23rd June 2024 10.30am – 4th Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on June 23, 2024June 23, 2024 by admin

The Readings

2 Corinthians 6. 1 - 13

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,

‘At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.

Mark 4. 35 - end

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

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

The Sermon
By The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

You may find this hard to believe, but I love washing up. Some people go into
the kitchen and see the chaos of piles of unwashed dishes and their hearts
sink. I go in and feel exhilarated. It brings me joy to be able to take control
and bring order out of chaos.

If I wonder why this should be, I think of the first chapter of the Book of
Genesis – the story of the creation. We tend to think that Genesis says that
God created everything from nothing – and the story is not incompatible with
that idea. But what Genesis actually says is that the Spirit of God made
something out of what was already there, taking something that was without
form and void, where darkness was over the face of the deep, and brining
order out of chaos.

The Spirit of God separated light and dark, bringing day and night, sun and
moon. The Spirit of God brought the land out of the water and populated both
with fishes, plants, birds and beasts, and people.

In other words, the Spirit of God brought order out of chaos, which is what we
do when we do the washing up. We take control and establish order. And that
gives me, at any rate, a good feeling.

I don’t know whether that will give you something to think about when you
next do the washing up – assuming you don’t just put it in a dishwasher – but
the idea of having control, of being able to overcome chaos and bring order
and stability is an interesting psychological insight. It’s something that seems
basic to human living, something we seek to do all the time.

But washing up is a trivial example. There are many ways in which chaos
threatens our lives and our well-being and they are ways that are less easy to
control.

Foundational things.

The relationships between parents and children, between partners, between
friends. They can be fractured. The jobs we have, the homes we live in, our
savings, our health, our ability to grow old with dignity. All can be at risk. The
chaos of anxiety, worry, even fear, is never far away. And our ability to control
externals of this kind may amount to little or nothing.

Now this, I think, is what today’s gospel is getting at. The story is simple. After
a day of teaching, by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus gets into a boat with his
disciples to go across to the other side. Exhausted, he falls asleep on a
cushion. A storm gets up. The waves crash against the boat and it starts to
take on water. The disciples are frightened. They wake up Jesus. He stills the
wind and the waves.

These are, if you like, the externals. But the focus is less on the externals and
more on the disciples and what is going on with them internally. We can
imagine the emotions they would have gone through as the wind starts to
increase. They are concerned. Their concern turns to worry. Their worry
becomes fear. A fear compounded by the fact that Jesus is asleep and seems
not to care.

This is a pattern of emotions we may well recognise from things that have
happened to us in life.

Think of health. We notice something wrong with us. We spot signs and
symptoms. We are concerned. We Google it up. We become worried. We go
the GP and are referred to the hospital. Our worries become fears. Or think of
finances. We lose our job. We are concerned. We write endless job
applications. Our worries become fears.

These are journeys any of us may have made or may yet make from
something external that impacts us. And for people of faith, such as us, we
may well feel that Christ is asleep in the boat.

The disciples need to hear the voice of Jesus, his re-assuring voice: ‘Why are
you afraid? Have you no faith?’

‘Peace! Be still,’ he says – and he says it as much to the disciples at to wind
and wave.

We cannot tell whether or not we will experience any of these moments when
chaos seems about to break in and rob us of our security, our happiness, our
peace of mind.

What today’s gospel is saying to us is this. There was once an occasion when
the hearts and minds of the disciples were threatened by external factors that
almost frightened them to death. They thought they had been abandoned,
that Christ did not care. Until they heard his voice.

If our inner peace is threatened, we ned to draw on that memory and hear
that same voice: ‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? Peace! Be still’.

The Prayers
Prepared by David.

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea;
Day by day his sweet voice soundeth, saying ‘Christian, follow me.’
We pray for the church, for our Bishops Pete and Sophie, for all who minister in our Mission Area
We give thanks for the calling given to each of us to serve in many different ways. Give us wisdom and strength to fulfil our calling, working together with you for the coming of the Kingdom.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

I cannot tell how he will win the nations, how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
We pray for the world and the leaders of the nations.
For places where human greed, hatred and hardness of heart cause pain and suffering.
We give thanks for peace makers, peace keepers and those work for the relief of pain and suffering.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

Eternal Father strong to save, whose are doth bind the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep.
We pray for all those who travel the worlds waterways in a time of increased danger.
We give thanks for the crucial role they play in the transportation of food and other goods around the world.
We pray for their safety and the free flow of marine shipping throughout the world.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

I cannot tell how silently he suffered,
As with his peace he graced this place of tears,
Or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
The crown of pain to three and thirty years.
We pray for all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, the lonely, the anxious, the depressed and those in pain.
We give thanks for those who care, offering support through companionship, diagnosis and treatment and pain relief.
We silently hold in our hearts those known to us.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee,
that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be.
We pray for those who have died and those nearing the end of their earthly lives.
We give thanks for all that they have given us and the ways they have shaped our lives.
We name them silently in our hearts.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

O let me see thy foot-marks and in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone:
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end:
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.
We pray for ourselves, for all that lies ahead of us in the coming week.
We give thanks for the people we will meet and for time spent in work and relaxation.
May we each take something of God’s love out into the world.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

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

Hymn verses copyright (c) of their respective owners.

16th June 2024 10.30am – 3rd Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on June 16, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

2 Corinthians 5.6-13

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Mark 4.26-34

He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

The Sermon
By David, Reader at St Mary's.

How would each of us complete the sentence “The Kingdom of God is like…”?

