| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 12 February 2023 Sunday Next before Lent |
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| View from the top of Mt Tabor |
| WELCOME This week sees the beginning of Lent and I wonder what that means for you? Perhaps it is time to look more closely at the word Lent, what does it mean? ‘Lent’ is the past tense of the word ‘lend.’ To ‘lend’ something to someone is to let someone borrow something for some time, which one expects to be given back after lending. The word is applicable to any situation of lending and borrowing. Have you lent something and never had it returned or even, had it returned and found it damaged? When we hire a car, it is checked over for damage on release and then again when it is returned. Is this something you do when someone borrows your car? And is it returned with an empty or full tank? So what about God, faith and how we live our lives? God has ‘lent’ us creation, how are we caring for it? God has gifted us with life, perhaps on our death God goes over it and checks for damage on return? Do we count the blessings we are ‘lent’ in life, family, friends, a home etc, can we do more to care for them ? Lent is a time to think deeply about our faith and the lives we lead. If we think of everything as being ‘lent’ to us by God, would that change anything? This Sunday’s readings immediately before the beginning of Lent, record special meetings where God is revealed in a new way – meetings that make a significant difference in the lives of ordinary people. This includes the Transfiguration, the time when Jesus and three disciples are on Mt Tabor where they went to pray. Everyone on that mountain was changed by the experience. God ‘lent’ us Jesus Christ to experience his love, and meeting Jesus Christ personally is life changing. So whatever you are going to do this Lent, its forty days long, and ‘lent’ to you by God! Revd Rosie |
| The Sunday next before Lent, and we prepare to begin our Lenten journey to Jerusalem with Jesus and his disciples. As we offer our praise and thanksgiving, we see God’s grace to walk faithfully in Christ’s way and to heed God’s word, to listen to Jesus The first reading from Exodus chapter 24, vv 12-end Moses goes up Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law of God. God appears in glory as a cloud and a devouring fire The second reading is from the second letter of Peter, chapter 1 vv 16-end Here Peter gives eye-witness testimony to Jesus’ glory and majesty, and to the affirming words of God on the mountain of the transfiguration. The Gospel is from St Matthew, chapter 17, vv 1-9 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain . Jesus is seen in glory talking with Moses and Elijah, and God’s voice from the cloud affirms Jesus as the Son of the living God. Canon Brian |
| COLLECT Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. All Amen |
| READINGS Exodus 24.12-end The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.’ So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, ‘Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.’ Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lordsettled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lordwas like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 2 1 Why are the nations in tumult, and why do the peoples devise a vain plot? 2 The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed: 3 ‘Let us break their bonds asunder and cast away their cords from us.’ 4 He who dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury: 6 ‘Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.’ 7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; he said to me: ‘You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. 8 ‘Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. 9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ 10 Now therefore be wise, O kings; be prudent, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and with trembling kiss his feet, lest he be angry and you perish from the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. 12 Happy are all they who take refuge in him. 2 Peter 1.16-end I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Matthew 17.1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. 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 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. 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. We pray today for Blake, Sam, Don, Karl, Sarah, Joanna, Holly, Hugo, Frank and Barbara, Bill, Suzanne, Christopher, Jackie, Norman and Diane, Sylvia, Mary, and Gracie. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer We give thanks that the faithful departed are transfigured in the light of your love. Give us grace to live according to your commandments and to follow in their steps. We remember especially today Roy Pardoe, all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer God of time and space, we cry to you for our neighbours, in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, following the earthquake that has devastated thousands of lives. Only they and you know what it is like to experience such trauma in the freezing cold, and in the middle of the night. We give thanks for the aid that is already being given, and for the promises of help that have been made by many nations. Comfort we pray, those who are trapped in collapsed buildings, those who have lost loved ones; those who wait for news, and those digging through the rubble to save others. Grant the gift of hope so that those caught between life and death know that you are with them, and that others are ready to support them, as they seek a future that overshadows the experiences of today. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. PRAYER FOR UKRAINE 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 all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with 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 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 Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen |
| NOTICES |
| SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Tuesdays and Thursdays, Evening Prayer at 5.00pm via Zoom Church Open every Wednesday 10.00am – 12.00 Sun 19 Feb 10.30am Sunday Next before Lent, Parish Eucharist 5.00pmEvening Prayer Wed 22 Feb 12.00am Ash Wednesday, Midday Eucharist Sun 26 Feb 10.30am 1st Sunday of Lent, Parish Eucharist 5.00pmEvening Prayer Sun 05 Mar 10.30am 2nd Sunday of Lent, All Age Eucharist 5.00pmEucharist Sun 12 Mar 10.30am 3rd Sunday of Lent, Parish Eucharist 5.00pmEvening Prayer Sun 19 Mar 10.30am Mothering Sunday Parish Eucharist 5.00pmEvening Prayer |
