Service at Home25th July 2021 – Trinity 8

Readings: 2 Kings 4: 42-end; Ephesians 3: 14-end; John 6: 1-21

The Lord be with youand also with you

The Collect for today, reflecting the theme of the readings

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,We beseech you to direct, sanctify and governboth our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and theworks of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

A reading from the Gospel of St. John chapter 6: 1-21

Open our hearts to hear your word

Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this, to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Jesus, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.

Here ends the readingThanks be to God

Reflection by Revd. Jeremy BradingIn the Gospel this morning, we are reminded again of at least one of Jesus more familiar miracles: the feeding of the 5000. There are many extra ordinary aspects to what happened. To start with, it is likely that there would have been more people present than the 5000 men noted in scriptures. Such were the prevailing practices of the day that only men were counted. Given Jesus growing reputation in the population, it seems inconceivable that there would not have been more people in attendance. There are many other extraordinary aspects to what happened. That Jesus fed all the people with five loaves and two fishes is memorable enough. Yet how ever many people there actually were, what is even more remarkable is the leftovers collected into the 12 baskets. Surely the leftovers amount to more than what the five barley loafs and two fishes originally constituted ? We can deduce this from the size of the boy -in other words under

12 years of age- who presented the fish and bread to Jesus. Surely this young lad would not have had the physical capacity to carry 2 huge fish plus equally large bread loaves. Something else was a foot. The latter part of our Gospel reading makes this point dramatically. Jesus walking on the water to meet the disciples, who were in their boat -about 4 miles from the shore. For those dismissing this account by suggesting that Jesus was actually walking out to them on a sand bank, the distance suggests otherwise. First of all, the Sea of Galilee is up to 8 miles across. Therefore, given the 4 mile distance they had already travelled, the disciples were likely to have been towards the middle of the Sea of Galilee. In other words the disciples in their boat were likely to be located atop the deepest depths.

Furthermore those in the boat were not some uninformed holiday makers, who were unfamiliar with the local area. Rather as fishermen, the disciples would have had a professional knowledge of the geography of the Sea of Galilee -and it’s hidden risks. They knew where sand banks were, and it seems to me that it is unlikely that they would all have been mistaken. Finally such experienced fishermen would also have been completely unfamiliar with how their boat -once Jesus had joined them in it- immediately arrived at its destination. The scriptures are clear that the disciples did not have to engage in a further 4 mile sail, to return to shore. The boat simply arrived immediately at its destination: (John 6v21). The supernatural characteristics in both these accounts, testi fy to who Jesus was. No wonder the people kept searching for him. As Mark himself remarked in last weeks’ gospel, the people behaved as if they were sheep without a shepherd. Prayers written by Rosemary PayneLoving heavenly Father, we kneel before you in humble adoration and praise for all your gifts which you have so generously bestowed on us. Help us to be ever mindful of your blessings.Generous Lord, Hear our prayerWe thank you for your church in all its forms, here in our Benefice and throughout the world. We ask you to bless those whom you have called to lead us and everyone who answers to your name, near and far. Grant us encouragement and wisdom as we seek to spread the good news of all that you have provided for us.Loving Lord, Hear our prayerWe thank you for the beauty of the world around us and acknowledge with sadness our part in the damage we have caused to your creation. Lord, as we pray for those people affected by floods in Europe and extreme heat in north America, we ask your blessing also on our leaders and scientists as they seek ways to combat climate change. We pray that it is not too late to restore your world so that all can be fed and live in peace and security.Creator God, Hear our prayerLoving Father, giver of all good things, we thank you for this time of relaxation in the summer. Bless our schools as they break up and all those on holiday at this time, that they may take time

to relax. In these difficult times, we remember too all those who are unable to get away for health or financial reasons or because of domestic circumstances. We pray that they too will feel the blessing of the world around them and find their own peace.Loving Lord, Hear our prayerCaring Father, you have given us so much, we bring you today our world afflicted by coronavirus. Lord, look with mercy on all those who are infected or suffering long Covid, all those who have to self-isolate, all those who are frightened to go out into a world without masks or social distancing. We pray for an end to all this and for hope for the futureCaring Lord, Hear our prayerHealing Father, we remember before you all those who are suffering, at home or in hospital. We name before you those whom we know, in the certainty that you will hear our prayers and answer them.Healing Lord, Hear our prayerMerciful God, deal graciously with all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones today. May they be filled with the knowledge of your love and know the blessing of your peace and comfort.Loving Lord, as we sit at home may we feel part of your church as we offer you our prayers.Amen

