SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10:30 AM
SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10:30 AM
Please refer to the HOME page of the website for details of forthcoming live services at Torrisholme.
Susan Wilson kindly organised a "rota" of preachers for online Sunday Worship and we hope to keep these going, even when live services are available. Each week designated preachers provide materials for us to use at home. If we are able to use these at the same time it is hoped that we will feel that we have worshiped together, we will sense fellowship and a shared experience. These are published on both Wesley's & Torrisholme's websites,
We are not always able to print the hymns in full, you might like to "google" them and listen to the music on YouTube, alternatively you might find them in a book that you have, or read the text on line. This is a developing project, it won't be perfect, but please let me have feedback; we'll work on it together!
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Please remember that there would customarily have been a collection at a point in the service. Please set aside your offering as part of your worship, to be brought to Church when you feel readyto return. It might even give us a sense of continuity.
Perhaps you have a candle, or flowers which will help you worship and, of course, a comfortable chair
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- Future Website Services at Torrisholme Methodist Church will be prepared by:
- 5th September Sister Vivie
- 12th September Jenny Butcher (It was with regret that this service was not published on this website; it is available on https://wesleymethodistheysham.co.uk/ , the website of Wesley Methodist Church.
- 19th September Rev Roy Burley (It was with regret that this service will not be published on this website; it will be available on https://wesleymethodistheysham.co.uk/ , the website of Wesley Methodist Church.)
- 26th September Rev Andrew Champley.
- There are no longer restrictions on numbers attending worship in person at Torrisholme Methodist Church; therefore booking is no longer necessary.
Sunday Worship- Sister Vivien -5th September 2021
Call to Worship
Open our eyes to see Christ among us.
Open our ears to hear the living word.
Open our mouths to speak and sing praises.
Open our hearts to receive You now.
Hymn 341 in Singing the Faith
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjN-D5jLOkE
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Old Testament Reading Jeremiah 31 : 5 – 9
This is an oracle - prophesy - a revelation of Jeremiah and its speaks of the return of the exiles from Babylon
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.
There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim,
‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’”
This is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say, ‘Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.
They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
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New Testament reading Hebrews 7 : 23 – 28
This section concludes the discussion of Christ, as high priest.
The emphasis has been on what this enables us to understand about Christ’s role
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Sermon
Part 1
The land of Israel was split into two small kingdoms at the end of King Solomon’s reign.The Northern Kingdom of ten tribes retained the name Israel; the Southern Kingdom of two tribes Benjamin and Judah, took the name of the largest, Judah.
Assyria came a-conquering, taking all but the poorest and weakest back to Assyria ;we hear no more about them, Judah was left ... however - Babylon came a-conquering and took Assyria and this time they took Judah as well. They took all but the poorest and weakest back into Babylon, it was a journey of around 600 miles. We call the period spent in Babylon The Exile.
Jeremiah has often been dubbed the ‘Prophet of Doom’ because His calling was to bring the difficult message of judgement. The judgement that would culminate in the utter destruction of Jerusalem andThe Exile. Jeremiah is not in exile but in Judah and he speaks to the ‘remnant of Israel’ “The remnant of Israel” ?
Jeremiah foresaw that Judah was doomed to captivity; he was equally certain that the remnant would survive.This remnant would have to endure much. It would be gleaned- harvested- as thoroughly as a vine it is promised restoration and increase.
The remnant is the People of God. Jeremiah also means "those who escaped deportation" not only to Babylon but those who survived deportation to to Assyria. He also speaks to those in exile in Assyria and Babylon which includes all the children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbours, extended families and neighbouring tribes that have been taken first by Assyria and then 100 years later by Babylon. When return seemed impossible. Jeremiah gave them hope- he sees a way home that will accommodate them all.
This oracle of Jeremiah invites a song on behalf of the patriarch, Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel; therefore representing all 12 tribes. As they process home they will be singing, they will call on God to save those who have survived their exile and the most vulnerable members in the procession including pregnant women. It is God who will lead His people home it will be as a second Exodus.The hope developed that one day a ‘son of David’, their great king, will be filled with God’s power and will lead His people back to God’s way....
The reading from the book of Hebrews concludes the discussion of how Christ - as high priest - compares with Melchizedek. Now Melchizedek is a somewhat puzzling figure;he is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament.
What the author of Hebrews is saying is this .... Christ is superior of any high priest He is unique because He holds the priesthood permanently. There never comes a time when He is to finish or another high priest appointed ...
SO ...Salvation is always available through Him. Christ is holy, He is blameless and He is undefiled
SO ....Jesus has no need to offer sacrifice on His own behalf BUT He offers the sacrifice of Himself once and for all people.
Prayers
Adoration.
Let the earth shout, the mountains cry out, the seas roar,for God gathers in the lost and lame,
the poor and weary the faithful and the doubter.
All our voices are not enough to sing out songs of praise to God
So let earth join sun, moon and stars to rejoice together as all creation praises her maker... Amen
Confession
- For when we have not best cared for those nearest to us ...our family our friends .
Good Lord, forgive us
- For when we have not best cared for those close to us in our church, our street, in our community
Good Lord, forgive us
- For when we have not best cared for those far from us in our country, in our world
Good Lord, forgive us
- For when we have not best cared for You in worship, in word, in prayer ...Good Lord, forgive us.
Amen.
Thanksgiving.
When You took the trouble to come to earth You changed the way we looked at life.
Suddenly our days seemed more precious, our strange characters more interesting.it looked as though we mattered.
When You went out alone into the wilderness You changed our ideas of what power was like,with all heaven’s angels at hand ... You asked for nothing.with hunger and thirst growing by the day ... You took nothing.
It seemed You had a purpose greater than we could see.
When You started to travel around the countryside You changed our picture of holiness.
There You were in sinners’ homes with tax collectors and prostitutes.
You ate and drank with an appetite and folk liked Your company.
There was nothing false in the things you said of God.
When You began to heal and teach You changed our hearts and minds; the kingdom became a wonderful open space.
The invitation to love and be loved was exciting and the chance to be well was eye opening.
When You walked the lonely road to the cross You changed the image we had of God:
no longer distant, cut off, not all powerful and strange with thunderbolts to hand,
but willing to take our anger, rage and hate.
When you rose from death You changed us,You made us whole, You made us Yours, You made us who we are.
When You speak to us now ... You change us still.
Dreams and visions- words and wisdom- messengers from below and above all conspire to transform and renew.
And we will be changed ... AND we will be new AND we will be Yours forever.Thanks be to God. . Amen
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Supplication
God of love, sometimes we are scared of change, yet we long for Your transforming grace to change us.
Help us let go of all that separates us from You. As Jesus changed lives of so many people ... change us too.give us eyes to see Your world that we may walk Your way. ... Amen
Hymn 440 in Singing the Faith
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYMLMj-SibU
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Prayers of Intercession
As children of our heavenly Father, trusting in His will and His capacity to care for us all, let us pray:
We pray for all pastoral care in the Church; for ministries of listening and counselling;
for sharing of grief; the freeing from guilt,.
We pray for the grace to accompany others to Christ’s healing love
What do you want God to do for you ?
We pray for the healing of the nations; for a recognition of our need of God and a turning away from all that is evil.
We pray for all in authority and world power, that they may be guided along the right paths.
What do you want God to do for you ?
We pray for an increase in love for one another, that we may be better at recognising needs and responding to them;
that we may give more time to those we love
What do you want God to do for you ?
We pray for those who are blind or visually impaired and those who are spiritually or emotionally blind.
We pray for the opening of eyes to see God’s way and faith to trust Him through good and ill
What do you want God to do for you ?
We pray for those whose eyes have shut to this world that they may open to the brightness and joy of heaven
What do you want God to do for you ?
Lord, we want to see Your world through Your eyes
We thank You, heavenly Father for drawing us to You and stretching out Your arms to us in welcome;
accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
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A Prayer for Church Growth
God of mission, who alone brings growth to Your Church.
send Your Holy Spirit to give:
vision to our planning,
wisdom to our actions
and power to our witness.
Help our church to grow:
in numbers.
in spiritual commitment to You
and in service to all the communities to which we belong
through Jesus Christ our Lord. .... Amen
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Offertory Prayer
Heavenly Father we bring to You the offering of our money.
whichever way it is given,
it is a token of our love for You
and we pray that You will bless it and use it for the furtherance of Your kingdom.. Amen
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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
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Gospel. Mark 10 : 46 – 52
46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road as was his custom.47 When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly rebuked him, telling him to keep still and be quiet; but he kept on shouting out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, telling him, “Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, my Master, let me regain my sight.”52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith and confident trust in My power]has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road.
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What do you want me to do for you?
