Week beginning June 25th

 We are going on holiday for three weeks.  We are posting services for the next three Sundays in advance.  You can view them at any time, but some will want to view one each week.

Virtual service June 25^th

Servant king

Master, speak! Thy servant heareth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raPJHiezEhw

1 Samuel 3: 1 – 21

The Lord calls Samuel

1 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.

Samuel answered, ‘Here I am.’ 5 And he ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’

But Eli said, ‘I did not call; go back and lie down.’ So he went and lay down.

6 Again the Lord called, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’

‘My son,’ Eli said, ‘I did not call; go back and lie down.’

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

8 A third time the Lord called, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’

Then Eli realised that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’

Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’

11 And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family – from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family for ever because of the sin he knew about; his sons uttered blasphemies against God,[a] and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, “The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.”’

15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, ‘Samuel, my son.’

Samuel answered, ‘Here I am.’

17 ‘What was it he said to you?’ Eli asked. ‘Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.’ 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, ‘He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.’

19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognised that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh ,(about 20miles or 21km north of Jerusalem) and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

Prayer

Lord Gods speak into my heart let me hear your voice.

I am not worthy even to be in your presence, but I trust in you, I want to be what you want me to be.

Do not cast me from your love, do not take your spirit from me. For I love you Lord, give me faith to love you more each passing day. My sin is ever before me but you are forgiving O God. For great is you mercy and on that I depend. Lord make me a servant for serving every one I meet. Amen

Lord, make me a mountain standing tall for You,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN_OYOHbafs

Jesus explained to his followers that their practice of leadership was to be distinctly different than the self-seeking, self-serving, and domineering style of leadership often found in the world:

Mark 10: 35-44;

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Servant King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-IxT-2_jRg

John 13: 1-17

13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesu’ Jesu’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA6NPDpTjUc

in Jesus’ day only the lowest of the servants would wash the feet of his master’s guests. That is why Peter was indignant and not wanting Jesus to wash his feet. Only when Christ explained what he was doing was Peter more than willing and said you might as well wash the rest of me. Jesus’ reply was so human, look Jesus explained, you are clean it’s only your feet that need doing.

The lowest of the low job, this is to show Peter how he too needs to become like his Lord.

The hymn you have just heard and sung speaks of Christ as the servant king but also telling us how we should be willing to serve others

Are you willing to follow his example?

Prayer

Help me to be more like you O Lord, Help me to become a servant to others.

Help me to proclaim the gospels message. For Yours is the glory and the power wisdom and might

I give you thanks for your infinite love which is never ceasing.

May your peace be with me and in me this day and always.

Amen

Ye servants of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptLLr_WjCz8

Week beginning 18th June

  We are going on holiday for three weeks.  We are posting services for the next three Sundays in advance.  You can view them at any time, but some will want to view one each week.

Sound the battle cry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5p2LOGYJu0

We see all around us the hurt of war;

the divisions in the home, in the classroom at work, but yes most definitely in the Church. I am not talking of the building, I am meaning The people, yes you and me.

How things are put away, who brings the refreshments, who and where, the hymn books and bible are stored. The devil also loves getting into the choirs and the music, anything to undermine the true work of God and the love we have for each other. Therefore we are told to protect ourselves from the evil one. Open your eyes to how we treat each other. These are not easy words to write or for you to read, but we can overcome and be bound to each other and build each other up in love

Bind us together Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPCfks7I_bU

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armour of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Prayer.

Heavenly Lord Help me to pray to you each day, be with me in all my activities.

Give me courage to speak about you when the opportunities arise.

Be with ……., ……….., Fill them with you peace.

Help me to learn to forgive when I am hurt, as you yourself, forgive me when I err.

May your love fill my heart that I may feel you with in me.

I bring to you all the things that are worrying me ……………………….

Lord God thank you for teaching me how to pray, join me with all Christians through out the world as I say the prayer Jesus our saviour taught his disciples.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer is the souls sincere desire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgQFlX4q5Bk

St Paul writes to the Ephesians but who were they? Please look at the following

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/12/23/who-were-the-ephesians-in-the-bible/

The New Christians needed encouragement and guidance to better understand what it meant to live into their new identity in Christ. Faith armour it is not tangle but spiritual the pieces are put on through the Holy Spirit.

Lets look at each piece of Armour

The Belt of truth. By speaking the truth you do not have a long memory to cover up lies,

buckle it up around the waist so it can not fall off it there as a reminder to speak the truth.

The Breastplate This covers the heart & protects the love that is placed there by God It is to give strength to stand firm let your yes be yes and your no be no.

The Feet

God gives our feet protection ready to move to his will and to walk in His ways of peace, peace that brings reconciliation.

The Shield

Carry the shielded of faith with it you can guard against temptation and aggregation. Protects the gospel of His word from mockers.

The Helmet of salvation

A helmet gives protection of the brain it protects against evil, the same evil that wanted to bring down Jesus, but Satan lost.

God is in our heads and our hearts, with our brains we understand the teachings of Christ.

With our hearts we feel His love.

The sword of the Spirit

The sword which is the Holy living word of God, Our Holy Bible through His word we can stand up for Jesus as His spiritual soldiers.

Stand up stand up for Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8zdkG4i2Ic

Prayer

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and at my departing.

Amen

Source: Attributed to Old Sarum Primer, also attributed to Pynson’s Horae, 1514

Week beginning 11th June

 We are going on holiday for three weeks.  We are posting services for the next three Sundays in advance.  You can view them at any time, but some will want to view one each week.

God is in His temple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_ALyULYu-o

Prayer

Lord God build in me a dwelling place where your Holy Spirit may live within.

Take away my sins, blot out my transgressions. Fill me with your peace. Amen

Moses and the building of the tabernacle. ~(the portable sanctuary or a large building or tent)

Exodus 35: 4 – 35

4 Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded. 5 Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; 6 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair, 7 tanned rams' skins, and goatskins;  acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 9 and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

10 “Let every skilful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded: 11 the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 12 the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; 13 the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 14 the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 and the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18 the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; 19 the finely worked garments for ministering  in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests.”

20 Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. 22 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. 23 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats' hair or tanned rams' skins or goatskins brought them. 24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord's contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. 25 And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 26 All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats' hair. 27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, 28 and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. 29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

Construction of the Tabernacle

30 Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. 34 And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.

Ephesians 4:7-16,

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high, he took many captive  and gave gifts to his people.”

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?

10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

For I’m building a people of power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBzYSONApJU

This is wonderful poem by Jim Pemberton

“Many in the Church.”

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/many_in_church_dont_know_gods_power_510858

IS God asking you to help build His church? This does not need to be a building, the Church is the people of God. Congregations meet in many ways; some in buildings and Chapels, others in rooms of Schools and houses. Others in coffee/tea shops. Some are forced to meet in secret to talk in code for the sake of their families. To be a Christian can be life frightening.

Some meet through the technology of the internet, the power and work of the Holy Spirit

is always active a Church, revival can only come about when Christians throughout the world build each other up to block the work of the evil one. We must build each other up in love then the Church of Christ will prevail. For God is building His house with in each of us

God is building a house

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lCoVYriZb0

The prophet Ezekiel in chapter 36: talked of Gods spirit moving in the hearts of the people to cleanse them of the their sins and weaknesses God can and will do this for you and me will He will be our God for we are His people.

24 “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 

Prayer

Lord God be with all who I hold dear.

Be with my Christian brothers and sisters bless them and keep them safe.

I thank you for your unfailing love, for your goodness and mercy,

Be with me fill me with your holy spirit, may all I say and do be in accordance with your will.

Help me to keep your laws. I ask this pray in the name of Jesus Christ my lord and king. Amen.

All over the world the Spirit is moving,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF9h9n19yz0

Week beginning June 4th

 Trinity Sunday

Song: Holy Holy Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (Tune: Nicea - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] {Robin Mark} - YouTube

Prayer:

God our heavenly father,

Jesus our saviour,

Holy Spirit our enabler,

Without you, we can do nothing.

Be with us we pray, in all we do. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Reading: The book of Daniel, chapter 1.

