today's final hymn is "Take Up Thy Cross, The Saviour Said" 

Mid-week News 25th February

 Mid-week News

The PCC met on Monday 22nd February, and after considering the Government announcement and a review of the Risk Assessments, the Churchwardens and PCC have made the decision to reopen both churches for public worship. From Sunday the 28th February there will be a Parish Eucharist at St Thomas’ Church at 10 am.

The rules about safe distancing, hygiene and face coverings are just the same as they were when our churches were last open, and we must take extra care to avoid any mingling with people who are not members of our own households or support bubbles. 

We strongly encourage congregation members from vulnerable groups, especially those who are clinically extremely vulnerable or who have family members who are, to stay at home. For anyone who would like to come to church but prefers not to join a full service, St Thomas’ Church will remain open each Wednesday morning from 10-11 am for private prayer. 

  

From Wednesday the 3rd March, Worship for all Generations will return to St Agnes’ Church at 6.30 pm on Wednesdays (except for the last Wednesday of each month). 

We will continue to make worship resources available here on our blogspot and on our parish facebook pages.

Sunday Worship 21st February

 Sunday Worship on the first Sunday of Lent

Welcome to our Worship on the last Sunday after Epiphany. At present both churches in Leesfield Parish are closed for Public Worship, but you're most welcome to join us for worship at home. You'll find everything you need to do that here on this page.

We'll also be sharing recorded services from the Church of England, and St Barnabas & Holy Trinity on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish

Our first hymn this morning is from the Taize community "In The Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful"  - 

 

Today's Gospel -

Mark 1: 9-15

‘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, saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 

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.

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”’ 

Reflection -

Imagine how John the Baptist must have felt as he saw Jesus walk down towards him at the riverbank where he was preaching and baptising believers. 

Not just his Cousin.

Not just his Rabbi.

But Yeshua, his Messiah!

John had spent his life preaching and preparing people for just such a time as this: the coming of their Saviour: Yeshua!

And so he now has the honour of baptising him.

I have been blessed, during my time as a Pastor, to be in charge of the baptism process for many people, before I came to the Parish of St Thomas, Leesfield. And I count it as an honour and a privilege to be part of their baptismal process.

We don’t often perform full immersion adult baptism in the Anglican Faith but let me tell you they are a joyous experience! Even when performed in a swimming baths in Ancoats. There is usually lively praise music and clapping….

I imagine it was a similar scene down by the River Jordan, as Jesus came down to John.

There is often great joy as people feel the release of the Holy Spirit as their sins are washed away and they come out of the water with a new perspective as a Follower of Jesus.

Imagine how John felt as God spoke from Heaven!

In John Ch.3 vv28,30, he states clearly,

‘“You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of Him…For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.”’

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Not long after this, John would be dead. Beheaded for serving our God!

And so Jesus went into the Wilderness to pray and fast.

As we begin the Lenten Season: a time of abstinence or fasting. A time for deepening our prayer and getting close to God, it is helpful to remember that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are. His flesh would cry out for food and water. His mind would wander away from His prayers and meditations.

As we begin our fasts and meditations, as part of Lent, let’s remember to rejoice in our relationship with our Saviour. Whether we are new Christians or long-in-the-tooth-Christians!

Remember the joy that John the Baptist had in being part of that special day but also because he found joy in his servanthood and whatever that brought  him, Even decapitation. His murder would not have been a surprise to him.

Fortunately beheading does not await us (as far as I know!) but we have suffered through this time of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Many of you have been keeping away from friends and family and we are currently in the third Lockdown. Some of us are struggling to see our world as the same one we had before Covid. Some of us and our friends have seen their businesses fail and many have felt a keen lack of money. Suicides are up by 55% and many of us are struggling with health problems as well as mental health issues and acute loneliness. We have lost some of our own in death.

So, whether you choose to fast (if you are physically fit enough to do that), or you choose to give up a food or beverage, or whether you choose to give to God  your time as part of your Lenten Service: remember the JOY of our Service to Him, as we expectantly wait and hope for the joy of Easter Day.

The Disciples and good folk of the Middle East in Year 30 Anno Domini did not know the future. They were believing in something and somebody Who was radically changing their lives and many would lose their lives in martyrdom and Service to our Lord. 

