Sunday 16 August: 11th Sunday after Trinity
Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper
This week we consider those moments when, perhaps despite our prayers and laments, God seems so very far away:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22 verse 1)
Reading and Gospel
Our first reading is from Psalm 22 which you will find on page 530 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles.
David’s plea for deliverance from suffering and hostility reflects the pain and anguish which he experienced – threats to his life, public humiliation, loss of authority and rebellion against his kingship.
“They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (verses 17-18)
Yet, despite his trials, in the end David continues to affirm his faith and his unwavering belief that God’s support will provide him with salvation.
Verses 17-18 above may be written about David, but they also point prophetically towards the future.
The Gospel reading from Mark 15:33-41 is on page 57 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Repeating the first verse of Psalm 22, Jesus cries out in Aramaic just before his last breath:
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachtani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
His words are both a fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy and an expression of the deep pain, anguish and sense of abandonment experienced by Jesus on the cross.
It is a pivotal moment in our Christian understanding of atonement. God sacrifices His own Son and provides a path for reconciliation and forgiveness for the rest of humanity.
” But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
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 discover the Parables of Jesus together.
The next dates are:
Wednesday 26 August
Thursday 10 September
Thursday 24 September
This week we looked at the Parable of the Persistent Widow. At our next meeting, on 26 August, we will explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
2. A Service of Thanksgiving for Patricia “Paddy” Greene was held on Friday 14th August at All Saints Bisham. Thank you to everyone from All Saints Bisham who attended and supported us on the day.
3. 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 halfway 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.
4. Harvest Lunch – Sunday 27 September following 10.30am Service
Our Harvest Service will take place on Sunday 27th September 2026, and we hope you’ll be able to join us. Please note that the service will begin at the slightly later time of 10.30 a.m. rather than our usual 9.30 a.m.
After the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay for our traditional Bring and
Share Harvest Lunch. It is always a lovely opportunity to enjoy good food and good company together.
If you are planning to join us for lunch, please add your name to the sheet at the back of the church and indicate which dish from the list you would like to bring.
And if you are unable to get to church beforehand to sign up, please don’t let that stop you from coming along. You will still be very welcome - there is always plenty of food to share! We look forward to celebrating Harvest together.
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 is also limited as work is under way to repair the flood damage.
We will let you know when things change and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Services and Events
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
Sunday 6 September 8.00am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
Early Morning Communion / Book of Common Prayer
Sunday 6 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
Holy Communion Service
Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.
With love.
Mark and Carol