Welcome to our Sunday Worship on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Our Church services today 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 can find today's Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep"
Today's Gospel
John 10: 1-10The Parable of the Shepherd
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Reflection
We are very blessed to live in such a beautiful area and if, like me, you enjoy walking on the moors you will have seen plenty of sheep. I remember once seeing a sign in a field that said, ‘Beware of the sheep’ It conjured up an image of a mad sheep rampaging to attack with its head down and horns prone. In reality, sheep seldom attack people, if anything, they will ignore you or move away. Even if you call to them they will totally ignore you. Perhaps the sign should have read ‘Be Aware of the sheep’, in other words just let them be.
Sometimes, you will see the farmer delivering feed and see the sheep running towards him as he unloads the sacks into the feeding troughs. I suspect this is more about the desire for food rather than an a deep attachments to the farmer.
However, in Jesus’ time, being a shepherd was a full time job and it still is in many places in the world. It was a solitary role and to all intents and purposes, the flock was the shepherd's family. The flock could be a substantial size, maybe a hundred or so, but he would know every sheep. There would be some that were adventurous and prone to roaming away, some that were timid, and some that were stubborn. Like us, they would all have different personalities.
The shepherd’s role was to protect the sheep from predators and thieves. Also to move them to new pastures when the grass had been eaten and to tend them if they were sick or hurt. As he moved them from place to place, the shepherd would lead them away from distraction and danger, ensuring they didn’t go near cliff edges or unsafe areas. In his lonely existence, the shepherd would no doubt talk to the sheep and they would grow accustomed to his voice. There would be a natural bond of trust and they would follow him instinctively. The shepherd would be there to protect them and save them and also to bring them back when they strayed.
That is exactly what Jesus does for us. He is our shepherd and sticks with us no matter what.. He will find us when we are led astray or lost and fearful. He is committed to caring for us and leading us along the right path. We need to find space to listen to His gentle voice talking to us and become familiar to His voice within our inner self, ignoring some of the myriad distractions in our lives. Jesus is calling us to follow Him through an open gate to life where we too think more about sharing and caring for others than just thinking about ourselves.
Do we have the same strong bond with Jesus as the sheep have with their shepherd? Do we recognise Jesus’ voice when he calls us? Do we listen for his voice? Do we trust that Jesus will protect us at all costs? Paul
Our Prayers
Loving God, we thank you that you love us so deeply.
We thank Jesus for his tender care and protection.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may follow the good shepherd along a path of righteousness,
That we may hear His gentle voice and trust in Him instinctively.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Bless the Lord, O My Soul (10,000 Reasons)"
Notices
Next Sunday we will be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III. Please see the poster below for more information.
Welcome to our Sunday Worship on the Third Sunday of Easter. Our Church services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. If you are unable to be iwth us in person, you can find today's Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Hallelujah (Easter Version)"
Today's Gospel
Luke 24: 13-35 The Road to Emmaus
Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Reflection
A short reflection this week based a thought that was going around in my head when I read the text for today.
When I was a young child, (about 5 years old), I always used to look forward to my grandmother visiting. She lived a couple of hundred miles away and was from an age when women didn’t drive. This meant that she only came to visit us once a year, usually at Christmas. It was always really special when she stayed with us and my brother and I were always really excited. We were of course spoiled to bits by her, not least because it was Christmastime and because we saw her so infrequently.
As things do when you’re enjoying yourself, time flies and it always seemed that she had no sooner arrived that it was time for her leave. It seemed so sad to stand on the local station platform to wave her off on the train, often had a tear in her eye.
One year as she arrived, the first thing my brother asked was, “When are you going back?” Her surprised response was, “why, don’t you want me here?” She was of course teasing us, as she of course knew all along, that we were thrilled to see her. The question had been asked as we wanted to know how much time we had to spend with her. We also knew, even when we said our goodbyes, that we would also see her again.
For the disciples on the road they were lamenting the loss of Jesus. They also had a terrible sense of loss until Jesus opened their eyes and interpreted the scriptures for them. Then He suddenly vanished, but far from being despondent again they were overjoyed, because they understood that Jesus is the risen Lord and His presence would always be with them, just as he had been physically with them on the road. Unlike a sad child, knowing he had to wait until next Christmas to see his grandmother, we have the comfort and certainty that Jesus is always by our side, walking at our pace even when we aren’t aware of His loving presence. Paul
Our Prayers
Holy God, we pray that our hearts will burn with the knowledge of your grace and love, and the awareness of our Lord Jesus Christ who remains with us.
Open our eyes, and help us to recognize you in all places and in all people, for the sake of the one whose presence is never far away, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining (Shine, Jesus, Shine)"
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Second Sunday of Easter. Our church services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you're not able to be with us in person, you can find the Gospel reading for today, a reflection and a prayer below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Open our Eyes, Lord, We Want to See Jesus"
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
It is quite common for people to look at the obvious message here which could probably be summed up with the adage, ‘seeing is believing’. Thomas (doubting Thomas), is often given a bad reputation for not believing his friends when they shared their news that they had seen Jesus. But if you take a look at Luke’s version of the first meeting, you will see that the other disciples were also disbelieving and had doubts in their hearts even though they saw Jesus stood before them in flesh. They also needed physical confirmation that Jesus was indeed risen. Luke even describes how frightened and terrified they were.
When Jesus first appeared, Thomas was not with the other apostles, he was alone, probably still deeply grieving the loss of Jesus and I suspect his mind was in a dark place as he tried to handle this on his own. Contrast this with the other apostles, they struggled to understand what was taking place until Jesus opened their eyes and minds to spell it out to them. But they also had the benefit of mutual support. As a group their belief would be mutually reinforced and over time they would convey that message to wider groups as the beginnings of Christianity took shape. The faith began to grow even for those who had not seen the risen Lord in person.
For those who are able to get out and about, ask yourself, ‘why do you bother coming to church on a Sunday?’ After all, you can read the bible at home and study reflections online or sing along to your favourite hymns on the radio, TV or even your smartphone.
I suspect that most folk come to church because there is a sense of community. It is a place where we can safely share our faith and by doing so we reinforce each other’s belief in the Risen Lord. It’s an opportunity to strengthen and support each other’s faith. But if we are going to get the best from our community we need to make sure that we engage with everyone and mix with all who are there. Young people and not so young, new faces and more familiar faces. Are there people in church who you have never spoken to? If so, why not makes an effort to introduce yourself to someone new at a service. Jesus entered the house through a closed door to meet with his disciples. Let him enter your locked heart and give you the confidence to talk with someone different so that we can grow his loving community in our church. Paul
Our Prayers
Father God, Your Son gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to His disciples,
He empowered them to spread your word and forgive the sins of others.
Lord we pray that we too will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
and that though the power of the risen Lord,
He will overcome our fears and doubts so that we may grow your kingdom here in Lees.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Risen Lord"
Welcome to our worship in Leesfield Parish on Easter Sunday. Our church services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. All are most welcome to come and join us in praise on this most holy day in the Christian calendar.
If you're not able to be with us in person, the Gospel reading, a reflection, prayer and a couple of joyous Easter hymns can be found below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Jesus Christ is Risen Today"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 28:1-10 Jesus has Risen
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Reflection
Happy Easter everyone!! I’ve chosen Matthew’s account of this glorious day for our reflection. It isn’t as detailed as the other versions, but in some ways that gives us more to think about.
I’ll focus on the interaction with the two Marys, (Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James). We should bear in mind that, although Jesus had repeatedly told his followers that He would rise again, that was not the reason why they went to the tomb. In fact it was probably the last thing they expected to see, after all they had seen their Lord crucified and buried only a few days before. No, they were at the tomb out of an act of pure love, empathy and devotion. They were there to anoint Jesus’ dead body with expensive perfumes and spices purchased by Salome who was also present.
As they arrive, there is an enormous earthquake caused by the appearance of an Angel from heaven. Such was the nature of the earthquake and the entrance of the angel that it rendered the roman guards unconscious. But not the two Marys. Although the angel told them not to be afraid, I suspect that was exactly how they felt. Then the angel removes the stone from the tomb and says, “Come, see the place where he lay.” Matthew’s gospel does not go into detail about what happens in the tomb and the garden, but please take time to read John’s gospel for this.
Matthew next describes how the Marys felt, “They left with fear and great joy". It’s almost a throw away comment, but just imagine for a moment what must have been going through their minds and how their emotions would have been in turmoil. Yes fear; amidst earthquakes, bright angels, and the body of their Lord gone! Then, the news from the angel that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Everything Jesus had been telling them was true – He is the son of God. What overwhelming Joy must have filled their hearts!
Then to top everything, Jesus appears in person. Absolute and irrefutable proof that He is risen indeed. But in this version from Matthew, Jesus appears to be almost nonchalant. He says to them, “Greetings”. As it is described here, it’s almost like an everyday, “hello” as if to say, “Hey what’s the big deal, I told you I’d be back didn’t I?” The Marys recognise Him immediately and are overcome with bliss at His loving compassion. They are compelled to touch His Holy feet and worship Him. We can only imagine what outright delight must they have felt.
