21st January 2024 10.30am – 3rd Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist

The Readings

Genesis 14.17-20

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,
‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
maker of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’
And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything.

John 2. 1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

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
Prepared by Catherine.

Generous God
We pray for your church
We thank you for your diverse worldwide church, her people worshipping and
serving you in many different ways. In this week of prayer for Christian Unity,
help us to celebrate this diversity and work through our disagreements in a
spirit of peace and charity. We pray for our Mission Area, shortly to embark on
changes as Sue moves on, and for the churches and parishes of St. Mark’s, St
John’s and St. Mary’s. May we build and strengthen the relationships that have
begun over the past few years.
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

Generous God,
We pray for your world. We pray for those places where it is hard or
impossible to grow basic foodstuffs for everyday living due to war, drought,
greed or other disaster. We continue to remember the people of Ukraine, Gaza
and the Middle East in general, of Afghanistan, Ecuador and other places of
trouble. We remember those who generously risk their own lives in these areas
to provide aid to others. We pray for wisdom and justice among all leaders of
nations and communities, that peace may prevail.
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

Generous God
Through your high priest Melchizedek you gave Abraham your blessing. May
we respond to your generosity as he did, giving generously back to you and to
those who most need it. We pray for our country and city, for all who
administer taxes, that they might be used wisely and for the good of all. We
pray for the work of charities as they try to make best use of the funds they
raise. We pray for ourselves as we deliberate on how best to use what we have
to give.
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

Generous God,
We thank you for parties and celebrations as people mark significant life
milestones. We remember all who are currently preparing for marriage,
parenthood or other significant commitments this year. Be with us all as we
experience life’s changes – both the happy and the sad.
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

Generous God,
We pray for those who are ill, anxious, bereaved or suffering in any way. We
think of the family of Kenneth and Bronson Battersby, and of the mother of the
newborn baby found in London. We continue to remember those caught up in
the Post Office Horizon scandal and pray too for those facing an uncertain
future at Port Talbot steel works. In a few moments’ quiet, we remember Kath
and others known to us who particularly need our prayers....
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

Generous God,
We thank you for the lives of those we have loved and see no longer. May they
rest in peace and rise in glory.
Lord of glory
Hear our prayer

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

21st January 2024 10.30am – 3rd Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist