Download The Order of Service for 23 07 09 5th Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 9th July 2023

The Readings

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 Revd Dr Alan Billings

The Prayers
Prepared by Oil G

Download The Order of Service for 23 07 30 8th Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 30th July 2023

The Readings

1 Kings 3.5-12

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.

Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

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, a Reader at St. Mary's

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England and Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000 and 2010

Download The Order of Service for 23 07 23 7th Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 23rd July 2023

The Readings

Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

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 Kath B, a Reader at St. Mary's

Ever since I started writing sermons; which amazingly is twenty years ago now, I’ve given them titles; usually related to their theme and from a practical perspective it makes them easier to find on the computer. I’ve titled this one “Bringing the Harvest Home” which may sound a bit strange but it’s what kept coming back to me, much as I tried to think of a better one. Panic not though, you haven’t lost a couple of months, it isn’t September and time for our traditional harvest celebrations. The reason I’ve alighted on the theme of harvest a little earlier than usual is because the readings from Matthew for today and last Sunday are on the theme of sowing and growing and gathering and in his sermon last week Matthew spoke about this. Given that the readings go together so closely it seemed worth continuing to look at their common theme. The “Parable of the Sower” from last week focuses mainly on planting whereas today’s “Parable of the Weeds” is more concerned with the practicalities of bringing the crops to harvest, in other words “bringing the harvest home”.

Jesus uses parables a lot to convey his messages and they are very effective because he uses images that the people he is speaking to are familiar with. But sometimes they need a little extra help to fully understand and this is the case with his disciples here. The explanation Jesus gives them shows just how well he understands the realities of peoples’ lives and his approach to dealing with the inevitable problems and challenges they face is pragmatic.

To look at this in the context of our own lives, sometimes, when we’re trying to deal with something that, in spite of our best efforts, isn’t going according to plan, it can be very tempting to just throw it all away, wipe the slate clean and start afresh. This is understandable and on occasion it is the best thing to do but more often than not, in doing so we may actually be throwing away much that is of value and worth persevering with. Instead of giving in to our frustrations and desire for an instant fix, of sorts, we would probably find it more effective to be patient and work towards giving whatever is worthwhile a chance to come to fruition. I know this flies in the face of much that we see around us in terms of how problems and challenges are dealt with from individuals to big organisations (including the church) and even governments. A “new initiative” or a “re-branding” or a “root and branch shake up” can sound very appealing and enable us to feel like we’re really taking action and doing something positive, but if we haven’t carefully examined a situation and understood what is already happening before we start messing with it then we may be wiping out someone else’s slow but good work and possibly doing more harm than good. If that is the case then we would be kidding ourselves and others that it was the right thing to do. For all sorts of reasons some people want to look dynamic and go-getting, indeed it might be expected of them, but if their actions are ill considered or without regard to the impact they may have on others or if they are just plain self-serving then ultimately the results will not be good. They may even be very bad!

Our world is in a mess in so many ways, largely due to short term thinking and policies and sacrificing long term benefits for instant rewards. Climate change, poverty, economic and political strife and wars are issues that instantly spring to mind. But trying to wipe everything bad out in order to start again isn’t a realistic option; many situations are too complicated for this to be possible. Just as with the wheat field in Jesus’s parable, we would risk destroying what is worth keeping. Instead we have to work with what we have got however imperfect it may be; work patiently, diligently and persistently to make things better. We will never be perfect. God knows this and still he does not give up on us so we shouldn’t give up on ourselves or our fellow people. We can’t let the enormity of the tasks we face in our world overwhelm us. If we can be brave enough to look and really see what is wrong, then either noisily or quietly (whatever is your style), stand against it by living according to the good standards our faith has instilled in us then we can keep making a difference for the better. This may be in the face of hostility, mockery or perhaps worst of all indifference. In a world where there are so many temptations to take easier, more enjoyable or lucrative paths we shouldn’t be surprised that sometimes people choose them and we shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that we are immune. We can all get it wrong! Bearing this in mind I’d like us to reflect for a moment on the message in our first reading from the Book of Wisdom. God is all powerful; he can do whatever he wants with us or to us. Given some our behaviour throughout the ages it’s a wonder that he hasn’t given up on us, wiped the slate clean and started again. But he has chosen not to do this. He’s persevered with us because he loves us and sees our potential to be what he created us to be. He’s giving us the time and opportunity to bear good fruit.

