Thy Kingdom Come: Saturday 23rd May

“… your kingdom come …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… your kingdom come …” Pray for God’s help as you read Acts 17:24-31.

• What is the extent and power of God’s rule (verses 24-26)?

• How does God want people to respond to his rule (verses 27-31)?

Thank God for those he has placed living near you or whom you meet regularly.

Pray for opportunities to show them Jesus, his resurrection and his coming.

• Please also pray for … for our mission and evangelism:

• For opportunities to speak to people about Jesus.

• For the all our activities as a church, that as people hear of Him, many would turn in repentance and faith.

What Is God Up To?

The Temptation to Overinterpret Suffering

“What do you think God is doing? Why is he allowing this pandemic?” he asked. Then he added, “I know you have thought a lot about this.” I had not thought about it….

…continue reading at ccef.org

Thy Kingdom Come: Friday 22nd May

“… hallowed be your name …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… hallowed be your name …” Pray for God’s help as you read Revelation 4.

• John is writing down the spiritual reality in heaven.  Why is God worthy of praise?

• One common use of the word ‘hallowed’ today is about sports pitches: hallowed turfs and grounds.  In the Lord’s Prayer we’re asking for God to be glorified. What might it look like for you to glorify God in the tasks, challenges and relationships he has given you today?

• Pray through the people might see or encounter today that God would help you to glorify him and be a blessing to them.

• Pray that God would open people’s eyes to see his glory in the face of Christ (2 Cor 4:6)

Please also pray for … those in local mission seeking to glorify God, such as:

• Oswestry Foodbank helping those in need locally and many others supporting the vulnerable.

• Christians working in all sorts of settings including healthcare, schools etc.

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday 21st May — Ascension Day

“Our Father in heaven…”

Today we’re beginning our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer. Today is “Our Father in heaven…” Pray for God’s help as you read Galatians 4:3-7. 

• What would our status be without Jesus?

• What has God done for us?  What is our new status?

• How does this encourage you to pray?

Thank God for welcoming us into his family by including us in his son, Jesus.

Confess that in sin we needed his rescue.

Pray for a deeper delight in our adopted sonship-in-Jesus as we cry Abba through him to our Father by the Spirit of Sonship.

• Please also pray for… our prayer life as a church

• Today we remember that Jesus ascended to heaven so that he can pray for us and we can pray with confidence to our Father through him.

• “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14–16)

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
to have ascended into the heavens,
so we in heart and mind may also ascend and with him continually dwell;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come

As we come to the climax of our Easter Season it feels a long time since we met in person.  Christ and his resurrection are still wonderfully true and give us a hope and a future despite the trials and struggles of this world.

At this time I am reminded of our limitedness. We don’t know how long this will last, we cannot control the virus as much as we would like, nor remove the grief for those whose loved ones have died. We need to pray.

We need to pray for the current crisis, and also we realise how much we needed to pray all along. We long for God’s work in our church, community, nation and world. At this time we are all the more aware of our dependence on him.

The eleven days between Ascension and Pentecost (21st-31st May) are set aside as a global partnership of prayer for God’s mission called “Thy Kingdom Come.”

• DAILY PRAYER. Below is a prayer diary to download and you are invited to join with us all as we pray together. The prayer diary will be posted daily here if you’d rather view on a browser. You could bookmark (on a computer) or save a link to your home screen (on mobile devices) for quick access.

• LIVE SERVICE TODAY. I will lead a short service of scripture and prayer on the evening of Ascension Day (Thursday 21st) at 7pm.

If you would like to be sent a link to join us on the zoom service, please get in touch.

A Life of Blessing: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

From Thursday 21st I will be sending out some resources for the ten days to Pentecost as part of the global prayer initiative “Thy Kingdom Come.” It is a time to join together in prayer for our community and the world so I hope you can join with us.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Please email if you like to be sent the link

Also this evening at 6pm you are invited to join us for our Virtual Prayer Supper. We'll meet at 6pm and use the same login as today's coffee time.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Welcome

Hymn

This hymn reminds us of God’s amazing and saving grace to us in Jesus. Once found by him, we are his forever.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)  

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song

Our next song is a favourite in our household, and reminds us that we can rely on God in every situation.

Word of God

Our readings today are Acts 17:22-31 and 1 Peter 3:8-4:11.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.

from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7

Reflection: A Life of Blessing

Prayers

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; 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.

Today's prayers are led by Geoff from All Saints' in the video.

