† St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 06 April 2025 The 5th Sunday of Lent – Passion Sunday  Welcome I wonder if you felt passionate about something this week? Perhaps that sense of passion was unexpected? This Sunday sees us enter Passiontide, a time where we are invited to turn our gaze towards Holy Week and the Passion of Jesus Christ. Passion is an evocative word, it has connotations of love and desire but also has implications of pain and suffering. If you experience strong emotions there is a sense of something we cannot quite control, like that first flush of love. The gospel reading today is the story of Jesus having a meal with his friends at Bethany. Mary is so caught up with the passion and desire to be closer to Jesus, that she anoints his feet using her hair and expensive oil. Judas observes all this and cannot comprehend Mary’s actions. It’s a waste of money, but then he says this because he is basically the community’s bank manager, in control of the community purse. What seems at first like justice in using the money to help others, is rebuked by Jesus. Passiontide is a pivotal moment, Mary’s passion at wanting to be as close to Jesus as possible and Judas’ inattention to what really matters. As the countdown to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins, where is our passion? Are we prepared to get as close as we can to Jesus during this time? Or are we more interested in things that distract us from this moment? We are called to offer all that we have, trusting that God’s abundance – even in the face of failings and flaws -will exceed our wildest imaginings. Blessings for your week Revd Rosie Passion Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent. As we enter Passiontide today and continue our walk with Jesus towards the cross, let us remember that he died for all of us. So let us praise the loving God who is our creator, comforter and also our saviour, despite our faults and failings. The first reading is Isaiah 43, 16-21. Building on the wonders of the past, God promises a new thing, to provide deliverance from danger, so that people will praise the Lord who created them. The second reading is Philippians 3, 4-14. Having once considered himself blameless through his adherence to Jewish law, St Paul is discovering a new life through his continuing search for faith in Jesus. The Gospel is John 12, 1-8. Mary of Bethany accepted that Jesus must die, and Jesus appreciated her loving but extravagant gift for that reason, despite Judas’ focus on its monetary value. There will always be suffering in this world. We’ll always have the poor with us. Our loved ones and we ourselves will still die. But because of the cross and because of the resurrection, death and suffering will not be the end. Out of our Good Friday will spring forth our glorious Easter Day. Canon Brian COLLECT Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; 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 – Only the Gospel will be read in the morning Isaiah 43.16-21 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God Philippians 3.4b-14 Even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God Gospel Reading John 12.1-8 Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. INTERCESSIONS Everlasting God, you call us to your service, and so we ask that you make us worthy of your calling; and to hear us as we intercede and give thanks to you through Jesus Christ your Son. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer Creator God, we pray for the nations of the world and for their right dealing one with another, especially between Russia and Ukraine; and also between Israel and Hamas where we pray for a cessation of hostilities and a declaration of peace. May barriers of race, creed, gender and colour be broken down, and political freedom established where there is oppression and suppression of new ideas. We pray for educational development and for a more just economic structure which pays people fairly for their labour. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer Father God, we thank you that no matter how widely spread throughout the world our families may be, our hearts may be joined together in prayer. We also thank you for the means of modern technological communication that enable us to keep so closely in touch with those we love, which means we not only hear our loved ones but also see them. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer Gracious God, look mercifully upon those whose lives have been shattered by illness. Help them, and those who care for them, to be freed from resentment and give them the strength to seek your will, whatever it might be, in every situation. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer Merciful God, we remember the slenderness of the thread which separates life from death, and the suddenness with which it can be broken. Help us also to remember that whatever occurs in life, we are surrounded by your love. Help those bereaved by the loss of a loved one to find in your love peace and reassurance. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the good news we proclaim in all that we do and say. Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen Adapted from the website of The Anglican Chaplaincy of the Costa Blanca POST COMMUNION Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever. Amen Listen to Revd Rosie’s Sermon from last Sunday LISTEN NOTICES EVENING SERVICE ON SUNDAY Sunday’s evening service is Eucharist at 5.00pm. Readings as above SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Church open every day 10.00am until 6.00pm. Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 8.00am in Church Contemplative Eucharist on Wednesdays at 12.00 during Lent, followed by Lent Lunch (including during Holy Week) PASSIONTIDE BEGINS Sun 06 Apr 10.30am All Age Eucharist – 5th Sunday of Lent, Passion Sunday followed by Bake Off 5.00pm Eucharist Sun 13 Apr 10.30am Palm Sunday – Liturgy of the Palms, and Liturgy of the Passion and procession around the community No Evening Service HOLY WEEK Mon 14 Apr 7.30pm Eucharist, followed by Compline Tue 15 Apr 7.30pm Eucharist, followed by Compline Wed 16 Apr 8.00am Morning Prayer 12.00 Midday Eucharist followed by Lent Lunch 7.30pm Eucharist, followed by Compline Thu 17 Apr 7.30pm Liturgy of the Upper Room (including foot washing) Fri 18 Apr Good Friday 9.30am Wild Worship, Family Activities 10.30am CTW Walk of Witness 1.00pm Hour of Silence 2.00pm Liturgy of the Cross 3.00-5.00pm Veneration of the Cross church open for silent prayer Sun 20 Apr Easter Day 6.00am Dawn Liturgy 7.00am River Baptisms, followed by breakfast in the Lodge 10.30am Eucharist, with renewal of Baptism vows, followed by Easter Egg Hunt No Evening Service Sun 27 Apr 10:30am Parish Eucharist – The 2nd Sunday of Easter 5.00pm Evening Prayer THIS SUNDAY As this is the first Sunday of the month, after the All Age service is our Bake Off. Enjoy coffee, cake and fellowship out in the churchyard. PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Sam, Matt, Al, John C, Sharon, Vivienne, Stef, John F, Joanna, Jane P, Tom B, and Val. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Andrew Morley, Muriel Poston, all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time, especially Martin Chandler. Baptisms: Kaelan, Evie, Penny, Freddie, Noah, Grayson, Aspen, Michelle, and Ellie. Weddings: Community Prayers: Clewer Green School, Mrs Branch, Mr Seymour, and all the staff, pupils, staff and governors. The new Bible Explorers Group. 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, and the work of the Homeless Project, Street Angels, FoodShare, and the Alma Beacon Hub. 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 Clewer Park, Mill Lane, White Lilies Island, Stephensons Drive, Clewer Court Road, Swan Terrace, Petworth Court, and the Boatyard Flats. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for the Church in Chile. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Masindi-Kitara (Uganda), Massachusetts (USA), Western Massachusetts (USA), Masvingo (Central Africa), Matabeleland (Central Africa), and Matana (Burundi).Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. EVENTS Andrew Morley’s funeral is on Fri 11 Apr at 1200 Concert of reflective music given by Voci Chamber Choir and visiting Choir Subito Koral, Tuesday 15 April, 7.30pm at St Edward’s Catholic Church, Alma Road SL4 3HJ. Concert is free with a retiring collection for Windsor Foodshare. See poster below. The next Wild Worship will be held on Good Friday 18th April On Holy Saturday 19th Apr in the afternoon we will be decorating the church, if people would like to come along and help. Also, donations for Easter lilies and flowers would be appreciated The next Children’s Pop Up Café is on 25th April 3.30-5pm The next Pudding Club, faith and fellowship is on Monday 28th April 7.30pm at Peel Close Churchyard Teas begin again in May, starting with VE celebrations on 8th May – more info to follow but please put date in diary. Churchyard tidies are being organised, please keep an eye out for dates, and help when you can. Our new Bishop, Bishop Mary is due to visit the deanery on 22nd May and we are all invited to meet her at an evening event. If you would like to have an evening out and meet the Bishop, put the date in your diary. Wanted – white towelling dressing gowns. If you have finished with one or can donate, we’d really appreciate them for our river baptisms, thank you. The Easter Flyer is available, with all the details of the services from 30th March Mothering Sunday to Easter day. See below.APCM The APCM will be held in May, and we are looking for new PCC members plus two church wardens. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of the church and are passionate about the mission and ministry here at St Andrews, then why not join the PCC? Church Wardens are appointed by the Bishop and they have responsibility for the furnishings and fabric of the building and looking after the Rector, if you are interested in this side of church life and can offer time and talents (even if you can help with one aspect) then please have a chat with Revd Rosie. Also, a reminder that if you haven’t already applied to be on the Electoral Roll for this year, please do so. Forms are at the back of the church.   WHP is looking for a new team member – 30 hours per week Team Member to the Windsor Homeless Project Manager on key activities that are intrinsic to its smooth running. Use your skills & experience to make a difference to the most vulnerable. Full details: https://mailchi.mp/708393ebeb7f/run-4-change-5856829?e=d090be039bEASTER EGGS As well as Windsor Town Funrunners (WTF) asking for Easter egg donations for the care home and hospice run, we also need small Easter egg donations please for church, ready for the hunt on Easter day.    Please consider supporting the work of the Baby Bank. You can donate your second-hand baby clothes/supplies or even volunteer your time. Alternatively, you can help us out with a cash donation to help with the day-to-day running costs of The Baby Bank. Simply click on the link below to see how you can get involved.https://thebabybank.org  WINDSOR FOODSHARE Loving our neighbours From their Facebook, Twittter and Website Pages: https://www.facebook.com/windsorfoodshare https://twitter.com/WindsrFoodshare https://www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk And their new page https://taplink.cc/windsorfoodshare URGENT APPEAL We’re running low on some essential items at Windsor Foodshare and need your help! If you can donate, we’d be so grateful for:  Tinned Pasta Tinned Pulses Tinned Fruit Jars of Sauces Biscuits Strong Carrier BagsThere are many ways to donate food to us – https://www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk/donating-food. We have a permanent donation box at Tesco Superstore, Dedworth and also at Waitrose & Partners in Windsor town centre. So if you are shopping it is easy to pop a pack or two in the donation box. Or why not try our Wishlist on Common Good and Amazon (you can click through to these from our linktree at https://taplink.cc/windsorfoodshare). You can also drop off to us on: – Wednesdays 09.00-13.30; or – Thursdays 09.00-15.00 at Dedworth Green Baptist Church (Smiths Lane, Windsor SL4 5PE). Thank you all so much for your continued support! Click here for the Windsor Foodshare January 2025 Newsletter CHURCH FINANCES – MESSAGE FROM ANDREW Thank you to everyone for all you have been able to give in this difficult time. We prefer 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 in Church, or contact the Parish Office by email office@clewerparish.org Alternatively, by paying 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 or if your bank doesn’t like this Parochial Church Council St Andrews Clewer Parish 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 Churchwarden: Vacant Contact via email: office@clewerparish.org Safeguarding Policy: www.standrewsclewer.org/safeguarding-policy Safeguarding Officer: clewerparishsafeguarding@gmail.com |