United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Second Sunday after Trinity
Greeting
The Lord be with you
All And also with you.
Sing joyfully to the LORD,
All Praise the LORD with music.
Sing to him a new song,
All sing with skill and joy!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
All blessed is the people God chose for an inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all humanity;
All from the Lord’s dwelling place
God watches all who live on earth.
No nation is saved by the size of an army
All despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear God,
All on those whose hope is in God’s unfailing love.
In God our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in the holy name of our Lord.
All May God’s unfailing love rest upon us,
for we put our hope in you. (from Psalm 33)
Hymn
1 The God of Abraham praise
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of everlasting days
and God of love!
Jehovah, great I AM,
by earth and heaven confessed
we bow and bless the sacred name
for ever blessed.
2 The God of Abraham praise,
at whose supreme command
from earth we rise, and seek the joys
at his right hand:
we all on earth forsake
its wisdom, fame, and power;
and him our only portion make,
our shield and tower.
4 The God of Abraham praise,
Whose all-sufficient grace
Shall guide us all our happy days,
In all our ways:
He is our faithful friend;
He is our gracious God;
And he will save us to the end,
Through Jesus’ blood.
4 The whole triumphant host
give thanks to God on high:
‘Hail, Father, Son and Holy Ghost!’
they ever cry:
Hail Abraham’s God and ours!
We join the heavenly throng,
and celebrate with all our pow’rs
in endless song.
Prayers of penitence
All Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy
forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Reading
Romans 4:13-25
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring – not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’ The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Second reading
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’ Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’
Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.
When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and the people playing pipes, he said, ‘Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Sermon
Affirmation of faith
All 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.
Hymn
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Prayers of intercession
Dear Father God, we welcome you into our homes this day.
As we still ourselves, help us to remember the healing and reassuring words of your beloved
Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ: ‘Peace be with you’.
We pray for Toby, Rebecca, Annabel, Gideon and Aiden as Toby tirelessly encourages and
supports us.
We pray for Sarah, Linda, Elaine, Les, Robert and Sue and their families as they help Toby
and our church communities at this difficult time.
We pray that physical, mental and spiritual strength be given to our Bishops as they adapt to
guide us in this changed land.
We pray for Blackburn Diocese, the Church of England and Christian people throughout the
world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for all who have died and for all who are seriously ill.
We pray for all who have lost their loved ones.
We pray for all who are anxious about seriously ill relatives and friends.
We entrust them all to your loving arms.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God, speak into the depths of our experience,
Speak the words that still our fears
And calm our anxieties:
‘Peace be with you.’
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Faithful God, speak to us behind our closed doors
As we remember those, who risk their own safety,
In order to serve others:
Peace be with them.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God who inspires Hope, speak to us in the present
And speak to us of the future,
In time our doors shall be open:
Peace shall be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For those who lead the life of our Nation:
Our Queen Elizabeth, our Prime Minister
And all who shape our common life,
For us all: Peace shall be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God, whose name and whose gift is love,
Open our hearts to know you, to love you
And to find strength in you.
And to hear again: ‘Peace be with you.’
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Father God, bless all fathers today with wisdom,
With patience, with courage and above all
With love for their children.
Peace be with them.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of grace and mercy, hear our prayers at this time.
Strengthen us by your Spirit that we may carry on our lives as best as we are able.
We affirm our commitment to look out for others, show love in action and bring
encouragement, hope and peace.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people
to your unfailing love.
A moment of silent prayer
Collect
Faithful Creator,
whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven…
Hymn
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 Let My Love Be Shown,
Will You Let My Name Be Known,
Will You Let My Life Be Grown
In You And You In Me?
Will You Leave Yourself Behind
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Care For Cruel And Kind
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Risk The Hostile Stare
Should Your Life Attract Or Scare?
Will You Let Me Answer Prayer
In You And You In Me?
Will You Let The Blinded See
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Set The Prisoners Free
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Kiss The Leper Clean,
And Do Such As This Unseen,
And Admit To What I Mean
In You And You In Me?
Will You Love The ‘You’ You Hide
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Quell The Fear Inside
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Use The Faith You’ve Found
To Reshape The World Around,
Through My Sight And Touch And Sound
In You And You In Me?
Lord, Your Summons Echoes True
When You But Call My Name.
Let Me Turn And Follow You
And Never Be The Same.
In Your Company I’ll Go
Where Your Love And Footsteps Show.
