| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 05 March 2023 The Second Sunday of Lent |
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| WELCOME Our ‘Bible Explorers’ club at school have been looking through the magnifying glass and finding out all sorts of interesting things! We started with ‘who am I’, then ‘who is Jesus’ followed by ‘who wrote the bible’ etc. Who is Jesus? That is the question we asked. Can we name 5 things we know about Jesus, and can we find 3 things we want to ask Jesus. Looking through the scrap books last week it was lovely to see the types of things they wanted to ask… did you get married, did you have any children, what colour are your eyes, how did you do miracles? Having turned from Matthew’s gospel, we now read from John’s gospel up to Palm Sunday and this Sunday we have the reading about Nicodemus, who came to Jesus in the dark of the night to ask questions. Nicodemus found it all very difficult despite his knowledge of Hebrew scriptures. Jesus tells him plainly that actually no one can understand spiritual things unless they are ‘born again’. This was quite a riddle to Nicodemus! Simply put, Jesus is explaining that to become a child of God and belong to his family you have to start again. We don’t know what Nicodemus made of all this but we do know that he believed enough in Jesus to help bury his body. John 3.16 is the most quoted verse in the bible. Is this a riddle to you? Understanding faith or believing in Jesus is not something that we simply do in our minds or feel good about quoting from the bible, being born from the Spirit, from above, and… believing in Jesus, is about what we do in our heart and in our life. What questions would you like to ask Jesus? Blessings for your week Revd Rosie |
| 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 12.1-4a Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 121 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer your foot to stumble; he who watches over you will not sleep. 4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord himself watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand, 6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, neither the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall keep you from all evil; it is he who shall keep your soul. 8 The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore. Romans 4.1-5, 13-17 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’) – in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. John 3.1-17 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? ‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. |
| INTERCESSIONS Holy God, as we continue our Lenten journey make us mindful of our potential for good and for growth, as we strive for perfection in your sight despite our human failing and imperfections. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Gracious God, we recognise that the work of helping people through life can leave church leaders vulnerable to spiritual attack. We thank you for our church leaders and pray that they won’t allow criticism or negativity to blunt their ministry; that they will hear encouragement, and that they will always respond in love and forgiveness when difficulties arise. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Creator God, we pray for all in authority that they may never be tempted to abuse or misuse their power. Help and guide them to show wisdom and resolve in the search for reconciliation and peace and so bring peace and prosperity to every corner of the world. We particularly pray for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as it enters its second year – Lord, please bring peace. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Father God, we pray for our relationships with family, friends and neighbours and we particularly pray that we never lead them into any kind of temptation. Help them to see us as a new creation, still the person that God created, but now also as an active part of God’s earthly family. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Loving God, our hearts ache when we hear about the pain and suffering that some of our loved ones have to endure especially when illness has come about through the temptations of the world. Come close and bring comfort and healing to all those who we now name before you. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Merciful God, you know when our hearts are broken by bereavement. You know the pain of loss because you suffered through the death of your only son. In the midst of ongoing sorrow, help us to rejoice in the comfort of the hope, encouragement, and comfort that your promise of eternal life brings to all who believe in Jesus. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer Everlasting God, may we show and share our love and trust for you wholeheartedly, today, as we go back out into the world and through every day of our Lenten journey. Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen From the Chaplaincy of the Holy Spirit, Costa Blanca |
| 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. Amen |
| Listen to Canon Brian’s Sermon last Sunday |
| NOTICES |
| SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Tuesdays and Thursdays, Evening Prayer at 5.00pm via Zoom Church Open every day 10.00am – 6.00pm 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 Sun 26 Mar 10.30am 5th Sunday of Lent, Parish Eucharist 5.00pmEvening Prayer |
| 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, Gracie, and the Flisher family . Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Those baptised this month Those preparing for marriage Our Bible Explorers group at Clewer Green 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 live, work at, or take part in activities in, 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 in South East Asia. Please pray also for the churches in these dioceses: Recife (Brasil), Rejaf (South Sudan, Remo (Nigeria), Renk (South Sudan), Rhode Island (USA), and Rift Valley (Tanzania). Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. |
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| Dust and Glory from the Church of England encourages us to take a fresh look at the frustrations and failings that every day brings, seek to learn from them and grow closer to God through them. It is available as an App, a printed booklet, and by email. Details here: https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-easter/dust-and-glory-lent-reflections |
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| WILD WORSHIP The next Wild Worship is 12 March at 3pm to be held at Imperial Park, all ages welcome as we explore the desert together. |
| EASTER EGGS Donations of Easter eggs are needed for our stall at the community Easter Fair on Palm Sunday afternoon. |
| PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL OXFORD CHANGE OF DATE 28th April. 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. Our date has had to be cancelled by the cathedral, but the new date they have given us is Friday 28 April. If you would like to go please let Revd Rosie know as we will need to arrange transport. |
| CORONATION WEEKEND IDEAS? The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort takes place on 06 May. https://www.royal.uk/coronation The Big Help Out is just one of the nationwide activities planned for that bank holiday weekend. https://thebighelpout.org.uk If you can think of some things we could do as a Church around these times, please let Revd Rosie know. |
| WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Thank you to everyone who helped at the Word Day of Prayer service which St Andrews hosted on Friday. |
| 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 still looking for someone to be our Christian Aid representative. This does not need to be a PCC member or other church official. 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, if you haven’t already. 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. |
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| Have you got suitable photo ID for the upcoming elections? The Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station in some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May, when our Borough and Parish elections will be held. You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following: Passport Driving licence (including provisional licence) Blue badge Certain concessionary travel cards Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) Biometric Immigration document Defence identity card Certain national identity cards If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, on the Government website. For more information, please visit the Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280. |
| WINDSOR FOODSHARE From their Facebook and Twittter Pages: https://www.facebook.com/windsorfoodshare https://twitter.com/WindsrFoodshare This week we are the lowest we have ever been on long life milk and pulses. You can drop off to us on Wednesdays 9.30-1.30 or Thursdays 9.30-3.00 at Dedworth Green Baptist Church. We have a permanent donation box at Tesco Superstore and also at Waitrose & Partners. Or why not try our new wishlist on Common Good. https://www.forcommongood.co.uk/apps/giftregistry/registry/215636 Thank you all for your continued support to help local families in need. |
| 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 |