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