3rd August 2025 at 10.30am – The Transfiguration – Eucharist

Posted on August 3, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

2 Peter 1. 16 - 19

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Luke 9. 28 - 36

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

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

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

Some years ago I was walking down High Street, on the other side of
the road to the Nat West Bank. I suddenly experienced what I’ve
since described as ‘a moment of perfect clarity’. For a period of time
– it felt like minutes but must have been just seconds – everything
slowed, and I felt that I had a connection with the whole world; that I
thought I understood everything; everything was ‘just right’. And
then Sheffield re-asserted itself.

There isn’t a month goes by when I don’t recall that moment.
For Peter, James, and John, that moment came on a mountainside,
where they saw something so overwhelming that they could scarcely
speak about it, but that stayed with them all their days.

Today’s Gospel from Luke follows on from Jesus telling his disciples
about his forthcoming death. What happens in the intervening week
we’re not told, but then it’s reported that Jesus goes up the
mountain to pray. Peter and the others – well, they go along and
appear to doze off. As is often the case in the Gospels, when Jesus
prays, things happen, and the mountain becomes what we’d these
days call a liminal space – a place where the curtain between heaven
and Earth is pulled back, just for a moment.

Jesus is transfigured. This is not a transformation of Jesus into
something new. This is Jesus being revealed in his glorious entirety.
Human, Divine, a person of the Trinity, the Son of God.

Moses and Elijah don’t just show up because they’re hanging around
waiting for a chance to visit. They represent the Law and the
Prophets, and speak with Jesus about what is to come – Jesus’
departure, as it’s put, in Jerusalem. Like the Exodus in the Old
Testament, Jesus’s personal exodus from His human life will bring
about a sea-change in man’s relationship with God.

Peter and the others start to wake up and Peter suggests building
some sort of little houses for the three. Well meaning, but not really
appropriate. And then, a cloud descends - a symbol of God’s
presence throughout scripture - and a voice speaks: “This is my Son,
my Chosen; listen to Him.”

And that’s that. The vision fades; normality re-asserts itself; the
curtain is drawn. Jesus looks once more as he did before, and Moses
and Elijah are nowhere to be seen.

This moment on the mountain is not a break from reality—it is a
glimpse of the ultimate reality. We are so used to thinking of Jesus in
humble, human terms - born in a manger, sharing meals with
sinners, washing the feet of his friends and crucified between
criminals. And all of that is true. But this story reminds us that He’s
not just an itinerant Rabbi and jobbing carpenter – He is the Son of
God. Fully Human, fully Divine.

Peter, writing many years later in 2 Peter 1, looks back at that day
and says, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” It made such an
impression that he calls it a lamp shining in a dark place. What an
impact that experience made on him!

When our world feels dim—when faith feels difficult—when we’re
trudging through uncertainty—it’s good to remember the mountain.
To remember that the Jesus we follow is not just a wise teacher, not
just a compassionate friend—but the Lord of Glory. The
Transfiguration reminds us that we are not walking behind a human
leader shedding a fading light, but following the Son of God who
shines with eternal power.

The only words God speaks in this entire passage are these: “This is
my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him.” We’re not told to behold His
glory; we’re not told to worship. We are told to listen.

Because the voice of Jesus—the words of Jesus—will guide us when
the mountaintop vision fades. When life returns to the valleys, to the
ordinary, to the painful, the confusing, the beautiful grind of our
days—we are called to keep listening.

And what has Jesus been saying? A week before this moment, He has
spoken plainly to His disciples, telling them that He will die; He will
be resurrected; His journey is the one they must now follow.

In a world with so many competing voices - some seductive and
persuasive, some fearful, some angry, some threatening - we need to
hear the voice of God again. Listen to Him.

In your relationships, in your work, in your doubts, in your joy: Listen
to Him. Listen to my Son.

After all this, Luke tells us that “they kept silent.” And then the very
next verse - though not in our reading today - returns us to the
everyday grind: a boy tormented by an unclean spirit, a desperate
father, and the disciples struggling to cope.

