Worship
13 April 2025
GOSPEL: JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
N: Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there, and he said
J: It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.
N: Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
GOSPEL: JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
N: Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there, and he said
J: It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.
N: Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
WEEKLY REFLECTION
So this is the beginning of Holy week—Hasn’t the weather been lovely the last couple of weeks? Changing now. Seems more suitable somehow, for this week I mean.
Haven’t noticed really, I don’t even watch the news these days. Frightening, isn’t it? Don’t know what’s going to happen to the world. I hope it’s not going to affect us. Money’s tight enough as it is.
This is the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem . Not on a triumphal horse but on a donkey. The crowds waved palms and cheered him.
And every time the phone goes it’s more bad news. My friend is still not well. She’s still waiting for her op. And of course, my son losing his job like that. It’s so hard for young people these days.
But the cheering soon stopped as the week went on. The Pharisees and the agitators were busy stirring up the crowds against Jesus. He still carried out his work of teaching although He knew what lay ahead. He cast out the money changers from the Temple and told Hid disciples of the need for faith and the destruction of the hypocrisy and wrong doing of those who considered themselves great.
Oh, that reminds me. I’ve got to sort out my Euros. We’re off to France on the 20th. I could do with a break. It’s been a tough year.
And then on Maundy Thursday he had that last Supper with His friends and shared the bread and wine. His body and His blood. He asked us to take it in remembrance of Him.
I must remember to get a bit of Lamb for Sunday. John likes it. Not keen myself. It’s got so expensive.
How awful it must have been knowing that someone was going to betray Him. He must have been in agony because he went out into the garden and wept bitterly. Even then His disciples didn’t understand. They fell asleep.
Hope it doesn’t rain too much. John thinks he could give the lawn its first cut. Those tulips I planted are looking lovely.
And when he was arrested, they all ran away. Even Peter betrayed Him at the trial.
Have you heard from Sue lately? She always moans if I don’t ring her, but I tell her “Phones work two ways”. I know she’s on her own but lots of people are. And then on Good Friday-
Of course I must get more hot cross buns. John’s a real pig. Eats them as soon as I buy them.
Are you coming to church this week? No. I’ve got too much to do. With the kids coming for lunch on Sunday. I’ve bought theirEaster eggs. Shocking price, and they’re much smaller than they used to be, but I like to give them a treat. After all, it’s Easter.
And on Good Friday Jesus was nailed to a Cross and said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Sorry, what did you say? I’m afraid I wasn’t really listening.
Margaret Smith
So this is the beginning of Holy week—Hasn’t the weather been lovely the last couple of weeks? Changing now. Seems more suitable somehow, for this week I mean.
Haven’t noticed really, I don’t even watch the news these days. Frightening, isn’t it? Don’t know what’s going to happen to the world. I hope it’s not going to affect us. Money’s tight enough as it is.
This is the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem . Not on a triumphal horse but on a donkey. The crowds waved palms and cheered him.
And every time the phone goes it’s more bad news. My friend is still not well. She’s still waiting for her op. And of course, my son losing his job like that. It’s so hard for young people these days.
But the cheering soon stopped as the week went on. The Pharisees and the agitators were busy stirring up the crowds against Jesus. He still carried out his work of teaching although He knew what lay ahead. He cast out the money changers from the Temple and told Hid disciples of the need for faith and the destruction of the hypocrisy and wrong doing of those who considered themselves great.
Oh, that reminds me. I’ve got to sort out my Euros. We’re off to France on the 20th. I could do with a break. It’s been a tough year.
And then on Maundy Thursday he had that last Supper with His friends and shared the bread and wine. His body and His blood. He asked us to take it in remembrance of Him.
I must remember to get a bit of Lamb for Sunday. John likes it. Not keen myself. It’s got so expensive.
How awful it must have been knowing that someone was going to betray Him. He must have been in agony because he went out into the garden and wept bitterly. Even then His disciples didn’t understand. They fell asleep.
Hope it doesn’t rain too much. John thinks he could give the lawn its first cut. Those tulips I planted are looking lovely.
And when he was arrested, they all ran away. Even Peter betrayed Him at the trial.
Have you heard from Sue lately? She always moans if I don’t ring her, but I tell her “Phones work two ways”. I know she’s on her own but lots of people are. And then on Good Friday-
Of course I must get more hot cross buns. John’s a real pig. Eats them as soon as I buy them.
Are you coming to church this week? No. I’ve got too much to do. With the kids coming for lunch on Sunday. I’ve bought theirEaster eggs. Shocking price, and they’re much smaller than they used to be, but I like to give them a treat. After all, it’s Easter.
And on Good Friday Jesus was nailed to a Cross and said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Sorry, what did you say? I’m afraid I wasn’t really listening.
Margaret Smith
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.
