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.
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.
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.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Seventh 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 "Morning Has Broken"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43Parable of the Weeds
Jesus put before the crowd another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
Reflection
If you’ve ever grown plants from seed you will probably have observed that nearly all seedlings look alike. First there is a tiny little shoot and then one or two leaves start to appear. Nearly all plants look a bit like cress until they start to develop and grow to maturity.
At the early stage, therefore it is impossible to sort out the good plants from the weeds, so nothing can be done about them until they are clearly distinguishable.
However, once the weeds begin to get established, digging them out may not be that easy. Their roots will be intertwined with the roots of the plants we want to keep, and by removing the weeds, we often damage the good plants and so they are less healthy and produce less flowers and seeds.
So the approach of the farmer in todays story is very wise, and provided the weeds don’t starve the wheat they are doing less harm than digging them up. We only have to worry if the weeds are really invasive or like the thorns in last weeks parable, likely to choke and damage the crop.
Ironically, the weeds in our garden are usually wheat stalks which are dropped amongst the flowerbeds or vegetables and herbs when the birds are eating at the bird-feeder.
I have to admit I generally don’t fuss too much about the weeds in our garden, but that’s not because I am lazy and can’t be bothered to get down on my knees and endlessly pull them out – it’s because sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by what grows and, like the seedling in the picture above, I can’t be sure how it will turn out until it has developed into what it is destined to be. It can be quite wonderful when you get something growing that you hadn’t expected.
The message usually focussed on in this parable is that there are bad people and good people in the world, and on the day of judgement, the good people will be saved and the bad people will not.
That is all well and good, but a little too simplistic for me because people are like a field of both wheat and weeds. Everyone has their good sides and bad sides, and we all fall short of what God wants us to be from time to time. Nonetheless, we are all capable of being what God wants us to be, and like the farmer, God doesn’t give up on us.
Because He loves, He is always willing to hear us when we reflect and say sorry, and give us the opportunity to change our ways. We are given the opportunity as we go though our lives to develop and mature into the wheat plant we were intended to be.
In the field in which we live, there will be amongst us those who are bad people, criminals, and those who would harm one another or take advantage of us. There are also those who we dislike because they associate with the wrong sort of people. But it’s important that we are not too quick to make assumptions about people, based on where they live or who they mix with; because like the immature plant, (which is not easy to distinguish from any other plant), we may be making harmful and incorrect judgements.
It’s not our job to judge others, and certainly when we don’t know enough about them or their circumstances. Sometimes, people are dragged into situations or lifestyles they don’t want to be part of, and looking for the chance to change their lives and grow into the ‘good wheat’. Even good people make mistakes and we need to give everyone chance to mature and become what God wants us to be.
Let’s not worry about the weeds in the other fields, but focus on the weeds in our own lives. Despite the dire warning of judgement in this passage, there is a message of hope, that when we focus on looking after the garden that is our own life, we can all be saved.
Happy gardening. Revd. Paul
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father,
You plant us as seeds, to grow to what you call us to be;
Help us not to judge others in the field as good or bad,
Help us to acknowledge what is good and bad in ourselves,
And help us to develop and grow the good in ourselves, and in others.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
Today's final hymn is "God Forgave my Sin in Jesus' Name"
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Sixth Sunday after Trinity. Today we have just one service in the parish - our 'Everyone Together' service at 11.15 am at St Thomas' Church.
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 "My Jesus, My Saviour"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23Parable of the Sower
Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Reflection
In today’s story, Jesus tells us about a farmer throwing seeds onto the ground. God’s word is like the seed that the farmer sows, which needs to be fed and nourished, and our hearts are like the ground that the seed lands on – they need to be soft and fertile.
Some hit the path - What happens to the seed on the ground? Nothing, the birds took it away. In this example we hear about God’s word but we are much too busy with other things in life to take any notice. Maybe, playing games or looking at our mobile phone. We don’t really listen and so it has no impact on us. It never has any chance to grow in our hearts - and God’s word is simply wasted on us.
Some hit rocks - In this case we might hear the story and understand what it means - but we don’t let it take root. We actually like what Jesus stands for because he’s always doing and saying good things.
But although we hear the good news, deep down we don’t have the heart to live like Jesus – because being good all the time can be hard at times. Sometimes other people might make fun of us for being a do-gooder. So whilst we like what we hear our faith is weak because we don’t let it put down roots in our hearts.
Some fell among the thorns and the weeds - In this instance we let our everyday business crowd out our good intentions. We care about God and doing what is right – but we don’t always follow through with things because we are more concerned about ourselves.
The weeds and thorns represent worries and concerns that we face in our daily lives. Sometimes we are so concerned for ourselves and our family that we have little time or energy to think about anyone else.
