| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 01 February 2026 Candlemas |
 Presentación de Jesús en el Templo by Francisco Rizi (ca. 1663) WELCOME Candlemas (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) Today we celebrate the presentation of Christ in the temple, turning point in the churches year, a new beginning. It’s other name, Candlemass, commemorates the blessing of the year’s new candles. As epiphany ends we begin the countdown to lent, we rejoice that God makes all things new. First reading Malachi 3.1-5, offering temple sacrifices whilst oppressing or neglecting people illustrates tarnished humanity. Before judging us, God will help us, sometimes painfully, to clear up our acts. Second reading Hebrews 2.14-end, in Jesus, God shared our human life, understanding our fears and failings. Making the perfect yet painful sacrifices, Jesus frees us from sin and death. The Gospel Luke 2.22-40, Jesus was ritually presented in the temple as an ordinary human baby, that would offend many by transcending religious practice and reaching out to save all God’s children. Blessings Canon Brian SUNDAY SERVICES 1ST FEB CANDLEMAS 10:30am All Age Eucharist 5:00pm Eucharist COLLECT Almighty and ever-living God, clothes in majesty, whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple, in substance of our flesh: grant that we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts, by 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 Malachi 3.1-5 1See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; 3he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. 4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.5Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts. Hebrews 2.14-end 14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Luke 2.22-40 22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ 33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. Sermon Sunday 25th Jan 2026 (Revd Rosie) NOTICES PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Louise, John B, Matt, Stef, and Joanna. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: Sue Morgan, Brenda Stafford and all those recently departed this life and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Baptisms: 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, and FoodShare, under the umbrella of 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 Legoland, Dedworth Medical Centre, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Rainbows, Guides, Thames Hospice, Guards Club, Tennis Club and Windsor Gym. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for The Church of England. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Tairawhiti (New Zealand), Taita-Taveta (Kenya), Taiwan (The Episcopal Church), Tamale (West Africa), Tanga (Tanzania), and Central Tanganyika (Tanzania). 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 Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 8.00am in Church Evening Prayer on Tuesday and Thursdays at 5pm on Zoom Prayers & Bears – Early Years Liturgy on Fridays at 9.30am in Church The church is open for private prayer 10.00am-dusk daily Sun 08 Feb – 2nd Sunday before Lent 10:30am Parish Eucharist 3.30pm Faith Explorers 5.00pm Evening Prayer Sun 15 Feb – Sunday before Lent 10:30am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Wild Worship 5.00pm Evening Prayer Wed 18 Feb – Ash Wednesday 12:00pm Midday Mass 7.00pm Eucharist Sun 22 Feb – Lent 1 10:30am Eucharist 5.00pm Evening Prayer UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES The Alma Beacon Cold Weather Night Shelter 2025/2026 run by the Windsor Homeless Project are looking for volunteers from Monday 15th December 2025 to Sunday 29th March 2026 to help run the shelter. More details and information can be found here. Faith Explorers (our middle schoolers group) will restart on 8th Feburary 3.30pm Care Home Services restart in Feb if anyone who wishes to attend with Revd Rosie please let her know Dates for the diary Pancake Party Tuesday 17th Feb 5pm at church Ash Wednesday Eucharist 18th Feb Midday and 7pm Community Lunches During Lent – Saturdays during lent, if you would be interesting in hosting one please contact the office (office@clewerparish.org)   As part of the process to appoint a new bishop the diocese is asking for everyone living, working or worshipping in the diocese to respond and contribute their views. You can take part in the survey by clicking here. The survey will close on Wednesday 4 February at 5pm.NIGHTSHELTER MEALSA request has come from the Night Shelter for meals for 30 people per night Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the weeks that the shelter is open from 19th December. There is a budget that can be reimbursed by Alma Beacon of up to £60 per night. Please let us know if you can help.  A reminder that we will be holding an Auction of Talents after Easter. We ask that everyone considers if they can commit to offering something for the auction – a cake, gardening skills whatever it may be! All commitments need to be made before Lent in order for us to be able to organise our fundraising event after Easter, please email the office (office@clewerparish.org) if you are able to support this. 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 |