| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 13 Mar 2022 The second Sunday of Lent |
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| THE EUCHARIST SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN PERSON AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH AT 10.30AM Dear friends, The first reading from Genesis chapter 15 verses 1-12 and 17-18. In a mysterious passage, God promises the childless Abram descendants numerous as stars, and possession of vast lands. The second reading Philippians chapter 3 verses 17 – 4 verse 1. St Paul, writing to the Philippian Christians, exhorts them to follow his example and to look at their ultimate home in heaven. In the gospel reading St Luke chapter 13 verses 31 to the end. Jesus is warned by some Pharisees that Herod wants to kill him. He gives them a tough message for Herod, and predicts his own death in Jerusalem. Canon Brian COLLECT Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth, that they may return to the way of righteousness: grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. All Amen READINGS Genesis 15.1-12, 17-18 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ But the word of the Lord came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.’ But he said, ‘O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?’ He said to him, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. This is the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God. Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not be afraid, and though there rise up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I asked of the Lord and that alone I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek his will in his temple. For in the day of trouble he shall hide me in his shelter; in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me and set me high upon a rock. And now shall he lift up my head above my enemies round about me; Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy upon me and answer me. My heart tells of your word, ‘Seek my face.’ Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me, nor cast your servant away in displeasure. You have been my helper; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me, • the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of those who lie in wait for me. Deliver me not into the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and those who breathe out violence. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the Lord. Philippians 3.17-4.1 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. This is the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. All Glory to you, O Lord. Luke 13.31-end At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, O Christ. INTERCESSIONS – JOHN BRUCE The response to the bidding Lord, in your mercy, is Hear our prayer In this time of unprecedented change to us all, we are together in our homes and hearts, together as a Church family, together as God’s people, and through all bishops and priests, to praise you and hear your holy word, to bring to you the concerns of our hearts, and to join together in fellowship. Speak to us, Lord, through scripture, hymns, prayer and silence. Grant us ears to hear, hearts to listen, and lives prepared to do your will. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer God of Clewer, and of our nation, we pray for those willing to take on the responsibilities of government, politics, civil life and humanitarian aid, in order to help others. The many thousands of volunteers delivering food packages to hungry children, and elderly people living alone. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer Dear Lord, turn your healing love towards those who are sick and in pain today. We pray for those infected with Coronavirus. We bring them to mind now. We pray for our noble NHS, all the thousands of nurses, doctors, medics, porters, and key helpers in care homes, who daily risk infection, and their lives, by their constant help and dedication. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low – particularly those who in their final hours, are prevented from physical contact from family and friends – knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer God of compassion, Your love of humanity was revealed in Jesus, whose earthly life began in poverty of the stable and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross: we hold before you those who are homeless and cold especially in this bitter weather. We think of those in Afghanistan. Draw near and comfort them in spirit and bless those who work to provide them with shelter, food and friendship. We ask this in Jesus’ name Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for those who fear tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those in power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all your life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom, of justice, peace, love and beauty Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer We pray for all in need, especially today: Blake, Sam, Reuben, Don, Karl, Hugh and Sarah, Joanna, Pam, Holly, Hugo, Frank and Barbara, Bill, Suzanne, Christopher, Jackie, Norman and Diane, and Patricia. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. And we also pray for all who have asked for our prayers, those whose needs we know, and those known to God alone. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer With confidence in the love of Christ who died for sinners, we commend the souls recently departed this life, including Maureen Rush, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time, especially Margaret Andrews. Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer We join our prayers with those of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Andrew, St Agnes, and all the Saints, as we commend ourselves, one another, and those we have prayed for, to your unfailing love. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Almighty God, you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen Listen to Canon Brian’s Sermon for the first Sunday of Lent NOTICES SUNDAY 5.00PM EVENING PRAYER (ZOOM) BCP Evening Prayer is on Sunday at 5pm via a Zoom link. We will send out the order of service later. Readings Psalm 135 Jeremiah 22.1-9, 13-17 Luke 14.27-33 SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Evening Prayer on Zoom, every Tuesday and Thursday at 5.00pm Prayers & Bears at St Agnes every Friday at 9.30am Church open for Private Prayer, every Wednesday 10.00am-12.00 Sun 13 Mar 10.30am 2nd Sunday of Lent – Parish Eucharist 5.00pm Evening Prayer – Zoom Sun 20 Mar 10.30am 3rd Sunday of Lent – Parish Eucharist 5.00pm Evening Prayer – Zoom Sun 27 Mar 10.30am 4th Sunday of Lent – Parish Eucharist 5.00pm Evening Prayer – Zoom Sun 03 Apr 10.30am 5th Sunday of Lent – Family Eucharist 5.00pm Eucharist – in Church REVD ROSIE’S FUNDRAISING My fundraising challenge this year is to Swim40Lent. Swim 40 times during Lent. Now you may think this is not much of a challenge for me, but let me assure you it is! I’ll have to make the time, never mind the weather and it is a freezing 6.5 degrees today! AND not in a wetsuit! I’ve chosen ShelterBox/Ukraine to support those affected by this intolerable and unjust situation. The charity provides warm blankets, cooking equipment, water filter kits and tents etc. When I have been swimming I can appreciate a warm blanket and hot drink, hence this charity. I’m aiming to raise £500. I’d be very grateful for your support and donations. Sometimes we feel helpless in these situations and we have no idea what each day will bring or what we can do to help. Lent is a time to look deep into ourselves, our relationship with God and God’s people. Please continue to pray for peace. Thank you Revd Rosie Click here for the fundraising page or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shelterbox-swim LENT LUNCHES The next lunch by Prayers & Bears on now the fourth Saturday, 26 Mar. Their chosen charity is raising money to support families in Ukraine. On 09 Apr there will be the Clewer Pilgrimage and Pilgrims’ Lunch. Details to follow. LENT CAFE On four Wednesdays during Lent, starting on 9th March, at 10.00am we will meet in Church for a Lent Café, to be followed by a Said Eucharist. As well as coffee, there will be an informal Lent discussion on “The Church and us”, prepared by Revd Louise, and led by Canon Brian. All are welcome. The course details can be downloaded here or https://www.standrewsclewer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-Lent-study.pdf PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Blake, Sam, Reuben, Don, Karl, Hugh and Sarah, Joanna, Pam, Holly, Hugo, Frank and Barbara, Bill, Suzanne, Christopher, Jackie, Norman and Diane, Patricia, and Frank. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: those recently departed this life, including Maureen Rush, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time, especially Margaret Andrews. Those being Baptised. 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 at, all retail premises, Mill Stream Houseboats, Boatyard, Windsor Race Course, Forest House Veterinary Group, Petworth Court, Care Homes Sandown Park, Queens Court and Winton House. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church of Melanesia. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Kindu (Congo), Kinkiizi (Uganda), Kinshasa (Congo), Kirinyaga (Kenya), Kisangani (Congo), and Kita-Kanto (Japan). Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. CHURCHYARD TIDY The next Churchyard Tidy is on Saturday 02 April 1000-1200. Please speak to Bob Lester if you can help on the day. WINDSOR FOODSHARE They need basic food please, anything welcome, especially: Tinned meat, Tinned fish, Tinned, vegetables, Soup, Rice, Herbs/Spices, Cooking sauces, Instant mash, Tea bags/Instant coffee, Sugar, Breakfast cereals, UHT milk, Tinned desserts, Cereal bars/biscuits, Jams, Fruit juice/Squash More information here: https://www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk/food-donations 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 or if your bank doesn’t like this Parochial Church Council St Andrews Clewer Parish You may wish to consider transferring to the Parish Giving Scheme, which we promoted in previous years. Details are on our page on their web site: https://bit.ly/2XCLuCr [https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/clewer-st-andrew-windsor/] We also have the printed application forms available, please contact the Parish Office by email. CONTACTS The Parish Office is now closed. The Office Number is: 07490 094261 Email: office@clewerparish.org Parish Website: www.standrewsclewer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/standrewsclewer Churchwarden: Stuart Cockman Safeguarding Policy: www.standrewsclewer.org/safeguarding-policy Safeguarding Officer: clewerparishsafeguarding@gmail.com |