Dear Friends,
Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This week’s reflection has been prepared by Mikey Reade from All Saints’. Romans 5-8 helps us explore the life-changing truths of the gospel so that we might be overflowing in praise, united in worship and sent out in mission.
We greatly long to be able to meet once again in person. We’re not yet able to do that, but churches are now allowed to open for private prayer where social distancing and resources allow. We feel it is not yet the right time to open St Mary’s and I’d be happy to chat about how we’ve come to that decision. We’re preparing so that in due course we might be able to offer the church building for small funerals sometime next month.
We are hopeful that All Saints’ Gobowen can open on Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm. Any are welcome to come for private prayer. A welcomer will be there to help explain hygiene and social distancing for all our safety.
Later today is our monthly Prayer Supper online at 6pm. We will use the same meeting link as for our virtual ‘coffee time’ at 12 noon. Please email if you would like to be sent the link.
With my prayers,
Steve
Preparation
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1,2)
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 perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign
Confession
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20)
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
(Romans 3:22–23)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name.
Amen.
Hear this promise for all who turn to Christ: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Word of God
Our first reading is Matthew 10:24-39.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Sermon: Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase?
Please turn to Romans 6:1-14.
Hymn: ‘Tis Finished, the Messiah dies
Prayers
Our prayers this week are led by Betty from St Mary’s (recorded by phone).
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues; without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.