Conclusion

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Closing Hymn

As we're thinking about being a blessing, here's a sung blessing recorded recently by some UK churches. Let's pray for our nation and community that God would give the blessing of faith in Christ to many at this time.

Exile's long walk: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All hail the power of Jesus’ name.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24) 

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our readings are Acts 7:55-69 and 1 Peter 2:11-3:9 read by David from St Mary’s and Catherine from All Saints’.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.

from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7

Reflection: Exile's long walk

Hymn

Prayers

Today’s prayers are led by Margaret from All Saints’ in the video below.

Collect

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

It is well with my soul.

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Seeking Help

We know from research and statistics that at times of close social proximity instances of domestic abuse increase. People are at home and may be unable to escape the risks they face during this lockdown period.

Should you have any concerns about a person you know or are yourself worried or experiencing difficulty about domestic abuse, please seek help. If you are at immediate risk you should call the Police immediately using 999,

• Speak to a trusted friend or to the Vicar at allsaintsgobowen@gmail.com

• Speak to one of our Safeguarding Coordinators.

• Call the West Mercia Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 783 1359 or the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.

• In an emergency, dial 999.

Built Together: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well and find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help, so please get in touch. If you’re new with us, you can sign up for email updates here.

It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Do get in touch if you would like details.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

All people that on earth do dwell.

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Please read our first reading from Acts 2:42-47.

Creed

Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
(from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7)

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 2:4-10.

Hymn

This song rejoices in God’s work to build us together into Christ our sure foundation.

Prayers

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Lets sing of Jesus. As Peter quotes the LORD saying, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6)

Hope & Holiness: Church at Home

Dear friends,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

I hope you find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord. This week you are also invited to join us for a mingle and virtual coffee after church.  The details are below.

My very many thanks to Alan Reynolds and Mikey for putting together last weeks service resources. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. (My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Church Coffee on Zoom

We miss not meeting in person so after church this week you are invited to join us to mingle and meet on 'Zoom' this Sunday at 12 noon. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. Please contact us if you would like to be sent the link.

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Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

Jesus shall reign

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of God

Our first reading is from Acts 2:36-41, and is read to us by Betty from St. Mary's.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.

Reflection

Please turn to 1 Peter 1:13-2:2.

Hymn

Our next hymn rejoices "blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah".

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Barbara from All Saints' in the video below. 

Today's Collect

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; 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.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:12–13)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Our final hymn lifts our eyes to our great hope that leads to holiness. All my hope on God is founded.

Living Hope: Church at Home

Dear friends,

I hope you are keeping well. Here are some resources that I hope will help you as we each have church at home this Sunday. I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are also invited to join us for our ‘Prayer Supper’ at 6:00pm this Sunday evening via Zoom. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. If you would like to be sent a link to join us, please email mikeyreade@hotmail.co.uk.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

Alleluia, Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Hymn

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord.

Preparation

Open our eyes, Lord - enlarge our seeing.
Open our hearts, Lord - increase our faith and love.
Open our minds, Lord - deepen our knowing.

Often we do not live the Lord's abundant life:
Lord have mercy - Christ have mercy - Lord have mercy.

Word of God

Our reading this Sunday is 1 Peter 1:1-12. Please read this, then let's join together in affirming our faith:

We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Life
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Love
We believe O God - that you are the eternal Lord of Light
Blessed be you O God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Reflection: Living Hope

The First Letter of Peter gives us an uplifting Easter message:

"[The Father] has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” (1 Peter 1:3)

The problem we have is both life and hope are easily crushed.

At the moment our globally interconnected world is being shaken to the core by COVID-19.

Life is profoundly changing – probably not just temporarily; assumptions of the last 60 years or so are being challenged.

This is not so different from those early Christian/Jewish communities, written to as the “Exiles of the Dispersion” (1 Peter 1:2), in present day Turkey.  Once these were strong Christian centres, but Rome would bring a ‘fiery test’ to these young churches.

‘Living Hope’ - raises embattled spirits both then and today.  To look beyond the present moment and crisis to a Hope that lifts us into eternity.  Not to escape the present – but to enable us to meet the moment with renewed energy and compassion.

There is a big contrast and division between:

• Hope founded upon this world - as even with good humanitarian actions, we are good at spoiling things (see the 7 deadly sins), and

• Hope founded upon the source of life and Hope – God whom we meet in Jesus.

