Dear All Saints and St Mary’sThis Sunday’s reading from the Letter to the Hebrews completes the story of the Old Testament heroes of faith. Last week we heard of Abraham’s faith and how he trusted in God’s promise. This week, having skipped over the epistle’s recounting of the stories of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, we have a whistle stop tour of the rest of the Old Testament. The fortunes of these people varied. Some were great kings, warriors, and judges. Some were saved from lions or enemy soldiers. Others, however, suffered mocking, poverty, imprisonment, or execution. However, all of them, through good and bad, kept their faith in God.The letter then goes on to encourage its readers to follow the example of all those heroes that they had heard about. Whether things are going well or badly, we should persevere in the way that Jesus has set before us. We look to him, who is our example and our leader. He endured the cross, never giving up his faith in his Father or his love for all people.We have a couple of opportunities to think more about this on Sunday:10.00 am St Mary’s Holy Communion10:30 am All Saints Holy CommunionWe have our usual midweek services. Next Sunday follows our usual fourth Sunday format. This gives the following services for the coming week:Wednesday 20th August 9:00 am All Saints Celtic morning PrayerThursday 21st August 10:00 am St Mary’s Holy CommunionSunday 24th August8:00 am All Saints Holy Communion (said)10:00 am St Mary’s Holy Communion10:30 am All Saints Café ChurchIn addition, the bible book club will be looking at Nehemiah in St Mary’s parish rooms on Wednesday 20th August at 2:00 pm.So let us pray that the faith described by the letter to the Hebrews may be seen in us:Lord God,your Son left the riches of heavenand became poor for our sake:when we prosper save us from pride,when we are needy save us from despair,that we may trust in you alone,through Jesus Christ our Lord.Yours in ChristMark
Teach us to PrayDear All Saints and St MarysThis week at All Saints, with children and families from both parishes, we have celebrated the joy of God's world and creation and the gift of science with over 50 children and 25 adult volunteers at Holiday Bible Club "Whizz, Bang Wow!" We have danced, sung, played, made things, talked about God, prayed and been together in a really special way. If you fancy having a sing along to what we have been doing then click the links below and enjoy!What underpins all of this, as it does with all Christian life and Church is lots of prayer. Prayers for places to be filled, for people to come and be part of something special, for everyone to be safe and blessed by others.This week's gospel reading sees Jesus respond to the disciples ask - "Teach us to pray". As we look towards the services of worship this weekend then we have the chance not just to understand that more deeply in our own lives, but to experience it with others. That is possible in communion services, but also our cafe church service which offers an informal service style looking at the theme of Devotion.May we continue to be a ceaselessly praying parishes. Worship this Sunday 27th July 20258.00am - Holy Communion - All Saints10.00am - Sung Holy Communion - St Marys10.30am - Cafe Church - Book of Romans - All SaintsEveryone is welcome. The week ahead Tuesday 29th 2pm – 5.30pm All Saints Family Cafe Weds 30th July 9:00am Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints Thurs 31st July 10:00am Holy Communion - St. Marys Thurs 31st July 2.00pm - 5.30pm All Saints Family Cafe Thurs 31st July 7.30pm St Marys PCC Friday 1st Aug 11:00am Living After Loss - St. Mary’sSaturday 2nd Aug 10.00am - 12noon Coffee Morning & Repair Cafe - All Saints Saturday 2nd Aug 12.00noon - 2:00pm - Saturday Lunches - St Mary’s Sunday 3rd August 10:00am Creative Church - St Marys 10:30am Holy Communion - All Saints 6:30pm Choral Evensong – St. Mary’s With blessing and thanksgiving and prayersLizzieVicar of All Saints and St Marys Churches, FishpondsInterim Co Area Dean Bristol City Deanery