8th June 2025 at 10.30am – Pentecost – Eucharist

Posted on June 8, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 2.1-21

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 14.8-17

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

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 Veronica H.

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

Oh God our Father, may we as members of your church always be ready to receive the Holy Spirit in
order to serve others better, and serve our neighbourhood of Walkley. May we always make
welcome new people who come to join us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the peace of your world, especially for the Holy Land, that those living there may learn
to live alongside each other. We pray also for Ukraine, that Putin will allow their people to decide for
themselves how they wish to live.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray that all nations will seek to pass on to all future generations your earth, so that we do not
pass it on to them with all its natural resources depleted. May we always seek to conserve, rather
than destroy the many gifts you have bestowed on us all.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our City of Sheffield, and for all our neighbours and friends in Walkley. We pray that the
plant and jam sale will raise money to help those in need.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are ill at this time, for those suffering bereavement, and all who care for them,
both family and friends, and all health-care professionals. In a moment of quiet we think of all
known to us who need our prayers………..
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all people who have died recently, through illness or of an advanced age. We entrust
them, and all who mourn, to your unfailing love…….
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Mary, Mark, John and all your saints, we commend ourselves to your
unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your only Son,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

1st June 2025 at 10.30am – 7th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on June 1, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 16.16-34

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the gaelor to keep them safely:
Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

John 17.20-end

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

The Prayers
Prepared by Barbara W.

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

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we pray for people in every kind of need; make your ways known
on earth, your saving health among all nations …

This week we pray for all those affected by wildfires in Canada, which have erupted over wider areas and
much earlier in the year than usual in the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and
are affecting air quality throughout Canada and much of the United States. Thousands of people have
already had to be evacuated, many by air as there were no remaining safe land routes out of fire-hit areas.
Please help all those fighting these fires, and all of those facing evacuation or possible evacuation. Please
help all of us to recognise that this is the result of climate change and help us to take what measures we
can make personally to combat the effects of climate change!

Closer to home, this week we particularly pray for the future of Ukraine, as the country faces renewed
attacks by Russia. Please help the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe to stand strong in backing
Ukraine against Russia. We pray for the strengthening of ties with Europe, both in trade and in military
support of Ukraine and other countries facing the threat of Russian aggression. Together we are much
stronger than we are as individual countries. Help our government to see that with clear eyes, and act
accordingly.

We also pray for all those in this country who are feeling the pinch of a harsh economic climate. Please
help our government to find ways to help those who need help most, remembering that they were elected
to serve all the people of this country including those most vulnerable because of ill health, disability or
age. Please help those of us who are more able to afford it to play our part willingly, by paying more taxes
as needed. Help us to help the vulnerable of our own community, by providing a warm and welcoming
place and by supporting our local food bank.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for your Church throughout the world; guide and govern us by your good Spirit, that all who
profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of
spirit, in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life …

We pray for the joint worshipping community of St. Mark’s Broomhill, St. John’s Ranmoor and St. Mary’s
Walkley, and for the newly announced Bishop of Doncaster, Revd. Leah-Vasey Saunders. Please help us to
be a supportive part of the Diocese of Sheffield.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body
or estate; comfort and relieve them in their need, give them patience in their sufferings, and bring good
out of their troubles …

In moments of peace and contemplation, we name to you all those known to us who are suffering. Please
care for them and for all those of whose suffering we are unaware.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We remember those who have gone before us in the peace of Christ, and we give you praise for all your
faithful ones, with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints …

We name to you in our hearts all those known to us both near and far who are suffering the loss of friends
and loved ones, asking that you bring your comfort and healing to them at this time of grief.

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

25th May 2025 at 10.30am – 6th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 25, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 16.9-15

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

John 14.23-29

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

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

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Around 20 years ago, while a student, I attended a talk entitled "Where was God in history?" put on by one of the Christian student societies. I'd gone with a couple of friends, along with a priest and a Buddhist. The talk focused quite narrowly on Jesus's earthly ministry, with some Old Testament texts, that are often used to point to Jesus' birth, thrown in. At the end of the talk we were invited to ask questions and someone asked about where God was in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany and other events of the last 2000 years. I don't remember the answer that was offered, I do remember it not coming close to exploring the question which was being asked.

