Sunday Worship 1st May

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Worship on the third Sunday after Easter. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'.  

If you're not able to be with us in person, you can find the Gospel, a short reflection, a Prayer and a couple of hymns below.

Our first hymn this morning is "This Joyful Eastertide"

Today's Gospel

John 21:1-19                 Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish     

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."

Reflection

In this passage we hear about the disciples third encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. John tells us that this happens just after daybreak and it easy to see the metaphor of Jesus, the light of the world coming out of darkness into light. They were at the end of a fruitless night with nothing to show for their labours when Jesus makes himself known and they suddenly have the miraculously huge catch of fish. Their problem is resolved. 

Again, John is meticulous in the detail when tells us that Jesus is nearby, “only about a hundred yards off”. Is he perhaps hinting that, like when the disciples needed help, when we are also in need of help, we should remember that Jesus is never very far away? He is there for us if we are willing to turn to Him and put our trust in Him. 

There have been many instances in my life when things weren’t going as well as I would have liked when suddenly help seems to come from an unexpected source. I can but wonder that the hand of Jesus was present and He was nearby. Of course, it may not always be the exact way I may have wanted things to turn out but the outcome helped me to move on. Perhaps you too can remember similar instances where a solution to a problem has seemed to come out of the blue. Let us give thanks and pray for the wisdom to help us recognise Jesus working in our lives each and every day.      Paul

Our Prayers

Loving Father,

You are always willing to listen us when we turn you,

You by our side and know our unspoken needs,

Help us to recognise your interventions in our lives

and your comforting presence when we are troubled.

We give you thanks in the name of Jesus Christ our loving saviour.

AMEN

This morning's final hymn is "I Danced in the Morning (Lord of the Dance)"

Sunday Worship 24.4.22

 Sunday Worship

Image courtesy of Good News Productions International

Welcome to our Sunday worship. Today we hold our Annual Parochial Church meeting, so we have a 10 am Parish Eucharist at St Thomas' Church, and there is no service at St Agnes'.

If you're unable to be with us in person, you'll find today's Gospel, a short reflection, and a prayer below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Now the Green Blade Riseth"

Today's Gospel

John 20:19-31                 Jesus Appears to His Disciples     

 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Reflection

Poor Thomas, doubting Thomas, I have to say I feel a bit sorry for him. He often gets pretty bad press, which is a bit unfair, after all he was only asking to see the same as the other disciples had seen. 

And what of the other disciples? Were they any better? They had learned that Jesus had risen from the dead. There were the accounts of Mary and the and the other women who went to the tomb on Easter morn and also Cleopas and Simon who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus. So why were they huddled down, locked away and hiding from the Jews?

In Luke’s version of this event, we are told that when Jesus appeared, “They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” We do not know how Jesus appeared, probably not in the proverbial ‘puff of smoke’ or a shimmering glow of lights being beamed into the room like a character from Star Trek, but it is clear, that however it happened, it took them by surprise and it seems were initially as sceptical as Thomas.

For St. Thomas, this encounter was to be the starting point for his own ministry as he travelled to India preaching the Good News of Jesus risen. It was there where he was killed by spears from 5 soldiers – he was martyred because of his faith and mission to share the news of Christ who died for us all – The Risen Lord who promises eternal life. He was martyred for the strength of his belief not because he once doubted.

For ourselves, we are asked to believe that same Good News based not on the evidence of our own eyes but on the testimony of those who were there that has been handled down over 2 millennia. There are no doubt times when we too might have our own doubts, especially when times are difficult; when we are suffering, frightened, lonely or overwhelmed with our own issues. But it is in these very times of darkness or trouble that Jesus can show up and enter the locked room of our lives and problems if we are willing to let him in. Because through our trust and belief in Jesus we can unlock our own doors and go forward with Him as our saviour and guide. For as Jesus tells us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."      Paul

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that even when we doubt You or our faith is challenged,

You remain faithful to Your promise 

that whosoever believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins 

will not perish but have everlasting life. 

Thank You in Jesus' holy name, 

AMEN

Our final hymn today is "Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Risen Lord"

Easter Joy

 Easter Joy in Leesfield Parish 2022

Here for everyone to enjoy are lots of photos from around the parish, taken during Holy Week and Easter and during the Lent preparations.

