4th February 2024 2nd Sunday before Lent Eucharist: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 24 02 04 2nd Sunday before Lent Eucharist

Read this week's Church News Church News 24 02 04

 

The Readings

Colossians 1.15-20

John 1.1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

 

 

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 Shan R

Lord, open our eyes to your presence, open our minds to your grace, open our lips to your praises,
open our hearts to your love, open our lives to your healing, and be found among us. Amen.

Our Gospel reading today is one many of us associate with midnight mass at Christmas, a time
when we gather with a sense of anticipation and expectancy, waiting for that moment that the clock
strikes midnight and Christmas truly begins as Jesus’s presence in the world is announced.

Through his incarnation, Jesus was revealed to us, the Word made flesh, the light of the world, the
revealer of the heart and mind of God. In Jesus, we discover a teacher and a saviour who came to
comfort us with love and light before challenging and commissioning us to share that love and light
with others.

Nothing can take away the presence of God in our lives or our communities across the world. It’s
easy for me to say this when I’ve got a roof over my head, a regular income, food, clean water,
physical security, family and friends, health and a sense of purpose.

Some of you may well be asking, where can I find God when I’m sad, sick, anxious or lonely.
Where is God in the ups and downs of life? Where is God in situations like Gaza or Israel, in the
small unstable boats crossing the Channel, in the knife-crime present on our cities streets?

John, one of Jesus’ chosen disciples writes to inform his readers of the truth concerning Jesus
Christ. Near the ending of his gospel, John states that he has written that his audience “may
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in his
name” (John 20:31). John is writing in a historical and biographical genre. He is writing, partially
from eye-witness testimony, the history of his teacher while attempting to convince his readers of
what he believes to be the truth, that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, the person
prophesied in the Hebrew Bible who would deliver the Jewish nation. In the rest of the gospel,
John shows us Jesus in action, interacting with troubled people, performing healings, and teaching
truth. John uses the imagery of light and darkness telling us that in the midst of darkness we have
Light in Jesus, and as a result of that, we have Hope.

When people are suffering in any way, it’s hard to look on the positive side of things, to feel
optimistic, to see the light and look for signs of hope. Rather than watching the news and only
hearing the dark things like the rising death tolls, the desperation of people who are having to
move from place to place, the hunger and asking where is the presence of God shining in this,
might we be able to focus our attention on what is less reported and less seen, the people of light
and hope searching amongst the rubble, the doctors and nurses continuing to care for those who
are sick or injured despite lack of resources, both here in the UK and abroad, the people
campaigning for peace, the Muslim family I saw in Manchester kneeling down to pray at their set
prayer time despite the clamour of a noisy protest resounding around them. Each of these people
offers a glimmer of light into the direst of situations, bringing help, hope, love and comfort to others.
Jesus is present as an every day God, in ordinary people and ordinary acts of kindness,
compassion and love. Our Diocese encourages us to be Lights for Christ, to live out our baptismal
calling by being lights in the world – to live for Jesus in our everyday lives, not just on one
occasion, but as a lifelong commitment. Let us pray and seek God’s will for us as we gather and
participate in the life and worship of the Church, read and reflect on the Scriptures, receive
Communion and most importantly go out into the world with hearts and minds open to our lives to
the Holy Spirit working in us and through us as we go about our daily lives.

Last week, I found a version of the Gospel we have heard today which has been rewritten into the
present tense by Deidre Morris. Rather than making it feel like God was present in the past, it
brings a sense of immediacy and presence to the reading.

In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God, He is with God in the
beginning. Through him all things are being made; without him nothing is being created. In him is
life, and that life is the light of all people. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness did
not understand it.

Here is a man sent from God, whose name is John. He comes as a witness to testify concerning
that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself is not the light, he comes only as a
witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every person is coming into the world. He is in
the world, and though the world is ever being made through him, the world does not recognise him.
He comes to that which is his own, yet his own people do not receive him. Yet to all who do receive
him, those who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God - children born
not of natural descent, nor of human decision, or of a husband’s will, but of God.