It’s a jarring shift. That’s how it often is. The moments of spiritual
clarity, of sacred beauty, are often followed by reality slapping us
back to attention. But that’s why the Transfiguration matters.
Because we are meant to carry its light with us into the shadows. It is
not escapism. It’s equipping.

As Peter writes, “You will do well to be attentive to this, as to a lamp
shining in a dark place.” It’s not just about what they saw—but what
they do now. How would Christians of the day be enlightened by the
experience.

What does this mean to us today?

The Transfiguration is a dazzling, holy moment—but it is also a
reminder of the nature of Jesus and His impact on us.

We’re reminded that Jesus is glorious; a fully human man who walks
and talks with the prophets, who reveals his divinity to His friends,
and who is recognised as the Son of God. His presence in the world is
a pivotal moment when man’s relationship with God shifts from the
emphasis on Law to Love.

We’re called to listen to what Jesus says – not to worship him. Not to
marvel in His glory. Just listen. We may be surrounded by the babble
of media, angry voices, persistent social media. Ignore those voices.
Listen to the quietness of your soul. Listen to Jesus’ words.

We’re called to carry His light, his words and teachings to others,
even when the world feels dim and His glory is absent from our sight.
Listen and remember when your steps take you into the dirty,
bloody, mess of the world.

“This is my Son. Listen to Him.”

Let us take that voice seriously. And let it guide our steps—not just
on the mountain, but in the everyday valleys of life.

Amen.

The Prayers

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

Lord of glory, it is good that we are here.
In peace we make our prayer to you.
In trust we confirm our faith in you.
Help us to set our faces steadfastly to where you would have us go.
Lord, look with favour.
Lord, transfigure and heal.

Lord of glory, look with favour on your Church,
proclaiming your beloved Son to the world
and listening to the promptings of his Spirit.
May she be renewed in holiness that she may reflect your glory.
Lord, look with favour.
Lord, transfigure and heal.

Lord of glory, look with favour on the nations of the world,
scarred by hatred, strife and war.
May they be healed by the touch of your hand.
Lord, look with favour.
Lord, transfigure and heal.

Lord of glory, look with favour on those in need and distress,
suffering as your Son has suffered
and waiting for the salvation you promise.
May the day break
and Christ the Morning Star bring them the light of his presence.
Lord, look with favour.
Lord, transfigure and heal.

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

27th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Sixth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on July 27, 2025July 26, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Genesis 18. 20 - 32

Then the Lord said, ‘How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.’
So the men turned from there, and went towards Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?’ And the Lord said, ‘If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.’ Abraham answered, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?’ And he said, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.’ Again he spoke to him, ‘Suppose forty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of forty I will not do it.’ Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.’ He answered, ‘I will not do it, if I find thirty there.’ He said, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.’ Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’

Luke 11.1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.’
And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
‘So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

20th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Fifth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on July 20, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Genesis 18. 1 - 10a

The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’

Luke 10. 38 - end

Now as Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

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

If my memory serves me correctly I’m sure I recall hearing Alan preach on the passage about Martha & Mary many years ago and asking us which of these women did we readily identify with? Were we Marthas or Marys? I knew straight away that I was a Martha and in spite of the obvious message in the story, I probably still am. But I wonder how you think of yourself? I’ll leave you reflect on that question in your own time.

It would be very easy to be judgmental about Martha and think “well of course she should have known that it was more important to pay attention to what Jesus was saying”, but I have a lot of sympathy with her predicament and the situation she was dealing with. In the interests of doing a bit of research I read a very interesting piece about the passage that helped to set the scene in a little more detail thus making it more understandable. Martha was the elder of the sisters and had invited Jesus and his disciples into her home. It was customary to offer hospitality so she was trying to cater for quite a large group of people and as we all know, sadly dinner doesn’t make itself. I imagine she would have liked to listen to Jesus herself but felt she should make sure her guests were going to get fed. It’s also understandable that she felt rather annoyed with her sister for leaving her to cope with all the work on her own. However, when she complains to Jesus, no doubt expecting him to back her up, he instead affirms that Mary is the one doing the right thing. Martha may well have been a bit hurt or embarrassed by this. Here she is, trying her best to be a good hostess and being told in front of everyone that she’s got it wrong. But Jesus isn’t trying to make her feel bad or dismissing her concerns, he’s gently pointing out that sometimes, what might seem like a priority is not in fact the most important thing at that moment. The passage doesn’t tell us what happened next but I really hope that Martha sat down with everyone else and listened to what Jesus was saying then afterwards she got the help she needed and they all enjoyed eating and discussing things together.