The Sunday School Children made lovely Easter cards for the residents of the care homes in our parish, and these were delivered by Revd Ruth Farrar, along with palm crosses.

Before the schools broke up for the holidays, Revd Lyn and Revd Chris, along with other volunteers, welcomed all of the children from both St Thomas' and St Agnes' schools to "Experience Easter". The children learned all about the Easter story, and about sharing their sorrows with Jesus.

The Palm Sunday service at St Thomas' Church began with us assembling in the schoolyard, and then processing around and into church. The photo below shows the Sunday School children waving their Palm Crosses.

Monday of Holy Week traditionally starts with the Chrism Mass at Manchester Cathedral. Members of our clergy team attended the service, where priests renew their ordination vows, and the oils used at baptisms are blessed.

Here in Leesfield, Churchwardens Neil and Paul led the Compline prayers at St Thomas' Church on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 9 pm. Parishioners who were unable to attend church were invited to join us in prayer from home.  

Worship for all Generations has continued every Wednesday evening at 6.30 pm at St Agnes' throughout the Lent and Easter period, without the usual break at the end of the month, so that our young families can journey through Lent together. The final service of the Easter season was "He is Risen" on Wednesday 20th April, and can be viewed on our facebook page from Thursday evening - Leesfield Parish  

Our Maundy Thursday Eucharist was led by Revd Amy-Elizabeth at St Thomas' Church. During the service, feet were washed and we shared in Jesus' Last Supper with his Disciples, before placing the reserved Sacrament on the Altar of Repose and watching quietly in prayer.

 

Good Friday began with a morning service led by Revd Amy-Elizabeth, commemorating the Crucifixion of Christ. Congregation members then joined their fellow Christians from Churches Together in Lees and District in a joint Act of Witness in the centre of Lees.

Saturday's Easter Vigil at St Agnes' Church was quiet and reflective. Revd Chris lit the Paschal Candle from a fire outside church, and the congregation lit individual candles before renewing their baptismal vows together. During the Eucharist we had no music, only the uplifting birdsong at dusk through the open doors of the church. 

Easter Sunday was celebrated in both churches. Revd Chris's sermon at St Thomas' involved audience participation, with the children looking around the church for evidence that Jesus is indeed risen, before going outside on an Easter egg hunt.

Easter Sunday is the first occasion after Lent that we sing the Gloria during the service, and the eagle-eyed (or is it bat-eared) amongst us, may have recognised the familiar sound of St Thomas' church organ. Our organist, Warren, has not been able to be with us due to family commitments for some time, but very kindly agreed to record the music for the sung parts of the Eucharistic service - Thank You, Warren!   

After a period of preparation, some of our Sunday School children were admitted to Holy Communion for the fist time on Easter Sunday. Congratulations to the children.

Huge thanks go to our wonderful clergy team, and to everyone involved in all of our Easter preparations.

Finally, a reminder that this Sunday is the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, which will take place immediately following a 10 am Parish Eucharist at St Thomas' Church. There will be no service at St Agnes' that day.

Easter Sunday

 Easter Sunday

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter from all in Leesfield Parish. Our Church services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'. 

If you're not able to be with us in person, you can find worship resources here on this page, and we'll be sharing other services on our facebook page - facebook.com/leesfieldparish as they become available.

Our first hymn this morning is "Jesus Christ is Risen Today"

The Gospel for Easter Sunday

Luke 24:1-12                 The Resurrection     

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." 

Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Reflection

For six months before He was delivered over to be crucified, Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples that He would be crucified, buried and rise again after three days. Yet here we learn how perplexed and astonished the women were to find the tomb empty when they went to the tomb to anoint his body. So too, we are told that the disciples and the rest of the people with them did not believe them when they recounted their experience and the encounter with the angels.

Of course, we must remember what a tumultuous week the disciples have just been through - from Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem, his encounters at the temple and the horrific concluding events of Thursday and Friday. Their Lord was dead and they were in probably fearful for their own lives too. They were bemused and reeling from all of this and no doubt in deep mourning as well. So, even though Jesus had repeatedly forewarned them of what was to come, they still did not immediately accept and understand what had come to pass.

The question posed by the angels to Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna and the other women has the enlightening answer within it: "Why do you look for the living among the dead?” That is the fundamental point, not only is Jesus not in the tomb, He is Living! He has been raised from the dead and is with the living – so what is the point of looking for him with the dead?

That is the really wonderful good news story for us all – The heart of the Easter message and our faith. Jesus is with us, with the living today, offering new life to us; because those who believe in Him will share in his resurrection and rise with him in glory. Isn’t that something absolutely tremendous to look forward on this Easter morning? Like Mary and the other women, let us all with a joyful heart, do our bit to share the wonderful news that Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! Happy Easter!           Paul

Here is an Easter reflection from the Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester

 

Our second hymn is "From Heaven You Came (Servant King)"

Our Prayers

Almighty Father,

We give you thanks for sending your son, Jesus

to die for our sins,

and that you raised him in glory as a message 

to transform our lives 

and give us hope in your glorious Kingdom

Thank you for the joy of Easter and our risen Lord

Who gave his life so that we could have life.

Amen

This morning's final hymn is "Thine be the Glory"

Notices

There will be no Tuesday morning service of Holy Communion at St Thomas' this week, but Worship for all Generations will be at St Agnes' at 6.30 pm on Wednesday.

Next Sunday, 24th April, is our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, where we elect our Churchwardens and PCC members for the coming year. This takes place immediately after a Parish Eucharist, so there will only be one service in the parish on that day - 10 am at St Thomas' Church.

Good Friday 15th April

 Good Friday

Our Good Friday Eucharist is at 10.30 am this morning at St Thomas' Church, and then later we will process with the cross to the centre of Lees (opposite Legends) for a united Act of Witness with our fellow Christians from Churches Together in Lees and District at 1 pm.

One of the hymns which we will be singing is the beautiful "My Song is Love Unknown"

You may also wish to join the Church of England "Prayers at the Foot of the Cross", from Bristol Cathedral.

Tomorrow is Holy Saturday, a day of emptiness and reflection, which we end at 7.30 pm with a service at St Agnes' Church, leading us into the light and joy of the Resurrection.

Maundy Thursday 14.4.22

 Maundy Thursday

The final Lent Reflection for this season is by the Venerable Jean Burgess, Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford.

This evening's Maundy Thursday service is at 7.30 pm at St Thomas' Church. All are welcome to join us as we share in Jesus' Last Supper with his Disciples.

If you're unable to be with us in person, you can follow the transcript of a Maundy Thursday service from our good friends at St Barnabas' and Holy Trinity here - medlockhead.co.uk/resources/2022-04-14 Maundy Thursday.pdf

At the end of our service in church, we are asked to watch for a while with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, so if you would like to join us at home, here is a beatiful piece of Taize music "Stay with me"

 

Sunday Worship 10th April

 Sunday Worship - Palm Sunday

Everyone is most welcome to join us for our worship on Palm Sunday. The services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'.

If you're not able to be with us in person, you'll find some worship resources below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Ride On, Ride On In Majesty"

Today's Gospel

Luke 19:28-40                 The Triumphal Entry                

After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,

"Blessed is the king

who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven, 

and glory in the highest heaven!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

Reflection

I’ve no doubt that you will noticed that we have resumed singing certain parts of the service again following the relaxation of Covid restrictions. Even without the benefit of the organ, there is something special about praising the Lord together in song – some might argue it feels even more so when unaccompanied, but that perhaps depends on how confident we feel about singing. 

During the Eucharist, we are all invited to sing the Sanctus & Benedictus which contains the lines from the above passage – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” So every week we re-enact part of the glorious scene above when Jesus enters Jerusalem in majesty on a colt as foretold in Zachariah 9:9. 

But as we are aware, many of those same people who had high expectations and were jubilant will be the same people who will be shouting for his crucifixion a few days later. Perhaps they expected too much and thought that Jesus was going to magically overthrow the Romans and usher in wealth and prosperity for everyone and were then shocked to see Jesus vulnerable and suffering at the hands of the soldiers. Maybe they were even frightened to see Jesus fall from the pinnacle they had put him on and perhaps concerned for their own lives and well-being or maybe they were just following the voice of the crowd. 