It is a message of joy and delight for us too on this most Holy of days……. God keeps His promise to all of us. It is a message of love, hopefulness and forgiveness. It is the truth that: God so loves the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). That is worth celebrating, not only on Easter Day but every day. Happy Easter! Paul
Our Prayers
Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate,
Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen
Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing,
Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty
Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers,
Glory and power are his forever and ever.
Amen
St. Hippolytus of Rome
Our final hymn today is "Thine be the Glory"
Notices
There will be no Tuesday morning service of Holy Communion this week.
Welcome to our Palm Sunday worship in Leesfield Parish. Today we have a Parish Eucharist at 10 am at St Thomas' Church, and there will be no service at St Agnes'.
We are pleased to welcome Bishop Mark to lead our worship today, so please do join us as we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find a Gospel reading, reflection and prayers below, along with a couple of hymns.
Our first hymn this morning is "Ride on, Ride on in Majesty"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
When Jesus and his disciples had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, `The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately."
This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
"Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! "
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
Reflection
In a few weeks’ time we will experience the coronation of King Charles III Westminster Abbey. For most of us, we have never witnessed a coronation in our lifetime and for others their memories will be of some grainy monochrome movie reels. I anticipate that the whole thing will be a grand affair, with pomp and circumstance, horse drawn processions, bands and possibly hundreds of thousands of people and dignitaries making their way to London. Probably not too dissimilar to the late Queen’s jubilee celebrations or her state funeral.
Let us contrast that with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He enters on the road from the Mount of Olives through the town of Bethphage, about a mile outside of the main city. The road and the city are heaving with people, not specifically to see Jesus, but because it is the time of the Jewish festival of Passover. Yet many of the people on the route would be from Galilee and would have known or heard of Jesus. They would have been his followers and it is likely that they were the ones who were leading the cheering and praising Jesus along His way to the city.
Unlike King Charles celebrations, here we have a description of the Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem in a manner that is humble and simple. He enters the city not on a majestic horse as one might associate with a king, but Jesus instead chose to ride on a donkey.
This is highly symbolic, it reflects the prophecy of Zechariah (9.9). "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Matthew is unambiguously pointing us to a prophecy about the Messiah, which Jesus is fulfilling in this moment. He blatantly telling us Jesus is the Messiah.
It is also symbolic because in those times a donkey would portray meekness and humility. Jesus wasn’t coming to conquer but to offer peace. Here in this most triumphant moment, we see clearly Jesus’ humility.
For all His humility, the crowds who had heard of Jesus were briming with excitement and anticipation. As they laid down palm branches they were all infected by the absolute thrill of the moment as they welcomed the coming of the Messiah who would save them and usher in a new Kingdom of peace and prosperity. Here was the King who had been promised through numerous prophets over the centuries.
I suspect there were also many who had not yet heard of Jesus, but because they so wanted to believe the stories were true, they also joined in with the praise and shouted Hosanna, praising God for the one He has sent to save them.
But as we experience the rest of the journey of the Passion of Christ, we see how these same people will in few days be crying for Jesus to be crucified.
On one level It is almost impossible to understand how this change of mood happened is such a short space if time and how even Peter would deny Jesus three times. How folk can worship Jesus one moment and then put Him to one side the next moment when it suits them. It is a question that is far from easy to answer other than to put it down to the fickle nature of mankind.
Of course, there was the inevitability that these events had to occur so that Jesus could fulfil His destiny. To die for us in the cross and be risen to redeem us all from our sins, even those who had cried out for His crucifixion. Because Jesus came to forgive us all and bring peace.
But perhaps there is another message for us reflect on and to take on board - following Jesus takes commitment. It isn’t just about singing or worshipping for a short while on Sunday and then putting Him to one side when there are other things to do. Perhaps, we need to think about how we keep our passion for Jesus alive throughout the week, and how we share the Good News of His Kingdom, especially with those outside our church building who have yet to experience His love.
Maybe, if you walk with Jesus this week, there will be an opportunity for you to pray with a stranger this Holy Week or show someone you don’t know a random act of kindness and love.Paul
Our Prayers
Loving Lord, we give you thanks for your arrival into Jerusalem and into our lives.
We join with the crowds to sing your glory and praises.
Prince of Peace, we thank you for your example of humility
and your tender love and compassion for us all.
Help us to follow your example of service to others,
And let us faithfully commit ourselves to your glory.
