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.