Sunday Worship 29th January

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Our Church services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. If you are unable to be with us in person, you'll find some resources below to enable you to worship from home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Blest are the Pure in Heart"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12                        The Beatitudes

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Reflection

There is so much that can be said about the beatitudes that it would be foolish, (indeed impossible), to attempt to do justice to this in a half page reflection. In fact, my new friends at Nelson Street church are doing a whole series of talks about them over several weeks. 

So, I thought for this note, that I would try to focus on the overarching message that Jesus was trying to share. 

This was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and He was about to establish his authority as a teacher and provider of God’s word. If he were around today, no doubt this would have been billed as a ‘Keynote’ speech.

Expectations were high and the crowds that had started to follow Him were many. Let’s not forget that expectations were also tremendously high, because the people wanted to know if Jesus was the promised Messiah that had been prophesied for over 500 years. Also, the people had been living under the rule of the Romans in what was occupied territory. So many would have been almost burning with excitement, expecting the Messiah to be like David. Someone who would espouse a message of conquering and taking back their territories, regaining riches and living in a new time of peace and prosperity. It might be reasonable therefore to assume that many who heard this keynote speech would have been underwhelmed or even disappointed. 

Perhaps for many, they interpreted what Jesus was saying was, the Kingdom of God is almost here, but here is the rulebook of virtues to live by first. This is how God expects everyone to live. Can you imagine what it would be like if you were to try and live up to all these standards every day? To be constantly fretting about the state of the world, needing to give everything away to make the world a better place, always putting the needs of everyone else first, giving away your last penny, You might even be seen as a troublemaker or insurgent, constantly speaking out about the unfairness of the world or political regimes. 

Just, for a minute, look at the list of beatitudes and imagine you were in an annual appraisal or end of year school report and you had to measure yourself against them. What score would you give yourself?

Fortunately, I do not think that Jesus was saying, “Here is the scorecard that we must all achieve a pass in, before we can be part of the Kingdom of God”. It is not a shopping list of things we must do to please God and earn his grace. Mercifully, for us, God’s grace is not earned, but is freely given out of his love for us. The message from Jesus is that, if we follow Him and if we believe in Him, then we will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  Through His presence in our lives we will begin to reflect these virtues and we can all receive His blessings.                  Paul

Our Prayers

Most merciful and gracious Lord,

We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and your presence in our lives.

Guide us to follow you and not be afraid to suffer in your name

And help us to be acceptable in your eyes. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen

Today's final hymn is "God is Working His Purpose Out"

Notices

Last Saturday everyone said THANK YOU & HAPPY RETIREMENT to Rev’d Lyn. People spoke of her kindness, her support and inspiration she had given to so many during her time in our Parish.

We were joined by guests from Leesfield School, and from around our recently formed Mission Community.

She was presented with a beautiful card that the Sunday School children had made and a pretty light pink climbing rose called COMPASSION which was chosen particularly because of Rev’d Lyn’s compassion she had for everyone.  We hope that each time it flowers she will remember us.

Following Revd Lyn's retirement, the PCC will be meeting at 7 pm on Tuesday 31st January. Archdeacon David Sharples and Area Dean Daniel Ramble will be joining us as we make plans for the period of vacancy in the parish. If you are a PCC member, please join us at this important meeting, and if not, please pray for everyone involved in the ongoing work of the parish whilst we have no vicar.

Sunday Worship 22nd January

 Sunday Worship

Our Church services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.

We're unable to bring you our usual resources today, but Revd Paul Monk from St Barnabas and Holy Trinity has agreed to share his service transcript with us.

You can find the service here - Medlock Head Resources Epiphany 3

Sunday Worship 15th January 2023

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. If you're unable to be with us in person, you'll find the Gospel, a reflection, and prayer below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Jesus Calls us o'er the Tumult"

Today's Gospel

John 1:29-42                        Jesus’ First Disciples

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Reflection

We know from the Advent readings, that John the Baptist was sent to testify to Jesus as the Messiah and to make his path straight. John would have known Jesus whilst they were growing up, (they were, after all, cousins), and he would no doubt have heard about his character and traits. He would have heard about how Jesus was someone of exemplary standing, with a strong moral compass with a huge capacity for love. Someone with a commanding knowledge the of scriptures and who was obedient to God and God’s laws. Yet, it was only when John saw the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus that the ‘penny dropped’ and he recognised Jesus for who he truly was. The Son of God, the one who would baptise people with the Holy Spirit.

We can only begin to imagine how excited and amazed John must have been. So much so that he has to start telling everyone. We have to remember, that at that point in time, no one knew anything much about Jesus, so it falls upon John to start to spread the word and the Good News that the Messiah is here and that he is Jesus. That was John’s pre-ordained role – to be witness to Jesus as the son of God. 

It is as John begins to tell his own disciples, that some of them start to literally follow Jesus. They are obviously curious and I would image quite excited, as they initially begin to follow Jesus along the road. After all, they have just heard from someone recognised as a prophet that, “Jesus was the Lamb of God” and he may even have elaborated and told them He was the Son of God.

We do not know whether they stealthily followed Jesus at a distance or reasonably close behind. Similarly, we do not know how long they had followed Jesus before he asked them, “What are you looking for?” 

Let’s just pause for a moment and consider this question - It’s not that easy to answer, is it? How do you think you would answer in those circumstances? What do you think they were looking for? 

It is interesting that they replied by asking Jesus, (“where are you staying?”), rather than answering His question directly. They are clearly eager to get to know Jesus, after all they have been told he is the Messiah. It is perhaps realistic to assume that, by asking where he is staying, they were trying to establish how they can stay with Him and be near Him. Jesus’ response is magical in its simplicity. He doesn’t ask any more questions, He doesn’t want to know anything more about them as individuals, He simply replies, “Come and see”. 

For us the message is exactly the same. In our desire to follow Jesus, we too are wanting to be near Him, to understand Him more and to share His love. But if Jesus spoke directly to and asked, “What are you looking for?”, what would we say? Whatever we might answer, we can rest assured, that if we want to follow Him and reach to Him, His invitation will be the same…. “Come and see”.   Paul

Our Prayers

Lord Jesus as we ponder what we are looking for,

We thank you for your open invitation 

to ‘Come and see’ what you offer us,

To come and see your unbounded love for us,

To come and see your infinite forgiveness 

And to be in your presence.      

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Will You Come and Follow Me"

Notices

This afternoon at 3 pm there is a Service for Christian Unity at St Edward's RC Church. All are warmly invited to join with our fellow Christians from around this area.

Wednesday the 18th January is the first of the Bible Fellowship meetings in our Mission Community. Please see the poster below for details.

Finally, next Saturday, 21st January, we're having a farewell event at St Thomas' Church at 3 pm for Revd Lyn. All are welcome to join us as we give thanks for her ministry in this parish.

Sunday Worship 8th January

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish. Today is Revd Lyn's final Sunday with us, so we have just one Parish Eucharist - at 11.00 am at St Thomas' Church. If you're unable to be with us in person, you'll find the Gospel, a reflection, and prayer below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning"

Today's Gospel  

Matthew 3:13-17                      The Baptism of Christ

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reflection

This passage is full of significance to Christians. Not only does it mark the beginning of the ministry of Jesus, but it affirms Jesus as the Son God and confirms Him as the Divine Messiah.  

It could be argued, that being the Son of God and also without sin, that there was no reason whatsoever for Jesus to be baptised, let alone journey over a hundred miles from Nazareth to the Jordan to do so. But this is Jesus we are talking about, He has become incarnate of human flesh to live among us, to be one of us and above all to be a shining example of humankind. He wants to be faithful to His Father and humble himself before God and the rest of mankind. 

This is Jesus, who will later go to ask his followers to make disciples of other by baptising them and so he is emphasising the importance of baptism, as will be seen immediately afterwards when he emerges from the waters. So He puts John’s mind at ease by explaining that this is necessary to ‘fulfil all righteousness’.  

What makes this reading so significant to Christians is that this is one of the few places in the Bible where reference is made to the three facets of the Holy Trinity at one time. Here we see Jesus, at the centre of the event being baptised in the river, followed by the manifestation of God’s Holy Spirit descending to Him ‘like a dove’ from the heavens and finally the voice of God affirming Jesus as His son. 

How truly awesome and fantastic is that? All three components of the Holy Trinity in three persons yet unified at the same time. As we’ve pondered before, this is hard to comprehend, but we have to remember, this is God and through him all things are possible. We just have to have to be faithful, trust in his love for us, and like Jesus, follow the path and plan that God has for each one of us.         Paul

Our Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, 

we praise you as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We thank you that you sent your Son Jesus to live among us 

And to be a shining example for us to follow and emulate.

We thank you for his example of obedience 

and faithful righteousness, 

and we pray that we too can follow in his steps 

and that you will forgive us when we fall short.

Father God, help us to play our part, 

in spreading the Good News of your Kingdom,

and creating new believers, ready to come forward, 

and be baptised as followers of our Lord Jesus.

Amen.

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

Notices

Next Sunday at 3 pm, Churches Together in Lees and District have a special service for Christian Unity. Please see the poster below for details.