We want to have the best lifestyle possible and do the things that make us happy. We are too busy thinking about how we look after ourselves that we completely forget about all those who are less well off or those suffering in the world.
So whilst we have the means or ability to love and support one another, even if it’s in a small way, we simply don’t get around to it.
Some of the seeds landed on good soil - They didn't just grow; they exploded into a harvest that was many times bigger than the tiny seed!
Think about a seed for a second. It looks small and weak, kind of like a tiny speck or pebble. You could step on it and never even notice. But inside that tiny shell is the blueprint for a giant tree that can provide shade for hundreds of birds and fruit for an entire village.
God’s Word is the same! When we hear God’s word at school or in church, he is planting his seeds of goodness in our hearts. That might be just a "small" thought, but if you remember it and think about it, it will sink into your heart and grow.
It might be a thought like, remembering God loves each of us and wants us to love one another. Instead of letting the seed die or wither, how might we make that seed grow in our hearts? What might we do to show love or kindness to someone?
Perhaps a kind word to someone who looks upset or sad. Saying hello to new children at school or new workmates. Sharing something like sweets or crisps in the breaktime, or giving a small donation to charity.
Maybe, giving someone a lift to school or work, or maybe a simple smile – have you ever noticed how people nearly always smile back. How do you feel when someone who passes by smiles at you? Does it make you a little bit happier? There are lots of little things we can all do that don’t even cost us anything, but can make other people feel happier.
And when people feel happier they want to make even more people feel happy, and they feel like doing something kind for someone else, and then those people want to make someone else happy – and before we know that one simple act of kindness has turned into hundreds of acts of kindness. Like the seed in the story, it has multiplied hundreds of times.
When we hear the good news of Jesus, let us take time to listen and let it flourish within us. Let us keep listening even if we don’t get it right first time, because Jesus does not give up on the field - when we let him, he is willing to clear the rocks and the weeds and plant more seed in our hearts.
Rev. Paul
Our Prayers
Let’s all pray for good and soft hearts.
"Jesus, I want my heart to be good soil.
Come into our lives and grow something amazing in us."
Amen
Today's final hymn is "You Shall Go Out With Joy"
Notices
We are really pleased to announce that the Licensing Service of Rev Kirsten will take place on Tuesday 28th July at St Thomas' Church. More details are included in the poster below.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am 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 11:16-19, 25-30
Jesus said to the crowd, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Reflection
I’m writing this reflection at the end of a couple of extraordinary weeks.
Ahead of my ordination, I went away for a silent retreat at a monastery near Lancaster with my fellow ordinands preparing for the first stage of ministry as a Deacon. It was a time of deep reflection and inward searching, thinking about how will life change and how we have each responded to God’s call on our lives. For some of us that period of discernment has taken many years.
This week has been a week of adjusting to change. Putting on a clerical collar for the first time before I had a meeting with the Bishop did, I have to admit, feel a bit weird. Of course, over the years, the Bishop has met many new clergy who would have felt equally strange in the moment. I am quite sure that he too will recall the moment he first put the collar on.
But for all that sense of strangeness, there is no doubt that I have done what God is calling me to do – even at my age!
Rev. Kirsten has advised me to get used to being seen in my clerical shirt and go out and about in the village. For want of a better phrase, a form of acclimatisation if you like, similar to the England football team who need to get used to playing at high altitude ahead of the game in Mexico tonight.
It’s about getting used to people’s reaction and how folk behave towards me. Or moreover me getting used to how people react to a representative of the Church. That’s church with a capital ‘C’ because it’s about being openly seen as part of God’s wider church.
Reading todays gospel passage made me realise, it’s also about judgment. What assumptions people make about us – not only because of what we wear, but also many other things:-
How we speak – do we sound well educated and well spoken, or regional with a local accent? Thankfully we don’t have to listen to pristine BBC English on the radio and TV any longer!
Maybe we are judged based on our occupation, remember when people used to be categorised as working class (blue collar), middle class (white collar) or upper class (usually independently wealthy)?
Or perhaps we are judged by who we associate with. Do we gravitate to the better off or the poorer in society? Maybe we chose to mix with younger people or older people?
But judgement can be double edged, because what we might think about someone is only part of the story. What’s more important is how we as individuals react to and treat people. Because when we start treating people according to stereotypes and our pre-conceived perceptions, it is ultimately we who will be judged.
When John The Baptist began baptising people in the River Jordan, thousands of people flocked to receive a baptism of repentance. Then, as we hear above, he was seen as a man possessed by demons because of his austere diet and strange clothing. Attitudes changed.
Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard because he accepted the hospitality of those around him who wanted to learn more about the kingdom of God. He was judged harshly for mixing with and befriending tax collectors and sinners!