Many years ago, as a student, I was on a Christian retreat weekend in the peak district. A group of us were out walking and were stopped by a couple of street evangelists from a non-mainstream denomination. They had literature they wanted to share with us which showed what the Kingdom of God was apparently to be like.

It was a rather quaint, rural scene. There were lots of different animals, none of them eating each other. There was a nice blue sky, green grass, trees and flowers and humans, all nicely paired off, were walking about. This was their way of completing the sentence “The Kingdom of God is like…”.

In the Bible we don’t find just one way to complete this sentence.

Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven, throughout the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. He uses parables, or stories, to convey some understanding of the Kingdom. Some of these parables appear in all three of these gospels, others only in one or two.

Some of the parables Jesus gives start as follows “The Kingdom of God is like yeast”, or “a fine pearl”, or a fishing “dragnet” or, in our Gospel today, “a mustard seed”. At first glance quite a collection of random items, with no real connection. Yet, each gives us a glimpse into one facet or aspect of the Kingdom of God.

A pearl was worth a lot of money, for God’s Kingdom is beyond price. A dragnet catches as many fish as possible, both those good for eating and those which aren’t edible, those which are of the Kingdom and those which are not. The fishermen then separate them out. Yeast is essential for making bread rise, giving growth.

But what about the mustard seed?

A black mustard seed is tiny, maybe one millimetre across but grows into a plant almost three metres tall. It wasn’t grown in gardens in Jesus’ time, but out in the fields and was often considered to be weed, yet used in cooking across different cultures. It seems an odd choice for describing the Kingdom.

In a way, that’s part of the point. We can never get a full view of God’s Kingdom. It defies human understanding. It’s why Jesus uses parables to teach people. Yet each parable gives some insight into the nature of the Kingdom.
So, the mustard seed. What can it teach us about God’s Kingdom?

Sometimes the Kingdom can appear very small, or very far away. Life can be hard, and the cares of the world can overwhelm us. Yet the Kingdom is still there. There is the possibility of it growing, beyond expectations or predictions, from a small seed to a massive plant.

We carry this seed of the Kingdom within us. It was planted by others, maybe our parents or Godparents. Sometimes it lies sleeping for a while, other times it sprouts and grows. When it is time, we are called to plant new seeds spreading the Kingdom to others.

Which can seem like quite a daunting task.

What do we know about growing seeds of the Kingdom? Especially in others?

Jesus’ other statement about the Kingdom of God in our Gospel this morning is helpful here. “The Kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, they do not know how.”

We aren’t called to grow the seeds into plants; this is beyond our control. We cannot force God’s Kingdom into a particular shape or size. The Kingdom is a mustard plant, weedlike and vigorous. We aren’t trimming a hedge of topiary into a shape that suits us. The Kingdom isn’t subject to our will, but God’s.

Yet we can plant seeds. But how?

Part of the reason the Kingdom defies definition by words is that it isn’t ultimately a Kingdom of words. It’s not a Kingdom of philosophy or rhetoric, creeds or catechism. All these can give us glimpses, can point us to the Kingdom, but they can never fully describe or contain it.

God’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of action. God’s Kingdom is one of love and joy, justice and mercy, peace and compassion, kindness and gentleness. These are the fruits of the Spirit.

We plant seeds in others through our interactions with them. We sow seeds in their lives through love, acts of kindness and compassion, making peace and sharing in joyful celebration.

In this way are the seeds of Kingdom spread far and wide. Amen.

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine.

We pray for the worldwide church. We remember all who are being ordained
deacon or priest this month asking for God’s blessing as they begin their
ordained ministry. We remember those known to some of us – Lizzie and
Claire – shortly to be ordained deacon. We pray too for evangelists and
missionaries and all who work to spread the Good news of God’s kingdom.
And we pray for our own role in scattering the seeds of the Gospel in our daily
lives, and for the often unseen fruit that this bears.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for the world. We remember all places holding elections this year. We
pray that those recently elected to the European parliament and in India may
work wisely to enable equity, peace and harmony. We pray for the upcoming
elections here and in France, that campaigning be robust but respectful, and
that policies reflect the needs of the wider society.
We continue to remember places where there is conflict – thinking especially of
the people of Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza. We pray for an end to violence and
suffering, and think of all those who have lost lives, loved ones or limbs as a
result of war.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for our city and local area. We give thanks for those who work night
shifts whilst most of us sleep. We remember cleaners, road repairers,
infrastructure engineers and carers whose essential work often goes unnoticed.
We pray for all those planting seeds of community and togetherness as part of
the upcoming Walkley Festival.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for all who are unwell at this time. We remember those suffering from
long Covid and other chronic conditions. We give thanks for all who work in
science and medicine and for the seeds of hope sown by their increasing
understanding of diseases and discovering possible new treatments.
We think of anyone known to us who is in particular need this week...
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We remember those who are now away from their earthly bodies and at home
with the Lord. We give thanks for the life of Michael Mosley and for the seeds
of simple ways to boost good health and well-being he sowed in his TV
programmes and podcasts. We pray especially for his family and friends at this
time.
And we remember those known to us who have died, thanking God for their
lives, and asking for comfort for all who mourn.
Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

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

9th June 2024 10.30am – 2nd Sunday after Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on June 9, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

2 Corinthians 4.13-5.1
But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Mark 3.20-end

and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’

The Sermon
By Catherine, Reader at St Mary's.

“The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not
know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born
of the Spirit”

These words, from John’s gospel, seem to reflect well the opening stories of
Mark’s gospel.

