SUNDAY READING SHEET 4th May 2025 Easter 3CollectRisen Christ,you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope:strengthen us to proclaim your risen lifeand fill us with your peace,to the glory of God the Father.Amen. A Reading from the Acts of the ApostlesSaul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’Acts 9:1-20 For the word of the LordAll: Thanks be to GodGOSPELHear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John All: Glory to you, O Lord.Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. John 21:1-19This is the Gospel of the Lord.All: Praise to you, O Christ.Post Communion Prayer:Living God,your Son made himself known to his disciplesin the breaking of bread:open the eyes of our faith,that we may see him in all his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
You can download the paper copy of our news sheet from the link at the side of this page. The diocese’s Living God’s Love Prayer:Living God, draw us deeper into your love; Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.Stir us, strengthen us, teach and inspire usTo live your love with generosity and joy,Imagination and courage; for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus, Amen. Please note: The Parish Office email is admin@roystonparishchurch.org.uk. If you would like regular copies of the Notice Sheet emailed to you please email this account. Saturday 26th10 – 11.30 am Church CaféSunday 27th 9 am Said Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion Service10.30 am Sung Communion with Church Choir, Children’s Church followed by refreshment.1pm Scouts Service3.30 pm Scones of PraiseMonday 28th7 pm PCC meetingTuesday 29th 9am Morning Prayer1.45 pm The funeral of Carol EmmsWednesday 30th11 am Said Communion Service followed by refreshments1 pm Knit and Natter4.30 pm Chorsters Practice6.30 pm Choir practice7 pm Men’s Group meeting at WetherpoonsThursday 1st May9 am – 11 am Tots in Church2.30 pm Ladies GroupFriday 2nd10 am Staff meeting at BanyersSaturday 3rdBOOK FAYRE 10 – 11.30 am Church CaféSunday 4th9 am Said Communion Service10.30 am Sung Communion with Church Choir, Children’s Church followed by refreshments.3.30 pm Tea Time Praise!Monday 5th MayBOOK FAYRE 6.45 pm Somewhere to Sing Choir RehearsalDates for the Diary8th May 7 pm Julian Prayer at 11 Middle Drift.We pray for all Christians worldwide:For all Christians in Belarus, Moldova, Russia, UkraineFor all who are worship at Kneesworth House Hospital: Ged McHaleFor the work of our mission partners: GenR8We pray for the community of Royston:For our local health centres For all who volunteer at Royston Community TransportWe pray for our world and ECO projects: We pray that Earth Day being held on 22nd April might encourage to be more caring for the environment and our beautiful, fragile planet.UPCOMING EVENTSTHANK YOU: to everyone who donated Easter eggs for the hunt on Easter Day. All the children who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Steven.TOMATO PLANTS: On Saturday 3rd May, Chris Wallis will have tomato plants for sale outside (or inside if wet) Church. Can we ask please, that you bring your own bags to take the plants home? A large selection of different varieties available. All proceeds to church funds. Thank you for your support.SCONES OF PRAISE: This takes place on the 27th April at 3.30pm. The event consists of hymns or songs selected by people who will also briefly share why that hymn or song is special to them. After this we will enjoy scones and drinks. However, whilst anyone can attend this event, we do need people to nominate a hymn or song and be prepared to speak about its impact upon them. To do this, please get a free ticket by clicking on this link or typing it into a web browser: https://bit.ly/4gWo1Cw by the 23rd April.ALSO: We're seeking donations of scones for the Scones of Praise on the afternoon of Sunday 27th April. Any donations of scones, bought or homemade gratefully received. Please leave in the kitchen. Thanks in advance from the events committee.FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION: This will take place during our 10.30am service on Sunday 22nd June. If you are interested in either being confirmed or your child is interested in receiving communion and have not yet been prepared for this then please let Steven know by the end of April.UPCOMING EVENTSThere are a number of events coming up over the next few months to look forward to.20th June - Hymns & Pimm's 21st June - Saxophone Quartet (more details to follow)22nd June - Come and Sing choral evensong The Events Committee would appreciate your support, as we'll need donations of scones, cakes, books, as well as your time to sort books and man stalls. There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of church to register help for the book fayre. Thanks in advance. Ruth SavageWe pray for the sick and suffering: EdenPaul & Pat TideyForest PikeNealRichard MossPhoebe StromPeter CoatesJohn HutchinsJamie CovingtonLynn FrickerJan McElneyKathy GeorgeJackson HerbertLee CockerillBetty GladstoneCyrine and familyJean CoslettPeter RiceVal BrownPhil HuntleyCarol EmmsRowena GodfreyMargaret & John CoatesAngi and Ken RushallEmma and Phil HeathMike BrownJenny BurchellChris ChristouWe pray for those who have died in the faith of Christ:Carol Emms Andrew, family and friendsRowena Godfrey Family and friendsWe pray for those whose anniversaries fall at this time23rd April Colin Willingale26th April Cecilia BrookesNOTICESSCONES OF PRAISE: This takes place on the 27th April at 3.30pm. The event consists of hymns or songs selected by people who will also briefly share why that hymn or song is special to them. After this we will enjoy scones and drinks. However, whilst anyone can attend this event, we do need people to nominate a hymn or song and be prepared to speak about its impact upon them. To do this, please get a free ticket by clicking on this link or typing it into a web browser: https://bit.ly/4gWo1Cw by the 23rd April.FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION: This will take place during our 10.30am service on Sunday 22nd June. If you are interested in either being confirmed or your child is interested in receiving communion and have not yet been prepared for this then please let Steven know by the end of April. KNIT AND NATTER: After a short break, we begin again on Wednesday 23rd April 1 pm – 3.30 pm in Church. It is an informal group, you can drop in and out as the time suits you. If you want to come just for the Natter (and there is plenty of it!) you are very welcome. A chance to make new friends. We have refreshments as well. We are a friendly bunch and would like to be able to say hello to you. Look forward to meeting you. If you would like more information you can contact Joanne Wallis, Liz Wainwright or Christine Baker.UPCOMING EVENTSThere are a number of events coming up over the next few months to look forward to.3rd and 5th May - Book Fayre20th June - Hymns & Pimm's 21st June - Saxophone Quartet (more details to follow)22nd June - Come and Sing choral evensong The Events Committee would appreciate your support, as we'll need donations of scones, cakes, books, as well as your time to sort books and man stalls. There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of church to register help for the book fayre. Thanks in advance. Ruth Savage SUNDAY READING SHEET 20th April 2025 EASTER DAY The Lesson is written in the 10th Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles beginning at the 34th versePeter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’Acts 10: 34 - 43GOSPELThe Holy Gospel is written in the 24th chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke beginning at the 1st verseOn the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Luke 24: 1 - 12STAFF TEAMVicar: Revd Steven Sivyer (rest day MONDAY)Telephone no. 01763 243145Email: vicar@roystonparishchurch.org.ukAssistant Priest: The Reverend John FidlerTelephone no. 01763 241886Email: johnhfidler@aol.com Reader: Emma SivyerTelephone no. 07851 688610Email: emma@sivyer.org.ukReader: Canon Reg BaileyTelephone no. 01763 250637Email: regbailey@aol.com Parish Administrator: Joanne WallisWorking hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 am to 1 pm email: admin@roystonparishchurch.org.ukMobile: 07935 774633www.roystonparishchurch.org.ukemail: admin@roystonparishchurch.org.ukwww.facebook.com/roystonparishchurch.herts
