Shipley Church Self-Service

Sunday 27th September 2020

Thought for the Week – At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow

We are called to reflect on the character and authority of God whom we recognise in our own lives and in our relationships one with another. Do we believe Jesus’ teachings wholeheartedly, and act upon them? (Matthew 21: 28-32) Paul reminds us that Christ humbled himself being made as a human, and took the nature of a servant. Being finally exalted in heaven and on earth, we should bow to him and respond by considering others always better than ourselves. (Philippians 2: 1-11)

On Tuesday 29th of this month we celebrate Michaelmas, the feast of St Michael and all Angels. Michael is one of the two Archangels named in the bible; the other is Gabriel. All angels exist as heavenly messengers – servants in their own right - who intercede between heaven and earth to convey God’s will to mankind. Michael was one of the principal fighters in the struggle against Satan, who thus became the protector of all Christians in times of trouble or conflict. St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall and Mont St Michel in Normandy were both built to commemorate alleged visions of St Michael and all angels in the 8th and 10th centuries respectively.

Hymn for the Day 

From heaven you came, helpless babe,

Entered our world in glory veiled,

Not to be served but to serve,

And give your life that we might live.

This is our God, the servant king;

He calls us now to follow him,

To bring our lives as a daily offering

Of worship to the servant king.

Prayers for today

We pray as did St Richard of Chichester, “Thanks be to thee, Lord Jesus Christ for all the benefits thou hast given me, for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me; may we know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly.”

Note: The Gospel and Readings for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page