Sunday 26 July: 8th Sunday after Trinity
Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Sue Irwin
This week we start a new Sermon Series based upon the Psalms. The Psalms express the full range of human emotions – pain, despair, joy, hope and gratitude – and may even resonate at certain moments with how we are feeling ourselves.
They not only provide a framework for prayer and worship, but also showcase poetic techniques and vivid imagery which can help to inspire our own faith and understanding of God’s character and promises.
The Psalms serve as a reminder that God welcomes us to pour out our hearts to him through honest worship, deep questions and vulnerable prayers. As you read them, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the scripture and allow your heart to be shaped by the Word guiding your words, thoughts, actions and prayers.
Reading and Gospel
Two ways to live, a tree and its fruit.
Our first reading is from Psalm 1 which you will find on page 519 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles.
This relatively short and simple Psalm sets the tone for The Psalms as a whole and presents a clear choice between two different ways of life:
“for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” (verse 6)
The blessed will be able to discern not only whose advice to listen to but also whose path to follow. Their delight in God’s word, and the prosperity they enjoy in all that they do, is reflected in the image of a fruitful tree planted by streams of water.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 7:15-20 is on page 7 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.
Jesus too implores his followers to “beware of false prophets” using our spiritual discernment to see through their outward appearance and look more closely at their true nature - which will be revealed by the “fruits” of their words and their actions.
In just six short verses, the phrase “You will know them by their fruits” is repeated twice for emphasis.
In Matthew we hear how “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (verse 19) whilst in Psalm 1 we read that “the wicked …. are like chaff that the wind drives away.” (verse 4)
Our own closeness to Jesus and engagement with God’s word will help keep us on the path to a fruitful and blessed life.
Notices
1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus
After a tremendous first week, 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:
30 July
13 August
Wednesday 26 August
10 September
24 September
Everyone is very welcome — do come along and join us!
2. Bisham Church Friends Afternoon Tea: Sunday 9 August 2.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints Bisham
3. Summer, Song and Scones: Saturday 15 August 2.00pm – 5.00pm at All Saints Bisham
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.
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.
Buy tickets – Bisham Church & Village Quiz Night - Bisham Abbey – Bisham Abbey
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.
Services and Events
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
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