Exile's long walk: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

---

Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All hail the power of Jesus’ name.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24) 

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our readings are Acts 7:55-69 and 1 Peter 2:11-3:9 read by David from St Mary’s and Catherine from All Saints’.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.

from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7

Reflection: Exile's long walk

Hymn

Prayers

Today’s prayers are led by Margaret from All Saints’ in the video below.

Collect

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.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

It is well with my soul.

---

Seeking Help

We know from research and statistics that at times of close social proximity instances of domestic abuse increase. People are at home and may be unable to escape the risks they face during this lockdown period.

Should you have any concerns about a person you know or are yourself worried or experiencing difficulty about domestic abuse, please seek help. If you are at immediate risk you should call the Police immediately using 999,

• Speak to a trusted friend or to the Vicar at allsaintsgobowen@gmail.com

• Speak to one of our Safeguarding Coordinators.

• Call the West Mercia Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 783 1359 or the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.

• In an emergency, dial 999.

Built Together: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

---

Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All people that on earth do dwell.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Please read our first reading from Acts 2:42-47.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
(from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7)

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 2:4-10.

Hymn

This song rejoices in God’s work to build us together into Christ our sure foundation.

Prayers

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.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Lets sing of Jesus. As Peter quotes the LORD saying, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6)

Hope & Holiness: Church at Home

Dear friends,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

I hope you find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord. This week you are also invited to join us for a mingle and virtual coffee after church.  The details are below.

My very many thanks to Alan Reynolds and Mikey for putting together last weeks service resources. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. (My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Church Coffee on Zoom

We miss not meeting in person so after church this week you are invited to join us to mingle and meet on 'Zoom' this Sunday at 12 noon. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. Please contact us if you would like to be sent the link.

---

Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

Jesus shall reign

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our first reading is from Acts 2:36-41, and is read to us by Betty from St. Mary's.

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.

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 1:13-2:2.

Hymn

Our next hymn rejoices "blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah".

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Barbara from All Saints' in the video below. 

Today's Collect

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:12–13)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Our final hymn lifts our eyes to our great hope that leads to holiness. All my hope on God is founded.

Living Hope: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well. Here are some resources that I hope will help you as we each have church at home this Sunday. I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are also invited to join us for our ‘Prayer Supper’ at 6:00pm this Sunday evening via Zoom. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. If you would like to be sent a link to join us, please email mikeyreade@hotmail.co.uk.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

Alleluia, Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Hymn

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord.

Preparation

Open our eyes, Lord - enlarge our seeing.
Open our hearts, Lord - increase our faith and love.
Open our minds, Lord - deepen our knowing.

Often we do not live the Lord's abundant life:
Lord have mercy - Christ have mercy - Lord have mercy.

Word of God

Our reading this Sunday is 1 Peter 1:1-12. Please read this, then let's join together in affirming our faith:

We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Life
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Love
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Light
Blessed be you O God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Reflection: Living Hope

The First Letter of Peter gives us an uplifting Easter message:

"[The Father] has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” (1 Peter 1:3)

The problem we have is both life and hope are easily crushed.

At the moment our globally interconnected world is being shaken to the core by COVID-19.

Life is profoundly changing – probably not just temporarily; assumptions of the last 60 years or so are being challenged.

This is not so different from those early Christian/Jewish communities, written to as the “Exiles of the Dispersion” (1 Peter 1:2), in present day Turkey.  Once these were strong Christian centres, but Rome would bring a ‘fiery test’ to these young churches.

‘Living Hope’ - raises embattled spirits both then and today.  To look beyond the present moment and crisis to a Hope that lifts us into eternity.  Not to escape the present – but to enable us to meet the moment with renewed energy and compassion.

There is a big contrast and division between:

• Hope founded upon this world - as even with good humanitarian actions, we are good at spoiling things (see the 7 deadly sins), and

• Hope founded upon the source of life and Hope – God whom we meet in Jesus.

The “Living Hope” flows on into an ‘inheritance’  (1 Peter 1:4) that is:

• ‘imperishable’:   It cannot be spoilt, or taken away (yet we trust the perishable)

• ‘undefiled’:   It cannot be corrupted by human action/sin. (yet we constantly recycle our sins)

• ‘unfading’:   It will last!  All that is around us will change, even the mountains and seas, even the world’s botoxed beauty will change!  This Living Hope comes with a Resurrection guarantee.

In the meantime, life goes on.  After the apparent catastrophe of Good Friday, there is Easter.  Everything now takes on a deeper, richer form, within the unique stream of life that flows from the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Spirit.

Here, then, is:

• the Love of Christ – that embraces all.

• the Light of Christ – to lead and inspire in the pilgrimage.

• the Life of Christ – that we now see to be an eternal Living Hope.

Hymn

You are the king of glory.

Intercession

We pray for all working in the NHS and support services.

We pray for Governments worldwide - for wise leadership and decision making.

We pray for those who are sick, troubled, fearful and bereaved.

O Lord, we bring

{name/situation}     in their weakness, for your strengthening.

....................    in sickness, for your healing.

....................    in trouble, for your guidance.

....................    in authority, for your leading.

Today's Collect

Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Hymn

Thine be the glory.

Conclusion

Thank you O Lord,
your steadfast love never ceases.
Your mercies are new ever morning,
great is your faithfulness.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.

Church at Home, Easter Sunday

Dear friends, 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Our warmest greetings to you at this Eastertime.  Over the coming days, although we can’t meet in person, we can unite in prayer. With so much to pray for, I particularly pray that the riches of hope and mercy found in our risen Lord would be found by many over the coming days.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

I hope you find the service a real encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preparation

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." (John 20:19–20)

Alleluia! Christ in risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Hymn

Christ the Lord is risen today

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn of praise

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;

Word of God

Our first reading for Easter Sunday is John 20:1-18. Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:
THE NICENE CREED

On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is,
seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.

Easter Reflection

Please turn to Acts 10:34-43, which is read for us by Denise from All Saints’ in the video below.

Hymn

In Christ alone

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Mikey from All Saints' by video. 

Today's Collect

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Say out loud for all to hear:

"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Thine be the glory

Good Friday Reflection

If you want to catch up on our live Good Friday meeting, the video we saw is here for watching again

Maundy Thursday: Church at Home

Dear friends, 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Our warmest greetings to you at this Eastertime.  Over the coming days, although we can’t meet in person, we can unite in prayer. With so much to pray for, I particularly pray that the riches of hope and mercy found in our risen Lord would be found by many over the coming days.

Below in this email are some resources for using on Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday, you are invited to join in a live service via ‘Zoom’ at 10am. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. If you would like to be sent a link to join us, please get in touch.

On Saturday I will send some resources to celebrate Easter Sunday. For families you will want to gather some A4 paper and scissors to join in with the talk.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

---

Maundy Thursday Resources

Hymn

Brothers and sisters, let's join together in singing of our wonderful Lord who sealed our pardon by his blood. Hallelujah! What a saviour!

Readings

Our readings lead us through the events of Jesus' last evening with his disciples.  As we read, here are some questions to help us reflect and apply God's word to our hearts.  

Read John 13:1-17

• Reflect on Jesus as the one who serves his people

Read John 13:18-30

• Reflect on Jesus as the one betrayed by his own

Read John 13:31-14:14

• Reflect on Jesus as the one who keeps his people safe

Prayers

Please turn in prayer in response to what you have read, for yourself, your friends and family, our church, our community, nation and world.
 
The Collect for Peace

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both, our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that, by thee, we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

The Collect for Aid against all Perils

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Conclusion

As we conclude, we can join together in this reminder of God's never-failing grace.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

The King's Testimony: Church at home, Sunday 5th April

Dear friends, 

My warmest greetings to you as we prepare to celebrate the events of Easter.  It is perhaps the first time in church history when Christians globally have not been able to meet in person.  To help us celebrate this year:

• On Maundy Thursday I plan to send some resources for use at home.

• On Good Friday, I'll send resources too, but I hope you can join us on a live video service too (I'll send details nearer the time).

• And on Easter day, we'll celebrate in our homes like this with some videoed sections.

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions, please just get in touch to let me know how I can help. Remember that if you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

I hope you find this service an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preparation

“O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

This hymn calls us to join in to celebrate Christ as our conquering king:

Word of God

Our first reading for Palm Sunday is Matthew 21:1-11.  Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:

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.

The King’s Testimony

Alan from St Mary's is reading Psalm 118 for us today. If you have a Bible you might like to turn to it. The video below includes the reading and sermon.

Song

You may want to listen to or sing along with this song of Christ's victory and good rule in our lives.

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Thomas from All Saints' by video. 

Today's Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
 
Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Say out loud for all to hear:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”
(Psalms 118:1–4)

Hymn

Our closing hymn is a modern setting of 'All creatures of our God and king' reminding us of his care for us in his good kingdom and rule.

Out of the Depths

Dear friends, 

I hope you are keeping well.  Here are some resources that I hope will help you as we each have “church at home” this Sunday.  I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.  
I hope you'll enjoy sharing this together. If you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here as well as resources sheets being sent out by email (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com).

Preparation

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him," (Nahum 1:7)
 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn

To God be the glory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15v9iworAU)
 

Word of God

This morning our reading and sermon can be found in the video below.  Thank you to Katie from All Saints' for reading for us.  Here is the passage:

Psalm 130

            A song of ascents.
1    Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
2                       Lord, hear my voice.
            Let your ears be attentive
                        to my cry for mercy.
3           If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
                        Lord, who could stand?
4           But with you there is forgiveness,
                        so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5           I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
                        and in his word I put my hope.
6           I wait for the Lord
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning,
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7           Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
                        for with the LORD is unfailing love
                        and with him is full redemption.
8           He himself will redeem Israel
                        from all their sins.
 
Our other readings today are Romans 8.6-11 and John 11.1-45.
 

Prayers

Our prayers are led by video by Bethan, Maggie and Kath from Selattyn.

Our collect for today 

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.

Conclusion

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:13–14)

Hymn

Our final hymn uses the tune to 'Abide with me' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnEx_Cv-QB8)

If we're with the Shepherd, we're ok

Dear friends, 

You are all very much in my prayers and thoughts as we have our first Sunday apart. Below is some guidance so we can join together in spirit as we pray and praise together in our homes this Sunday. As ever, please be in touch if I can help in any way, or for a chat. 

Church at home for Mothering Sunday

Preparation

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.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

What is essential for life?  Who helps provide it for you?

Who looks after you and who do you look after?  What can we give thanks for about these people?

Today is Mothering Sunday when Christians have traditionally returned to the church they grew up in (which often meant they visited their Mothers too).  Whatever our experience from our own parents, this is a time to give thanks for those who have looked after us over the years, both spiritually and physically. And also to give thanks to our wonderfully gracious Lord and Shepherd who looks after us in green pastures or dark valleys.

Spend some time in prayers of thanks.

Sing: Great is thy faithfulness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTKIqmdfHSk)

Word of God

Read Psalm 23 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+23&version=NIVUK)

(Other readings set for today are Ephesians 5.8-14, John 9.1-41)

Listen (or sing along) to this modern setting of the psalm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXPPzuCJMCs

If we're with the Shepherd we're OK.  Many people love this psalm for how comforting it is, and what a comfort it is.  It takes us through various scenes and circumstances of life.  But it's not about a triumphant super-sheep able to survive in any tough place.  This psalm takes us to the perfect shepherd, our LORD.  If we are with him, we're ok.  The sheep doesn't have to be clever or strong, wise or resilient but just needs to stick with the Shepherd.

• in verses 1-3, he provides for all we need

• in verse 3, he guides us to a beautiful God-honouring life

• in verse 4, he protects us, in hardship, although not from hardship

• in verse 5, the honour of a close relationship with the king

• in verse 6, the security of a blessed and peaceful future with him.

Jesus is the ultimate good Shepherd.  Our confidence in hard times is in the Shepherd who has proved his commitment to us.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)

Because he has laid down his life for us, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  If we're with the shepherd, we're ok. 

Prayers

Include prayers of confession and prayers for those you are concerned for.

Good Shepherd of our souls, we thank you for those you have given to care for us through the years and for your unfailing and tender love through good times and hard.  Please keep us safe in your hand and help us to trust you, day by day. Amen.

Merciful Lord, absolve your people from their offences, that through your bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the chains of those sins which by our frailty we have committed; grant this, heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Conclusion

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Sing: Guide me O my great Redeemer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAN4EojeF0Y)

Families & Lighthouse Sunday School

In place of Lighthouse, we would love you, the parents, to run a short family worship session. You can tell your children that all the other Lighthouse children will be doing the same thing at roughly the same time - to create a sense of togetherness even though we're not together in body.

Here's the plan:

• Download the New City Catechism App: http://newcitycatechism.com/mobile-apps/  

• Don't be put off by the word 'catechism'.  It just means a summary of what Christians believe in question and answer form. 

• Select 'children's mode' (top right hand corner)

• Read the question e.g.  What is our only hope in life and death? (We're suggesting Question 1 for this Sunday, then one question per week)

• If your child is old enough get them to then read the answer, or you read it to them.  Perhaps practice memorising the question and answer by hiding the screen and seeing if they can remember it.

• Read out the Bible verse or ask your child to do it (icon at bottom left of screen).

• Listen to the song (icon at bottom right of screen).  Repeat and join in if you would like to.

• Read out the prayer - or get your child to read it out (icon at bottom middle right of screen)

You may also like this new song from Keith & Kristyn Getty based on this catechism question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibIi1rz7mw

With very many thanks and warmest prayers and greetings from us,

Steve