Many of us live very busy lives in a complicated and fast paced world. There are many demands on our time and attention and often we feel as if we’re up against the clock. We must get this done and that done by a particular deadline or there’ll be trouble, and however hard we work at it, the “to do” list never seems to get any shorter. In such circumstances it can be easy to miss what is most important, as Martha did, by trying to attend to all the practical stuff and neglecting the spiritual aspects of our lives because there just doesn’t seem to be time to fit that in as well. We’ll deal with it later when we get the chance we tell ourselves. But the trouble with this approach is that it effectively demotes the spiritual side of our being to an afterthought, rather than the core part of us that should be underpinning every other aspect of who and what we are and what we do. Carving out and prioritising time focussing on God through prayer or worship or quiet reflection or whatever works for you is not a waste of time or a luxury, it is what feeds us and keeps us going, and we need to be open enough and humble enough to accept the occasional gentle reminder when we’re getting our life balance out of kilter.

The world needs both Marthas and Marys. We each need to be both Martha and Mary, finding the right balance between the practical and the spiritual and in so doing, allowing space for God to get in.
Amen.

The Prayers
Prepared by Paul.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, the Head of the Church your body, help those who call you Saviour to serve you in holiness and truth, wherever we are: in our homes, families, friendship groups, workplaces and communities. Grant your Church the power and wisdom of the Spirit to be your eyes and ears and hands, demonstrating your love and grace to the world around us.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, the Saviour of the world, we pray for our world and for its leaders, that they will act in justice and peace for all. We ask for wisdom for our government, to uphold the rights and dignity of all its citizens. The hot and dry weather we have experienced this year reminds us of the challenges of climate change. Help all those in power to rise to those challenges, most especially those faced by developing nations. May the poor and the oppressed know Your help and favour.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, King of kings, we pray for our city of Sheffield and our community. Help the clergy, leaders and congregations of St John’s Ranmoor, St Mark’s Broomhill and here at St Mary’s Walkley to be a light in our parishes and to serve their people in all their joys and sorrows.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, we lift up all those we know who face troubles, grief and illness. May you comfort and restore all those who feel overwhelmed and weak. We bring them to you now in a moment of quiet.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, Lord Most High, we thank you for all the faithful in every age who have witnessed to you and have been servants of Your grace and lights to the world. Helps us to follow their example, that you may bring us to those things that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, which you have prepared for those who love you.
Heavenly Father,
Accept these prayers, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

13th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Fourth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on July 13, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Deuteronomy 30. 9 - 14

The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

Luke 10. 25 - 37

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

Today’s gospel is in two parts. The second part – the story of the Good
Samaritan – is well known and the meaning clear: we should help our
neighbour in need in whatever way we can. So I will lay that to one side.

Let’s look, rather, at the first part. The lawyer’s question to Jesus: ‘What shall
I do to inherit eternal life?’

This lawyer is not the sort of lawyer we have now - someone who knows the
laws passed by Parliament. There was no parliament in the time of Jesus.
These lawyers are scholars who know the laws or commandments of God,
according to the Jewish Bible - the Old Testament. Jews believed that if they
lived according to these commandments, they would inherit eternal life.

There are 613 commandments scattered through the Bible. 248 are positive:
do this. 365 are negative: don’t do that. You will be familiar with some: like the
Ten Commandments, which are a mix of positive – remember the Sabbath
day to keep it holy - and negative - You shall not steal.

It was the job of the lawyers, like rabbis today, to know what all the
commandments are and how they apply in life’s changing circumstances.
Now the question the lawyer asked Jesus, ‘What shall I do to inherit eternal
life?’, was a question from one Jew to another in a religious society and
culture.

But I think it’s the sort of question that all people wrestle with in all societies
and cultures, even less religious ones like ours.

The question we ask ourselves at some point in our lives is this: how do I live
well? How do I live in a way that is ethically satisfying to me and to God?

In September I’m going to marry a young couple in Cawthorne church, near
Barnsley. Towards the end of the service we’ll pray for their future married life.
The prayer ends with these words:

“May they nurture their family with devotion, see their children grow in
body, mind and spirit and come at last to the end of their lives with
hearts content…”

Those final words - “and come at last to the end of their lives with hearts
content…” capture, I think, what the lawyer is getting at with his question to
Jesus and what so many people ask today, though in their own way.

How am I to live so that I come to the end of my life with heart content?

Sometimes when a life ends, and we look back over it, we can be fairly sure
that this person would be able to say that their heart was content. Let me call
to mind someone who died at the start of the nineteenth century and
someone who died recently, to show what I mean.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Winchester cathedral. In the north aisle I
passed the grave of Jane Austen, the novelist, who is buried there. You may
have read some of her novels or seen the TV adaptation of Pride and
Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

Although she died young – she was 41 – I think she could have had a
contented heart. She had succeeded against considerable odds to do what
she always wanted – to write. But those who laid her to rest remembered her
primarily for other reasons. Her gravestone only hints at the fact that she was
a writer – it speaks of ‘the extraordinary endowment of her mind’. It dwells
more on her character: ’The benevolence of her heart, the sweetness of her
temper…’ ’The benevolence of her heart, the sweetness of her temper…’
And that made me think of the tragic death last week of the Liverpool
footballer, Diogo Jota. He also died young. But what I found so moving was
not just the fact that so many were so heartbroken at his death, but the
reasons why. Yes, they had lost a very talented player. But, as one former
captain of Liverpool put it, it was not just what he did on the field but the sort
of human being he was off it.

We want to do our best in our working life – as a novelist or a footballer or
anything else. But what will bring us to the end of our lives with hearts content
is how we treat those around us. The benevolence of our heart. The
sweetness of our temper.

What must I do to inherit eternal life? The answer for the lawyer and for us is
the same: Do what will bring you to the end of your life with heart content.

6th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Third Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on July 6, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings.

Isaiah 66. 10 - 14

Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her;
rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her—
that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast;
that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom.
For thus says the Lord:
I will extend prosperity to her like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream;
and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees.
As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you;
you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;
your bodies shall flourish like the grass;
and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.

Luke 10. 1 - 11, 16 - 20

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, "Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'
"Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

29th June 2025 at 10.30am – Peter and Paul, Apostles – Eucharist

Posted on June 29, 2025June 28, 2025 by St Mary's

About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

The Readings

Acts 12.1-11

About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.
The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Matthew 16.13-19

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

This week the government learnt a difficult lesson. But a necessary one if we
are to be governed well.

What they learnt, hopefully, is that a parliamentary democracy, is a collective
affair. It’s not simply about the wishes of one person, the leader.

The Prime Minister realised, belatedly, that he was not taking either his
backbenchers or many in the public with him on welfare reforms, and would
be defeated if he pushed ahead. He had not been listening to what they were
saying or taking what they said into account – which is how a democracy
works. So, at the eleventh hour, he changed tack, and this may be enough for
him to win the vote on Tuesday.

We must hope, as we so often say, that lessons will be learnt.

Now the Church isn’t a democracy, but it’s leaders must also listen and take
account of what those around them have learnt from their different
experiences of the Christian life, otherwise the Church will turn out to be a
bad guide spiritually.

And this is in part what we learn today as we remember two early leaders of
the Church, St Peter and St Paul. Two very different people.

Lets begin with Peter.

Peter is a working man, a fisherman, a married man, an impulsive man, even
a violent man. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane armed with a sword
and cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest when they came to arrest
Jesus. He was, shall we say, a bit rough and ready. Is this why Jesus calls
him a rock – a rock, after all, is not a polished stone?

