Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 26th July 2020Thought for the Week – Blessed are those who fear the LordOne of the most important spiritual concepts found in the Bible is the “fear of the Lord”. What exactly does it mean? Put simply, “fearing” the Lord has a strong connection to an obedience to God’s will; those who obey God by “fearing” him and who walk in his ways, shall be declared “blessed”. (Psalm 128)The Bible lists seven amazing promises made to those who cultivate a “fear of the Lord” in their daily lives, and who keep his commandments: 1.Knowledge through God’s Word 2.Divine Wisdom 3.Resistance against Sin 4.God’s complete Forgiveness & Infinite Mercy 5.Living of life to its Richest Measure 6.Protection for You & your Children 7.Friendship with God. Scripture makes it clear that the eternal benefits of “fearing” the Lord, with a humble and reverend obedience to God’s will & purposes, and a repentant heart, transforms human lives.Hymn for the Day <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Happy are they, they that love God,</span> Whose hearts have Christ confest, Who by his cross have found their life, And ‘neath his yoke their rest.PrayersWe pray and reflect on such life-shaping questions as the “fear of our Lord”, and ask ourselves whether we give our time and energy to the things that we value the most. The set prayers, readings and Gospel for today can be downloaded from the top right hand of this page.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 19th July 2020Thought for the Week – God is merciful, just and kindThe book Wisdom of Solomon is an ancient Jewish writing from the 1st century BC and is not recognised as scripture and therefore not included in the Bible. But it speaks of the character of God and describes him as “merciful, just and kind”. Psalm 85 asserts, “God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”. What might it mean for our church today to reflect God’s character in the world? St Paul, in his letter to the Romans, preaches that as God’s children we who follow him shall inherit his character of kindness and mercy, and eventually share in his glory and become a light and hope to the world. A high calling, indeed.(Romans 8: 12-17)A dear friend of mine living in London has an unusual prayer life and relationship with God. She chooses the simplicity of everyday situations to capture and reveal tender and loving spiritual conversations that she has with God. Kindness, she writes in her remarkable book, is like salt and enhances the flavour of life. It can even season the most difficult times with both hope and courage. Like salt, Kindness cleanses many wounds. Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32).Hymn for the Day All my hope on God is founded;He doth still my trust renew.Me through change and chance he guideth,Only good and only true.God unknown, He aloneCalls my heart to be his own.PrayersWe pray, “Let us with a gladsome mind praise the Lord, for he is kind; For his mercies shall endure, ever faithful, ever sure.” John MiltonThe Gospel and Set Prayers for today can be downloaded from the top right corner of this page
For everyone who wasn't in Church last Sunday to hear the announcement, we have fantastic news.St.Mary's Shipley has a new Vicar!!The Rev. Chris Allen and his lovely wife Liz will be moving into the vicarage in November and we are hoping he will be licensed in time to take the Advent Services.After conducting Zoom interviews the Church Wardens have now met them in the flesh and can confirm they are lovely people and will fit in very well in Shipley.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 12th July 2020Thought for the Week – The Parable of the SowerJesus gathers the crowd around him and tells them a parable that invites them to consider what impact his words and example might have on their lives. The story is an allegory that illustrates profound truths about the condition of our hearts and minds, and how we will respond to the word of God; just as a planted seed starts to grow, God’s word starts to deepen and grow within us, if we let it. The prophet Isaiah makes use of similar imagery as he speaks of the word of God watering the earth and enabling joy and peace. In Psalm 65 there are these lovely verses: Thou visitest the earth and blessest it : thou makest it very plenteous. And, The valleys also shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing! <span style="font-size: 1rem;">(Matthew 13: 1-23)</span>Hymn for the Day We plough the fields and scatterWe plough the fields, and scatterThe good seed on the land,But it is fed and watered By God’s almighty hand. All good gifts around usAre sent from heaven above,Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,For all his love. PrayersWe pray with those who have sown the seeds of faith, hope and love in our lives, that we may hear God’s word and receive what it promises and practice what it demands.Note: The Gospel and Prayers set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this pageAlso 10am Sunday Services are now taking place once more in Church.
