Sunday Worship 20th September

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Praise to the Holiest in the Height"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 20:1-16                 The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

 ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place;  and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

Reflection

          How many times have those of us who have had children to look after heard the words, ‘it’s not fair’? Especially where another sibling is involved? How many times have we thought it ourselves – I imagine if we are really honest, probably only in the past few weeks or so? When we might feel overlooked for something we think we have done well and has gone seemingly unnoticed, or someone takes the credit for something we have done. Often when we compare what we have or where we are at in our lives against others who seem to be doing so much better. ‘It’s just not fair’.

And today’s gospel parable is that very moment. The workers chosen first to work in the vineyard have toiled in the heat of the day, sweated and laboured for the boss, and get paid a fair day's wages. And then along come the next workers and the next, until gradually the last employed have only had to work an hour or so. Yet they all receive the same payment. Its just not fair! 

In the parable, those who have only toiled for an hour do not fare any better than those who have toiled all day, they come away with the same reward, and we can be forgiven for wondering, ‘where is the justice in that’. And this does not sit well with us. Our understanding of the Bible is generally that it challenges injustice, so that all God’s people can stand tall and be counted.

In this reading, everybody receives their share – nobody is underpaid, nobody is cheated out of what was rightfully theirs. But they all receive the same grace from God. The same salvation is available to all - no conditions attached. You may have read ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell – there is a line in it, ‘all animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others’. This book reflects the author’s thoughts on the Russian Revolution, where equality was the goal, but was soon manipulated beyond anything it had sought to put right. But here in God’s Kingdom, everyone gets their equal slice of the pie, the Kingdom of Heaven.

What Jesus seeks to educate about in this parable is that in God’s Kingdom, the expected norms are turned upside down. Salvation at the grace of God is offered. It is not a reward that can be earned. The Kingdom of Heaven does not have Penthouse rooms that the most deserving can aspire to. There are no ‘additional extras for loyal customers’ who have been visiting churches for years. There is grace extended to all who acknowledge that God is God, that Jesus Christ is King, and turn their hearts towards that light. Turning towards that light can never be mastered. We never reach a point where we have it ‘in the bag’. It is a daily commitment, where every time we slip into old ways, let ourselves down, do something we ought not to do, think we are more important than we are, put our needs before others, we can turn back into the light and acknowledge our weakness. This is not so much as feeling bad about our errors, and punishing ourselves, but about putting ourselves back on the right track, however many times a day, a week, a year, a lifetime it might take. 

When Jesus tells of the Vineyard Manager who speaks to those remaining in the market place, asking why they have been idle, they reply, ‘because nobody hired us’. They have waited to be shown, they have not been proactive, but they have been obedient and gone to the market place and are then happy to be shepherded. Jesus does not punish them for that, nor treat them any less. He knows that we cannot do it on our own, we need guidance from those around us and ultimately from God to show us where we need to be.

Last week we had our Confirmation service, with 33 disciples being confirmed in their faith by Bishop Mark - and what a joyful occasion. But there were no better seats or higher prizes for people who had been coming to church for years or people who were relatively new to it. There was the same welcome, blessing and presentation for each who gave their hearts to Jesus. 

As a hospital chaplain, I was asked a number of times, ‘is it too late to know Jesus’ by people whose earthly lives were ending. What a privilege to share this parable with them. To know that in turning to Him, we get His grace for toiling in His vineyard. Those who have known Jesus longer have had the joy of knowing him longer, but the salvation offered is the same whether a King or an addict. Whether we were born by chance in a wealthy place or in a place of poverty. If we turn into his light, and when we see his shining, beautiful face turn upon us, those differences will slip away. It is up to each of us to reflect that light into a world that is broken and hurting. Amen. 

Rev Kirsten x

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father, 

We thank you for the chance to toil in your vineyard and allowing us to be guided to and by you.

Help and guide us to share this joy abundantly, with all whom we encounter.

