This Sunday is the 3rd of October 2021,
the 18th Sunday after Trinity.

St Michael’s from a drone.
Photo by Paul Filmer.

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week. This week, Stewart Biggs has pre-recorded material for Online Worship from St Michael’s, Offham. Today we are exploring Jesus’ teaching on marriage, divorce and family life from Mark chapter 2 and Stewart offers his own reflections on how we can learn from Christ’s words for today. Our thanks to his wife Sally for recording the Bible reading.

However you are feeling about church and other things opening up more and more, if you find you need some support or help with practical things, or want someone to listen, please do contact us.

Notices

To catch up on the latest news and notices from both West Malling and Offham, follow this link to read our Notices page for this week.

Giving to support St Mary’s and St Michael’s

If you can donate to support the ministry of St Mary’s West Malling and St Michael’s Offham, we very much appreciate your generosity and partnership with us. Follow the links to find out more about how to set-up regular giving or to make an online one-off donation today.

Stewart’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading, 02:29 onwards the Sermon with Stewart.

Songs to sing today

All creatures of our God and King

Brother, sister, let me serve you

All-Age: Lord, you have my heart

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession for Ordinary Time

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ
to hear us when we pray in faith.

Strengthen Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge, and all your Church in the service of Christ,
that those who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority;
and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us…
[take a moment to pray for family and friends]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit …;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are unwell]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ …;
according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are grieving]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Michael & All Angels, and all your saints,
we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

Almighty God,
healer of the sick and strength of the weak,
look with mercy on all those who suffer at this time.
Bring healing to those who are sick,
bring peace to those who are anxious,
bring strength to those who care for them,
and bring wisdom to our leaders
that our whole society may journey together through this difficult time
with determination and generosity,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God, our judge and saviour,
teach us to be open to your truth
and to trust in your love,
that we may live each day
with confidence in the salvation which is given
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

May the peace of God, 
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, 
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

• Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Jim & Jean Brown, Brian Heath, Julie Murray, Cynthia & John Noble, Irina Walker.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Keith & Diana Bullard, Robin & Rosemary Law, Julie Murray, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Sheila Sandes, Eileen Vickers, Barbara Ward, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of Violet Mills, Alan Gay, Peter Abbott, Bill Hyde and Carol Baggaley who have all died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in the arts or entertainment. For the creativity of God’s Spirit, economic favour, a prophetic voice and their witness at work.
• Giving thanks for our Treasurers and all those who help to steward our church finances which enable our mission and ministry.
• Prayers for St John’s Church and the people of Wateringbury.
• As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life. For reconciliation in our nation and economic progress following our departure from the European Union.
• For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy, including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the people of Louisiana in the USA, for Afghanistan and for the people of Haiti, also for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Yemen.
• For David & Robin Stearns, mission link partners in Uganda.

Daily Prayer

It is now possible to pray each day via the Church of England website with Morning and Evening Prayer and Prayer during the Day all provided, along with the correct lectionary readings for each day.

There’s also an App you can download to get the same material direct to your smartphone or tablet device.

Since this facility is now available, we won’t be reprinting the lectionary readings each week here on this page.

Find out more here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer

This Sunday is the 26th of September 2021,
the 17th Sunday after Trinity.

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week. We hope you have enjoyed the live-stream from St Mary’s for the last couple of weeks. This week, Rev David has pre-recorded material for Online Worship from St Michael’s, Offham. We are continuing our exploration of the letter of St James and David ponders how unconfessed sin and unresolved issues can cause us difficulties.

However you are feeling about church and other things opening up more and more, if you find you need some support or help with practical things, or want someone to listen, please do contact us.

Notices

To catch up on the latest news and notices from both West Malling and Offham, follow this link to read our Notices page for this week. There’s a lot going on once again, including some details about the upcoming Harvest Festivals.

Giving to support St Mary’s and St Michael’s

If you can donate to support the ministry of St Mary’s West Malling and St Michael’s Offham, we very much appreciate your generosity and partnership with us. Follow the links to find out more about how to set-up regular giving or to make an online one-off donation today.

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading, 01:48 onwards the Sermon with David.

Songs to sing today

Immortal, Invisible

Make me a channel of your peace

All-Age: Purify my heart

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession for Ordinary Time

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ
to hear us when we pray in faith.

