But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ Matthew 13 : 23Readings this week Isaiah 55 : 10 - 13; Romans 8 : 1 - 11 ; Matthew 13 : 1 – 9, 18 - 23Thought for this weekEveryone likes a good story; a story that engages the imagination and makes you think. We may read a cracking good book or watch an amazing film, love it so much that we read or watch several times. As we become familiar with a text or film it’s easy to switch off or discard completely. The parable of the sower is one such example. God always invites us into scripture, to hear, see and experience the Living Word. Perhaps we could try reading these familiar passages in some different ways. Reading aloud; reading slowly several times, being open to a particular word or phrase and what God might be saying to us through it. We might try placing ourselves imaginatively into the passage - what might it have been like hearing for the first time? There are a wealth of good online resources available to study and reflect more deeply if you want to know more about the context and culture of Jesus’ time. Let’s be open to the power of the words of Jesus in our lives and the invitation He offers to follow him each day. RachelPrayer for this weekO Lord, save us from hardness of heart, where your word cannot take root. O Lord, save us from shallowness of mind, where your word withers away. O Lord, save us from the deceitfulness of riches, where your word is choked by everyday cares. But Lord, grant that our hearts may be fertile soil, where your word flourishes and yields a harvest, bringing salvation to ourselves and those about us. Amen. ~ written by the Staffordshire Seven, in Seasonal Worship from the Countryside. Posted on the http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/ We give thanks for…..For the end of another school year, for the children and all they have achieved, the ways in which they have grown. For the ways we have been able to speak to them of Jesus’ love and enable them to hear God’s Word.For those coming to be married in our churches over the summer
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 12th July 8:00 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s) Sunday 12th July 9:30 am Mustard Tree Church– informal service for families and children (at St Ed’s) Sunday 12th July 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Peter’s) followed by refreshments Sunday 12th July 11:15 am Service of the Word (at St Ed’s and livestream) Monday 13th July 5.00 pm Evening prayers (at St Ed’s) Tuesday 14th July 10:00 am til 12 noon Community Café (at St Ed’s) Tuesday 14th July 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s) Wednesday 15th July 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s ) Thursday 16th July 9.00am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s ) Thursday 16th July 7.00pm Compline (at St Ed’s) Friday 17th July 9:00 am Year 6’s leavers service (at St Ed’s) Friday 17th July 9:30 am to12.00 noon Arts and Craft Group , - bring anything – art or craft - you fancy doing and coffee and tea are provided. (at Trinity church) Also Sunday 19th July 2026. At St Ed’s 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Holy Communion on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'. Everyone welcome. Additionally Ringland: future services/events for Ringland St Peter’s: July 12th 10:30 am Holy Communion followed by refreshments (at St Peter’s) July 25th Wedding (at St Peter’s) July 26th 3pm The Gathering @ Ringland (at St Peter’s) Year 6’s from the Junior School will be coming into St Ed's on Friday (19th) for their Leavers’ Service. Please pray for them as they prepare for the next step in their lives and all that lies ahead. Christmas wrapping paper! Brenda Clarke has very kindly taken on organising the shoeboxes this year, and the launch will be in September. Any spare Christmas wrapping paper or empty shoeboxes, please leave them at the back of St Ed's. Thank you! Streams is an initiative from the Diocese encouraging us to share our stories of faith and the Lord’s love in our lives, and to help us to listen to one another in our life journey. A number of groups are forming for us to tell one another our stories. Further details Rev Paul Cursillo Are you interested in Cursillo? A Christian discipleship weekend held in September? Details : Rev Stella 07815 089704 Prayers will continue through the summer months : Mondays 5.00pm, Compline Thursdays 7.00pm
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11 : 28Readings this week Zechariah 9 : 9 - 12; Romans 7 : 15 -25a; Matthew 11 : 16 – 19, 25 -endThought for this week In our churches we have always highlighted our ministry to children, with Mustard Tree Church, Prayer Spaces, and our Schools work. The children’s ministry to us, as adults, is an important part of our own discipleship. They have so much to teach us about being disciples of Jesus. About trust, integrity, and faith in who the Lord is. And of His love, because I believe children see the difference His love makes.We know from the Bible children have a very special place in Jesus’ heart. In our Gospel reading Jesus speaks of how much the Father has already revealed to children, who perceive without prejudice, without the baggage of responsibility, and pre – conceptions.Jesus welcomed the children to Him, not because they were vulnerable or in need, but because they are wise, and open to the Father’s heart of truth and love. They are open to all the Father is, and all He longs to give us. If we have children in our life, let us treasure them, and help them to express their faith. Children so often show us the way to the Father’s heart. Children are open, trusting, and know what is most important. Let us help them to meet with Jesus, know Him and grow in His love.Rev PaulPrayer for this weekAlmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, AmenAlmighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenWe give thanks for…..The connections and conversations we have with our communitiesFor the freedom we have to worship and read the BibleFor those who are new to our services and Bible groups
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 5th July 9:30 am Mustard Tree Church– informal service for families and children (at St Ed’s) Sunday 5th July 11:15 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s) Monday 6th July 8.30 am Langley Prayers (at St Ed’s) Monday 6th July 5.00 pm Evening prayers (at St Ed’s) Tuesday 7th July 10:00 am til 12 noon Community Café (at St Ed’s) Tuesday 7th July 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s) Wednesday 8th July 10:30 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s ) Thursday 9th July 9.00am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s ) Thursday 9th July 7.00pm Compline (at St Ed’s) Friday 10th July 9:30 am to12.00 noon Arts and Craft Group , - bring anything – art or craft - you fancy doing and coffee and tea are provided. (at Trinity church) Also Sunday 12th July 2026. At St Ed’s 8:00 am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Service of the word On-line 11:15 livestream service At St Peter’s 10:30 Holy Communion followed by refreshments on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'. Everyone welcome. Additionally Ringland: future services/events for Ringland St Peter’s: July 12th 10:30 am Holy Communion followed by refreshments (at St Peter’s) July 25th Wedding (at St Peter’s) July 26th 3pm The Gathering @ Ringland (at St Peter’s) Streams is an initiative from the Diocese encouraging us to share our stories of faith and the Lord’s love in our lives, and to help us to listen to one another in our life journey. A number of groups are forming for us to tell one another our stories. Further details Rev Paul Deanery Synod Social – a visit to the Julian Shrine on Wednesday 8th July 6.00pm. Details from Rev Paul Cursillo Are you interested in Cursillo? A Christian discipleship weekend held in September? Details : Rev Stella 07815 089704 Our Churchwardens were sworn in for both our churches on Thursday 2nd. Please pray for David, Sue, Sue and Dian in their calling