Thus I’ll Move And Live And Grow
In You And You In Me.
Blessing
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, the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.
All Amen!
Copyright
Common Worship is (c) Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England
Biblical texts are from the Holy Bible New International Version Anglicised (NIV-UK) is (c) Copyright Biblica, Inc
In Christ alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty is (c) Copyright 2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redmon is (c) Copyright 2011 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
The Summons by John Bell is (c) Copyright 1987 WRGR, Iona Community
Call to worship posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or02sm.php
Intercessions based on material from the Church of Scotland
Revd Toby’s letter – Reopening Church
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
June 2020
Dear friends
I hope that you are keeping well. Over the six weeks or so since my last letter I have continued to see people out and about – including people I hadn’t previously seen since lockdown and I’ve continued to see familiar names commenting on screen through the Facebook services. So a special hello to those I haven’t yet seen.
These last weeks have, of course, seen a gradual easing of the lockdown, and more life has returned to our streets and parks. Even non-essential shops are open again. And from 4th July many of the restrictions will cease. We will be even more dependent on people exercising common sense and self-control, for the sake of the common good.
One element of the change is that – for the first time since 15 March – we can have Sunday worship in church.
Both our churches will, God willing, open for worship from Sunday 5th July. There will initially be only one service in each church per week – Altham at 9:30pm and All Saints’ at 11am. As you have probably heard, there will be no singing permitted. There will be Holy Communion, which will be received standing and in one kind (only the consecrated bread will be received).
The fact that church is open for worship should not make anyone feel obliged to come at this stage. Those who are shielding should NOT attend worship before the start of August at the very earliest. Others who are or live with those at increased risk should they contract COVID-19 should think carefully about whether or not it is right for them to come at this stage.
We are taking the steps necessary to make it as safe as practical for people who attend. Please do your bit by using the hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the building, by keeping your distance from others and by following the instructions of the wardens/sidespeople. Pews which are not to be used are clearly marked.
We will need to record the name and contact information of those who attend in case this needs to be supplied to contact tracers. This will be kept securely and destroyed after three weeks.
If you bring children with you, they will need to remain in the pew with you. Do bring your own quiet toys/books/colouring as the bags, toys, etc have all been tidied away.
A collection will not be taken during the service, but there will be a plate available if you wish to place anything on it as you enter or leave church. For All Saints’ weekly envelope givers the new boxes of envelopes will be available for you to collect. However, the simplest and safest method of giving is to do so direct from your bank. If you haven’t done so yet, perhaps now is the time to switch to giving by standing order? We can easily let you have the details.
Churches will open from 15 minutes before the advertised service time. Once the service is over you will be asked to leave – starting with those nearest the exit. There will be no refreshments or fellowship time after the service. People must not congregate in groups for conversation, particularly indoors.
I anticipate that there will be sufficient space for those who wish to attend to do so safely. Should there be a situation where the church has no more safe seating please don’t be offended if you are told that unfortunately you can’t come in on this occasion. We’ll make sure you get priority seating next time!
We will stream the 11am service from All Saints’ Church for people not attending to watch at home, either live or on catch up. Other times of worship will continue as at present to be offered via Facebook – 10:45am short family worship on Sunday mornings, 10am Morning Prayer on Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6:30pm Friday Praise and 9:30pm Night Prayer (except Friday). The pattern of worship will be reviewed when we reach the school summer holidays.
Before too long I hope that it will be possible to begin services on Wednesday mornings at All Saints. Funerals are possible in church and we are planning on baptisms from September, all with restrictions and social distancing. Weddings are also possible and we will have one in August which will be lovely.
For those of us who can, returning to the church building will be a privilege. It will in particular be a joy to celebrate Holy Communion together again and I pray that we will all approach that gift with eager expectation after so long a fast from the Eucharist. Those in church will hold in their thoughts those who are worshipping at home. May the spiritual unity which has helped us keep together through these lockdown months persist as we go forward.
Can I include a reminder for those who aren’t on-line that anyone can access a free Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044? There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer.
With my love, prayers and best wishes,
Toby
Sunday 11:00am – Fourth Sunday after Trinity
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Greeting
The Lord be with you
All And also with you.
All Lord, direct our thoughts,
and teach us to pray.
Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of penitence
All God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong
that we have thought and said and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus,
who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Glory to God
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you,
we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect
First Reading
Romans 6:1-11
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
All Alleluia!