Following his baptism by John in the Jordan, and time of temptation by Satan
in the wilderness, Jesus barely seems to keep still. Mark’s pacey narrative has
him
proclaiming the kingdom of God, and
healing numerous people, and
driving out demons, and
teaching and
calling many to follow him, including the twelve named disciples.

All this in less than three chapters.

He’s attracting huge crowds wherever he goes, and seriously upsetting the
religious authorities. In this precarious time of Roman occupation, Jewish
worship and customs are allowed...but only if the people don’t stir up trouble.
Someone proclaiming an alternative kingdom, ignoring the Sabbath rules, and
attracting large crowds is not good news for the scribes.

It’s also embarrassing his family, who think he’s out of his mind. In this
conservative society, family honour matters. A family with a son drawing
attention to himself like this may be treated with suspicion and shunned.

Now Jesus returns to his home town, surrounded by a crowd so big that no-one
has space to eat. Both his family and the Jerusalem scribes learn of it and
determine to stop him. His family try to restrain him. The scribes try to
persuade the crowds not to listen to him. They declare he is casting out demons
because he is possessed by the chief demon.

Jesus rebukes both the scribes and his family. The scribes get the sterner
rebuke. He is casting out demons because he has a demon? “How absurd!”
Jesus says. “How can Satan cast out Satan? How can evil cast itself out? It’s
nonsense!”

Then he points out that if a house is divided amongst itself, it is unlikely to
thrive. And he also says that you can’t plunder the property of a strong man’s
house unless you have first tied up the strong man. Evil won’t thrive where
there is division amongst those perpetuating it. Evil won’t thrive if it has been
disabled.

Jesus says to the scribes “It is the Holy Spirit you are seeing at work here, not
Satan”. It is God’s Spirit who is working through Jesus casting out evil, and
healing the sick. Those who recognise this will have all manner of sins
forgiven. But those who declare that the Holy Spirit is Satan are committing
blasphemy! If the scribes maintain this viewpoint, there is no hope of
forgiveness – they cannot let God in to forgive them.

Harsh words against those scribes who are in league with the occupying empire
and allowing evil to take root.

Jesus’ rebuke to his family is a little softer. He won’t be restrained by them, so
he refuses to come outside to talk to them. If they won’t do the will of God,
they are not his mother or his brothers.

In the earlier stories, Jesus has called people to follow him, people of many
different backgrounds, men, women, old, young, some in powerful positions,
others on the fringes of respectable society. These are the people who surround
him now. They have said “yes” to God and “yes” to the Good News of his
kingdom. So Jesus proclaims:

“Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my
brother and sister and mother.”

The stubbornness of the religious authorities to see the Holy Spirit at work
leads to them having Jesus arrested, tried and ultimately crucified. But unlike
the strong man in Jesus’ mini parable, he won’t be kept tied down. Two days
later God raises him from the dead. The scribes cannot keep the Holy Spirit
from acting. God’s kingdom is here whether they accept it or not.

Jesus seems to distance himself from his family at the end of today’s story.

However, we know from later in the new Testament that this estrangement is
only temporary. His mother stands at the foot of the cross, standing with him
during his time of greatest need. She and his brothers are present in the upper
room, following Jesus’ Ascension, and they became an active part of the early
church following Pentecost.

So I’ll end with some questions:

Where is God’s Spirit at work today? Is the Spirit working in some unexpected
way that challenges us to rethink how we understand and practise our faith?
Who makes up Jesus’ family today? Where are they living out the good news
of God’s kingdom?

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. May we take the time to see and truly appreciate all that we have and help us to look after it for this generation and the generations who follow us.
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. Help us to seek ways to live together peaceably and respectfully in your name rather than clinging to what divides us.

We pray for all in our mission partnership giving thanks for the time, talents and gifts which our churches and communities benefit from.
This week we have been commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Among those whose service we remember, let us give thanks for the work of the padres or military chaplains who were alongside those they ministered to. Many of them went beyond their duties, helping to tend to and bring comfort to the wounded and dying and writing to their families. Demonstrating your love in the midst of adversity. We pray for those who continue in this quiet, courageous and loving service.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Again thinking of the sacrifices of D-Day and all it represents, we pray for our very troubled world and all peoples who are suffering because of wars and oppression. Father, guide us and especially our leaders to know what is right and strengthen us to work together for it, so that everyone can live in peace. Be with all who are courageous in standing against tyranny and help us to value the freedom and liberty we have that has been won for us at so great a price. Help us not to squander it by thoughtlessness and apathy. May we never forget that price or those who paid it.
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 to be supported.
By name we pray for Anne & Michael & their family,
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 concerns and needs.
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 and cared for in their grief. We give thanks for the life of Rob Burrow and for his great courage in advocating for the sufferers of Motor Neurone disease right to the end of his life.
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.

2nd June 2024 10.30am – The Visitation of The Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth – Eucharist

Posted on June 2, 2024June 3, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Romans 12.9-16

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Luke 1.39-56

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’

And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home.

The Sermon
By The Revd Shan Rush.

Today, we recall the visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. It’s
one of those rarer occasions when we are made more aware of the role of women in the story of
our faith. Mary is honoured as the mother of Jesus but Elizabeth gets little mention although we
know John’s birth was equally miraculous. These are important women, who, albeit briefly, stand
centre stage in this important Christian story. These two women enable life, making possible the
gift of God’s life in all its fullness, as John’s gospel would say.