We are part of God’s harvest and for good or ill we have the ability to powerfully affect everything else he has created. Let us pray that it will for good rather than ill; that we will be the wheat rather than the weeds. He’s given us the choice and it’s up to us what we decide to do with it.

The Prayers
Prepared by Veronica

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

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, you promised through your Son, Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith. We pray for the Church worldwide, that all who profess the Christian faith may work together to preserve for future generations the wonderful world you created for your children. As we see the results of climate change, help us all to do what we can to halt and reverse its progress. We pray for all who are currently suffering its effects, excessive heat, floods and drought, and also that those fleeing climate change as well as war and oppression may find sanctuary in countries not experiencing these things. Give generosity of spirit to welcome and accept new migrants from their distress in those countries.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our City of Sheffield, a City of Sanctuary, and also for our neighbourhood of Walkley. We give you thanks for all the many organisations and individuals who contributed to the recent Walkley Festival which does so much to bring people together in fellowship.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are unwell at this time, for Alan, and Kath, James’ mother, and all family members supporting them. We give you thanks for all medical staff and nurses who do so much to help people to recover from their illness and support relatives.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who have died recently, especially Julie of Carr Road who for several years organised the Horticultural Show in our Hall, also my sister Margaret, and all others known to us whom we still miss. Grant them all your peace.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

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

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

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here is copyright (c) the Archbishops' Council 2000

Download The Order of Service for 23 07 16 6th Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 16th July 2023

The Readings

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 Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes

to be added shortly

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath B

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. 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 handle our differences respectfully and with open minds that we might learn from one another. We pray that those engaged in the inter-faith strife still taking place in Israel and Palestine will find better ways to deal with their differences so that more lives will not be lost or ruined. Father please give us the patience and vision to see how you work in all our lives.
We give thanks for the opportunity to welcome a group of school children a few days ago; some of whom have never been inside a church, and to tell them a little about our church and how we express our faith. We pray that this will broaden their understanding and give them the confidence to come into your house again if they so wish.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the world and all peoples, especially those who live in troubled places because of wars, oppression, natural disasters, political strife, economic problems and great need for the basics of life. Father help us to work together to end these terrible situations wherever possible and to share the earth’s resources fairly for the good of all. Bless all who strive for these things. We pray for those suffering the effects of climate change such as excessive heat, drought, wild fires and flooding. Help us to change our ways so that we do not destroy our home.
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.
We pray also for all those hurt by excessive and cruel intrusion into their lives and the lives of their loved ones by the media and others.
By name we pray for Anne and Chris

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.
Especially we pray for Val, Frank and our friend Ken who have died recently.
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: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here, is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000

Download The Order of Service for 23 07 02 4th Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 2nd July 2023

The Readings

Jeremiah 28.5-9

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord; and the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfil the words that you have prophesied, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.’

Matthew 10.40-end

‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

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 B, a Reader at St. Mary's

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe

Download The Order of Service for 23 06 25 3rd Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 25th June 2023

The Readings

Jeremiah 20.7-13

O Lord, you have enticed me,
and I was enticed;
you have overpowered me,
and you have prevailed.
I have become a laughing-stock all day long;
everyone mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I must cry out,
I must shout, ‘Violence and destruction!’
For the word of the Lord has become for me
a reproach and derision all day long.
If I say, ‘I will not mention him,
or speak any more in his name’,
then within me there is something like a burning fire
shut up in my bones;
I am weary with holding it in,
and I cannot.
For I hear many whispering:
‘Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’
All my close friends
are watching for me to stumble.
‘Perhaps he can be enticed,
and we can prevail against him,
and take our revenge on him.’
But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble,
and they will not prevail.
They will be greatly shamed,
for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonour
will never be forgotten.
O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous,
you see the heart and the mind;
let me see your retribution upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.

Sing to the Lord;
praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
from the hands of evildoers.

Matthew 10.24-39

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

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 David, Reader at St Mary's.

Our Gospel passage this morning is one of the most difficult in the Gospels. It can challenge our understanding of Jesus and his ministry. Alongside the assurance of faithfulness from God we hear challenging words promising conflict and bodily harm. It’s not an easy read, it’s messy. Passages like these call us to a deep, thoughtful reading and interpretation of the bible. They call us to recognise that faith can oftentimes be messy and difficult rather than straightforward.

Some context might be helpful in our understanding. This passage comes at the end of chapter 10 of Matthew’s Gospel. In this chapter Jesus has been commissioning the twelve apostles to “go and proclaim the good news”. He has told them “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, to give without payment”. Following on from our passage today Jesus talks about the rewards of discipleship.

So sandwiched in the middle we have a passage that focuses on the cost of discipleship. That if we follow Jesus then there is the potential for conflict and suffering. Conflict with the powers and rulers of this world, keen to maintain their place. But also potentially conflict with those closest to us. Our opening verses tell us to expect this. “A disciple is not above teacher”. If we follow Jesus, try to imitate him, and bring about his kingdom, then those who benefit from the world as it is, will treat us as they did Jesus. It’s the part of discipleship we don’t tend to talk about, particularly in relatively safe countries where we can practice our faith openly.

We can fall into the trap of thinking that God will protect us from any kind of harm. That the more closely we follow Jesus the more blest our life will be, the less pain and suffering will happen to us. Which, when we stop and reflect on it, is a bit odd. Jesus lived a difficult life on the road, challenging authority and was ridiculed, mocked, denounced, persecuted. If we are called to live a life that imitates Jesus, then we open ourselves up to all of these. As disciples, we don’t get an easier life than our teacher, Jesus.

But, and this is really important, suffering pain, ridicule and persecution by the those in authority doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us.

Our passage then offers reassurance. God follows and loves each small sparrow and counts all the hairs of our head. We are individually as a small bird, when compared with the universe. Seemingly insignificant, without power, wealth, or status. Yet to God all are valued, and acknowledged. Each of us is of more value to him than a sparrow.

We need to be a bit careful here. Reassurance doesn’t magically make the world a better place. But it can strengthen us to do the right thing. Knowing that God will go with us into the dark places, through whatever stumbling blocks the self-interested powers of this world put in our way, can hearten us. God being with us doesn’t mean we won’t fall, we just won’t fall beyond God’s love.

The final verses of our Gospel are some of the most difficult of Jesus’ teachings. We associate Jesus with bringing in a reign of peace. At Christmas we hear the angels message of “peace on earth.” At funeral services we hear the words “my peace I give you”. Earlier in Matthews Gospel Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”, and later on “All who take the sword will perish by the sword”.

Yet here Jesus states he will actively cause conflict and came to bring a sword? Was he having a bad day?

There is a form of peace, discussed in Micah chapter 7, which hides injustice and exploitation. The peace of the oppressed people, who can’t challenge a settled authority and an unjust society. This is a peace which Jesus comes to shatter.

The sword he brings is the sword of the spirit. A sword which cuts through pretence and bluster to the heart. Like a scalpel it separates the light from the darkness, the good from the bad. It’s metaphorical, Jesus comes to refine us and remove that which causes people to stumble and keeps them in chains.

None of this is easy, faith is messy. We are at odds with society around us. Sometimes the church, or our fellow Christians. We disagree about what faithfulness to God means. Sometimes we confuse imitating Jesus with being Jesus.

We’re not always good at expressing difficult emotions within the church, or in some cultures. Our reading from Jeremiah can help. It’s a poem of lament about his vocation and calling. What we can call his journey of discipleship. It’s a type of speech and writing which allows him to express negative emotions to God in a safe and structured way. It’s something worth thinking about as a tool in todays world, where it’s hard to find spaces to express these negative emotions.

Jeremiah has had enough. As a prophet he’s called to hold a mirror up to society. Essentially speaking out God’s critical judgement on the people generally and those in power specifically. Unsurprisingly it’s not a popular calling! He is fed up with being given a message to challenge authority and of being ridiculed, mocked, denounced, persecuted.

Sound familiar?

People are waiting for him to stumble. He can’t run away like Jonah. When he doesn’t speak out he feels “something like a burning fire” inside him. He has no choice, he knows how difficult it is to speak truth to power and to work for the transformation of our society.

On these two tasks of disciples, I’m going to leave you with something to ponder. There have been two stories about the Church of England in news in the last week or so. One on the dismissal of the Independent Safeguarding Board. The other on the Church Commissioners decision to no longer invest in energy companies using fossil fuels. This comes after years spent trying to engage with those companies in the hope of them being more climate friendly.

I wonder what Jeremiah would make of these?

These final words are from a hymn. It was written by an American woman called Annie Johnson Flint, who died in 1932. I first encountered them on a prayer card many years ago. They could be considered a platitude, but they cut to the heart of what we have considered here this morning.

God has not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine

We pray for the church...
thinking this week of all those preparing for ordination as deacons or priests. We ask for blessing on their ministries. We remember too all those people worldwide whose profession and practice of faith brings them into conflict, derision and danger. May they continued to be assured of the love and presence of God. Following yesterday’s diocesan Parish Safeguarding Officers’ Commissioning Day, we pray for all who undertake this ministry at a local and national level, and pray that all may work well together to ensure that our churches truly reflect the love of God.

Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for the world…
thinking of all who have lost their lives at sea in the past fortnight, and for their grieving families and friends. We pray for refugees, that they might find safety and welcome. We pray for areas of war and conflict, continuing to remember Sudan, Ukraine and Russia. We pray for areas of drought and famine, of flood and earthquake, of places affected by the climate crisis. And we pray for peacemakers and all who are striving to protect the world’s environment for all creation.

Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for our community…
thinking of this year’s Walkley festival, its organisers and events. We give thanks for the opportunities to celebrate with art and craft, music and food, games and laughter, and being able to meet with one another. We pray for our schools, voluntary organisations and local businesses.

Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We pray for those who are suffering...
thinking of those who are ill, lonely, anxious, or struggling in other ways. In a few moments’ silence, we name them before God…

Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

We remember all who have died, giving thanks for their lives. We pray for those who mourn their loss asking God for comfort and strength. We think of those known to us…

Jesus, Lord of your Church,
in your mercy hear us.

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

Common Worship: Service and Prayers for the Church of England, and Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000 and 2010

Download The Order of Service for  23 06 18 2nd Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 18th June 2023

The Readings

Exodus 19.2-8a

They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.’

So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.

Matthew 9.35-10.8

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

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 Matthew Wood

(To be be uploaded later)

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.

Jesus tells us “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  We pray that we can be workers in your field, and bring people to the Gospel.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for the people of Ukraine and hope for a peaceful resolution to that conflict. We pray for families on both sides of the conflict who have seen their members go to war.  We pray for our sister city of Donetsk, and all devastated settlements in Ukraine. We pray for those driven from their homes by conflict and natural disaster that they may find a safe haven, and we pray for those refugees lost at sea, and their families.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those in political office, that they may behave honestly and with the interests of the constituents and the citizens of this country in mind.

We pray for our community here in Walkley, and for the city of Sheffield, and for our neighbours and friends.  We pray for the people of the city of Nottingham and the victims of the attacks that took place there this week. 

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

On this Mothering Sunday, we pray for all those who act as a loving presence in the lives of those around them.  We pray for those with broken relationships with their mother or children. We pray for those mothers who have lost children, or who have suffered the pain of miscarriage.

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 strengthen them and bring them the healing and peace that belong to your kingdom.  In a few moments of silence, we bring to mind those we know who need your healing presence.

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 also 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: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used her is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000

Download the order of service for 23 06 11 Barnabas the Apostle Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 11th June 2023

The Readings

Acts 11.19-end

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.

At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

John 15.12-17

‘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 so that you may love one another.

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
The Revd Dr Beth Keith.

Today the church remembers Barnabas, and we’ve listened to one of
the narratives about him from Acts 11.

Barnabas was actually called Joseph but got renamed Barnabas.
Earlier in Acts, in chapter 4 we are told that the Apostles called him
Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement. This was his nick
name, the name he got from the leaders of the Church because of the
type of person he was, he was known as an encourager.
We don’t actually know a lot about him, but he is one of the
background people in the NT who was hugely influential in the
founding and growth of the early church. We know this, because we
know that he played a crucial role in the life and ministry of Paul, and
in the life and ministry of Mark.

You may recall that when Paul first converted to the faith, other
followers of Jesus were afraid of him. Paul, or Saul as he had been
known, had been a brutal enemy of Jesus’ disciples. He had arrested
many and had even aided in their deaths. Unsurprisingly those in
Jerusalem were frightened when he appeared.  In Acts 9 we read,
"When Paul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they
were afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple."
How strange it must have seemed that this man who had been
persecuting them now professed the faith. Was it a trick, a way of
infiltrating their group so he could destroy them? Or was this for real?
Had he honestly come to faith?

Chapter 9 continues… "But Barnabas took him and brought him to
the Apostles." Barnabas took him right to them and made it clear that

Paul was truly converted, and they did not need to fear him. Through
this Paul became accepted in the church. Barnabas was the friend
that helped Paul overcome his bad reputation, Barnabas supported
him and was an advocate for him, which in turn affected how others
treated him.

