The Readings

Acts 4.5-12

The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is

“the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.”

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’

John 10.11-18

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’

The Sermon

The Prayers
Prepared by Oli Giles

Risen Jesus, in this Eastertide, as we continue to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, help us to appreciate the beauty of Spring, and of new life bursting around us. Help us to be open to the colours and smells of the wild flowers, the orchestra of birdsong, and the longer, lighter days that give us the energy for new ideas.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Risen Jesus, As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to bring an enormous burden of disease globally, as well as thousands of deaths every day, help us to hold in our thoughts and our hearts the countries around the world who have poorly resourced healthcare systems, and help us to be with those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Risen Jesus, with the easing of national restrictions, keep us thankful when restarting forgotten activities, and seeing our loved ones again after so long. Help us to be kind to our planet, being mindful of how we can reduce our carbon footprint with these renewed freedoms.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Risen Jesus, as the May Elections draw closer, help us work in partnership with those who are elected. Be with the new councillors as they make important decisions, discerning your wisdom and listening to their ward’s residents.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Risen Jesus, your resurrection brought hope to early Christians in dark and difficult times. Help us to be hopeful in responding to the challenges in our lives, as well as bringing the joy and hope of your resurrection to all those we meet.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.