We know and understand that we serve a Risen Lord.

So rejoice in that: even as you fast and pray.

Our Prayers -

Father God, keep our eyes focussed on You and Your Word. 

We acknowledge the mighty work that was wrought on the Cross of our Lord and we declare our trust in our Saviour.

Lord Jesus, You say in your Word, 

‘”The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel”’ (Mark 1:15)

And we say YES and Amen, Lord!

Father God, we acknowledge Your Sovereign hand upon our lives and we rejoice in knowing You.

We rejoice in Your presence  and that we have been set free to serve a mighty Saviour.

Thank You for Your Word and help us to look forward and not back,

‘….looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Hebrews 12:2)

Thank You Lord.

Amen.

Our final hymn today is "To God Be The Glory" -

Ash Wednesday

 Ash Wednesday

Our worship for today has been prepared by our own Revd Ruth Farrar.

A Reading from 1 Timothy 6: v 6-19

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it;  but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.  But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

The Collect for Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God,

You hate nothing that You have made,

And forgive the sins of those who are penitent:

Create and make on us new and contrite hearts

That we, worthily lamenting our sins

And acknowledging our wretchedness,

May receive from you,the God of all mercy,

Perfect remission and forgiveness;

Through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,

Who is alive and reigns with you,

In the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, now and for ever. Amen

The Gospel according to Matthew – Chapter 6: verses 1-6, 16-21

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

A Taize hymn for today - "Nada te Turbo (Nothing Can Trouble)

Reflection -

The reflection which was published here on Wednesday was based on some ideas by Mark Oakley as expressed in "Reflections for Daily Prayer Advent 2020 to Eve of Advent 2021".

A Prayer for Regular Use

Day by Day, dear Lord, I pray,

To see you more clearly,

Love you more dearly,

And follow you more nearly,

Day by Day

Amen

A reflection by Bishop Mark Ashcroft -

You'll find other pre-recorded services for Ash Wednesday on our facebook page, including details of tomorrow's "Worship for all Generations". Just click here - Leesfield Parish

To discover more about how to Live Lent please visit -  https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-easter/livelent-gods-story-our-story-our-lent

Sunday Worship 14th February

 Sunday Worship on the last Sunday afer Epiphany

Welcome to our Worship on the last Sunday after Epiphany. At present both churches in Leesfield Parish are closed for Public Worship, but you're most welcome to join us for worship at home. You'll find everything you need to do that here on this page.

We'll also be sharing recorded services from the Church of England, and St Barnabas & Holy Trinity on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish

Our first hymn his morning is "Love is His Word"

Today's Gospel -

Mark 9:2-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Reflection -

This year the last Sunday after Epiphany falls on St. Valentine’s Day, so I thought I might use this opportunity to share his story. Traditionally St. Valentine’s Day is an occasion for celebrating our love for another, usually with cards, flowers and chocolates; so perhaps convenient that it falls just before the beginning of Lent.

But who was St. Valentine? He was a priest that lived around AD 270 in the times of the Roman Empire. At that time, Emperor Claudius II dictated that men should be banned from getting married as he believed single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. Some of you may recall similar attitudes expressed by football and cricket managers a few years ago who banned their players from taking their wives and girlfriends on tours. 

Valentine considered the decree to be unjust and so defied the Emperor by conducting marriage ceremonies to young couples who came to him. When knowledge of his acts of defiance were reported to Claudius, he ordered him arrested. St. Valentine was then accused of ministering to prisoners who the Romans had incarcerated and persecuted for being Christians and so he was sentenced to be put to death.

The legend has it that his jailor’s daughter regularly visited Valentine while he was confined in gaol and fell in love with him. Some Catholics also believe that he cured her blindness. It is said that shortly before he died, Valentine requested writing materials and wrote a farewell letter to her and signed it… “From your Valentine.”   

It’s a centuries old love story that has become a tradition that is celebrated the world over.  However, it is more than an entertaining story that you may find in a Mills and Boon novel.  It tells of the love of St. Valentine for his fellow man, a love that comes from God, the ultimate source of all love.

What do we mean by love and how would we begin to describe it? Many poets have tried to write about it but tend to put it in the context of romance or simile. It is as hard to describe love as it would be to try and describe a sunrise to a blind person who has no concept of colour and shape. It is something we can experience and know when we see it, but is too hard to put into words. 

There is the love felt between a man and a woman and the love we feel towards family, friends and those close to us. There is the love that is shown to others when we act selflessly to help someone in need, especially if that is someone we don’t even know. There is the love that we show when we share another’s burden, as the song goes…  “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”.

Then there is ‘perfect love’. The love of God. A love so pure and magnificent that we as mortals cannot fully comprehend. As John wrote, “let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God”.

Every time we show love to another no matter how great or small, there is a piece of God’s love embedded in it. For God himself is the source of love and as John goes on to tell us in no uncertain terms... “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. God sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”.

We all want to be loved and need to be loved. But for some people there are dark times when for whatever reason we may feel unloved. I suspect that in these current times some of those who are very isolated and haven’t seen or spoken with people for such a long time may be feeling that way. 

But no matter how uncared for we may feel, we must remember that God will always love us, irrespective of our circumstances and no matter how much we have sinned. God is there for us. God’s love is unconditional and so should ours be.  We shouldn’t just show love to someone because we expect to be loved back. We should be there for each other. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." So this week let’s put discipleship into action. Why not call someone and tell them that they are loved? 

After all, Valentine’s Day is a day to tell others we love them.

Our Prayers -

Let us pray that we come to know God’s perfect love for us, 

that His love will be reflected by us towards others, 

not only on Valentine’s Day, 

but every day, 

and that we can realise the fullness of God’s love for us.

Caring God, source of all love 

Be with those who are lonely and feeling unloved or uncared for.

Let them feel your presence beside them

And let their hearts be filled and refreshed 

by the greatness your perfect love.

Amen. 

This morning's final hymn is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" -

Mid-week Joy 10th February

 Mid-week Joy

This week's Mid-week Joy is a little different to the usual, and is inspired by Bishop Mark's reflection at the start of a Diocesan meeting of local head teachers and governors. During this pandemic we have all taken great care to address loneliness and isolation amongst those who are unable to get out and about as they normally would, but we sometimes forget about all the additional pressure on working people and their families caused by lockdowns.

Many are working from home - often a few members of the same household, including children, are occupying the same space for 24 hours a day. The lines between work and home life become rather blurred, and even going out for recreation is a family affair. Opportunities for peaceful reflection are few and far between.

In the Bible verse in the picture, Jesus invites us to "come along with me by yourself to a quiet place, and get some rest". Just that - not to do God's work, nor even to pray, but to get some rest. So please, give yourselves some space and some time to rest - you deserve it.

There's no Thursday Worship for all Generations this week, but there is a special service for St Valentine's Day by Zoom on Sunday morning. Please see our facebook page for details - Leesfield Parish 

Our Sunday morning Gospel, reflection, hymns and prayers will also be on this blogspot at weekend. 

Sunday Worship 7th February

 Sunday Worship on the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Welcome to our Worship on the fifth Sunday after Epiphany. At present both churches in Leesfield Parish are closed for Public Worship, but you're most welcome to join us for worship at home. You'll find everything you need to do that here on this page.

We'll also be sharing recorded services from the Church of England, and St Barnabas & Holy Trinity on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish

Our first hymn this morning is "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind" -

Today's Gospel -

Mark 1: 29-39

After Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Reflection -

It often seems like we have so much in our lives and every day is busier than the last. There are new deadlines to meet and it feels like we often end up working harder and harder just to stand still. It doesn’t end there either, many of you will get home and have family commitments and responsibilities. For some the current situation makes all this feel even harder as you try and balance work responsibilities alongside home schooling – I don’t think any of us can remember signing up for that!

My boss often says, “You need to make sure you get your work/life balance right” - usually just before she gives me heap of new challenges.

So how must Jesus have felt? As we heard in last week’s Gospel, he’s spent the day teaching, astonishing people and casting out demons and then when he goes to his friends for a bite to eat, there’s more healing needed. 

It doesn’t stop there - after supper, word has got around about this extraordinary man from Nazareth. We are told that the whole city was gathered outside and despite it being the Sabbath (day of rest), Jesus did not rest as he set to healing more people and casting out evil spirits. Busy day! 

Having slept, Jesus slips off in the early morning and finds a quiet place to pray, to reach out to the Father and reconcile himself with the knowledge that he is the Father’s beloved. It must have been tempting to stay a while in Capernaum and recover. The people there would certainly have wanted him to stay.

However, having prayed for a while, it is clear to him that his responsibility is to move on and do even more. There are more lame and sick to be healed, many more demons to be cast out, and more importantly there is much more preaching to be done. Jesus has a mission to bring the Father’s word to us and the message of the coming of his kingdom. 

I think it is reasonable to say that everyone loved it when Jesus turned up. Good things happened and of course miracles too. His presence made a real difference and people’s lives were changed forever. 

Of course, Jesus is still here with us, sharing our lives and listening to us when we take the time to pray and talk to him, just as he did with the Father. He is still among us in this imperfect world healing people, curing addicts, giving us a helping hand when we think the odds are against us. 

Of course, for those who have felt the closeness of Jesus in their lives and witnessed his love in action, either directly or through stories we read in the news, it is easier to have faith and be reassured of his comforting presence. 

But what about the other times, when things go wrong? When we lose a loved one too early, or feel abandoned and lost, when we’re struggling to make end meet or worried about losing our house? – when, let’s face it, life just feels too difficult! 

How do we keep our faith when it feels like Jesus isn’t really there for me? Well, the reality is that despite how bleak things may feel, Jesus is always there for us. He may have withdrawn but he will never desert us. Just like in Capernaum, Jesus is in a quiet place, praying for us and in difficult times like this, he is inviting us to meet him there in that place where we may feel vulnerable and afraid. A place where things might be a little scary and hard to understand. He invites us to join in him in his prayers and be alone with him as he prays for every one of us. He invites us to open our minds, to know his presence and to understand.

No day is too busy for Jesus he has infinite capacity for work and loves us all. So, when he responds to our prayers let us show him that we appreciate him. Let’s take a few minutes to talk to him and say thank you. 

Here’s a final thought - Just like when Simon’s mother-in-law was cured, let us make time to serve others and to share his workload for a change.

Our Prayers -

Lord, deliver me from seeking your help only in times of difficulty. 

May I grow in grateful love for the ways you daily raise me up 

and call me to the service of the community.

Lord, help me to put you first in my life by giving you the best of my time. 

Help me to experience your love so that I can share it with others. 

Help me to give myself to your plan of salvation 

and to reach out to those who are searching for you.

 

Amen. 

Our final hymn this morning is "For the Healing of the Nations" -

Mid-week Joy - Captain Sir Tom Moore

Mid-week Joy

This week's Mid-week Joy is dedicated to the life of  Captain Sir Tom Moore, who sadly passed away on Tuesday. Other parish news follows at the end of this blog. 

BBC News paid tribute to Captain Tom in the video below -

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, sent the following message yesterday - 

I am deeply saddened to hear that Captain Sir Tom Moore has died. I pray for his family and friends, and I join millions across the country in mourning with them. 

Captain Tom was the very best of us. His courage, compassion, resilience, hope and generosity have been an inspiration to millions - and an example to us all. Where he walked, a nation followed.

I give thanks to God for such a long life, so well lived. May Captain Tom rest in peace.

In case you haven't seen the video of the song "You'll Never Walk Alone", recorded by Captain Tom with Michael Ball and The NHS Voices of Care Choir, here is a Youtube video of it. The song reached No 1 in the UK singles chart, and all of the proceeds were added to the money raised for the NHS by Captain Tom's fantastic walk. 

 Throughout history, famous people have been remembered for inspirational quotes. Captain Sir Tom Moore's most famous quote is simply -

"It will be okay"

Rest in Peace Captain Tom

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

Sunday Worship will be here at the weekend as usual, and St Thomas' Church is open for individual private prayer each Sunday and Wednesday from 10 - 11 am.

This week's Worship for all Generations is all about David and Goliath. You'll find it from 6.30 pm on Thursday on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish . We share lots of other posts on there too, including national and local church services, so why not check it out?