In Jesus name we pray. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Father God I Wonder"

Notices

Details of upcoming events can be seen in the posters below

Sunday Worship 13th September

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. Today we have just one sevice in the parish, which will be at 11.15 am at St Thomas' Church, with no service at St Agnes' today.

The service will be a special "Back to School" service, where Laura Tebay, the Oldham and Ashton Deanery Enabler for children’s work, will be giving a talk, and the service will include blessing the children’s school backpacks.

Also today, the Confirmation Service for our whole Mission Community with Bishop Mark will take place at St John’s Church at 3 pm. Please hold the candidates from our churches in your prayers as they take this next step in their Christian journey.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Bind us Together"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 18:21-35

Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Reflection

At the heart of all the readings for today is the theme of forgiveness.

 

In the Old Testament reading, [Genesis 50], Jospeh’s brothers beg forgiveness for mistreating him and selling him into slavery when they were jealous of him. For his part, Joseph recognises that what happened was part of God’s greater plan and he forgave them and provided for his brothers and their families.

In Paul’s letter to the Romans [14:1-12], we are reminded that it is not for us to pass judgement on one another, because we all stand before the judgement seat of God. Paul tells us that the mercy we show to others will be reflected in God’s judgement on us when the time comes.

When Peter asks how often we should forgive someone who wrongs us, he is effectively asking Jesus, ‘what limits should we put on forgiveness?’ 

He asks should it perhaps be as many as seven times. Peter didn’t just pick a random  number -  in Hebrew culture there is a significance to number seven. For Jews, seven was considered to be a perfect number which represented completeness and perfection. So by suggesting we might forgive someone seven times was in itself a sign of great generosity and Peter’s thinking was clearly on the right lines. Such a level of forgiveness would have been far in excess of what Jews  would consider to be acceptable. 

But Jesus takes this further, and calls us forgive people, “ Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times“. In doing so he is setting the bar as high as it can be. He is setting it by the standard that God sets for His mercy – Jesus is showing them that God’s mercy and forgiveness is unlimited. 

In the Psalm for today, [Psalm 103] we are reminded that ‘God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities, [verse 3], and moreover ‘He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our wickedness [verse 10].

I have this vague image from childhood, of St. Peter standing at the gates of heaven with a book which had a record of all the things we had done right and wrong in our lives – for want of a better image, a ledger of our virtues and sins which would determine whether or not we were allowed to go to heaven when we die. Of course we all do things that are sinful, things where we let ourselves and others down and where we let God down – (I dread to think how many entries would be in such a ledger for me). 

However, this passage shows how God’s endless mercy exceeds human understanding when He restores what is broken and pardons our sins. The immense debt of the first slave refers to God’s capacity to forgive no matter how many entries might be in the sin column of our lives. 

There is also a clear message from Jesus of the need to avoid hypocrisy. Jesus does not mince his words when he warns that those who look for God’s mercy must also be prepared to show mercy to others. In an alternative version of the Lord’s prayer, the words - ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’, are translated as ‘forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors’. 

Every time we say this prayer, we are therefore reminded that forgiveness is not merely a moral act, but also a spiritual requirement for those seeking the kingdom of heaven. Seeking God’s forgiveness is both a gift and a responsibility.

In our church services each week, we bring before God all the things we are sorry for and ask for His forgiveness and to be reconciled with our Father. In doing so, we should also reflect on our experiences of God’s mercy and extend that same mercy to those who we believe have wronged us.

Before we take part in the Communion we are asked to make peace with one another, that doesn’t just include those who are physically present but all who we might harbour resentment against in our hearts. True peace begins when we extend to others the same mercy we ask God to show us. Forgiveness is not easy - it requires us to let go of pride, hurt, and feelings of injustice and retribution. But Jesus teaches that mercy frees both the giver and the receiver.    Rev Paul

Our Prayers

Merciful Father, You have forgiven me more than I could ever repay. 