Zachariah was a priest and along with his wife they were faithful to the Jewish traditions.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were both elderly and this couple’s sadness was that they were childless.
They lived in hope that one day, the long awaited ruler of Israel that the prophet Micah had
prophesied long before their lives began would be born in Bethlehem. Zechariah doubted God’s
message that he would father John the Baptist, but God fulfils the promise he has made and
Elizabeth conceives.

The news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy was shared with Mary by the angel Gabriel who greeted Mary
as someone specifically favoured by God and announced to her she would bear a Son who would
be the fulfilment of the promises made to their ancestors. Mary questions this news, afraid of
what God is asking of her, a young, unmarried woman who could be ostracised by her community
for being pregnant. The Angel reassures her by saying your “relative Elizabeth in her old age has
also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing
will be impossible with God.” Hearing this, Mary agrees to God’s proposal saying, ‘Here am I, the
servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Unlike Zechariah, Mary responded
to Gods call with grace and humility, not only out of obedience, but with a willing heart. She hears
God’s word and accepts it, letting the word become flesh in our midst, and in doing so aligning
God’s choice with her own choice. From my own experience I imagine her decision brought her a
sense of peace. The closest I can get to understanding how this felt was when I stopped putting
obstacles in the way of accepting I was was being invited to be ordained. When I finally said Yes to
the invitation to explore this vocation, it felt as though God’s choice and my own to continue the
journey met, and instead of walking separate paths, God and I were on the same path and each of
our choices were complimentary. Suddenly I was ready to share my news with others.

Returning to our story, who better for Mary to share her surprising and amazing news with than
someone in a similar situation, so Mary set out to visit Elizabeth, her cousin. There’s a beautiful
painting depicting the moment they met in which you can sense the joy and love between these
two women.

Elizabeth knew instantly that Mary’s child would be the long awaited Messiah. Elizabeth is able to
read the signs with the mind of prophesy, the gift of God’s Spirit. She also acts as a kind of
midwife, not in the literal sense, since she is not named in the nativity narratives of the Gospels,
but as one who helps bring to birth. It’s John, still in the womb who gets the credit from Luke as
he uses John the Baptists leaping in Elizabeth’s womb as the first time he bears witness to Christ as
that promised Messiah.

Many mum’s are encouraging and supportive of their children and Mary was no different, not solely
as his mother whilst he was at home , but also by becoming one of his followers as his ministry
extended beyond his home town. In many ways this is not surprising as we know she was called to
be a servant of the Lord by God, and that calling is not usually only for one specific purpose. In
todays Gospel, not only did we have it affirmed that, although it may take a long time, God keeps
promises, we also see in Mary, someone whose life is shaped by her commitment to honouring the
calling she has been given. Mary puts God and subsequently Jesus at the centre of her life. She
does not do this passively, but through sharing what is happening in her everyday life.

In her wonder at having been chosen to be the bearer of God, the mother of the Messiah, Mary
praises God. This song or prayer of praise is what we know today as The Magnificat.

In it, she praises the God of surprises who turns the world upside down and transforms lives. She
expresses delight that God has chosen her, but goes on to voice the subversive view that

“He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.”

In Mary’s Song there is a reversal. The reign of God, she asserts, turns upside down the values of
the world. Under God’s reign the poor are to be lifted up, regarded as of highest value. The rich
will be sent away, as of no account.

This is echoed in the Good News of Jesus Christ so whether or not you have a devotion to Mary
as you seek to follow as a disciple of Jesus, her influence is embedded in our faith journey. It was a
theme picked up by Oscar Romero in answer to the question, ‘What must the rich do to be
saved?’ He replied, ‘they must be converted to the poor,’ because it is with the poor, the
marginalised, the rejected, that we will find God, and our lives will be transformed.

Jen Norton is an artist and author who creates colourful and prayerful artwork that celebrates the
traditions of the Catholic faith. She writes;

“A good starting point for a deeper appreciation of the Song of Mary is simply recognising that it
could be our song, too. If the Magnficat is the prayer of the Church, then it is our prayer; and if it
is our prayer, then Mary’s words become our words, and praying those words helps us to respond
to God as she did.”

At Common Worship Evening Prayer, The Magnificat is said daily, revealing the God of justice who
acts on behalf of those who are marginalised.

As we pray the Magnificat, we are not just praising God for what he has accomplished in the past,
but for all the ways in which he acts in our lives today. The Magnificat prompts us to ask: How is
God showing his strength in my life today? How is he scattering the proud? How is he casting
down the mighty from their thrones? How is he exalting the lowly, filling the hungry with good
things, and sending the rich away empty? How is he helping his people? How is he helping me?
These questions through our prayers don’t always come with immediate answers, but when the
time is right, the way forward will become clear and God’s love for humanity will be revealed.
Amen.

The Prayers

Let us proclaim the greatness of the Lord
and rejoice together in the God who saves us.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

You have mercy on those who fear you in every generation.
We pray for your Church for our Bishops Pete and Sophie and all who minister
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

You show the strength of your arm
and cast down the mighty from their thrones.
We pray for the nations of the world and their leaders.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

You lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things.
We pray for all those in any kind of need.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

You come to the aid of your servants
and remember your promises with mercy.
We remember all who have died in the faith of Christ.
Bring us with them to share the joy of heaven
with Mary and all the saints.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

Father most holy,
so guide us in the way of humility and obedience like Mary,
that our lives may be a constant hymn of praise
to you from whom all good things come.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

26th May 2024 10.30am – Trinity – Eucharist

Posted on May 26, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Romans 8.12-17

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

John 3.1-17

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

The Sermon
By The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

In 1934, an American theologian called Reinhold Niebuhr, wrote a book about
human behaviour. He wanted to draw attention to the fact that people could
be very moral, very ethical, in their personal lives, but sometimes behave
quite differently when they were part of a social group – groups like
businesses or trade unions or churches.

