Sunday Worship 31st July 2022

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish. 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, reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "God Forgave my Sin (Freely, Freely)"

Today's Gospel

 Luke 12:13-21                                                      The Parable of the Rich Fool

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, `What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, `Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."

Reflection

If you look at the lectionary for this Sunday, you will see that the related Old Testament text passages are taken from Ecclesiastes chapters 1 & 2. The text is about man’s vanity and how we stress and worry about the work and effort we put into life to achieve personal gain. Then we worry about what will happen to whatever we have accumulated when ultimately we die. Will it be passed on to someone who hasn’t worked hard or put any real effort into making anything of their own life, or will my inheritance just be squandered. The lesson here is as much about greed as it is about vanity. Greed not necessarily in accumulating as much as possible, but greed in not being willing to share with anyone else. 

I recently heard a phrase that I haven’t heard in quite a while; “it’s no good being the richest person in the graveyard”. This is often interpreted as meaning - if you’ve earned it, make sure you spend it and enjoy your life to the full, because whatever you have is useless to you when you’re dead. However, in this instance the conversation was about John Dawson, a young man who lived in the parish soon after it was created back in 1846. He was a highly respected scholar from the North East and was appointed as the first headteacher of Leesfield school ,which was built with the aims of educating the poor persons of the new parish and teaching them the principles of the Church. Although he had a full time role and a good lifestyle, he also wanted to ensure that those who couldn’t afford to go to school could benefit from his knowledge. The Rev. Whittaker, (first vicar of Lees), immediately asked him to form and run a young men’s Sunday class, which he gladly did, and which was hugely successful. Furthermore, he spearheaded the formation of an association for the purpose of acquiring and diffusing knowledge and education and taking part in political agitation to achieve their goals. Ultimately, this political movement influenced the election of William Gladstone as Prime Minister. 

Despite being relatively comfortable, John Dawson chose not to live an easy life and indulge just in himself, he chose to use his time, money and experience to help others. He was not interested in dying a rich man.

Like John Dawson, we can see many similar examples today where volunteers, (some old and some less so), give their time and skills to support charity shops, foodbanks, refugees, the church, and other good causes. People who may give huge amounts of personal time to be trustees, governors, treasurers and the like - making use of the skills which, like wealth, have been accumulated over a lifetime.   

In doing so, these folk are investing in others in much the same ways that Jesus invested himself; through love, mercy, compassion, hope, acceptance, and last but not least, generosity. Jesus tells us to be rich towards God, and these are some of the ways that we can be rich towards God, just as God shares and invests in us through Jesus Christ. We can’t take our wealth, skills and knowledge with us, but we can use what we have for the benefit of others as well as ourselves. Jesus tells us there is no point worrying about tomorrow because we don’t know what lies ahead. However, like the example of John Dawson, if we are rich toward others and thereby rich towards God, the future for others can be better than if we greedily waste our time vainly worrying about only ourselves. 

If we focus too much on the here-and-now, we might forget that there is a there-and-then.  Paul

Our Prayers

Eternal Father, our existence on this world is short and fleeting.

The deeds we do during our life are the only things that will outlive us.

Lord, help us to focus on those things which will make us rich in your sight,

and make us grounded enough to want only to love and humbly serve others as best we can. 

Help us to do everything for the greater glory of God.

Amen

This morning's final hymn is "And Can It Be, That I Should Gain"

Sunday Worship 24th July 2022

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship. The 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'll find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "New Every Morning is the Love"

Today's Gospel

Luke 11:1-13                                       Jesus Teaching on Prayer

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

And do not bring us to the time of trial."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

"So, I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Reflection

Let’s start this reflection in the most obvious place – The Lord’s prayer. In this simplified version from Luke’s Gospel there are 4 key component parts. 

Firstly, we acknowledge the Holiness of God the Father. Throughout the bible, both in the old and new testaments, we are constantly reminded of the holiness and magnificence of God – so when we come to pray to Him, it is right that we acknowledge His power and holiness and that we pay due reverence and honour to God.  

The next 3 elements are where Jesus asks us to make requests of the Father - material, societal and spiritual requests. The material request is for sustenance to meet our needs for what we as mortals require to survive. It also reminds us that all things were and are made through God, and that we are dependent upon Him. The societal part is where we ask God for his forgiveness, a request that is conditional upon us also forgiving others. We are reminded that, in a properly functioning society, it is fundamental that not only should we forgive others and put grudges to one side, but that we too must also be open to accepting forgiveness when it is offered. The two are inseparably linked together. Lastly, but by no means least, there is the spiritual request for us to resist temptation, especially during times of difficulty and stress when we can be put to the test. We are reminded that at these times, we can lean on God to provide strength and guidance to support us during our challenges. 

 

There is so much in this prayer that the Lord gave us, yet there is an underlying simplicity which shows us that when we pray to our Lord it really doesn’t have to be that complicated. Jesus tells us, (Matthew 11 :28-30) “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”.  