The Word is becoming flesh and living among us. We can see his glory, the glory of the one and
only, who comes from God, full of grace and truth.

We are called to be like John in the world, witnesses to our knowledge of Jesus, and people who
reflect the light of Christ into the world.  Amen.

 

The Prayers
God our Father, hear us when we pray to you faith.We give you thanks for this day, for our lives and the amazing world you have given us to live in. May we take the time to see and truly appreciate what we have. Help us to be good stewards and to look after it for this generation and the generations to come.

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. May we find ways to live together peaceably and respectfully in your name.

We pray for all in our mission partnership giving thanks for the time, talents and gifts which our churches and communities benefit from. Especially we pray for all at St Mark’s as they begin their search for a new Vicar. We pray for the team who will continue the ministry of the church in the interim and for Sue as she moves on to a new phase of her own life and ministry.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for our very troubled world and all peoples, especially those suffering because of wars, oppression, natural & human-made disasters, political and economic strife and great need for the basics of life. Father guide us to know what is right and strengthen us to work together for it so that everyone’s needs are met and we can live in peace. Bless all who strive for these things and support us in our efforts.

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 also for those who accompany them on their journey who also need to be supported.
By name we pray for Anne & Michael & their family and for Peter & Anne.

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. I remember my sister, Liz.

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.

 

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

Candlemas carol service 28th January 2024:

To download a copy of the order of service, please click here:

24 01 28 Candlemas Carol service

To watch this week's service on YouTube, please click here:

https://tiny.cc/walkleystmary-youtube

 

 

28th January 2024 Candlemas: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 24 01 28 Candlemas Eucharist

Read this week's Church News 

 

The Readings

Malachi 3.1-5

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

 

Luke 2.22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon 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 Joe, Reader at St Mary's.

Today we celebrate today the Feast of Candlemass, which
commemorates the presentation of Mary and Jesus at the Temple
for the Jewish ceremony of purification for the mother, who would
be regarded as having been made impure by bearing a child.
The presentation of Jesus at the Temple – told in Luke’s Gospel - is a
very important part of the God’s intention to save us through the
incarnation of his son.

Candlemas marks the end of the 40 days of the Christmas / Epiphany
season and for me, as well as celebrating the presentation of Jesus,
it celebrates the importance of the incarnation, the virtue of
patience, and bringing light in to the world. With our reading from
Malachi, we’re also reminded that there will be consequences to
Jesus coming in to our lives, and that – like the Levites – we need to
get our act together.

The story of Jesus’s presentation is given in our reading from Luke’s
Gospel, and also is reflected in the words of the Nunc Dimitis. The
fact that Mary and Joseph do this is in itself a reminder that Jesus is
fully human as well as being fully divine; there is no real reason for
purification for him or his mother, but in doing so the Holy family
reflect and live the human experience of all Jewish families at that
time.

At the temple, Simeon, an old man who has been told by God that he
will not die until he has seen the Messiah, is guided to the Temple by
the Holy Spirit and there is able to see and hold Jesus. He tells Mary
that her son is the Messiah, and that she will know great sorrow.

Anna, an elderly prophetess who lives in the Temple, comes to tell
anyone who will listen about Jesus.

We have a foreshadowing of the fate of Jesus in Simeon’s words to
Mary about her heart being pierced by sorrow; a reminder, again, of
the fully human nature of Jesus. He will die; he will be mourned.
Let’s take a look at Malachi. Our reading starts by telling us:
“ I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.
Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple;
the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,”
says the Lord Almighty.”

Malachi was written for a post-exile audience, and although the
Temple had been rebuilt and worship was taking place, the priestly
classes – the Levites – were a bit slipshod in their ways.

They didn’t have as much confidence and faith in the rituals from
their past as might be expected. The Lord will rectify that – it all
sounds rather harsh for the Levites.

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the
Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will
have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the
offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord,
as in days gone by, as in former years.”

But at the end of the cleansing, there will be righteous priests
capable of offering worship as in the pre-exile days.

The coming of the Lord will involve change; like the Levites, we can
expect to be changed from the inside out – from our very hearts – to
make us righteous.

Jesus is made like us; fully human, born of a woman. Jesus will serve
God as a faithful and merciful priest and he will make atonement for
our sins.

But he is also fully divine; something that’s easy to forget about in
these stories of the early part of Jesus’s life. As far as we can tell,
He’s given the life of a typical small boy by his parents. There are no
‘Jesus: Boy Messiah’ stories for us. But we can’t forget that Jesus is
also fully divine, fully God.

The participation of Mary and Jesus in the ritual cleansing tells us
that Jesus was fully human; he was presented in the Temple like any
human child, and his mother was purified like any other mother. He
came in to the world as a member of an ‘average’ family – a good,
religious family who obeyed the edicts of their Jewish faith, but not
at all rich and wealthy. One of us, so to say.

In the child in Simeon’s arms, and in the messenger described in
Malachi, we’re seeing the fully human and fully divine Christ come to
save us from ourselves.

Simeon says, in the Nunc Dimitis:

“Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:  your word has
been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared
in the sight of every people; A light to reveal you to the
nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

What patience! A life spent waiting in faith, in the knowledge that
God’s promise to him would be fulfilled, that he would live to see the

Messiah. His patience and faith have been rewarded, and we are
reminded once again that God keeps his promises.

The candles we see around us tonight represent Jesus’s light to us,
the light to ‘reveal God to the nations’.

The world may seem a dark and confusing place right now, with
apparently little of the light of salvation we’re promised showing.
But the light of Christ IS with us, and we don’t need much of it to
dispel the darkness.

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian poet and song-writer, wrote the
following words in his song ‘Anthem’:

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.

We can, figuratively speaking, ring our bells; we can love, follow the
teachings of Christ with generosity and passion, aware that whatever
we do will not be a perfect offering, but will hopefully be acceptable
to God.

Like the Levites in the Temple, we’re only human. We can look at the
last part of our reading from Malachi – and though we can expect
judgement, God tells us ‘Do not be afraid’.

Jesus’s incarnation, his grace and mercy, and his defeat of death at
the resurrection, provides the crack in the darkness of this fallen
world.

And, as Leonard says, ‘That’s how the light gets in’.

Amen

The Prayers

Let us pray to the Father through Christ who is our light and life.

Father, your Christ is acclaimed as the glory of Israel:
look in mercy on your Church, sharing his light.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ in his temple brings judgement on the world:
look in mercy on the nations, who long for his justice.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ, who was rich, for our sakes became poor:
look in mercy on the needy, suffering with him.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is the one in whom faithful servants find their peace:
look in mercy on the departed, that they may see your salvation.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is revealed as the one destined to be rejected:
look in mercy on us who now turn towards his passion.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord God, you kept faith with Simeon and Anna,
and showed them the infant King.
Give us grace to put all our trust in your promises,
and the patience to wait for their fulfilment;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

21st January 2024 3rd Sunday of Epiphany: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 24 01 21 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

The Readings

Genesis 14.17-20

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

 

John 2. 1-11

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

 

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

The Sermon
By the Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

To be uploaded shortly.

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

14th January 2024 2nd Sunday of Epiphany: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 24 01 14 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

The Readings

1 Samuel 3. 1 - 20

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” ’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfil against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house for ever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering for ever.’

Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, ‘Samuel, my son.’ He said, ‘Here I am.’ Eli said, ‘What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.’ So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, ‘It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.’

As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.

 

John 1. 43 - end

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

 

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 Alison Wragg.

To be uploaded shortly.

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.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

We pray that we may be alert enough so that when the Lord calls, we
are able to reply ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

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 hope for a peaceful resolution to that conflict.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

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.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

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, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

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, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

Finally, Lord, we silently bring before you those special to us, and
those issues and concerns that we have in our own lives.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.

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.