This was because – to put it simply – individuals could decide to act
unselfishly, but social groups found that more difficult. An individual could
decide to be loving to their partner, kind to their children – even teenagers –
and generous to their friends and neighbours.

But if, say, you were running a business, you had to make the business
viable; you could find yourself taking decisions that impacted badly on those
you employed – paying rubbish wages, having little regard to their well-being,
that sort of thing.

So Niebuhr spoke about individual morality and social morality and called his
book Moral Man and Immoral Society.

Remembering what Niebuhr wrote was the only way I could make sense of
the behaviour of some of those we have been hearing about recently in two
great scandals that have shaken our country: the scandal of contaminated
blood in the NHS and the scandal of IT failures in the Post Office.

In the first of these, men and women, and even children, who needed, for
example, blood transfusions, had been given blood products in the 1980s and
1990s which came from America. The blood had been donated by prisoners
and drug users and was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C and passed on,
therefore, to patients in this country.

Many people knew about this: the company that supplied the products, those
who received and administered it here, doctors and consultants, and so on.
Yet no one told the patients and no one said, Stop, this is wrong.

Similarly with the Post Office scandal. For years, sub-postmasters and
mistresses had been using for their financial transactions an IT system that
was flawed. A random fault made money disappear from their accounts. It
looked as if they were stealing it.

They had signed contracts to say they would be responsible for any losses so
they had to find the missing money or face prosecution. Many were ruined,
Some went to prison. At least one committed suicide. Many people in the
Post Office knew about the faults, but no one told the sub-postmasters and
no one said, Stop, this is wrong.

I have no doubt that many of those who made bad decisions or kept quiet in
both scandals - contaminated blood and the Post Office IT – were, in their
personal lives good people. They were loving, they looked out for their
neighbours, they helped old people over the road and gave to charity. But in
their social groups – businesses, parts of the NHS, the Post Office – they
made decisions that had fearful consequences for others and they couldn’t
stop.

We tend to think of sin as something highly individualistic - bad behaviour by
bad individuals. If you want to rid the world of sin, therefore, you need to
make bad people into good ones. What Reinhold Niebuhr realised was that
this was only ever part of the story – because even good people can make
bad decisions when they are part of a social group.

And sometimes those bad collective decisions can spring from motives that
are not unworthy. I dare say those who allowed infected blood to be used
persuaded themselves that this was better than having nothing to offer the
patients at all. I don’t know.

The Post Office managers and bosses didn’t want the reputation of the Post
Office damaged by having to admit publicly that there were faults in their IT
system. Because that could have brought the business crashing down. They
wanted to protect the business and its reputation.

But those worthy motives became unworthy as soon as innocent people
began to suffer and pay the price for collective decisions.

Niebuhr was a Christian theologian who understood from his reading of the
New Testament that sin could be social as well as individualistic; that even
good people could be led astray when they acted as part of a social group.
Once you understand that, you understand also why Christians have to be
wary of becoming too judgemental – because unless we keep our Christian
wits about us, any of us is capable of being influenced by collective behaviour
– because we all belong to some sort of social group – family, church, work,
community group: they all tend to act in their own self interests – they all tend
to act selfishly.

So we must keep in mind those words from today’s gospel: For God sent the
Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be
saved through him.

We need the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to deliver us from evil - all evil –
and that includes the evil that even good people can do when part of a social
group.

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.

19th May 2024 10.30am – Pentecost – Eucharist

Posted on May 19, 2024May 20, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 2.1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out 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.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 15.26-27

‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

John 16.4b-15

‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

‘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 Sermon
By The Revd Alison Wragg.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all
our hearts be acceptable unto you O, Lord our rock and
our redeemer. Amen.

Today we are celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, the
coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Our reading from Acts
this morning describes Pentecost in the most expansive
way... all the stops on the organ are out, so to speak. We
hear of a heavenly sound like the rushing wind,
descending fire and patterns of transformed speech.

Pentecost is a pregnant moment in the life of the people
of God and in the relationship between those people and
God. It is the moment when gestation ceases and birthing
begins. It is both an end and a beginning, the leaving
behind of that which is past and the launching forth into
something new. Pentecost is the birth of the church and
is often referred to as the churches birthday.

I remember as a little girl growing up in Crookes, that it
was also known as Whitsuntide or Whit Sunday. I
remember always wearing my best summer dress and
new ankle socks and sandals for the occasion. I remember
the sandals vividly.

They had a leather top and crape soles. We would parade
from church, which for me at that time was St Thomas’ to
Weston Park for the celebrations there. I guess some of
you here this morning can remember this too.

The lectionary readings over the last seven weeks have
been preparing us for this moment. Twice, in connection
with Jesus’ ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit has
been promised... in Acts chapter 1, v8 it says, “you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
That promise is now realised in a manner far surpassing
the expectation of even the most faithful disciples.

The coming of the Holy Spirit brings new life for the
church. New life for individuals within the church. New
life through the Spirit of God. No one present is excluded
from this display of God’s grace. Unlike other important
moments in the history of God’s mighty acts of salvation,
the transfiguration being an example, only the inner few
are witnesses to the work of God’s Spirit. But at Pentecost
everyone is included. It is a moment of inclusiveness.

Notice that with the coming of the Spirit the diverse
individual languages of those present are not abolished in
favour of a single common language.

Those gathered continue to speak different languages but
can now be understood by one another. As one of the
pivotal events in the formation of the early Christian
church, this remains important for the church today. The
church should be a place where we rejoice in our
diversity, as we are brought together in community.

In the Acts reading the barriers between different
geographical identities are broken down. As a ‘Pentecost
people’ we are united with our neighbours whether they
are close by here in Walkley or are across the world.
Over the last seven days we have been supporting
Christian Aid week 2024. The theme has been ‘pushing
back against poverty.’ The focus has been on a lady called
Aline and the people of Burundi, the smallest country in
Africa. In Burundi more than 70% of the population live in
poverty.

In the areas where Christian Aid work people without
their own small business or income will typically head out
on an empty stomach each morning. They must look for
casual work to buy food for that evening. Most only eat
once a day and how much they eat depends on the work
they find that day. Making plans for the future is
impossible when you can’t make plans beyond the day.

This was the situation Aline found herself in when an
early marriage ended in abuse and violence. Separated
from her children, she was forced to sleep on the streets
of Burundi. Hungry, scorned and alone, Aline was pushed
to the brink of survival, but her life was about to change.

Aline’s love for her children drove her to transform her
life. Her first step back from the brink came when she
participated in a three-day community workshop with
Christian Aid funded trainers. Aline learnt how to
establish a steady income and make long term plans. She
says, “I came out with amazing knowledge and skills. The
trainer restored a sense of hope and energy in me.”

With a small start-up loan, Aline started trading avocados
and peanuts locally. With her profits, she bought a bicycle
so she could transport greater quantities of goods to
markets further afield. Eventually, her hard work had
earned the money she needed to rent a house and be
reunited with her three eldest sons.

Aline's faith has guided and comforted her through the
darkest of times. She says, “We pray together as we are
still alive thanks to God's grace.

God comforts you through troubled times and gives you
hope for a better future. With God's help you can
overcome obstacles and be victorious.”

The small grocery business that Aline built not only pays
for a home for her and her children, but food, clothes and
essential healthcare too. Aline's also purchased solar
panels so her children can do their evening homework by
electric light, and further their education. Aline's home is
a sanctuary for her and her children. A place where they
can nurture their ambitions and make plans for the
future. A home filled with prayer and praise.

Burundi continues to be one of the toughest places on
earth to live. The future is uncertain, and challenges wait
for families like Aline's around every corner. As the
climate crisis deepens, people in Burundi find themselves
in an increasingly precarious position in the face of the
droughts, floods and landslides that are becoming more
frequent.

Burundi's fragile economy is built on agriculture, and
many homes are built of unbaked mud bricks. Extreme

weather undermines the stability of both, often with
devastating consequences.

When a ferocious storm destroyed Aline's home, almost
killing her and her children, she was able to recover by
selling the cows she'd been keeping. Now when a crisis
threatens her family's survival, Aline has options. Even a
small business can provide just enough resources to
weather a brutal storm in Burundi.

Today, Aline's using her experience to help 25 other
families in her community to build their resilience. And
she's baking her own bricks to build a strong home for her
and her children in every sense. Aline’s story really is a
story of hope, of God’s Holy Spirit at work throughout the
world.

The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Counselor,
or Comforter or Helper. In our reading this morning from
John’s gospel the Holy Spirit is identified as the Advocate.
The Advocate being the one who comes in place of Jesus
and who enables testimony on Jesus’ behalf.
Of course it is not just Burundi where people continue to
live in poverty. Poverty is present in many places in the
world including on our doorsteps here in Sheffield.

We as disciples of Christ who shine the light of Christ into
the world are called to be advocates for people who live
in poverty... for those people who live on the margins of
society in our city. We are called to shout out for those
who are powerless to speak for themselves. We must
shout out for the day when everyone has all they need...
then we can say truly the kingdom of God has come.

Aline said that the three-day training she had in the
community workshop by the Christian Aid funded trainers
had restored a sense of hope and energy in her. This is
what happens at Pentecost. It’s no inner mystical
experience but it is an outpouring of God’s energy that
ripples across the world and touches and reaches out to
every life.

Imagine throwing a stone into a calm, still pond. There is
a splash of energy and then watch the ripples gently
move across the water until they flow to the edge and out
into the world.

I wish you all a Pentecost filled with God’s Spirit and
energy...

Amen.

The Prayers

We pray for God to fill us with his Spirit.

Generous God,
we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit.
We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you better.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit.
We pray that the peoples of the earth may care for natural world around us.
We ask you to make us wise to understand your will.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit.
We pray for those living in war zones, including Ukraine and the Middle East.
We ask you to keep us confident of your love wherever you call us.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit.
We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness
where there is division, sickness and sorrow.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit.
We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit.
We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit,
given us by the risen Lord.
We ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed,
in the joy of eternal life.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

12th May 2024 10.30am – 7th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 12, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 1.15-17

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’

Acts 1.21-26

So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

John 15.26-27

John 16.4b-15

The Sermon
By David, Reader at St Mary's.

How do we pick our Bible readings for each service? It’s a fair question, though not one I’ve often been asked. Sometimes as preachers you sit down with the readings to prepare a sermon and wonder why this reading at this point in the church’s year? Less often, you think why this reading at all?

So, how do we pick our Bible readings for each service? At St Mary’s we follow what’s called a lectionary. Which is a fancy word for a list of readings from the bible. The one we use is produced centrally by the Church of England. It’s designed specifically for use in public acts of worship and has three years’ worth of readings for every day of the week. Not all of the bible is included. Not all of the bible is useful or appropriate for public preaching.
When I sat down for this service I had one of those, why this reading at this point in the church’s year, moments.