Hills of the North, rejoice;River and mountain spring....,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsfurSpPmM
Sermon
Part 2
The story of Bartimaeus is what we might call the end of an episode in the narrative of the Jesus story because the next ‘thing’ we have is Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the beginning of the next episode. This is the only healing story naming the person. Scholars suggest that this reflects the fact that Bartimaeus subsequently became well-known within the Jerusalem church. The story- not long before this of Bartimaeus ...is the one of the rich young ruler. You'll remember that he just couldn’t give up his wealth. His riches and possessions were so very precious to him that no way could he be a disciple of Jesus’ , he leaves shocked and grieving .BUT here is Bartimaeus- a blind man who sees again and walks with Jesus into Jerusalem. A blind beggar, Bartimaeus was despised, he was the ’ least in the kingdom of heaven’ and becomes honoured and one of the first in the kingdom- the rich man –???? He became last in the kingdom of Heaven.
The recognised values of society are turned upside down in the events of the Gospels. Bartimaeus' story is powerful.
His cry to Jesus is ...“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” echoes of the song of the returning exiles.
This is the last healing story in the gospel and Jesus is set to go to Jerusalem.
The cry of Bartimaeus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” is a messianic title
Bartimaeus identifies Jesus as the Messiah AND Jesus does not rebuke him about this.
Before ... Jesus has told the person to say nothing OR ...He denies it. Remember, the next thing to happen to Jesus is his entry into Jerusalem and the crowds take up the cry, “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David”.
Bartimaeus is told to stay quiet but he cries out again, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”.
By his persistence and despite the crowd, the beggar attracts Jesus’ attention. Perhaps the disciples have learned their lesson about not keeping the least in the kingdom away from Him ..they had had a ‘do’ with Jesus if you remember when they tried to keep children away from Him. "What do you want me to do for you ?", asks Jesus.
“I want to see”, says Bartimaeus Jesus performs the miracle– there is rejoicing AND there is a changed life and he ends up following Jesus. Although this might mean he joined the crowd going to the festival,.it probably means the way of a disciple. Bartimaeus has grown through his encounter with Jesus from being an interested observer ...to a committed believer.
So ... what have we got ?
We have Jeremiah’s marvellous picture of the exiles returning from Babylon.
We have the theme of the ingathering of the remnant of Israel from the ends of the earth;
the remnant that will be guided and protected by the love and power of God. Is it all a dream ? ...
time and time again the prophet Jeremiah and other prophets encouraged Israel to return to the Lord who is faithful and will ultimately bring deliverance. God’s salvation is for all including vulnerable people - blind, deaf, infirm, poor, elderly people And people who are mentally sick.– All these people Jesus calls ‘the least'.
The returning exiles can be confident of God’s love
But with this love comes a call to obedience ......In Mark’s gospel we’ve had the story of the rich man that went away sad because of his inability to put Jesus before his possessions. We’ve had the disciples showing spiritual shallowness in their disputes about status The rich man was privilege in his riches and the disciples were privileged in their close relationship with Jesus ... but they failed to display their dependence on God, a quality of true discipleship – dependence on God.
it was the blind man – it was Bartimaeus - apparently one of the least who showed real insight. He had nothing; he was poor he was marginalised- we see how the crowd reacts to him. BUT he knew his need and he knew what he was going to do about it. He knew that Jesus was his hope. Jesus heals him and he follows Jesus The crowds would have been amazed because they had criticisedBartimaeus for calling out to Jesus. Jesus asked that he be brought to Him and then ...He healed him. This turned the values of their society upside down.
Another amazing thing about Bartimaeus was ...he called Jesus the ‘Son of David’ a messianic title – which Jesus does not deny. There is a lot going on here–Jesus is showing the new order of God’s kingdom.
And Hebrews? The writer reflects on the rich theme of the priestly ministry of Jesus:
- Jesus’ priesthood is permanent because it will never be ended by death
- His ministry is not subject to changes and chances –whenever we call upon Him ... He is there.
- The salvation Jesus brings is complete and for all ..... and ......
- He is praying for you at this very moment. Isn’t that amazing?
Because God has exalted Jesus above the heavens He is interceding for us in the immediate presence of God the Father. Through the priestly ministry of Jesus we shall one day join him there.
What does it mean for us ?
From Jeremiah we have hope.The Israelites were in a mess they were in exile- they had to leave homes- homeland and the magnificent temple, the dwelling place of God and traipse some 600 miles to a foreign country with foreign language and foreign customs.They believed that because God dwelled in the temple that they had left God behind as well.
