| St Andrews Clewer Pews News 20 December 2020 Fourth Sunday of Advent |
 Artwork by Anthony VanArsdale for the National Black Catholic Congress WELCOME I wonder if you had big plans for the week ahead, even for Christmas? If I’ve learnt anything in my life, it’s not to make big plans as somehow God steps in and changes things! This weekend the Government has stepped in and changed things, for better or for worse we need to stick to this new plan however hard- done -by and unfair you may be feeling. In Prayers and Bears this Advent we have been thinking about God’s big plan for his creation and how the different characters in the unfolding story react to the news! As you read or listen to this week’s readings, think about how the characters reacted to the news, how they then responded to God’s plan. How might things have been if they hadn’t responded in the way they did? Be encouraged, stay safe, God is with you. Blessings Revd Rosie Welcome in the name of Christ. God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you. And also with you. Lord, we praise you as our God and King. Open our hearts and minds to recognise and serve you among those who need our love and care. Amen. COLLECT God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. READINGS – RECORDING Please click the blue button below to listen to the Old and New Testament readings Listen to OT & NT Readings 2 Samuel 7.1-11,16 1 Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.’ 3 Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.’ 4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Magnificat (The Song of Mary) 1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; • he has looked with favour on his lowly servant. 2 From this day all generations will call me blessed; • the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. 3 He has mercy on those who fear him, • from generation to generation. 4 He has shown strength with his arm • and has scattered the proud in their conceit, 5 Casting down the mighty from their thrones • and lifting up the lowly. 6 He has filled the hungry with good things • and sent the rich away empty. 7 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, • to remember his promise of mercy, 8 The promise made to our ancestors, • to Abraham and his children for ever. Romans 16.25-end 25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith – 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever! Amen. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING – RECORDING Please click the blue button below to listen to the Gospel Reading Listen to Gospel Reading GOSPEL READING Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. Luke 1.26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ 2 9But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 34 Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ 35 The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 38 Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. REFLECTION – RECORDING Please click the blue button below to listen to the reflection Listen to Revd Rosie’s Reflection REFLECTION – TEXT God had a plan for David and David had plans to build a ‘house’ for God. David’s idea of ‘house’ was not quite the same as God’s though. The Ark had been moved from place to place as God moved his people but only when Israel achieves stability will God permit Himself a permanent dwelling. God’s plan came to David through the prophet Nathan who, with Zadok the priest, was responsible for crowning King Solomon. The ‘house’, the permanent dwelling will come though David’s ‘line’, not through a building and the shrine David had was temporary, out in a tent. God’s promise to David was that his royal line would last forever, and David has such a relationship with God, that he accepts God’s promise. In the gospel reading we have the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Mary was part of God’s plan probably long before she was conceived. Last week on the 8th Dec we had the lesser festival of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by both the eastern and western Church dating back to the seventh century. It acknowledges and reminds us of the preparation by God of his people to receive their Saviour and Lord, putting heaven in the ordinary. Mary was part of God’s plan. So how did these characters react to this news? If David, Mary and Joseph and Elizabeth and Zachariah and the shepherds had said, ‘actually no, that’s not what I had planned for my life’…. then the story would be very different. This year we find ourselves writing a new story about our lives, a story that none of us have ever been in before. Do we accept this news, to stick to the new plan or do we carry on regardless? Before we know it we may find ourselves unwell, isolated for longer, putting more lives at risk and pressure on medical staff. So our plans for Christmas? Are they earthly plans, or divine plans? Is this a time for us to accept the news that Christ was born for us, a Saviour, a prince of peace, hope for the future, strength and courage for today? Do we respond to this news in song like Mary and David? God has a plan for each one of us, a plan that has the power to change our lives beyond anything we could possibly imagine. God made a promise to never leave us, to be with us whatever we face, wherever we go. Things may not be as we would want or expect this Christmas but let’s put those things aside, give them to God in prayer and be more like Mary. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women, blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Mary had no idea what was going to happen, but she accepted and rejoiced, Elizabeth accepted and rejoiced, the shepherds accepted and rejoiced. Accept and rejoice in God’s big plan for you this Christmas- however that may reveal itself. Be part of a new story- a story of love and hope, do not be afraid, the Lord is with you.. God has a plan for you, put all your plans aside and accept his promise. A new home has beeen found, a dwelling place for God’s Son, among his people, fulfilling God’s promise and alive in our hearts today – now that’s a plan and something to sing about! You may have heard the song – Mary did you know, by Pentatonix, here are some lovely alternative words: Mary did you know, that your ancient words would still leap off our pages? Mary did you know, that your spirit song would echo through the ages? Did you know that your holy cry would be subversive word, that the tyrants would be trembling when they know your truth is heard? Mary did you know, that your lullaby would stir your own Child’s passion? Mary did you