At the moment, we are hearing stories of Ukrainian children being taken to Russia, against their will, and that of their families. If their mothers do not “claim” them, they are to be fostered, and trained in Russian ways.

In some ways, this is similar to the situation about 2500 years ago, when boys were taken from Jerusalem into Babylon.

Having read the story in the book of Daniel, we have a lot to learn.

The important points are:

1. Treat people with respect
2. Try to avoid confrontation
3. If we are presented with something we cannot accept, come up with an alternative.

Reading: Book of Isaiah, chapter n40: verses 12 to 17 and 27 to 31

Song: Holy Holy Holy Holy,

Holy, Holy (Jimmy Owens - 2vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Reading: Matthew’s gospel, chapter 28: verses 16 to 22.

Song: Eternal Father, strong to save,

Eternal Father, Strong To Save (The Navy Hymn) - YouTube

In the last verse, “our brethren” can usefully be altered to “our children”

“Remember, I am with you always” or an alternative reading could be “Always remember, I am with you.”

This is Trinity Sunday, when we celebrate the power of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

When we pray, they all answer.

When we pray to the Father, we do not exclude the Son and the Holy Spirit.

When we pray to the Son, we do not exclude the Father and the Holy Spirit.

When we pray to the Holy spirit, we do not exclude the Father and the Son.

When we pray to one person, the other two do not feel marginalised. They are one and undivided. No person of the three makes a unilateral decision. It is truly a case of “All for One, and One for All.”

So why is there so much writing on the subject. Tomes have been written, read and rewritten.

When the writers of the New Testament accepted this as fact, why is it so controversial?

As time passed, the church became institutionalised. Those who had never experienced the power and presence of God, needed an explanation. Unfortunately, for those who have experienced this, no explanation is necessary!; and for those who have never experienced it, no explanation is possible!

In many ways, Trinity Sunday could sensibly be called Remembrance Sunday. .

It is a day to remember what the church is for. What our business is.

Our business is to make disciples, to baptise believers, to teach people to obey Christ’s commands

We do this by words and deeds, there is no other purpose. And with this purpose comes great responsibility. But we remember that Jesus is always with us. He is our back up when we call.

Isaiah tells us of the nature of this back up. He tells us that God does not weary; he is the source of all strength. He meets the needs of those who are exhausted and powerless. If they Turn to the Trinity of Love and Power, then they “will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Song: Lead us Heavenly Father, lead us,

Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us - YouTube

Prayer:

Lord God, we come before you, praising you for your mighty acts. We pray that you will be with us as we go about our daily lives. As we encounter difficulties, we ask you will renew our strength, that we may soar on wings like eagles, that we may run and not grow weary, that we may walk and not be faint in your service.

Amen.

Song: Father we love you

Father, We Love You (Glorify Your Name - 3vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Week beginning May 28th

 Virtual Rogation Sunday 2023

Rogation Sunday

Rogation is an ancient Church festival to seek blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.” Since mediaeval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, praying for God’s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular settlement. It is still observed by some parishes today – with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God’s goodness to nourish every endeavour which enables people to flourish.

Rogation invites people to ask for blessing – for a particular place; for all its inhabitants; for every endeavour to promote the common good. It is totally inclusive – joining everyone in seeking sustenance and a commitment to play their part in its provision.

O worship the King all glorious above;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI9cDJMsn14

Genesis, chapter 1: verses 1 to 31

Prayer

We come before you our God and Sustainer, remembering that you are our Creator and the source of all being. Out of your love the universe was born. From the beginning of time you put in place all that is needed for growth and saw that it was good. You have put this world into our hands: may we recognise your Spirit within it, disturbing and challenging us to care for creation, challenging us to care for the weak and the deprived. Lord we remember that we are called by you to nourish the earth and its diversity of life, to share the gifts you have given, with one another and with the poor of the world. Amen.

Lord God we ask that you have mercy on our tired land, and to prosper the work of our soiled hands. Lord God we ask that you have mercy to forgive our delusion of self-sufficiency so that we may praise you for your provision and goodness. Lord, you give us this good earth, yet we take your generous gifts for granted.

Lord, you give us this good earth, but we squander its rich resources.

Lord, you give us this good earth, but we fail to share your bounty with all of your children.

May the God of love and power free us from your sins, heal and strengthen us by His Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 107: verses 1 to 38

The king of love my shepherd is,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWfZ-8s71-k

There are lots forms of Water streams , rivers seas, lakes, garden ponds or even a fire hydrant,

pause and reflect on the gift of water. Its pure water refreshing taste. Farmers need it for watering livestock and crops.

Water aid is reaching the far flung counties of the world making water safe to drink and accessible in building wells. Water is very welcome in the desert .An oasis for humans and beats

We are not to take it for granted.

Jesus said that he gives living water. The woman at the well story asked Jesus for the living water so she had not to collect water in the heat of the day for she was an out cast and seen as a sinner in her village Jesus gave her more than she could hope for or understand. The living waters flow with in us.

John 7: 37-38

37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’

Zechariah 14:8-9
And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.

Prayer

Almighty God,

we thank you for the gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life. May we who have an abundance of water see it as a precious and scarce resource. Help us to be mindful how much is consumed so that we can live in the way that we do: guide us to use it sparingly, and keep us mindful of those who suffer through drought, pollution and flood. We ask this for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As a family we would go round the hedge rows picking blackberries A lad saw us and asked what we were doing. His response was the poor ought to do this. We said that is why we were doing it, nothing nicer than a blackberry pie

Some of you may grow fruit or veg in your garden ready for picking once ripe.

Farmers are growing foods ready to be harvested at their correct time.

May we never take the farmers for granted

For the fruits of all creation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBXHDbesb7

Mark’s gospel, chapter 4: verses 26 to 29

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

Prayer

Almighty God, whose will it is that the earth and sea should bear fruit in due season, bless the labours of all those who work on land and sea. Grant them a good harvest and the grace always to rejoice in your care. Lord you have ordered our life that we are dependent on one another,

We ask that you will prosper those engaged in commerce. and industry.

All workers direct their minds and hands in their service for us. We ask that you O God will be with all with who live and work locally. Grant O Lord that whatever gifts they have, they may be used to the full, for the enrichment of all our lives We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus, the good shepherd. Amen.

As a young Girl I use to horse ride in the summer. When the days were too hot we would ride in the valley where there was a lovely stream and we would get the horses and ponies to walk through it we could look up to the hills the views were lovely . The buzzards would fly over head.

Psalm 50: verses 1 to 2, 10 to 11

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,  speaks and summons the earth  from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.

While riding we would see tall garden canes in the field with the ends painted red, it was not until the harvest at chapel when we learned from a farmer preacher that he would mark his field with canes so he knew where the nests were and would not harvest until the young lapwing or pee wit had fledged. He told the young Sunday school children that they were to take care of all God’s wildlife.

All creatures of our God and king

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d3gO6qDLNA

Prayer

Creator God, Jesus teaches us through the beauty and abundance of creation to put our trust in you for all things. We ask you now to bless our fields and gardens our hills and streams our rivers, lakes, reservoirs and seas that in all these things we might glimpse a reflection of your glory and your gracious love for each one of us. Bless, O Lord, the houses and farms and all the homes around this place. Give us good health, purity of spirit, strength and humility, hospitality, a spirit of forgiveness and firm knowledge of our need to seek you in all things. We pray in the name of Jesus, creative Word of God. Amen.

Listen to the following while taking time to pause and think

I am the vine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gDEydhrq4

What good work are doing with God?

What would you ask God for ?

What is God asking of you ?

John’s gospel chapter 15:verses 1 to 9

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes  so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

Prayer

God our father, we give thanks for the gift of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was content to share the life of his village in Nazareth. We give you thanks for all who live and work on farms, and for all who walk and ride around the green valleys. We give you thanks for those who work in and live in this area . May your blessing rest upon them.

We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord . Amen.

O Lord my God!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USM71JqV30o

Blessing and Dismissal

Holy Father, who formed the world, give you grace to be wise stewards of His creation.

Blessed Jesus, who redeemed the world, inspire you to go out and work for Him

Holy Spirit, whose breath fills the whole of creation, help you to bear the fruits of love, joy and peace.

Say the grace together