Thursday 25th August
2:00 – 3:00pm
An informal time of worship with a few well known hymns, readings and prayers followed by tea and cakes, in a very friendly atmosphere sat around tables ‘ cafe- style’.
Purple Praise is open to all, but especially older people, and aims to be dementia friendly.
If you would like more details or would need a lift to get to church, please feel free to ring or talk to Revd Toby.
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Ninth Sunday after Trinity
This service is live in church, but it will be streamed so if you are unable to attend you can view it online. Now most of the words will also appear when you view the service on line so it will be easier to follow the service.
However, below are the day’s readings as there will not appear on screen.
First Reading: Hebrews 11: 29 – 12:2
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[d]
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging,and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins,destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Second Reading: Luke 12: 49- 56
I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?
Intercessions
Everlasting God, we come before you in this time of prayer to give thanks for all you have done for us.
Help us to be aware of your presence and make us always ready to respond to your will.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for the universal church – the body of Christ, all so different, yet brought together through your son. We ask for strength and protection, for those who face persecution because of their faith in you. We ask that you give your church vision and unity, providing all that is needed so that many more can turn away from darkness, hear the good news and come to you.
Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord we pray for Toby and all who preach the word here at Clayton and Altham, that they may find great strength from your presence. Help each one of us to hear your word and put our faith in your truth. Let us recognise your call, so that we can go from this place with courage stepping out in faith and following you.
Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Help us Lord to seek you in all that we do, using the gifts that you have so generously given, so that we may serve this community, shining your light and goodness into the lives of the people around us. Lord we ask that as we come together and serve your people, that they meet you and feel your love.
Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
God of power and might, we pray for justice in all nations and for those that lead them. Lord, help those in power to reach decisions that are made good for all, help those around the world who look on in comfort to have compassion and mercy to be moved into action where there is need.
Lord we bring to you all those who fear oppression and violence which puts the lives of millions of people at risk and displaces thousands.
We continue to pray for the people of the Ukraine. We ask for peace and reconciliation for the protection of their lives and their dignity.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer
God of life, we ask for your healing power on those who are enduring pain and illness. Be with all who are fearful, help them to find your reassuring presence which brings love, peace, and comfort.
We name them silently before you now…
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
Merciful God, we remember and thank you for the lives and example of those who have died in the faith of Christ and for the privilege of sharing our lives with them.
Be with those who grieve and open their minds that they may find hope and the will to carry on despite the heaviness of heart they are now experiencing.
We know your everlasting light shines with us, in moments of great sadness and great joy.
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
God of love and hope, thank you for helping us to pray. Deepen our faith to be spiritually stronger and better equipped to live as you want us to live, so that as we pray through this coming week, we may do it with love and sincerity in sure and certain knowledge of your eternal presence.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Garden fun!
Saturday 6th August
Over lockdown the weeds, saplings and invasive garden plants had fun taking over parts of the church borders and memorial garden. We are looking for a group of volunteers to help pull them up! A one off event – to try and get on top of the problem.
You don’t have to be a gardener – just come along, with some garden tools or gloves if you have them and you will be told what to pull up! (We will have some spare tools too.)
There will be two sessions on in the morning and one in the afternoon – you only need come to one or part of one, so the timing can suit you… every little helps.
Morning session- anytime between 10:00am – 12:00am
Afternoon session – anytime between 1:30 – 3:30pm.
Thank you
No online night prayer during August
There won’t be any online night prayer offered during August – but we will be back in September.
In the meantime you can find night prayer on the Church of England website and on the
Time to pray app. On the latter you can listen to it being said if you prefer.
We still have some places left on our church weekend away
at Scargill House near Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales,
Arriving late afternoon Friday 14th October and finishing with Sunday lunch on the 16th October.
We will enjoy the excellent hospitality of the Christian community who will cook lovely meals, put on engaging children’s activities; lead those who wish on beautiful walks; offer a range of fun workshops and give us something to think about!
There is no pressure to take part in anything – if you would rather miss the Christian input on Saturday morning, that is ok (though don’t worry it won’t be heavy); just join in with what you want. To find out more please take a leaflet from the back of church.
The weekend promises to be a fantastic fun time together, with friends old and new from across the church families of All Saints’ and St. James Altham.
Prices of just £145 per adult (£165 en-suite). Children under 5’s can go for free; 5-7 year olds – £22 each, 8- 11 year olds £36, 12 – 16 year olds – £50 ( a little more if in ensuite)
The next church cleaning session is on Saturday 30th July between 9:30am – 11:30am. Please try and spare even just half an hour to help clean our church, we desperately need more helpers.
With your help, the church we will be cleaned in no time. The more the merrier!
Thank you.
Come and enjoy a time together in fellowship and worship in the garden.
If you bake and are able to bring a cake or similar with you that would help.
The next church cleaning session is on Saturday 30th July between 9:30am – 11:30am. Please try and spare even just half an hour to help clean our church, we desperately need more helpers.
With your help, the church we will be cleaned in no time. The more the merrier!
Thank you.
Garden fun!
Saturday 6th August
Over lockdown the weeds, saplings and invasive garden plants had fun taking over parts of the church borders and memorial garden. We are looking for a group of volunteers to help pull them up! A one off event – to try and get on top of the problem.
You don’t have to be a gardener – just come along, with some garden tools or gloves if you have them and you will be told what to pull up! (We will have some spare tools too.)
There will be two sessions on in the morning and one in the afternoon – you only need come to one or part of one, so the timing can suit you… every little helps.
Morning session- anytime between 10:00am – 12:00am
Afternoon session – anytime between 1:30 – 3:30pm.
Thank you
The service is on Saturday 16th July
at 2pm
In Blackburn Cathedral
Very best wishes to Bishop Julian from all at All Saints’ Church