know, that your song inspires the work of liberation? Did you know that your Jubilee is hope within the heart of all who dream of justice, who yearn for it to start? The truth will teach, the drum will sound, healing for the pain The poor will rise, the rich will fall. Hope will live again. Mary did you know, that we hear your voice for the healing of the nations? Mary did you know, your unsettling cry can help renew creation? Do you know, that we need your faith, the confidence of you, May the God that you believe in, be so true. Lyrics by Jennifer Henry (inspired by the popular song of the same name) Amen. TIME OF PRAYER – MULLE PRICE Father God, thank you for seeing us through a very strange year. Guide us to appreciate your whole Creation; show us our role in ensuring all life – human, animal, plant, ocean and the vital air we breathe is valued and supported. And as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, may we strive to live in peace with one another; guide us as we try to ensure that all may have the benefit of vaccination, irrespective of borders, economics, past enmities, current conflicts and suspicions. We thank you, Lord, for the wisdom and dedication of all who have been involved in the production of vaccines, at every level, and we ask for your guidance in the next year that your world of different races, nations and cultures will see the communal benefit of world vaccination, of peace built with justice and justice guided by love. Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus Thank you for the wisdom of Mother Theresa, asking you for your guidance and strength to do what needs to be done rather than virtually giving you a list of what isn’t working. You have given us all the provision we need as your disciples to change things but we are slow to commit ourselves and easily distracted. Show us, Lord, how to learn from Christ’s mother, Mary, when the angel visited her, how she agreed to be involved despite inevitable concern about what that involvement could ask of her, saying merely “I am the servant of the Lord”. May the way we live show our trust in you. Guide us to our roles – in the many national and local ventures that can help those having to live with stress, unemployment, inadequate money to ensure the innocent have enough to eat and somewhere secure to live. Let us not squander or hoard the good things you have given us but use them for the benefit of all. Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus Holy God, this Advent we set ourselves to longing again – longing and waiting and hoping. We long for your kingdom to come and for this world to be transformed, for it to be on earth as it is in heaven. But the glimmerings of that new world have also to become real in us, so we pray for our parish and your disciples. May we have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to respond that we may live, love and learn more fully together. Send your Holy Spirit to guide us in all our involvements as we discern your will for us and live out your mission so that your Kingdom here in Clewer may grow in faith and love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus We pray for all who are sick in any way, in hospital or at home, all who are alone, exhausted, depressed, world weary. All carers trying to help, with their own problems as well. Keep our eyes and ears open to the needs about us that we may be able to bring comfort to the suffering. To the bereaved, to those who just can’t handle any more. Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus Father, show us always how to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. And to remember that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, a light no darkness can quench. Merciful Father, accept our prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour: fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen BLESSING Our Lord says, I am coming soon. Amen, Come Lord Jesus. May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen May God himself, the God of peace, make you perfect and holy; And keep you all safe and blameless, in spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessing of God almighty, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you always. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord In the name of Christ Amen. SUNDAY COFFEE ZOOM AT 11.45am After you have attended church, or watched or listened to this Sunday’s online service of your choice, we invite you to join us for a chat over coffee via Zoom at 11.45 for about half an hour. We will resend the meeting details later. SUNDAY EVENING PRAYER AT 5pm BCP evening prayer will continue this Sunday at 5pm via a Zoom link. We will send out the order of service later. EP Readings Psalm 89. 1-34, Isaiah 22.21-23, Reveleation 3.7-13 Antiphon: O Clavis David EVENING PRAYER DURING THE WEEK Leading up to Christmas we are holding Evening Prayer every evening at 1700 (5.00pm) via Zoom. This will include Evening Prayer with the Advent Antiphons and sonnets. As a way of preparing for the coming of Christ, we will be saying EP each evening for the 9 days leading to Christmas, via Zoom at 5pm from 17th to the 23rd December. The liturgy is Common Worship in contemporary language. We will share the order of service on the Zoom screen. We will resend the meeting details later. WORSHIP FROM DECEMBER We are now able to worship in Church on Sundays, Eucharist at 10:30, and Wednesdays, Holy Communion at 10:00am. The Church is also open on Wednesdays for private prayer from 10.30-12.00. There will be no Eucharist on Sunday 27th or Wednesday 30th. Christmas Day Eucharist at 10.30am, please remember to let us know if you are intending to worship with us to enable us to judge the numbers and ensure no one is turned away. OXFORD DIOCESE CHURCH AT HOME https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19/livestream 20 December 2020 10am In the fourth and final Sunday of the season of Advent, the Church turns her attention to Mary: the God-bearer. She is the only person in Scripture who is called the “servant of the Lord”. In that spirit, we are grateful to have represented in our service a member of the Community of Mary the Virgin, Wantage, reading the Gospel. Likewise, our intercessions are led by Fr Richard Peers, who in addition to his role as Sub Dean at Christ Church Cathedral is the Superior of the Sodality of Mary Mother of Priests, a worldwide Marian community of clergy who look to Mary for inspiration and intercession. With thanks to the Bishop of Buckingham for presiding and to the Revd Becky Bevan for preaching in this service. Watch