Barnabas went on to play a major role in Paul’s ministry. In Acts 11,
which we just read, we heard about the church at Jerusalem sending
Barnabas to Antioch. When Barnabas saw the great work he was glad
and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Verse 24 describes Barnabas as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit
and faith.."

The church was growing rapidly in Antioch, I imagine it was an
exciting time to be there. People were coming to Christ under
Barnabas’ ministry. He could have carried on there alone, but we read
that he decided to go to Tarsus to look for Paul. Barnabas brought
Paul back to Antioch, and for a year they taught they ministered
together. Barnabas mentoring Paul, and encouraging him in the faith,
and in ministry. It was there in Antioch that disciples were first called
Christians.

Of course, we can’t make too many assumptions about what
happened, or how things would have been different if Barnabas had
not supported and encouraged Paul. But it seems highly unlikely that
Paul would have been there in Antioch had Barnabas not gone to get
him. We do know from the text that Barnabas went and got him and
took him into active ministry and that changed Paul’s life and the life
of the church.

Barnabas was also important in the life and ministry of Mark.

Later when Barnabas and Paul were heading out to visit all the
churches, Barnabas suggests they take Mark with them, but Paul
didn’t want to because Mark had let them down the previous time.
Barnabas, again showing himself as an encourager, decided to give
Mark a chance, and so he and Paul went their separate ways.
Barnabas took Mark, and Paul went with Silas. Luke who wrote the
book of Acts and who gives us the detailed history of this time,
followed Paul, so the rest of the book of Acts, continues with the
travels of Paul and Silas, and we don’t know much about what Mark
and Barnabas get up to.

But later on in the letter 2 Timothy Paul writes
"Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my
ministry."

It seems by this point that Paul has changed him mind about Mark.
Barnabas choose to continue to support Mark and over time Paul saw
the fruit of Mark’s ministry. Barnabas had been there for Paul when
he was being written off by other members of the church, and he had
also been there for Mark too. No wonder Barnabas was nicknamed
encourager.

Mark went on to write the first Gospel that was written, with the other
gospels of Matthew and Luke using and developing from Marks text.
Barnabas, this minor seemingly minor character in the NT didn’t write
any of the NT books, and appears in only a few verses, but appears to
have had a crucial role in the lives of both Paul, and Mark, who
together wrote a significant percentage of the NT we have today.
I wonder if you can think of someone who has been an encourager in
your life. Someone who has been there to offer support and
friendship, someone who has cheered you on or seen some potential
in you that others have not…

What is so important about encouragement?

It literally gives us courage – sometimes we face tough challenges,
having people alongside to cheer us on, and show their commitment
and love for us is so important.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed or just not up to the task God is
asking us to do next. Encouragement helps us feel we are not alone,
and that the situation is not more than we can manage
Sometimes we do something, or life turns out in a way which makes us
feel there is no future, perhaps we have messed up, and that it’s all
over now. The encouragement of others reminds us of God’s love and
care for us.

Encouragement keeps us going and helps us to have hope for the
future.

I want to end with two challenges - earlier I asked you to think about
someone who has encouraged you. Perhaps you could thank them for
the role they have played in your life. Encouragement is one of those
gifts that can be easily overlooked. They may well be encouraged by
your appreciation.

Secondly, have a think about someone you could encourage. I’m not
suggesting that you go and get them and bring them to Walkley (as
Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch). But is there way you could
encourage them – a kind word, a prayer or perhaps sending them a
card or text saying what you see in them.

May God, giver of all gifts, who gave Barnabas the gift of
encouragement, pour the Spirit into our lives, that we might know
God’s love and encouragement and share it with those around us.

Amen

The Prayers
Prepared by Barbara.

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

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

We pray for all those affected by wildfires everywhere, thinking today particularly of those in Canada, which
is on fire in most provinces. Please help us to be good custodians of the world you have given us, that it may
continue to be a good home for all the life with which we share it.

We pray also for all those affected by war, thinking especially of those in Sudan and Ukraine. Please help us
to live in peace and friendship, wherever we are.

We pray for all refugees and asylum seekers needing somewhere to live in this country, thinking especially
of those from Afghanistan who are facing the need to find new accommodation soon. Please help us to be
generous and welcoming to these people, remembering that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were once refugees.
We pray for all those severely affected by the cost of living crisis here in the UK, facing hard choices about
what necessities they can afford. We think of those who are struggling to afford to keep a roof over their
heads.