There is a fine line between having the gift of good judgement and being judgemental. There is a well known saying, ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’. When we fail to look past what is on the outside and start making judgements about people we don’t even know, or assess people without any awareness of their circumstances, then we, like the Pharisees in Jesus’ time, become hypocrites, not people of good judgement.
We all need to look past what we see or what might be on the surface, and be prepared to talk and listen to others from every walk of life. Jesus welcomes everyone, he has excellent judgement but is never judgemental. Jesus is always prepared to give people the benefit of the doubt and mix with everyone without favour or prejudice, as should we.
Rev. Paul
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for who we are,
That you made all of us in your image.
Help us to respect one another
To love and respect each other for who we are
And to show compassion to all your children.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "O Lord My God (How Great Thou Art)"
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' or Sunday School at St Thomas'.
It was with great joy that we celebrated the Ordination as Deacon of Rev Paul last Sunday at Manchester Cathedral, followed by a welcome party at St Thomas' Church and a joint Benefice Eucharist at St John the Baptist, Hey.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday after Trinity.
We have no Church Services this morning in Leesfield, as many of us will be attending Paul's ordination as Deacon at Manchester Cathedral.
There will be a Celebration Eucharist at St John the Baptist Church, Hey at 6 pm, and everyone is most welcome to attend.
If you are unable to be with us, you will find resources below to worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 10:40-end The Smallest Act of Love
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous, and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Reflection
‘The Smallest Act of Love’
How have you all been coping with the extreme heat this past week? The sunshine has been glorious, but really, the temperatures have probably been a little bit much for most of us. It gets hard to do simple tasks, doesn’t it, when the heat is draining you so much? And we aren’t alone in struggling with it, our pets too find it difficult to do what they normally do. Our cat, Eric, has barely come inside, preferring to lie under the bench or under a shrub outside. Our dog, Stella (originally from Gran Canaria, so probably used to the heat more than us) has barely gone for a walk each evening, choosing to just sleep the days away, sometimes in the sun and often in the cool of the tiled floor. It’s funny how animals have different coping mechanisms when things ‘change’. Stella is not great at drinking – if we give her a bowl of water, she reverses away from it, so we have to disguise liquid – with her food, and we have to use a special ‘dog mug’ that we pretend to drink from, before putting it on the floor, then she will drink the water. She will also drink from a water bottle or empty ‘pop’ bottle, but it gets very messy!
But the easiest way to get her to drink is to make her a ‘doggy brew’ – water with a splash of milk, and the teabag you have just discarded dipped into it. Then she drinks it all (from her own mug, of course). We can only presume that this is something to do with her ‘past life’ on the streets in Gran Canaria. I would love to know what is behind this (and multiple other) strange behaviours she displays, but we have to just accept that we will never know - and probably, we are better off not knowing, as we might struggle to deal with the facts if we had them. So, we ‘go along’ with her quirky behaviour!
Sometimes we might find other humans traits or cultures, or ‘quirkiness’ difficult to understand, but we might struggle more to manage those than we do with those of an unusual dog!
That is where I found myself when looking at the Gospel reading for Sunday – (and of course, because of Paul’s ordination service at the cathedral, I do not have to preach on the gospel this weekend)!
Jesus has had a few weeks of ‘tough love’ messages as we have travelled through Matthew recently. He has talked of division, judgement, hatred - all as a result of following him. He has likened himself to a sword (which I fear is often misinterpreted). But today, at the end of a chapter full of challenge, Jesus offers a quiet promise: every act of welcome matters. He reminds us that when we receive another person with kindness, we are receiving him — and even the smallest gesture, “a cup of cold water,” carries weight in the kingdom of God. (Or maybe a cup of cold water designed as a ‘doggy brew’, or anything else that doesn’t seem hugely significant).
It’s easy to believe that only big, impressive acts count. But Jesus flips that on its head. The unnoticed kindness, the steady faithfulness, the simple hospitality — these are the places where the space between earth and heaven is a thin place, a place where the veil is almost lifted. The “little ones” matter, and so do the little things we do for them.
In a world that prizes noise and achievement, Matthew today invites us back to the quiet, holy work of welcome. A smile. A listening ear. A moment of patience. A cup of cold water. None of it is wasted. All of it is seen.
Amen
Rev Kirsten
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father,
In a world where sometimes it seems that all we hear about is cruelty, division, mistrust and unhappiness, let us remember that everything we do counts.
All is seen.
When the problems of the world might seem too big for us to ever be able to make a difference, let us always be ready to offer a cup of cold water to any who might need it.
Out of the tiniest mustard seed can grow an entire tree, big enough for all who need shade!
Amen.