Following this question the priest put up their hand, and when called upon stated "I think you could have answered that last question more fully if you had referred to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit." There was a few moments of silence, while we all digested that he'd essentially called them non-Trinitarian heretics, and then the event continued. Afterwards the priest went to mend fences with the speakers, while the rest of us chatted with the Buddhist about why the omission of the Holy Spirit was such a big deal.

You may have noticed that I started the sermon with the same words we start each eucharist. Turn to the top of page 2 in your order of service if you'd like a reminder. Using this is optional, but we do this for a number of reasons. Most importantly its a reminder that everything we do in our services is done in the name of the whole Trinity, one God in three persons, Father, Son and Spirit. It's also why it's commonly used at the start of sermons, all that is preached is to be said in the name of Triune God.

I'm not intending to unpack the Trinity. It's very easy to stray from metaphor to heresy and Trinity Sunday is only three weeks away. But I do want to focus on the third member of the Trinity, the Spirit. Many of you will have read, or had read to you the Narnia stories by C.S. Lewis. In these Aslan, a giant lion and a proxy for Jesus, is described as not being a tame lion. The Gospels definitely show Jesus as an untame lion. Challenging the religious authorities, turning over tables in the temple and so on. What is true of Jesus, God the Son, is also true of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not a tame lion.

A few verses before our Acts reading begins, Paul and his missionary team have tried to speak the Word of God in Asia and the Spirit had stopped them, the same then happened when they tried to go to Bithynia. The Spirit then calls them to Macedonia. God the Holy Spirit sets the agenda for Paul's missional activity, not the other way around.

Outside of Philippi Paul and his companions meet Lydia, likely a gentile worshipper of God who hasn't fully converted to Judaism. The Lord moves her to be baptised, along with her whole household. That she is head of her household is striking, she's likely a widow, and in a position of authority. She's also a business leader. Purple cloth was expensive, due to it's association with royalty, and she has space to host Paul and his companions, just as the women who supported Jesus' ministry did.

Our Gospel reading forms part of the preparation Jesus gives his disciples prior to his crucifixion and sits within a larger conversation, where several times the disciples ask questions which prove they don’t really understand what is going on. It’s perhaps no surprise that the gift of the Holy Spirit is needed, given here the title of Advocate. Someone who can interpret and speak for another, in this case Jesus. We don’t need the last 2000 years of history to know that in our own strength and wisdom we can’t comprehend, let alone live up to, our calling to live out Jesus’ life and teachings. Engagement with the Holy Spirit will be essential if we are to live life as we are called.

This engagement takes many forms, public worship, private prayer, enjoying the beauty of creation, reading of scripture, creative arts like painting or music, providing hospitality to strangers (as Lydia did) to name but a few. It will look different for each of us and this is not an exhaustive list. We need to create space in our lives for the activities which are life giving, that allow the Spirit to breathe into us and transform us into the likeness of Christ.

I’m going to close with a prayer that is the traditional companion to the one I opened with. It’s a reminder that having tried to speak in the name of Trinity, to follow the advocacy of the Spirit, the preacher carries no authority or special skill, save that which comes from God.

And now to God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, and God the Father, be ascribed all might, majesty, dominion, and power, as is most justly due, now and forevermore. Amen.

The Prayers

In joy and hope let us pray to the Father.

