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)
Notices
1. Summer Fete at Bisham CofE Academy: Sunday 5 July 12.00 – 2.00pm
Doors 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 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.
3. 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.
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 – 10.00pm
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
Services and Events
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
Holy Communion Service
Sunday 5 July 12.00 – 2.00pm
Bisham CofE Academy School Summer Fete
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
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
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 9 August Afternoon Tea at All Saints’ Bisham from 2-4pm
Saturday 15 August 2.00pm - 5.00pm at All Saints' Bisham
Summer, Song and Scones
Thank 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.