Shipley Church Self-ServiceThird Sunday of Easter 18th April 2021Thought for the Week – Jesus appears to the disciplesJesus appears again to the disciples, after encountering some of his followers travelling on a road to the village of Emmaus a few kilometres from Jerusalem. At first they’re terrified at the sight of him, and need convincing that Jesus isn’t a ghost. But they have a meal together – an understandably civilised thing to do, often alluded to during Jesus’ life – and are persuaded that he is who he is. In his presence, they begin to grasp the deep truths about his fulfillment of scripture, and with joy and enthusiasm begin preparing themselves to become witnesses to their Messiah, and to focus on their new calling. (Luke 24: 36-48) It’s still quite hard to believe, isn’t it, that the only man in the world ever to rise from the dead invites us to come to him just as we are, and in the simplest of ways, to gather in Communion with him at his table. We take bread, and eat, and give thanks for everything we can’t quite comprehend about Easter. We share in it, and follow in the footsteps of those first disciples in making Jesus known to the world. Hymn for the Day Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The Holy One is here; Come, bow before him now, With reverence and fear. In him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The Holy One is here. Prayer for TodayGive unto us, O Lord, that quietness of mind in which we can hear you speaking to us, for your own name’s sake, that we may glorify you both in speech and in silence through Jesus Christ our Lord. Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSecond Sunday of Easter 11th April 2021Thought for the Week – You may believe that Jesus is the ChristThe Apostle Thomas, refused to believe that the resurrected Jesus had appeared to ten of the other apostles without witnessing the event for himself. Thomas’ doubt had a purpose. He wanted to know the truth. His doubt was not due to a lack of faith, but demonstrated a desire to have his faith founded in fact, not fancy. Doubt and uncertainty have been unmistakeable characteristics of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Such human struggle with doubt, never goes unrecognised by Jesus who invites us to believe in him as our Saviour, even if we’ve not necessarily seen him with our own eyes. (John 20: 19-31) Our hymn today “Amazing Grace” has been a firm favourite with Christians everywhere for many years. It was written by a former 18th century slave trader, John Newton, whose gradual and difficult journey of conversion led him to become a deeply committed hymn writer. He found his own “route map out of lockdown” and taught about the infallibility of Jesus’s promises however tired or anxious we become, or with whatever misgivings or distrust we are afflicted.Hymn for the Day Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found; Was blind, but now I see.Special Prayer for the DayWe remember in particular this day the life and death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, gather all those unto you who die in faith and may light perpetual shine upon them. We also pray for the Her Majesty the Queen. comfort her of Lord in her time of mourning and bless her this day and always. Amen.Prayer for the DayLord, we’re not able to see you face to face, but as we trust, as we yield, as we wait, and as we wonder – help us to remember the sadness and anger of those who unknowingly cast aside your gifts of faith, hope and love. Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the whole Royal Family.Shipley Church will be open for prayer and reflection.
Easter Sunday 4th April 2021Thought for the Week – “I have seen the Lord”In John’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene is the first to see the resurrected Jesus. What an amazing and moving reading it is! (John 20: 1-18). But Mary’s recognition of Jesus, after discovering the empty tomb, was not immediate; her initial reaction was not joy at the risen Christ, but confusion and fear of the unknown. Only when Jesus calls her by her name, does she realise it is He standing before her. “I have seen the Lord!” she tells the disciples. Often in the bible, direct encounters with God evoke a sense of awe and anxiety. When the shepherds, watching their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem, saw the glory of the Lord around them, their response was fear (Luke 2: 8-9). Again, the Archangel Gabriel’s declaration to Mary – that she would bear the holy child – left her shocked and astonished.But with the Easter story, we are presented with the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Old Testament (Isaiah 53), which suddenly ceases to be an abstract idea and becomes something particular and specific that will transform lives and the life of the world. As we gradually emerge from winter into Spring, nature’s cycle of life, death and rebirth is at its most visible. The endlessly recurring rhythm of the seasons helps us to believe we can escape the finality of death. Can we offer ourselves as an expression of God’s love to its unfolding? And are we able to recognise and pay witness to our risen Lord?Easter Hymn Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, Endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won; Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, Kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay. Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, Endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won.Easter PrayerWe pray, Lord you have taught us that death is not the final word. As the sun rises this Easter morning, will you rise in our lives to be our hope, our life, and our joy.Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page
