Hymn – My Jesus, My Saviour
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you
The Peace
We are the body of Christ.
In the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body
Let us then pursue all that makes for peace
and builds up our common life.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
(Please turn to those around you, offering your hand, and say
‘The peace of the Lord be with you’)
Prayer of Preparation
All: Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer of Penitence
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our Cod is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your Cod with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All: Amen. Lord, have mercy.
God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ
to save us from our sins,
to be our advocate in heaven,
and to bring us to eternal life.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith,
firmly resolved to keep God’s commandments
and to live in love and peace with all.
All: Father eternal, giver of light and grace,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,
in what we have thought,
in what we have said and done,
through ignorance, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We have wounded your love
and marred your image in us.
We are sorry and ashamed
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us,
forgive us all that is past
and lead us out from darkness
to walk as children of light.
Amen.
Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Collect for the First Sunday after Trinity
O God,
the strength of all those who put their trust in you,
mercifully accept our prayers
and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature
we can do no good thing without you,
grant us the help of your grace,
that in the keeping of your commandments
we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Our First Reading is – Genesis Chap: 12
1 The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s home, and go to a land that I am going to show you.
2 I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, But I will curse those who curse you. And through you I will bless all the nations.”
4 When Abram was seventy-five years old, he started out from Haran, as the Lord had told him to do; and Lot went with him.
5 Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the wealth and all the slaves they had acquired in Haran, and they started out for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan,
6 Abram traveled through the land until he came to the sacred tree of Moreh, the holy place at Shechem. (At that time the Canaanites were still living in the land.)
7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “This is the country that I am going to give to your descendants.” Then Abram built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
8 After that, he moved on south to the hill country east of the city of Bethel and set up his camp between Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There also he built an altar and worshiped the Lord.
9 Then he moved on from place to place, going toward the southern part of Canaan.
This is the word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Hymn – Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
- Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice soundeth,
saying, “Christian, follow me;”
- As, of old, Saint Andrew heart it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for his dear sake.
- Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store;
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more.”
- In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these.”
5. Jesus calls us! By thy mercies,
Saviour, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all. (by Cecil Frances Alexander 1818 to 1895)
Here the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew Chap: 9
9 Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table.
11 Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such people?”
12 Jesus heard them and answered, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick.
18 While Jesus was saying this, a Jewish official came to him, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and place your hands on her, and she will live.”
19 So Jesus got up and followed him, and his disciples went along with him.
20 A woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak.
21 She said to herself, “If only I touch his cloak, I will get well.”
22 Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, my daughter! Your faith has made you well.” At that very moment the woman became well.
23 Then Jesus went into the official’s house. When he saw the musicians for the funeral and the people all stirred up,
24 he said, “Get out, everybody! The little girl is not dead – she is only sleeping!” Then they all started making fun of him.
25 But as soon as the people had been put out, Jesus went into the girl’s room and took hold of her hand, and she got up.
26 The news about this spread all over that part of the country.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, O Christ.
The Message
We encounter 5 main characters across the scope of our readings today. Genesis 12 features Abram, later to be renamed Abraham as he receives a call from God to leave the familiarity of his father’s household and homeland for new territory yet to be fully revealed.
In the first part of our reading from Matthew 9, it’s Matthew who takes centre stage at his tax collector’s booth, receiving his call from Jesus to ‘follow him’ into new metaphorical territory as a disciple. Matthew not only opens his heart to this new calling, but also his home. He throws a dinner party for all the kind of people, like himself, who others want nothing to do with, understanding that Jesus wants everything to do with these kind of people because he brings with him the hope and promise of transformation. Matthew, then extends to others the invitation to follow he himself has been given by Jesus.
In the later part of our reading from Matthew’s Gospel, we encounter another man, He is named in other gospel accounts as Jairus, a synagogue leader, who comes to Jesus on behalf of his young daughter who is close to death. Whilst Abram and the tax collector Matthew have been sought out by God, here the man comes seeking Jesus, pleading with him to visit his home so that his daughter may live. This is new territory for him as a man of considerable influence and status in the religious community. He recognises that the situation is beyond his means to remedy and has both the faith and the humility to put himself and his daughter into Jesus’s hands.
Next, we meet two women. An older one and a much younger one. Their stories are linked in that, as Mark and Luke indicate in their gospels, the dying girl is twelve years old, meaning she was born in the very year the older woman’s severe, embarrassing and isolating gynaecological problems began. She has suffered and been excluded for 12 long years – the young girl’s entire lifetime.
At first it seems as though one new beginning is going to adversely affect another. There seems a risk here of competing agendas, competing priorities. The dying girl’s situation is critical, so urgent ,it seems, there is not a moment to lose. The older woman, whose name we never know, doesn’t ask to take Jesus’ time, she merely reaches out in faith – just a touch of the rim of his robe as he passes on his way will be enough. She never intends to be a distraction or an interruption and would, I think, have been more than happy to slip quietly away. But in Jesus, the apparent competition for time, resource and attention is superceded by compassion. Jesus stops, gives the weary woman both time and attention, even when everyone else is urging him to hurry on. Why does he do this? Why does he draw such attention to the healing that has taken place? Why not keep it a purely private matter? Well I think because this woman too is entering new territory and the territory of recovery alone is not enough for Jesus. He wants her also to enter the new territory of restoration into the heart of a community that has deemed her unclean and untouchable all these years. The woman, in the understanding of her time, was doubtless fearful of contaminating Jesus in some way but, quite the opposite, it is she who is infected by the compassion, the love and the unconditional acceptance of Jesus who names her ‘daughter’ – she can indeed, at last, take heart.
Far from detracting from it, one new beginning launches another. There is an abundance of provision in God for both. The older woman’s healing provides an opportunity for faith to rise for further transformation, the renewal of fullness of life, wholeness and wellbeing which is always God’s desire for God’s beloved creation.
However, as Jesus finally enters the synagogue leader’s house bringing that very hope of healing and transformation, for some it appears it is already just too late. The professional mourners have already been summoned, the death has already been accepted as sadly inevitable and Jesus’ suggestion that this is not yet, in fact, the end is met with mocking laughter. And yet, despite the skepticism, Jesus propels this young girl into newness of life. Though it appeared she was dead to any future beyond her 12 years, she is made alive again, regenerated into a new and vibrant future through Jesus who would later walk the same path through death and into life.
We too are entering new territory, new beginnings and a new season of life together as the Ley Group of parishes, welcoming and incorporating St Laurence and St John’s here in Ansley, St Wilfrid’s and St Michael’s in Arley, St Mary’s in Fillongley and Corley parish church. This is a new Mission and Ministry partnership with me as Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Steve Medley based here amongst the Ley Group, and Revd Jo Parker our Curate at St Giles, Exhall with all of us licensed to minister in both the Ley Group and at St Giles. Our aims are to share resources, strengthen sustainability and stimulate fresh opportunities for growth, so that all our parishes can thrive and welcome a wider diversity of people, so that we can all play an active part in making new disciples and transforming our communities.
In stepping into this new territory, we want to both listen and learn from each other, from those who are on the ground and close to the heartbeat of the communities they live and serve amongst. We want to honour and celebrate what has gone before, recognising the faithful, dedicated and hard work that has been going on over so many years in all these parishes. We want to see and perceive where God is doing new things and how we can best join in with those, drawing on wider networks of support. New beginnings can feel both exciting and unsettling. We can all feel a bit weary of new initiatives and perhaps even laugh at the idea there could be fresh mileage in them. But if we can find again in Jesus, a spirit of adventure, a spirit of hope – let’s trust that we can see new and different results. Steve, Jo and I would really welcome your support, prayers and a willingness to experiment together in what I hope, across the Ley Group, is a goal we all share, to see the light, life and love of Jesus in all its beauty, continue to transform our own lives, the life of all of our churches and the life of all our communities.
The Creed
Let us declare our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
All: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
During the intercession this response is used:
Lord, m your mercy
All: Hear our prayer.
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.
Almighty Cod, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith
Strengthen Christopher our bishop and all your Church in the service of Christ, that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of
Christ……; according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of St. Laurence, St. John, St. Wilfred, St. Michel and all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
All: Accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
you have promised through your Son Jesus Christ, that when we meet in his name, and pray according to his mind, he will be among us and hear our prayer: m your love and mercy fulfil our desires, and give us your greatest gift, which is to know you, the only true God, and your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Hymn – Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
- Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! - Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. - Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
perfect in power, in love, and purity. - Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! (by Reginald Heber -1783 – 1826)
The Eucharistic Prayer
Lord is here.
All: His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts,
All: We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is indeed right,
it is our duty and our joy,
at all times and in all places
to give you thanks and praise,
holy Father, heavenly King,
almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
For he is your living Word;
through him you have created all things from the beginning, and formed us in your own image.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him you have freed us from the slavery of sin, giving him to be born of a woman and to die upon the cross;
You raised him from the dead and exalted him to your right hand on high.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him you nave sent upon us your holy and life-giving Spirit, and made us a people for your own possession.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Accept our praises, heavenly Father,
through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and as we follow his example and obey his command,
grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit
these gifts of bread and wine
may be to us his body and his blood;
who, in the same night that he was betrayed,
took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Therefore, heavenly Father, we remember his offering of himself made once for all upon the cross; we proclaim his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; we look for the coming of your kingdom, and with this bread and this cup
we make the memorial of Christ your Son our Lord.
All: Christ has died: Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Accept through him, our great high priest, this our sacrifice of thanks and praise, and as we eat and drink these holy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty, renew us by your Spirit, inspire us with your love and unite us in the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him, and with him, and in him, m the unity of the Holy Spirit,
with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, we worship you, Father almighty, in songs of everlasting praise;
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever.
Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
Grant us peace.
Giving of Communion
Draw near with faith
Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ
which he gave for you,
and his blood which he shed for you-
Eat and drink
in remembrance that he died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts
by faith with thanksgiving.
Amen
Post Communion Prayer
All: Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament
you have given us the memorial of your passion:
grant us so to reverence the sacred mysteries
of your body and blood
that we may know within ourselves
and show forth in our lives
the fruit of your redemption,
for you are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen.
The Blessing
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of Cod, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
All: Amen.
Hymn – O God of Burning Cleansing Flame
Final Prayers and the Dismissal
Go in faith to love the Lord.
All: In the Name of Christ
Amen
© 702211