Worship
26th June 2022
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Matthew
Glory to you, O Lord
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Matthew
Glory to you, O Lord
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ
I was thinking of the patron saints of all the Churches I have been attached to in my life - the Churches of St Stephen, St Luke, St Peter (Two different ones), St Mary, All Saints, St Margaret, St Michael, St Martin, St Mary Magdalene, Holy Trinity and St Ciwg (have you heard of this saint? Some scholars think she was a woman). Let's not forget the Welsh saints. Indeed, the Cathedral is dedicated to four Welsh saints. The sixth century indeed was known as the age of saints. Why do churches choose to be dedicated to a particular saint?
Originally a church chose the name of a saint who had a connection to that place, who perhaps had lived or died there, and often relics of these saints were taken to and kept in the church. Perhaps the ruler of the area, the important person in that community had a particular devotion to a Saint. Not only churches, but countries and even occupations chose a particular Saint to be their patron. (I’ve even found a patron saint of Pizza!). But what is a patron saint, why choose one? A patron saint is one whom we ask to pray for us. We are told that the Saints in heaven continually pray and we ask our patron saint to join with our prayers. That doesn’t of course mean that we can’t pray ourselves; it is having someone to pray with us, someone who supports and protects us. Our patron saint is of course St. Peter.
There is another type of patron. Not a saint, but someone we look to for support. Charities and organisations, and even individuals have patrons who support them and often are responsible for making their cause known. This can often lead to them becoming better known and often helps to raise much needed funding.
Someone to pray, someone to support, someone to look after? Doesn’t that sound familiar? Not a saint maybe, but someone in your life who has done exactly that. Maybe a parent, maybe a relative, maybe someone who has influenced you for good? Patrons take many forms.
Do you remember when you were young playing Pass the Parcel? You received something then passed it on. Time to do it again! Life we know is very difficult at the moment, but always we can find someone worse off than ourselves. It’s not a question of giving something which we honestly can’t afford, but of being there, of letting people know they are not alone.
We may not be saints (In my case definitely not!) but we too can be patrons. We too can love, support and, most importantly, pray for those we know and those whom we have never met, but who desperately need our help. Just as we remember those who helped and inspired us, so one day maybe someone will remember the difference we made to their lives. We may not have churches dedicated to us - but what we can give will live on long after we are gone.
Margaret Smith
Originally a church chose the name of a saint who had a connection to that place, who perhaps had lived or died there, and often relics of these saints were taken to and kept in the church. Perhaps the ruler of the area, the important person in that community had a particular devotion to a Saint. Not only churches, but countries and even occupations chose a particular Saint to be their patron. (I’ve even found a patron saint of Pizza!). But what is a patron saint, why choose one? A patron saint is one whom we ask to pray for us. We are told that the Saints in heaven continually pray and we ask our patron saint to join with our prayers. That doesn’t of course mean that we can’t pray ourselves; it is having someone to pray with us, someone who supports and protects us. Our patron saint is of course St. Peter.
There is another type of patron. Not a saint, but someone we look to for support. Charities and organisations, and even individuals have patrons who support them and often are responsible for making their cause known. This can often lead to them becoming better known and often helps to raise much needed funding.
Someone to pray, someone to support, someone to look after? Doesn’t that sound familiar? Not a saint maybe, but someone in your life who has done exactly that. Maybe a parent, maybe a relative, maybe someone who has influenced you for good? Patrons take many forms.
Do you remember when you were young playing Pass the Parcel? You received something then passed it on. Time to do it again! Life we know is very difficult at the moment, but always we can find someone worse off than ourselves. It’s not a question of giving something which we honestly can’t afford, but of being there, of letting people know they are not alone.
We may not be saints (In my case definitely not!) but we too can be patrons. We too can love, support and, most importantly, pray for those we know and those whom we have never met, but who desperately need our help. Just as we remember those who helped and inspired us, so one day maybe someone will remember the difference we made to their lives. We may not have churches dedicated to us - but what we can give will live on long after we are gone.
Margaret Smith
Please use these prayers at home during the week
Almighty Father, on this our Patronal Feast day, we give thanks that you entrusted the leadership of the Church to St Peter. We pray for all our Bishops, priests and deacons; for the West Cardiff Ministry Area, for our Ministry Area Leader, Mother Frances and all our clergy, and for the Ministry Area Council. For Reverend Emma and Fr Huw.
Loving God we thank you for the beauty and wonder of your creation. Help us to love and respect all that you have made; to share your gifts with our brothers and sisters in need and to protect and nurture all that is fragile and vulnerable on this earth.
As we witness ongoing religious persecution and intolerance and acts of aggression in our world, we pray for all victims of conflict. Grant the leaders of nations and factions the courage and resolve to turn away from violence and division and, through respect and love, to build peace. We pray for the people of Ukraine and of Russia
.
We pray for those in poverty and for those weighed down by troubles and anxieties. We remember especially those who are lonely or isolated and struggle to get the help they need.
Grant strength to those who are in need of your healing today, remembering especially:
Barbara Rees Melba Giles Heather Oliver Josie Thompson
Helen Dempster Alma Thomas Fr Chris Fr Roy Doxsey
Michelle Duggan Fr Stephen Dorothy Kirby Rita Williams
Robert James Sasha Emma Carol Rees
We pray for all who have recently died and are awaiting Christian burial:
We pray also for those who will die today, especially those who will die alone.
We remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Frank Carter
Jean Fussell
William Sidney Smith
William Brian Gallivan
John Bealey
Peter John Moore
Almighty Father, on this our Patronal Feast day, we give thanks that you entrusted the leadership of the Church to St Peter. We pray for all our Bishops, priests and deacons; for the West Cardiff Ministry Area, for our Ministry Area Leader, Mother Frances and all our clergy, and for the Ministry Area Council. For Reverend Emma and Fr Huw.
Loving God we thank you for the beauty and wonder of your creation. Help us to love and respect all that you have made; to share your gifts with our brothers and sisters in need and to protect and nurture all that is fragile and vulnerable on this earth.
As we witness ongoing religious persecution and intolerance and acts of aggression in our world, we pray for all victims of conflict. Grant the leaders of nations and factions the courage and resolve to turn away from violence and division and, through respect and love, to build peace. We pray for the people of Ukraine and of Russia
.
We pray for those in poverty and for those weighed down by troubles and anxieties. We remember especially those who are lonely or isolated and struggle to get the help they need.
Grant strength to those who are in need of your healing today, remembering especially:
Barbara Rees Melba Giles Heather Oliver Josie Thompson
Helen Dempster Alma Thomas Fr Chris Fr Roy Doxsey
Michelle Duggan Fr Stephen Dorothy Kirby Rita Williams
Robert James Sasha Emma Carol Rees
We pray for all who have recently died and are awaiting Christian burial:
We pray also for those who will die today, especially those who will die alone.
We remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Frank Carter
Jean Fussell
William Sidney Smith
William Brian Gallivan
John Bealey
Peter John Moore
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.
