Sunday Worship 27th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 12th Sunday after Trinity. 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 the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Christ is Made the Sure Foundation"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 16:13-20 Peter’s Confession of Christ 

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Reflection

Who am I? When I read these words, it reminded of a line from a situation comedy many years ago. A rather pompous man expecting to be treated better than anyone else, exclaimed, “Do you know who I am?” The witty response came back, “Hey, there’s a bloke out here who doesn’t who he is!”

But Jesus asks the disciples two questions which are far more theologically important. The first, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” So they tell Him some of the rumours that are circulating around, although probably Jesus is already aware of some of these. Then Jesus asks a far more profound question, “But who do you say that I am?” 

This time it is Simon Peter who answers. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This is a significant confession that reveals the depth of Simon Peter’s understanding of who Jesus really is. He is the first of all the disciples to testify that Jesus is the ‘Christ’, [from the Greek word Cristos meaning the Messiah or Anointed One]. Peter has, of course, already been witness to many of the miracles that Jesus has performed and to His teachings, but as Jesus points out, it is God who has revealed Jesus’ true nature to Peter. 

And so, Jesus tells Peter that he will become the rock upon which His church will built. It is probably not immediately obvious to us, but this is the first reference by Jesus to the term church. I guess we take churches for granted, but when you think about it, there was no such church at that time. It should also remind us that the church Jesus was referring to was not a stone building, rather it would be a community of believers. Like us, we are the church - as the body of Christ united by our faith and belief in Jesus, the Son of man. The church started out as the disciples spread the Good News of the Jesus through meetings and gatherings and it was Peter who was at the very heart of it all, and Christ Jesus as the foundation.

If, like Peter, we are to confess Jesus as the Messiah and truly believe in Him, then we too are called to be living stones, spreading the Good News of the gospels. If we, like Peter, want the keys to God’s kingdom, then we need to use the keys of love, faith, obedience, prayer and witness to open the gates and be like Jesus. One last thought, every time you enter St. Thomas’ church, you we are welcomed by both Jesus and Peter. Jesus with the cross, is carved in stone at the left and Peter with the Keys to the Kingdom at the right. Why not take a look?       Paul

Our Prayers

Almighty Father and living God,

Open our eyes and minds to recognise your Son Jesus for who He is,

So that we may be confess our belief and become living stones of your church

To profess the Good News of your gospel to those who have yet to know you.    

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Jesus, Name Above All Names"

Notices

   

Sunday Worship 20th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday worship in Leesfield Parish. This morning we have a Parish Eucharist, 11 am at St Thomas' Church, and no service at St Agnes'. If you are watching the World Cup final live, and are looking for a church service at a convenient time, St John the Baptist Church, Hey have a family service at 9.30 am.

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

Our first hymn this morning is "Morning Has Broken"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28  

Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Reflection

For those of you who are fortunate enough to be able to attend the Tuesday Morning service at St. Thomas’ church, you will no doubt be aware if the words spoken by the Canaanite woman, because they are the opening lines from the Prayer for Humble Access: 

“We do not presume, to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table.”

The story of the Canaanite woman seems at first glance to be unsettling and you might argue does not seem like the Jesus we know and love. His initial attitude appears to be dismissive. In fact He does not even acknowledge her, He just carries on in silence and indifference. 

Then when the woman persists, Jesus answers her , “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” That, too sounds very standoffish – sort of, ‘can’t you see I’ve got better things to do’? Moreover, it is also a bit of a put down – as good as saying, but you’re not worthy. But still she persists, and is again rebuffed, even insulted. The disciples too seem annoyed perhaps because of Jesus’ reaction and are now urging Him to send her away. 

Let us consider for a moment how the woman treats Jesus. She addresses Him three times: “Have mercy on me, Lord”, , “Lord, help me.”,  “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Despite being an outsider and deemed by some to be unclean, she is one of the first people to truly recognise this stranger as The Lord. In fact, she recognises Jesus as Lord before Peter. It is not until the disciples have moved on to Caesarea Phillipa, that Peter recognises Jesus as Christ, the Son of God.

So here we have a story of an insignificant woman, (she isn’t even named), an outsider and deemed unworthy. However, at that moment, she has the strongest faith of all of them. She is the only person that Jesus describes as having great faith. Rather than being ignorant, I believe Jesus knew how strong her faith was all along and allowed the scenario to play out so that we could all get the message: Jesus is totally merciful. He has so much mercy that even the crumbs of His mercy are more than enough to meet all of our needs. 

We too need Jesus in our lives. We need to be persistent in knowing that we need Him and not get disheartened if He doesn’t appear to respond to our prayers immediately.  It is not a question of our worthiness, we just need to have faith in Jesus. Paul

Our Prayers

Holy Lord, we pray that we may have the faith to believe and trust in you,

Because you are the same Lord,

whose property is always to have mercy,  

Amen

Today's final hymn is "To God Be The Glory"

Sunday Worship 13th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to our Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 10th Sunday after Trinity. 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 the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Deep Peace of the Running Wave to You"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Reflection

This Gospel account from Matthew is the second encounter Jesus has on the sea with the disciples. If you recall in Matthew 9:23 there was the incident where Jesus calmed the storm when they were all frightened for their lives because they were being battered in  a boat. His calm and reassuring words were, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”. 

In this instance, the disciples are again afraid, not so much about the wind, but this time because they believe they are having an encounter with a malevolent ghost. We are told that by evening the boat was already far away from land and now it was the early hours of the morning so they could well be a mile or more away from the shore. Therefore, seeing someone approaching in the darkness of night would have been enough to terrify anyone.  

But then Jesus speaks and immediately their fears begin to subside. Isn’t it wonderful how His presence immediately brings a sense of comfort and calmness?

To some people the story is about Peter’s lack of faith, but I think this is quite unfair. Think about the scenario. The disciples have just seen Jesus walking towards them on a windy and rough sea, and Jesus simply says to Peter. “Come”. What would you do? How would you feel about stepping out of the boat? The point is, at that moment in time, and having just witnessed another miracle of Jesus walking on water, Peter does not hesitate at all. He is totally focussed on Jesus and absolutely trusts Him, no matter how bizarre the request seems. Peter does have faith in Jesus. 

However, it is when Peter is distracted by the wind and waves that he starts to get a bit scared and momentarily his confidence in Jesus wavers, so he begins to sink. Jesus responds in much the same way as he did before he calmed the storm; “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”.

I think the point being, that we should not let our faith waver every time we go through a rough patch in our lives. Of course we all get worried and frightened by troubles that happen in our lives or to those we care about. We are only human. But it is at that very time that we need to have faith in Jesus and trust in Him most. It is in those times that we need to pray and perhaps ask the question, ‘How can we come to Jesus’ reassuring presence in our times of difficulty?’                                    Paul

Our Prayers

Merciful and loving Jesus, 

Help us to remember that you are there for us.

When we are troubled, help us not to so distracted,

that we forget to put our trust in You,

Give us confidence and faith to step toward You. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us"

Notices

Next week the will be a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas', with no service at St Agnes'.

Sunday Worship 6th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 9th Sunday after Trinity. 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 can find today's Gospel Reading, a reflection and prayers below.

Our first hymn this morning is "Be Thou My Vision"

Today's Gospel

Luke 9:28-36           The Transfiguration

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Reflection

We hear today about the magnificence of the Transfiguration. The heavenly transformation where Jesus’ true divine form is revealed to Peter, James and John. 

Like many aspects of the bible, this is a hard thing for us to comprehend and truly grasp.  We can but begin to imagine how awesome the experience must have been for the three disciples. In addition to the sheer wonderment about what was happening, I have no doubt that this would have also been a terrifying experience for them.  

I suspect, that with the wonders of modern cinematography and computer generated imaging, film directors could make a fairly convincing interpretation of this scene, but I’m fairly sure that even with movie technology nothing could come anywhere near the wonder of the reality of what happened on that mountain. What would your reaction be if you were looking at a friend and they suddenly started glowing incandescently, including their clothes? Next we are told about the appearance of Moses who received the 10 commandments from God and also the great prophet Elijah. The also appeared, “in all their Glory” and were chatting with Jesus about the terrible events that were soon to happen in Jerusalem.  We are not sure how they knew it was Moses and Elijah, as they had died 1400 years and 800 years beforehand, but I think we can take it as a given that as a result of the encounter they were in no doubt. 

As a result of the encounter, they could witness the truth of Jesus, fully human and also fully divine. They could later testify to the ‘Glory of God’ manifest as Jesus, the Messiah. Through the appearance  of Moses and Elijah, they could believe in the hope of eternal life after our mortal death. Finally, to eliminate any doubt, God himself makes an appearance and confirms the divinity of Christ, His Son. 

Like, Peter, John and James, we too are called to witness the Glory of God. Perhaps not on such a grand scale but through the wonders of creation, the many examples of good in the world and the message of the Gospel. We just need to wipe the sleep from our eyes, focus on what is positive rather than bad in the world, and show love to one another.                                         Paul

Our Prayers

Father God, 

Let us be awake and aware of your presence, 

in the world and in our own lives.

That we may see your grace in action,

and witness your magnificence and glory.

Amen

Today's final hymn is "How Great Thou Art"