15th Sunday after Trinity 2023 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 9 hours
We continue our journey through the season of "Ordinary Time", but there is nothing ordinary about this period of the Churches year. It is called this simply because the weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered. The Latin word 'ordinalis', refers to numbers in series, from which we get the English word 'order'.

The numbered weeks represent the ordered life of the Church - a period in which we live our lives neither in feasting (as in the Christmas and Easter seasons), nor in reflection or penance (as in the seasons of Advent and Lent), instead the Church focuses on growth and renewal, and looks forward in expectation of of the second coming of Christ.

Our services in our churches continue as normal, however, we recognise that through ill health, frailty, or infirmity, not everyone is able to join us every week. Therefore, if you are unable to attend in person, you are warmly invited to join in with our Rector, The Revd Mark Woodrow, from your own home, as he celebrates Holy Communion from the Vicarage.

The readings for today are Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12, and Matthew 18:21-35.

The hymns for today are, "And can it be", and, "Forgive our sins as we forgive".

A service booklet to accompany this service is also available to download below.

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Stoke by Clare, St John the Baptist

Set back from Tudor houses in the historic village street, this is a lovely medieval building with castellated tower, nave and aisles and the Elwes Chapel on the north side.

What's special?

Rare wall painting uncovered in 1948, thought to have been a reredos for the south aisle altar but covered up by the Ten Commandments in the Reformation. It features Christ on a rainbow with God above, St Peter with his keys led by the Virgin Mary, and the Seven Deadly Sins including Gula the drunkard escorting the souls of the damned into the jaws of hell. The hairstyles are late medieval Flemish.

How old is it?

Between 1124 and 1415, the church was part of a Benedictine Monastery. The monks were responsible for Stoke College and for diverting the River Stour to its present course. This would have been the priory church with no pews in the nave. The tower up to the clock is 13th century, the rest 15th and 16th century.

Famous connections

Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury 1559-75, began his career here. He was the last Dean of the College of Secular Priests at Stoke by Clare before the Reformation and took charge of Elizabeth I on the death of her mother Anne Boleyn. The Pulpit is ‘traditionally known as Matthew Parker’s Pulpit, although it dates right back to the 1400s and is one of the smallest in England – only 20 inches diameter!

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Get in touch

The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
Tom McKenny PCC Secretary
01787 277654

Our website

What's on

15th Sunday after Trinity 2023 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 9 hours

We continue our journey through the season of "Ordinary Time", but there is nothing ordinary about this period of the Churches year. It is called this simply because the weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered. The Latin word 'ordinalis', refers to numbers in series, from which we get the English word 'order'.

The numbered weeks represent the ordered life of the Church - a period in which we live our lives neither in feasting (as in the Christmas and Easter seasons), nor in reflection or penance (as in the seasons of Advent and Lent), instead the Church focuses on growth and renewal, and looks forward in expectation of of the second coming of Christ.

Our services in our churches continue as normal, however, we recognise that through ill health, frailty, or infirmity, not everyone is able to join us every week. Therefore, if you are unable to attend in person, you are warmly invited to join in with our Rector, The Revd Mark Woodrow, from your own home, as he celebrates Holy Communion from the Vicarage.

The readings for today are Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12, and Matthew 18:21-35.

The hymns for today are, "And can it be", and, "Forgive our sins as we forgive".

A service booklet to accompany this service is also available to download below.

View attachment

More info Join online

Everyday faith

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Our Benefice

Safeguarding

The parish of Stoke-by-Clare is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our Benefice Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.

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