Lord in your mercy hear our prayer for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen

Say the Lord’s prayer in whichever form you prefer

Hymn of the week chosen by Viv John

Thy hand, O God, has guidedThy flock, from age to age;The wondrous tale is written,Full clear, on every page;Our fathers owned thy goodness,And we their deeds record;And both of this bear witness:One Church, one faith, one Lord.

Thy heralds brought glad tidingsTo greatest, as to least;They bade men rise, and hastenTo share the great King's feast;And this was all their teaching,In every deed and word,To all alike proclaimingOne Church, one faith, one Lord.

When shadows thick were falling,and all seemed sunk in night,thou, Lord, didst send thy servants,thy chosen sons of light.On them and on thy peoplethy plenteous grace was poured,and this was still their message:one Church, one faith, one Lord.

Through many a day of darkness,Through many a scene of strife,The faithful few fought bravely,To guard the nation's life.Their Gospel of redemption,Sin pardoned, man restored,Was all in this enfolded:One Church, one faith, one Lord.

And we, shall we be faithless?Shall hearts fail, hands hang down?Shall we evade the conflict,And cast away our crown?Not so: in God's deep counselsSome better thing is stored;We will maintain, unflinching,One church, one faith, one Lord.

Thy mercy will not fail us,Nor leave thy work undone;With thy right hand to help us,The victory shall be won;And then, by men and angels,Thy name shall be adored,And this shall be their anthem:One Church, one faith, one Lord.

Words: Edward Plumptre (1821-1891)Tune: Thornbury by Basil Harwood (1859-1949)A recording of this hymn can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLQk7m7Edzg

BlessingMay GodWho clothes the lilies and feeds the birds of the sky, who leads the lambs to pastureand the deer to water, who multiplied loavesand fishes and changed water into wine,lead us, feed us, multiply us,and change us to reflect the glory of our Creator now and through eternity.and the blessing of God,Father, Son and Holy Spirit,be with you and all; whom you loveand pray for now and for ever. Amen

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS,HAMSTALL RIDWARE

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4451/

July 25th 2021 : TRINITY 8

PARISH NOTICES

Service at Home reflection sheets are still being sent out because we know that a lot of people don’t yet feel safe in an environment with many other people. That is fine. There is no obligation to attend church in person until you feel safe.If you are on the mailing list for Sunday Service sheets, please print off and bring your own copy of the Readings sheet with you to services both at St Michael’s and the other churches in the United Benefice.Please remember that St Michael’s is still open every Sunday and Wednesday between 2 pm and 4.30 pm for individual prayer. Churchyard working parties are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month – the next one will be on July 27th . We meet at 6 pm and carry on for a couple of hours – weather permitting! All welcome. Food Bank. Please do remember the Food Banks. They are needed now more than ever. If you wish to donate directly to Rugeley Foodbank at Rugeley Community Centre the Centre is now only open for foodbank sessions i.e. 2.00 pm-4.00 pm Tuesdays and Fridays. Alternatively, the Rugeley Food Bank welcomes financial contributions – see https://rugeley.foodbank.org.ukGifts can once again be brought to Church where they will be blessed before being distributed or they can be left in the porch at 17, Lichfield Road, Hamstall Ridware WS15 3QG. Wherever such gifts are left they will be very welcome and will be taken to the Rugeley Foodbank each Tuesday. ‘Message in a Bottle Race’ – new date! See the details on page 3…….The Village Fête - preparations are under way for this important event on Saturday September 4th……..