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| —————————————————————————————————————– We are looking for volunteers to help with Lunch and More, please stay behind after the service on Sunday for a chat about how you could help. |
| ASH WEDNESDAY 22 Feb 12.00. Ash Wednesday Eucharist with Ashing. Please stay behind for soup, bread and coffee afterwards. |
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| WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 3rd March 7pm. People to help with refreshments please,see Revd Rosie if you can help. |
| PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL OXFORD 12th May. A chance to visit our mother church, have a personal guided tour, have tea in the Great Hall, share in worship at Choral Evensong and a tour of the gardens. If you would like to go, please sign up. The cost for tea depends on which menu we decide on, we will be the only parish tour that day and it will be a wonderful experience for us to enjoy together. |
| PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Blake, Sam, Don, Karl, Sarah, Joanna, Holly, Hugo, Frank and Barbara, Bill, Suzanne, Christopher, Jackie, Norman and Diane, Sylvia, Mary, and Gracie. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Roy Pardoe, all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Those baptised this month: 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. We pray also for Windsor Christian Action, and the work of the Homeless Project, Street Angels, FoodShare, and The Night Shelter. Parish Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for all who work at, or take part in activities in, Legoland, Dedworth Medical Centre, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Thames Hospice, Guards Club, Tennis Club, and Windsor Gym. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church in Rwanda. Please pray also for the churches in these dioceses: Papua New Guinea, Portsmouth (England), Pretoria (South Africa), Puerto Rico, Pune (North India), and Pyay (Myanmar/Burma) Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. |
| TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL Please see details of the Oxford Diocese appeal on our web site: https://www.standrewsclewer.org/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal Or see the DEC appeal: https://donation.dec.org.uk/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal God of refuge, You are an ever present help in time of need. Please be this to the people of Turkey, Syria and Iraq today. Provide people with safe shelter and the essentials they need. Be a comfort to those who are grieving and who are traumatised. Be people’s strength and rock as they work together to rescue people, treat the injured, care for those in need and rebuild after this tragedy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
| CHRISTIAN AID REP We are looking for someone to be our Christian Aid representative. Please see Revd Rosie if you can help. |
| KEY REGISTER We need to update our key register, so if you have any church keys, please list them in the form at the back of church. Thank you. |
| PATHWAYS The latest issue (3rd quarter 2022) of the Diocese magazine Pathways is available, you can read it online: Click Here for Pathways https://www.oxford.anglican.org/pathways-pdf-version Pathways is the magazine for the people of the diocese, featuring articles to help equip committed Christians on their walk with God, while informing enquirers as they learn more about faith. From deepening your spiritual life to practical tips on living out your faith, we hope Pathways will provide something for everyone and be enjoyed by many. |
| WINDSOR FOODSHARE From their Facebook and Twittter Pages: https://www.facebook.com/windsorfoodshare https://twitter.com/WindsrFoodshare PLEASE CAN YOU HELP? We are extremely short of Tinned spaghetti Tinned Meat Tinned Desserts Tinned Pulses Carrier bags If you are shopping in Tesco Superstore it is an ideal way to donate to us or Waitrose & Partners. Both of these supermarkets have a permanent donation box for us. |
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| FoodShare Trustee An exciting opportunity for you to make a big difference in the local community Can you help? We are Windsor Christian Action (WCA), registered charity no. 1154308, founded in 2013. The work of WCA is carried out via four Projects: 1) The Homeless 2) Street Angels 3) Foodshare 4 )More Than a Shelter (MTaS) We comprise a Board of 10 Trustees, 5 employees and over 200 volunteers, who work across the four Projects, as well as in fundraising and general administration. We are currently looking to recruit a Trustee with particular responsibility for overseeing the FoodShare Project and providing support to its manager and volunteers. The aim of FoodShare is to provide non-perishable food on a short-term basis to people who would otherwise be going hungry and who are referred to us by various local agencies. As we approach our 10th anniversary, we are currently able to help up to 70 families per week from our distribution points at the Baptist Church, Smiths Lane, Dedworth, and Kerith Church Windsor. We also deliver food to people’s homes in appropriate cases. In common with the experience of many foodbanks in the country, we are dealing with increasing need but are also seeing remarkable generosity of so many people and organisations which enables us to meet that increased need in such challenging times. Ideally, you will be able to attend the FoodShare project from time to time either on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon, in order to understand how the work is done, and will also be available to attend the 3-monthly Steering Group Meetings. The FoodShare work will involve a few days per month and the majority of the work, apart from any meetings, can be carried out remotely. Although you will have particular responsibility for Foodshare, as a Trustee you will also have an important contribution to make to the work of WCA as a whole. Trustees are required to attend 4 WCA Trustee meetings per year plus one AGM. We also have brief catch-up meetings in the months between Trustee meetings. You can read more about our work on our websites www.windsorchristianaction.org and https://www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk How to Apply: The closing date for applications is: February 28th 2023 If you would like to join the team and apply for this exciting role at FoodShare , please contact us at: secretary@windsorchristianaction.org. Or call Jane Deakin on 07972 646613 for an informal discussion. |
| 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 |