Please help us to keep all these people in our hearts and to be generous in helping them when we can.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

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

Please help us to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in your family and to learn to love and
accept each other for who we are.

We pray especially for your church here in Walkley and in our partner parishes of Broomhill and Ranmoor.
Please help us all to strive to be at the heart of our communities.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

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

We pray for those suffering from breathing difficulties. Please help them to cope with the challenges posed
by pollen and wildfire smoke.

We thank you for the generosity of people throughout the parish who have supported St. Mary’s in the
acquisition of a community defibrillator. Please help our community to use it wisely and effectively.

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

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

We name to you in our hearts all those known to us both near and far, asking that you bring your comfort
and healing to their families and friends at this time of grief.

All this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake.

Amen.

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

Download The Order of Service for our Trinity Sunday Eucharist

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 4th June 2023

The Readings

2 Corinthians 13.11-end

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Matthew 28.16-end

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

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 Dr Alan Billings.

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe

Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here, is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000.

Download The Order of Service for The Day of Pentecost Eucharist with Baptism

Watch this week's service on YouTube

Read St Mary's Walkley Church News for 28th May 2023

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 20.19-23

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

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 Dr Alan Billings.

Today is about new beginnings.

First, we are here to celebrate the beginning of new life. Arthur, whom we will
baptise shortly, is not yet one year old. His little life has just begun. So we
give thanks this morning for his arrival among us. We ask for God’s blessing
on him and his parents. And we commit ourselves to raise him well.

A baptism provides a moment for parents in particular, but also godparents,
family and, indeed, all of us, to think about what it means to bring a new life
into the world. What it means when we say we want the best for them.

Because we know that the best for them is not only about providing material
things. It’s also about those unspoken values by which we will raise them.

They will crucially shape, not their personality, but their character.
In baptism we make a conscious and serious decision to raise our children by
those values that we see in Jesus Christ: love, kindness, forgiveness,
gentleness. We don’t tell our little ones how to live; we show them - by how
we live. And today we re-commit ourselves to living well – for Arthur’s sake.

The other beginning we celebrate today is the start of the Christian Church. It
was on this day, Pentecost, Whitsunday, two thousand years ago, that the
Church came into being.

In his final days on earth, Jesus told his first followers that for a little while
after his death they would feel like orphans, as if abandoned. But then they
would be re-energised by the gift of the Holy Spirit and this would enable
them to go into all the world to speak about what they had experienced with
him and from him. And, as it were, to find him again in new ways and new
places.

On this day, they have an overpowering sense of the Spirit’s presence – like
fire, like wind. They are ready to begin a new phase of their lives.

This Christian understanding of God as spirit is important.

The Spirit, Jesus said, is like the wind. It blows where it will. The Spirit is not
confined to sacred spaces or holy people. It is not ours to control or
manipulate. It blows where it will. And like the wind, we do not see the Spirit –
the unseen presence of God. We see its affects.

Its affects on us as a group, as a church community, as well as its affect on
individuals.

Think for a moment about one way in which the Spirit seeks to shape us as a
church here in Walkley.

The Spirit seeks to make us a welcoming group of people. There’s a
tendency for human groups to become cliquish - to want everyone else in our
group to be like us in all respects.

And it’s very easy for human groups to add to their number only those who
are like them. Welcome means welcome, but on our terms. Without realising
it, without consciously intending it, we resist newcomers, because they
disturb settled patterns in some way. Adjustments have to be made.

The Spirit gently helps us to achieve a different tendency – to be welcoming
by being inclusive. To positively enjoy having around us people different from
ourselves. People who are younger or older – even little babies who interrupt
sermons. People, who don’t necessarily look like us, think exactly the same
things as us. The Spirit persuades us to accept difference.

When Jesus told the disciples that he was returning to the Father and
promised them that he would send the Spirit, he said one other thing. He
said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’

These two things – the gift of the Spirit and the gift of peace – are linked. We
shall only know peace in our communities if we let the Spirit bring us to the
point where we can be welcoming by accepting difference.

Today then is a day of new beginnings. For Arthur at the start of his human
journey. But for us also as we become more sensitive to the Spirit of God in
unlikely, as well as likely, places and people.

The Prayers
Adapted from Common Worship Times and Seaons.

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 Sudan.
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 pray for Arthur, baptised this morning, and for all those who will shape his life.
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.

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