Today is a slightly strange Sunday. It falls between Ascension Day, which took place on Thursday and marks Jesus’ return to the Father, and the feast of Pentecost, next Sunday, which celebrates the coming of the promised Holy Spirit on the disciples.

So today is an in between Sunday, when we have followed the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry through from the events of his birth at Christmas, some stories of his ministry, his temptation and his death and resurrection.
Imagine you’re writing a lectionary. How do you pick readings for this Sunday? Is there a section of the bible that mentions this time between Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Yes, but only one short section, the second part of chapter one of the Acts of the Apostles. We had some of it as our first reading, where Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. The work of 12 cannot be done by 11 so a replacement for Judas is needed to cover his allotted share in the apostolic ministry. This verse is clearly taken to heart by the Church of England as, despite all its present restructuring, I’m not aware of there ever being a conversation about reducing the number of Bishops.

We have one reading for this Sunday. Good, how do we pick a Gospel reading?

It’s tricky.

The Gospels cover Jesus’ incarnate life, from being the Word made flesh, to his Ascension. How do we source a text appropriate for this in between time, before the coming of the Holy Spirit?

I’m not sure I would have a good answer.

Thankfully wiser heads than mine are on the case.

On this Sunday in all three years of the lectionary we have passages drawn from John chapter 17, the middle section of which we heard this morning. It’s a bit weird to break it up, it’s best read as a whole, and I encourage you to do so.
The entire passage is Jesus praying to the Father just before his betrayal and arrest. It can appear to be quite a rambling prayer, which is helpful for us to remember. Sometimes we can be worried about how we pray. We can think we have to do it in a particular way, or use certain words. This passage is welcome reminder that, particularly in times of stress, how we pray privately isn’t something we are going to be judged on by God.

So why this passage on this Sunday? As you read it through the deep, communion between God the Father and Jesus, God the Son, becomes clear. There is a constant giving and receiving described between these two persons of the trinity. “They were yours, and you gave them to me”, “All mine are yours, and yours are mine” and “glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you”.

This communion exists between all three persons of trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, not just Father and Son. The passage uses Jesus’ prayer to the Father to try and illustrate, as best can be done in limited human language, an understanding of this communion. This is done as a prelude to the feast of Pentecost to point us to the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit. This is why we have sections from this passage on this particular Sunday each year.
Beyond this, Jesus’ words show that we are drawn into this perfect communion with God. Jesus prays in verse 21 “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us”. They are drawn into relationship with the whole trinity.
Who is this they, who are drawn into communion with God? Is it the 12 apostles? The original disciples? The early church? Yes, but not just those. In verse 21 Jesus says “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word”.

A relationship with God, communion with Father, Son and Spirit, is open to all. Even those who pick Bible readings.

The Prayers

In this Christian Aid Week, we pray for God to fill us with his Spirit.

Generous God,
We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit,
God we are thankful for your love: love that changes us, turns our priorities upside down, and yet somehow makes us more fully ourselves.
We offer our gratitude for those who have shown us tenderness, care and compassion;
Those who have seen us through troubled times and brought us hope.
We pray for those we love
And for those we have failed to love.
We hold in mind people around the world who know what it is to be treated as less than human.
May we work together to uphold the dignity of every human being, so that no one feels forgotten.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

Generous God,
we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit.
For those who inspire us with their strength, courage and perseverance.
We pray for people around the world brought to the brink by extreme poverty,
struggling to survive without sufficient food, clean water, or access to healthcare.
Fill us with a fierce determination to end the outrage of poverty.
May we hear the cries of those who are excluded from power.
May we speak up with them for a more equal and just world.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

Generous God,
We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit.
God we are thankful for peacemakers and healers.
We pray for all those who are reaching across divisions and acting to end violent conflict.
May political leaders use their power wisely to further the cause of peace.
We pray especially for …
Peace in the Middle East
An end to the war in Ukraine
Those affected by conflict in Sudan
Ongoing peace-making work in Burundi
We remember with sorrow the lives lost in conflict.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit.
For love in action, for the cake-bakers, the runners, the envelope-collectors.
We are grateful for those who give their time, energy and resources to sponsored walks, craft sales, sing-a-thons, cycles, swims, and to all kinds of fundraising challenges.
We pray that each of us may recognise the gifts we have to share,
And that we may see too the richness of our neighbour’s gifts and talents.
Help us to remember that ending poverty is not just about the things money can buy:
It’s also about the joyful living that you desire for each of us
May we all be free to live life joyfully, in all its fullness.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

Generous God,
We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit.
God we are thankful that you offer comfort to us in our sorrows.
We give thanks that when everything else around us seems to crumble, you promise us that your love will remain solid and steadfast.
We pray for others known to us who are suffering.
Offering them to God in a moment of silence
We pray for those who have died or lost someone they love.
We offer them to God in a moment of silence
May those who grieve know your peace.
Lord, come to bless us
and fill us with your Spirit.

5th May 2024 10.30am – 6th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on May 5, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 10.44-48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

John 15.9-17

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe.

