United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Seventh Sunday after Easter
This service is live in church, with all the usual COVID restrictions, but it will be streamed so if you are unable to attend you can view it online.Now most of the words will also appear when you view the service on line so it will be easier to follow the service.
However, below are the day’s readings plus the intercessions for reference, as there will not appear on screen.
First reading : Acts 1: 15 – 17 21- end
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Second reading: John 17: 6 – 19
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lostexcept the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Intercessions
We thank you Lord Jesus for the promise of your presence to the two or three who are gathered in your name. Help us to remember that you are with us now as we meet to pray. Make us of one heart and mind, that we may agree in what we ask in your name so that our prayers can be in accordance with your will and glorify our Father in Heaven.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father we ask you to bless our church, All Saints’ Clayton – le – Moors and St James Altham; be close to us as we worship and work together. Bless our Bishop Julian and all clergy committed to his charge, especially we remember Toby as he ministers to us. Lord bless our upcoming Annual Church Meeting, remember our PCC, be with our Church Wardens Sarah, Linda, and Elaine, not forgetting Peter and his ministry to us. Loving God, as a mother embraces her child, you draw us in the fold of your love, as Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ you hold all creation in your everlasting arms. Fill our hearts with love for you, that loving you we may serve you.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We pray for our town of Accrington, Clayton – le – Moors and the surrounding district; for councillors who will have taken up office after the recent elections. God of love grant us peace in our communities, honesty in trading, hospitality in our welcoming, integrity in our planning and civic life that the common good will prevail and your kingdom of righteousness and justice be affirmed. We ask all this in the name of Jesus.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
A prayer for Ascension. Jesus, King of the universe, thank you for rising to the Father’s throne on high to take control of all things. Help us to trust you when life is difficult and to obey you at all times.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Oh god the source of life and health, we pray for those who are ill. Give doctors and nurses skills to make them well again and grant that during their illness they may learn more of your love and care.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Oh God our Father, we pray for those whose life is saddened by the death of a relative or friend. Be with them in their loneliness and help them to look beyond their present trouble to Jesus, the one who died and rose again and who lives for evermore.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
To conclude a prayer entitled five senses.
Feed us Lord with your eternal Word.
Touch us Lord with your loving embrace.
Awaken us Lord with the sounds of your music.
Refresh us Lord with the scent of your grace.
Inspire us Lord with the sight of your glory.
Merciful father…
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Christian Aid week 10 – 16th May
Christian Aid week
‘The climate emergency is one of the greatest injustices we face.
Together we stop this climate crisis’.
In many areas of the world where people live in poverty, climate change is making their living conditions even worse. Climate change robs people of their livelihood as they struggle to survive. Flooding and drought leads to famine and an unreliable water.
Please check out the ways you can help, including taking part in a fun filled online quiz which is suitable for the whole family! – Quiztian Aid!
Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms.
Every envelope. Every gift. Every challenge can change lives.
Information – from the Christian aid website.
11:00 am – Seventh Sunday after Easter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Seventh Sunday after Easter
This service is live in church, with all the usual COVID restrictions, but it will be streamed so if you are unable to attend you can view it online.Now most of the words will also appear when you view the service on line so it will be easier to follow the service.
However, below are the day’s readings plus the intercessions for reference, as there will not appear on screen.
First reading : Acts 1: 15 – 17 21- end
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[a] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Second reading: John 17: 6 – 19
6 “I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[b] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[c] that name you gave me. None has been lostexcept the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[d] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Intercessions
We thank you Lord Jesus for the promise of your presence to the two or three who are gathered in your name. Help us to remember that you are with us now as we meet to pray. Make us of one heart and mind, that we may agree in what we ask in your name so that our prayers can be in accordance with your will and glorify our Father in Heaven.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father we ask you to bless our church, All Saints’ Clayton – le – Moors and St James Altham; be close to us as we worship and work together. Bless our Bishop Julian and all clergy committed to his charge, especially we remember Toby as he ministers to us. Lord bless our upcoming Annual Church Meeting, remember our PCC, be with our Church Wardens Sarah, Linda, and Elaine, not forgetting Peter and his ministry to us. Loving God, as a mother embraces her child, you draw us in the fold of your love, as Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ you hold all creation in your everlasting arms. Fill our hearts with love for you, that loving you we may serve you.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We pray for our town of Accrington, Clayton – le – Moors and the surrounding district; for councillors who will have taken up office after the recent elections. God of love grant us peace in our communities, honesty in trading, hospitality in our welcoming, integrity in our planning and civic life that the common good will prevail and your kingdom of righteousness and justice be affirmed. We ask all this in the name of Jesus.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
A prayer for Ascension. Jesus, King of the universe, thank you for rising to the Father’s throne on high to take control of all things. Help us to trust you when life is difficult and to obey you at all times.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Oh god the source of life and health, we pray for those who are ill. Give doctors and nurses skills to make them well again and grant that during their illness they may learn more of your love and care.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Oh God our Father, we pray for those whose life is saddened by the death of a relative or friend. Be with them in their loneliness and help them to look beyond their present trouble to Jesus, the one who died and rose again and who lives for evermore.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
To conclude a prayer entitled five senses.
