Sunday 12 July: 6th Sunday after Trinity Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper and Revd Mieke Gaynor “Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.” (Psalm 37: 23-24) When we read of God speaking to Jacob in his dreams, we are reminded of the importance of our faith in God and his divine providence. During times of hardship and uncertainty, God is always there for us.Reading and Gospel Our first reading is from Genesis 46:1-7 and 47:7-12 which you will find on pages 46 and 47 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. Jacob learns that Joseph is still alive so sets out to see him and to secure a safe place to live with his whole family during the famine. This will in fact be Jacob’s last journey; we learn later that he lived in Egypt for a further seventeen years, well beyond the time of the famine. At Beer-sheba, Jacob is reassured by God not to be afraid of the journey ahead: “I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46: 4) On his arrival in Egypt, Jacob blesses Pharoah twice as a sign of respect for his authority and kindness in allowing his family to settle in “in the best part of the land”. However, it is equally a sign of Jacob’s own spiritual stature and authority, for as one of the biblical Patriarchs he brings divine blessing to all cultures and nations. The Gospel reading John 14: 1-4 is on page 116 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus knows that his time on earth is coming to an end. But for now, he reassures his followers that their earthly struggles are temporary and that those who believe in God will always find salvation and comfort in his heavenly kingdom. He also promises: “ I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also.” (verse 3) Jesus tells is disciples: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” There is a promise here of personal security and provision which echoes the commitment by Joseph to securing the future of his own father and family. In both our first Reading and in John’s Gospel, we hear the promise of God’s reassurance and protection. At times of great uncertainty and change, faith in God provides hope for our journey ahead. Notices 1. New Bible Study Group: meeting fortnightly 10.00am – 11.30am beginning on Thursday 16th July at All Saints’ Bisham Church Come and join us for a relaxed and informal bible study group as we explore the Parables of Jesus together. You don't need to know lots about the Bible and there's no pressure to read aloud or say anything unless you want to. Just come as you are, enjoy coffee and refreshments and share the journey of faith together as we discover how Jesus' stories - full of wisdom, warmth, humour, surprise and hope - still speak into ordinary life today. 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 & 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 4. Patricia Greene has died aged 95 - she was the longest continuously serving member of The Archers cast. Some sad news to share as many from our community will know her. Patricia Greene, known as Paddy, who played Jill Archer in Radio 4's much beloved series The Archers, has died. Her own home was in Bisham, but she has been living for the last couple of years at Cliveden Manor. 5. Clergy News It has been announced this week that Revd Sarah Jones, formerly Team Vicar at ASM, has been appointed as Vicar of Christ the Cornerstone in central Milton Keynes. Congratulations to Sarah. We also celebrate with our Curate Tom from Marlow Bottom as he was ordained priest at the end of June. Congratulations Tom! Services and Events Sunday 12 July 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Holy Communion Service Thursday 16 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Bible Study Group – The Parables of Jesus Friday 17 July 9.00am at All Saints’ Bisham School Leavers’ Assembly 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’ 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’ 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
Hello everybodyFirstly, a huge thanks to everyone who turned up and to those who helped out, and made our Supporters' Evening such a great success. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying each other's company; the sound of chatter could be heard all the way down to the Lychgate!Bisham Together: Being together, helping each other and knowing that in Bisham there will always be someone to turn to if you need a friendly smile or a chat.So, please enjoy reading this latest edition of our newsletter and thanks again to Carol for pulling it all together.
Sunday 5 July: 5th Sunday after Trinity Our 8.00am and 9.30am services will be led by Revd Gabrielle Smith “The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145.14) We continue to explore Joseph’s story “Hope in the mess of life”: In Genesis 45, Joseph is alone with his brothers, He comforts them and shows how God’s hand has been at work in all their lives. He then sets the stage for family reconciliation and the eventual settlement of Jacob, his father, with all his family in Egypt. As a young boy of seventeen, Joseph’s dreams of greatness only made his brothers jealous and even drew rebuke from Jacob. Joseph’s approach to his family is now exercised with both humility and submission to God’s plan in making him ruler over all the land of Egypt. In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector, Jesus makes clear that there is no room for pride or self-righteousness in God’s kingdom: “for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14) Reading and Gospel Our first reading is from Genesis 45:1-7 which starts on page 45 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. After continuing to test his brothers by detaining Benjamin, Joseph finally makes himself known to his brothers. In a highly charged encounter, Joseph is weeping with relief and emotion, whilst his brothers are left shocked, silent and dismayed in his presence. But Joseph is keen to reassure them that he is not seeking revenge but wishes to protect them all from poverty and famine. “And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) The Gospel reading from Luke 18:9-14 is on page 87 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. By showing humility, acknowledging his own sinfulness and throwing himself on God’s mercy, we read how the Tax-Collector (rather than the Pharisee) is the man justified by God. His words and behaviour are in sharp contrast to the Pharisee’s prayers and self-perception. Outward appearances and the lack of genuine repentance count for little with the Inescapable God who already knows what is truly in our hearts: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away” (Psalm 139 1-2)Notices1. Summer Fete at Bisham CofE Academy: Sunday 5 July 12.00 – 2.00pmDoors open at 11.45 as the school theatre group will be opening the fete at 12 on the stage with a medley from Wicked! Morris dancing at 12.30 and Glee Club at 1.15. Lots of games going on too so it’s going to be a jam packed 2 hours!2. New Bible Study Group: meeting fortnightly 10.00am – 11.30am beginning on Thursday 16th July at All Saints’ Bisham ChurchCome and join us for a relaxed and informal bible study group as we explore the Parables of Jesus together. You don't need to know lots about the Bible and there's no pressure to read aloud or say anything unless you want to. Just come as you are, enjoy coffee and refreshments and share the journey of faith together as we discover how Jesus' stories - full of wisdom, warmth, humour, surprise and hope - still speak into ordinary life today.3. Summer, Song and Scones: Sunday 19 July 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints’ Bisham ChurchCome 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. 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. 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/2291644Services and EventsSunday 5 July 8.00am at All Saints’ BishamEarly Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)Sunday 5 July 9.30am at All Saints’ BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 5 July 12.00 – 2.00pmBisham CofE Academy School Summer Fete Sunday 12 July 9.30am at All Saints’ BishamHoly Communion ServiceThursday 16 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints’ BishamBible Study Group – The Parables of JesusSunday 19 July 9.30am at All Saints’ BishamHoly Communion ServiceSunday 19 July 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints’ BishamSummer, Song and SconesFriday 24 July 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints’ BishamBisham Church Friends’ Coffee Morning and History Talk: The Williams FamilySunday 26 July 9.30am at All Saints’ BishamHoly Communion ServiceThursday 30 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints’ BishamBible Study Group – The Parables of JesusSunday 9 August Afternoon Tea at All Saints’ Bisham from 2-4pmSaturday 15 August 2.00pm - 5.00pm at All Saints' BishamSummer, Song and SconesThank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.With love.Mark and Carol p.s. please note that Church Lane will be closed on Friday 10 July due to the delivery of temporary classrooms to the school.