They are miserable ! When a return seemed impossible,. Jeremiah gave them hope. When he sees a way home that will accommodate them all.they process home with singing they will call on God to save those who have survived their exile and God will lead His people home. It will be as a second exodus. Their hope was in One who was to come a descendent of their glorious King David who would lead them back into the ways of God...
There have been times when my life has been a mess. Sometimes it felt as if I was in exile away from everything that made and sense in my life. It felt that God had abandoned me- and I was miserable.
Ever felt like that? - looked at your life and said “What am I doing?”“What’s it all for?”
and you want the world to stop so that you can get off.
There are times when it is difficult being a disciple. But then we were never promised an easy passage and the feeling of abandonment doesn’t come from God, it comes from within. There is only one person who has moved and that is yourself. And when we come to our senses we know there is always a way back because God is faithful. There is always confidence in His love because it is steadfast and sure. and with this love - comes a call to obedience. Obedience can be a difficult path to tread ..........The story of Bartimaeus tells us that the values of God’s kingdom turn the world’s values upside down. In His kingdom ‘the least of these’ are first. He asked for the blind man be brought to Him. He healed him and He blessed him. Bartimaeus' poverty and vulnerability didn’t get in the way. Unlike the rich man who found it difficult to give up the privilege of wealth. Bartimaeus was asked by Jesus what he wanted Jesus to do for him. His reply was that he might see. In a way he could already see because he called Jesus ‘Son of David’- he recognised the Messiah. Bartimaeus saw much more than the disciples and many others. He may not see Jesus physically but He could ‘see’ who He was. It begs the answer from us when Jesus says,What do you want me to do for you? Do you want for yourself and family or do you throw your net wider and include the community the church the world? Just What do you want Jesus to do for you Bartimaeus wanted his sight - maybe we should be looking to able to see- Not physically but spiritually and emotionally to see as God sees. We have a high priest in Jesus who is always - there is never a time when He is not. We can call upon Him whenever and wherever. He brings us salvation for all the messes we get ourselves into AND at this very moment is praying for you. God is our hope for He is faithful and true His love is steadfast and sure. He turns the values of this world upside down and ask us to have His values to see that ‘the least of these’ are first in His Kingdom.. He asks us “What do you want me to do for you? and before you answer think what it is God wants of you ...... then answer
All the time. All the time. All the time we can call upon Him no matter what place we are in or where we are - physically emotionally spiritually or when we feel in a mess. He is always with us – He brings salvation to all situations and He is praying for you right now. With this comes a call - He calls us to obedience
Will you come and follow Him?
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Hymn 673 in Singing the Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Y5RWel6eg
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
[...]
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? [...]
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name? ........
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Benediction
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and he love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit IS with us now and for always. ...... Amen
Sunday Worship- Sandra Lucas -29th August 2021
Call to Worship:
John 23:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth,
for these are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.
God is Spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.
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Hymn 51 Singing the Faith
Great is thy faithfulness....
Prayers
Praise, Adoration, Confession & Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father we come before you in prayer.
You are all powerful all knowing, you know us individually.
When we have been going through difficult times you have always been there for us, guiding us along the path of life.
We worship and adore you and praise your holy name.
We know, Father, that there have been times when we have tried to do things on our own;times when we have failed to hear what you have been saying to us. By trying to go on alone we have failed you in thought word or deed.
We take time now to confess to our Father in heaven all those things that we have done or have failed to do, by trying to go alone…………..
Father we are truly sorry for all our wrong doings and ask for your forgiveness, in the knowledge that your Son Jesus, shed his blood on that cross to wash away all our wrongs. We thank you for your forgiveness and pray that with your help and guidance we will not make those same mistakes again.
As we continue in worship open our hearts and minds, so that we may hear you more clearly and follow you more nearly all our days. We offer this prayer to you now in and through your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading Matthew 4:25 – 5:20
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“You are the salt of the earth; if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Hymn 707 Singing the Faith
Make me a channel of your peace.....
Prayers of Intercession
Jesus, Light of the World, bring the light and peace of your Gospel to the nations. We especially think of those nations where there is still unrest, we think of the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. We pray that people will seek the right way to go, and in doing so ease the suffering of the innocent. We remember those families who have lost a loved ones to this situation. We pray for the forces involved in trying to bring peace to that nation.
May all that they have done, not have been in vain.
Jesus, Lord of Life, in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, Bread of Life, give food to the hungry. We especially remember those countries where people do not know when they will get their next meal.
We think of those people in our own country who are sleeping rough of the streets, they too wondering when they are going to eat again. We pray that you nourish us all not with just food, but with your word. Enable us to spread the Good News that you are there for all people, not just a chosen few.
Jesus, Lord of Life, in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, our way, our truth and our life, be with us and all who follow you in the way. We especially think of those people who devote their lives to bringing the Good News to people who have yet to know you. They do this regardless of the fact that at times they put themselves at risk.
Jesus, Lord of Life, in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus the resurrection and the life, we give thanks for all who have lived, believing in you. We especially think of all those who week by week bring good news. We remember those people who are no longer with us, people who showed us the way to you. and into your family. We pray they will know that we are thankful for all they did for us, raise us with them to eternal life.
to you., accept our prayers, and be with us always. Amen.
MESSAGE
We still face difficult times due to Covid-19. People still have not seen loved ones for a long time. Alas, there are still people being confirmed Covid-19 positive; many restrictions affect people’s lives. There are many stories in the bible of people having to face difficult times, it is not something new. Humankind have always had difficulties to face.
This morning for a short time we are taking a closer look at our reading from Matthew, in particular the verses14- 15:.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, and it gives light to all in the house”.
It has been said that this is the greatest compliment that could ever be paid to an individual person, an individual Christian.
It could be said that here Jesus is asking the Christian to be what he claimed to be. We know from other readings that Jesus said that he was the light of the world. These words would have been familiar to the Jewish people. The Jewish people when they spoke to others said that Jerusalem was a light to the Gentiles. Jesus was not demanding that the people should produce their own light. Jesus was saying that people should shine, and that shining would be the reflection of his own light. Often we take a light with us when we have to go somewhere where we are unsure of what we will find. Perhaps that would be a torch or a lamp so that we can see the way in the darkness. A light is something to be seen.
Christianity is meant to be seen. Often when we are faced with a difficulty we turn to someone for help, their help is like a light, taking us away from the darkness.
Being a Christian is not just something that we do on a Sunday when we go to church. Thankfully due to the lifting of some restrictions many of us are able to return to worship in our church building. We are able to worship with our friends and fellow Christians. What we do from Monday to Saturday is just as important. We only have to look around us to see that many people do not know what to do with their lives at this difficult time. As Christians we have a duty and a privilege to share the light of Jesus. Our Christian way of life should not only been seen when we are at church, it should be visible to all people that we are Christians by the way we treat other people: from the person serving us in the shop, to people that we meet on the streets as we go about our daily life. A light is a guide. We know that when the street lights are not working it is difficult to see which way we are going. A light is something that makes the way clear for all people not just a chosen few.
Some people find it hard to make known their Christian belief to others, but when a Christian gives moral support they are enabled to say who and what they are. We know that often a light can be seen as a warning light. When we see the red traffic light we know that we can not go until it changes to green, there is danger while it is red. William Barclay's commentary on this passage says, “It is sometimes the duty of Christians to bring to others the necessary warning”. We know that this can be difficult,it is often hard to do in such a way that will not do more harm but will do good. We must remember that warnings should not be given in anger, our warnings must be given in love, and because they are given tin love they will be effective.
Jesus is the light of the world, he came to show us the way to live our lives with others, and to show us the way to the Father. We have the responsibility to be light shining in the darkness, leading others who have yet to come to know the Father, and his Son who came to save us. Let our light shine so that more people can come to know Jesus and share in his love.
Let's pray:
Father we thank you for sending your Son to save us.
Thank you for all that you have done for us and continue to do for us daily.
We pray that with your help and guidance we may each be a shining light in the darkness of this difficult time.
We offer this prayer to you in and through your Son, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn 690 Singing the Faith
The Church's one foundation ...
GRACE
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all now and forever more. Amen. .
This Letter was to be read in Methodist Churches on 4th July
Important
A pastoral letter from the President and Vice-President
following the Conference vote on Marriage and Relationships
We wished to take this opportunity to write to you after the Conference voted on the resolutions contained in the marriage and relationships report.
We very much appreciate that these decisions will stir up many different emotions for our siblings across the Connexion. There will be some who will be deeply hurt and others who will rejoice by what has been decided.Our Presidential theme this year is God’s Table: An Invitation for All, and God’s invitation is for every single one of us.