Feed us Lord with your eternal Word.
Touch us Lord with your loving embrace.
Awaken us Lord with the sounds of your music.
Refresh us Lord with the scent of your grace.
Inspire us Lord with the sight of your glory.
Merciful father…
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Christian Aid week 10 – 16th May
Christian Aid week
‘The climate emergency is one of the greatest injustices we face.
Together we stop this climate crisis’.
In many areas of the world where people live in poverty, climate change is making their living conditions even worse. Climate change robs people of their livelihood as they struggle to survive. Flooding and drought leads to famine and an unreliable water.
Please check out the ways you can help, including taking part in a fun filled online quiz which is suitable for the whole family! – Quiztian Aid!
Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms.
Every envelope. Every gift. Every challenge can change lives.
Information – from the Christian aid website.
11:00 am – Sixth Sunday after Easter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Sixth Sunday after Easter
This service is live in church, with all the usual COVID restrictions, but it will be streamed so if you are unable to attend you can view it online.Now most of the words will also appear when you view the service on line so it will be easier to follow the service.
However, below are the day’s readings plus the intercessions for reference, as there will not appear on screen.
First reading : Acts 10: 44 – 48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Second reading: John 17: 9 – 17
9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[b]that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[c] the truth; your word is truth.
Easter
Voluntary church posts available
Voluntary church posts available
Can you spare a little of you time to contribute to the work and mission of our church?
Most roles within the church are on a voluntary and rotational basis – such as the role of a PCC member. Fresh ideas and the willingness of volunteers are vital to help sustain and promote our church’s mission. We hope that some of you will be inspired to take up one of the voluntary roles that are now currently available. These include
If you are interested in any of the posts above, and would like to see a full job description, please speak to Revd Toby or one of the Church Wardens as soon as possible. Thank you
Revd Toby’s Newsletter
United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors
Vicar: The Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church Street, Clayton-le-Moors, BB5 5HT
(01254) 384321 tobywebber@btinternet.com
Dear friends
Over the last few weeks it has been fantastic to welcome people back into church. It has been a particular joy to keep Holy Week and Easter in person, to celebrate the central events of our faith, the passion, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and only Saviour.
At the same time it has been great to continue welcoming people joining in worship from their homes via social media. Indeed, those who follow the Sunday services from church on Facebook will be aware that we have recently improved the quality of our ‘broadcasts’ now that the church is on broadband. The cameras and microphones give a greater sense of sharing what is going on in church and the graphics make it easier to follow the service. A big thank you to Andrew and Linda Bracewell and Robert Duckworth for masterminding this.
Of course, this Eastertide was affected by the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at the venerable age of 99 ¾. His many years of faithful support to the Queen and to nation and the Commonwealth were marked in the tributes paid, and he was laid to rest in a very fitting funeral service last Saturday. With no address given, the music played an even more significant role than normal, expressing both grief and hope. A hope founded in the one who said “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believeth in me, thou he die, yet shall he live.”
The Easter holidays were also the beginning of the period in which we could spend time outdoors with five others, or as two households. We were able to meet up with Rebecca’s family for a couple of walks in the lovely spring countryside and I hope that you have been able to do similarly and meet up outdoors with friends and family. Fresh air and exercise are so important, not least after all the ‘staying at home’.
Sunday services going forward
We are delighted that we can now again welcome live singing by a small group of singers. All Saints’ Choir have now sung on two Sunday mornings (5 people only each time) and St James’ Church Choir will resume shortly.
The 8am early celebration of Holy Communion at All Saints resumes from this Sunday 25th April – but only on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at present. The family service is resumed on 2nd Sundays at 11am and this will be the only week on which booking is required. Please sing up in Church this Sunday or look for the Eventbrite link which will be advertised on Facebook and the website.
At Altham St James, the usual pattern of services has resumed, with the all-age service on the second Sunday.
We haven’t yet got a date for the return of Friday Praise in-person or of Tots’ Praise, but hope to have information about this in the next letter. We plan on the return of Sunday School from September. If you would be interested in volunteering with Sunday School then do have a word about applying. As with other roles working with children or vulnerable adults a confidential declaration and a DBS disclosure are required.
Annual Parochial Church Meetings
Last year’s were very late, so this year’s seem to have come around very quickly.
If you aren’t already on the electoral roll of your church and would like to be, please get in touch right away and we can let you have the form to complete. You will then be eligible to speak and vote at the annual meeting.
At the APCM we elect those who will represent the laity of the parish on the PCC. The PCC has responsibility for the finances and care of the building, and for co-operating with the vicar in relation to the whole mission of the church in the parish. PCC members are charity trustees so it is a responsible position. We also hope that PCC members will be active in supporting the life of the church and sharing responsibilities. A summary of the role can be found on www.allsainstclaytonlemoors.org – speak to the vicar, wardens or any current PCC member for more information.
The census
Most of us will have completed our census information last month. It will be interesting to see the data about our nation and locality when it emerges in due course. Just in case anyone missed out I’ve been asked to include the following information.
Even if you’ve missed Census Day there is still time to complete your census. Every household is required by law to complete the census and even though Census Day – 21 March 2021 – has been and gone, it is not too late to complete a questionnaire. There has been a great response to Census 2021 so far, but everyone needs to respond as soon as possible to avoid a fine. By taking a few minutes to complete the form you will be helping shape the local services in your community – the bus routes, school places, the hospital beds.
People can ask a trusted person, such as a friend, family member or carer, for help when completing their form. Over the phone and in-person support is available from the Census Support Centre run by Big Light On (01254 447272) or at any local library.
Bump it forward and Christian Aid Week
Many of you will now have had one, or perhaps two doses of a covid vaccination. I have had my first. Today there was further good news about the impact of even one dose on hospitalisation rates. We are so fortunate in this country that our vaccination campaign is so advanced. A lovely way of giving thanks is to give to the Bump it Forward campaign being run by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, which goes to vaccinating frontline health workers in Africa. You can find the link at www.justgiving.com/campaign/BumpItForward
Can I also remind you that Christian Aid week starts on 10th May? This year you might like to make a donation online. Or perhaps take part in their online quiz ‘Quiztian Aid’ with Rev Kate Bottley on Saturday 8th May at 7pm – register online (just google Christian Aid Week) and join in perhaps with family and friends – its suitable for all the family.
May the peace and joy of the risen Lord be with you now and always
Revd Toby
APCM – 20th May 7:30pm
Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting
This meeting, which reports on activities during the past year will take place in church on Thursday 20th May at 7:30pm. You are welcome to attend, to social distancing rules will applied as recommended. The meeting will also be streamed for those who are unable to attend.
If you wish to vote please make sure that you are on our electoral role.
Here are the documents for the meeting.
Agenda
Annual Report and Financial Statements
Group reports.
Thank you.
Church cleaning – Saturday 8th May.
Due to lockdown, it has been awhile since we have been able to give the church a good clean, which it really needs.
As members of our congregation, please consider if you can spare half and hour or so on Saturday 8th May between 9:30 – 11:30am to help clean our church…it would be really gratefully appreciated. The more of us who can spare the time the quicker the job will be completed!
Thank you.
Christian Aid week 10 – 16th May
Christian Aid week
‘The climate emergency is one of the greatest injustices we face.
Together we stop this climate crisis’.
In many areas of the world where people live in poverty, climate change is making their living conditions even worse. Climate change robs people of their livelihood as they struggle to survive. Flooding and drought leads to famine and an unreliable water.
Please check out the ways you can help, including taking part in a fun filled online quiz which is suitable for the whole family! – Quiztian Aid!
Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms.
Every envelope. Every gift. Every challenge can change lives.
Information – from the Christian aid website.
Annual General Meeting – 20th May
Our Annual Parochial General Meeting
This meeting, which reports on activities during the past year will take place in church on Thursday 20th May at 7:30pm. You are welcome to attend, to social distancing rules will applied as recommended. The meeting will also be streamed for those who are unable to attend.
If you wish to vote please make sure that you are on our electoral role.
The agenda and other documents will be added soon.
Thank you.