Gospel reading
Matthew 10:24-39
Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
All Glory to you, O Lord
‘The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
‘So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
‘Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
‘“a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law –
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
‘Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
This is the gospel of the Lord
All Praise to you, O Christ
Sermon
Hymn
The hymns will be listened to in church, but there’s no reason not to join in at home!
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last.
2.Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenceless head
with the shadow of thy wing.
3.Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
more than all in thee I find;
raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
false and full of sin I am;
thou art full of truth and grace.
4.Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart;
rise to all eternity.
Affirmation of faith
All 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.
Prayers of intercession
Father God, as we gather together across our community, joined together as your Church, wherever we may be, we raise our prayers to you in the power of the Spirit which unites us with Christ, trusting that you will hear our prayers and use them to accomplish your will for the world and for the church.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Faithful God, we pray for all people who seek to follow your way in their lives. Let your church speak your word of truth with confidence and in unity so that those who are searching and listening will be able to see and hear clearly your message of love and peace.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Creator God, we pray for people and nations whose troubles, brought about by the global pandemic, drown out your music of harmony and where the violent heat of anger seeks to destroy your word of peace. We pray that your spirit of unity, peace and wisdom prevails in these times.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Gracious God, we pray for people we know who are ill, anxious or bereaved, and for those that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens. We pray that you will lead them, and us, in peace towards healing and wholeness of mind and spirit.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God, we offer ourselves to you in faith and confidence. Show us as we go out into the world how we can best prepare ourselves to be part of your response to our prayers. Fill us with the Spirit of life, our living word Jesus Christ, your Son and our Saviour.
Merciful Father: Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
The peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
All And also with you
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you
All and also with you
Lift up your hearts
All We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All It is right to give thanks and praise
The presiding minister praises God for his mighty acts and all respond
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory, hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes he name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
At the end of the prayer all say Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father…
The Breaking of Bread
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ
All Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us;
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us;
Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace.
Giving of Communion
Words of invitation are said and the president and those present in church receive communion. You can use this time to make an act of spiritual communion.
The Book of Common Prayer instructs us that if (when we cannot receive Communion because of some just impediment), we offer ourselves in penitence and faith, giving thanks for the redemption won by Christ crucified, we may truly ‘eat and drink the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ’, although we cannot receive the sacrament with our mouths.
You might like to use the following prayer
Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits you have given me,
for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
Since I cannot now receive you in the blessed Sacrament,
I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.
You can then listen as the video plays in church ‘He is here’
Prayer after Communion
All Father of all,
we give you thanks and praise,
that when we were still far off
you met us in your Son
and brought us home.
Dying and living, he declared your love,
gave us grace,
and opened the gate of glory.
May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;
we who drink his cup bring life to others;
we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.
Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,
so we and all your children shall be free,
and the whole earth live to praise your name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Now let us from this table rise
renewed in body, mind, and soul;
with Christ we die and live again,
his selfless love has made us whole.
With minds alert, upheld by grace,
to spread the word in speech and deed,
we follow in the steps of Christ,
at one with all in hope and need.
To fill each human house with love,
it is the sacrament of care;
the work that Christ began to do
we humbly pledge ourselves to share.
Then grant us courage, Father God,
to choose again the pilgrim way
and help us to accept with joy
the challenge of tomorrow’s day.
Blessing
The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself,
the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in his service,
the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.
The dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All In the name of Christ, Amen.
Copyright
Common Worship is (c) Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England
Biblical texts are from the Holy Bible New International Version Anglicised (NIV-UK) is (c) Copyright Biblica, Inc
Now let us from this table rise by Fred Kaan is © Copyright Stainer and Bell Ltd
Revd Toby’s letter – Reopening Church
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
June 2020
Dear friends
I hope that you are keeping well. Over the six weeks or so since my last letter I have continued to see people out and about – including people I hadn’t previously seen since lockdown and I’ve continued to see familiar names commenting on screen through the Facebook services. So a special hello to those I haven’t yet seen.
These last weeks have, of course, seen a gradual easing of the lockdown, and more life has returned to our streets and parks. Even non-essential shops are open again. And from 4th July many of the restrictions will cease. We will be even more dependent on people exercising common sense and self-control, for the sake of the common good.
One element of the change is that – for the first time since 15 March – we can have Sunday worship in church.
