Church at Home: A problem in the law?

Dear Friends,

Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I think it is our sixteenth Sunday since we met together, although it may be that we are close to being able to meet again in our buildings. I’ll write as soon as I know what our plans are. 

We are working through guidance documents from the diocese and the national church, and our PCCs are hoping to meet virtually this coming week to decide a way forward. Please pray for all those planning and deciding when we can reopen for our services. We know that (at least initially) our meetings will look and feel very different for a while.

With my prayers,
Steve

Resources for Sunday 5th July 2020

 “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
(Romans 7:25)

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Confession

"Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24–25)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
 and against our neighbour, 
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:1)

Word of God

Our reading today is Romans 7:7-25 (in the video below) and you may also like to read Matthew 11:16-30.

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 

Sermon: A problem in the law?

Song: Jesus strong and kind

This is a modern song that gently calls us to come to Jesus for his mercy and tender grace.

Prayers

Let us join together in prayer for these areas:

• For our church: that we would be united in love and truth. And as we prepare to reopen to be able to do so safely and in a right manner, remembering those who may not be able to join us.

• For our community: that with renewed freedom they may seek the Lord and his people, to find meaning and hope for this life and the next.

• For our nation and world: for wisdom for our government and the global leaders to relieve the suffering caused by COVID-19. That Christian people worldwide would be salt and light in dark times.

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.

You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven

Church at Home: Does grace encourage sin?

Dear friends,

Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Well, it’s been a busy week of announcements for churches. Since I last wrote All Saints’ has opened the building for private prayer and the government have announced a timetable for churches to begin meeting again (not before the 4th July).

Both of these involve significant planning to allow for social distancing and safety for all involved. We feel it is not yet the right time to open St Mary’s for prayer and I’d be happy to chat about how we’ve come to that decision. We’re preparing so that in due course we might be able to offer the church building for small funerals. 

We pleased that All Saints’ Gobowen is now open on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm. Any are welcome to come for private prayer. A welcomer will be there to help explain hygiene and social distancing for all our safety.

Please pray for all those planning and deciding when we can reopen for our services. We know that (at least initially) our meetings will look and feel very different for a while.

With my prayers,
Steve

Welcome & Preparation

"For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:23)

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

Praise him! praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Confession

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." (Hebrews 2:18–3:1)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

Remembering God’s gracious gift, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Word of God

Our readings today are Matthew 10:40-42 (read by Helen from All Saints') and Romans 6:15-23.

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

Sermon: Does grace encourage sin?

Hymn

There is a Redeemer

Prayers

Our prayers this morning are led in the video below by Alan from St Mary’s.

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.

Conclusion

Almighty God, you have broken the tyranny of sin and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts whereby we call you Father: give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that we and all creation may be brought to the glorious liberty of the children of God; 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.

Hymn

I will sing the wondrous story

Church Open for Private Prayer

All Saints’ Church will be open for private prayer from 2-4pm on Wednesdays starting on June 24th. Join us in prayer for God’s grace and help at this time.

Church at Home: Still in Sin?

Dear Friends,

Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This week’s reflection has been prepared by Mikey Reade from All Saints’. Romans 5-8 helps us explore the life-changing truths of the gospel so that we might be overflowing in praise, united in worship and sent out in mission.

We greatly long to be able to meet once again in person. We’re not yet able to do that, but churches are now allowed to open for private prayer where social distancing and resources allow. We feel it is not yet the right time to open St Mary’s and I’d be happy to chat about how we’ve come to that decision. We’re preparing so that in due course we might be able to offer the church building for small funerals sometime next month.

We are hopeful that All Saints’ Gobowen can open on Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm. Any are welcome to come for private prayer. A welcomer will be there to help explain hygiene and social distancing for all our safety.

Later today is our monthly Prayer Supper online at 6pm. We will use the same meeting link as for our virtual ‘coffee time’ at 12 noon. Please email if you would like to be sent the link.

With my prayers,
Steve

Preparation

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1,2)

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign

Confession

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20) 

There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
(Romans 3:22–23) 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
 and against our neighbour
 in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name.
Amen.

Hear this promise for all who turn to Christ: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Word of God

Our first reading is Matthew 10:24-39. 

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.

Sermon: Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase?

Please turn to Romans 6:1-14.

Hymn: ‘Tis Finished, the Messiah dies

Prayers

Our prayers this week are led by Betty from St Mary’s (recorded by phone).

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.

Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues; without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn: How deep the Father’s Love for us

Church at Home: Justified by Faith

Dear Friends,

This Sunday we are beginning a mini-series looking at Romans 5-8 as we see some of the wonderful implications of the gospel for living the Christian life. I pray it will help us in the present time, and in any and every circumstance, to be grounded assurance of God’s love and purposes for us in Christ our Lord.

It has been announced that churches, if able, can now open for private prayer. We are in a planning and risk assessment phase to decide if it is the right time for us given the particular features of each building. It will be very different to before to enable social distancing and services are not yet restarting. If you would be willing to help with either cleaning or being on the door for a session, are not in a vulnerable group, please let me know.

Also please may you remember the family of Leslie Gee in your prayers after his funeral this week. After years of involvement at All Saints’ he passed away at the end of last month and his funeral was at Hengoed Cemetery on Friday 12th June.

With my prayers,
Steve

---

Preparation

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 4:25–5:2)

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

This hymn leads us to ever increasingly praise God for salvation.

Confession

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20)

There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:22–23)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

Hear this promise for all who turn to Christ: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Song

This song is taken from Romans 5 to remind us of God’s great love to us.

Word of God

Our readings are Matthew 9:35–10:8 (read by Christine from All Saints’) and Romans 5:1–11.

Creed

We believe in Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross! 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place,
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Philippians 2:6-11 NIV

Sermon

Hymn

In our next hymn we remember the immeasurable grace that is ours in Christ.

Prayers

Our prayers this week are led by Lorraine from All Saints’.

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.

O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; 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.

If you wish, please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn

Church at Home: Trinity Sunday

Dear friends, 

This Sunday, Trinity Sunday, we are looking together at the Great Commission from Matthew 28. I hope you find these resources an encouragement in our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing we are united across the world with believers from every tribe, nation and tongue. Please be in touch if I can help with anything.

With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve

Notice for those at All Saints:
We’re keen to make sure that people are cared for well.  I’ve been so encouraged by how welcoming and caring our church family has been over recent weeks.  We want to make sure that no one is being overlooked, so we are seeking to set up Pastoral Care Circles. Each group will try to keep in touch with each other; some people you’ll already know well, and others may be new to you. They’re not groups that will be meeting together at the moment, they are simply a way to ensure no one is isolated. We hope they’ll be really good at helping us to deepen our relationships as we walk in discipleship together, and also helpful for our community as we look out for one another.

Welcome & Preparation

Hymn

In our first hymn we join together with the heavenly chorus to praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Confession

God the Father forgives us in Christ and heals us by the Holy Spirit, Let us therefore put away all anger and bitterness, all slander and malice and confess our sins to God our redeemer.

Lord Jesus, you wept over the sins of your city.
On our neighbourhoods: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division, jealousy and bitterness.
On us: Christ have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you bring pardon and peace to the sinner.
Grant us peace: Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

May the Father forgive us by the death of his Son and strengthen us to live in the power of the Spirit all our days. Amen.

Word of God

Our readings are a retelling of Acts 16, and also Matthew 28:16-20 read by Robin from St Mary’s.

Creed

Let us proclaim the Church’s faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe and declare that our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, is both divine and human.
God, of the being of the Father,
the only Son from before time began;
human from the being of his mother, born in the world;
fully God and fully human;
human in both mind and body.
As God he is equal to the Father,
as human he is less than the Father.
Although he is both divine and human
he is not two beings but one Christ.
One, not by turning God into flesh,
but by taking humanity into God;
truly one, not by mixing humanity with Godhead,
but by being one person.
For as mind and body form one human being
so the one Christ is both divine and human.
The Word became flesh and lived among us;
we have seen his glory,
the glory of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.

from the Athanasian Creed

Sermon: All-encompassing message

Prayers

Our prayers this morning are led in the video by John from All Saints'.

Christ be with you, Christ within you,
Christ behind you, Christ before you,
Christ beside you, Christ to win you,
Christ to comfort and restore you.
Christ beneath you, Christ above you,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love you,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; 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.

You may wish to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)

God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,
defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn

Church at Home: Pentecost Sunday

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our resources for Pentecost Sunday. This week, Rev. Alan Reynolds has kindly prepared our service, so our very many thanks for his preparation and teaching.

For those from All Saints’, this Sunday would have seen us meeting jointly with Preshenlle URC church so you may like to include them in your prayers this week.

This will be (I think) our eleventh Sunday at Home. I would greatly value hearing any reflections on what we are doing, and what our priorities should be as we seek to witness to Christ and his grace in this time.  Perhaps if you have thoughts, you would like to be in touch. Our buildings remain closed but God’s message is not chained:

"Remember Jesus Christ,
raised from the dead, descended from David.
This is my gospel, for which I am suffering ...
But God’s word is not chained" (2 Timothy 2:8–9)

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 would like to be sent the link.

With my warmest greetings in Christ our Risen Lord,
Steve

---

PENTECOST – FESTIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Theme: The life giving breath of God.

Welcome to our worship together today.  After the Ascension of Jesus we enter the Age of the Holy Spirit.

We hear today from St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles that dramatic moment.

Opening Prayer

Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us

The Lord is here 
We need not fear
We are surrounded by love 
We are immersed in peace 
We rejoice in hope
We travel in faith
We live in eternity
The Lord is here

Hymn

O Breath of Life

Preparation & Confession

Almighty God to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and glorify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

As we remember our sins, and the sins of the world  …….    so we pray:

Lord have mercy.    Christ have mercy.    Lord have mercy.

Word of God

Our first reading is Acts 2:1-13, read by Janet from All Saints’.

Earlier this year one of the gales brought a wind that ripped off part of the roofing of my small study summer house.  The rain came in.  By contrast I write this in a heatwave with a gentle warm breeze that is relaxing.  Wind comes – to circulate the rain – to scatter the pollen – to test the roots of the trees, besides being an outdoor play companion for windsurfers, paragliders and kite flyers.

The disciples were naturally unprepared for the full impact of the wind of the Spirit.  As the first generation they had much to learn, some of it painful.  The ‘new’ stretches us and our imagination is often limited.

Hymn

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me

Our next reading is from Acts 2:14-21, read by Barbara from All Saints’.

St. Luke gives us two imaginative images for the Spirit – wind and fire.  They express the inner spiritual experience of God, who is active and dynamic with us.  

The symbol of ‘wind’ has a long and varied usage in the Bible:

• Active in Creation - “moving over the face of the waters.”  Genesis 1. vs. 2

• “Breathing life” into Adam, into humanity.  Gen.2.7

• “Breathing life” into lifeless Israel.  (Ezekiel 37.1-14)  dry bones can live again!

• St. Mark introduces us to Jesus as the man filled with the Spirit.  Mark 1.9-13

• St. John tells of Jesus ‘breathing’ the Spirit upon the disciples.  John 20.22 
  they too will experience the ‘living water of the Spirit’.  John 7.38

Our final reading is from John 7:37-39, read by Caroline from St Mary’s.

We have an advantage over the disciples in that we can draw upon all the Old and New Testaments (Gospels and Letters) to help us as we reflect upon the work of the Spirit with us, our inner life.  How we have come to see God’s work in the world and within us.

Today we can focus on three key words :  LOVE  -  LIGHT  -  LIFE     All of the Spirit.

First, let us affirm our Faith as we declare:

We believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world.
We believe and trust in his Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind,
We believe and trust in his Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God.
This is our faith.

We believe and trust in one God, Father Son and Holy Spirit.

Hymn

The Spirit lives to set us free

Reflection

The first of the three key words is LOVE

Everything is grounded in LOVE – the creation we see around us and all that is within us.

God creates out of LOVE.  “For God so loved the world ….”  (John 3.16)  A love that goes on giving.

We experience this love through the grace and ministry of Jesus Christ.  His love is brought to us through the Spirit, who will lead us to the truth that is Jesus Christ.  The Spirit will make known, glorify Jesus.  We move from learning about Him, to a deep personal knowing Him.  As we continue to ‘abide in Him’ so the divine love grows within us. (cfJohn 14-16)  Those crucified arms are still stretched out to embrace and include.  We remember that, “ … we love because he first loved us ...”  (1 John 4. 1-12)  As a child learns to love by being loved, so the Spirit leads us to the Father’s love in Christ.

LOVE leads us to LIGHT

It is amazing to think that the physical light in the universe comes from the terrifying heat generated in the midst of the stars.  We are bathed, even roasted, in the suns light.  The light of the soul is born of the light that is brought to us by the Spirit from our Lord.  This dimly burning wick burns ever brighter as we allow the ‘Spirit of Truth’ to lead us.  (John 15.27)   St, John records Jesus declaring that those who believed in Him would receive “living water”,  that is the Spirit.  (John 7.38)   For Jesus is ‘the Light of the World’ (John 8.12).  Out of the vastness of the darkness that is space, the light reaches us.

Gods love and light generate LIFE

Our material world us shot through with Life.  We have both matter and Spirit.  As human beings we have the gift of life that is ‘breathed’ into us.’  We are called to a special relationship with our Creator.  We are alive with something of God’s life.  We have the ability to respond.  This life is fully seen in all its human potential in Jesus,  “In Him was life ...”  (John 1.1-12)    He is the living Word of Life who comes to Bethlehem – to be born in us – through  “the Spirit who will blow where he wills”  (John 3.8)

There is a difference between being alive, and living.  Many are certainly alive, but not necessarily fully living.  To be fully alive requires the ‘water of life’ to flow through us in many different ways.

So, on that Pentecostal Day, Luke tells us  “... and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit ...”

Wind and fire.  In the midst of the Temple festivities the disciples experience the wonderful presence of God in Christ.  ‘The living water’ flowed through them.  Their uncertainties were dispelled as the life and energy of Jesus came to them, and through them.  “His Spirit is with us.”  Now there is a Christian community and fellowship that becomes the Church – entrusted with the future.  The dynamic of Jesus’

Love – Light – Life will now break out into a needy world.  As St. Paul encourages us, “Let us walk by the Spirit.”  (Gal.5.25)

Prayers

We come now to our prayer and intercessions:

Holy Spirit of God, all powerful as the wind you came to the Church that day of Pentecost, to quicken its life and empower its witness. Come now as the wind of heaven and breathe new life into our souls: and revive your work among us that God in all things may be glorified.

We bring to the Lord those for whom we would pray today:

• The needs of our troubled world.  Those whose lives have been forever changed.

• World leaders and those who make long lasting decisions on health and the environment.

• The Church's ministry and healing work,

• The many who are troubled through sickness, anxiety, bereavement, despair  ….

• Neighbours, friends, family ….

renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth

Come Holy Spirit come ……….
Holy Spirit bring your direction to our lives
Holy Spirit bring many to living faith
Holy Spirit breathe your life to refresh and restore
Holy Spirit help us to use all gifts and abilities
Holy Spirit help the dry bones to live
Holy Spirit kindle hearts that are dull and cold
Holy Spirit fill your Church, our hearts and minds

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

Hymn

There is a Redeemer

Conclusion

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord
in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Christ.  Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come: Sunday 31st May, Pentecost

“The God of all grace”

Today we’re using Acts 2 to shape our prayers.

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”"
(Acts 2:11–12)

Pray for God’s help as you read Acts 2.

• What explanation does Peter give for the events of Pentecost (see especially verses 31-36)? How is the Spirit’s coming linked with the resurrection?

• What are we to conclude about who Jesus is, what he’s doing now and what he will do? What does that mean people should do?

• How does the fledgling church live in response (v42-47)?  What do these characteristics look like today?

• Believers in Christ share in the same Spirit and have the same message. How does this reality encourage you today?

Please also pray … for those in our communities who have no contact with Christians:

• That they would become friends with a believer and see the difference Christ makes to them.

• That they would hear about the grace of God and for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in them to bring them to faith.

Thy Kingdom Come: Saturday 30th May

… for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  Amen.” Pray for God’s help as you read Romans 11:33-36.

• What reasons to praise God are given here?

• How is God different to us?

• Pray through each line of the Lord’s Prayer slowly to our Father.

You may also like to use the following prayer and make it your own:

Sovereign God,
Your cause, not our own, engages our hearts, and we appeal to you to set up your kingdom in every place where Satan reigns.
Glorify yourself and we will rejoice, for to bring honour to your name is all we desire.
We love you because you are God, and long that others should know it, feel it, and rejoice in it.
O that all people might love and praise you!  That you might have all glory from the whole world! Let sinners be brought to you for your great name! 
To our own understanding, everything respecting the conversion of others is as dark as midnight, but you can accomplish great things; the cause is your own, and it is to your glory that people will be saved.
Lord, use us as you will, do with us what you will; but, O, promote your cause! Let your kingdom come, let your purposes be advanced in this world!
Bring people in great numbers to Jesus!  Let us see that glorious day, and give us hearts to pray for the salvation of souls; let us be willing to die to that end, and while we live let us work for you with all our strength, using our time wisely in this work, both in health and weakness.
It is your cause and your kingdom we long for, not our own, so Father, answer this request! We ask it in Jesus’ name.
Amen.  (from Valley of Vision)

Thy Kingdom Come: Friday 29th May

“… lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil …” Pray for God’s help as you read Ephesians 6:10-20.

• Where does the church’s strength and defence come from? (See also Ephesians 1:18-23)

• What actually are we called to do?

• How do we stand firm in practice?  How does Paul plan to stand firm (verses 18-20)?

Pray for God’s help to stand firm in faith, ethically, and in witness.

Please also pray … for our individual witness:

• Pray for those you live near, work with, relax with, or regularly see in life (shop workers, delivery people, etc.), for family members and friends.

• Pray our prayerfulness: that we would completely depend on God as we life for Christ.

• Pray for God to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5)

Thy Kingdom Come: Thursday 28th May

… as we forgive those who sin against us …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… as we forgive those who sin against us …” Pray for God’s help as you read Matthew 18:21-35. 

• Compare what the servant asks for and what he gets (verses 26-27).  How should this affect the servant?  What effect does it have? What is motivating the servant in verse 28?

• How do you think the master should respond in verse 32-34?

• When are we unforgiving to others? Why do we find forgiveness so hard? Does the parable help us see forgiveness rightly?

Pray for forgiveness from God for our unforgiving attitudes.  Pray for our hearts to be changed by an understanding of God’s forgiving grace to us.

Please also pray … for our church to grow to maturity:

• For our church to be speaking the truth to each other in love so that we grow to become the mature body of Christ our Head (Eph 4:15)

• For all our relationships to help us grow together in love and maturity.

• For us to be a welcoming community that reaches out to those around us with the word of life.

Thy Kingdom Come: Wednesday 27th May

“… forgive us our sins …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… forgive us our sins …” Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 32.

• What is unexpected about where blessing is found? Where do we usually think real blessing is?

• How does the Psalmist describe the weight of sin? Think about a time when you have been deeply aware of your failings. Pray that we would be humbly aware of our sin and be swift to confess.

• What is the Psalmist’s advice for those who are aware of their sin (v6-11)?  Which parts of this would you most like to grow in?

Confess your sin to the Lord. The sins you are aware of, the sins you have hidden, and the sins you’re not aware of.

Praise God for the blessing of forgiveness: that sin is totally covered.  Pray that we would know the release of sins forgiven.

Pray for others you know to become aware of their sin against the Lord, and to turn to him for forgiveness.

• Please also pray … for our Lighthouse Sunday School & Sparklers (in Gobowen), Café in the church, Little Badgers & Praise in the Pub (in Selattyn) and all the families in contact with the churches:

• Pray that children and young people will receive Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, be rooted and built up in him, be strengthened in the faith, and overflow with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6,7)

• For the leaders to be encouraged in their work, and to labour with joy and faithfulness.

Thy Kingdom Come: Tuesday 26th May

“… give us today our daily bread …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… give us today our daily bread …” Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 121.

• Where do we look for help and support in trouble?

• The ‘high places’ or ‘mountains’ (verse 1) are about the danger of idolatry.  High places were shrines for false gods and as the psalmist looks to them, he reminds himself that the Lord is his help. How is the One True God described? How does this emphasise he is able to supply all we need (unlike the lifeless idols)?

• Where do people in our culture look to give them what they need in and from life?  What are you tempted to look to for security and satisfaction, rather than from God[SN1] ?

• If you’re amazed that God would show this care over you, remember we can only pray this prayer in Christ — think of how this psalm is reflected in Jesus’ temptation, ministry and death.  Read Romans 8:31-32.

• Pray for yourself and others you know, that in temptation, we would say “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Give thanks for God’s provision of life, food, spiritual blessings and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Pray that we would be generous with what we have been given as we draw people to see the wonder of our God.

Please also pray for … people to lift their eyes to our Lord at this time:

• Those isolated or struggling

• For the ill and those caring for them

• For those suffering with their mental health

• For any who are anxious or fearful

• For all those whose hopes and plans for this world are changed

Thy Kingdom Come: Monday 25th May

“… your will be done, on earth as in heaven …”

Continuing our series based on each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, we’re considering “… your will be done, on earth as in heaven …”

Pray for God’s help as you read Psalm 33.

• Verses 1-9: How is God’s will revealed? How is it described? Why does it cause us to praise him?

• Verses 10-19: What are the results of either fighting or following his will?

Confess the ways that we fail to follow the Lord’s will in our lives.  You may find Psalm 32 helps with words to use.

• In verses 20-22, the Psalmist invites us to join with him in putting his hope in God. Pray the psalm that today we would joyfully walk in his ways as we hope in him.

Please also pray … for

• OM working around the world and the staff based at the Quinta

• Stephen Hatch at St John’s School in Tanzania.

Stand firm in grace: Church at Home

Welcome

Hymn

Our first hymn calls us together to praise God that he keeps us all through life’s journey.

Confession

Seeing we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and make our confession to our heavenly Father.

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.

“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:5–7)

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.

Word of God

Our readings are Acts 1:6-14 (read by John from All Saints’) and 1 Peter 4:12–5:14.

Nicene Creed

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. 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.

Sermon: Stand firm in grace

Hymn

This hymn is a comfort for weary souls in the trials of this life.

Prayers

Our prayers this morning in the video are led by Alison from All Saints’.

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.

O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

You may wish to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.

Conclusion

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10–11)

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

Hymn

Thy Kingdom Come: Sunday 24th May

“The God of all grace”

Today we’re using 1 Peter 4-5 to shape our prayers.

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10–11)

Pray for God’s help as you read 1 Peter 4:12–5:13.  We’ll be looking at this in church this morning.

• How does the church keep going?  What are our resources and motivations?

Thank God for his enduring grace to keep his people going.

Pray for someone from church, that they would stand firm, persevere and be filled with joy.

• Please also pray … for our national leaders

• For leaders of the nations to govern with wisdom, integrity and justice.

• For wisdom and guidance in the current circumstances.

• For the Church of England to clearly hold out the gospel to this nation.

• For our PCC, wardens and leaders to lead diligently, wisely and faithfully with joy and thankfulness in Christ.  For the provision of workers, raising of leaders, management of finances and the maintenance of buildings so that the gospel work can continue.

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.