Sunday 16 August: 11th Sunday after TrinityOur 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol CooperThis week we consider those moments when, perhaps despite our prayers and laments, God seems so very far away:“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22 verse 1) Reading and GospelOur first reading is from Psalm 22 which you will find on page 530 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles.David’s plea for deliverance from suffering and hostility reflects the pain and anguish which he experienced – threats to his life, public humiliation, loss of authority and rebellion against his kingship.“They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (verses 17-18)Yet, despite his trials, in the end David continues to affirm his faith and his unwavering belief that God’s support will provide him with salvation.Verses 17-18 above may be written about David, but they also point prophetically towards the future.The Gospel reading from Mark 15:33-41 is on page 57 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Repeating the first verse of Psalm 22, Jesus cries out in Aramaic just before his last breath:“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachtani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)His words are both a fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy and an expression of the deep pain, anguish and sense of abandonment experienced by Jesus on the cross.It is a pivotal moment in our Christian understanding of atonement. God sacrifices His own Son and provides a path for reconciliation and forgiveness for the rest of humanity.” But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)Notices1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Our new Bible Study group continues at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to discover the Parables of Jesus together.The next dates are:Wednesday 26 AugustThursday 10 SeptemberThursday 24 SeptemberThis week we looked at the Parable of the Persistent Widow. At our next meeting, on 26 August, we will explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son.2. A Service of Thanksgiving for Patricia “Paddy” Greene was held on Friday 14th August at All Saints Bisham. Thank you to everyone from All Saints Bisham who attended and supported us on the day.3. Summer, Song and Scones: Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham An afternoon of Singing and Cream Tea with friends! Singing has been proven to be good for mental health providing oxytocin and endorphins to make you feel great! Your Singing Coach for this workshop is Jo Carter, who has worked extensively in the TV, Music and Theatre industry working with names including Spice Girls, Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Sting, and more. She will get you singing fabulous well-loved pop songs - and halfway through, we'll stop for a cream tea and glass of prosecco sat outside the beautiful church by the River Thames enjoying the glorious sunshine! This really is a fabulous treat that you deserve! You don't have to read music or even be good at singing! Just come along and enjoy yourself.Book now £40 for the 3-hour workshop with lyric book, cream tea, coffee/ tea/ prosecco / water included. https://www.jamtheatre.co.uk/shows/summer-song-scones-an-afternoon-singing-workshop/We also have a Discount Code for Bisham Church members! BAS26 is the code (Bisham All Saints). This will reduce the price from £40 to £30 per person.4. Harvest Lunch – Sunday 27 September following 10.30am ServiceOur Harvest Service will take place on Sunday 27th September 2026, and we hope you’ll be able to join us. Please note that the service will begin at the slightly later time of 10.30 a.m. rather than our usual 9.30 a.m.After the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay for our traditional Bring andShare Harvest Lunch. It is always a lovely opportunity to enjoy good food and good company together.If you are planning to join us for lunch, please add your name to the sheet at the back of the church and indicate which dish from the list you would like to bring.And if you are unable to get to church beforehand to sign up, please don’t let that stop you from coming along. You will still be very welcome - there is always plenty of food to share! We look forward to celebrating Harvest together.5. Bisham Church & Village Annual Quiz Night at Bisham Abbey – 18th November 6.30pm – 10.00pmTicket booking is now open! Ticket price (£28.75) includes drink on arrival, supper and entry into the Quiz. Raffle tickets available to buy on the night.https://buytickets.at/bishamchurchfriends/22916446. Car ParkingThe Abbey-owned car park, used by both the church and the school, will be closed while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school is also limited as work is under way to repair the flood damage.We will let you know when things change and thank you for your patience and understanding.Services and EventsSaturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints BishamSummer, Song and Scones – singing workshopSunday 16 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 23 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 30 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 6 September 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, BishamEarly Morning Communion / Book of Common PrayerSunday 6 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceThank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.With love.Mark and Carol
