What a busy time … and this is meant to be the holiday season!We have certainly enjoyed some fabulous events this month including our second singing workshop with Jo, a Sunday afternoon tea with our Bisham Church Friends and our new Bible Study Group looking at the Parables of Jesus.Our thanks again to Revd Carol for pulling together this edition of Bisham Together. Please click on the link below to read all the stories:Bisham Together September 2026 .pdfWe look forward to seeing you at the Harvest Lunch on Sunday 27th September.
Sunday 30 August: 13th Sunday after Trinity Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper Our sermon series exploring the Psalms closes with a reading of Psalm 139 - a profound reflection on God’s nature and His intimate knowledge of us all personally. “You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139 verse 3) Both of our readings emphasise God’s all-encompassing knowledge and care for our individual lives within His divine providence. Reading and Gospel Our first reading is from Psalm 139 which you will find on page 606 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. The Psalm can be divided into four distinct parts, each focusing on a different aspect of God: In the first six verses we read about God’s omniscience and how He knows our every action, thought and word: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up.” (Verses 1-2) The following six verses emphasise God’s omnipresence, whether in heaven or Sheol. This constant presence is both protective and sustaining. Verses 13-16 highlight God’s creative power. The words “In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed” are a reminder not just of God’s Divine involvement in our creation but His guiding presence in our lives. Finally, the Psalm calls for moral integrity and alignment with God’s righteousness. Whilst the last few verses strike a very different tone and may appear slightly alarming, they reflect the psalmist’s passion for God and their desire to be lead in “the way everlasting.” The Gospel reading from Matthew 10:26-31 can be found on page 11 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus encourages and reassures his disciples in preparation for the challenges they will face in their mission to spread the gospel: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” (verse 28) He reminds them all that if God values even the smallest of birds, such as sparrows, then how much more he must cherish and value His closest followers. While earthly threats may exist, nothing in Creation falls outside the scope of God’s providential care. Notices 1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Our new Bible Study group meets at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to explore the Parables of Jesus together. The next dates are: Thursday 10 September Thursday 24 September 2. Harvest Lunch – Sunday 27 September following 10.30am Service Our 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 and Share 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. 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. Car Parking The Abbey-owned car park, used by both the church and the school, is closed while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school is also more 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 Events Sunday 30 August 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 6 September 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Early Morning Communion / Book of Common Prayer Sunday 6 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Tuesday 8 September 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham BCF Coffee Morning and History Talk Tuesday 8 September 1.45pm – 3.45pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham U3A Private Tour – Abbey and Church Sunday 13 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 20 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service Sunday 27 September 10.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham Holy Communion Service followed by Harvest Lunch Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
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
