This Sunday is the 14th of September 2020,
the 15th 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.

Our two lovely local retired Clergy take the reins this week with Canon Alan hosting our online worship and Rev Jim providing his reflections on one of Jesus’ parables in Matthew 20.

We hope that you are in good heart and good health, but (as always) please do say so if you’re in need of some extra support, some extra prayer or need someone to listen. Let’s make sure we look after one another during this difficult time and ask for help when we need it!

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer

Majesty, worship His Majesty!

All-Age song: We are marching in the light of God

Jim’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:13 the Bible Reading with Kathy, 03:29 onwards the Sermon with Rev Jim.

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 James and Simon, our bishops, 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

Based on Romans 8.38-39

God of heaven and earth,
in these times of isolation,
apart from loved ones
distant from friends
away from neighbours
thank you that there is nothing
in all of creation,
not even coronavirus,
that is able to separate us from your love.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Lord God,
defend your Church from all false teaching
and give to your people knowledge of your truth,
that we may enjoy eternal life
in 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): Hilda Bodley, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Colin & Lesley Bays, Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, David Leslie, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, and Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael and Alice.
• For the families of Enid Thompson, Dawn Waterfield and Nigel Cooke, all of whom have died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in the healthcare professions. For healing, care, strength and comfort and for their witness at work.
• Giving thanks for our Churchwardens and all that they do to support our Minister, supervise our buildings and lead the congregations.
• Praying for one another while our buildings are restricted in capacity for public worship, holding those in our hearts who cannot be present, whether because they are shielding, fearful, housebound, working, or simply because we’re at capacity. We pray also for those who are in the church buildings and for their blessing.
• 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 unity and reconciliation in our nation 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 USA, India and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
• For Daniel & Sarah Brito Medeiros, CMS mission link partners in Brazil.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Creationtide.

Monday Morning – Psalms 49, 117, 1 Kings 19.15-21, 2 Timothy 3.14-17 (St Matthew’s day)
Monday Evening – Psalm 119.33-40, 89-96, Ecclesiastes 5.4-12, Matthew 19.16-30 (St Matthew’s day)
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 32, 36, 1 Kings 8.63-9.9, Acts 16.25-end
Tuesday Evening – Psalm 33, 1 Chronicles 28.11-end, Mark 11.12-26
Wednesday Morning – Psalm 34, 1 Kings 10.1-25, Acts 17.1-15
Wednesday Evening – Psalms 119.33-56, 1 Chronicles 29.1-9, Mark 11.27-end
Thursday Morning – Psalm 37, 1 Kings 11.1-13, Acts 17.16-end
Thursday Evening – Psalms 39, 40, 1 Chronicles 29.10-20, Mark 12.1-12
Friday Morning – Psalm 31, 1 Kings 11.26-end, Acts 18.1-21
Friday Evening – Psalm 35, 1 Chronicles 29.21-end, Mark 12.13-17
Saturday Morning – Psalms 41, 42, 43, 1 Kings 12.1-24, Acts 18.22-19.7
Saturday Evening – Psalms 45, 46, 2 Chronicles 1.1-13, Mark 12.18-27

This Sunday is the 13th of September 2020,
the 14th Sunday after Trinity.

Photo by atirme from FreeImages

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

Welcome to our Online Worship for this week.

After his recent fortnight’s holiday, Rev David is back with us online this week and reflecting on a famous passage from Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus promises that where two or three gather in his name, he will be in the midst of them.

It’s a helpful reminder as we continue to worship in a mixed environment of online and offline, that wherever we are, as we gather we are in the presence of Jesus. Let’s pray for one another that we will sense God’s presence and his encouragement for us all.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

All-Age song: One more step along the world I go

All-Age song: O Happy Day!

All-Age song: The joy of the Lord is my strength

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:23 the Bible Reading with Ella, 04:08 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

Prayers for today

Light a candle online

The Church of England’s official website has a special ‘light a candle’ online prayer page. You can visit the site, follow the brief instructions which guide you, not only on how to use the page, but also how to quiet your heart and mind and say your prayer. Why not give it a go?

The All-Age Prayer Basket

During our offline All-Age services over the last few years, we’ve developed a little ‘tradition’ of a Prayer Basket. Anyone can write a prayer for themselves, someone they know, someone who is ill, a community, a nation or anything that’s on their mind. We gather them together and read them aloud in the service to guide our prayers.

This video is our online equivalent Prayer Basket for this month’s All-Age service. Thank you to everyone who contributed. If you want to contribute a video prayer for the next Prayer Basket in October, please feel free to contact us to find out how you can send it in.

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

A children’s prayer

Lord God, you are always with me.
You are with me in the day and in the night.
You are with me when I’m happy and when I’m sad.
You are with me when I’m healthy and when I am ill.
You are with me when I am peaceful and when I am worried.
Today I am feeling (name how you are feeling) because (reasons you are feeling this way).
Help me to remember that you love me
and are with me in everything today.
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): Hilda Bodley, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Colin & Lesley Bays, Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, and Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael and Alice.
• For the families of Enid Thompson, Dawn Waterfield and Nigel Cooke, all of whom have died recently.
• For those in our congregation who live alone. For balance in times of fellowship and their own space, for God’s presence always with them.
• Giving thanks for our Area Dean, Archdeacon and Bishops and for God’s blessing on their ministry and family life.
• Praying for one another while our buildings are restricted in capacity for public worship, holding those in our hearts who cannot be present, whether because they are shielding, fearful, housebound, working, or simply because we’re at capacity. We pray also for those who are in the church buildings and for their blessing.
• 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 unity and reconciliation in our nation 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 USA, India and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
• For Rev Peeter Kaldur, and our partner churches of St Michael’s, Jõhvi and Pühajõe church in Estonia.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Creationtide.

Monday Morning – Psalms 2, 8, 146, Genesis 3.1-15, John 12.27-36a (Holy Cross day)
Monday Evening – Psalms 110, 150, Isaiah 63.1-16, 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 (Holy Cross day)
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 5, 6, (8), 1 Kings 1.32-2.4;2.10-12, Acts 13.44-14.7
Tuesday Evening – Psalms 9, 10, 1 Chronicles 13, Mark 10.1-16
Wednesday Morning – Psalm 119.1-32, 1 Kings 3, Acts 14.8-end
Wednesday Evening – Psalms 11, 12, 13, 1 Chronicles 15.1-16.3, Mark 10.17-31
Thursday Morning – Psalms 14, 15, 16, 1 Kings 4.29-5.12, Acts 15.1-21
Thursday Evening – Psalm 18, 1 Chronicles 17, Mark 10.32-34
Friday Morning – Psalms 17, 19, 1 Kings 6.1, 11-28, Acts 15.22-35
Friday Evening – Psalm 22, 1 Chronicles 21.1-22.1, Mark 10.35-45
Saturday Morning – Psalms 20, 21, 23, 1 Kings 8.1-30, Acts 15.36-16.5
Saturday Evening – Psalms 24, 25, 1 Chronicles 22.2-end, Mark 10.46-end

This Sunday is the 6th of September 2020,
the 13th 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.

After his recent fortnight’s holiday, Rev David is back with us online this week and reflecting on a famous passage from Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus promises that where two or three gather in his name, he will be in the midst of them.

It’s a helpful reminder as we continue to worship in a mixed environment of online and offline, that wherever we are, as we gather we are in the presence of Jesus. Let’s pray for one another that we will sense God’s presence and his encouragement for us all.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour

A new commandment I give unto you

All-Age song: Big family of God

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:25 the Bible Reading with Christie, 02:42 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

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 James and Simon, our bishops, 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

God of compassion,
have mercy upon this nation and our world
in this time of fear and confusion:
we bring before you those who are suffering from the Coronavirus;
the aged and those who are most vulnerable
and for all who tend to their needs;
we pray for those who are now in isolation;
may know your comfort and company
and that those around them may truly love their neighbour
by prayer and in works of care and kindness;
we pray for health professionals, doctors, nurses and hospital support staff
as they answer their vocation under increasing pressure;
and we pray for those upon whose shoulders
the yoke of leadership rests,
that in their conversation and communication
your still small voice may be heard.
We ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit,
through the One who stretched out his hands to bless and to heal
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Almighty God,
you search us and know us:
may we rely on you in strength
and rest on you in weakness,
now and in all our days;
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): Hilda Bodley, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, and Heather, William, Stephanie and Michael.
• For the families of Elizabeth Acheson-Gray, Paul Candler, Geoff Howard, Enid Thompson, Dawn Waterfield and Nigel Cooke, all of whom have died recently.
• For those in our congregation who go to school. For enthusiasm in their studies, good friendships and a faithful witness to Jesus.
• Giving thanks for our Vicar David and praying for him and his family as he returns to ministry this Sunday.
• Praying for one another as we re-open our buildings for public worship, holding those in our hearts who cannot be present, whether because they are shielding, fearful, housebound, working, or simply because we’re at capacity.
• Prayers for St Gabriel’s and the people of Kings Hill.
• For the UK and world authorities political, medical, scientific, civil and religious as we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
• For unity and reconciliation in our nation 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 USA and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
• For our link dioceses of Harare, Mpwapwa & Kondoa and Estonia.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).
Creationtide starts 1 September.

Monday Morning – Psalms 123, 124, 125, 126, 2 Samuel 18.1-18, Acts 10.34-end
Monday Evening – Psalms 127, 128, 129, Proverbs 25.1-14, Mark 8.11-21
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 132, 133, 2 Samuel 18.19-19.8a, Acts 11.1-18
Tuesday Evening – Psalms (134), 135, Proverbs 25.15-end, Mark 8.22-26
Wednesday Morning – Psalm 119.153-end, 2 Samuel 19.8b-23, Acts 11.19-end
Wednesday Evening – Psalm 136, Proverbs 26.12-end, Mark 8.27-9.1
Thursday Morning – Psalms 143, 146, 2 Samuel 19.24-end, Acts 12.1-17
Thursday Evening – Psalms 138, 140, 141, Proverbs 27.1-22, Mark 9.2-13
Friday Morning – Psalms 142, 144, 2 Samuel 23.1-7, Acts 12.18-end
Friday Evening – Psalm 145, Proverbs 30.1-9, 24-31, Mark 9.14-29
Saturday Morning – Psalm 147, 2 Samuel 24, Acts 13.1-12
Saturday Evening – Psalms 148, 149, 150, Proverbs 31.10-end, Mark 9.30-37

This Sunday is the 30th of August 2020,
the twelfth 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.

As schools get ready to return to a new normal, let’s pray for the safety and well-being of staff and pupils and particularly for those transitioning to new schools after an extraordinary few months.

This week we are pleased to welcome Martyn Begbey, a Lay Reader for Birling, Addington, Ryarsh and Trottiscliffe, who sometimes preaches at St Michael’s, Offham to speak today and reflect on the famous passage from Exodus where Moses encounters God in the midst of a burning bush.

Whether we are present in the buildings or present here online, we remain one church under God. It is hard when things are not as we should like them to be. Those worshipping online may feel it’s not quite the same as being in church. Those who are in church may feel it’s not quite the same as a ‘proper’ service, because of the restrictions. Let’s pray for one another that we will sense God’s presence and his encouragement for us all.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

How great Thou art

Will you come and follow me?

All-Age Song: Every move I make

Martyn’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:26 the Bible Reading with Heidi, 04:03 onwards the Sermon with Martyn Begbey.

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 James and Simon, our bishops, 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

From an Ebola prayer, adapted by the people of Guinea

Lord God, we entrust to you the families and communities,
affected by Coronavirus, wherever they may be.
We pray especially for health care workers, that you may guide and protect them.
We pray that your Spirit might inspire those researching new medicines and treatments.
And in the midst of this, keep us strong in faith, hope and love.
Grant us the courage and perseverance to be good neighbours.
May the words of your Son Jesus Christ in the Our Father,
be our prayer as we entrust ourselves and all of us who are affected
to your infinite power and love.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God of constant mercy,
who sent your Son to save us:
remind us of your goodness,
increase your grace within us,
that our thankfulness may grow,
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): Hilda Bodley, Pam Hoskins, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, and Heather, William, Stephanie and Michael.
• For the families of Elizabeth Acheson-Gray, Paul Candler and Geoff Howard; all of whom have died recently.
• For those in our congregation who are retired. For a sense of vocation and purpose, rest and family and life, and their witness to Christ.
• Giving thanks for our Vicar David and praying for him and his family as he takes his annual holiday.
• Praying for one another as we re-open our buildings for public worship, holding those in our hearts who cannot be present, whether because they are shielding, fearful, housebound, working, or simply because we’re at capacity.
• Prayers for St Mary’s Church and the people of West Malling.
• For the UK and world authorities political, medical, scientific, civil and religious as we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
• For unity and reconciliation in our nation 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 USA and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
• For local mission partners at Pilsdon, Spadework and Kenward Trust.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).

Monday Morning – Psalms 98, 99, 101, 2 Samuel 11, Acts 8.26-end
Monday Evening – Psalm 105* (or 103), Proverbs 14.31-15.17, Mark 6.45-end
Tuesday Morning – Psalm 106* (or 103), 2 Samuel 12.1-25, Acts 9.1-19a
Tuesday Evening – Psalm 107*, Proverbs 15.18-end, Mark 7.1-13
Wednesday Morning – Psalms 110, 111, 112, 2 Samuel 15.1-12, Acts 9.19b-31
Wednesday Evening – Psalm 119.129-152, Proverbs 18.10-end, Mark 7.14-23
Thursday Morning – Psalms 113, 115, 2 Samuel 15.13-end, Acts 9.32-end
Thursday Evening – Psalms 114, 116, 117, Proverbs 20.1-22, Mark 7.24-30
Friday Morning – Psalm 139, 2 Samuel 16.1-14, Acts 10.1-16
Friday Evening – Psalms 130, 131, 137, Proverbs 22.1-16, Mark 7.31-end
Saturday Morning – Psalms 120, 121, 122, 2 Samuel 17.1-23, Acts 10.17-33
Saturday Evening – Psalm 118, Proverbs 24.23-end, Mark 8.1-10

This Sunday is the 23rd of August 2020,
the eleventh 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.

Becky is talking about the journey of Jesus and his disciples to Caesarea-Philippi – a gentile town on the northern outskirts of Herod’s rule. Why did Jesus walk 40 miles north from his home in Capernaum? Watch to find out.

Whether we are present in the buildings or present here online, we remain one church under God. It is hard when things are not as we should like them to be. Those worshipping online may feel it’s not quite the same as being in church. Those who are in church may feel it’s not quite the same as a ‘proper’ service, because of the restrictions. Let’s pray for one another that we will sense God’s presence and his encouragement for us all.

Notices

There are a number of things to be aware of at the moment. This page will tell you more.

Songs to sing today

Take my life and let it be

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice

All-Age Song: Lord, I lift your name on high

Becky’s video sermon for this Sunday

01:20 the Bible Reading with Andrew, 02:30 onwards the Sermon with Becky.

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 James and Simon, our bishops, 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 God, loving Creator,
You fashioned us from clay,
and breathed life into us.
We are made and loved by you.

Heavenly Father,
Your Spirit fills us with hope
and lights the path to fullness of life.
Hear us!
As we cry out to you, uncertain and afraid.

In your mercy, Lord,
Grant us the strength to rebuild
when all seems lost,
and the courage to reach out
to those who are suffering.
Amen.

A prayer for Beirut

God of refuge, hear our prayer
as we hold the people of Beirut
in our hearts.
In your mercy,
bring comfort to those who mourn,
healing to those who are injured,
shelter to those who are homeless
sustenance to those who hunger.
Give strength to those who are working
to rebuild shattered lives,
and protect those who are vulnerable
especially in a time of coronavirus.
Fill us with compassion
and move us to reach out in love.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God of glory,
the end of our searching,
help us to lay aside
all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom,
and to give all that we have
to gain the pearl beyond all price,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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): Hilda Bodley, Pam Hoskins, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Malcolm Scott, Irina Walker.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Valerie Crittenden, Lucy Clifford, Martin Healing-Mills, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Eileen Vickers, Janet & John Wincott, and Heather, William, Stephanie and Michael.
• For the families of Stewart Betts, John Robinson, Elizabeth Acheson-Gray, Paul Candler and Geoff Howard; all of whom have died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in the arts or entertainment. For help and the ability to work and earn during the Pandemic. For the creativity of God’s Spirit, economic favour, a prophetic voice and their Christian witness in their work.
• Giving thanks for our Vicar David and praying for him and his family as he takes his annual holiday.
• Praying for one another as we re-open our buildings for public worship, holding those in our hearts who cannot be present, whether because they are shielding, fearful, housebound, working, or simply because we’re at capacity.
• Prayers for St Michael’s and the people of Offham.
• For the UK and world authorities political, medical, scientific, civil and religious as we respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
• For HM Queen and our nation, for the Prime Minister and Government, for loving and respectful discourse, truth and integrity in political life.
• For unity and reconciliation in our nation 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 USA and Brazil, we pray for the people of Beirut and the Lebanon, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen.
• For David & Robin Stearns, mission link partners in Uganda.

Lectionary readings for Daily Prayer

Morning & Evening Prayer in Ordinary Time (i.e. Daily Prayer for Monday on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday etc).

Monday Morning – Psalms 86, 117, Genesis 28.10-17, John 1.43-51 (St Bartholomew)
Monday Evening – Psalms 91, 116, Deuteronomy 18.15-19, Matthew 10.1-22 (St Bartholomew)
Tuesday Morning – Psalms 87, 89.1-18, 2 Samuel 5.1-12, Acts 7.1-16
Tuesday Evening – Psalm 89.19-end, Proverbs 8.22-end, Mark 5.21-34
Wednesday Morning – Psalm 119.105-128, 2 Samuel 6.1-19, Acts 7.17-43
Wednesday Evening – Psalms 91, 93, Proverbs 9, Mark 5.35-end
Thursday Morning – Psalms 90, 92, 2 Samuel 7.1-17, Acts 7.44-53
Thursday Evening – Psalm 94, Proverbs 10.1-12, Mark 6.1-13
Friday Morning – Psalms 88, (95), 2 Samuel 7.18-end, Acts 7.54-8.3
Friday Evening – Psalm 102, Proverbs 11.1-12, Mark 6.14-29
Saturday Morning – Psalms 96, 97, 100, 2 Samuel 9, Acts 8.4-25
Saturday Evening – Psalm 104, Proverbs 12.10-end, Mark 6.30-44