We pray for the Church of Christ, for Bishop Pete and Bishop Sophie,
our Archbishops Justin and Stephen, all here who lead us in worship
and prayer, and all those whose time and talents are given to St
Mary’s, St John’s and St Mark’s. As Anglican Primates from
throughout the world meet with Pope Francis, we pray for a growth
of understanding and unity between all Christians.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

We are reminded in today’s Gospel to love one another, as Jesus
loves us. We do not always find this easy; we pray for the strength
and humility to love one another in this way.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

We pray all those wounded, suffering, imprisoned and displaced in
Gaza, that the current crisis may be brought to a just and peaceful
conclusion. We pray for those who have died in this conflict, and the
wider conflicts in the Middle East. We pray for the people of Ukraine
and Russia and hope for a just and peaceful resolution to that
conflict.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

We pray for our community here in Walkley, and for the city of
Sheffield, and for our neighbours and friends. We keep in our
prayers those who are homeless at this time. We pray that during
this season we remember all those less fortunate than ourselves and
do what we can to support them.

We pray for those in politics and leadership; we pray that those
elected on Thursday to councils, mayorships and Parliament speak
and act wisely and with compassion for all of their constituents.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

We pray for the aged and infirm, and those sick in mind, body or
spirit, and those who find life especially difficult at this time. We pray
that you bring them strength, healing, and peace. In a few moments
of silence, we think of those we know who need your healing
presence in their lives.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

We pray for those currently close to death, and those accompanying
them on this final part of their Earthly journey. We pray for those
who have died, recently and in the past, and those who mourn.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

Finally, Lord, we silently bring before you those special to us, and
those issues and concerns that we have in our own lives.
Lord, hear us:
Lord graciously hear us.

Rejoicing in the communion of Mary, Mark, John and of all the
Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life,
to God. Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your
Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen

28th April 2024 10.30am – 5th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on April 28, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 8.26-40

Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:

‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’

The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

John 15.1-8

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

The Sermon
By Catherine, Reader at St Mary's.

“I am the true vine, my Father is the Vine-grower. He removes every branch in
me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes, to make it bear
more fruit.”

Like last week’s readings about shepherds and sheep, we have a well-used
biblical metaphor. This time it’s the Vine. As with the sheep metaphor, we we
can interpret it in a way that isn’t particularly helpful, and even seems
threatening. Are we the branches that bear no fruit? Are we in danger of being
pruned out?

I grow strawberries and rhubarb, but I’ve never grown a vine. So I looked
online to see what the experts recommend. I also wanted to see how the vine
metaphor might be understood more helpfully. And I found at least 6 things to
ponder.

1. Vines are hungry plants. They need a lot of manure to produce a good
harvest of healthy fruit.

Christians need regular feeding too. Where do you get your nourishment?
From the Bible perhaps. Maybe from reading, TV or radio programmes or
podcasts. Perhaps through the example of saints who have gone before us, or
discussion at a study group.

2. Vines don’t, however, need too much water. If they get too wet, they drown
and go mouldy. Are we as a church getting oversaturated and drowning in
things to do? (I know we sometimes find ourselves with a leaky roof, but that’s
another story...)

3. Vines are vigorous climbers whose branches need permanent support. A
Vine must have a trellis or similar structure to grow up, supporting its branches
all the way.

What supports us? Perhaps it’s the church building, where we gather for
worship. A focal point in the community, a place of shelter and rest. Maybe
it’s the structure of regular weekly worship. Perhaps it’s the structure of the
liturgy with its mixture of songs, Bible readings, prayers and Eucharist. Maybe
it’s the structure of the liturgical year, helping us to focus on a different aspect
of our faith at a particular time. And don’t forget the support we can and
should provide for each other.

4. Vines do need pruning. Dead and diseased branches are removed to keep the
rest of the plant healthy. Other branches need removing too, to help fresh air
circulate and sunlight reach the plant. The fruit won’t ripen without sunlight.
Once the grapes have started to form, there are too many of them, so they need
thinning out too. This allows those left to have the space to grow big and
juicy. So in our own lives, and in our church life, what things might be better
dropped in order to give other areas space to flourish?

5. There are many different types of grape – red, green, big, small, those which
are good to eat, those which are good to make wine. There are many different
wine grape varieties, leading an abundance of different wines. No one vine can
produce all these grapes!

So no one church can do everything – it’s good to have a handful of things to
do really well, in the knowledge that a neighbouring church will have different
strengths to complement ours.

6. The different grape varieties are not strong enough to grow all by
themselves. So they are grafted on to a rootstock. This might be a hardy,
wilder vine that produces small, sour fruit, but whose very strength is that it can
survive through the tough times and conditions. The hardy rootstock nourishes,
and supports the grafted branches and gives them what they need to produce
good, healthy grapes for eating or wine making.

Jesus is this tough rootstock, supporting us, the grafted branches of the church
and her people through the trials of life. We find it difficult to produce the fruit
of God’s kingdom without being firmly grafted to Jesus the vine, abiding in
him.

Six ways in which the Vine metaphor might help us understand how to live our
lives as God’s people.

How might the Ethiopian Eunuch have been encouraged by this metaphor if he
heard it? In a very physical human sense, he was unable to bear fruit –
deprived of his manhood, he could never have his own children. He would
have been excluded from fully participating in worship at the temple too.
But through his encounter with Philip, he realises that God does love and want
him. He can be grafted on to the vine and bear fruit. Indeed, there have been
Christians in Ethiopia from very early in church history. As the Eunuch was
grafted into Christ the vine at his baptism, so we are grafted into Christ. Let us
take care of God’s vine. And let us bear good fruit.

21st April 2024 10.30am – 4th Sunday of Easter – Eucharist

Posted on April 21, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Acts 4.5-12

The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is “the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.” There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’

John 10.11-18

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

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

St Marys Walkley

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

Category: Sermons

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