The “Living Hope” flows on into an ‘inheritance’  (1 Peter 1:4) that is:

• ‘imperishable’:   It cannot be spoilt, or taken away (yet we trust the perishable)

• ‘undefiled’:   It cannot be corrupted by human action/sin. (yet we constantly recycle our sins)

• ‘unfading’:   It will last!  All that is around us will change, even the mountains and seas, even the world’s botoxed beauty will change!  This Living Hope comes with a Resurrection guarantee.

In the meantime, life goes on.  After the apparent catastrophe of Good Friday, there is Easter.  Everything now takes on a deeper, richer form, within the unique stream of life that flows from the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Spirit.

Here, then, is:

• the Love of Christ – that embraces all.

• the Light of Christ – to lead and inspire in the pilgrimage.

• the Life of Christ – that we now see to be an eternal Living Hope.

Hymn

You are the king of glory.

Intercession

We pray for all working in the NHS and support services.

We pray for Governments worldwide - for wise leadership and decision making.

We pray for those who are sick, troubled, fearful and bereaved.

O Lord, we bring

{name/situation}     in their weakness, for your strengthening.

....................    in sickness, for your healing.

....................    in trouble, for your guidance.

....................    in authority, for your leading.

Today's 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.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Hymn

Thine be the glory.

Conclusion

Thank you O Lord,
your steadfast love never ceases.
Your mercies are new ever morning,
great is your faithfulness.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.

Church at Home, Easter Sunday

Dear friends, 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Our warmest greetings to you at this Eastertime.  Over the coming days, although we can’t meet in person, we can unite in prayer. With so much to pray for, I particularly pray that the riches of hope and mercy found in our risen Lord would be found by many over the coming days.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

I hope you find the service a real encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preparation

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." (John 20:19–20)

Alleluia! Christ in risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Hymn

Christ the Lord is risen today

Confession

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn of praise

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;

Word of God

Our first reading for Easter Sunday is John 20:1-18. Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:
THE NICENE CREED

On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is,
seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.

Easter Reflection

Please turn to Acts 10:34-43, which is read for us by Denise from All Saints’ in the video below.

Hymn

In Christ alone

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Mikey from All Saints' by video. 

Today's Collect

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.

Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Say out loud for all to hear:

"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn

Thine be the glory

Good Friday Reflection

If you want to catch up on our live Good Friday meeting, the video we saw is here for watching again

Maundy Thursday: Church at Home

Dear friends, 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)

Our warmest greetings to you at this Eastertime.  Over the coming days, although we can’t meet in person, we can unite in prayer. With so much to pray for, I particularly pray that the riches of hope and mercy found in our risen Lord would be found by many over the coming days.

Below in this email are some resources for using on Maundy Thursday.

On Good Friday, you are invited to join in a live service via ‘Zoom’ at 10am. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. If you would like to be sent a link to join us, please get in touch.

On Saturday I will send some resources to celebrate Easter Sunday. For families you will want to gather some A4 paper and scissors to join in with the talk.

As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.

I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

---

Maundy Thursday Resources

Hymn

Brothers and sisters, let's join together in singing of our wonderful Lord who sealed our pardon by his blood. Hallelujah! What a saviour!

Readings

Our readings lead us through the events of Jesus' last evening with his disciples.  As we read, here are some questions to help us reflect and apply God's word to our hearts.  

Read John 13:1-17

• Reflect on Jesus as the one who serves his people

Read John 13:18-30

• Reflect on Jesus as the one betrayed by his own

Read John 13:31-14:14

• Reflect on Jesus as the one who keeps his people safe

Prayers

Please turn in prayer in response to what you have read, for yourself, your friends and family, our church, our community, nation and world.
 
The Collect for Peace

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both, our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that, by thee, we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

The Collect for Aid against all Perils

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Conclusion

As we conclude, we can join together in this reminder of God's never-failing grace.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

The King's Testimony: Church at home, Sunday 5th April

Dear friends, 

My warmest greetings to you as we prepare to celebrate the events of Easter.  It is perhaps the first time in church history when Christians globally have not been able to meet in person.  To help us celebrate this year:

• On Maundy Thursday I plan to send some resources for use at home.

• On Good Friday, I'll send resources too, but I hope you can join us on a live video service too (I'll send details nearer the time).

• And on Easter day, we'll celebrate in our homes like this with some videoed sections.

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions, please just get in touch to let me know how I can help. Remember that if you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here.

(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)

I hope you find this service an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preparation

“O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7

Confession

Almighty and most merciful Father,
 we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
 We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
 We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
 and there is no health in us.
 But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults.
 Restore those who are penitent,
 according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
 that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. 
Amen.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

This hymn calls us to join in to celebrate Christ as our conquering king:

Word of God

Our first reading for Palm Sunday is Matthew 21:1-11.  Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:

THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.

The King’s Testimony

Alan from St Mary's is reading Psalm 118 for us today. If you have a Bible you might like to turn to it. The video below includes the reading and sermon.

Song

You may want to listen to or sing along with this song of Christ's victory and good rule in our lives.

Prayers

Today's prayers are led by Thomas from All Saints' by video. 

Today's Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; 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.
 
Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Say out loud for all to hear:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”
(Psalms 118:1–4)

Hymn

Our closing hymn is a modern setting of 'All creatures of our God and king' reminding us of his care for us in his good kingdom and rule.

"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Lent Course: Mark 10:17-31

In our Lent course we have been looking at some of the times when Jesus asked provocative questions of people. Sometimes it turned a whole conversation around. Today's resource has been kindly prepared by Mikey Reade.

You're also welcome to join a Zoom discussion group this evening at 7pm.  If you would like to join, email me to ask for the link.

In Mark 10:17-31 we meet a young man who who runs to Jesus and asks Him on bended knee what he must do to inherit eternal life.

• How was the man trying to gain eternal life? (v19-20)

• How do people today try to gain eternal life?

The man had a lot going for him. He was exceedingly rich, he had been moral and well-mannered since childhood, and he still found time to be concerned about spiritual things. And yet none of those things held the key to eternal life. Jesus challenged the rich man to sell everything he had, and to come follow Him, but the rich man went away sad, for he had great wealth. This was 'the one thing he lacked'.

• What does this episode reveal about the man's priorities?

• Why is it hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God? (v23)

In leaving at this point, the man shows that he cares more about his wealth than about Jesus. Even though he claimed to have kept the commandments of God his whole life, his priorities were still lacking. It's worth reflecting, therefore, on our own priorities. It might not be wealth that stops us (though it might), but Jesus demands that following Him must come first.

• What might stop you following Jesus?

• What does Jesus promise his followers? (v29-30)

• What is attractive about following Jesus?

For all of us, following Jesus will mean re-ordering our priorities, even leaving things behind. But the promise is wonderful: Jesus will look after us. 'No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.'

• Spend some time thanking God for how he has provided for you in following Jesus.

• Pray for a whole-hearted love for Jesus and his priorities.

Isn’t the chaos in the world a sign of God’s absence?

Watch more videos exploring questions about Christianity: http://www.christianityexplored.org

For many more tough Questions see christianityexplored.org

Prayer Diary: April-June 2020

Our very many thanks to Dorothy Pedley for compiling the Gobowen Prayer diary. We’re sorry it can’t be distributed in normal way, but it is available here:

Out of the Depths

Dear friends, 

I hope you are keeping well.  Here are some resources that I hope will help you as we each have “church at home” this Sunday.  I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.  
I hope you'll enjoy sharing this together. If you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here as well as resources sheets being sent out by email (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com).

Preparation

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him," (Nahum 1:7)
 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn

To God be the glory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15v9iworAU)
 

Word of God

This morning our reading and sermon can be found in the video below.  Thank you to Katie from All Saints' for reading for us.  Here is the passage:

Psalm 130

            A song of ascents.
1    Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
2                       Lord, hear my voice.
            Let your ears be attentive
                        to my cry for mercy.
3           If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
                        Lord, who could stand?
4           But with you there is forgiveness,
                        so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5           I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
                        and in his word I put my hope.
6           I wait for the Lord
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning,
                        more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7           Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
                        for with the LORD is unfailing love
                        and with him is full redemption.
8           He himself will redeem Israel
                        from all their sins.
 
Our other readings today are Romans 8.6-11 and John 11.1-45.
 

Prayers

Our prayers are led by video by Bethan, Maggie and Kath from Selattyn.

Our collect for today 

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.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.

Conclusion

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:13–14)

Hymn

Our final hymn uses the tune to 'Abide with me' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnEx_Cv-QB8)

Resources for Families

All of us need spiritual help to keep going.  We are in partnership with these groups for children and young people in the area.  Whether you usually join in or not, feel free to get in touch with Mark Addison (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com):

• On Sundays he is sending resources to help you run a Lighthouse Sunday School from home. Email Mark to sign up.

