| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 27 April 2025 The Second Sunday of Easter  THANK YOU ALLThe Rector is on her well-deserved break this week, and she’s asked me to thank everyone for all the hard work of Holy Week, which resulted in the wonderful Eucharist of Easter Day. The church was full, standing room only. So many children and adults of all ages. It was a truly happy Easter Day. Thank you all for everything. Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. CANON BRIAN THIS SUNDAY THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER First reading: Exodus 14, 10 to the end. Pharaoh’s powerful army is defeated in the Red Sea, while the frightened people of Israel are encouraged and emboldened to cross the dry land. The second reading is Acts 5, 27 to 32. Peter and John are brought before the council to answer for their preaching. Peter finds the courage to speak of Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. And the gospel is John 20, 19 to the end. Jesus appears to his disciples and breathes his spirit on them. Thomas, missing on that occasion, has a powerful encounter with his risen Lord a week later. In a time of Easter rejoicing, we reflect on how the promise of God’s new life is given not to those who are strong and confident, but to those who are doubting and fearful. Jesus meets his disciples and us in our weakness and offers hope, comfort and courage. CANON BRIAN COLLECT Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen READINGS Exodus 14.10-end As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, “Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians”? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.’ But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers.’ The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.’ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.’ This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God Acts 5.27-32 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God Gospel Reading John 20.19-end Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. INTERCESSIONS Everlasting God, as Jesus appeared in the locked room to show his disciples the beginning of a new world, draw us closer so that we, like Thomas, can examine the wounded hands and feet of Jesus in order to know and understand the depth of his love for us. Let us therefore approach the throne of God in confidence as we pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Gracious God, look down with love upon our Church here in Clewer, as day by day we struggle to be a body worthy of Jesus’ name, an Easter People whose song is Alleluia. Be with us all as we focus on spreading the Good News as we give thanks for the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Creator God, we raise before you our world, especially praying for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, reconciliation and healing in all places of war, hatred and terrorism. We pray that the nations of this world may be united and subject to the rule of the Risen Christ, through whom and for whom all things were created. We pray for His Majesty King Charles; may his rule be guided and influenced by the example set by your Son, who lives and reigns as King of Kings. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Loving God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all their neighbours as themselves. As his disciples here, we offer our prayers on behalf of the Communities where we are privileged to live, and our friends and neighbours with whom we interact day by day. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Almighty God, we pray for all who are sick and for all who are in hospital that they may be aware that the Lord is with them in their troubles. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Loving God, surround all who mourn this day with your continuing compassion. Do not let grief overwhelm those who are bereaved, or turn them against you. When grief seems never-ending, take them one step at a time along the journey of death and resurrection. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer Father God, you have called us to follow you. As you hear our prayers make us faithful in responding to your call. Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen Adapted from the web site of The Chaplaincy of the Holy Spirit Costa Blanca POST COMMUNION Lord God our Father, through our Saviour Jesus Christ you have assured your children of eternal life and in baptism have made us one with him: deliver us from the death of sin and raise us to new life in your love, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen Listen to Canon Brian’s Thoughts for Easter LISTEN NOTICES NO EVENING SERVICE ON SUNDAY There is no Sunday evening service. SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS Church open every day 10.00am until 6.00pm. Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 8.00am in Church Sun 27 Apr 10:30am Parish Eucharist – The 2nd Sunday of Easter Sun 04 May10:30am All Age Eucharist – The 3rd Sunday of Easter 5.00pm Eucharist Sun 11 May 10:30am Parish Eucharist – The 4th Sunday of Easter 5.00pm Evening Prayer PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Sam, Matt, Al, John C, Sharon, Vivienne, Stef, John F, Joanna, Jane P, Tom B, Val, and Bronwyn. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Craig Waldren, Muriel Poston, all those recently departed this life, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. His Holiness Pope Francis; please pray for our Roman Catholic church members in our town, and across the world. Baptisms: all who were baptised this Easter. Weddings: 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, 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 of the Province of the Indian Ocean. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Meridional (Brasil), Meru (Kenya), México, Del Norte de México, Michigan and Eastern Michigan (USA). Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. EVENTS 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. APCM The APCM will be held on 11 May, after the 10.30 service, 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. EVENING PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS Following the death of Pope Francis, there will be a service of Evening Prayer to give thanks to God for Pope Francis’s life and ministry on Friday 2nd May at 19:00 at St Edward’s on Alma Road. You and your congregations are all cordially invited to join us so that all the Christian communities of the town can pray together at this significant moment.  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 |