Worship
21 April 2024
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Luke Glory to you, O Lord .................
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Luke Glory to you, O Lord .................
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
When I went to have my Covid jab yesterday I started thinking about the effect Covid has had on us. Not the illness it caused but, in the way, the whole period changed our habits. One of the main ways it changed us was that many people got into the habit of not going out. I have not booked a theatre trip since Covid, although I go regularly to the theatre, because it is very difficult to get a group to come. Again, many people do not come to church social events, especially in the evenings. It is not just covid or social events of course. Some have got out of the habit of coming to church. If I have not been able to come I often “go” to church on television or live streaming. For some unfortunately who are housebound, it is an excellent way of still showing our faith, but if we are physically to join in we are missing out by not being together.
One of the things we can understand about today’s Gospel is the importance of people around us. Sheep are not solitary animals; they gather in flocks. Indeed, there is another parable in the Bible which tells of the shepherd searching for a lost sheep and bringing it back safely to the fold. The whole flock together are stronger and well protected. Not only were they safe but they had the strength of the other members of the flock around them. A wolf would hesitate to attack a whole flock, whereas one sheep on its own could easily be devoured. Indeed, the Gospel tells us that the good shepherd says that he must seek out others who are not of the same flock and bring them to him, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. This does not mean that if you are not physically in the church building that you are not in any way less important or cared for. There are many devout people who cannot get to church but who are still very much part of this worshipping community. They care about what is happening to other people. They support the church and people in whatever way they can, especially through their prayers. Yet are there still some who could come but cannot see how important it is to be with the other people who come regularly. We are all busy people, but how much of a priority is it for us to physically receive the sacrament with other people, the flock for which the Good Shepherd laid down his life? If we are not physically being present are we spiritually present? When we could be in church but aren’t, are we with the Good Shepherd reading and praying, or are we in danger of considering other things more important? Wolves can take many forms. We may not lose our lives by ignoring the shepherd but what are we losing? So what can we do to show that we care for each other? Do we show those that need our prayers that the Good Shepherd who protects us cares for them as well? Indeed, do we know that as He died for us, so we must live for Him, following the commandments He gave? Love God and love your neighbour. Sheep can be very silly animals, but as the Gospel says, “I know my sheep and they know me”. We who are not silly sheep must indeed listen to the voice of the Shepherd, who knows each one of us. Whoever we are.
Margaret Smith
One of the things we can understand about today’s Gospel is the importance of people around us. Sheep are not solitary animals; they gather in flocks. Indeed, there is another parable in the Bible which tells of the shepherd searching for a lost sheep and bringing it back safely to the fold. The whole flock together are stronger and well protected. Not only were they safe but they had the strength of the other members of the flock around them. A wolf would hesitate to attack a whole flock, whereas one sheep on its own could easily be devoured. Indeed, the Gospel tells us that the good shepherd says that he must seek out others who are not of the same flock and bring them to him, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. This does not mean that if you are not physically in the church building that you are not in any way less important or cared for. There are many devout people who cannot get to church but who are still very much part of this worshipping community. They care about what is happening to other people. They support the church and people in whatever way they can, especially through their prayers. Yet are there still some who could come but cannot see how important it is to be with the other people who come regularly. We are all busy people, but how much of a priority is it for us to physically receive the sacrament with other people, the flock for which the Good Shepherd laid down his life? If we are not physically being present are we spiritually present? When we could be in church but aren’t, are we with the Good Shepherd reading and praying, or are we in danger of considering other things more important? Wolves can take many forms. We may not lose our lives by ignoring the shepherd but what are we losing? So what can we do to show that we care for each other? Do we show those that need our prayers that the Good Shepherd who protects us cares for them as well? Indeed, do we know that as He died for us, so we must live for Him, following the commandments He gave? Love God and love your neighbour. Sheep can be very silly animals, but as the Gospel says, “I know my sheep and they know me”. We who are not silly sheep must indeed listen to the voice of the Shepherd, who knows each one of us. Whoever we are.
Margaret Smith
We hold before you all who are in need this day. In our own community we remember those who have asked for our prayers...................
Sally John Hallewell Derek Watts Heather Oliver
Paul Keenor Fr Roy Doxsey Helen Dempster Ann Steward
Cayden Beere Fr Chris Barbara Rees Melba Giles
Janet Puzey Robert James Colin Kirby Rita Williams
Gareth Williams Jazz Johansen Kath Fullstone Lillian James
Madeline Sedgwick Sue
Eternal God, we entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
Aisha Ssali, Sue Winters, Colin Williams, Wendy Williams, Lorraine Thomas, Michelle Duggan
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week
Dolly Moverley
Reginald Brown
Robbie Moffatt
Nance Jones
Richard Boggis
Joyce Durnford
Tony James
Last petition:
In a few moments of silence we bring before you our personal prayers of petition and thanksgiving
Sally John Hallewell Derek Watts Heather Oliver
Paul Keenor Fr Roy Doxsey Helen Dempster Ann Steward
Cayden Beere Fr Chris Barbara Rees Melba Giles
Janet Puzey Robert James Colin Kirby Rita Williams
Gareth Williams Jazz Johansen Kath Fullstone Lillian James
Madeline Sedgwick Sue
Eternal God, we entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
Aisha Ssali, Sue Winters, Colin Williams, Wendy Williams, Lorraine Thomas, Michelle Duggan
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week
Dolly Moverley
Reginald Brown
Robbie Moffatt
Nance Jones
Richard Boggis
Joyce Durnford
Tony James
Last petition:
In a few moments of silence we bring before you our personal prayers of petition and thanksgiving
A time of prayer and reflection for those who are unable to attend a funeral.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.