on Church.online at 10am Download the order of service Other ways to participate Watch on YouTube from 10am Listen online from 10am To dial in to the service by telephone, dial 01865 920930 and, once connected, dial 0 for the full version of the service, or dial 1 a short version of the service. Standard call rates apply. There will be a few seconds of silence before the service starts. As ever, the order of service, together with links to view, listen or dial in to this service will be published on this page shortly. Live-streamed and ‘as live’ worship is available for everyone across the Diocese of Oxford, these services complement the prayers, meditations and worship offered bylocal churches. Our principal Diocesan services take place at 10 am each Sunday. https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19/livestream Reflections for a Church in Lockdown Episodes are available to listen to now, or download it wherever you get your podcasts (search ‘My extraordinary family’) https://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/podcast PLEASE PRAY FOR The suffering: Blake, Sam, Reuben, Margaret, David, Don, Karl, Hugh, Sarah, Elsie, Lesley, Joanna, Pam, Andy, Holly, Hugo, Frank, Oliver, Bill, Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The departed: those recently departed this life and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Community prayers: Clewer Green School, the head teacher Martin Tinsley and all the pupils, staff and governors. For all our Care Homes, for the safety of residents and staff. Parish Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for all who live or work in Byron Court, Mayfield Close, Kimber Close, Harrington Close, Sherbourne Drive, Woodland Avenue, and Illingworth. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Pray for mission agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican Communion, including the Mothers’ Union around the world. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of Bethlehem. Please pray also for the Churches in South West Tanganyika (Tanzania), Esan (Nigeria), Etche (Nigeria), Etsako (Nigeria), Evo (Nigeria), Exeter (England), Ezo (South Sudan), Faisalabad (Pakistan), Falkland Islands (Parish of) (Falkland Islands), Fianarantsoa (Indian Ocean), Florida (The Episcopal Church), and False Bay (Southern Africa). Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. NOTICES Advance notice There will be no Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve this year. Churches Together in Windsor Virtual Advent Calendar This year we are having to find new and creative ways of sharing the story of the first Christmas. Our annual visit to the Christmas story may look different but the story and the meaning is the same, a story of darkness and light, a story of hope and love. This year you are invited to join us virtually though our Advent Calendar put together by our Churches Together in Windsor community. We hope and pray that this will encourage and help you prepare for an amazing Christmas! You can find it via our email subscribers list, St Andrews website, our St Andrews facebook page and the new CTW Advent Calendar facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629545480566400 Nine Lessons and Carols will be pre recorded this year and sent out via subscribers email and social media. The children from Clewer Green School will be our readers and Robert’s choir will provide the carols. Parish Mailing List If you know of anyone who would like to receive the Pews News by email, please ask them to email office@clewerparish.org to be added to the list. We currently have 91 subscribers. If you know anyone without internet access who would like to receive a printed copy of the Pews News, please send their name and address to office@clewerparish.org  CHRISTMAS EVE – VISIT THE STABLE – 3-5pmAs we won’t be having a Crib service in church this year, we will be opening the porch and turning it into the stable. King Brothers Builders have kindly gifted us a life size 12 piece nativity set. Please wrap up warm, stick to the pandemic rules, walk through the lights, have a hot chocolate with marshmallows, collect your Christingle in a bag [subject to the new restrictions] and leave a present for The Annex Project. Their wish list is posted here and on their website https://theannexproject.com This is a wonderful charity that supports children who have suffered from trauma, bereavement, attachment issues and more. Their work with children is even more important now as the mental health issues in children is increasing considerably. The list contains items that can go straight into therapy rooms and others that could be put into packs and sent to children who are shielding or isolating and therefore will continue sessions virtually. It’s really helpful to send packs to children and for the therapist to have the same pack when they call as they can of course play together during the sessions. PLAY THERAPY WISH LIST Play dough Air drying clay Foam clay Paper/card Foam stickers/shapes Glue sticks Felt tip pens Crayons Colouring pencils Paint pens A5 note books Therapeutic/mindfulness colouring books Kinetic sand Games Jenga Uno Playing cards Trump cards Guess Who game Story dice Symbols and Small world play Rescue vehicles Rescue/key worker figures Family Group figures Religious Symbols Medical kit Books The Invisible String – Patricia Karst Letting Go ! Mindful Kids – Sharie Coombes Sophie Spikey Has a Big Problem – Sarah Naish The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself – Ali Redford Katie Careful and the Very Sad Smile – Sarah Naish JOHN BRUCE’S WINE John has made his usual batch of elderflower wine. If you would like some, there is a suggested donation of £5 per bottle, with all proceeds going to to Church funds. If interested, please let Jane know, or email the Parish Office office@clewerparish.org, and we will try to find a Covid-safe way of getting it to you. Church Finances – message from Andrew Thank you to everyone for all you have been able to give in this difficult time. Please consider continuing your regular giving by paying directly to our bank account, the details of which are: HSBC Bank, High Street, Windsor Sort Code: 40-47-37 Account number: 11373366 Account name: PCC St Andrews Church CONTACTS The Parish Office is now closed again. Sharon is on furlough. Stuart will monitor emails. Out of hours office number: 07490 094261 Email: office@clewerparish.org Revd Rosie Webb: rector@clewerparish.org Tel: 01753 852334 Parish website: www.standrewsclewer.org Churchwarden: Stuart Cockman Pastoral helpline number: 07946 590223 |