| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 25 October 2026 |
 WELCOME This weekend is Bible Sunday, the last Sunday of Trinity. The church season changes, the clocks go back an hour and we move into Remember November. The long Trinity season comes to end with a focus on the bible, scripture, the word inspired by faith, the story of everything! Our readings are a reminder about the importance of our holy book. Nehemiah 8 Hearing and understanding The people gather to hear the law read aloud, and interpretation helps them understand its meaning. Their initial tears give way to celebration and sharing food with those who have nothing prepared. Reading Scripture is more than hearing words: understanding matters. The passage links that understanding with worship, joy and practical generosity. Colossians 3 Living the word Paul describes a community marked by compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness and, above all, love. Christ’s word is to become deeply rooted in its shared life through teaching, worship and thanksgiving. Scripture is not simply something to study; its message is to shape relationships, speech and actions. Reading and living belong together. Matthew 24 Trusting the word Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man and the gathering of his people. The fig tree illustrates attentiveness to signs, while the passage ends by contrasting the passing of heaven and earth with the permanence of his words. Amid change and uncertainty, this reading emphasises the enduring authority of Jesus’ words and the hope carried by his promises. Bible Sunday is a reminder to hear the word with understanding, let it shape how you live, and trust its lasting promise. Nehemiah highlights understanding that leads to joy and sharing; Colossians highlights transformation expressed in love; Matthew highlights words that endure when everything else changes. Something to think about: What helps you understand the Bible, and how might that understanding lead to joy and generosity? How could you put what you read in Scripture into practice through kindness, patience or forgiveness this week? When life feels uncertain or things change, how might Jesus’ enduring words offer you hope? Blessings for your week Revd Rosie SUNDAY SERVICES 25TH OCTOBER LAST AFTER TRINITY / BIBLE SUNDAY 10:30am Parish Eucharist 5:00pm Evening Prayer COLLECT Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen READINGS Nehemiah 8.1-4a [5-6] 8-12 1all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 4The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand.[ 5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’, lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.] 8So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ 11So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, ‘Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.’ 12And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Colossians 3.12-17 12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Matthew 24.30-35 30Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven” with power and great glory. 31And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. NOTICES CLOCKS CHANGE THIS WEEKEND A little reminder that the clocks go back this weekend!  Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night and give yourself an extra hour in bed on Sunday morning! PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: John, Michael, Vicci, Christine, Bill, Matt, Stef, and Joanna. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Pauline Underdown and all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Baptisms: Pauline Weddings: Community Prayers: Clewer Green School, Mrs Branch and 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 Nelson Road, Bridgeman Drive, St Johns Drive, Clewer Green School, St Edwards First School, St Edwards Middle School and Windsor Girls School. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church of the Province of Central Africa. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: El Camino Real (USA), Canberra and Goulburn (Australia), Canterbury (England), Cape Coast (West Africa), Cape Town (South Africa) and North Eastern Caribeena and Aruba (West Indies). 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 (not on 4th Nov) 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 (Break for Friday Fun Hub 30th Oct & 6th Nov) Sun 1 November 10:30am All-Age Eucharist 5.00pm All Souls Sun 8 November 10:44am Remembrance Service – Clewer War Memorial (Pirate Park) 5.00pm Eucharist for Remembrance Sunday Sun 15 November 10:30am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Wild Worship with guest from Berkshire Birds of Prey 6.00pm CTW AGM & Songs of Praise at Windsor Methodist Church 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 Christian Meditation is on Thursday 29th October at 6.30pm in church Friday Fun Hub will be running again during half term 10am-12pm on Friday 30th October and Friday 6th November Sunday 1st November at 5pm will be our All Souls Service commemorating the faithful departed Wild Worship Sunday 15th November at 3pm in the churchyard with Berkshire Birds of Prey         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 |