All Saints’ Parish Church, Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Fourteenth 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.
Hymn
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In you.
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
Merciful God,
your Son came to save us
and bore our sins on the cross:
may we trust in your mercy
and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness
that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen
First Reading
Romans 12:9-end
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know the hope that belongs to our call.
All Alleluia!
Gospel reading
Matthew 16:21-end
Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
All Glory to you, O Lord
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’
Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
This is the gospel of the Lord
All Praise to you, O Christ
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.
Prayers of intercession
Let us pray –
For morning light and the gift of a new day we praise you our Heavenly Father; and with thankful hearts we now entrust ourselves and those we love into your hands, praying that you will guard us and help us and guide us and strengthen us in all that lies before us this day, in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
In these uncertain times when people are anxious and troubled, we pray for our community at Clayton – le – Moors and Altham. Thankyou Lord for our local church, for those who have worshiped in it over the years and for those who serve it today. Grant that all who enter its doors may be enabled to renew their relationship with you and may find your peace, your strength, your grace and above all your presence. Help us as a congregation to be outward looking, so that what we find within our fellowship we may share with those outside, for the benefit of all and for your greater glory in Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father we thank you for our homes and families, for our food and clothing and for all the happiness that parents and children can share. We ask that your love may surround us and that we may know your peace at all times.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Give us Lord a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thoughts can drag downwards; an unconquered heart which no tribulations can wear out; an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord Our God, understanding to know your diligence, wisdom to find you and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
We think and pray for the ones not able to be with us through sickness or infirmity. We pray for doctors and nurses working in our hospitals and nursing homes. Give them strength and patience to attend the sick and dying and we bring before you anyone known to us at this time -.
We pray for those who have recently been bereaved, Lord Jesus Christ you are the same yesterday, today and forever and you have promised to be with us all our days.
We pray for the elderly people and those who are house bound; in their weakness may they find your strength and, in their loneliness, may they know the joy of your presence.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Thanks be to thee our Lord Jesus Christ for all the benefits you have given us, for all the pains and insults you have borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly now and forever.
Merciful Father
All Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son and Saviour Jesus Christ Our Lord –
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 president 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 to the small group sing The Lord’s my Shepherd
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
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. ……
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. …..
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
My Jesus, my saviour by Darlene Zschech is (c) Copyright Darlene Zchech/Hillsong Publishing/Kingsway Music
I the Lord of sea and sky (c) Copyright Daniel Schutte, New Dawn Music
Prayer for union with creation
A prayer 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!
True 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’.
School admission – faith criteria
11:00am Sunday Service 14th Sunday after Trinity
All Saints’ Parish Church, Clayton-le-Moors
Worship on the Fourteenth 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.
Hymn
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In you.
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
Merciful God,
your Son came to save us
and bore our sins on the cross:
may we trust in your mercy
and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness
that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen
First Reading
Romans 12:9-end
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know the hope that belongs to our call.
All Alleluia!
Gospel reading
Matthew 16:21-end
Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
All Glory to you, O Lord
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’
Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
This is the gospel of the Lord
All Praise to you, O Christ
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.
Prayers of intercession
Let us pray –
For morning light and the gift of a new day we praise you our Heavenly Father; and with thankful hearts we now entrust ourselves and those we love into your hands, praying that you will guard us and help us and guide us and strengthen us in all that lies before us this day, in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
In these uncertain times when people are anxious and troubled, we pray for our community at Clayton – le – Moors and Altham. Thankyou Lord for our local church, for those who have worshiped in it over the years and for those who serve it today. Grant that all who enter its doors may be enabled to renew their relationship with you and may find your peace, your strength, your grace and above all your presence. Help us as a congregation to be outward looking, so that what we find within our fellowship we may share with those outside, for the benefit of all and for your greater glory in Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father we thank you for our homes and families, for our food and clothing and for all the happiness that parents and children can share. We ask that your love may surround us and that we may know your peace at all times.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Give us Lord a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thoughts can drag downwards; an unconquered heart which no tribulations can wear out; an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord Our God, understanding to know your diligence, wisdom to find you and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
We think and pray for the ones not able to be with us through sickness or infirmity. We pray for doctors and nurses working in our hospitals and nursing homes. Give them strength and patience to attend the sick and dying and we bring before you anyone known to us at this time -.
We pray for those who have recently been bereaved, Lord Jesus Christ you are the same yesterday, today and forever and you have promised to be with us all our days.
We pray for the elderly people and those who are house bound; in their weakness may they find your strength and, in their loneliness, may they know the joy of your presence.
Lord in your mercy –
Hear our prayer.
Thanks be to thee our Lord Jesus Christ for all the benefits you have given us, for all the pains and insults you have borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly now and forever.
Merciful Father
All Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son and Saviour Jesus Christ Our Lord –
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 president 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 to the small group sing The Lord’s my Shepherd
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
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. ……
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. …..
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
My Jesus, my saviour by Darlene Zschech is (c) Copyright Darlene Zchech/Hillsong Publishing/Kingsway Music
I the Lord of sea and sky (c) Copyright Daniel Schutte, New Dawn Music
Revd Toby’s September Newsletter
September 2020
Dear friends
Another month has come and gone and we now approach autumn. In many ways early autumn is a lovely time of year – that time of mists and mellow fruitfulness! – but of course it also points us to short days, long nights and eventually winter. The schools are back for the new year and it is lovely to hear the full sound of children on the playground again after the long period in which only a few children were present. We keep our schools, pupils and teachers very much in our prayers as they get going again, not least that everyone keeps safe.
