| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 03 May 2026 |
 WELCOME 5th Sunday of Easter Pews news from Barcelona. This week Andrew and I have had a few days away. We have visited Barcelona several times over the years but the last time we visited the Bascilica of Sagarda Familia was over 10 years ago. It is due to be finished this year in time for the 100 th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudi, but it is highly unlikely. The church of the Holy Family is an impressive sight. There are 18 symbolic towers representing the Disciples, Apostles, Mary and Jesus. Every window, at every angle has coloured glass so at any given moment when the sun shines, it is flooded with the most glorious colours. The towers are made to look like trees, reflecting nature. There are 50 types of stone used in the building but the cornerstone is made from Montjuic sandstone from local quarries on Montjuic mountain. It was the primary building material being exceptionally strong and resistant to erosion. Antoni Guadi is buried in the crypt by the cornerstone. Today’s readings highlight the use of stones, last week we thought about how the sheepfold was made from stones. The point being that anything made from stones was strong and firm, but they could also be used to damage ( stoning). In the gospel we reflect again on another statement by Jesus, the I am statements. Jesus is preparing the disciples for his death, and tells them he will go to prepare a place for them/us, there are many rooms. Sounds wonderful, somewhere safe and strong and protective. Stones are used to bring about the death of Stephen, Peter is tasked with building God’s house- the church, yet everything comes together in this one liner….I am the way, the truth and life. It is faith through Jesus Christ that gives us the hope to build heaven on earth, room for everyone who chooses to follow. May your faith be grounded by the cornerstone that is Jesus Christ, may the glorious colours of his love fill every room in your life and keep you safe in the knowledge of his love, the truth and the life. Amen Revd Rosie SUNDAY SERVICES 03 MAY 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER 10:30am All Age Eucharist + Baptism 5:00pm Eucharist COLLECT Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen READINGS Acts 7.55-end 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. 1 Peter 2.2-10 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture: ‘See, I am laying in Zion a stone,a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’ 7 To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner’, 8 and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. John 14.1-141 ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ 5 Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ 8 Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ 9 Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. NOTICESPLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Jennifer, John B, Matt, Stef, and Joanna. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: All those recently departed this life and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Baptisms: Freddie Weddings: Those preparing for marriage Hayley and Alistair Community Prayers: Clewer Green School, Mrs Branch, Mr Seymour, and all the staff, pupils, staff and governors. Busy Buttons CORE Charity and for all the work that they do. For all our Care Homes, for the safety of residents and staff. We pray also for Windsor Christian Action. For EMERGE advocacy for their work in hosptials. Please pray for the PCC as they work through the Mission Action Plan and discern God’s mission in Clewer. Parish Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for all who live or work in Parsonage Lane, Errington Drive, Chantry Close, Rectory Close, Haslemere Road, Oak Lane, Orchard Avenue and Dedworth Road. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church of North India (United). Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Yambio (South Sudan), Yangon (Burma), Yei (South Sudan), Yeri (South Sudan), Yewa (Nigeria) and Yirol (South Sudan).Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families. If you would like anyone added to our Prayer List please email the office office@clewerparish.org SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 8.00am in Church Evening Prayer on Tuesday and Thursdays at 5pm on ZoomPrayers & Bears – Early Years Liturgy on Fridays at 9.30am in Church The church is open for private prayer 10.00am – 5.00pm daily Sun 10 May 10:30am Eucharist – followed by APCM 3.30pm Faith Explorers 5.00pm Evening Prayer Sun 17 May 10:30am Eucharist 3.00pm Wild Worship 5.00pm Evening Prayer Sun 24 May 10:30am Eucharist 3.00pm CTW Pentecost Picnic and Praise in the Park – Alexandra Gardens UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Meditation Thursday 30th April 6.30pm Coffee & More Wednesday 6th May 10.30am APCM after morning service Sunday 10th May Faith Explorers (Middle Schoolers Group)Sunday 10th May 3pm Community Friday Saturday 16th May 11am Wild Worship Sunday 17th May 3pm Churchyard Afternoon Teas start on Saturday 23rd May 3pm Churches Together Windsor Pentecost Picnic and Praise Sunday 24th May 3-5pm Alexandra Gardens     CHURCH GIVING Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to our church financially as well as through their time and skills. As we see our congregation grow and our community events increase we invite you to prayerfully consider how you might support this ongoing growth. Every contribution helps us serve our parish here in Clewer. Finance Details Parish Giving Scheme – where one off payments or regular giving can be set up. Alternatively, financial contributions can be paid directly to our bank account, the details of which are: HSBC Bank Sort Code: 40-47-37 Account number: 11373366 Account name: PCC St Andrews Church If you haven’t already please consider downloading the Church of Englands EverydayFaith app to help with daily reflections to inspire, equip and encourage you in your everday faith. CONTACTS Rector Revd Rosie Webb 01753 852334, email: rector@clewerparish.org Parish Office email: office@clewerparish.org Parish Website: www.standrewsclewer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/standrewsclewer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st_andrews_clewer/ Churchwarden: Vacant Contact via email: office@clewerparish.org Safeguarding Policy: www.standrewsclewer.org/safeguarding-policy Safeguarding Officer: clewerparishsafeguarding@gmail.com |