Sunday 28 June: Fourth Sunday after TrinityOur 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol CooperThis week, we read in Luke's Gospel how Jesus appeared to his disciples following his resurrection and "opened their minds to understand the scriptures." (Luke 24:45)The same phrase was used by his followers when the resurrected Jesus joined them on the walk to Emmaus:"Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" (Luke 24: 32)Jesus explains that the Old Testament fundamentally points to himself and his mission. Our understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus are all part of God's plan for our own repentance, the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation.Today we continue our Sermon Series "Hope in the mess of life": In our reading from Genesis, we see God's plan unfolding, for as Joseph says to his brothers later in the story:"So, it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:8)Reading and GospelOur first reading is from Genesis 42: 1-24 which starts on page 41 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain - but keeps Benjamin at home out of fear that harm may befall him. Whilst they do not know Joseph, he recognises his brothers but treats them like strangers and speaks harshly to them – even putting them in prison for three days.Joseph's brothers start to show repentance for their earlier wrongdoings but, whilst Joseph is moved to tears and does eventually let them return to Canaan with both grain and full moneybags, he is determined to test them further before showing full forgiveness. The Gospel reading from Luke 24: 44-47 is on page 97 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.In just a few short verses Jesus talks about the fulfilment of God's plan for him as foretold in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms.He also notes that it is already written that he himself must suffer and rise from the dead and that:"… repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations" Notices1. What are your three favourite Psalms? Beginning on 26 July, we will be spending several weeks exploring the Book of Psalms in our worship and preaching. These ancient songs and prayers give voice to praise, trust, thanksgiving, lament, and hope—and they continue to speak powerfully into our lives today. As we prepare for this summer series, we'd love to hear from you. What are your three favourite Psalms?Perhaps there is a Psalm that has encouraged you in a difficult season, shaped your prayer life, or simply contains words you return to time and again. We hope to include some of the Psalms that are especially meaningful to our church family.You still have time to tell us your favourites. Please submit your choices by midnight on Sunday 28 June 2026 using the link below:https://bit.ly/4U-psalmsThank you for helping shape this summer's journey through the Psalms.2. Supporters' Evening at All Saints' Bisham – Monday 29 June 6.00pm till 9.00pmThis Monday (29th June) we would love you to join us in church for a relaxed time together at our Supporters' Evening.Come along and say hello, look around the Church and listen to some talks about our history, what we are trying to do today and how you can help support our future. Do you have photos of church life to share?We would love to gather some photographs that showcase the life of All Saints' Bisham and the many ways our church community comes together throughout the year. If you have any photos of weddings or baptisms, Harvest lunches or suppers, special services or celebrations, community events, school visits, concerts, coffee mornings, or other church activities then why not bring them along.They will help us tell the story of our church, celebrate all that happens here, and give people a glimpse of the warmth and life of our community.Drinks and finger buffet will be served. The evening starts at 6pm and we shall be there till 9pm - but feel free to pop along and stay for as little or as long as you wish.We look forward to seeing you.Supporters' Evening Leaflet3. New Bible Study Group: meeting fortnightly 10.00am – 11.30am beginning on Thursday 16th JulyCome and join us for a relaxed and informal bible study group as we explore the Parables of Jesus together. You don't need to know lots about the Bible and there's no pressure to read aloud or say anything unless you want to. Just come as you are, enjoy coffee and refreshments and share the journey of faith together as we discover how Jesus' stories - full of wisdom, warmth, humour, surprise and hope - still speak into ordinary life today.4. Lighthouse Marlow: w/c Monday 3 AugustLighthouse Marlow week starts on Monday 3 August and they are seeking donations to help keep their volunteers hydrated - especially if this hot weather continues! Could you donate any of the following items for the refreshment tent:Volunteer café refreshments requirements· Hot chocolate (8 jars)· Decaffeinated instant coffee· Ground coffee· Decaffeinated tea bags (80)· Tea bags· Orange squash, blackcurrant squash (6 bottles of each)· Lots of biscuitsGeneral· Large (80 litre), strong bin liners· Liquid soapDonation boxes are located at the Ark Cafe and at All Saints Marlow Church Foyer.Services and EventsSunday 28 June 9.30am at All Saints' BishamMorning Communion ServiceMonday 29 June 6.00pm – 9.00pm at All Saints' BishamSupporters' EveningSunday 5 July 8.00am at All Saints' BishamEarly Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)Sunday 5 July 9.30am at All Saints' BishamMorning Communion ServiceSunday 12 July 9.30am at All Saints' BishamMorning Communion ServiceThursday 16 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints' BishamBible Study Group – The Parables of JesusFriday 24 July 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints' BishamBisham Church Friends' Coffee Morning and History TalkThank you for reading this week's, Pew News.With love.Mark and Carol