Help me to remember Your mercy whenever I am tempted to hold onto anger or resentment. 

Give me a heart like Yours - gentle, patient, and forgiving. 

May I forgive from the heart, 

that I may live in Your peace 

and reflect Your mercy to the world.

Amen

Today's final hymn is "God Forgave my Sin in Jesus' Name"

Notices

Next Sunday's Church Services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.15 am at St Thomas'.

Upcoming events can be seen in the posters below -

 

Sunday Worship 6th September

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us, you might like to join the Church of England online service for the Festival of Creation in Christ, which you can find here - Church of England Service  

Or you may wish to join us in one of the hymns which we will be singing at St Thomas' this morning - "Jesus is Lord, Creation's Voice Proclaims it""

Notices

Next Sunday is our "Everyone Together Service" at 11.15 am at St Thomas' Church, and there will be no service at St Agnes'. The service will be a special "Back to School" service led by Laura, our Deanery Enabler for Children's work, and the children's school backpacks will be blessed.

Also coming up is the crowning of our new Harvest Queen, Loganne, on the 26th September - please see the poster for details.

Sunday Worship 23rd August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Awake my Soul, and with the Sun"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 16:13-20                 Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah

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

Jesus has been teaching and healing around Galilee for quite a while, but we are about to see him turn towards Jerusalem and His journey to the Cross.

Peter and the other disciples have been with Jesus for over two years, and witnessed everything he has said and done, including performing many miracles. Over that time they have, no doubt, constantly had to evaluate and re-evaluate their opinions of who Jesus is as well as revising their opinion of themselves. There must have been many times when they wondered why Jesus had chosen them to follow Him. 

And now at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” So they tell him that people are saying he is John the Baptist, and others think he is the prophet Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. 

It might seem obvious that Jesus cannot be John the Baptist, as many people saw them together at His baptism. However, the theories that he was one of the previous prophets are perhaps not so radical – it was believed by many Jews that Elijah would return before the Messiah came. The prophet Malachi [Chp 5], declared the promise of God: “I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes”.

Next, Jesus asks the crunch question - “But who do you say that I am?” The other disciples are silent, perhaps lost for words, we don’t know. Maybe they’re wondering if there is a reason behind the question – could it be that Jesus is asking why are following me? Why have you left everything to follow a humble carpenter from Nazareth when you know nothing about me?

Then, as ever, Peter jumps in - “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus is obviously pleased with Peter’s response, so much so that He blesses him! Peter has hit the nail on the head, he understands in his heart that Jesus is not just another prophet in a long line of prophets. His insightful answer points us in the direction of the fundamental truth that Jesus is the living God – God with us.

All this has been revealed to them, not by flesh and blood, or because they have been told by Jesus, it is a revelation from God. Jesus’ own Father in heaven has revealed the truth through Jesus’ words and actions and the relationship they have built with Him.

For us it might seem obvious that we know about Jesus and who he is, because we know about Jesus from the good news of the Gospels. But the essence of the message here is not just about Jesus through what we have been told or read.  

Like the disciples, Jesus is looking for a relationship with each of us. It’s not about knowing about Jesus, it’s about actually knowing Jesus, and through Jesus knowing God. It about recognising what God, through Jesus, is doing right here and now in our lives and how we might see His power at work in our midst. Jesus is the key to our relationship with God and everything God has made and continues to do. 

When we build a relationship with Jesus Christ and have faith in His love for us, we can be formed into His likeness and follow His example and live His values. Through getting to truly know Jesus, we can experience the joy of a loving relationship with Him, and open the gates of heaven. 

Jesus’ church is built on the rock of the knowledge of the revelation that Jesus is the living God, the Messiah. The early Church that we read about in the Acts of the Apostles was built on faith and the formation of the people in the community, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

A Church built on faith in Jesus, and also people working together to bring what they had and building a community built on fairness and justice. It wasn’t just listening to what the apostles told them about Jesus, it was the desire to know Jesus and live as He did. It was about understanding how each individual should respond to His call. 

