Shipley Church Self-ServiceRemembrance Sunday, 8th November 2020Thought for the Week – Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.The 20th century – probably the most violent in the history of man – gave rise to two world wars and a host of other conflicts that disgraced our claim to have reached a level of civilisation and enlightenment never achieved before. How should we atone for such a calamity? Perhaps we shall never fully understand what it means to be human, or how the undaunted spirit finds ways of overcoming unutterable darkness. But eventually it does, and with the passage of time, historical events – however tumultuous – become ordered in the overall perspective of the momentous affairs of mankind. Nobody living today can actually recall their experiences of the Great War, yet our culture demands that we reflect upon it, and upon other wars, and never forget the sacrifices made for our “today” and our freedom. One of English composer John Ireland’s (1879-1962) best known compositions is the beautiful choral motet “Greater love hath no man”. It commemorates the victims of war and is regarded as one of his masterpieces. Its significance is all the more poignant today, as Ireland’s grave resides in the churchyard just outside the church’s south door, here in Shipley. (John 15:13)Hymn for todayI vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.Prayer for TodayMay the memory of past wars strengthen our efforts for peace and reconciliation; may the memory of those who died inspire our service for the living; we pray for new hope and a new faith that Peace can reach out and embrace the world.Note: The Gospel and Readings for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 1st November 2020Thought for the Week – Blessed are the pure in heart …This could have been the scenario if his disciples had adopted an aggressive marketing strategy as Jesus went through Galilee, preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Large crowds gathered to hear him, but his was a new kind of language to those who would listen, promoting humility and compassion. The poor, those who mourn the meek, merciful & pure in heart, the peacemakers & the persecuted – all shall have their reward in heaven, and all are described as “Blessed”. The Beatitudes sum up what it means to live a life that is Christ-like, and they echo the highest ideals of Jesus’ teachings on spirituality. They are complex and hard to follow, but also very beautiful, and applicable to all Christians.(Matthew 5:1-12) The 1st November is All Saints’ Day on which we also remember the lives and sacrifices of all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, from throughout Christian history. All Souls Day follows on the 2nd, and commemoration of the dead continues to be especially relevant at this time of year as we remember the human sacrifices made in war and the fallen of two world wars from the last century on Remembrance Sunday in a week’s time. Hymn of the DayBlest are the pure in heart, For they shall see our God; The secret of the Lord is theirs,Their soul is Christ’s abode.Prayer and ReadingsWe pray, Lord, give us weak eyes for things which are of no account, and clear eyes for all your truth.Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right hand corner of this page
The Reliquary stolen in 1976 has been recovered and kindly given back to the Church by the current owner who had no idea it had been stolen. It is our intention to loan the reliquary to Horsham Museum for display and safekeeping, so that the wider community can enjoy this wonderful piece of our heritage. Working together with Horsham Museum, we will develop educational assets to allow Schools and young people to fully engage in learning about the history of the local area, and the role played by the Church in Shipley.Should you have any questions or comments you would like to make our plans please do not hesitate to contact the Church Wardens at warden@shipley.church
Shipley Church Self-ServiceSunday 25th October 2020Thought for the Week – Thou shalt love the Lord thy GodJesus was asked by one of the Pharisees, “what is the greatest commandment in Jewish Law?” For the answer we have only to look in the service book of the Eucharist we use every Sunday. The first and greatest commandment is to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it, love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34-40) We are very familiar with these phrases, but what does it mean to love God and love your neighbour? These two commandments form the core of the Christian religion. But do we live according to their teaching? Paul explains that we are to love one another with “brotherly love” (Romans 12:10) which is not so much brother-like as a special relationship of unity with fellow members of God’s family. Neither meticulous observance of the Ten Commandments nor rigorous attention to the rigmarole of Jewish law in the books of Moses attains anything without keeping the first and greatest commandment of all, to truly love God. In her Christmas broadcasts to the nation, the Queen is often remarkably open about her Christian faith as the inspiration for her life. “Jesus’s simple and powerful message, to love God and our neighbour in ways that treat others as we would like them to treat us, gives spirituality a practical purpose”, she has often said. Hymn for TodayMy song is love unknown, My Saviour’s love to me, Love to the loveless shown, That they might lovely be. O who am I, that for my sake My Lord should take frail flesh and die?PrayersWe pray: Lord, it is our chief complaint that our love is weak and faint; yet we love thee and adore – oh, for grace to love thee more! William CowperNote: The Gospel and Readings for today can be downloaded from the top right hand corner of this page.