Both our churches will, God willing, open for worship from Sunday 5th July. There will initially be only one service in each church per week – Altham at 9:30pm and All Saints’ at 11am. As you have probably heard, there will be no singing permitted. There will be Holy Communion, which will be received standing and in one kind (only the consecrated bread will be received).
The fact that church is open for worship should not make anyone feel obliged to come at this stage. Those who are shielding should NOT attend worship before the start of August at the very earliest. Others who are or live with those at increased risk should they contract COVID-19 should think carefully about whether or not it is right for them to come at this stage.
We are taking the steps necessary to make it as safe as practical for people who attend. Please do your bit by using the hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the building, by keeping your distance from others and by following the instructions of the wardens/sidespeople. Pews which are not to be used are clearly marked.
We will need to record the name and contact information of those who attend in case this needs to be supplied to contact tracers. This will be kept securely and destroyed after three weeks.
If you bring children with you, they will need to remain in the pew with you. Do bring your own quiet toys/books/colouring as the bags, toys, etc have all been tidied away.
A collection will not be taken during the service, but there will be a plate available if you wish to place anything on it as you enter or leave church. For All Saints’ weekly envelope givers the new boxes of envelopes will be available for you to collect. However, the simplest and safest method of giving is to do so direct from your bank. If you haven’t done so yet, perhaps now is the time to switch to giving by standing order? We can easily let you have the details.
Churches will open from 15 minutes before the advertised service time. Once the service is over you will be asked to leave – starting with those nearest the exit. There will be no refreshments or fellowship time after the service. People must not congregate in groups for conversation, particularly indoors.
I anticipate that there will be sufficient space for those who wish to attend to do so safely. Should there be a situation where the church has no more safe seating please don’t be offended if you are told that unfortunately you can’t come in on this occasion. We’ll make sure you get priority seating next time!
We will stream the 11am service from All Saints’ Church for people not attending to watch at home, either live or on catch up. Other times of worship will continue as at present to be offered via Facebook – 10:45am short family worship on Sunday mornings, 10am Morning Prayer on Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6:30pm Friday Praise and 9:30pm Night Prayer (except Friday). The pattern of worship will be reviewed when we reach the school summer holidays.
Before too long I hope that it will be possible to begin services on Wednesday mornings at All Saints. Funerals are possible in church and we are planning on baptisms from September, all with restrictions and social distancing. Weddings are also possible and we will have one in August which will be lovely.
For those of us who can, returning to the church building will be a privilege. It will in particular be a joy to celebrate Holy Communion together again and I pray that we will all approach that gift with eager expectation after so long a fast from the Eucharist. Those in church will hold in their thoughts those who are worshipping at home. May the spiritual unity which has helped us keep together through these lockdown months persist as we go forward.
Can I include a reminder for those who aren’t on-line that anyone can access a free Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044? There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer.
With my love, prayers and best wishes,
Toby
Prayers for Guidance
Prayer for Guidance in the Day Ahead
Good morning, Lord! Today’s a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be.
Today I want to start the day with you on my mind and in my heart. As I dress, let me wear the armor you’ve provided daily: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, and the sword of the spirit — with a prayer on my tongue: praise for you and petitions for those around me and those I meet.
Feed me today with your daily bread. As the Bread of Life, your food, like manna, will sustain me throughout any trials and hunger. Help me to set my thoughts on things above and to speak only what will help and encourage others. Keep me from putting my foot in my mouth, and help me guard the affections of my heart today, Lord. Make whatever work I do be marked with excellence rather than perfectionism, as I seek not to make a name, but to make a difference. Help me to treat each person I encounter as you would, with respect and love, forgiving others and asking for forgiveness myself when needed.
As I start this day, help me remember that I belong to you, and my desire is to act accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy from the most important things you have designed for me. I’m proud to be your child, Lord. And I’m so grateful that you died for me—rising again on your own new morning—so that every day could be filled with the wonder of your love, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you.
I know earthly life is short and fleeting, Lord. But I want to live today as if it were the first or the last day of my life, giving thanks for every good and perfect gift you choose to give. Today, and every day, I want to live my life for you, Jesus. In your precious name, Amen. –
Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Sunday 11am – Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Third Sunday after Trinity
Greeting
The Lord be with you
All And also with you.
Loving God, we have come to worship you.
All Help us to pray to you in faith,
to sing your praise with gratitude,
and to listen to your word with eagerness;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
Only good and only true.
God unknown,
He alone
Calls my heart to be his own.
2 God’s great goodness ay endureth,
Deep his wisdom, passing thought:
Splendour, light, and life attend him,
Beauty springeth out of nought.
Evermore,
From his store
New-born worlds rise and adore.
3 Daily doth the almighty giver
Bounteous gifts on us bestow;
His desire our soul delighteth,
Pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
At his hand;
Joy doth wait on his command.
4 Still from man to God eternal
Sacrifice of praise be done,
High above all praises praising
For the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
One and all:
Ye who follow shall not fall.
Prayers of penitence
All Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy
forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Reading
Romans 5:1-11
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. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Second reading
Matthew 9:35-10:8
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and illness.
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Sermon
Affirmation of faith
All 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.
Hymn
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Prayers of intercession
Come close to God and he will come close to you.
The Lord Our God is worthy to receive glory and honour and praise for he created and redeemed us.
Heavenly Father help us to hear your word and bring our prayers to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Amen
We pray for Bishop Julian of Blackburn and all congregations and clergy committed to his
charge. We pray for our vicar Toby and his family, please keep them safe; and we pray for all
who are keeping our church alive during this uncertain time. Loving God, as a mother
embraces her children, you draw us into the fold of your love. As the Father of Our Lord
Jesus Christ you hold all creation into your everlasting arms, fill our hearts with love for you,
that loving you, we may serve you in Jesus Christ Our Lord. – Amen
Heavenly Father we pray for any who have been struck down in this Corvid 19 pandemic,
give them strength to battle through. We thank you for our doctors, nurses, carers and all
NHS workers who are putting their own lives in danger.
During these passed days we are comforted with the slogans ‘Black lives matter’. O God of
peace have mercy on the peoples in this country and worldwide. Increase the spirit of
sympathy and understanding and break down the barriers between those of different race
and colour. Strengthen the love of justice and liberty among all people and bring the whole
earth into obedience to your rule, through Christ Jesus our Lord. – Amen
Heavenly Father we bring into your holy presence our families and friends, especially any
known to us who are sick. Keep them from all harm, deepen our friendship with them and
may we all grow in the love of your Son, Our Saviour and Friend, ever Jesus Christ Our Lord.
– Amen
A moment of silent prayer
Collect
God our saviour,
look on this wounded world
in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
All Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven…
Hymn
Go forth and tell! O church of God, awake!
God’s saving news to all the nations take;
proclaim Christ Jesus, Saviour, Lord, and King,
that all the world his worthy praise may sing.
2 Go forth and tell! God’s love embraces all;
he will in grace respond to all who call:
how shall they call if they have never heard
the gracious invitation of his word?
3 Go forth and tell where still the darkness lies;
in wealth or want, the sinner surely dies:
give us, O Lord, concern of heart and mind,
a love like yours which cares for all mankind.
4 Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:
share God’s good gifts let no one be denied;
live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,
your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.
5 Go forth and tell! O church of God, arise!
go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies;
go till all nations his great name adore
and serve him, Lord and King for evermore.
Blessing
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, the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.
All Amen!
Copyright
Common Worship is (c) Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England
Biblical texts are from the Holy Bible New International Version Anglicised (NIV-UK) is (c) Copyright Biblica, Inc
How deep the Father’s Love by Stuart Townend is (c) Copyright 1995 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
Go forth and tell by James Edward Seddon is (c) Copyright The Representatives of the Late JE Seddon, admin by Jubilate Hymns
Prayers for our world
For those caught up in tragedy and disaster
O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For justice
Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For international unrest
Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
At a time of despair
Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.
For peace and safety amid unrest
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For the refugee crisis
Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.
For the cold and homeless
God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
For union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.
11am Service -Second Sunday after Trinity
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Second Sunday after Trinity
Greeting
The Lord be with you
All And also with you.
Sing joyfully to the LORD,
All Praise the LORD with music.
Sing to him a new song,
All sing with skill and joy!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
All blessed is the people God chose for an inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all humanity;
All from the Lord’s dwelling place
God watches all who live on earth.
No nation is saved by the size of an army
All despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear God,
All on those whose hope is in God’s unfailing love.
In God our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in the holy name of our Lord.
All May God’s unfailing love rest upon us,
for we put our hope in you. (from Psalm 33)
Hymn
1 The God of Abraham praise
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of everlasting days
and God of love!
Jehovah, great I AM,
by earth and heaven confessed
we bow and bless the sacred name
for ever blessed.