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that, as Christians, we are all joined in the body of Christ and that not everyone has the same function. We each have gifts to offer according to the grace of God. Rev. Kirsten and I were talking earlier in the week about the encouraging signs of people coming forward and offering their help, even if they aren’t always sure what that help looks like yet. 

As Paul says, it’s not always about ministry or leadership – it can be about showing compassion, listening, maybe practical skills or many other traits we have. 

It may even be you have a gift that hasn’t been revealed to you yet – something for example that you’ve always fancied having a go at, but never got around to doing. A gift from God that you will find really fulfilling.

Paul also reminds us that we all have strengths and weaknesses, but thanks to God, they are balanced out in the Christian community. We are called to work together and help each other, but we are not expected to have all the virtues or skills as individuals, or to excel at everything. 

So, as Rev. Kirsten mentioned a few weeks ago, if there’s something niggling you and you think that God might be nudging to do something – then please think and pray about it or come and have a word with us.

Peter was probably not the most obvious candidate to be the leader of the early church. He could be quite outspoken and, as we will hear next week, he was quite capable of getting things wrong and putting his foot in his mouth. Peter’s main qualification was that he could recognise the activity of God when he saw it and could understand that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. That was all that was needed to start to build Jesus’ church.    Rev. Paul

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father,

Help us to recognise your power and hand at work in our lives and the world.

We pray that we may discern your will 

and the part you are calling us to play in building your kingdom.

Help us to come to truly know Your son Jesus Christ 

and be daily transformed into his likeness, and receive the keys to heaven.

In Jesus name we pray.    

Amen

Todays final hymn is "Lord, for the Years"

Sunday Worship 16th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "As the Deer Pants for the Water"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 15:10-28           That Which Defiles & The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

Then he 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 offence 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

"Momma Bear"

Can any of you think of a time when someone has excluded or hurt someone we love? How does that moment feel? How have we reacted? When someone hurts one of my family, I have the potential to flip into ‘Momma Bear’ mode. And it isn’t just my human family. I remember many years ago, I got a Blue Merle Border Collie pup. It did not end well. If ever a lesson was to be learned about buying dogs in pet shops (which you still could then), I learned it when I bought ‘Bluey’. He was beautiful – like a little polar bear with piercing blue eyes. One of his first walks after his jabs was to Tandle Hills. The pup jumped up at a man, (a proper ‘man mountain’ I recall), who promptly kicked out at him. As he went in for a second kick, the red mist overpowered me, and I launched. I can remember vividly, even 30 years ago as it now was, the verbal tirade I directed at this man, who towered over me, and the way he visibly shrank with each word. It was not pretty, it was certainly not what my Nan would have described as ‘ladylike’ and I suppose really, I took a risk – he could have retaliated, but he didn’t. I think he recognised the wrath of a ‘Momma Bear’ as it verbally hit him between the eyes – a bit like Mrs Weasley’s ‘Howler’ she sends to Ron when he has displeased her, (if you are familiar with the ‘Harry Potter’ stories)!

Today, Jesus encounters the Canaanite Woman, who is ready to turn ‘Momma Bear’ for the sake of her child. It is a strange reading today – it is certainly not one that brings instant comfort as some do. Matthew brings us face to face with a moment where Jesus sounds—at least at first—quite cruel. A desperate mother cries out for help, and Jesus seems to ignore her, dismiss her, even insult her. It is a story that makes us wince, and at first hearing, his harshness does not sound like the Jesus we know and love. 

Jesus begins by challenging purity rules. He says: “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, but what comes out.”

But the disciples are nervous - “Jesus, you’ve offended the Pharisees” – and they are aware how risky that might be! But Jesus presses on: the things that ruin society are not dirty hands, but dirty hearts. 

And then, as if on cue, someone arrives who tests whether the disciples truly believe what he has just told them – a ‘Canaanite Woman’.

It’s important for us to understand that ‘The Canaanites’ are portrayed as historic enemies of Israel, because they occupied the land before Israel and were associated with rival religious practices. But by Jesus’ time, “Canaanite” was not a current ethnic group — Matthew uses the term deliberately to demonstrate the old hostility and feelings of animosity. So in first century Lebanon (where Jesus is, in this reading – in Tyre and Sidon), it is a choice of phrase used by Matthew to demonstrate that this woman, who has the courage and temerity to approach Jesus, is not ‘one of them’! And the disciples revert to those old hostilities, encouraging Jesus to ‘send her away’. They do not believe her ‘worthy’: She is a foreigner, a woman, a heritage long considered an enemy, and she is persistent and loudly seeking help for her daughter!

And Jesus says what the disciples expect him to say: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” And then the line that makes us flinch: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

It sounds cruel. It feels cruel. But actually – Jesus is exposing the disciples’ ignorance and exclusion. The woman, though, has full ‘Momma Bear’ mode activated - (remember back to the story from Tandle Hills earlier). She refuses to be silenced.

She kneels. She persists. She argues. She takes Jesus’ exclusion and says ‘so what if it is wrong to feed us – ‘the dogs’ before your children, and says “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Her courage in arguing with Jesus – can you imagine in that time in history, a foreign woman doing that? And Jesus responds: “Woman, great is your faith.” (Interestingly, the only time in Matthew’s Gospel where the faith of anyone is described as ‘great’ – and it’s an accolade bestowed upon a foreign woman)!

Her daughter is healed instantly – which was never in question. But Jesus teaches his disciples through this entire interaction that the dismissed outsider becomes the one gathered in.

So what does this mean for us today? It certainly poses some tough questions:

Who are we tempted to send away? Whose voices do we wish could be silenced? Who do we judge is deserving of God’s mercy? Who might God be gathering that we have not yet welcomed?

But the reading also offers great hope:

Sometimes the person we least expect becomes the one who teaches us what faith looks like. 

Matthew shows us what that looks like: A ‘foreign’ woman kneeling at Jesus’ feet, refusing to let go of the justice and mercy she seeks. 

Have a blessed week - Reverend Kirsten x

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father, 

We pray that we may always be a community that listens to the voices on the margins. 

May we strive to learn from unexpected teachers. 

And may our churches and our homes always be a house of prayer for all peoples. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "In Christ Alone"

Sunday Worship 9th August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Today we have just one service in the Parish - our 'Everyone Together Service' at 11.15 am at St Thomas' Church, and there is no service at St Agnes'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

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

Today's Gospel

Matthew 14:22-33                                 Jesus Walks on the Water

Immediately he 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 towards them on the lake.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, 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 towards 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

As you are all getting to know me better, you may be realising I am so interested in the Saints – who they were, what they did and how they touched people’s lives in order to be considered significant enough to be Canonised following their death – sometimes many centuries after their death.

One such Saint is Saint Brendan. His ‘feast day’ is the 16th May, so we have missed it this year. He was born in County Kerry, Ireland in the 5th Century. He is often referred to as ‘Brendan the Navigator’, and his story involves the building of a wooden boat covered in animal hides, tanned and soaked in butter, and sailing off the edge of the horizon with 16 other monks on board after fasting for 40 days and nights. They were in search of the ‘promised land of the saints’, or as we might think of it, ‘The Garden of Eden’. They were pioneers, charting and mapping where none had knowingly gone before. Allegedly, after 7 years, they found what they believed to be the promised land, and then returned to Ireland, where they formed monasteries and convents, taught and converted and changed the lives of many people. His reputation travelled all around the world, and there are towns and places named after him throughout Europe, Africa, North and South America, Greenland and even Australia. There are such tales of bravery, sea monsters and fantastical creatures that we must assume folklore has mixed with fact, but for me the simple fact that most resonates is his unswerving faith. A prayer the crew prayed has remained and is as follows: ‘Christ of the mysteries, I trust You to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand’. The faith that allowed Brendan and his band of monks to set sail into the unknown, not knowing what they would find when they reached the horizon, must have been immense, as they acknowledged that whatever they encountered, Christ was still bigger than it. I often wonder how much faith I have compared to such as Brendan, as I worry and catastrophise about possible outcomes.

That same faith is on display in another watery situation in today's Gospel reading, as Jesus walks on the water. His disciples on the boat are already uncomfortable when, into the early morning gloom, a ghostly figure walks towards them on the choppy sea. Peter, (who so often aims high, but regularly misses the target), challenges Jesus – ‘if it is really you, tell me to walk on the water, and I shall’. Jesus calls him and Peter's faith carries him into achieving the impossible, until his own fear and worry end the moment. Jesus then affectionately berates him, if only you had continued to believe, you would not have entered the water. Nevertheless, that moment of pure trust and faith allowed Peter to do something which no other human has ever been able to achieve. Simply beautiful - no wonder he became the rock on which the church was founded.

Peter knew that the waves were high, the wind was loud, and the boat felt like the only safe place. But when Jesus called his name, Peter did something extraordinary. He stepped out. Not because he was brave, but because he trusted Jesus who was already on the water.

Centuries later, St Brendan the Navigator stood at the edge of the Atlantic. He didn’t know what was out there. No maps. No guarantees. Just a small leather boat and a big God. Brendan pushed his boat into the unknown, trusting that God’s world was bigger than his fear.

Peter stepped out of the boat. Brendan set his boat free. Both trusted Jesus more than the waves.

When you stand at the edge of the sea, something happens inside you. It’s beautiful… but it’s also big. It’s the kind of place where you realise how small you are, and how much you cannot control. I think most of us acknowledge that we are in no position to tackle the sea, with its unpredictability and sheer power compared to us.

This week is our ‘Everyone Together’ service, and we are going to each make an origami boat. Our boat will symbolise something different for each one of us as we think about what we will put into our boats – maybe an area where our own faith is lacking. Maybe our boat carries a worry. Maybe it carries a hope. Maybe it carries someone you love. Maybe it carries something you’re afraid to try.

Whatever you place in your own little boat, remember this: Jesus meets us in the waves, not just on the shore. He reaches out when we sink. He guides us when we set sail. And he never leaves us alone in the deep.

When I first started discerning what God was asking me to step out and do, someone recommended a book to me. It’s by an American theologian – John Ortberg. We certainly do not share all the same theological perspectives, but his book, ‘If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat’ had a profound effect on me. I bought the audio book and used to listen as I drove along to work (which was usually a long journey as I travelled to my teams across the North West). The author invites you to consider in what ways might Jesus be telling you (in the same way as he did Peter) ‘come’. What did he say to Brendan as he prayed and pushed off his boat into unchartered territories? 

I know what he said to me as I worried, doubted and catastrophised about his call on my life – and I also know how patient He was as I took my time and tried to bargain with him…but that’s for another day!

So, what is he calling to you? Where are the waves lapping at your toes? Are you ready to head into the shallow water and test it, or are you still stood on the sand? Wherever you are, tell people about Jesus and let him meet them and let him lead you, even if only into the paddling pool or a shallow puddle! He loves you and will never let you go! Amen.  

Have a blessed week - Reverend Kirsten x

Our Prayers

Jesus, you meet us in the middle of the waves. 

You call us to step out even when we feel unsure. 

You guide us when we set sail into something new. 

Take the hopes, worries and fears we may place into our own boats and hold them close. 

Strengthen our courage and grow our trust, 

And lead us safely, faithfully and joyfully, wherever you call us next. 

Amen.

Today's final hymn is "Shine, Jesus, Shine"

Notices

From Tuesday this week, Morning Prayer will be said at St Thomas’ Church at 9.00 am and Evening Prayer at 3.30 pm every Tuesday, and at the same times every Thursday at St John’s. Anyone who would like to attend is very welcome, but there is no obligation. 

Sunday Worship 2nd August

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Ninth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "All my Hope on God is Founded"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 14:13-21                       Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Reflection

How many of you are familiar with this Gospel story? One of the reasons we might be so familiar with it is because it’s the only account of a miracle that is featured in all four gospels.

Some think this is because it resonated with the Jews, who related it to the story in Exodus of the feeding of the Israelites who were complaining about the lack of food as they wandered through the desert. God told Moses that he would rain down bread from heaven and each morning there was bread that tasted like wafers coated with honey and everyone had just as much as they needed. 

But in this miracle of the feeding of the five thousand there are some key messages for us - it’s not just about how miraculous the whole story is, it’s about how Jesus responds to the needs of the people and how he uses others to help.

At the very beginning Jesus is looking for a deserted place to be alone with his disciples and have a bit of peace and quiet, because he had been surrounded by people all day wanting to witness the signs he had done and hear his teaching. 

I think we can all empathise with that. Times when it seems like just about everybody wants a piece of you. Someone wanting some of your time - if it’s not a conversation, it’s another email or a WhatsApp message or yet another meeting with someone. Sometimes it seems unrelenting and you just want to find a quiet spot to chill out and relax – to recharge your batteries. 

But it’s clear that was not going to happen for Jesus on this occasion, because people were so eager to be with Jesus that they pursued him wherever he went – there was just no escape.  

And then we have this wonderful moment when, even though he is hungry and tired, Jesus looks at the crowds and is moved with compassion for them. So he rolls his proverbial sleeves up and starts curing and healing the sick who had been brought to him. He puts his own need aside to care others. 

As time goes on, the disciples are clearly getting a bit fed up, and so they suggest that it’s about time Jesus stops and send the people away. They say to him, “the hour is now late; send the crowds away…., so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves”. 

I don’t know if it’s just the way I read the passage but I find Jesus’ response almost comical when he then says to his disciples, “you give them something to eat.” I can just imagine in my head, the utter look of bewilderment and astonishment on their faces. The ‘are you being serious’ expression as they look at the meagre food supplies they have – just five loaves and two fishes! In John’s gospel their shock and disbelief is clear when they reply, “but that would cost half a year’s wages to feed so many!”

But Jesus response is not one of anger, instead he asks them to bring what little they have to him and the first thing he does is to look up to heaven, give thanks and bless the food. In this action he is reminding them and us of God’s presence. He would no doubt have used a Jewish form of ‘grace’, such as, “Blessed are you our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth”. Again reminiscent of God proving manna from heaven in Exodus.” – reminding us that everything we have is provided by God.

And Matthew is also prompting us to think about the Last Supper and what Jesus would go on to sacrifice for the whole world.  

Having blessed the food, Jesus then gives it back to his disciples to share and give to the people who are sat in groups. Jesus doesn’t do everything by himself, he turns to his disciples and asks them to feed the people. He has taken what little they had, blessed it and then returned it to them to do his will, just like God wants us to play our part in building his kingdom on earth.

And though the disciples are embarrassed by how little food there is, Jesus knows all along that, however small their contribution may seem, he is capable of blessing it and making it sufficient to feed everyone and still have some left over. 

How does this story resonate with aspects of our modern lives. Sometimes we can feel almost helpless to make a difference in the world. It can be so easy to cry out in despair, “what can I do?” 

Society is breaking down, there are too many people struggling to feed and clothe their children, there is too much violence and crime happening in our towns, too many youngsters getting caught up in drugs and so much hate around. We might feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work and life in general. 

But we should not give up. When Jesus told the disciples to give the crowds of people something to eat, he took what little they had blessed it and gave it back to them to feed everyone.  

