Next Sunday (31st May) We meet for a benefice service in the Vicarage garden at 10.30am and begin a series on The Creed - its good news and gospel content. It is 701 years since the Nicene Creed was set out to celebrate all that God is and that which unites and identifies us as Christians. We will follow this with a series of five more sermons over the coming two months and offer follow up study / fellowship groups. Five "Digging Deeper" sessions will happen on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am every other week from 9th June. If you would like an evening group, this can be arranged if we have a core group. Please sign up if you are interested. Thank you.
Review of Lithuanian Harp Recital Last Sunday St Mary’s welcomed Emilija Karaliūtė, who plays the kanklės. The audience were delighted by the beautiful sound made by the instrument and Emilija spoke in-between each piece giving some of the history, legends and facts about the Kanklės. The recital began with music by Lithuanian composers before pieces by more familiar classical composers. The recital ended with a new piece composed for Emilija by an Irish composer that used modern composition techniques like tapping on the instrument case. The tea and cakes that followed the concert were much appreciated by everyone. Thank you to all the wonderful helpers who make these concerts possible, to those who provide and run the tea and cakes and do the washing up and of, course, to the audience for being there. Stella Robinson A more complete review, including pictures, can be found here.
Come, Holy Spirit, in your grace and power, to make Jesus real to us; to teach us more about him, and to deepen our faith in him, that we may be changed into his likeness and be his witnesses in the world. May the fire of the Holy Spirit kindle in our hearts a burning zeal for the service of your kingdom. Lord, you have taught us that the fruit of the Spirit is love. Give us now by your Spirit the love that is patient, kind and not envious, the love that is never boastful or conceited, the love that is not selfish, nor quick to take offence, the love that does not gloat over other people’s faults, but delights in the truth, the love that will last for ever. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer
Lord, we pray for the many areas of the world suffering from conflict and deep division. We remember especially Ukraine, Iran, Israel, Lebanon and South Sudan. Set in the hearts of those with authority the spirit of reconciliation, bringing an end to fear and distrust so that unity of purpose can be seen as a route to ceasefire and peace. We pray for the work of missionaries across the world, bringing your word to people and places on the edge. We think particularly of Steve and Lindsey Poulson in Honduras, mentoring vulnerable young people; keep them safe, and their little daughter, Elizabeth. Lord, we thank you for the beauty of earth and sea and sky, for gifts to be treasured and safeguarded for posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in grateful enjoyment of your creation. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer
Father, we offer you our thanks for the community in which we live, for those who accept political and social responsibility, for those who teach in our schools, for those who serve in voluntary organisations, caring for the handicapped, the elderly and the needs of minority groups; for all who live responsibly and peaceably with their neighbours. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer
Lord, we commend to you all who minister to, or care for, the sick, in hospital, nursing home, or the patient’s own home. Grant to doctors and nurses skill, understanding and compassion, and to carers the strength and perseverance needed to look after those who need their service. May the suffering come to a greater knowledge of your healing presence, and be aware of the prayerful support of family and friends. We pray for those who have recently lost loved ones. Grant to the bereaved the courage to face the days ahead, and the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.