That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of his
glorious and life-giving resurrection.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

That God may grant us humility
to be subject to one another in Christian love.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

That he may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter and
that by his power, war and famine may cease through all the world
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,
the weak and the dying,
to comfort and strengthen them.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

That, according to his promises,
all who have died in the faith of the resurrection
may be raised on the last day.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,
so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

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

18th May 2025 at 10.30am – 5th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 18, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 11.1-18

Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?"
Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' But I replied, "By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But a second time the voice answered from heaven, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, "Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

John 13.31-35

When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, "Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

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

I’ve always wanted to preach about Peter but believe it or not this is the first time in 23 years that a suitable reading has coincided with when I’ve been down to preach. So as the saying goes, everything comes to he or she who waits and at last I get to do it. The reason I wanted to talk about him is that for someone who is a saint, the courageous leader of the early Christian Church and in the Catholic Church, the first Pope, he’s always struck me as the most down to earth, genuinely human character and thus someone the rest of us mere mortals can relate to. Time after time he got carried away with enthusiasm, acted impulsively, opened his mouth and promptly put his foot in it. He often got things wrong or missed the point but in spite of this I don’t think anyone who hears his story could ever doubt the depth of love and devotion Peter had for Jesus. In his own mind he would do anything for Jesus, indeed he gave his all; left his family, his home, his livelihood, his security. Having chosen to follow Jesus he sincerely believed that he would never let him down and indeed would sacrifice his life for him if needed. But when it came to the crunch he failed. For very understandable, human reasons, he was afraid and he fell short of his own high ideals by abandoning the very person he loved so much. As failures go this was truly heartbreaking. And yet we know what he went on to do and to be.

The Peter we meet in our reading from Acts is very different to the one who so often went off half cocked. He’s calmer and more considered, thoughtful and measured in his reply to the group of men who take issue with him about mixing with gentiles. He quietly explains the vision he saw and how he was called to share God’s message about salvation with gentiles. The men who had criticised him are silenced when he makes it clear that God’s church is inclusive, not exclusive and to their credit they accept what he says. After all, the phrase “If God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we first believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God” shows great humility. It’s pretty powerful and hard to argue with.

For all sorts of reasons individuals and groups seek to exclude others, sometimes understandably. To their way of thinking, they have paid their dues and others haven’t, they’ve done the training, the studying, put in the work and served their time and others haven’t, they’ve sacrificed and saved and others haven’t. Why should those others benefit when they’ve put nothing in? A not unreasonable point of view and maybe one we’ve all shared on occasion. But if we all thought and acted this way all the time the world would be a pretty harsh and horrible place.

Sadly the church is not immune from practicing exclusivity. Parts of it still seek to exclude women, gay people and divorcees to name but some. Children can sometimes feel excluded when they are not allowed to fully participate in services; I know mine did. Different denominations sometimes seek to exclude each other’s members from aspects of their worship. In the church and in other institutions, organisations and indeed any groups, including some and excluding others can lead to the formation of factions and cliques which are seldom good. If you’re “in” you get favoured, get to set the rules, call the shots, use power plays to impose your will on those who are “excluded”. If you are among the excluded you have less power, less autonomy, less freedom, less security and less ability to do anything about your situation. It can be very lonely and frightening and stressful. We’re seeing a lot of examples of this throughout the world right now and seeing how dangerous it is. Seeing how so much of what we value and thought was solidly established is being undermined, stolen and destroyed. As some you know, from time to time I write the intercessions for our services and for a while now I’ve been referencing the need for us pay attention to and defend what we value like democracy, honour, decency and compassion lest we lose them to apathy or taking them for granted, assuming that they are set in stone because they aren’t. If we are not careful we may find that we are among the excluded with no one to call on for redress.

In our Gospel reading we hear Jesus give his new commandment, that we love one another thus showing that we are his disciples. He doesn’t say it will be easy or straightforward and certainly there are all too many examples of situations where it is hard to even contemplate loving some people given what they do and say and the massive negative impact they have on others. But we are called to go on trying.