2 The God of Abraham praise,
at whose supreme command
from earth we rise, and seek the joys
at his right hand:
we all on earth forsake
its wisdom, fame, and power;
and him our only portion make,
our shield and tower.
4 The God of Abraham praise,
Whose all-sufficient grace
Shall guide us all our happy days,
In all our ways:
He is our faithful friend;
He is our gracious God;
And he will save us to the end,
Through Jesus’ blood.
4 The whole triumphant host
give thanks to God on high:
‘Hail, Father, Son and Holy Ghost!’
they ever cry:
Hail Abraham’s God and ours!
We join the heavenly throng,
and celebrate with all our pow’rs
in endless song.
Prayers of penitence
All Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy
forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Reading
Romans 4:13-25
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring – not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’ The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Second reading
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’ Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’
Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.
When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and the people playing pipes, he said, ‘Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Sermon
Affirmation of faith
All 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.
Hymn
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Prayers of intercession
Dear Father God, we welcome you into our homes this day.
As we still ourselves, help us to remember the healing and reassuring words of your beloved
Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ: ‘Peace be with you’.
We pray for Toby, Rebecca, Annabel, Gideon and Aiden as Toby tirelessly encourages and
supports us.
We pray for Sarah, Linda, Elaine, Les, Robert and Sue and their families as they help Toby
and our church communities at this difficult time.
We pray that physical, mental and spiritual strength be given to our Bishops as they adapt to
guide us in this changed land.
We pray for Blackburn Diocese, the Church of England and Christian people throughout the
world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for all who have died and for all who are seriously ill.
We pray for all who have lost their loved ones.
We pray for all who are anxious about seriously ill relatives and friends.
We entrust them all to your loving arms.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God, speak into the depths of our experience,
Speak the words that still our fears
And calm our anxieties:
‘Peace be with you.’
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Faithful God, speak to us behind our closed doors
As we remember those, who risk their own safety,
In order to serve others:
Peace be with them.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God who inspires Hope, speak to us in the present
And speak to us of the future,
In time our doors shall be open:
Peace shall be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For those who lead the life of our Nation:
Our Queen Elizabeth, our Prime Minister
And all who shape our common life,
For us all: Peace shall be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God, whose name and whose gift is love,
Open our hearts to know you, to love you
And to find strength in you.
And to hear again: ‘Peace be with you.’
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Father God, bless all fathers today with wisdom,
With patience, with courage and above all
With love for their children.
Peace be with them.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of grace and mercy, hear our prayers at this time.
Strengthen us by your Spirit that we may carry on our lives as best as we are able.
We affirm our commitment to look out for others, show love in action and bring
encouragement, hope and peace.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people
to your unfailing love.
A moment of silent prayer
Collect
Faithful Creator,
whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven…
Hymn
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 Let My Love Be Shown,
Will You Let My Name Be Known,
Will You Let My Life Be Grown
In You And You In Me?
Will You Leave Yourself Behind
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Care For Cruel And Kind
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Risk The Hostile Stare
Should Your Life Attract Or Scare?
Will You Let Me Answer Prayer
In You And You In Me?
Will You Let The Blinded See
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Set The Prisoners Free
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Kiss The Leper Clean,
And Do Such As This Unseen,
And Admit To What I Mean
In You And You In Me?
Will You Love The ‘You’ You Hide
If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Quell The Fear Inside
And Never Be The Same?
Will You Use The Faith You’ve Found
To Reshape The World Around,
Through My Sight And Touch And Sound
In You And You In Me?
Lord, Your Summons Echoes True
When You But Call My Name.
Let Me Turn And Follow You
And Never Be The Same.
In Your Company I’ll Go
Where Your Love And Footsteps Show.
Thus I’ll Move And Live And Grow
In You And You In Me.
Blessing
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, the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.
All Amen!
Copyright
Common Worship is (c) Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England
Biblical texts are from the Holy Bible New International Version Anglicised (NIV-UK) is (c) Copyright Biblica, Inc
In Christ alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty is (c) Copyright 2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redmon is (c) Copyright 2011 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
The Summons by John Bell is (c) Copyright 1987 WRGR, Iona Community
Call to worship posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or02sm.php
Intercessions based on material from the Church of Scotland
Our charitable giving – an update.
‘Once again thank you so much for the kind donation of £250 towards food. This will provide 25 families with a much needed supply of Poshu – the staple food there. They are also working hard to distribute seeds and equipment to help the community grow their own food. With schools closed due to the pandemic the children who would usually have food provided are not receiving any – your donation will ensure families will not starve. Thanks’.
