Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 27th September 2020Thought for the Week – At the name of Jesus, every knee should bowWe 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 todayWe 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
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 20th September 2020Thought for the Week – The last will be first, and the first will be last.A spectacular reversal of fortune occurred two weeks ago when the number “one” professional tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, was disqualified from the US Open Tennis Tournament for an infringement of the rules. The first became last! We were reminded of the need for taking responsibility for our own actions, whatever their consequences. “It’s not fair!” is a phrase well known to all parents and those who work with children, and it’s a sentiment felt keenly by the farm workers who - in the parable of labourers in the vineyard – had joined late in the day but received an equal reward with those who had been faithful the longest. The Jewish religious leaders, whom Jesus was addressing, expected to be first to enter the kingdom of heaven as a mark of their privileged position in society. But salvation is not earned by one’s status in life. Eternal life is not a pensionable benefit determined by age, length of service or a final salary calculation, but is promised by God to those who can be either first or last in the pecking order, and who believe in Jesus, trust and depend on him, and are committed to repentance of their sins. That can be a difficult message to hear, yet it is a challenge we are called to embrace. (Matthew 20: 1-16)HymnLord, enthroned in heav’nly splendour, First begotten from the dead, Thou alone, our strong defender, Liftest up thy people’s head. Alleluia, alleluia, Jesu, true and living bread.PrayersWe pray for those who minister justice in our society, that they may be granted the spirit of wisdom and discernment enabling them always to distribute fairness and compassion in God’s nameNote: The Readings and Gospel set for today can be downloaded from the top left of this page
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 13th September 2020Thought for the Week – Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.Forgiveness is the central theme of this Sunday’s readings, and is a fundamental thread running through Christ’s teachings: And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. The forgiveness of sins allows us to receive divine forgiveness for our own shortcomings. As a consequence, we are to practice forgiveness of one another. Forgiveness is a concept that is often painful and difficult, and always poignant. Perhaps the best known parable about forgiveness is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which refers to God’s forgiveness of those who truly repent. (Matthew 18: 21-35) On Remembrance Day 8th November 1987 the IRA planted a bomb in Enniskillen that injured Gordon Wilson and killed his daughter Marie, a nurse. Only hours later Wilson gave an emotional interview to the BBC saying he bore no ill will for his daughter’s killers, and publicly forgave them. He called for reconciliation, and said that he would pray for them. His act of forgiveness brought him national and international prominence. No words in more than 25 years of violence in Northern Ireland had such a powerful and moving impact.Hymn - Dear Lord and Father of mankindDear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways. Re-clothe us in our rightful mind, In purer lives thy service find, In deeper reverence praise.PrayersWe pray that we might cultivate a calm and restful spirit in our daily lives, and at the last, be delivered from the struggles and sorrows of this life, trusting in God’s loving mercy and readiness to forgive.Note: The Readings and Gospel set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 6th September 2020Thought for the Week – Where two or three are gathered together in my nameToday’s gospel reading explores how we are to deal with difficulties that may arise between us, and how disagreements should be settled. (Matthew 18:15-20) Paul also speaks in his letter to the Romans of how Christians are to behave towards one another – Love your neighbour as yourself. (Romans 13:8-10) Jesus explains that if you have an issue with someone in the church, offer them opportunities for making amends, but understand that in all such circumstances Jesus will be there with you throughout the process – There am I in the midst of them. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is present whenever believers adopt the habit of meeting together, eating together and worshipping together. The anonymous text that is usually called the Prayer of St Francis is a widely known Christian prayer for peace. Margaret Thatcher, after winning the 1979 general election, paraphrased it on the steps of 10 Downing Street: Where there is discord, may we bring harmony; where there is error, may we bring truth; and where there is despair, may we bring hope . . . etc. The hymn version of the prayer is “Make me a channel of your peace”, which follows. HymnMake me a channel of your peaceMake me a channel of your peace Where there is hatred, let me bring your love, Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord, And where there’s doubt, true faith in you. O Master, grant that I may never seekSo much to be consoled as to console,To be understood, as to understand,To be loved as to love with all my soul.PrayersWe pray that we may grow in respect for human dignity, and use our own liberty with scrupulous care not to infringe the rights of others, having concern and mutual respect for their needs and challenges.Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right hand corner of this page.