Sunday 2 August: 9th Sunday after Trinity Our 8.00am BCP service will be led by Revd Gabrielle Smith and our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper This week we continue our exploration of the Book of Psalms - a collection of 150 poetic hymns and prayers, expressing praise, lament, thanksgiving, and supplication to God, The Psalms’ enduring appeal lies in their ability to articulate human emotion while directing focus toward God’s presence and guidance. “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them” (Psalm 8 verse 4) Reading and Gospel Our first reading is from Psalm 8 which you will find on page 522 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. This Psalm is a hymn of praise that marvels at God’s greatness and glory whilst calling for both reverence and humility. It opens and closes with the same refrain: “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” And yet, despite our smallness, God has also given human beings a special place in his kingdom. Not only does he care for us but has also entrusted us with responsibility for caring for everything else on our planet – reflecting the passage expressed in Genesis that humankind is granted “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth … (Genesis 1: 26) The Psalm also reminds us that God often exercises his divine power through those whom we may least expect – the weak, the humble and those who may appear powerless: “Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.” (Verse 2) Jesus himself repeats these words, by way of rebuke to the chief priests and scribes, when he cures the blind and the lame and drives out the traders from the temple in Jerusalem. (Matthew 21: 14-16). The Gospel reading from Luke 19:37-40 is on page 89 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, the whole multitude of disciples begin to praise God for all the deeds of power that they had seen. When some of the Pharisees order Jesus to stop his disciples, he responds: “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out” (verse 40) God is worthy of adoration and praise cannot be contained. Notices 1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Our new Bible Study group continues at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to explore the Parables of Jesus together. No previous experience is needed, and there is no expectation to read or pray aloud. The next dates are: Thursday 13 August Wednesday 26 August Thursday 10 September Thursday 24 September Everyone is very welcome — and it is always really good fun! 2. Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea by the river: Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints Bisham We are trying something new so do come and join us. There is even a rumour of proper china crockery for your afternoon tea. 3. There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for Patricia “Paddy” Greene at 2pm on Friday 14th August at All Saints Bisham. 4. Summer, Song and Scones: Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham An afternoon of Singing and Cream Tea with friends! Singing has been proven to be good for mental health providing oxytocin and endorphins to make you feel great! Your Singing Coach for this workshop is Jo Carter, who has worked extensively in the TV, Music and Theatre industry working with names including Spice Girls, Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Sting, and more. She will get you singing fabulous well loved pop songs - and half way through, we'll stop for a cream tea and glass of prosecco sat outside the beautiful church by the River Thames enjoying the glorious sunshine! This really is a fabulous treat that you deserve! You don't have to read music or even be good at singing! Just come along and enjoy yourself. Book now £40 for the 3-hour workshop with lyric book, cream tea, coffee/ tea/ prosecco / water included. https://www.jamtheatre.co.uk/shows/summer-song-scones-an-afternoon-singing-workshop/ We also have a Discount Code for Bisham Church members! BAS26 is the code (Bisham All Saints). This will reduce the price from £40 to £30 per person. 5. Bisham Church & Village Annual Quiz Night at Bisham Abbey – 18th November 6.30pm – 10.00pm Ticket booking is now open! Ticket price (£28.75) includes drink on arrival, supper and entry into the Quiz. Raffle tickets available to buy on the night. https://buytickets.at/bishamchurchfriends/2291644 6. Car Parking The Abbey-owned car park, used by both the church and the school, will be closed while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school may also be limited as work is under way to repair the flood damage. For now, please be aware that there may be fewer parking spaces than usual. We will let you know when things change and thank you for your patience and understanding. Services and Events Sunday 2 August 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Early Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer) Sunday 2 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea Thursday 13 August 10.00 – 11.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Bible Study Group – The Parables of Jesus Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham Summer, Song and Scones – singing workshop Sunday 16 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 23 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 30 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