We all need at least a little help, compassion and kindness from time to time, especially when things are not going as we’d hoped and planned. After all, no one sets out in life to be homeless or a refugee or desperately ill or any of the other curved balls and disasters that life can throw at us. When these things happen we need help and understanding, not exclusion. When we are the ones in a position to do the helping perhaps we should remember the many gifts and graces we have been given by God and be willing to share them. We don’t have to be naïve or lacking discernment about this. Balancing generosity with not allowing ourselves to be taken cynical advantage of and responding to genuine need as opposed to opportunism is a path we have to learn to navigate. Getting this right is incredibly difficult and however hard and sincerely we try, we won’t always get everything right. So when we feel that we are failing, not understanding, falling short in whatever way as Christians trying to live out our faith, we should not give up. What better example could we have than Peter to encourage us. God can and does work with our imperfections, just as he did with Peter.

Amen.

11th May 2025 at 10.30am – 4th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 11, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 9.36-end

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

John 10.22-30

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
I and my Father are one.

The Prayers

Lord, hear us as we pray for your creation.
We pray for an end to the destruction of the natural world.
We hold before you communities who are watching their land become parched and their rivers dry up.
We pray for farmers who carefully tend their crops, only to see them wither and die.
We grieve for what has already been lost and damaged.
Show us how to act now to help those most affected by the climate crisis.
Energise us, that we may use our power to make change happen.
We watch in hope for the Lord:
our God will hear us.

Lord, hear us as we pray for all people living in poverty.
For children who will not be able to eat a nutritious meal today, or cannot afford to attend school.
Fill us with a fierce determination to end the outrage of poverty.
May we hear the cries of those who are marginalised in our world.
May we speak up with them for a more equal and just society.
We watch in hope for the Lord:
our God will hear us.

Lord, hear us as we pray with thanksgiving for peacemakers and changemakers.
We give thanks for community leaders.
We pray for Congcoop, Christian Aid’s partner in Guatemala, who support communities through training.
Strengthen those working for peace and protecting human rights. And we pray for a just peace wherever there is conflict.
We watch in hope for the Lord:
our God will hear us.

Lord, you welcome us when we are heavy laden with sorrow or pain, in you we find rest.
We pray for all those known to us who are sick or suffering.
We pray for all those who are grieving.
Bless those who mourn and give them your comfort.
We watch in hope for the Lord:
our God will hear us.

Lord, hear as we pray for those whose hope overflows into action.
We give thanks for all those giving, acting and praying this Christian Aid Week.
May each of us seek to serve our global neighbours.
Help us to see the value of our loving service and make us your witnesses, proclaiming your kingdom.
We watch in hope for the Lord:
our God will hear us.

4th May 2025 at 10.30am – 3rd Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 4, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 9.1-6

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

John 21.1-19

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

The Prayers

We pray to Jesus who is present with us to eternity.

Jesus, light of the world,
bring the light and peace of your gospel to the nations
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, bread of life,
give food to the hungry
and nourish us all with your word.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, our way, our truth, our life,
be with us and all who follow you in the way
Deepen our appreciation of your truth
and fill us with your life.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, Good Shepherd who gave your life for the sheep,
recover the straggler,
bind up the injured,
strengthen the sick
and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, the resurrection and the life,
we give you thanks for all who have lived and believed in you.
Praying in silence for those known to us.

Raise us with them to eternal life.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us,

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

27th April 2025 at 10.30am – 2nd Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on April 27, 2025 by St Mary's

The Reading

Acts 5.27-32

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

John 20.19-end

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

Before I finally retired from full time work last year, I was the Police and Crime
Commissioner for South Yorkshire. I spent time with officers involved in the
different types of policing. But I found particularly interesting the work of the
Major Crime Unit.

These detectives deal with the most serious crimes - such as murder. They
would go through with me what they were working on, explaining how they
built a case in order to get a guilty verdict. The case had to be strong,
because it’s a serious business getting someone convicted of a grave crime
and put away for, quite possibly, the rest of their natural life.