• SPLAT is for children of school years 3-6. Contact Mark to receive a weekly email with resources to do at home, "Splat Splash Newspaper" 

• For ages 11-18 the usual groups are still meeting virtually on Zoom.  If you know a young person who would like to join them, drop Mark a line.

In place of Lighthouse, we would love you, the parents, to run a short family worship session. You can tell your children that all the other Lighthouse children will be doing the same thing at roughly the same time - to create a sense of togetherness even though we're not together in body.

Here's the plan:

• Download the New City Catechism App: http://newcitycatechism.com/mobile-apps/  

• Don't be put off by the word 'catechism'.  It just means a summary of what Christians believe in question and answer form. 

• Select 'children's mode' (top right hand corner)

• Read the question e.g.  What is our only hope in life and death? (We're suggesting Question 1 for this Sunday, then one question per week)

• If your child is old enough get them to then read the answer, or you read it to them.  Perhaps practice memorising the question and answer by hiding the screen and seeing if they can remember it.

• Read out the Bible verse or ask your child to do it (icon at bottom left of screen).

• Listen to the song (icon at bottom right of screen).  Repeat and join in if you would like to.

• Read out the prayer - or get your child to read it out (icon at bottom middle right of screen)

Church Family Update

Dear friends, 

I hope you all are keeping well.  As ever, please be in touch if I can be of any help.  Included today:

• Today's Lent course material for you to use at home

• An update and resources for children and youth

• Volunteering and community support

A Prayer for COVID-19

Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 "Who do you say I am?"

Our Lent course this week is looking at Mark 8:27-38. It is another of Jesus' provocative questions. The conversation begins generally about what others think, but Peter is then asked directly.  You could read it now or find it here (Mark 8 at biblegateway.com).  You could consider these questions on your own or with a friend (perhaps by phone or social media)

• What did the people in Jesus' time think of him?  What views do people hold today about Jesus?

• If Peter's answer is correct what is so surprising in Jesus' response (verse 29-30)?

Jesus being the Christ is more than just a religious title. The Christ is the promised and perfect king of the Old Testament.  Like Aslan in the Narnia stories, this is the king who would bring in God's perfect rule, unite and purify God's people from every sin, defend them from every adversity and restore his broken world to a global peaceful harmony.  Until his rule is complete he tells us to expect wars and uprisings, earthquakes, famines and epidemics (Luke 21:9–11). That's why news of a Christ is such good news of eternal and universal significance.

• What was Peter not understanding? What was his mistake?

• If we are to have in mind the concerns of God (verse 33), how should the cross shape our view of the world?

  • ... in understanding Jesus (v31-32)?

  • ... in understanding how to live (v34)?

  • ... in understanding the future (v35-38)?

If you are someone with extra time, I'd encourage you to invest some by spending time reading an account of Jesus' life afresh. Then pray in your own words to be shaped by God's cross-shaped priorities.

Lent Course next week?

Would you like to meet in video conference next week to study the Lent Course?  If you would be interested, just let me know. 

Church on Sunday

I will email again on Sunday morning with some resources so that wherever we are, we can all set the same time apart to pray, read scripture and worship together.  I will include some resources for families. As we plan to have "church at home", though we're scattered for a time, we can know the comfort of meeting with God in word and prayer.

Resources for Families

All of us need spiritual help to keep going.  In normal times, we would be in partnership with these groups for children and young people in the area.  Whether you usually join in or not, feel free to get in touch with Mark Addison (holytrinityoswestry@gmail.com):

• On Sundays he is sending resources to help you run a Lighthouse Sunday School from home. Email Mark to sign up.

• SPLAT is for children of school years 3-6. Contact Mark to receive a weekly email with resources to do at home, "Splat Splash Newspaper" 

• For ages 11-18 the usual groups are still meeting virtually on Zoom.  If you know a young person who would like to join them, drop Mark a line

Volunteering and community support

Many of you have been so kind in offering support to others in need. So many have mentioned how much it means to them to receive a call or offer of help.  I am happy, when able to coordinate offers of help locally as people have needs so please get in touch if there is anything we can help with.

Also please consider helping as a NHS volunteer responder.  There are a variety of roles to help with. See https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

Mailing List Admin

Our mailing list is now being sent using a mailing list service called 'Mailchimp'.  This means you can invite others to receive these using this link: http://eepurl.com/gXHAkr You can also unsubscribe or update your details using the links in the footer of any email.

With warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve