Sunday 28 June: Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper
This 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 Gospel
Our 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"
Notices
1. 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:
Thank you for helping shape this summer's journey through the Psalms.
2. Supporters' Evening at All Saints' Bisham – Monday 29 June 6.00pm till 9.00pm
This 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.
3. New Bible Study Group: meeting fortnightly 10.00am – 11.30am beginning on Thursday 16th July
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.
4. Lighthouse Marlow: w/c Monday 3 August
Lighthouse 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 biscuits
General
· Large (80 litre), strong bin liners
· Liquid soap
Donation boxes are located at the Ark Cafe and at All Saints Marlow Church Foyer.
Services and Events
Sunday 28 June 9.30am at All Saints' Bisham
Morning Communion Service
Monday 29 June 6.00pm – 9.00pm at All Saints' Bisham
Supporters' Evening
Sunday 5 July 8.00am at All Saints' Bisham
Early Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday 5 July 9.30am at All Saints' Bisham
Morning Communion Service
Sunday 12 July 9.30am at All Saints' Bisham
Morning Communion Service
Thursday 16 July 10.00am – 11.30am at All Saints' Bisham
Bible Study Group – The Parables of Jesus
Friday 24 July 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints' Bisham
Bisham Church Friends' Coffee Morning and History Talk
Thank you for reading this week's, Pew News.
With love.
Mark and Carol