Different sorts of evidence had to be brought together and assessed: CCTV,
DNA, fingerprints, footprints, tyre tracks – and statements from witnesses.
Each individual piece of evidence pointed towards a suspect but was never
enough on its own to remove all doubt. Only when it all came together would
the team feel confident enough to say they had proved their case beyond
reasonable doubt.

Beyond reasonable doubt. That phrase kept popping into my head as I read
today’s gospel. Beyond reasonable doubt.

It’s the evening of the first day of the week. The Risen Jesus has made
himself known to Mary in the Garden that morning and he now appears to his
disciples who are meeting behind locked doors, for fear of the authorities. He
greets them, showing them his hands and his side, his wounds, so they can
be in no doubt that it is indeed he, the one who was crucified, who is risen
and with them.

But one of the disciples, Thomas, is not there, and when they tell him later,
‘We have seen the Lord’, he can’t accept what they say. He has reasonable
doubts.

Reasonable, because he is being asked to set aside, suddenly and out of the
blue, so much of normal experience.

Thomas knows that people do not survive death. And there was a death. A
very public death. Brutal and final, on a cross. He knows that before the
bodies were taken down, the Roman soldiers made sure that Jesus had died.
He knows that a lifeless body was placed in a tomb.

But now he is being asked to consider different evidence. And he weighs it
up. How is it to be interpreted? An empty tomb. But surely bodies can be
stolen? The witness of Mary Magdalene. But wasn’t it still dark when she
went to the tomb? And didn’t she have tears in her eyes? And now the other
disciples who say they have seen the Lord. But weren’t they in an emotional
state?

Thomas does not find the evidence convincing. His doubts are not
unreasonable. So what would persuade him?

He thinks that if he could see and touch the wounds for himself, that would be
the final piece of evidence that would enable him to bring everything together
and believe.

Thomas says he must touch – not just see – as if the evidence of his eyes
would not be as compelling as the evidence of his fingers. I find that
interesting.

Eight days later this is what happens. But it is eight days later. A whole week
goes by during which, surely, Thomas continues thinking deeply again and
again about what has happened. The tomb is still empty. No body is
produced. Mary and the disciples remain certain that the Lord has risen. He
can see the conviction in their faces, in their changed attitude to life. No
longer beaten down but full of hope. No longer simply left mourning for a lost
past, but daring to look forward to a different future, one with new
possibilities.

Now, the disciples are again in the house. This time Thomas is with them.
The Risen Jesus comes and invites Thomas to reach out and touch his
wounded hands and side. And Thomas is then able to say, beyond
reasonable doubt, ‘My Lord and my God’.

Reaching out and touching.

What is important for Thomas is surely important for us as well, the ones who
come after, who do not see, yet believe.

Before he died Jesus told us to go on breaking bread to remember him. And
the bread we break, he said, is his wounded body, broken on the cross.
When we extend our hands in the communion to take the bread, we do what
Thomas did. We reach out. We touch. We touch the bread which is his body.
We touch the wounds of the Risen Lord.

And with Thomas we too can say, beyond reasonable doubt, ‘My Lord and my
God.’

20th April 2025 10.30am – Easter Day – Eucharist

Posted on April 20, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 10.34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

John 20.1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

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

19th April 2025 7.30pm – Easter Eve Vigil and Service of Light

Posted on April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 by St Mary's

18th April 2025 2.00pm – Good Friday at the Foot of the Cross

Posted on April 19, 2025 by St Mary's

St Marys Walkley

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

Author: St Mary's

8th June 2025 at 10.30am – Pentecost – Eucharist

1st June 2025 at 10.30am – 7th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

25th May 2025 at 10.30am – 6th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

18th May 2025 at 10.30am – 5th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

11th May 2025 at 10.30am – 4th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

4th May 2025 at 10.30am – 3rd Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

27th April 2025 at 10.30am – 2nd Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

20th April 2025 10.30am – Easter Day – Eucharist

19th April 2025 7.30pm – Easter Eve Vigil and Service of Light

18th April 2025 2.00pm – Good Friday at the Foot of the Cross