To learn more about the charity’s work or to donate visit their website
Thank you for your continued support.
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
11:00am – First Sunday after Trinity
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the first Sunday after Trinity
Greeting
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
All Amen.
The Lord be with you
All And also with you.
God is with his people.
He dwells in their midst.
Listen and hear him speak.
All Our hearts long for his word.
We wait upon the Lord
so that we may renew our strength.
God is our help and our support.
His spirit moves among us
to lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days.
All With joyful hearts we sing God’s praise.
With rejoicing we call upon Him.
The Lord is our hope and our salvation
Hymn
The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes
Bless the Lord, o my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
You’re rich in love
And You’re slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find
Bless the Lord, o my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Yeah, I’ll worship Your holy name
And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
My time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Bless the Lord, o my soul
Oh, my soul
Bless the Lord, o my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name
Prayers of penitence
All Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy
forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Reading
Romans 1:16-17, 3:22-31
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the ‘law’ that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Second reading
Matthew 7:21-29
Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.’
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Sermon
Affirmation of faith
All 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.
Hymn
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved,
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
T’was Grace that brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there a thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun.
Prayers of intercession
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the support and fellowship which we find in our worship during
this difficult time and we ask that you help us to pray for the needs of our world, our community,
our families, friends and ourselves.
Gracious God.
All Make us strong in faith and love.
Heavenly Father, we presently see a world of beauty and tragedy. We pray that your ways of peace
and justice will sideline the ways of violence and contempt. Especially at this time we pray for an end
to all forms of racism and the world wide repercussions following the death of George Floyd.
We pray for those who work to keep the peace and foster mutual understanding and respect. We
pray for the life of the world in which we live, especially for those who exercise power and authority
in politics and the media.
Gracious God.
All Make us strong in faith and love.
Heavenly Father, may we never lose sight of the many and varied needs of our own neighbourhood
and may we always be found willing and able to help and support others whenever we can.
We thank you for the place we call home and we pray for our families and friends. Make your loving
presence felt amongst us all. Especially with those whose family life has been made difficult and
testing during the weeks of lockdown. Be with those who have no family to care for them. Comfort
those whose loved ones are causing them worry and heartache. Strengthen those whose children or
family are in danger.
Gracious God.
All Make us strong in faith and love.
Heavenly Father, we remember all those suffering from Covid-19. We pray for them and their
families who are frightened because of this disease. Give them courage, faith, hope and confidence
in those who are caring for them and let them know you are present in their time of suffering.
We pray especially for Joan and anyone else we know who needs our prayers at this time.
Gracious God.
All Make us strong in faith and love
Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone
close and dear to them. We remember those who have died and the thousands of people we have
lost due to Covid-19.
Help us to experience the comfort of your love within us, and the fellowship of our church family
around us.
Gracious God.
All Make us strong in faith and love
Heavenly Father, as we look ahead at the coming weeks give us hope that life will slowly return to
some sort of normality, whatever that is. Help us to live our lives fully and to offer our time,
attention and kindness with faith, hope and love.
A moment of silent prayer
Collect
God of truth,
help us to keep your law of love
and to walk in ways of wisdom,
that we may find true life
in Jesus Christ your Son.
All Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven…
Hymn
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Prayer of Commitment
All Eternal God, the refuge and help of all your children,
we praise you for all you have given us,
for all you have done for us,
for all that you are to us.
In our weakness, you are strength,
in our darkness, you are light,
in our sorrow, you are comfort and peace.
We cannot number your blessings,
we cannot declare your love:
For all your blessings we bless you.
May we live as in your presence,
and love the things that you love,
and serve you in our daily lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
~ written by St. Boniface (ca. 672-754)
Blessing
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, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.
All Amen!
Copyright
Common Worship is (c) Copyright Archbishops Council of the Church of England
Biblical texts are from the Holy Bible New International Version Anglicised (NIV-UK) is (c) Copyright Biblica, Inc
In Christ alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty is (c) Copyright 2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redmon is (c) Copyright 2011 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
Call to worship posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or02sm.php
Prayers for our world
For those caught up in tragedy and disaster
O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For justice
Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For international unrest
Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
At a time of despair
Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.
For peace and safety amid unrest
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For the refugee crisis
Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.
For the cold and homeless
God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
For union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.