UNITED BENEFICE SERVICE ROTAHamstall RidwareSt Michael and All

Angels

Kings BromleyAll Saints

Mavesyn RidwareSt Nicholas

YoxallSt Peter

July 25th Trinity 8St James the Apostle

10.00 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Holy Communion

August 1st Trinity 9

10.30 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Morning Prayer

August 8th Trinity 10

10.00 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Holy Communion

August 15th Trinity 11Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

10.30 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Morning Prayer

August 22nd

Trinity 12 10.00 am

Holy Communion10.00 am

Holy Communion

August 29th Trinity 13

10.00 amUnited Benefice Holy Communion

St Nicholas, Mavesyn Ridware

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Those who are sick: Mary Mycock, Barbara Smith, Kathleen Leawood, Brenda, Angela Perkin, Doug, David and Barbara Rudge, May Windley, Dorothy and Pam Payne.Those who live and work in the Nursing, Care and Retirement homes in the villages both in and near the parishes of the United Benefice.For all of us as we move forward in the more relaxed regime of restrictions which came into effect on July 19th that everyone will be sensible and take care for themselves and othersFor everyone on holiday at this time that they may enjoy rest and relaxation in these difficult timesFor all those working in the NHS as they prepare for what is feared to be a difficult autumn and winter aheadFor the Rev’d Jeremy as they enjoy a summer holiday that they may come back refreshed and ready for the next steps in their and our lives

*******************

Since 1982, the Arthur Rank Centre at Stoneleigh has been providing training in mission, ministry and leadership for lay and ordained rural church leaders from across the denominational spectrum. Throughout the periods of lockdown it has been supplying useful material each week for payer and reflection. It is to be hoped that their optimism that now is the time to stop providing this as the COVID 19 restrictions are mostly lifted and we can mix much more freely both with fellow-Christians and others, is not misplaced. Prayer by Revd Suzan Williams, Head of Rural Ministries New Wine:I lay my head to rest,and in doing so,lay at your feetthe faces I have seen,the voices I have heard,the words I have spoken,the hands I have shaken,the service I have given,the joys I have shared,the sorrows revealed,I lay them at your feet,and in doing solay my head to rest. AmenReflection on the experiences of the pandemic from Revd Dr Benjamin Aldous, Principal Officer for Mission and Evangelism, Churches Together in England ……What keeps coming back to me is the idea that the pandemic has been apocalyptic. It has revealed how things really are. Our vulnerability as human beings, our frailty and innate weaknesses. It has revealed the gross inequalities that exist around race, gender and economic parity. It has revealed who is most key to keep society going: not bankers and managers but hospital workers, those stocking supermarket shelves, those who empty our bins. It’s made us as the church ask some important questions about who we have been serving and who we should be serving. It is potentially the most important re-set since the Second World War.…….and from Revd Dr Mark Betson on reading Luke 7:18-23:One of the insights COVID-19 has brought to my reading of scripture is where the disciples of John ask Jesus ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus does not say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but asks them based on what they see, not what they think. Vaccinations are incredibly important in the fight against COVID but they are not simply the answer; it is our ongoing behaviour, particularly how we react to new freedoms while many remain vulnerable, that points towards salvation.

*******************Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns please speak in complete confidence to the Parish Safeguarding Officer Dr Paul Carter 01889 504347 or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Mr Neil Spiring 01543 306030.

From the Lichfield Diocese Prayer Diary:

In its prayer tour of the Diocese the compilers of the Prayer Diary are concentrating on the different Deaneries as they face the challenges of resources highlighted by Shaping for Mission and other aspects of life which affect them in particular. This week the focus is on the Wolverhampton Deanery and for Area Dean, Revd David Wright. From the weekly cycle of prayer, I have selected this date in particular: Friday 30th: (William Wilberforce, Social Reformer and Anti-Slavery Campaigner 1833) Pray for Debbie Huxton, a Modern Slavery Campaigner, employed by Transforming Communities Together and funded by Lichfield Diocese Mothers’ Union; encouraging churches across the Diocese to create communities that are safe for all and where everyone can thrive and flourish.

*******************