This Sunday is the 20th of June 2021,
the third Sunday after Trinity.

West Malling Abbey

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 are well and not too downcast by the most recent announcement of a delay to the plans to re-open our nation fully in June.

Today is Father’s Day. We offer our thanks and prayers for good Dads everywhere and hope you will be celebrating today. We also offer prayers of solace and support to those for whom it’s a hard day. Some fathers are sadly absent, others we perhaps wish might have been. For some, there’s the unfilled longing to be a father and also there are dads grieving for the loss of children. Please remember them all in prayer today.

This week in our online Worship, Canon Alan Vousden shares a reflection to mark the 65th anniversary of the dedication of the modern Abbey Church at West Malling Abbey, home to our friends – the local community of Anglican Benedictine Nuns. Our thanks also to John for providing the Bible reading for us today.

With cases rising in the nation, there is obviously a lot of work going on to get as many vaccinated as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, if 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, please do take a look at our Notices page for this week.

Songs to sing today

Dear Lord and Father of mankind

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us

All-Age: Tell me who made all of creation? (Everywhere around me)

Virtual Sunday School

4front Theatre and St Peter’s in Worcester are back and Nat and Rob are marking Father’s Day with some help from Theo and his dad Olly.

Alan’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading with John, 01:39 onwards the Sermon with Canon Alan.

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

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.

A prayer for Father’s Day

God our Creator, the perfect Heavenly Father,
we give thanks for good fathers in our lives.
We pray for fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches,
and remember single mothers who have to be both mum and dad.

Lord, we know that some fathers excel, while others fail.
We ask for Your blessings and for mercy and forgiveness where needed.
Give fathers strength in the sacrifices they make,
and bless the ways, big and small, they lift their children and their spouses to realise their dreams.

We pray also today for those for whom today is hard.
We pray for those who never knew their father, and for those who wish they had not,
and for those grieving today.
We pray for those whose Dad has died,
and we pray for men grieving for dreams of fatherhood never realised
or children they loved and have lost.
Perfect, loving, Heavenly Father,
hear our prayers today.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God our saviour,
look on this wounded world
in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son,
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): Jim & Jean Brown, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Rob Stranack, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Jane Best-Shaw, Keith & Diana Bullard, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Eileen Vickers, Ann, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Alice, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of Michael Reardon, Eileen Kearney, Gwen Cook and Neville Cording, 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 PCC members and praying for them as they steward our finances, manage our buildings and support Rev David in ministry.
• 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. We pray especially for those involved in caring for the sick and dying, and those who are working to distribute the vaccine.
• 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 India, for the USA, Brazil and Russia, for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen. We pray also for the situation in Belarus.
• 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 13th of June 2021,
the second Sunday after Trinity.

Trinity detail from the Lancet
window at St Mary’s

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 are keeping healthy and safe, enjoying the sunshine, and feeling positive.

Both in our church buildings and here online, it’s an ‘All-Age’ worship week. The songs we sing are more reflective of the style of the All-Age, Rev David’s video sermon is suitable for all ages, and we have a couple of interactive prayer options for you to try.

Our reading today comes from St Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians chapter 5. Our thanks to Naomi for reading it so beautifully for us today.

With cases rising in the nation, it’s starting to look a little tentative for June 21st. It’s good to see lots of people getting their two jabs. Nonetheless, if you need some support or help with practical things, or want someone to listen, please do contact us.

Notices

We’re not yet sure what will happen on June 21st, but for the latest on our thinking and other current news and notices, please take a look at our Notices page for this week.

Songs to sing today

All-Age: The Golden Rule (love your neighbour)

All-Age: Praise the Lord, every day

All-Age: Maker of the Moon

Thanks to Maddie from St Mary’s for telling us about this new song. We hope you like it!

David’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading with Naomi, 01:15 onwards the Sermon with Rev David.

Prayers for today

Post-a-Prayer online

The 24-7 Prayer Movement is a UK-based but now international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice; a non-stop prayer meeting that has continued for every minute of this century so far, in over half the countries on Earth! As part of what they do, you can ‘post-a-prayer’ on their website. Nearly half a million prayers have been posted since its inception and you can either say it privately or, if you wish, say it publicly and other people can click to add their “Amen” to yours. Why not give it a go today?

Prayers of Intercession for Ordinary Time

Heavenly Father,
your desire is for us to be free 
and to live an abundant life,
but everywhere in our world we see people in chains.
Father, break the chains that bind us 

and set your people free.

Father, we pray for those who are caught in the chains of poverty;
those for whom the rains do not fall, 
whose land is taken from them,
whose leaders betray them 
or whose country is held back by debt.
Father, break the chains that bind us 

and set your people free.

Father, we pray for those in our nation caught in chains.
We pray for those trapped by their desire for more and more.
We pray also for those caught in poverty through addiction, helplessness or through no fault of their own.
Father, break the chains that bind us 

and set your people free.

Father, we pray for our families and friends.
Bless those bonds of love, laughter and joy 
that connect us to those lives that enrich ours.
Set us free from any chains that bind us, 
or of painful memories, of unspoken hurts or lack of understanding.
Father, break the chains that bind us 

and set your people free.

Father, we pray for those who are sick in body, mind or spirit,
for those grieving the loss of someone they love 
and for those who care, often at great cost to themselves.
Today, especially, we pray for …

Father, 
give your peace and in the midst of sadness and sorrow;
grant the gentle freedom that comes with knowing your presence.
Father, break the chains that bind us 

and set your people free.

May peace and mercy 
and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us
this day and always.
Amen

A prayer about the COVID-19 pandemic

God of hope, love and mercy,
we pray for our sisters and brothers
in India, Brazil and other countries around the world
whose lives are affected by coronavirus.

We remember especially poor communities
struggling to find the healthcare they need.
Heal the sick, give eternal life to those who have died
and console families who have lost loved ones.

Help governments and health authorities
to make wise decisions for the good of everyone.
Hold us all in your merciful love.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

Faithful Creator,
whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your living Word,
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, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Rob Stranack, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Jane Best-Shaw, Keith & Diana Bullard, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Eileen Vickers, Ann, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Alice, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of Stephen Breeds, Michael Reardon and Eileen Kearney, who have all died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work in communications and media. For a sense of God’s voice in their work, and their witness to Christ.
• Giving thanks for our Churchwardens and praying for them in the responsibilities they carry on behalf of our church.
• 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. We pray especially for those involved in caring for the sick and dying, and those who are working to distribute the vaccine.
• 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 India, for the USA, Brazil and Russia, for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen. We pray also for the situation in Belarus.
• 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 6th of June 2021,
the first Sunday after Trinity.

“The hospitality of Abraham”
by Andrei Rublev

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 are keeping healthy and safe and are in good heart. As we noted last week, the Trinity season (sometimes unfairly called ‘Ordinary Time’) gives us an opportunity for the study of Scripture and this year, we will be focussing on the Gospel of Mark and hearing from St Paul’s letters; especially his second letter to the Corinthians and also his letter to the Ephesians.

Rev David is taking a week’s leave at present and so Rev Jim Brown is back with us today to provide his reflections on our passage today from Mark 3.20-35. Our thanks also to Meelis for providing the Bible reading today.

We are all hoping for good news on June the 21st, but there are still pockets of infections in the nation and some will remain cautious and anxious. Please do ask if you are in need of support or help.

Notices

There was news last week of a new role for our Archdeacon! For this and other news, find out more by visiting our Notices page for this week.

Songs to sing today

Praise to the Holiest in the height

From heaven you came, Helpless Babe

All-Age: As for me and my house

Virtual Sunday School

4front Theatre and St Peter’s in Worcester are back and Nat and Rob are exploring Jesus’ parable about two people, one who built their house on rock and another who built their house on sand!

Jim’s video sermon for this Sunday

00:28 the Bible Reading with Meelis, 03:00 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

God of all wholeness and healing,
we thank you with all our hearts
for those who are working
with selfless skill and dedication
to sustain our National Health Service.
Grant that they may receive
the resources they require
to meet the demands that each day brings.
Keep them safe and healthy while at work,
and bless their families and loved ones at home. Amen.
Amen.

The Collect for this Sunday

God of truth,
help us to keep your law of love
and to walk in ways of wisdom,
that we may find true life
in Jesus Christ your Son.
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, Ron Marchant, Cynthia & John Noble, Rob Stranack, Irina Walker, Hazel Watson.
• Those who have asked for our prayers (West Malling): Jane Best-Shaw, Robin & Rosemary Law, Barbara & Graham Norton, Barbara Pallett, Stuart Richards, Eileen Vickers, Ann, Heather, William, Stephanie, Michael, Alice, Jennifer and Thomas, Hayley, Rene and Lauren.
• For the families of Eleanor Marshall, Stephen Breeds and David Reardon, who have all died recently.
• For those in our congregation who work with the police or courts. For strength, for justice to be done and for their witness to Christ at work.
• Giving thanks for our Rural Dean, Archdeacon and Bishops and for God’s blessing on their ministry and family life. Praying for Archdeacon Julie and Bishop James as they move on.
• 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. We pray especially for those involved in caring for the sick and dying, and those who are working to distribute the vaccine.
• 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 India, for the USA, Brazil and Russia, for Myanmar, for Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Yemen. We pray also for the situation in Belarus.
• For Rev Peeter Kaldur, and our partner churches of St Michael’s, Jõhvi and Pühajõe church in Estonia.

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