Welcome to our Sunday Worhip 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'll find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below to help you worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "Through all the Changing Scenes of Life"
Today's Gospel
Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'".
Reflection
Today’s parable follows the stories of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the dishonest steward. It builds on Jesus’ message to distinguish between treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. It is not what we have in our lives, but what we do with our lives. It must be remembered that when Jesus told this parable he was addressing two distinct groups, the tax collectors & sinners and the Pharisees & scribes. It compares the relative differences in their lives and more importantly the consequences in their deaths.
Importantly, we need to understand that the distinction being made here, is not one between rich people and poor people, I have no doubt that there are plenty of poor people in hell and plenty of rich people in heaven! Wealth and good health are not an indication of righteousness or God’s blessing, albeit, like the Pharisees, quite a few people believe they are. Some wealthy people are Godly and some are quite clearly not. Similarly poverty and ill health are not signs of Godliness.
The parable is a warning that we should not be complacent or self-righteous. We need to live the values of the bible as spoken through the prophets. We need to live lives where we are willing to help those who do not have the same blessings as we have. This was the example Jesus gave to us and describes in his teachings – we too must become servants.
The other key message here, is that we need to consider today, if we need to change our perspective and actions, rather than leave it for another day. Are we really doing all that we can for others? How often have you heard the phrase, “if only I could turn the clock back”? German theologian, Dr. Helmut Thielicke's wrote, "The torment of the dead is that they cannot warn the living, just as it is the torment of the mature that the erring young will not listen to them."
As Christians, it is our duty to be accountable for the least of the society. Our Saviour Jesus Christ demonstrated it for us throughout his whole life and in his parables. Paul
Our Prayers
Father of all,
We thank you for all the gifts you bestow upon us.
Let us not become self-content with your blessings.
Gracious Lord, you show us that to do nothing to help people in need is unacceptable.
Hear our prayer for those suffering from poverty, war and starvation across the world.
Loving Jesus,
You showed us that that having faith alone is not enough
Help us to examine our lives with honesty, and ask ourselves if we are more like Lazarus or the rich man.
Lord, guide us to show compassion and love
for all people whose need is greater than ours.
Amen.
Today's final hymn is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
Notices
On Friday this week we have a MacMillan Coffee Morning at St Thomas' Church. All are warmly invited to join us - please see the poster for details.
Next Sunday is our Parish Harvest Festival, so we only have 1 service in the parish - 10 am at St Thomas' Church. Following that, we are pleased to invite everyone to a Harvest Lunch.
Welcome to our Sunday Worhip 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'll find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below to help you worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "Be Thou My Vision"
Today's Gospel
Luke 16:1-13 The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?' He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
Reflection
“ No slave can serve two masters; …….You cannot serve God and wealth."
The parable of the shrewd manager, sometimes referred to as ‘the unjust steward’ follows immediately after the parable of the Prodigal Son. In that case the younger son has taken a small fortune from his father and squandered it, whereas the older son carefully looks after the rest of the family’s wealth. Despite the older son’s careful management of the father’s wealth, he does not ultimately end up having a close relationship with his father. We are told that relationships are important.
In the example of the shrewd manager, we see how the manager who is about to be dismissed, sees a way to secure a better future by reducing the indebtedness of his masters debtors. The hope is, that by doing so, they will look favourably on him when his circumstances take a change for the worse and reciprocate by helping him out. So why is this considered shrewdness and not just fraudulent? Presumably, if the manager had just stolen the money from his master, it would have been far easier to spot the crime. Once found out, the manager would have been arrested and would not be allowed to take the money with him. Even if he did get away with some of the money, it would quickly have run out, whereas the actions he took to help out the master’s debtors, would have put them under a longer lasting relationship and obligation.
So, is Jesus suggesting that we should defraud people and use the money to build relationships for our own benefit? Of course not. However, he does expect us to put ourselves in the shoes of the manager who has charge of his master’s money. If we start from the precept, that everything we have comes to us as a gift from God, then it follows, that we are stewards of what God has given to us. As stewards, God expects us to be generous with His gifts, to use them for the benefit of others and not just ourselves. Because, by being generous to those in need, we are building relationships with others and with God. By not hoarding our earthly savings, but instead using them to further God’s goals, we are storing up treasures in heaven. If we can be trusted with the riches God gives us in this life, how much more will he trust us in the next life? Paul
Our Prayers
Gracious Lord, we thank you for the gifts you have provided for us,
We ask that through the Holy Spirit, we may be given the generosity and wisdom,
To use those gifts wisely and selflessly.