The Methodist Church has held tension for many years and as a Church and a family, we must do all we can to live with contradictory convictions.This work was first reflected on back in 1992 and we have been on this journey together since that point. During the past years we have continued to listen to and to pray for each other and remaining true to what God is saying to us. We must remember in all this, to continue to hold each other in prayer, and to support each other as we find a way forward, respecting our differences.It is perhaps helpful to remember that there are other issues, some of them discussed at the Conference, on which we hold differing and sometimes strong opinions. We live with them and we do not allow them to impair our communion with each other. We respect each other’s consciences, we exercise judgment in when to speak and when to be silent, and we hold one another in prayer. We do all this not for our own sake but for the sake of Christ and the sake of the world which urgently needs to know the power of Christ’s reconciling love.Our prayer for you, beloved siblings, is that in joy or sorrow, in pain or excitement, we might continue to live within that reconciling love.
The Revd Sonia Hicks Mrs Barbara Easton
President of the Conference Vice-President of the Conference
Sea Sunday and Action for Children Sunday-11th July 2021
Sister Vivien Ward
Call to Worship
God calls us together to worship
God calls us to hear God’s word
God calls us to journey with Jesus.
God calls us to work together to bring about the purposes of God in the world.
***
Hymn 546 Singing the Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeBbfcBazsY
Behold the servant of the Lord:
I wait Thy guiding eye to feel,
To hear and keep Thy every word,
To prove and do Thy perfect will;
Joyful from my own works to cease,
Glad to fulfil all righteousness.
Me if Thy grace vouchsafe to use,
Meanest of all Thy creatures, me.
The deed, the time, the manner choose:
Let all my fruit be found of Thee.
Let all my works in Thee be wrought,
By Thee to full perfection brought.
My every weak though good design
O’errule or change, as seems Thee meet:
Jesus, let all my work be Thine –
Thy work, O Lord, is all complete,
And pleasing in Thy Father’s sight;
Thou only hast done all things right.
Here then to Thee Thine own I leave;
Mould as Thou wilt Thy passive clay;
But let me all Thy stamp receive,
But let me all Thy words obey,
Serve with a single heart and eye,
And in Thy glory live and die.
(Charles Wesley 1707-1788)
***
Prayers
Adoration
We come again to celebrate the love that has made us all
We celebrate the love that lies at the heart of the universe, filling it with energy and of life.
We celebrate the love that runs through all human history, battling with human foolishness and enmity to bring goodness to birth.
We celebrate the love that is present in our own lives,guiding us and pulling us forward to new experiences and new joys.In the ordinariness of life,
You are there. In the dreams and visions that inspire us - You speak through the disappointments that come so often,
You save us from despair.God of our past,
our present and our future.
Make Yourself known to us afresh in these moments of worship together.
Amen
Confession
We ask Your forgiveness, Lord
For the times we forget to acknowledge You,
when the action of our lives fail to reflect
Your justice, Your mercy and Your love.
Forgive us too for those times when we diminish others
and fail to acknowledge the gifts they bring.
Forgive us for the times we demand certainty and direction and are too afraid to step out in faith.
Change our hearts, God, strengthen our will, that everything we are, and will be, is Yours.
This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
Thanksgiving
God, You have made known Your purpose
and called us to share in Your plan.
Before the foundation of the world, O God You knew
what You would have to do
for You took the risk of making a world of freedom
where so many things could go wrong.
But You knew that in the end it would all be worthwhile.
God you have made known Your purpose
You gave us the freedom to choose to worship You,
or to make own gods, gods that divide and separate us, gods we think will serve us but who destroy us instead. From the very beginning, You knew what You would have to do to save us.
God You have made known Your purpose
You knew that only Your love could set us free again.
So Jesus came to live with us,
to die on a cross that we made. But You raised Him from death and exalted Him above all the power of heaven and earth, above all the gods we had made for ourselves.
God you have made known Your purpose
and how You have called us to share His life,
to live through love in His presence,
To experience that love which can unite all things
and can make the world new.
Thank You, O God, for all that You have done.
Thank You, O God, for all You are doing still today.
Thank You, O God, for all You will go on doing
until Your purpose is complete. Amen
Supplication
Loving God, in the day-to-day business of our lives when ‘things’ don’t go to plan,:
when we drop the plate,
when we can’t find ..?
when we forgot to do ...?
when we’re struggling to get about in whatever is frustrating, irritating or just hard,
help us to find Your purpose and live in it.
Loving God, in the unexpected joys and the planned joys When we have a fun and relaxing times.
When we’re cheered by the sight of a rainbow, a flower, When friends call or ring
When someone remembers our birthday.
In whatever is good, fun or comforting
help us to find Your purpose and live in it.
Loving God,, as we try to make sense of the world.
With the news full of unhappiness.
Where poverty mars so many lives.
Where being famous seems to be the biggest virtue.
Where hatred stands with whatever is oppressive
dehumanising or just wrong.
help us to find Your purpose and live in it.
Loving God as we try our best to live in relationship
with other people
In the laughter and the tension of family gatherings
In the lonely and desperate times
In the anger and the arguments
In the times we’re misunderstood
In whatever is painful, healing or mundane
help us to find Your purpose and live in it.
Loving God , as we grapple with understanding some of the mystery that is You
In the times when we’re sure about everything
Or when, full of questions we find no answer;
Or when we’re quietly convinced that, despite the struggle, You are Love and You are our God.
When we get a sudden flashes of revelation in whatever is certain, doubtful and paradoxical
help us to find Your purpose and live in it.
Amen
Sea Sunday
The second Sunday in July, is when we come together across the globe to celebrate the role seafarers play
in our daily lives.
To thank them for the hardships they face and
the sacrifices they have been forced to endure
due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.
From London to Lagos and Manila to Melbourne,
our community gathers together to give something back
to these essential workers who spend months away
from their homes and families in often difficult conditions to help keep our global economy afloat.
Prayers
Almighty God, we remember those people who live on Your great oceans. For those who go down to the sea in ships, we give thanks. They enrich our lives at great personal cost.
Daily may they feel the strength of Your protection, the warmth of Your presence and the love of Your relationship as they seek hope of safe passage.
Loving Father, we pray for solace for families awaiting the return of seafarers: allow Your grace and peace to dwell in their homes and their hearts until they are reunited with their loved ones.
Banish fear, pain and uncertainty from their lives, that they may be blessed with hope of safe return and joy of reunion.
We give thanks for those who protect and support those that work on the sea, providing rescue services and safe havens.
We remember today the work of the Royal Navy,
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Trinity House,
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency
and maritime trades unions.
We rejoice that the work of these and other organisations around the world, gives great comfort to those who are at times in danger, exhausted, injured, exploited lonely and afraid. We pray that You will grant them every success in all that is done for seafarers in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Mark 6 : 14 – 29
King Herod Antipas heard about Jesus for His name and reputation had become well known. People were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” But others were saying, “He is Elijah!” And others were saying, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” For Herod himself had sent guards and had John arrested and shackled in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip, because he, Herod, had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful under Mosaic Law for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not, because Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he continually kept him safe. When he heard John speak, he was very perplexed; but he enjoyed listening to him. But an opportune time finally came for Herodias. Herod, on his birthday gave a banquet for his officials nobles, courtiers and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. Now Salome, the daughter of Herodias came in and danced for the men. She pleased and beguiled Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And Herodias replied, “The head of John the Baptist!” And she rushed back to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter!” The king was deeply grieved, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests who might have regarded him as weak, he was unwilling to break his word and refuse her. So the king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring back John’s head. And he went and had John beheaded in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away John’s body and laid it in a tomb
Hymn 662 Singing the Faith
"Have you heard God's voice;
has your heart been stirred?
Are you still prepared to follow?
Have you made a choice to remain and serve.......?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzJr9T5JYRU
Prayers of Intercession
In humility and love let us draw near
to our God and pray to Him now.
Lord God, we pray that our lives may be upright and holy;
That our church communities may shine
with goodness and love, humility and truth;
We pray for all leaning lives to be straightened up
through Your merciful forgiveness.
Lord God, we pray that many may be empowered
to recognise evil and fight against it;
To discern Your warnings and speak them out:
To notice sparks of love and goodness and celebrate them.
Lord God, we pray that our households, neighbourhoods
and our places of work and leisure
may be arenas of praise and thankfulness.
Not only in the comfort zones but particularly through disturbed and difficult times.
Lord God, we pray for those in prison
For those leading cruel and violent lives
For all victims of oppression or abuse;
For all who suffer mental anguish or physical pain.
Lord God we pray for those who have died
that they, and we, in our turn, may be given merciful judgment through Jesus our Saviour and
brought into the unquenchable light of heaven.
