4th January 2026 at 10.30am – Epiphany – Eucharist

Posted on January 4, 2026 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Ephesians 3.1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery^* was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see^* what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in^* God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

Matthew 2.1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Scripture quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Prayers

Today the Magi knelt before our Saviour.
Let us also kneel to worship him with great joy,
and to make our prayer to his heavenly Father.

Father, the Magi came from the east to worship your Son:
grant to Christians everywhere a true spirit of adoration.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son is the King of kings and Lord of lords:
grant an abundance of peace to your world.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Holy Family shared the life of the people of Nazareth:
protect in your mercy our neighbours and families,
together with the whole community of which we are part.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor:
show your love for the poor and powerless,
and strengthen all those who suffer.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Magi presented to your Son gold, incense and myrrh:
accept the gifts we bring,
and the offering of our hearts at the beginning of this new year.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, you are the King of heaven, the hope of all who trust in you:
give to all the faithful departed the wonders of your salvation.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Magi, shepherds and angels,
and of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,
we commend ourselves and all people
to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

28th December 2025 at 10.30am – The Feast of Holy Innocents – Eucharist

Posted on December 28, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Jeremiah 31.15-17

Thus says the Lord:
A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
she refuses to be comforted for her children,
because they are no more.
Thus says the Lord:
Keep your voice from weeping,
and your eyes from tears;
for there is a reward for your work,

says the Lord:
they shall come back from the land of the enemy;
there is hope for your future,

says the Lord:
your children shall come back to their own country.

Matthew 2.13-18

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

The Prayers

In peace let us pray to the God of love.

Righteous God,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ dwelt among us
and shared our grief and our pain.

We pray for the children of our world,
that they may grow up knowing love and security.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all children who suffer neglect or abuse.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all communities in our world
who live with the memories of massacre and gross cruelty.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are corrupted by power
and who regard human life as cheap.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for parents who have suffered the death of a child.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for parents and guardians,
that they may be given grace to care for the children entrusted to them.
Jesus, saviour,
Hear our prayer.

As we celebrate the coming of the Christ-child,
we rejoice in the fellowship of the Holy Innocents
and commit the children of this community,
our nation and our world to you,
our righteous God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

25th December 2025 at 10.30am – Christmas Day Eucharist

Posted on December 25, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 9.2-7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Luke 2.1 - 20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Scripture Quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Prayers

Let us pray to Jesus, the Word made flesh.

Christ, born in a stable,
give courage to all who are homeless.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, for whom the angels sang,
give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, worshipped by the shepherds,
give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, before whom the wise men knelt,
give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger,
give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary,
you know us and love us,
you share our lives
and hear our prayer.
Glory to you for ever. Amen.

24th December 2025 at 11.30pm – Christmas Midnight Eucharist

Posted on December 24, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 52.7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.
Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

John 1.1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

The Sermon
By the Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

We have just read the opening verses of the gospel according to
John. His Christmas gospel.

You may have realised that if this were the only account we had of
the birth of Christ, we would know little or nothing about what
actually happened.

We have to turn to the gospels of Luke and Matthew to learn about
all those things that are in carols and nativity plays. How Joseph
and the heavily pregnant Mary made their way from Nazareth to
Bethlehem to be registered. How Mary gave birth in a stable and
laid her baby in a manger, because there was no room for them in
the inn. How shepherds from the surrounding fields visited. And so
on.

These gospel writers want us to know what happened. John wants
us to know why it happened. What does the birth of Christ mean for
all who come after, including us.

He sums it up by saying: when we look at this child, we see God
himself. God has become flesh in Jesus Christ.

But why does God become human?

In the nineteenth century there was a philosopher who was asked
this. He could have given a long, scholarly answer. He was after all
the most famous philosopher of his day. Instead he told a folk story.

This story, if you think about it, gives us the clue.

This was the folk story he wrote:

There was once a prince who lived in a great castle. He had
everything he could wish for. He had servants. He dressed in fine
clothes. He ate sumptuously. He wanted for nothing – save one
thing. He had no wife.

One day while hunting with his courtiers in the forest, they came
across a clearing with a few cottages. The villagers, poor peasants,
came out to give loyal greetings to the Prince. Among them was a
beautiful young woman who, despite her patched clothes, stirred
the heart of the Prince.

He tried to speak to her. She was terrified and averted her eyes,
looking down at the ground.

The Prince did this over several days, but had the same response
every time. The young woman could not look at him.

Then he realised what he must do.

He set aside his princely clothes and put on the ragged dress of a
peasant. He left his horse and servants at the castle and went into
the forest on foot.

He came to the village. No one took any notice of him. He was just
a peasant, like them.

He saw the young woman and spoke to her. Now she was not
terrified because this was no great prince, but someone poor like
her. She was able to look him in the face and see a kind and loving
young man.

And so, as in all good folk tales, they fell in love and lived happily
ever after.

The point of the folk story was that the social gap between the
prince and the young woman was so great that she could never
look him in the face and see him for the person he was – until he
set aside all the trappings of his princely life and met her at her level
in peasant’s dress. Then she could find him, as he had found her.

And this is the clue to Christmas. The distance and the difference
between us and God is vast – beyond our comprehension. How can
we look upon the face of the Almighty, the one who made all things
in heaven and earth, seen and unseen? How can we ever know
what the unseen God is truly like?

John tells us in his gospel. On this night, God set aside all the
trappings of divinity and came among us as one of us. But this was
no pretence at being human. God came as a little child, in a
manger, in Bethlehem, someone we could see and touch and know.
This is what the birth of Christ means.

Tonight God stoops down to us, so that we can look him in the face,
see his grace and truth, and know with confidence the love he has
for us.

The Prayers

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour
was born in human flesh.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn.
Protect with your love those who have no home
and all who live in poverty.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour,
brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness.
Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’
Strengthen those who work for peace and justice
in all the world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family,
and saw the baby lying in the manger.
Bless our homes and all whom we love.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night heaven is come down to earth,
and earth is raised to heaven.
Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death
in the hope of your coming kingdom.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

Father,
in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at
the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary,
Joseph and the saints
through him who is your Word made flesh,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

24th December 2025 at 4pm – Christingle Service

Posted on December 24, 2025 by St Mary's

21st December 2025 at 10.30am – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Eucharist

Posted on December 21, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Isaiah 7.10-16

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah^* said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman^* is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.^* He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

Matthew 1.18-end

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

We are very near now to Christmas when we celebrate Christ’s birth.

Although there are four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - if you
want to know what happened on the first Christmas, only two of them will tell
you.

Mark has nothing at all. He starts his account of the life of Jesus when Jesus
is already a man. John is more interested in the meaning of Christ’s birth,
than what happened.

For a matter of fact account we must turn to Luke and Matthew. But what they
each say is very different.

Those who study the Bible often say that what Luke writes is very much from
the point of view of Mary. You could call the start of his gospel, Mary’s story.

While Matthew’s gospel is Joseph’s story.

Mary’s story speaks of things which are very familiar to us. They are the basis
for children’s nativity plays, Christmas cards and carols. Mary’s story tells how
an angel appeared to her and told her she was to give birth to the saviour.

How she and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be registered,
how Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no
room for them in the inn, and how shepherds visited them that night. This is
Mary’s story in Luke’s gospel. None of it is in Matthew’s gospel.

Mary is celebrated by the Church because she was willing to be the mother of
the Lord, despite not yet being married. An awesome decision for one so
young to have to make. As a mother, she would be accepting responsibility to
raise her son in such a way that he could mirror in his life the nature of God
himself.

One of the best known prayers of the church in every age, perhaps second
only to the Lord’s prayer, is a prayer that captures this central role that Mary
plays: the Hail Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.

And down the centuries, because the Church has had such a focus on Mary,
as the mother of the Lord, Joseph’s story has tended to be overlooked.

But why? If you think about it, Joseph has to accept similar responsibilities as
Mary.

In a dream he realises that this must start with a willingness to marry Mary, to
whom he is betrothed, even though he knows he is not the father of her
unborn child.

That is a big deal. Even if he accepts that the child is of God, he knows that
he runs the risk of family, friends, neighbours, speculating on what is going
on. They have not been visited by angels, not even in dreams. If the rumour
mill starts, life will be uncomfortable or worse. We still see in some countries
and cultures in our own day how people can behave if they feel shame or
dishonour has been brought on their family.

Imagine what social media might have made of the pregnancy of the as yet
unmarried Mary.

But Joseph is a decent man. A caring man. He takes Mary as his wife and in
doing so takes on, with her, the responsibility of raising Jesus.

And this, surely, is why we should try to hear Joseph’s story as well as
Mary’s, as we approach Christmas. And that was the gospel for today.

It’s a gospel that should speak directly to us. Like us, Joseph is an ordinary
man doing an ordinary job. A person of faith and a person with values. His
faith tells him that he must accept the pregnant Mary as his wife. His values
tell him that he must be a loving husband and a caring father.