 

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

Epiphany carol service 7th January 2024:

To download a copy of the order of service, please click here:

24 01 07 Epiphany Carol service

To watch this week's service on YouTube, please click here:

https://tiny.cc/walkleystmary-youtube

 

 

7th January 2024 Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 24 01 07 Epiphany Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

 

 

The Readings

Isaiah 60. 1 - 6

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

 

Matthew 2. 1 - 12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

 

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 Sue Hammersley.

To be uploaded shortly.

The Prayers

Today the Magi knelt before our Saviour.
Let us also kneel to worship him with great joy,
and to make our prayer to his heavenly Father.

Father, the Magi came from the east to worship your Son:
grant to Christians everywhere a true spirit of adoration.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son is the King of kings and Lord of lords:
grant an abundance of peace to your world.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Holy Family shared the life of the people of Nazareth:
protect in your mercy our neighbours and families,
together with the whole community of which we are part.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor:
show your love for the poor and powerless,
and strengthen all those who suffer.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Magi presented to your Son gold, incense and myrrh:
accept the gifts we bring,
and the offering of our hearts at the beginning of this new year.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, you are the King of heaven, the hope of all who trust in you:
give to all the faithful departed the wonders of your salvation.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Magi, shepherds and angels,
and of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,
we commend ourselves and all Christian people
to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

31st December 2023 First Sunday of Christmas Eucharist: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 23 12 31 1st Sunday of Christmas Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

 

 

The Readings

Isaiah 61. 10 - 62. 3

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

 

Luke 2. 15 - 21

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 

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.

But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.

After all the initial anxieties and hardship,
After finding nowhere in Bethlehem to stay, save this outhouse beside an inn.
After the birth, with no cradle for the child, only an animal’s feeding trough.
After the first visitors, the locals, shepherds, have come and gone.
After all the pain and discomfort and stress, there’s a pause.

And this young mother, almost certainly a teenager, looks down at her son,
and ponders in her heart.

Ponders what, we might wonder?

Well, she’s probably thinking in ways that all mothers do as they take a
moment to look at their new-born child and wonder.

Wonder in both senses. Wonder at how something as amazing as this – a
new life – should have come into the world through them, and wonder too at
what they must now do and be for them, if they are to grow and live well.
What the gospel writer is drawing to our attention is the fact that this marks
the beginning of two vocations. Yes, here begins the story of Jesus Christ.
But here also begins another, inseparable story, that of Mary, his mother.
One reason why I particularly like St Luke’s gospel is because of all the
gospel writers, it is Luke who, even as he tells the story of Jesus, threads the
story of Mary through it as well.

So it’s in Luke’s gospel that we will hear how Mary and Joseph take the child
to Jerusalem for the ritual of Mary’s purification after childbirth. It’s then that
they will meet the old man Simeon who will tell Mary that her son is destined
for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and a sword will pierce through her
own soul also.

It’s in Luke’s gospel that we will hear how Mary and Joseph again take Jesus
to the temple at the age of 12 – the age at which boys become part of the
congregation of Jewish men - and accidentally leave him behind when they
return home.

And above all, it is Luke who will tell us how Mary will be present in
Jerusalem when her son is arrested, cruelly treated and put to death.
So Mary’s vocation as a mother also begins at Christmas.

But how is her mothering of the Saviour to be different from that of other
mothers whose children are not so destined?

The answer is, it isn’t different. The whole point about Christianity is that God
becomes one of us. This is the heart of the faith and the very thing that has
shocked many pious people down the ages.

It shocks devout Muslim friends of mine today: how can you say that God is in
Jesus Christ when Jesus Christ is humiliated, suffers and dies? God cannot
be subject to such frailty and failing. This cannot be God in the manger.
But we say: this is God choosing to come among us, revealing himself
through the life of this human child, who is no different from all the other
babies that were born that night.

And this takes us to the heart of Mary’s vocation.

Children do not come into the world with fully formed characters. They learn
by observation and imitation. If anything, we arrive self-centred and selfish
When we are hungry we don’t consider the needs of others, we cry until we
are fed. When we are in discomfort we scream until someone changes our
nappy. This is how a child survives – it is totally dependent on its parent or
guardian. We make the journey from being utterly self-centred to something
more considerate as we see in those around us other ways of behaving,
imitate them and are praised for our unselfishness.

If Jesus is to be kind, generous, loving, forgiving, he must see that in his
mother’s care. Because this is a critical way in which human character is
initially formed.

If this all seems so risky a venture, so it is.

But it’s what we mean when we say, the Word became flesh. God chose to
become human in order to show us the better ways of living. And key to that
is this young woman, his mother. He will imitate her.

This is the profound and frightening truth that she ponders as she looks at her
new-born child.

 

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath.

To be uploaded shortly.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

25th December 2023 Christmas Day Eucharist: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 23 12 25 Christmas Day Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

 

 

The Readings

Isaiah 9. 2 - 7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

 

Luke 2. 1 - 20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

 

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 Catherine, Reader at St Mary's.

I wonder if any of you have felt a sense of unease singing some of our
Christmas favourites this year? Can we sing about peace and calm in
Bethlehem or Jerusalem when the Holy Land is anything but peaceful at the
moment? Before the atrocities of October 7th and the appalling devastation in
Gaza since, Bethlehem’s hotels were fully booked. The innkeepers were
struggling to accommodate hopeful visitors. But now no one wants to visit and
there is plenty of room at the inn. Bethlehem has cancelled its Christmas
celebrations this year.

The land of Judah is not a safe place to be at the moment. But nor was it safe
during the time of Isaiah. The Assyrian empire was expanding, its people
overpowering their neighbours by unimaginably brutal means. Israel had
already fallen victim, her people killed or exiled. Judah feared the same could
happen to her.

Yet into this dangerous and frightening situation Isaiah proclaims a message of
hope. In some of the most beautiful and well-known poetry of the Old
Testament comes a promise.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The rod of the
oppressor has been broken, the soldiers’ boots and blood-stained garments will
be thrown on the fire. There will be peace, an everlasting rule of justice and
righteousness.

A voice of hope in a time of struggle. All will be well.

But who’s going to bring this about? A new-born baby!

A child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Hope for Judah’s people. A new king perhaps already born or yet to be born, a
descendent of King David’s line. A priest-king for the holy temple, God’s
representative in Jerusalem. Peace and order re-established on Earth.
But he will start out as a baby. He will need to be nurtured, to grow, to learn.
And in the meantime someone else will have to look after his needs – to feed
him, clothe him, keep him safe, help him to learn and reach his full potential.
He’s fragile, and living in a dangerous world. He might not make it. The
people of Judah will have to be patient. But they have hope.

****

Isaiah’s words continued to give hope to the people of Judah centuries later.
And the early church came to see them come to fulfilment in the person of
Jesus of Nazareth.

The story of the birth of Jesus has a simple beauty that in more peaceful years,
we sometimes forget that it, too, is set in difficult and dangerous times. The
land is ruled by a tyrannical and violent king. Mary and Joseph travel a great
distance because of the census, Mary heavily pregnant. When they arrive at
Bethlehem, all the rooms have been taken. The only available shelter is among
the animals. It will be dirty and smelly. No comfortable bed to lie on, no cot
for a newborn. And that’s where Mary gives birth. Then, when Jesus is still an
infant, the family has to flee from the violent king to Egypt for the baby’s
safety. Bethlehem is not a safe place to be. But Mary and Joseph have hope.
And they act on it.

At Christmas we continue to remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
year by year, generation by generation, and throughout the world. But

Christmas is also about the coming of Christ, born anew in every generation
and every place. In the prologue to John’s gospel, which was read at our
midnight service, we hear how Christ, the Word of God, was with God in the
Beginning, and how he came into the world to live amongst us.

There is no Christmas tree in Manger Square in Bethlehem this year.
Celebrations are muted. But as a reminder that Christ came into a troubled
world to be among us, standing in solidarity with the victims of violence, so the
holy family are there, represented still. Standing on rubble, surrounded by
razor wire is a nativity scene – Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. A reminder
that Christ continues to live amongst us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light

 

The Prayers
Prepared by Shirley.

Let us pray to Jesus our Saviour.