Sunday 26 July: 8th Sunday after TrinityOur 9.30am service will be led by Revd Sue IrwinThis week we start a new Sermon Series based upon the Psalms. The Psalms express the full range of human emotions – pain, despair, joy, hope and gratitude – and may even resonate at certain moments with how we are feeling ourselves.They not only provide a framework for prayer and worship, but also showcase poetic techniques and vivid imagery which can help to inspire our own faith and understanding of God’s character and promises. The Psalms serve as a reminder that God welcomes us to pour out our hearts to him through honest worship, deep questions and vulnerable prayers. As you read them, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the scripture and allow your heart to be shaped by the Word guiding your words, thoughts, actions and prayers.Reading and GospelTwo ways to live, a tree and its fruit.Our first reading is from Psalm 1 which you will find on page 519 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. This relatively short and simple Psalm sets the tone for The Psalms as a whole and presents a clear choice between two different ways of life:“for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” (verse 6)The blessed will be able to discern not only whose advice to listen to but also whose path to follow. Their delight in God’s word, and the prosperity they enjoy in all that they do, is reflected in the image of a fruitful tree planted by streams of water.The Gospel reading from Matthew 7:15-20 is on page 7 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.Jesus too implores his followers to “beware of false prophets” using our spiritual discernment to see through their outward appearance and look more closely at their true nature - which will be revealed by the “fruits” of their words and their actions.In just six short verses, the phrase “You will know them by their fruits” is repeated twice for emphasis.In Matthew we hear how “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (verse 19) whilst in Psalm 1 we read that “the wicked …. are like chaff that the wind drives away.” (verse 4)Our own closeness to Jesus and engagement with God’s word will help keep us on the path to a fruitful and blessed life.Notices1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus After a tremendous first week, our new Bible Study group continues at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to explore the Parables of Jesus together. No previous experience is needed, and there is no expectation to read or pray aloud.The next dates are:30 July13 AugustWednesday 26 August10 September24 SeptemberEveryone is very welcome — do come along and join us!2. Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea: Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints Bisham 3. Summer, Song and Scones: Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham Come and have an afternoon of Singing and Cream Tea with friends! Singing has been proven to be good for mental health providing oxytocin and endorphins to make you feel great! Your Singing Coach for this workshop is Jo Carter, who has worked extensively in the TV, Music and Theatre industry working with names including Spice Girls, Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Sting, and more. She will get you singing fabulous well loved pop songs - and half way through, we'll stop for a cream tea and glass of prosecco sat outside the beautiful church by the River Thames enjoying the glorious sunshine! This really is a fabulous treat that you deserve! You don't have to read music or even be good at singing! Just come along and enjoy yourself.Book now £40 for the 3-hour workshop with lyric book, cream tea, coffee/ tea/ prosecco / water included. Summer Song & Scones – An Afternoon Singing Workshop – 19th July or 15th August – Jam Theatre CompanyWe also have a Discount Code for Bisham Church members! BAS26 is the code (Bisham All Saints). This will reduce the price from £40 to £30 per person.4. Bisham Church & Village Annual Quiz Night at Bisham Abbey – 18th November 6.30pm – 10.00pmTicket booking is now open! Ticket price (£28.75) includes drink on arrival, supper and entry into the Quiz. Raffle tickets available to buy on the night.Buy tickets – Bisham Church & Village Quiz Night - Bisham Abbey – Bisham Abbey5. Car ParkingThe Abbey-owned car park used by both the church and the school will be closed for around eight weeks while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school will also be very limited, as work is under way to repair the flood damage.Unfortunately, there is little we can do about the situation. Carol has spoken to the contractors working on the pitches, and some parking may become available once the heavy machinery has finished moving in and out through the gates.For now, please be aware that there may be fewer parking spaces than usual. We will keep you posted and thank you for your patience and understanding.Services and EventsSunday 26 July 9.30am at All Saints BishamHoly Communion ServiceThursday 30 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamBible Study Group – The Parables of JesusSunday 2 August 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, BishamEarly Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)Sunday 2 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints’ Church, BishamBisham Church Friends Afternoon TeaThursday 13 August 10.00 – 11.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamBible Study Group – The Parables of JesusSaturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints BishamSummer, Song and Scones – singing workshopSunday 16 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 23 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 30 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, BishamHoly Communion ServiceThank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.With love.Mark and Carol