Strengthen Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge, and all your Church in the service of Christ,
that those who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority;
and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us…
[take a moment to pray for family and friends]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit …;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are unwell]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ …;
according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are grieving]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Michael & All Angels, and all your saints,
we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Gracious God,
you call us to fullness of life:
deliver us from unbelief
and banish our anxieties
with the liberating love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

May the peace of God, 
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, 
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

• Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Jim & Jean Brown, Brian Heath, Julie Murray, Cynthia & John Noble, Irina Walker.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Keith & Diana Bullard, Robin & Rosemary Law, Julie Murray, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Sheila Sandes, Eileen Vickers, Barbara Ward, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of baby Briar-Rose, Violet Mills, Alan Gay and Peter Abbott, who have all died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in financial services. For good stewardship, rebuilding of trust in our economy, and witness to Christ.
• Giving thanks for our Sidepersons and those who welcome everyone to St Mary’s and St Michael’s and support us each week in our worship.
• Prayers for St Gabriel’s and the people of Kings Hill.
• As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
• For reconciliation in our nation and economic progress following our departure from the European Union.
• For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the people of Louisiana in the USA, for Afghanistan and for the people of Haiti, also for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Yemen.
• For Daniel & Sarah Brito Medeiros, CMS mission link partners in Brazil.

Daily Prayer

It is now possible to pray each day via the Church of England website with Morning and Evening Prayer and Prayer during the Day all provided, along with the correct lectionary readings for each day.

There’s also an App you can download to get the same material direct to your smartphone or tablet device.

Since this facility is now available, we won’t be reprinting the lectionary readings each week here on this page.

Find out more here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer

This Sunday is the 5th of September 2021,
the 14th Sunday after Trinity.

Photo by Gavin Atkin, 2018

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week. St Michael’s mark their All-Age Worship this week in church with a “Back to School Sunday”. St Mary’s will be doing similar next week. Here online, Rev David is exploring St James’ teaching about how ‘thoughts and prayers’ is not enough. Our faith and our kind words must be accompanied by loving action.

He relates St James’ to schools and to workplaces as we ponder ancient words with modern relevance.

However you are feeling about church and other things opening up more and more, if you find you need some support or help with practical things, or want someone to listen, please do contact us.

Notices

To catch up on the latest news and notices from both West Malling and Offham, follow this link to read our Notices page for this week. This week, as well as our local notices, there’s details of how you can help the people of Haiti and Afghanistan.

Giving to support St Mary’s and St Michael’s

If you can donate to support the ministry of St Mary’s West Malling and St Michael’s Offham, we very much appreciate your generosity and partnership with us. Follow the links to find out more about how to set-up regular giving or to make an online one-off donation today.

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading, 02:03 onwards the Sermon with David.

Songs to sing today

Jesus is Lord, Creation’s voice proclaims it

All-Age: The Golden Rule (love, love, love one another)

All-Age: Build your kingdom here

Prayers for today

Prayers of Intercession for Ordinary Time

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ
to hear us when we pray in faith.

Strengthen Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge, and all your Church in the service of Christ,
that those who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority;
and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us…
[take a moment to pray for family and friends]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit …;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are unwell]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ …;
according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
[take a moment to pray for those you know who are grieving]

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Michael & All Angels, and all your saints,
we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

Lord Jesus, when you walked with us on earth
you spread your healing power.
We place in your loving care all who are affected by Coronavirus.
Keep us strong in faith, hope and love.
Bring relief to our sick,
console our bereaved,
protect those who care for us.
We lift our prayer to you Lord,
and trust in your infinite mercy,
as we wait for a new day to dawn.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Merciful God,
your Son came to save us
and bore our sins on the cross:
may we trust in your mercy
and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness
that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Blessing

May the peace of God, 
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, 
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Be at peace. Love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Resources for the week ahead

Prayer pointers

• Those who have asked for our prayers (Offham): Jim & Jean Brown, Brian Heath, Cynthia & John Noble, Irina Walker.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Keith & Diana Bullard, Robin & Rosemary Law, Julie Murray, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Eileen Vickers, Barbara Ward, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of Ron Marchant, Colin Attree, baby Briar-Rose and Violet Mills, who have all died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in government, whether locally or nationally. For wisdom, servant-hearted leadership and their witness to Christ at work.
• Giving thanks for our Directors of Music, St Mary’s choir and music group and all they do to encourage our sung worship each week.
• Prayers for St Lawrence’s Church and the people of Mereworth.
• As we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, we pray for the UK and world authorities; political, medical, scientific, civil and religious.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life. For reconciliation in our nation and economic progress following our departure from the European Union.
• For authorities and emergency services working in areas of war, humanitarian or ecological tragedy including all nations affected by Coronavirus. Especially we pray for the people of Afghanistan and for the people of Haiti, also for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Yemen.
• For local mission partners at Pilsdon, Spadework and Kenward Trust.

Daily Prayer

It is now possible to pray each day via the Church of England website with Morning and Evening Prayer and Prayer during the Day all provided, along with the correct lectionary readings for each day.

There’s also an App you can download to get the same material direct to your smartphone or tablet device.

Since this facility is now available, we won’t be reprinting the lectionary readings each week here on this page.

Find out more here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer