Worship
21 July 2024
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Mark Glory to you, O Lord
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Mark Glory to you, O Lord
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
For over 20 years, during this week, I have been going with the parish on a pilgrimage to Walsingham. The most we ever had going from this parish was 22, and at one time nearly 400 people from the dioceses of Llandaff and Monmouth travelled there every year during the last week of July. At one time Bishop Roy came with us and, when he first became Bishop of Llandaff, Bishop Barry joined us. So why do people go to Walsingham? What do they do there? If you want to know about the pilgrimage, talk to people who have been there. They will tell you about the services, the processions, the abundant food, the getting together in the evenings (Not to mention the Fairwater Pimm’s party!) Over the past few years numbers have unfortunately gone down but still many will be going this week.
But this does not really tell you about the reason why people go, either to Walsingham or to any other place of pilgrimage. We go to seek something. Two moments always stand out for me during my time in Walsingham. One is the Service of Healing when all pilgrims receive the laying on of hands and the sprinkling of Holy water. This is followed by a time when everyone gathers into groups, either with your own priest, or with another priest, and we all read out the prayers that we have brought with us from our parishes. In the weeks before the pilgrimage there is a notice on the church notice board with the headings for the Sick, For those who have Died, for those in Need, for Parishes and Communities and Thanksgiving. Interestingly, every year the list for the sick is very long but there are very few requests under thanksgiving! The other service that stands out is held at the Slipper Chapel, the Roman Catholic shrine. The name Slipper Chapel was given to the church because it was the place where the pilgrims left their slippers and walked barefoot the last mile to Walsingham. Most people have a lift on the coach to the chapel but some hardy people – including some from this parish - walk, not barefoot, although over the years some from this pilgrimage have walked barefoot! The service is important because of its meaning - Reconciliation. Today the church like the world is divided and it is good to remember, as Father Dean said last year as we prayed for unity and healing in the church and in the world, “There is more that unites us than divides us”.
We all need to withdraw. from the stresses of everyday life to find a place of healing and rest. In today’s Gospel Jesus, who had been surrounded by crowds, went to find a place where he could be just with his disciples. The crowd pursued Him and He carried on teaching and healing. Again, he tried to sail to another quiet place, but again the crowd followed Him. Although He needed rest he could not turn away people in need. This teaches us something about the meaning of pilgrimage. Wonderful though it is to find a place of peace, we cannot shut ourselves out from the world. As the Walsingham hymn that we sing at the end of our Pilgrimage says “But Jesus calls us to the strife, and tumult of our earthly life. “ And so, we pray as another hymn says:
’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
yet we may not remain;
but since thou bid us leave the mount,
come with us to the plain.
Whether we go on a pilgrimage or not we can all pray for the healing of our world and our church and carry out those everyday tasks which, though they may seem small in themselves, help to bring hope and healing to our neighbours.
Margaret Smith
But this does not really tell you about the reason why people go, either to Walsingham or to any other place of pilgrimage. We go to seek something. Two moments always stand out for me during my time in Walsingham. One is the Service of Healing when all pilgrims receive the laying on of hands and the sprinkling of Holy water. This is followed by a time when everyone gathers into groups, either with your own priest, or with another priest, and we all read out the prayers that we have brought with us from our parishes. In the weeks before the pilgrimage there is a notice on the church notice board with the headings for the Sick, For those who have Died, for those in Need, for Parishes and Communities and Thanksgiving. Interestingly, every year the list for the sick is very long but there are very few requests under thanksgiving! The other service that stands out is held at the Slipper Chapel, the Roman Catholic shrine. The name Slipper Chapel was given to the church because it was the place where the pilgrims left their slippers and walked barefoot the last mile to Walsingham. Most people have a lift on the coach to the chapel but some hardy people – including some from this parish - walk, not barefoot, although over the years some from this pilgrimage have walked barefoot! The service is important because of its meaning - Reconciliation. Today the church like the world is divided and it is good to remember, as Father Dean said last year as we prayed for unity and healing in the church and in the world, “There is more that unites us than divides us”.
We all need to withdraw. from the stresses of everyday life to find a place of healing and rest. In today’s Gospel Jesus, who had been surrounded by crowds, went to find a place where he could be just with his disciples. The crowd pursued Him and He carried on teaching and healing. Again, he tried to sail to another quiet place, but again the crowd followed Him. Although He needed rest he could not turn away people in need. This teaches us something about the meaning of pilgrimage. Wonderful though it is to find a place of peace, we cannot shut ourselves out from the world. As the Walsingham hymn that we sing at the end of our Pilgrimage says “But Jesus calls us to the strife, and tumult of our earthly life. “ And so, we pray as another hymn says:
’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
yet we may not remain;
but since thou bid us leave the mount,
come with us to the plain.
Whether we go on a pilgrimage or not we can all pray for the healing of our world and our church and carry out those everyday tasks which, though they may seem small in themselves, help to bring hope and healing to our neighbours.
Margaret Smith
We remember those who have asked for our prayers...................
Sally Paul Keenor John Hallewell Heather Oliver
Fr Bernard Fr Roy Doxsey Helen Dempster Ann Steward
Cayden Beere Fr Chris Barbara Rees Melba Giles
Claire Robert James Colin Kirby Rita Williams
Sue Evans Sue Jazz Johansen Kath Fullstone
Leigh Thomas Derek Watts Madeline Sedgwick
We entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Audrey Eyles
Lou Matthews
Alec Bisatt
Pat Pocock
Richard Parsons
Adrian Francis Davies
Sidney Charles Virgin
Last petition:
In a few moments of silence we bring before you our personal prayers of petition and thanksgiving
Sally Paul Keenor John Hallewell Heather Oliver
Fr Bernard Fr Roy Doxsey Helen Dempster Ann Steward
Cayden Beere Fr Chris Barbara Rees Melba Giles
Claire Robert James Colin Kirby Rita Williams
Sue Evans Sue Jazz Johansen Kath Fullstone
Leigh Thomas Derek Watts Madeline Sedgwick
We entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Audrey Eyles
Lou Matthews
Alec Bisatt
Pat Pocock
Richard Parsons
Adrian Francis Davies
Sidney Charles Virgin
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.