Similarly, in the passage above, he says, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” Jesus is telling us, we do need to ask and keep asking for what we need… and we can do this by talking to Him regularly in prayer. When you ask for the Holy Spirit, it will always be granted to you.             Paul

Our Prayers

Our final hymn today is "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God"

Sunday Worship 17th July

Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship. The 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'll find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord"

Today's Gospel

Luke 10:38-42                                       At the Home of Martha and Mary

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."  

Reflection

In this short passage we are introduced to Mary and Martha for the first time in the Gospels. Both lived in the small town of Bethany with their brother Lazarus and we know from further encounters that our Lord loved this family. Indeed, he loved them so much that he later weeps for Lazarus and raises him from death, (John 11) - but that is a story for another time.

As with many bible extracts there is more to this short passage than first meets the eye. At first glance there is the industrious Martha, who is busying herself making preparations for a meal for Jesus and his disciples. We don’t know if they had been expected, but in any case, getting together a meal for 13 people in addition to the rest of the family would have been a fairly tall order. She has probably also been busy making the house tidy before they arrived – after all who wants guests to see an untidy house?  So, it’s fair to say that Martha would have been rushed off her feet! She simply didn’t have the time to spend listening to the guests - even if one of them is The Messiah!

On the other hand, here is Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet engrossed in everything He is saying. That in itself is very unusual and would have contradicted traditional values. People who sat at the feet of Jesus and Rabbis were privileged and such a position would have been reserved for disciples, scholars or students. Most certainly not a place for women who would not have been allowed to undertake any kind of teaching. This would have made Martha even more indignant because not only did she need Mary’s help with all the housework, she was behaving in a way that was totally unacceptable to Jews at that time.  

In her mind, Martha is more than justified in asking Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to pull her weight. Perhaps Martha was also little jealous of Mary being treated in the same way as the disciples.  However, from the way Jesus repeats her name, (Martha, Martha), you can envisage his response in a quiet and soothing tone. In his short response Jesus is saying - don’t worry so much about the everyday pressures you put yourself under, and spend a little more time in God’s presence. Moreover, I believe that Jesus was also saying that, despite the conventions about women at that time, they too could become disciples and follow Him. The same is true for you and I and anyone else who wants to listen and follow Jesus.

I think we all find that we busy ourselves with distractions that seem to be tremendously important at the time and find it hard to step back and look at the ‘bigger picture’. Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God” But how do you commit to spending time with God in this world where we are surrounded by so many distractions of work, TV, sport, running the kids around, housework and so much more? My last boss was a fitness fanatic, and constantly spent time at the gym and running. When I asked how on earth she found the time, she replied,  ”I just made myself make the time and after a while it becomes a habit, almost like breathing”. So, maybe it can be that simple – we just need to balance our priorities a little bit better, or even get up a little earlier and make some time for God. Who do you feel more like today, Martha or Mary?          Paul

Our Prayers

Compassionate and understanding Lord

There are so many times in my day that life feels so hectic,

So many tasks to, so many people to listen to, so many distractions.

I know you are always with me and listen to all I say,

Give me the will power to be still for a while and spend precious time with you. Amen

Today's final hymn is "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story"

 

Sunday Worship 10th July

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship 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 unable to be with us in person, the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers are shown below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Morning Has Broken"

Today's Gospel

Luke 10:25-37                                                      The Good Samaritan

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Reflection

Last year I received a communication ‘out of the blue’, from someone who wanted to come and see our magnificent windows when he was visiting the area on whilst on holiday. I agreed to go along and open the church and it transpired that this his interest was not just idle curiosity, but rather because his great grandfather had been a benefactor of the parish. In fact, there is a memorial stone in the churchyard to the great grandfather who paid for one of the bells our tower. (There are more details about this in our parish books available from church). He also paid for one of our stained-glass windows, ‘The Good Samaritan’, which you will see facing you as you enter church though the main entrance. The visitor explained that, at that time people provided what they could because it was expected that folk would provide for the ongoing worship in future generations, and would give as much as they could, if not more. Indeed, there are many instances in the bible where we are told to give with a cheerful heart, including Deuteronomy 15:8 to name but one. 

But the message of the Good Samaritan is not just one of generosity, and if that is all that we take from this parable then we have missed the point. It is about how we treat our neighbours, both those we know and those we don’t know, and more importantly those we don’t like.

As a society, I would like to think we are getting more tolerant of one another, although sadly, if you look at the daily news, we must realise there is still far to go. I could probably write many pages, if not a book, about prejudice and bias and how we can become conditioned into judging people without even thinking. (I guess some of those discussions in my unconscious bias training must have sunk in over the years). We are bombarded with examples of categories where we conveniently sort people into groups, which can give rise to prejudice. Sometimes it’s obvious, the colour of our skin, religion, gender orientation, nationality or even City vs United supporters. But it doesn’t stop there, because there are the many sub-categories such as poor, homeless, single parents, drug users, and on the other side there are the filthy rich, greedy and power seeking, who appear not to care. All alleged reasons to view people differently and all totally unfounded. 

However, the reality is that we have to be diligent and endeavour to actively set aside all prejudice about how we perceive any individuals. We are all equal in the eyes of God and we all have the opportunity to do the right thing. One of the messages from today’s parable is - don’t expect those who are perceived to be good to do the right thing, and don’t expect those who are less well regarded to walk on by. Take a few minutes to consider this text, not from the point of view of an observer, but from that of the beaten-up traveller. What might your feelings be as so many so called ‘good’ people walk on by?  Paul

Our Prayers

Almighty Father,

Help us to see beyond the clouds of prejudice,

That we may see the goodness in others

And care for everyone who needs help

Regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Caring Father, 

Open our eyes that we might see what the Good Samaritan saw. 

Grant us the insight to see the need in others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it. 

God in your mercy

Amen

Our final hymn today is "When I Needed A Neighbour"

Leesfield News

 News Update

We had a wonderful Confirmation Service at St Thomas' Church last Sunday. Bishop Mark confirmed candidates from both of our churches, and from St John the Baptist, Hey. 

Well done to all who collected and donated during Christian Aid Week. The total amount raised in our Churches and from House-to-House collections was £408.37. Thank you so much, everyone!

Next Sunday, the 17th July, Harvest Queen Annie and her retinue are hosting a Garden Party on the church lawn at St Thomas'. Please see the poster below for details.

Sunday Worship 3rd July

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship, on the Feast Day of St Thomas the Apostle. Our services are at the usual times of  9.15 am at St Agnes' Church, and 11.00 am at St Thomas'.

If you're unable to be with us in person, the Gospel, a short reflection and a prayer are shown below so that you can worship from  home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go"

The Collect for St Thomas' Day

Almighty and eternal God, who, for the firmer foundation of our faith, allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son till word and sight convinced him: grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Today's Gospel

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20                               Jesus sends out the Seventy Two 

The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'

"Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Reflection

I recently attended the Archdeacon’s visitation at Christ Church in Ashton to be sworn in as a Churchwarden again, along with Neil Crook. We were accompanied by Reverend Christine Steel and we all agreed that it was good to see so many people there again in person for this important service. 

In his service, Archdeacon David Sharples reminded us about our duty to not only look after the day to day things that are essential to maintain our churches and keep them functioning, but also the importance of encouraging the growth of our church and the need to spread the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God.  

He gave an illustrative story about a churchwarden who was also a member of a local rotary club, and who, after many years’ service, was being recognised for his contribution to the rotary club. In particular the role he had played over many years of encouraging other new members to join the club so that it would thrive in years to come and carry on the good works for charity. He had invited the vicar from his church to the event and on the way home the vicar asked, “How many people have you invited to come to church over the years?” 

He of course realised that the answer was none. I wonder how many of us have invited someone to church recently?

If not - why not? Are we frightened? Are we afraid of people and how they may react if we start talking about our beliefs and faith? Or afraid that by talking to people about God we may be challenged and not have all the answers? Afraid that we are not ourselves equipped with the level of knowledge that we should have about the bible? Or are we just afraid that we might fail to get the message across, to convince people of God’s love? 

However, Jesus tells his followers – Do not be afraid. A message so important that he repeats it time and time again in the Gospels because He knows that fear comes easy to us, as easy as breathing. As he sent the seventy out ahead of him, he didn’t pull his punches; He told them, “you will be like lambs amidst wolves.” He also instructed them to go ill equipped for their mission. He even warned them that there would be some who would scorn them and reject their message. But again, He reassured them; do not be afraid. Neither should we be.

Evangelism may not be ‘a piece of cake’, but we should remember that Jesus will be alongside encouraging us. He is whispering to us, ‘do not be afraid to spread the good news of Jesus risen’. For, if we stay focused on our relationship with God, we too may rejoice that our names are written on the palm of His hand.  Paul

Our Prayers

Almighty and everlasting Father,

We give you thanks for sending your Son Jesus to be amongst us and teach us.

Give us the courage to actively confess our faith, 

And help us to spread your word to enlighten those who have yet to become followers.

Let us go out in our daily lives and share your message of peace to all we encounter.

We ask this in the name of your son Jesus our saviour and redeemer.

Amen

Today's final hymn is "You Shall Go Out With Joy (The Trees of the Field)"

Notices

This afternoon, 4 pm at St Thomas' Church, we have our Confirmation Service with Bishop Mark. Candidates from both of our churches and from St John the Baptist Hey will take the next step on their Christian journey. All are most welcome to join us, but if you can't be there in person, please hold them in your prayers.