St Clement Church Community 2nd Sunday before Lent Service
Good morning to you all as we celebrate our service of the Second Sunday before Lent (Easter day will be 5th April this year)
And I’m sure you’ll join with me in wishing May (aka my mum) a Happy 95th Birthday for Friday 6th February, rumour has it that Perran Bay are planning a party!
May Christ’s love sustain you always.
Rev Di and family xx
Let us pray;
God of all mercy, throughout the trials and tribulations of our lives, open our eyes to see what is beautiful, our minds to know what is true, and our hearts to seek what is good, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: ‘Morning has Broken’
Our prayers of Penitence
As brothers and sisters in God’s family, let us, in a moment of silence, recognise those failings in us that undermine relationships, and cause hurt to others:
When we bring hurt and betrayal upon those who love us…
Lord, have mercy.
When we are the cause of love to grow cold and attitudes to harden…
Christ, have mercy.
When we impede the way to forgiveness and reconciliation…
Lord, have mercy.
May Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our failings, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray our Collect for today
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1.1 – 2.3
New Testament Reading: Romans 8. 18 – 25
Hymn: ‘How Great Thou Art’
Gospel: Matthew 6. 25 - end
(Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Response: ‘Glory to you O Lord.’)
Jesus said: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
(This is the Gospel of the Lord. Response: ‘Praise to you, O, Christ’)
Reflection
Our Gospel reading today is part of the Sermon on the Mount and is one of the most beautiful teachings of Jesus:
Jesus said; ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.’
The words roll off the tongue like poetry they are, they give us comfort and remind us that God is with us, that He cares for us, and will provide what we need for a full and abundant life. But we shouldn’t let the poetry fool us. This teaching of Jesus is just as uncompromising as the ones we’ve heard before, where he said such things as,
“Don’t lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …”
“Don’t be angry …” “Turn the other cheek …” “Love your enemy …”
The Word for today is no exception: “Don’t worry about tomorrow,’’ because practically speaking, it’s just about impossible for us to do.
For instance;
We worry about the weather – I mean, we’ve certainly been suffering some terrible storms lately.
We worry about the environment.
We worry about the safety of our country.
We worry about our health, or the health of our loved ones.
We worry about the changing face of our communities and church lives. … the list just goes on and on….
Jesus tells us, plain and simple; “Don’t worry,” but we do it anyway, it’s as if we’re born to worry.
Some are better at it than others. I know people who could qualify as professional worriers, honestly, they could hire themselves out!
If they watch the weather forecast on TV and hear about a storm brewing, they worry themselves sick over it.
But by the time the storm has passed, there’s something new for them to worry about and, if not, they worry that they don’t have anything to worry about.
If we’re not careful, worrying can become a way of life, and such worrying can give us a false sense of importance, as if to say that by worrying, we’re somehow making a difference.
How wrong can we be!
Jesus tells us in this gospel passage not to worry.
And it’s not the first time we’ve heard this, the instruction not to worry echoes throughout the pages of the Bible.
For example, in his Letter to the Philippians, St Paul writes:
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And just before he was arrested, Jesus told his disciples not to worry, when he said; ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me.’
The bottom line is this; we’re taught not to worry, but we do it anyway. The question is, what can we do about it?
Well, I suggest three things: First, we can expose worry for what it is – a meaningless activity.
Worrying is like our hearts fibrillating, where the muscles of the heart race wildly, but don’t pump the blood like they’re supposed to.
They go through the motions ok, but they don’t do any good.
What keeps us alive is for the muscles of the heart to contract and expand in such a way as to pump the blood efficiently, just moving back and forth doesn’t get the job done.
In somewhat the same way, rushing backwards and forwards stressing out over a crisis may give us a feeling of being in the game, but it doesn’t accomplish anything. It’s a waste of time and recognising that can be the first step toward fulfilling Jesus’ command not to worry.
The second is to make a clear distinction between worry and concern. For example, if we hear about a child becoming lost, it’s only natural to be concerned about the welfare of the child and we pray the child will be found and returned safely home. To be concerned about the well-being of others is a good thing.
It shows that we care, we’re concerned. But there’s a big difference between worry and concern, and the difference is this; worrying is a dead-end street, it goes nowhere, but concern leads to action.
There are so many things going on in the world today, far and near, to worry about, but we shouldn’t waste our time in doing that.
Instead, we should pick what we’re most concerned about and do what we can to make a difference.
Such as:
If we’re worried about stormy weather and we have vulnerable neighbours, we can help them stay safe.
If we’re worried about the environment, such as plastic being dumped in the sea killing off marine life, we should pledge to stop using it, especially single use plastic.
If we’re worried about the changing face of our church life we should pledge our support of those who are striving to uphold the traditions we value.
And even if we can’t physically or even financially help, we can still do something equally important; by supporting such ventures in prayer. And when we do, we put your own worries behind us, and that’s the secret of it all, the more we do for others the less we worry about ourselves, and what I hope we’ll take home out of this today is just five words; “Don’t worry, do something, pray!” Amen.
Affirmation of our faith
Let us declare our faith in God.
We believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist.
We believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again.
We believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world.
This is the faith of the Church. This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymn: ‘Come Down, O Love Divine’
Our Intercessions are written by Helen Dunbar
Gathered together in one spirit, let us pray to our God.
Fill your Church, O Lord, with life and energy, spiritual health and vitality. As we feed on you, may we grow more like you. We pray for the Christian Church that it may renew and invigorate its mission in the world. As we move towards Lent, we ask for unity in a divided and hurting world, we pray for its leaders and church communities that they may hear, and act upon God’s word to them.
We thank you for our own country, for where we live, for our own community, for our families and friends, both near and far. Help us to value all that we have and hold dear, yet ever mindful of those who for various reasons are facing real hardship at this time. Those who are worried about livelihoods, are experiencing family tensions or have financial concerns. Keep us mindful of each other, helping out where we are able.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
We pray for the worldwide church, for Christians everywhere, for all bishops and clergy and all who minister across the globe. We ask for wisdom and guidance for all who are taking part in making difficult decisions. We pray for all churches in the area, for our own congregation here in St Clement, for all who visit our church who are seeking you, Lord, in prayer or solitude. We ask your blessing on Revd Diane and her husband Ken and their family, and the ministry she provides for each of us.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for those who seek to make peace in this divided world; for all leaders of nations that they may have the wisdom and courage to do what is right for all, that their hearts may be turned to you in the search for righteousness and truth; for those working to improve international relationships, that they may find the true way of reconciliation, and bring an end to the poverty and suffering that so many people in this world have to endure.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
Lord, we ask your blessing on King Charles and Queen Camilla and all the royal family.
May conflicts around the world which have in turn led to people being left without shelter, medicine, freedom or food, be brought to an end. Our thoughts and prayers go to war torn Ukraine, Palestine and the Middle East and all places in the world where there is unrest.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
God of mercy comfort all that are troubled, may they know peace, comfort and courage. Grant your protection to those in need; comfort them,
so that they may know your presence in their affliction. Surround them with your tenderness and support them in your ever-loving arms. We pray especially for those in hospital, care homes, and those waiting for medical treatment. Be with those unable to join us in worship today because they are in poor health; assure them of our prayers and your tender mercy, we remember especially: Reverend Diane, Ken, Brian, May, Susan, Tony, Jan, Lynda, Dot, Maureen, Pam and David, Sandra, Roger, Michael and Patricia, Rob and Alison, Mary, Jeremy, Anita and Stephen, Callum and Elaine, Sue and Martin, Margaret and John, Coral and Paul, Barbara, Simone, Felicity, Dinah, Daphne and David, David and Jeanette, Stanley, Carol, Rachael, Liz and Lorrie, all those known to each of us and those who have no one to pray for them.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
Father, we call to mind all those we have known and loved who lived among us and now have died. We pray for all who have made that journey unnoticed and alone. We ask that they may all know your mercy and the everlasting peace and joy of heaven and we remember those whose anniversary falls at this time - John Fugler, William Lee, Helen Eddy, Marjorie Walton, Dorothy Jeffery, Mike Reed and Vincent Frost.
Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer
From the book of prayer requests at the back of the church we are asked to pray for Glendale. Also, for those struggling with mental health problems, that they may find courage, comfort and love in 2026.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of St Andrew, St Clement and all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray with confidence as Jesus taught us;
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’
The Peace
‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name’ says the Lord,
‘I am there among them’
May the peace of God be always with us. Amen.
Blessing
May God the Father, by whose glory Christ was raised from the dead, strengthen us to walk with him in his risen life; and may the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, those whom we love, and remain with us always. Amen.