Sunday 30 August: 13th Sunday after Trinity
Our 9.30am service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper
Our sermon series exploring the Psalms closes with a reading of Psalm 139 - a profound reflection on God’s nature and His intimate knowledge of us all personally.
“You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139 verse 3)
Both of our readings emphasise God’s all-encompassing knowledge and care for our individual lives within His divine providence.
Reading and Gospel
Our first reading is from Psalm 139 which you will find on page 606 of the Old Testament in our pew bibles. The Psalm can be divided into four distinct parts, each focusing on a different aspect of God:
In the first six verses we read about God’s omniscience and how He knows our every action, thought and word:
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up.” (Verses 1-2)
The following six verses emphasise God’s omnipresence, whether in heaven or Sheol. This constant presence is both protective and sustaining.
Verses 13-16 highlight God’s creative power. The words “In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed” are a reminder not just of God’s Divine involvement in our creation but His guiding presence in our lives.
Finally, the Psalm calls for moral integrity and alignment with God’s righteousness. Whilst the last few verses strike a very different tone and may appear slightly alarming, they reflect the psalmist’s passion for God and their desire to be lead in “the way everlasting.”
The Gospel reading from Matthew 10:26-31 can be found on page 11 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.
Jesus encourages and reassures his disciples in preparation for the challenges they will face in their mission to spread the gospel:
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” (verse 28)
He reminds them all that if God values even the smallest of birds, such as sparrows, then how much more he must cherish and value His closest followers. While earthly threats may exist, nothing in Creation falls outside the scope of God’s providential care.
Notices
1. Fortnightly Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus
Our new Bible Study group meets at All Saints Bisham from 10.00–11.30am, with coffee, cake and time to explore the Parables of Jesus together.
The next dates are:
Thursday 10 September
Thursday 24 September
2. 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.
3. 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
4. Car Parking
The Abbey-owned car park, used by both the church and the school, is closed while the football pitches are replaced. Parking at the school is also more 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
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
Tuesday 8 September 10.00am – 12.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
BCF Coffee Morning and History Talk
Tuesday 8 September 1.45pm – 3.45pm at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
U3A Private Tour – Abbey and Church
Sunday 13 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
Holy Communion Service
Sunday 20 September 9.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
Holy Communion Service
Sunday 27 September 10.30am at All Saints’ Church, Bisham
Holy Communion Service followed by Harvest Lunch
Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.
With love.
Mark and Carol