That through our examples of love and kindness,
we may build relationships with other people and with You. Amen
Today's final hymn is "All My Hope On God Is Founded"
Notices
We were all saddened to hear of the death of our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth. Please hold the Royal Family and the whole of our nation in your prayers during these days of mourning. There will be a Civic Interfaith Memorial Service at Oldham Parish Church at 6 pm on Sunday, to which all are invited.
Her Majesty’s funeral service is at 11 am on Monday, followed by a 2 minute silence. St Thomas’ Church will then be open from 12.30 to 3.00 pm, when everyone is welcome to call in to offer prayers, light a candle, or add a message of condolence.
Holy Communion Services in Leesfield Parish will take place at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'. Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the services will include special readings and prayers, as recommended by the Church of England.
If you are unable to be with us in person, all of the readings and prayers are included below.
Hymn "Lord, For the Years"
Collect prayer
Merciful Father and Lord of all life, we praise you that we are made in your image and reflect your truth and light.
We thank you for the life of our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, for the love she received from you and showed among us.
Above all, we rejoice at your gracious promise to all your servants, living and departed, that we shall rise again at the coming of Christ.
And we ask that in due time we may share with your servant Elizabeth that clearer vision promised to us in the same Christ our Lord; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen.
A reading from the book of Lamentations. (3.22-26, 31-33)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
For the Lord will not reject for ever.
Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to stumble; he who watches over you will not sleep. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord himself watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand, So that the sun shall not strike you by day, neither the moon by night. The Lord shall keep you from all evil; it is he who shall keep your soul. The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.
Amen
A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians. (4.16-5.4)
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn "The Lord's My Shepherd"
The Gospel
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. (6.35-40) AllGlory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
A Tribute by Bishop David
Through 96 years of life, and over 70 years of faithful service as monarch, the life of Her Majesty the Queen has been a constant example, not only to her people, here in Britain and across the Commonwealth, but to the wider world. From wartime teenager to recent widow, she has shown both resilience in adversity, and unremitting determination to face the most challenging times alongside her people. We who have seen and paid attention to her example, have been better people for it.
Many, many lives have been deeply enriched, simply by her presence at some special occasion. I recall vividly her visit to our cathedral last summer, to celebrate our 600th anniversary and to meet, and personally thank, representatives of the many volunteers from across the region who had played vital parts during lockdown.
For Christians, her life has been a particular embodiment of our faith. An embodiment she felt able to express with ever greater prominence in more recent years, most especially in her annual Christmas Broadcasts. For those of us who are Anglicans, her constitutional role in our Church has stood as a bulwark against excessive clericalism. Yet she has always been a Queen for those of all faiths or none.
Her relationships with her diocesan bishops have meant far more than simply the formalities of issuing mandates for appointment and receiving homage. The private conversations we have held with her, together with her hospitality at Sandringham, have allowed us a glimpse into the more private side of her public figure, establishing beyond doubt that the smile so often on her face on public occasions was backed up by a vibrant and undimmed sense of humour.
Each of us will have our own private memories and thoughts at this time. These next few days will allow us to reflect and draw strength from them, both individually and together. Indeed, one of the greatest tributes we can pay to her life will be to allow this time to make us stronger and more united as a people, relishing the richness of our diversity even as she did.
May God bless us, and God save the King.
Hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
Prayers
Loving Lord, you are our Shepherd, our guide and our Father, You seek us out, and empower us to live to your glory. We pray for shepherds of your flock, for all ministers, bishops, priests and deacons. And we pray for all who have strayed from the faith, for all who have got lost in various ways and those who have yet to find their way to you.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Father of all, we remember before you all who work or live in dangerous places or a hostile environment, and for all those suffering at this time from natural disasters. We pray especially for the people of Africa, who have no water, where millions of people face starvation. In contrast we bring before you the people of Pakistan, where an abundance of water has resulted in millions of people suffering from the worst floods ever. Merciful Lord, we ask you to bless all those who are working to provide relief and aid across the world. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Father God, we thank you for the life of Queen Elizabeth, for her service to our nation and the Commonwealth. We give thanks for the Queen's devotion, perseverance and huge achievements in bringing together in peace, peoples from across the whole world. And for the guidance she has provided to countless leaders during her reign. We are grateful for her outstanding example of faithfulness and confidence in Jesus Christ who was the source of her hope and peace. Be close to all of us who mourn, that we like the Queen may find comfort and hope in your love.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Gracious Lord, you provide for your people by your power, and rule over them in love: Grant to your servant our King the Spirit of wisdom and discernment, that being devoted to you with his whole heart, he may wisely govern, Bless his reign and the life of our nation, and help us to work together so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness may flourish among us.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Caring lord, we ask you to be with all who walk in darkness: may your love and light protect the depressed and despairing; may your strength and hope be known to all who are ill in body, mind or spirit. We pray for those who are known to us who are ill. Give them strength and courage and let them feel the comfort your endless love in their time of need. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Merciful God, we pray for those who have been released from their mortal bodies in death, and that they may be brought rejoicing into the kingdom of heaven, and reunited with all their loved ones who have gone before them. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
Faithful God, be alongside us in the week ahead, which for many will be filled with mixed emotions. Help us to be good tempered and considerate, and to always act with kindness and love to everyone we meet. In Jesus name we ask.
And we say together. God of mercy, entrusting into your hands all that you have made, and rejoicing in our communion with all your faithful people, we make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
St Thomas' Church will be open from 10 am to 7 pm, and St Agnes' from 3 pm to 6 pm on Friday 9th September. Please feel free to come in to light a candle, and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the life of Queen Elizabeth.
If you wish to pray at home, there are some suggested prayers from the Church of England below -
Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty. Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of love, We thank you for the life of The Queen, for her service to our nation, and for her faith in you. Be close to all of us who mourn, that we may we find comfort and hope in your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Everlasting God, we pray for our new King. Bless his reign and the life of our nation. Help us to work together so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness flourish among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome to our Sunday Worhip 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'll find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below to help you worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun"
Today's Gospel
Luke 14:25-33 The Cost of Being a Disciple
Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."
Reflection
On first reading this passage, I think many of us may need to sit down and take a deep intake of breath. There are some serious demands in here; “hate your mother, father and family”, “give up all your possessions”! Wow, that’s pretty serious stuff!
Back in June, we looked at Luke 9 51-62, “The cost of following Jesus”. This had similar sentiments, where Jesus appeared to challenge those who put family commitments before the desire to follow him. It got us thinking about what level of priority are we prepared to put on our Christianity. In that passage Jesus used some extreme examples and hyperbole, to bring home his message and get his would be followers to look at what was really in their hearts.
Here too, in Luke 14, Jesus uses exaggeration to stimulate our feelings and beliefs. Arguably, Luke’s interpretation uses very strong language indeed, with references to hating our families and for many this is hard to accept or absorb. Some scholars believe that in this context, the word ’hate’, does not literally translate into how we would understand it, instead it means to ‘love to a lesser degree’. It might therefore, be helpful if we compare this with Matthew’s version, (Matthew (10:37): “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This seems to be more palatable for us, but the underlying message is still the same, if we are to truly become disciples of Jesus, we must be prepared to put Jesus above all other things. Yes, absolutely, Jesus wants us to be his disciples, but he also wants to make it absolutely clear that this is a significant commitment.
It’s not just about dipping in and out when it suits us, it’s not about doing the odd good thing when it’s convenient for us. It’s about putting our commitment and loyalty to Jesus above all other priorities. Jesus gave his life for us, and to be his disciples we need to think about what we are prepared to give up in return. How much we are prepared to give of ourselves and our lifestyle to show our allegiance, commitment and love to him?
What self-interests are we prepared to sacrifice to show Jesus, that we too, are prepared share the burden and carry the cross.
Our Prayers
Almighty and everlasting Father,
Through your unending love, You gave us your Son to save us.
He reminded us that we should love you above all other things.
Help us to examine our lives and see what is hindering us from following Jesus more closely
And give us the grace and restraint
to let go of what is holding us back from being true disciples.
Amen
Our final hymn this morning is "Will You Come and Follow Me"
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