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.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 5th July 2020Thought for the Week – Rest for the WearyJesus calls to all who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, and invites them to lay down their burdens and rest. (Matthew 11: 25-30) He points us to a different path through life: Suffer the little children to come unto me; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.He even makes the future seem uncertain: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10: 13-27) Who, then, can be saved and inherit life everlasting? With God, however, there is the offer of hope, for Jesus says, “all things are possible”. These readings ask us what we long for in life, just as the American Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776 came to represent a moral standard to which the United States would strive. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This passage has been called “one of the best-known sentences in the English language”, and was proclaimed with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.Hymn for the Day O Perfect Love, all human thought transcendingv3. Grant us the joy that brightens earthly sorrow,Grant us the peace which calms all earthly strife;And to life’s day the glorious unknown morrowThat dawns upon eternal love and life.PrayerWe pray that as the founders of America won liberty for themselves, and lit the torch of freedom for others, we people of our own land shall have the grace to maintain our own liberties in righteousness and peace, as we re-open our church for worship.Note: Further Prayers and the readings for today can be downloaded at the top right of this page
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 28th June 2020Thought for the Week – On this Rock I will build my churchToday we celebrate the lives of St Peter the Keyholder and St Paul the Teacher. Peter was one of the first disciples, and responded to the call to follow Jesus with all his heart: Jesus referred to him as “the rock”. Paul never met Jesus during his time on earth and initially opposed the Christian community, until a dramatic experience converted him to the faith. Both men dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel and nurturing the early Christian Church. Peter was given the “keys of the kingdom of heaven”, thereby being invested with Christ’s authority in his teaching. This meant that his decisions would stand, in contrast to those of the Pharisees and Scribes. Hymn for the Day Lord of all hopefulnessLord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroyBe there at our waking, and give us, we pray,Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.PrayersWe pray that, being instructed by the teachings of the apostles Peter and Paul, we in our own time may stand firm upon the Church’s one foundation, Jesus Christ, our Lord.Note: The Readings and Gospel for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 21st June 2020Thought for the Week – The very hairs of your head are all numberedMuch has been written about Love. Yet in today’s bible reading we are again reminded that in God’s sight we are worth everything, being precious in body and soul. God’s immeasurable love for us must be the starting point for all our actions. What can it mean to live as people who are so beloved that every hair on our head is counted? (Matthew 10. 26-33) Why should we concern ourselves with our material well-being when – in this lovely passage from the Sermon on the Mount – we can be reassured by a caring God? Why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6. 28) Clearly it reads - “acknowledge me and I will not forsake you”. Hymn for the Day Lord, for the YearsLord, for the years your love has kept and guided, Urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, Sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided, Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.Prayers (For all prayers and the Gospel for today please download the attachment at the top right of this page)We pray for doctors and physicians, as well as nurses, carers and all those who help the sick. We also remember in our prayersphysicians-of-the-soul, the clergy and others who offer immense solace to those who are ill and to the bereaved</span>