It is good that since my last letter, Hyndburn has been released from the extra restrictions. There are still cases occurring locally, though, so it remains essential that we all continue to follow the guidance.
Attendance at church services has gradually been increasing and in recent weeks All Saints’ has been at or near ‘capacity’ for the number of separate individuals or households who can safely be in church together. The time has come to very gradually increase the number of services so that those who wish can come to worship in church and yet remain safe.
At Altham worship will continue to be weekly at 9:30, with all-age worship on the second Sunday of each month.
At All Saints’ we will continue to have a Communion service at 11am each Sunday. For now we are still unable to sing together, but gradually the pre-recorded music will be replaced by live music with small numbers of the choir or worship group singing. We have been very well supported by the recordings that Chris and family have made throughout lockdown, but it will be lovely to have some live music-making going on in church.
Wednesday Communion at 10am will also return from this coming Wednesday 9th September.
And on the second Sunday of each month there will be a family service at 2pm – this will last half an hour and is aimed at those with children. Pre-booking is essential for this service via this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-praise-tickets-118443861779
Now that autumn is here and the nights are drawing in, it might be the perfect time to take part in something new. I’d like to invite you to join with others in taking part in the Bible Course. Sessions will take place via Zoom on Thursday evenings beginning on 24th September at 7:30pm. There will be a total of 8 sessions with a break over half term. Each week will include two videos to watch, a time of discussion and a time for personal reflection. In between each session there will be a reading to read each day. The course is fun, interesting and doesn’t assume prior knowledge. It will help anyone get a better overview of the bible and get used to reading its different parts and working out what it means for us today. Please just let me know if you’ll be joining so that I can make sure you get a handbook.
Sometime next year, when things are hopefully back to a greater degree of normality, we will offer this as a face to face course for those who can’t, or would rather not, do this online.
This month sees Peter Dillon begin his training and formation for ordained ministry (three years part-time) – congratulations Peter on being called to this by God’s church. As was the case when Lesley was training, Peter will remain in our benefice for most of the time but will be off on other placements from time to time. As you will expect, he will have an increasing role ‘up front’. I know that you will give him your support and your prayers at this special time. And please remember Revd Jane, who is settled very well at Whalley, Sabden and Pendleton. Restrictions mean that we can’t attend her ordination to the priesthood at Michaelmas, but we keep her in prayers at such a special moment in her life.
Harvest
Looking ahead, it may be helpful to know that harvest festival will be on 11th October. I hope we’ll be able to make a bumper collection of food for our local food bank, and a generous financial response to the bishop’s harvest appeal. We’ll make sure there is an opportunity for any not coming to church services to drop off either kind of gifts. More details in next month’s letter. And if you can help with items sooner than that they are always appreciated and can be dropped off at the Baptist Church on Sparth Road.
The long-delayed 2020 Annual Meetings will also take place during October. All Saints’ will be held on Tuesday 13th October at 7:30pm. Altham St James’ will be held on Sunday 18th at 9:30am.
This week I led worship with the new Year 7 pupils at St Christopher’s and introduced them to the school prayer – which is a very famous prayer written by St Ignatius of Loyala. You probably know it. I asked them to think about it before inviting them to join in saying the words as they ask a lot of us. I commend them to you as we leave the summer and head into an uncertain autumn. Words of commitment to Christ in this and every season of life.
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen.
God bless you and keep safe.
Yours in Christ
Toby
Revd
New on line Bible course starting soon
Would you like to explore the Bible to a greater depth and have discussions with others? Sign up for the new online Bible course by signing the form at the back of church or contacting Revd Toby.
It will begin on Thursday 24rd September and run for 8 weeks. (4 weeks either side of half – term). They will start at 7:30pm and will use Zoom
Local food bank needs your help.
Due to the increase in demand for food, Clayton Baptist Church are running short of food supplies, i.e. tins of soup, breakfast cereals, eggs, tins of fruit, tins of meat, tins of veg, pasta sauce, tea / coffee etc. Also fruit and vegetables. Please can you help by donating items to Clayton Baptist Church. Alternatively if you bring your items to church on Sunday we will make sure that they get to the food bank.
Thank you.
Wednesday 10:00am service to resume in church
The Wednesday 10:00am holy Communion service is to resume in church as from the 9th September 2020.
New Family Service – 2pm second Sundays
We are offering a brand new short act of worship especially suited for families. These will take place on the second Sunday of each month between 2:00 – 2:30pm in church.
The first of these new family services will be on the 13th September.
Booking will be essential via this link . Please book ONE ticket per family / bubble. Please give priority to families for this service.
At present we can’t share refreshments or sing, (though we can do actions), but we can enjoy being in church to worship our Heavenly Father.
Food bank – Plea for more supplies
Due to the increase in demand for food, Clayton Baptist Church are running short of food supplies, i.e. tins of soup, breakfast cereals, eggs, tins of fruit, tins of meat, tins of veg, pasta sauce, tea / coffee etc. Also fruit and vegetables. Please can you help by donating items to Clayton Baptist Church. Alternatively if you bring your items to church on Sunday we will make sure that they get to the food bank.
Thank you.
A prayer for Environmental awareness
Eternal God,
whose Spirit moved over the face of the deep bringing forth light and life;
by that same Spirit, renew your creation, and restore your image in your people.
Turn us from careless tenants to faithful stewards,
that your threefold blessing of clean air, pure water and rich earth
may be the inheritance of everything that has the breath of life
and one generation may proclaim to another the wonder of your works;
through Jesus Christ, your living Word,
in whom the fullness of your glory is revealed.
Amen.
Rt Revd Libby L