Sunday 19 July: 7th Sunday after Trinity Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper So, this week we come to the last in our Sermon series – Joseph’s story: Hope in the mess of life. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery and later falsely imprisoned, Joseph’s story exemplifies divine providence: God actively and purposefully guiding human events, turning human wrongdoing into good, and working through adversity for ultimate redemption. The mystery of providence is that whilst we may not always understand the significance of events as they are unfolding, we must always remain faithful and trust in God’s power for good. Reading and Gospel Our first reading is from Genesis 50: 15-21 which you will find on page 51 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. The death of their father Jacob re-awakens the fear in Joseph’s brothers that he may still want revenge for the way they treated him so many years earlier. But Joseph reiterates his earlier promises that he forgives his brothers and will still take care of them. “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.” (verse 20) Joseph recognises that his own trials and tribulations are just a small part of God’s great plan for the salvation of humanity. The Gospel reading Luke 23: 32-43 is on page 95 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus has been betrayed by one of his closest followers, humiliated, mocked and now faces unbearable suffering as he is put to death through crucifixion. But Jesus knows this is all part of God’s divine plan which he himself acknowledged as he awaited arrest in the garden at Gethsemane; “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” (Matthew 26: 42) Now, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the price that is paid for the redemption of our sins and leads to salvation for the rest of humanity. Prophesied in scripture, we see again the mystery of divine providence: “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin.” (Isaiah 53: 10) Notices 1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Our relaxed Bible Study group continues at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to explore the Parables of Jesus together. No previous experience is needed, and there is no expectation to read or pray aloud. The next dates are: 30 July 13 August Wednesday 26 August 10 September 24 September Everyone is very welcome — do come along and join us! 2. Summer, Song and Scones: Sunday 19 July 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints’ Bisham Church Come and have an afternoon of Singing and Cream Tea with friends! Singing has been proven to be good for mental health providing oxytocin and endorphins to make you feel great! Your Singing Coach for this workshop is Jo Carter, who has worked extensively in the TV, Music and Theatre industry working with names including Spice Girls, Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Sting, and more. She will get you singing fabulous well loved pop songs - and half way through, we'll stop for a cream tea and glass of prosecco sat outside the beautiful church by the River Thames enjoying the glorious sunshine! This really is a fabulous treat that you deserve! You don't have to read music or even be good at singing! Just come along and enjoy yourself. Two dates to choose from: Sunday 19th July 2-5pm or Saturday 15th August 2-5pm Book now £40 for the 3-hour workshop with lyric book, cream tea, coffee/ tea/ prosecco / water included. https://www.jamtheatre.co.uk/shows/summer-song-scones-an-afternoon-singing-workshop/ We also have a Discount Code for Bisham Church members! BAS26 is the code (Bisham All Saints). This will reduce the price from £40 to £30 per person. 3. Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea: Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham 4. Bisham Church & Village Annual Quiz Night at Bisham Abbey – 18th November 6.30pm – 10.00pm Ticket booking is now open! Ticket price (£28.75) includes drink on arrival, supper and entry into the Quiz. Raffle tickets available to buy on the night. https://buytickets.at/bishamchurchfriends/2291644 5. Car Parking The Abbey-owned car park used by both the church and the school will be closed for around eight weeks while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school will also be very limited, as work is under way to repair the flood damage. Unfortunately, there is little we can do about the situation. Carol has spoken to the contractors working on the pitches, and some parking may become available once the heavy machinery has finished moving in and out through the gates. For now, please be aware that there may be fewer parking spaces than usual. We will keep you posted and thank you for your patience and understanding. 6. Clergy News We are very sad to announce that Revd Fiona has decided that she will retire from licensed ministry later this year. Many of you will have heard that, after much prayer and careful reflection, Revd Fiona has announced that she will retire from licensed ministry later this year. Fiona is Team Vicar at St John the Baptist Little Marlow and also supports much of our ministry across the 4U Team. We will be very sad to say goodbye to Fiona and Robin, and will take the opportunity, over the next few months, to enjoy and celebrate Fiona's ministry here. Fiona's final Sunday at St John the Baptist will be 18 October 2026, with her final working day in the parish on 22 October, before taking annual leave until her retirement on 30 November. Services and Events Sunday 19 July 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 19 July 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints’ Bisham Summer, Song and Scones – singing workshop Friday 24 July 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints’ Bisham Bisham Church Friends’ Coffee Morning and History Talk: The Williams Family Sunday 26 July 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Holy Communion Service Thursday 30 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints Church, Bisham Bible Study Group – The Parables of Jesus Sunday 2 August 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Early Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer) Sunday 2 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea Thursday 13 August 10.00 – 11.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Bible Study Group – The Parables of Jesus Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham Summer, Song and Scones – singing workshop Sunday 16 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol The Last Word … 'Don't be afraid of tomorrow. The Lord is already there." With thanks to Revd Mieke Gaynor for her wonderful Sermon.