Lord God we pray for more thankful hearts to bless You, because the gifts we receive from You are so much more than we deserve. Amen
Offertory prayer
Dear Lord our Heavenly Father, we bring to You our money, tokens of our love for You
We pray that you will bless and use it
for the furtherance of Your Kingdom. Amen
Lord’s Prayer
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 our sins as we forgive those who sin against us
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil
for the kingdom the power and glory are Yours
now and forever. Amen
Sermon
Jesus’ reputation was spreading around Galilee so, it was not surprising that king Herod Antipas had heard about Him.
BUT he became frightened because He thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back from the dead.
Why was that frightening for him? Well, you see, King Herod had had John the Baptist arrested because ...
John had condemned Herod because ...
he had married his brother’s wife ....
AND as John had been unafraid to confront Herod and his new wife...
they had been breaking one of their laws which says ...“You shall not have intercourse with your brother’s wife,
she belongs to your brother.” and “If a man shall take his brother’s wife it is impurity “
AND as John and Jesus ran parallel to each other in their preaching it wasn’t difficult for Herod to believe that Jesus was John come back to life.
Herod, you see, had imprisoned John because John had confronted Herod and his wife Herodias,
Herod had had John arrested. Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not.
Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, Herod was in a dilemma – here was holy and good man.who he enjoyed listening to ... and yet he was frightened of John. He feared him and yet respected him
Herod wanted him alive and yet he wanted him dead.
They had a daughter, Salome, and at a party in honour of Herod’s birthday before invited guest of courtiers and captains, Salome danced. ..... Herod was enthralled and offered her a reward. Before the invited guests he said to Salome,
“Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.”
She goes to her mother and asks what she should ask for. Herodias has no compunction and asks for the head of John the Baptist on a serving dish. If Herod thought he was in a dilemma before ... it was nothing in comparison to his dilemma now - this was worse. Now he was being torn apart.
Yes, he had promised Salome in the hearing of his guests
and No he liked John. Did he really want him dead?
But he would lose face if he didn’t keep his promise and then what would his guests think of him?
He ordered that John should be beheaded. Herod was deeply grieved.
John was in the position he was because he spoke out God’s truth knowing it wouldn’t be accepted.
He could have turned a blind eye. He could have kept quiet. He could have let it go
But no he didn’t he spoke out the dangerous truth to Herod pointing out what is God’s will and iwhat s not.
Speaking the truth against the tide of opinion isn’t welcome.
Sticking up for God can get you into sticky situations
and you wish you’d said nothing.
Sometimes we back-track, making out we meant something else. Sometimes we say nothing knowing that what we should say would be unpopular and that would make us unpopular too. So .......... we keep quiet.
Do you know ... that bad things happen when good people say nothing.
How ready are we to speak out God’s truth and God’s values when we know they will make us unpopular?
Think of youngsters and young adults who have met with Christ and they try to live and work in environments often openly hostile to God. It can be hard for us - how hard it is for them ? One commentator writes this ...
”We hear story after story of the reality – that those who speak out God’s will are quite likely to find themselves rejected and abused, insulted and scorned. Perhaps Bibles should have a safety warning pasted on the front cover “Following the God you meet through these pagesis usually dangerous”
We need to pray for the courage to speak out as God’s people and get on with the work we have been chosen to do, however we are received.All too often the first hint of opposition or waning popularity shuts us upand we persuade ourselves that we shouldn’t mention such things again. But if the early Church had followed a similar line, how many of us would ever had heard the good news of God’s love?” .. Amen
Hymn 547 Singing the Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LJaRSvSKQM
Beyond these walls of worship
in the stress and joy of life,
can we offer you our bodies
as a living sacrifice?
Will we keep you at the centre
far beyond the Sunday call?
Will we turn to you, be transformed by you;
still declare you God of all?
Beyond these walls of worship
in the times of work and rest,
will we display your love for all
when our faith’s put to the test?
When the people that surround us
deny that you are there,
will we display our faith in you
– in life, in praise, in prayer?
Beyond these walls of worship
May your spirit strengthen us
to make the whole of life our worship
as we witness to your love.
From this moment in your presence
send us out now to proclaim
that we’ll live our life as a sacrifice
to the glory of your name.
Ian Worsfold (b 1974)
and Paul Wood (b 1967)
Benediction
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
IS with us NOW and for always.
Amen