Christ, born in a stable,
give courage to all who are homeless.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, for whom the angels sang,
give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, worshipped by the shepherds,
give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, before whom the wise men knelt,
give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger,
give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.

Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary,
you know us and love us,
you share our lives
and hear our prayer.
Glory to you for ever. Amen.

 

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council

 

24th December 2023 Christmas Midnight Eucharist: 

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Download the order of service here: 23 12 24 Christmas Midnight Eucharist

Read this week's Church News

 

 

 

The Readings

Isaiah 52. 7 - 10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

 

John 1. 1 - 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

 

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.

At one time I was a parish priest in Kendal, in the Lake District.

Each year, as people left midnight mass, a woman, the same woman, would wish me a
Happy Christmas, and then say: ‘See you next year, vicar.’

She did this unfailingly for the fourteen years I was there.

‘See you next year.’ She wasn’t being cheeky or flippant. On the contrary, she was telling
me that this service meant a great deal to her. She wouldn’t miss it for the world.

I think there were two reasons why.

First, in this service, we are taken to the very heart of the Christian faith. And at its heart is
a happening, an event.

Sometimes people speak about Christianity as if it were a set of beliefs. But that’s not quite
right. Christianity is not in the first place beliefs. That should cheer us up if at times we
struggle with some of those beliefs.

No, Christianity doesn’t begin with beliefs; it begins with the story of this night. The birth of
a child to a young mother and her soon-to-be husband, in an outhouse, by an inn, in the
little town of Bethlehem – a town which is still there, of course, on the Palestinian West
Bank.

It is the story of how the invisible God makes himself known to us. He does it, not through
words – the messages of prophets or priests, the writings of theologians. God makes
himself known through the birth of a child. His message to us, his word to us, is a Word
made flesh. A Word made visible, in human form. If you want to know what God is like,
look here.

At Christmas we tell this story in many different ways – in school nativities, on Christmas
cards, in carols and in the crib you can see beneath this altar. And as we sing the story or
look at it, we go there in imagination to the place where God chooses to meet us – in this
child.

Yes, beliefs can follow from that. You can put into propositions and doctrines what all this
means – as we do in the creed following this sermon. But we don’t start with beliefs. We
start with an event, a happening, the story of Christmas.

And that brings me to the second reason why the woman in my Kendal parish came every
year to midnight mass.

She wanted to hear the story again and to respond to it. She knew that having a faith is not
about carrying a bundle of beliefs around in your head, but it is about letting this story work
its way in you, in some profound way and at a deep level.

As one year came towards its close and another stood beckoning, she wanted to ground
her life again in the things that matter, the values that the story of the Christ child
suggested to her – the loving-kindness of the God who comes to us, the love of the mother
who cares for her child.

We live busy lives. We spend so much time on mobile phones and the internet. That often
leaves us physically exhausted and spiritually drained. We lose sight of the things that
matter, and it’s hard to find time to stop and think about what is important in life, what in
the end gives real satisfaction and meaning to all we do. Midnight mass is a precious
moment for quietly reflecting.

So tonight we remind ourselves of the story on which we ground our faith – a faith that will
guide us in our living and sustain us through whatever life has in store for us in times to
come.

A young couple. A birth. A God who draws near to us in that baby. Who now knows our
human life from the inside of a human skin. One with us. One of us.

Ponder the story. It’s why we say Happy Christmas. It gives us a blessedness that will
underpin our living through all the coming days.

Tonight, you have no need to gaze up to heaven. Heaven has come down to you.

 

The Prayers
Prepared by Veronica.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour
was born in human flesh.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn.
Protect with your love those who have no home
and all who live in poverty.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour,
brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness.
Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’
Strengthen those who work for peace and justice
in all the world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family,
and saw the baby lying in the manger.
Bless our homes and all whom we love.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night heaven is come down to earth,
and earth is raised to heaven.
Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death
in the hope of your coming kingdom.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

Father,
in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at
the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary,
Joseph and the saints
through him who is your Word made flesh,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) 2010 The Archbishops' Council