| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 20 September 2026 |
 Parable of the two sons WELCOME 27th September 2026, Trinity 17 Sometimes, in being asked to do something, we have a grumble to ourselves because we don’t really want to do it or don’t have the time. A frequent phrase in our household seems to be ..’is that the best use of my time’. And there are everyday jobs that need doing in order to run a household, like the putting the bins out, washing up etc. Jobs that if everyone did their bit and didn’t need to be asked, then wouldn’t the world run more smoothly? These are the types of questions we reflect on when I’m doing marriage preparation with couples, who does what, roles and responsibilities in running a home and life together. Living with others can certainly cause grief, especially with teenagers I find! Being asked to do something can be met with a grump and as our oldest says… ‘if you keep asking me I’ll never get round to it, leave me and I’ll do it’. Honestly! Walk the talk not just talk the talk! Today’s readings help us to think about our actions, not just talk. Ezekiel: Everyone is responsible for their own choices. God wants people to turn away from wrongdoing and choose a better way of life. Philippians: Jesus showed humility by putting others first and obeying God. Christians should follow his example by caring for others and living faithfully. Matthew: Jesus teaches that actions matter more than promises. A person who changes and does what is right is obeying God. This parable is not about perfect words, but about faithful deeds. It reminds us that God values what we do more than what we say. Our faith is not measured by promises alone, but by the steps we take in love, service, and repentance. The choices we make, the actions we take are important, God wants us to change for the better, be humble, care for others, and show our faith through our actions. Blessings for your week. Revd Rosie SUNDAY SERVICES 27TH SEPTEMBER 17TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 10:30am Parish Eucharist + Baptism 5:00pm Evening Prayer COLLECT Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen READINGS Ezekiel 18.1-4, 25-end The word of the Lord came to me: 2What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins that shall die.25Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is unfair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 26When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. 27Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. 29Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is unfair.’ O house of Israel, are my ways unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair?30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. 31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live. Philippians 2.1-13 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Matthew 21.23-32 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ 24Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” 26But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ 27So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. NOTICES PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Michael, Vicci, Connie, Christine, Chloe, Bill, Jennifer, Matt, Stef, and Joanna. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Dorothy, Jeffrey Seller and all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Baptisms: Noah, Samuel and Thomas Weddings: Debora & Ricardo Community Prayers: Clewer Green School, Mrs Branchand all the staff, pupils, staff and governors. 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 Cleves Court, Carter Close, St Johns Road, Gordon Road, Dawson Close, Convent Road and Bailey Close. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church of Bangladesh. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Central Buganda (Uganda), West Buganda (Uganda), Buhiga (Burundi), Bujumburra (Burundi), Bukavu (Congo) and Bukedi (Uganda).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 Wednesday Morning Prayer 9am Evening Prayer Thursday 5pm on Zoom The church is open for private prayer 10.00am – 5.00pm daily Prayers & Bears Early Years Liturgy Fridays 9.30am Sun 04 October 10:30am All Age Eucharist (Harvest) 5.00pm Eucharist Sun 11 October 10:30am Parish Eucharist 5.00pm Evening Prayer Sun 18 October 10:30am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Wild Worship 5.00pm Evening Prayer Save the Date! St Andrews Day Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday 28th November 11am-3pm. If you’d like to support this event by running a stall, offering raffle prizes, helping on the day or in any other way please let Emilie know or email office@clewerparish.org UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Harvest Market Saturday 3rd October proceeds will go to the FoodShare We will also be decorating the church on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s Harvest Service if you have any greenery from your garden you can bring to share. Harvest Festival Service Sunday 4th October 10.30am, all donations will be for the FoodShare and BabyBank charities, please see their lists below: Windsor FoodShare at the moment, we are particularly short of:  Tinned meat Tinned fruit Tinned desserts Soup Rice Jars of saucesThe Baby Bank have an extensive list on their website but include items such as: Unopened baby & adult toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, breast pads, tamponsSmall sensory toys for under 1 year oldsLightly used jigsaws & board games for 3-10 year olds  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 |