Whatever, the reasons for the fickle behaviour of human beings dithering between adulation and worship to mockery and resentment. we know that Jesus was aware of what was to happen and even when he was warned by the Pharisees to ‘tone things down’ he was undeterred because he had his destiny to fulfil on the cross – a destiny to save us all in a different way - His way.  We can give thanks and praise that even in the midst of tragedy and times of despair in our own lives Jesus is with us and loves us deeply.   Paul

This week's Lent Reflection is by the Very Revd Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ

To pave the way for our redemption

Through His death on the cross.

And let us to think through what is right

And not be tempted to follow the crowd

At the expense of others

Blessed is he

who comes in the name of the Lord

Holy Father,

Thank you that you hear our prayers

And are willing to be in our hearts

Thank you that your love endures forever

Help us to let you in into our lives

That we may stay strong and true to you

In the name of Jesus

Our saviour and redeemer

Amen

Our final hymn today is "Make Way!"

Notices

All of our Holy Week services are listed on the poster below, and there is also a poster for Worship for all Generations at St Agnes' on Wednesday evening. For those who are unable to attend, Worship materials will be available here throughout the week, and on our facebook page.

Sunday Worship 3rd April

 Sunday Worship - Passion Sunday

Everyone is most welcome to join us for our worship on Passion Sunday, the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'

If you're not able to be with us in person, you'll find some worship resources below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Just as I am, Without one Plea"

Today's Gospel

John 12:1-8                              Jesus is Anointed at Bethany                

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 

Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

Reflection

In this short passage we see both acts of hypocrisy and love. Hypocrisy from Judas who we are told is a thief and who has already set the wheels in motion to betray Jesus, and an outpouring of Love from Mary. 

In this short reflection I would like to focus on the latter. Mary has listened to Jesus’ words and teaching and unlike some, she has truly understood the trajectory of Jesus’ special destiny. She knows that it is soon time for Jesus to die. This is evident by the fact that we are told that she chooses to anoint Jesus’ feet rather than his head as would be the normal gesture of hospitality. However, it would be customary when anointing a corpse to start with the feet and so this is not just a gesture of extravagance but also a symbol of what she knows is imminent. Jesus is aware that this is Mary’s intention which is why when he rebukes Judas, He says, “She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial”. 

Mary’s actions are not only fragrant and flagrant but a demonstration of an outpouring of love and intimacy towards Jesus. She is willing to spend a whole year’s wages to demonstrate her unbounded love and affection for Him. In this act of extravagance and compassion we see a foretaste of the outpouring of love that God has for us and the act that Jesus will demonstrate for us later in the week when He sacrifices His life for the sins of the world.   

In last week’s reflection, we looked at the story of the prodigal son and the message that God’s love for us is unlimited, there is plenty to go around for everyone. As we approach Holy Week, perhaps it is right that we should ask ourselves, ‘what will we do with the things God has generously provided for us?’ Will we be mean and keep them to ourselves? Or might we look for how we can better serve God and what kind of service might God be asking of us? Will we waste our time and money on non-productive activities or reach out and help others? What sort of flagrant and fragrant service can we offer to God and how can we show tenderness, compassion and love to whoever we meet? God wants to love us and it is only right that we should love Him and our neighbours in return. As Jesus told us, there are no commandments greater than these.     Paul

This week's Lent Reflection is by Archdeacon David Sharples

Our Prayers

Almighty God and Father,

Your love for us knows no boundaries

I give you my heart

that You may love through me

Let Your love be a fragrance that fills our lives

And let us spread the sweetness of Your love

to everyone we meet

We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord

Amen

Today we join with Churches Together and Christian Aid in a day of prayer for Ukraine. You can find how to participate on the Christian Aid facebook page - facebook.com/christianaid , or you may wish to light a candle at home and say the prayer below.

This morning's final hymn is "The Spirit Lives To Set Us Free (Walk In The Light)"

Notices

The Parish Electoral Roll closes on Saturday 9th April. To find out more please see the poster below. On Sunday the 24th April we hold our Annual Parochial Church Meeting - more details to follow next week.

All of the Holy Week and Easter Services can be found on the poster below.