Today's final hymn is "A New Commandment I Give Unto You"
Welcome to Sunday Worship on the Third 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 "New Every Morning is the Love"
Today's Bible Reading
Jeremiah 20:7-13 Poor Jeremiah
Now the priest Pashhur son of Immer, who was chief officer in the house of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things. Then Pashhur struck the prophet Jeremiah and put him in the stocks that were in the upper Benjamin Gate of the house of the Lord. The next morning when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The Lord has named you not Pashhur but ‘Terror-all-around.’
For thus says the Lord: I am making you a terror to yourself and to all your friends, and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies while you look on. And I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon; he shall carry them captive to Babylon and shall kill them with the sword. I will give all the wealth of this city, all its gains, all its prized belongings, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah into the hand of their enemies, who shall plunder them and seize them and carry them to Babylon. And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, shall go into captivity, and to Babylon you shall go; there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely.”
Jeremiah Denounces His Persecutors
O Lord, you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you have overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I must cry out; I must shout, “Violence and destruction!”
For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
If I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones;
I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”
All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him and take our revenge on him.”
But the Lord is with me like a terrifying warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten.
O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous; you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.
Reflection
Poor Jeremiah
I thought I would concentrate on the Old Testament reading today – my heart goes out to Jeremiah, often called the ‘Weeping Prophet’ because of how deep his lament is. God has given Jeremiah a fairly big task – he has called him at a very young age (maybe only about 17 years old) to prophesy to the people of Judah about the error of their ways and instructing them basically, to ‘surrender’ to the Babylonians. Jeremiah tells God at the start of his book that he is too young to manage the people and to prophesy to them, and God simply tells him ‘I have called you by name – get on with it’! he touches Jeremiah’s mouth and tells him ‘I have given you the words now’. Jeremiah is ridiculed and mocked by the people, he is thrown into prison, he is beaten relentlessly by the priests and put in the stocks. Wherever he goes, people are quick to tell him they wish he was dead rather than them have to put up with him. No wonder he is weeping!
By our reading today, Jeremiah is desperately raging at God – telling him he is a laughing stock, that even his close friends plot to be rid of him. He complains that when he tries not to mention God, it rises up in him like a burning fire, and he is forced to do God’s will. But he finishes his angry tirade by saying, ‘God’s desire for the people will overshadow whatever they do – that they will be shamed for their actions, and justice will prevail’.
I was in a situation this past week where it felt like a tiny percentage of what Jeremiah was encountering. I had been asked to talk and deliver a message to a group who were about to encounter change and to try and ease them through it. My best attempts mainly fell on deaf ears, loud voices that challenged and drowned out everything that was said to them. I was challenged, and the words used were mocked and ignored. It felt at times that there was a definite ‘Spiritual block’ at play, a force that did not want any mention of the gospel to be shared in that room. Over the course of the afternoon, I could have run away at a number of points, but I didn’t – I knew that what we were delivering was good and useful to the group, even though we could only skim the surface because of their reluctance to engage.
As I left that place, feeling a bit bewildered and very low in spirits, I began to reflect on what had occurred. What I had encountered was only what we are all guilty of, some of the time. When we ‘cherry pick’ what we might want to hear and quickly disregard the bits that don’t sit so well. I had done the same at Clergy Conference recently – engaging fully with the parts I enjoyed and wanted to be a part of and being less open to the parts I personally found uncomfortable. (Granted not quite so vocally or rudely, but internally, the same – which is known to God who knows what is on our hearts and minds)!
Our passage from Jeremiah shows us that firstly, it is fine to disagree and be sad and frustrated with what God asks of us – hand it up in prayer and leave it with God!
Secondly, just as Jeremiah felt, when we try to avoid what God has asked of us, it bubbles up like a fire and we find it hard to avoid.
But for me the strongest lesson is that we will, sometimes, be ridiculed for our beliefs – exactly as Jeremiah was. He was standing up for the truth as God has asked – I was delivering a message that I had been asked to do. But we must persevere – keep telling the gospel and reassuring people of how much God loves them, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Thankfully, my endurance just left me feeling sad and needing a couple of paracetamols – poor old Jeremiah was beaten, imprisoned and had threats on his life wherever he went – (I did say I had only encountered a tiny percentage)!
Whatever God asks of you this week, be honest, persevere and know that his love will conquer all.
Amen.
Rev Kirsten
Our Prayers
(The Collect for Purity)
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may love you completely,
and rightly magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Today's final hymn is "There are Hundreds of Sparrows"
Notices
Next Sunday there will be no morning services at either St Agnes’ or St Thomas’ due to Paul’s ordination as deacon.
The Ordination Service is at 10.30 am at Manchester Cathedral
Bring and Share drop-in buffet at St Thomas’ from 3 to 5 pm