Unlike Peter, Paul is not married. He has a trade – a tent-maker – but he’s
also had more of an education. He can write beautifully. Think of that lovely
passage about love in his letter to the Corinthians.

‘Love is patient and kind … it does not rejoice in wrong, but rejoices in the
right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things. Love never ends … ‘

Both men are inclined to boast. Paul boasts about his religious background.
Before his conversion he was a Pharisee, someone who kept all the religious
rules meticulously.

Peter boasts about his loyalty. This is why there is deep irony when Jesus
says to Peter, ‘You are Peter’ – his name means Rock – ‘You are Peter and
on this rock I will build my church.’ Because at first, Peter turns out to be
anything but rock-like. He proves unreliable. Despite everything he says
about never abandoning Jesus, when Christ is arrested he flees, along with
all the others.

And worse than all the others. When challenged later that night he denies
even knowing Jesus. But he is restored and plays a key role in establishing
the Church after the resurrection.

It can seem from today’s reading as if Jesus gives Peter an authority that he
does not give to the other apostles. He says that Peter has authority to
forgive sins – to bind and to loose. But later on, after he is risen, he breathes
on all the apostles and says to them all, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive
the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are
retained.’ This is why all the Church’s priests have authority to pronounce
forgiveness. The sacramental leadership of the church is shared.

Peter may be the leader of the Christians immediately after the resurrection.
But he has to learn from Paul.

At first, the gospel message spreads amongst Jews. Paul grasps far more
quickly than Peter that the gospel is for all people, Gentiles as well as Jews.
Peter takes some persuading. He starts by thinking that Gentile converts
must first become Jews, and only then can they become Christians. He has
to learn differently and Paul is one of those who teach him.

Peter and Paul then. Both leaders in the early church. Two very different
people. But they learn to listen to one another and learn through one another,
as we must also learn.

To put all this in theological language, if we don’t listen to one another in the
Church we will in effect be closing down the activity of the Holy Spirit, who –
we leant at Pentecost – is given to all people: young and old, male and
female, high and low.

Democratic governments govern well when they listen widely and take into
account what ordinary people tell them.

Similarly in the Church. If we are to speak and act wisely, we must listen for
what the Spirit is whispering, and what the Spirit is nudging us towards,
through the experiences of all Christians: young and old, male and female,
high and low. That’s what keeps the Church spiritually healthy.

The Prayers

Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints,
let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, your Son called men and women to leave the past behind
them and to follow him as his disciples in the way of the cross. Look
with mercy upon those whom he calls today, marks with the cross
and makes his disciples within the Church.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Your Son told his disciples not to be afraid and at Easter breathed on
them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into which
he sent them out, and give it that peace for which it longs.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Your Son formed around him a company who were no longer
servants but friends, and he called all those who obeyed him his
brother and sister and mother. Look with mercy upon our families
and our friends and upon the communities in which we share.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Your Son sent out disciples to preach and heal the sick. Look with
mercy on all those who yearn to hear the good news of salvation,
and renew among your people the gifts of healing.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Your Son promised to those who followed him that they would sit
on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and would share the
banquet of the kingdom. According to your promise, look with
mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now
have passed through death.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Almighty God,
you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone:
so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine,
that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

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

22nd June 2025 at 10.30am – First Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on June 22, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 65.1-9

I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me.

I said, "Here I am, here I am,"to a nation that did not call on my name.

I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices;

a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks;

who sit inside tombs, and spend the night in secret places;

who eat swine's flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels;

who say, "Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you."

These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.

See, it is written before me:

I will not keep silent, but I will repay;

I will indeed repay into their laps their iniquities and their ancestors' iniquities together, says the Lord;

because they offered incense on the mountains and reviled me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions.

Thus says the Lord:

As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say, "Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,"

so I will do for my servants' sake, and not destroy them all.

I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains;

my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall settle there.