When we feel at our wits end, we too can look at what we have, no matter how small, and we can recognise that we have a friend in Jesus and offer to him what gifts we have, no matter how small, and he will bless them and make them sufficient. 

Jesus can help us to stop focussing on how little we can do, and help us instead to focus on how much He can do. He can help us see how every simple act of kindness can make a real difference in the world.  

This wonderful story of Jesus feeding the five thousand illustrates three key messages: 

- Jesus sought solitude but was compelled by his compassion and desire to change his plans and help those that sought him out instead. Just like the times in our lives when we are called to reprioritise our lives a little when others need us – be that our own children or responding to the needs of a stranger.

- No matter how helpless we may think we are to help, we should never give up in despair and walk away. When it feels like chaos is taking over, God is with us  - he never gives up on us.  

- Jesus shows us that God is always pleased when we play our part - however small we may think that is, be that food, money, time or skills. Because  when we offer what we have to Jesus, he will take it, bless it and make it go further than we can imagine.    Rev. Paul

Our Prayers

Heavenly Father, 

We thank you for all the gifts and blessing in our lives.

Help and guide us to share these with one another

With a joyful and grateful heart.

In Jesus name we pray.

Amen

Today's final hymn is "How Lovely on the Mountains are the Feet of Him"

Notices

We had a joyful celebration on Tuesday at St Thomas' Church to welcome the Reverend Kirsten Stott as Vicar of Leesfield Parish, St Thomas, St Agnes & St Hugh, and St John the Baptist Hey. A brass band, a joint choir from the parishes, bellringers from around our area and a large congregation made for a wonderful start to this new chapter, celebrating God’s faithfulness. 

Please note that next Sunday, the 9th August, is our 'Everyone Together' service at 11.15 at St Thomas' Church, and that there will be no service at St Agnes' Church.

Sunday Worship 26th July

 Sunday Worship

Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.

If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.

Our first hymn this morning is "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"

Today's Gospel

Matthew 13:31-33,44-52                  Parables about the Kingdom of God

Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” 

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Reflection

Today we have a whole bunch of parables about the Kingdom of God, but I’m going to give you just a few thoughts to get you started and some questions, in the hope that you might explore the meaning for yourselves. After all, this was the intended purpose of parables.

We start with two really tiny things – the mustard seed and a small amount of yeast. The mustard seed was the tiniest and most insignificant seed known to the people in the Middle East. Yet as Jesus reminds them, when it has grown it becomes a large and sturdy bush-like tree capable of supporting many nesting birds in its branches. How might we compare this to the growth of God’s Kingdom and those who want to be a part of it?

The yeast only requires a small amount to be mixed with a large volume of flour, but with patience and work to spread it though the dough, it is capable of transforming the dough into something far better and bigger. How might God’s word with our help grow his kingdom and what role might we play? Jesus is showing us what a massive transformative effect the Kingdom can have. 

The next two objects are things of great value. The man who buries the treasure ends up spending a fortune just to keep it to himself and hide it of sight where no one can see it. Do we, who know about the wonderful Kingdom of God, do all we can to show other people or do we perhaps keep it to ourselves? And if so why? What more might we do to share the good news of the Kingdom?

Lastly we have the merchant who searches for a valuable pearl and fully understands its value - so much so that he is willing to give everything he has for it. God’s kingdom is not of this world and is far more precious. What are we willing to give and commit of ourselves in order that we may be transformed to take our place in God’s precious kingdom?     Revd. Paul

Our Prayers

Abba Father, open our eyes to recognise how precious and wonderful your kingdom is.

Let us give you our hearts and minds, that we may fully trust in you,

and help us to spread the seeds of your word,

confident that your kingdom will continue to grow and spread around us. 

We ask this in Jesus’ name. 

Amen

Today's final hymn is "Lord of all Hopefulness"

Notices

We hope that you will join us for Rev Kirsten's Licensing Service on Tuesday. Please see the invitation below.