St Clement Church Community Sunday Service 28.7.24
Good morning to you all as we celebrate the 9th Sunday after Trinity, this service is for you to read at home if you’re unable to attend with us at St Clement. Sadly, covid is still with us, so please continue to keep yourselves safe when you go out and about, especially as our county will be very busy during the holiday season.
Much love and may Christ’s love sustain you always.
Rev Di and family xx
Let us pray;
Lord Jesus Christ, give us the desire to seek first God’s will in all things. Help us to listen to your Word, and show forth your love, in lives of service and sacrifice. Amen.
Hymn: ‘How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds’
Our prayers of Penitence
Christ the light of the world came to dispel the darkness of our hearts. In his light let us confess our failings:
Jesus, Emmanuel,
Forgive our ungrateful hearts…..Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, Son of God,
Forgive our self-centred lives…..Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, Prince of Peace,
Forgive our bitter conflicts…..Lord, have mercy.
May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save us, bring us his pardon and peace, now and for ever. Amen.
Let us pray our Collect for the 9th Sunday after Trinity
Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church: open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings:
2 Kings 4. 42-end
Ephesians 3. 14-end
Hymn; ‘Come Down O Love Divine’
Gospel: John 6. 1-21
(Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Response: ‘Glory to you O Lord.’)
After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’
Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’
When Jesus realised that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.
Reflection
“A Favorite Story” is a sermon interpretation of the first part of today’s gospel reading where Jesus feeds the 5000. We all have favourite stories don’t we, which we share with family and friends, at get-togethers the conversation will often get around to an old story which begins with; “Do you remember that time when….” and people will either groan or laugh at the memory.
For example, when Ken and I get together with friends, we’re often asked to recount yet again, the story of what happened on our holiday to North Wales, as if it wasn’t embarrassing enough, they have to keep reminding us. Well, what happened was…….one day we were out driving around, exploring as you do, and we passed by a farm gate through which you could see the most stunning panoramic view of the Welsh coastline.
We stopped the car, but as the lane was so windy and narrow we didn’t get out, instead we peered through the car windows and the bars of the gate, just to catch what glimpses we could. With hindsight, passengers in passing cars were giving us funny looks, as did a man going by walking his dog. Anyway, after much peering through the gate we continued on our way, only to find less than 20 yards away round the next bend was a purpose made viewing point with ample parking spaces and telescopes! Our only comfort was that nobody knew us there!
That story often gets remembered, and like most old favourites, it captures the essence of the people involved, namely that Ken and I are totally bonkers!
Well, the gospel story for today is an old favourite about Jesus and his disciples that was told over and over again. Some stories are only told once in the gospels.... such as the story of the Good Samaritan, or of the Prodigal Son. But today’s story, about the five loaves and two fish, is told four times in its variations. In fact it’s the only Gospel miracle which is told in its entirety in all four Gospels. So I’d like to retell it for you, but also include elements from other Gospel stories that are connected to it.
Don’t worry, it shouldn’t take too long!
It was springtime in Israel. The rains had come, the flowers were blooming and the brown hills were green with grass again. It was the Passover holiday, people were taking trips, packing their donkeys and going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was a time of fasting, feasting and traveling. It was a time of fame for Jesus. His popularity was becoming enormous, and thousands would gather to hear him preach. But it was also a time of tragedy in Israel.
John the Baptist had just been beheaded. He was the greatest prophet the land of Israel had experienced for four hundred years, he’d been the people’s spiritual leader, and everyone was stunned by this enormous loss, including Jesus. So it was a time for grieving in Israel, and Jesus wanted to get away by himself to pray, and grieve the loss of John the Baptist.
He got into a boat to sail across to a remote point, in order to leave behind the massive crowds who were following him, but they could see from the shore where he was sailing to, and they followed along the shoreline, keeping an eye on his boat, and when it landed, many of the crowd had already arrived.
What was Jesus’ reaction to the thousands who’d shown up? Irritated? Angry? No, he looked on the massive crowd with compassion, upon the loss of John they were like sheep without a shepherd, they were in need of spiritual feeding. And so he taught them and he healed them. The day quickly passed, and one of the disciples said: “Lord, the hour is late, the people don’t have any food and we’re a long way from any villages.
Maybe you should send them home now.” And Jesus said; “Look around the crowd and see what you can find.” Andrew found a young boy with five loaves of bread and two fish, and brought the boy and the food to Jesus.
Jesus invited everyone to be seated on the grass, took the bread and gave thanks, then he gave it out to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied, and there was even twelve baskets of bread left over.
Variations of that story were told over and over again in the gospels.
Jesus can work miracles with five loaves and two fish.
And we must remember that the little boy was from a very poor family as barley loaves were only eaten by the poorer people in those times as they couldn’t afford to buy the more expensive wheat.
That’s at the heart of it, that the little boy brought his meagre gifts to Jesus, his five poor barley loaves and two fish, and look what mighty miracles God did with them. And God wants to do the same with us; if we bring our meagre gifts to him, not loaves, or fish, thankfully for us vegetarians, but our talents and gifts. With the simplicity of who we are, God can work miracles through our lives.
Sometimes people ask about this story: “How did he do it? How did Christ feed all those people with so little food?”
I like to think that the selfish hearts of five thousand people were transformed; that when they saw the example of the poor little boy giving Jesus his much needed bread and fish, they were inspired to look inside their coats and share the food that they had brought with them, which had been selfishly hidden inside their clothing. As the Bible says: “A little child shall lead them.”
Jesus said that Christians would go on to do greater miracles than he did when he was on earth. If by the use of our gifts we could be the small catalyst which enables Christ to work that miracle today, to begin the transformation of five thousand or five million selfish hearts, we could feed the whole world, not only with physical food, but we could satisfy their spiritual hunger too. That’s the essence of this miracle. 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; ‘Breathe on me Breath of God’
Our Intercessions this week are written by Liz Davies
As we bow our heads in the quietness of this place, still the busyness of our minds, and open our hearts to receive Your guidance, wisdom and love. Thank you, Father, for this ancient place of worship and prayer: for the faith that has blossomed here, for the worship offered here; for the lives that have been touched here, and the commitment stirred into life here. As we tread in the footsteps of those who have come before us, bless us and all who come here, and speak to us with the whisper of your love.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Lord, we pray for the unity of your Church. Where there is division, help us to understand that is the responsibility of us all to draw together in unity. Help us to see ourselves as rays from one sun, branches of a single tree, and streams flowing from one river. May we remain united to You and to each other because You are the common source of life; and may we send out Your light and pour forth Your flowing streams over all the earth, drawing inspiration and joy from You.
We thank you for all those who are working faithfully to lead your Church here in the United Kingdom – for Archbishop Justin and in this diocese, Bishop Hugh. We pray for our vicar, Reverend Di, who gives so much to this church and to the communities in which she serves. May they always be aware of the blessings you bestow on them; strengthen them and uphold them when they grow weary in their ministries. Constantly remind us all that you who began all the good work in us will ultimately perfect it.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Father, we pray for your whole creation; for all people throughout the world and for their lives to be respected regardless of creed or colour, gender or sexuality, wealth or status and for a responsible sharing of precious resources and the conservation of our fragile and beautiful world. We pray for our government and all world leaders and the responsibilities that they have in bringing these things about.
We pray for King Charles, Queen Camilla and all the royal family as they go about their duties.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us
Lord, we bring before you with sadness the horror of war – remembering at this time the suffering in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel. Help us to work for a better understanding between races and nations.
God of peace, we pray for a spirit of mutual interest and concern between those of different colours, culture and creeds. Teach us to respect diversity; help us to move, always in hope, towards a peaceful community of peoples. Open our eyes to see our own part in discord and aggression between people; forgive us our pride and divisions, and renew in us the search for peace, so that trust may replace suspicion, friendship replace fear, and your spirit of reconciliation be known among us.
Lord, help us to listen to each other, to be gentle with one another, to forgive each other, and to be willing to laugh at ourselves.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Lord, we pray for those who share our lives whether fleetingly or throughout its time. May we be welcoming and caring who-ever, wherever and whenever we meet.
Lord, as the holiday season comes into full swing, we pray that those on holiday, wherever they may be, may find rest and recuperation from their busy lives and may return home with new vision, energy and contentment.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Dear Lord, when You walked among hurt and lonely people, You looked with understanding and approached them with arms outstretched, showing them that they were truly loved. Be with all who are suffering in body, mind or spirit. Be the light in their darkness and their refuge and strength in times of fear and uncertainty. We especially bring before you: Ken and Reverend Diane, May, Susan, Lauren, Lynda, Terry and Dot, Margaret, Maureen, Pam and David, Barrie and Sandra, Michael and Patricia, Rob and Alison, Stella, Jeremy, William, Jan, Anita and Stephen, Callum and Elaine, Andy, Ann, all those known to each of us and those who have no one to pray for them.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Lord, we commend to You all those whose earthly journey has come to an end. You gave them breath and loved them through their lives. Receive them now in Your infinite tenderness and give them peace. Be with those who are left behind and comfort them in their loss.
We also remember all those whose year’s mind occurs at this time: Phyllis Davey and Molly Loftus.
Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us
Lord, teach us the silence of love, the silence of wisdom, the silence of humility, the silence of faith, the silence that speaks without words.
O Saviour, teach us to silence our hearts that we may listen to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit within us, and sense the depths which are God, today and always.
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; ‘Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer’
The Peace
We are the body of Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised into one body. Let us then pursue all that makes for peace and build up our common life. May the peace of God be always with us. Amen.
Blessing
May God the Holy Trinity make us strong in faith and love, defend us on every side and guide us in truth and peace. And may the presence of God watch over us, the power of God protect us, those whom we love, and may we never forget that wherever we are, God is with us always.
Amen.