Luke 8.26-39

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As Jesus stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me"— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" He said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying,

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath.

God our Father, hear us when we pray to you in faith. We give you thanks for the many wonderful gifts you have given us. Help us to truly appreciate all that we have and to look after our world for this generation and the generations to come. May we take seriously the warnings about climate change and do all that we can to prevent this.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Father, we pray for your church throughout the world and for those of other faiths who worship you. Give us the grace and willingness to work together for the greater good and to lead in all areas of life by good example, showing that difference does not have to mean conflict as some would have us believe.

We pray for our bishops Pete and Leah, for the diocese of Sheffield and especially for the congregations and communities of our mission partnership of St Mark’s, St John’s and St Mary’s, giving thanks for the time, talents and gifts that make them the special places that they are.
Lord, in your mercy,,
Hear our prayer.

We continue to pray for our increasingly troubled and turbulent world and for all peoples who are caught up in and suffering because of wars, oppression and need. Especially we pray for the peoples of Ukraine & Russia, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran & Israel at this perilous time for them and for those affected by conflicts in Africa, about which we hear so little. Father, guide us and especially our leaders to know what is right and strengthen the nations to work together for it, so that everyone can live in peace. Please be with all who are courageous in standing against tyranny and corruption and help us to value and defend the freedom and liberty we have rather than taking it for granted because it really is precious. Many people long for democracy we have but are denied it.

We pray for all involved in the debates about assisted dying and about welfare reforms. May there be patience, a willingness to listen with an open heart & mind and respect for the thoughts, feelings and points of view of others. Above all may there be compassion and kindness for those affected by the decisions that will come from these debates.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are ill and those who are nearing the end of their lives. May they receive the care, comfort and compassion they need. We pray for those who accompany them on their journey who also need our loving care and support.

In a moment of quiet let us call to mind anyone known to us who is in special need of our prayers at this time and let us also pray for ourselves and our own needs and concerns.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We remember all who have died, some recently and some long ago. We pray that they are at peace and that those who love and miss them will be comforted in their loss. We pray for the victims of the terrible air crash in India and for their loved ones who miss and mourn for them.

Again in a short time of quiet let us remember those special to us who are no longer with us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

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

15th June 2025 at 10.30am – Trinity Sunday – Eucharist

Posted on June 15, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
"To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.
The Lord created me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of long ago.
Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth—
when he had not yet made earth and fields,
or the world's first bits of soil.
When he established the heavens, I was there,
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
then I was beside him, like a master worker;
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the human race.

John 16.12-15

Jesus said, ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you# into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’

The Prayers

We come boldly to the throne of grace,
praying to the almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
for mercy and grace.
Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Father of heaven, whose love profound
a ransom for our souls has found:
We pray for the world, created by your love,
for its nations and governments.
Extend to them your peace, pardoning love, mercy and grace.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Almighty Son, incarnate Word,
our Prophet, Priest, Redeemer, Lord:
We pray for the Church, created for your glory,
for its ministry to reflect those works of yours.
Extend to us your salvation, growth, mercy and grace.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Eternal Spirit, by whose breath
the soul is raised from sin and death:
We pray for families and individuals, created in your image,
for the lonely, the bereaved, the sick and the dying.
Breathe on them the breath of life
and bring them to your mercy and grace.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Thrice holy! Father, Spirit, Son,
Mysterious Godhead, Three in One:
We pray for ourselves,
for your Church, for all whom we remember before you.
Bring us all to bow before your throne in heaven,
to receive life and pardon, mercy and grace for all eternity,
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

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

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.

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.

St Marys Walkley

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

Category: Sermons

3rd August 2025 at 10.30am – The Transfiguration – Eucharist

27th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Sixth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

20th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Fifth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

13th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Fourth Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

6th July 2025 at 10.30am – The Third Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

29th June 2025 at 10.30am – Peter and Paul, Apostles – Eucharist

22nd June 2025 at 10.30am – First Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

15th June 2025 at 10.30am – Trinity Sunday – Eucharist

8th June 2025 at 10.30am – Pentecost – Eucharist

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