If Jesus is to become a loving adult, showing God’s love to the world, he must
be raised in and shaped by a loving family, with people who are kind and
generous and unselfish towards one another.

The message to us could not be clearer: Christian faith, Christian civilisation,
begins with this poor family, because big changes always have small
beginnings, then and now.

If our country, our culture, is to renew itself, it has to start with people like us.
People with faith and values, who, whatever others may think or say, like
Joseph, are prepared to do the right thing.

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Holy God,
You promised a sign to your people and you have given us Jesus,
Emmanuel, God-with-us. Strengthen your Church to bear witness
to that presence in our own day. Give to your people the quiet
courage of Joseph, ready to listen, to change course, and to trust
your strange and gracious purposes.

Bless our bishops, our clergy and lay leaders, and all who will
preach and minister in this Advent and Christmas season in St
Mary’s and our sister churches.

May our churches be places where the anxious find calm, the
doubtful find honesty, and the weary find rest in you.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

God of all nations, you spoke to Isaiah in a time of fear and
political upheaval, and you still speak your word of hope into our
troubled world. We pray for places where conflict and terror seem
stronger than peace, for leaders who are tempted to trust only in
power and not in justice or compassion, for all who live under
occupation, oppression or threat of violence.

Be with those who today have no safe home, for refugees and
displaced families, for those facing winter without shelter or
security.

Turn the hearts of the powerful to the ways of justice, mercy and
peace and away from the lust for power and greed.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

God who came to dwell in an ordinary family, we bring before you
our own community, our streets and neighbours. We pray for
families under financial or emotional strain, for relationships that
are fearful, fragile or broken, for single parents, and those who
carry heavy responsibilities alone.

We remember expectant parents and babies soon to be born, and
those who long for children but cannot have them. Bless our
schools, care homes, local services and workplaces, and help us to
be signs of your compassion where we live.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Jesus, we pray for all who need your healing and your hope today.
For the sick in body, mind or spirit, for those waiting for or
recovering from treatment, for any weighed down by anxiety,
depression or addiction. We remember people who are lonely,
housebound or in care, those in prison and those living on the
streets of our cities.

In a moment of quiet we name before you any who are on our
hearts this day … May they feel your presence in their lives,
bringing light into their darkness and strength in their weakness.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

God of eternal life, we remember before you those whom we love
but see no longer, and all who have died recently. We pray for
families who will feel their absence keenly as Christmas
approaches. Give to all who mourn the assurance that you are
with them in their grief, and bring us, with them, to that place
where every tear is wiped away and your joy is complete.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

And finally, Lord, we open our hearts to you as we bring our
personal issues and concerns to you at this time, along with our
thanks for the gift of Jesus in the world.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Rejoicing in Mary who bore your Son, and in Joseph who trusted
your word, and in all your saints, we commend ourselves and all
for whom we pray to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

14th December 2025 at 10.30am – The Third Sunday of Advent – Eucharist

Posted on December 14, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Isaiah 35.1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Matthew 11.2-11

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The Sermon
Prepared by Joe, Reader at St Mary's.

May I speak in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. Amen.

The season of Advent asks us to stand in two places at once.
We’re invited to look back to the first coming of Christ, and at
the same time we look forward to His return. We live our day-
to-day life in the very messy middle bit; a world that can be
weary, confusing and horrifying. It’s a world that can sometimes
feel hopeless.

Today’s readings reflect the tension that exists between those
two viewpoints. Isaiah gives us a picture of God’s new creation
bursting into life. Matthew gives us a picture of a man waiting
for death in prison, wondering if hope has somehow missed
him.

Isaiah speaks to people who feel as though the life has gone
out of them. In scripture, places described as wilderness,
desert, and parched ground are not just geographical
descriptions. They are allegories for the human condition at
those moments when joy, hope and purpose feel far away. A
spiritual desert, so to say.

But Isaiah dares to say that even such places can blossom. He
speaks of feeble hands strengthened, fearful hearts reassured,
and blind eyes opened. He describes a road through the
wilderness that is safe enough for anyone to walk on it. All of
this is the work of God restoring His people.

And then we turn to Matthew and find John the Baptist sitting in
a cell. This is the fellow who we heard referring to the spiritual
leaders of his day as ‘a brood of vipers’ as he preached to
hundreds or even thousands of people in the wilderness. He is
imprisoned and waits in the darkness of his cell, away from the
world, ignorant of what’s happening. He has prepared the way;
but now he sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one
who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”

Is John losing his faith? No. He is trying to understand why the
Messiah he proclaimed is not doing what he expected. John
was also in a ‘no man’s land’ between the old prophetic
scriptures and the new covenant with Christ. It’s only normal
that he would expect the Messiah to be more like the Old
Testament prophets; after all, he had nothing else to go on. But
John’s world was shifting.

Many of us will know something of that feeling. We do our best
to follow Christ. We try to trust Him, and yet life throws
situations at us that leave us wondering whether the story is
unfolding the way it should. There’s a line in The Simpsons,
uttered by God-fearing Ned Flanders in a moment when he is
questioning why bad things have happened to him "I've done
everything the Bible says, even the stuff that contradicts the
other stuff' Ned has hit that point where blind faith is not
enough; like John, he needs answers.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke John in his reply. Instead, He sends the
messengers back with a gentle but firm reminder. Tell John
what you hear and see. The blind receive their sight, the lame
walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised,
and good news is proclaimed to the poor.

Jesus is telling John that through Jesus’s actions in the world,
Isaiah’s vision is happening, though perhaps not in the way
John expected. God is still acting, still transforming, still
renewing – but through the human heart and ministry of Christ.
The kingdom might not be coming through thunder, fire and
sword, but through Christ’s actions, the spiritual wilderness is
beginning to bloom.

Many of us, like John, know that a life of faith involves a LOT of
waiting. We wait for clarity, healing, peace, reconciliation, or
simply the strength to manage another day. And in those
waiting places it is easy to feel forgotten by God. Advent
reminds us that God meets us in the waiting, not just in the
fulfilment. Isaiah’s promise does not deny the reality of barren
places; it reminds us that they can also bloom.

Jesus also goes on to speak very warmly about John. John is
no reed shaken by the wind, but a prophet, and more than a
prophet. This is important for us all to hear. John’s struggle
does not diminish his calling; his doubts do not disqualify him.
In fact, Jesus honours him. Faith is not measured by never
asking questions, but by holding steady even when the
answers come slowly or sometimes don’t seem to come at all.

Isaiah’s vision shows a road through the wilderness. It is not a
road out of trouble but a road through it. God does not always
remove the wilderness from our lives. Instead, He provides a
path to walk, companions for the journey, and the strength
needed to continue. We travel through difficult places, and God
is with us.

This is where Isaiah and Matthew meet. Isaiah declares that
God will restore His people. Matthew shows us what restoration
looks like when it arrives in Jesus. Sight returned. Walking
restored. The dead revived. The poor lifted. Grace made
visible. These signs tell us that the kingdom is already breaking
in. But it’s just not yet fully realised.

So – this Advent – what does this mean for us?

We are invited to notice where the signs of God’s kingdom
might already be appearing around us. These signs are not
going to be enormous, written on the sky, epic events. These
signs will be acts of reconciliation and compassion between
people; someone may find hope after despair; someone finds
freedom after a period of addiction. We might see the signs in
our own lives – for example – finding persistence in faith, even
when times are hard. Isaiah reminds us that the faintest bloom
in the desert is still a miracle.

We are called to show the active patience that holds on
because God is faithful. John the Baptist teaches us that even
the greatest servants of God live through seasons of confusion.
Jesus’s response teaches us that God does not scorn such
moments. He answers with reassurance, never contempt.

Third, we are reminded that the work of Christ continues
through us. Advent calls us to be part of the blooming of the
wilderness, gardeners in the desert. How can we do this? By
showing compassion, strengthening in the faint hearted by our
presence, being generous, kind and just. We bring the gifts of
the Holy Spirit to bear on the world around us.

Advent asks us to lift our eyes beyond the moment. The One
John waited for has come. The One we wait for will come
again. And in between those two comings we walk that ‘dark
desert highway’ that Isaiah describes. And we might recognise,
even in the smallest moments, the signs that the deserts are
indeed beginning to bloom.
Amen.

7th December 2025 at 10.30am – The Second Sunday of Advent – Eucharist

Posted on December 7, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Isaiah 11.1-10

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Matthew 3.1-12

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

The Prayers

In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid
we pray to Jesus.
Come to your Church as Lord and judge.
Help us to live in the light of your coming
and give us a longing for your kingdom.
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to your world as King of the nations.
Before you rulers will stand in silence.
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to the suffering as Saviour and comforter.
Break into our lives,
where we struggle with sickness and distress,
and set us free to serve you for ever.
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls.
Give us with all the faithful departed
a share in your victory over evil and death.
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory.
Lift us up to meet you,
that with Mary, Mark, John and all your saints and angels
we may live and reign with you in your new creation.
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay;
give new courage to your people,
who trust in your love.
By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom
on earth as in heaven,
Maranatha:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

30th November 2025 at 10.30am – The First Sunday of Advent – Eucharist

Posted on November 30, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Isaiah 2.1-5

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Matthew 24.36-44

‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son,* but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day* your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath.

God our Father, hear us when we pray to you in faith.
We give you thanks for the many gifts you give to us each and every day from the ordinary to the extraordinary. May we take time to realise what we have and to appreciate it with heartfelt gratitude.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for your church throughout the world, especially for our fellow believers who are not free to worship you freely. We ask God to keep them strong in their faith and protect them from those who would do them harm and we pray for better times when they too can worship freely.
We give thanks for all who give of their time, talents and resources to make St Mary’s, St Mark’s and St John’s the special places they are and we pray for their respective communities.
Father be with us all and help us to travel thoughtfully and prayerfully through the advent season and as we make our preparations for Christmas. With all that there is to do may we not lose sight of its true meaning.
We pray for Joe who was confirmed recently and welcome him anew into the Lord’s family.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for our world, for all peoples, communities and nations who face injustice and great distress through war, oppression, disaster or need. May true justice prevail rather than the abuse of power and extreme wealth that we so often see. Lord inspire and empower us all to stand against this in whatever ways we can rather than seeking our own best interests or leaving everything to others. Give us the courage and confidence to hope and work for a better and more just world for everyone.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for all who are ill or unwell at this time, especially those nearing the end of their lives and those dealing with difficult and painful diagnoses and treatments. May they be lovingly supported as they navigate the changes and challenges they face. We pray also for those who will be alongside them that they too will be supported and cared for. In a few moments of quiet we call to mind anyone known to us who is in particular need of our prayers

Let us also bring before God our own needs and concerns.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We remember those who have died, some recently and some long ago. May they rest in peace and may all who mourn and miss them find their own peace and be comforted.
Especially we pray for all those killed in the terrible fires in a large apartment complex in Hong Kong and for Sarah Beckstrom, the young US National Guard soldier who had died after being shot while on duty. We pray for their families and loved ones so suddenly bereaved.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

23rd November 2025 at 10.30am – Christ the King – Eucharist

Posted on November 23, 2025November 22, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Colossians 1.11-20

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled^* you^* to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.^*

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in^* him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in^* him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Luke 23.33-43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus^* there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]]^* And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah^* of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him,^* ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding^* him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?^* Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into^* your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

The Sermon
Prepared by Kath, Reader at St Mary's.

Like many other people I rather like going to the cinema so it’s great that one of the rewards I receive from my bank is 6 free cinema tickets per year. In the past I’ve used them to see some excellent films. However, this year I’ve struggled to find anything I actually wanted to see, so as the deadline to use these tickets is fast approaching I spent some time the other day trawling through the films on offer. To say I wasn’t blown away by the offerings would be something of an understatement. But one that caught my eye as a possibility was “Nuremberg”. The publicity describes it is a fictitious thriller that uses the Nuremberg trials of 1945-46 as a backdrop and fictionalised versions of some actual cases are also used. It’s getting some media attention in part because this year is the 80th anniversary of the original trials.

Now you may possibly be thinking “well this is quite interesting but what’s it got to do with the theme of our service today which is Christ the King. Hopefully this will become clear.

To start with I was a bit lost as to what I could say on this theme. Like all Christians I believe that Christ is our King and that he is very different in all respects to the usual images of earthly kings, even the nice, benevolent ones but this wouldn’t exactly have constituted a sermon so I did a bit of research, the results of which quite surprised me.

The feast of Christ the King is celebrated by many branches of the Christian church but it only dates back to 1925 (this was the bit the really surprised me as most of the events or people we celebrate in the church have long if not ancient origins). According to what I read it was instituted by Pope Pius XI following the First World War in an attempt to counteract the rise of atheism, secularism and ultranationalism. In view of what people had been through during this war, especially those who had actually done the fighting it is understandable that some people had their faith severely damaged or lost it altogether and others became fanatical about their own national identity and values which they perceived as being threatened by others. The war poet Arthur Graeme West wrote of his gradual loss of faith in some of his poems, written as he fought in the trenches. But he said he found the loss of his faith more painful than the loss in any battle. It’s difficult to say what impact the Feast of Christ the King had in those early years but as we all know, the Second World War took place just a few short years later, no doubt creating even more atheists.

The theme for this year is hope but given the many terrible and seemingly intractable situations we see around the world hope can be hard to hold onto. Anger, hatred, violence and intolerance are on the rise and the lust for power and extreme wealth we see in many authoritarian political leaders and their lack of respect for decency, the law and for others appear to be not only tolerated but admired by a lot of people. Frighteningly this sort of behaviour is becoming normalised and it can be hard to know how to stand against it.

Turning to our readings, they struck me as being quite contrasting. The one from Colossians seems to have two parts to it. The first speaks of how, through our faith in God we are given the wherewithal to keep going, even in adversity or when progress is painfully slow or seemingly absent. The second part describes who and what Jesus is but it does so in a way that to me, feels serene but almost detached from the down to earth reality of his life. By stark contrast the passage from Luke recounts the utterly brutal facts of his death and how, even as he was dying he was being tormented and derided. But in spite of this he gave hope to the crucified criminal alongside him. “Today you will be with me in paradise. “

As I have already said, hope can be hard to hold onto right now but what we see and hear in the media, awful and depressing as much of it is and sometimes making us feel despairing, it is not the whole story. If it were I suspect that worldwide society would already have fallen apart. In reality there are millions of good people doing good things every day that keep society and thereby the world, as we know it, going.

What do I mean by “good people” and “good things”? By good people I don’t mean perfect, flawless individuals who always get everything right because they don’t exist. I mean ordinary people who do their best day by day to be decent, honest, honourable, kind, unselfish and compassionate. In other words using the fruits of the spirit.

By good things I don’t necessarily mean big, spectacular things like giving away a fortune or finding a cure for some terrible disease, fantastic as such acts are. I mean the sort of things we can all do like helping each other with small acts of caring and kindness. Never underestimate the value of these acts to those on the receiving end. They can mean a great deal and even be life changing. Collectively they can be world changing.

Going back to the example of the Nuremberg Trials, they took place at the end of an horrific period in history and tried to hold war criminals to account for what they had done. The hope was also to deter others, individuals, states and nations from committing similar crimes. They were much criticised but they and the similar Tokyo Trial were the start of what has eventually become International Criminal Law. This too is not perfect or entirely successful because we still have terrible acts of war but undoubtedly less than we would have had without it.

So in spite of the constant diet of misery and failure we are fed, don’t give up on hope. Keep doing your bit in whatever way God asks and enables you to and bit by bit we will turn the tide and make the world a better place for all. A kingdom more worthy of our King.

Amen.

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe.

We give thanks for Christ our King — the image of the invisible
God, the firstborn of all creation. May the Church on earth reflect
his kingdom of love and peace. Bless all who lead your Church,
here in our parish of Walkley and throughout the world.
Strengthen us to serve with humility and faithfulness, that Christ
may truly reign in our hearts and in our communities.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the world over which Christ reigns — a kingdom not
of domination, but of justice, mercy and reconciliation. Bring
peace where there is conflict, hope where there is despair, and
unity where division has taken root. We pray especially for those
suffering under war, oppression or poverty, that your redeeming
power may bring freedom, justice and dignity to all.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation, and for the world, for all who hold
positions of authority and responsibility, and for those who shape
public life. Grant them the wisdom and courage to act with
justice, integrity and compassion, mindful always of the needs of
the weakest and most vulnerable. May your kingdom come, on
earth as it is in heaven.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our local community of Walkley, for the city of
Sheffield, and for our families, neighbours and friends. May Christ
the King be known not through power or privilege, but through
service, kindness and care. Help us to recognise his face in those
we meet, and to build together a community founded on love.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are suffering — the sick, the lonely, the
anxious and the bereaved. We remember especially those who
feel abandoned or forgotten, and those who long for healing or
hope. As the thief on the cross heard Christ’s promise of paradise,
may all who suffer find comfort in his compassion and the
assurance of his presence.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We remember those who have died, in recent days and in years
past. We give thanks for their lives and commend them to Christ’s
eternal kingdom, where sorrow and pain are no more and every
tear is wiped away. May we, with them, share in the inheritance
of the saints in light.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

Finally, Lord, we bring before you our own prayers and the issues
that concern and affect us.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the communion of Mary, Mark, John and of all the
Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our
life, to God.

Merciful Father:
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

St Marys Walkley

The Church on the Road: inclusive, eucharistic, a safe place to be with God

Author: St Mary's

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