Lectionary 05/05/2024
- Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Lectionary Readings
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The Last Supper
The Last Supper
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
The Argument about Greatness
The Argument about Greatness
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
Jesus Washes His Disciple's Feet
Jesus Washes His Disciple's Feet
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
The Bread and the Wine and the New Covenant
The Bread and the Wine and the New Covenant
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
Denial, Betrayal and a New Commandment
Denial, Betrayal and a New Commandment
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
The Way to God
The Way to God
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
It started with a kiss
It started with a kiss
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
Jesus Prays for a Way Out
Jesus Prays for a Way Out
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
Jesus is Arrested
Jesus is Arrested
by Dave Hopwood
It Started with a Kiss… Bible Ref: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13-18 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linki…
The Resurrection
The Resurrection
by Dave Hopwood
Back for Good Bible Ref: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21; Acts 1 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linking…
Poem: Come crooners and crows
Poem: Come crooners and crows
by Marjorie Dobson
Come crooners and crows: come singers from shows: come tenors and basses from all different places: come tone deaf, or sweet, or those with a beat, sopranos with high notes with frogs in their sore throats. Contraltos join hands with those in rock bands and make up a ring with th…
All Desires Known - God's Fruitful Word Collect
All Desires Known - God's Fruitful Word Collect
by SPCK - Janet Morley
GOD’S FRUITFUL WORD Collect Isaiah 55.1–11; Luke 1.46b–55; Luke 4.14–21; 2 Timothy 3.14—4.5 O God our disturber, whose speech is pregnant with power and whose word will be fulfilled... Advent 3 (ABC); Epiphany 3 (C); Easter Vigil (ABC); Easter 6 (B); Proper 3 (B); Proper 10 (AC);…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10.44-48 1 John 5.1-6 John 15.9-17 ‘His commandments are not burdensome.’ Hard to take, that, in a world where all commandments are burdensome, where anybody telling anyone else what to do – even God telling his creatures what to do – is felt as an…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
The Sixth Sunday of Easter John 15:9-17 Gaze on a page of the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from around ad 800; study the Celtic knots and intricate spirals that adorn it. See the way the threads twist and loop together without end or beginning, how hard it is to unrav…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10.44-48 1John 5.1-6 John 15.9-17 The desire for certainty goes very deep, and all of today’s readings look at that longing with sympathy, though the answers they give are as challenging as they are reassuring. In the Gospel, Jesus is at last givin…
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Telling the Gentiles about Jesus
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Telling the Gentiles about Jesus
by SPCK - N T Wright
Telling the Gentiles about Jesus Acts 10.34-48 Acts for Everyone Part 1 34Peter took a deep breath and began. ‘It’s become clear to me’, he said, ‘that God really does show no favouritism. 35No: in every race, people who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him. 36He s…
Hymn: How strange when God anoints the ones
Hymn: How strange when God anoints the ones
by Andrew Pratt
How strange when God anoints the ones that we have not befriended For when the spirit freely flows that grace should not be ended. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: BARBARA ALLAN Metre: 8.7.8.7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 22/4/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co…
Drama: Any objections?
Drama: Any objections?
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama: Any objections? ‘Any objections if I baptise these people?’ he asked. Well, what could we say? And would it have made any difference if we’d said, ‘Yes'? Not one bit, I suspect. We may not have been able to take in the evidence of our own eyes, but it was there and we coul…
Hymn: See all creation leap with praise
Hymn: See all creation leap with praise
by Andrew Pratt
See all creation leap with praise, the floods will clap their hands, the seas will roar, the hills will sing, and joy will fill all lands. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: LYDIA Metre: CM Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 23/4/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co.uk. …
Hymn: The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God
Hymn: The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God
by Andrew Pratt
The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God but we prefer familiar words and ways. We hold and cage and mould God to our will, defending customs smothering our praise. A world-wide pool of images and grace informs our faith, re-vitalises hope, and so our view, so narrow and obs…
Reflection on 1 John 5: 1-6 Setting rules
Reflection on 1 John 5: 1-6 Setting rules
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection on 1 John 5: 1-6: Setting rules A parent who loves a child sets out sensible rules of conduct, so that the child can learn to grow and live to love and care for others. The child who loves the parent obeys the rules - most of the time – and learns through experience...…
Hymn: Love as we, ourselves, know loving
Hymn: Love as we, ourselves, know loving
by Andrew Pratt
Love as we, ourselves, know loving, in this way we will be blessed; get this right and all will follow: such a very simple test. And this test is in the action, not in claims of faith or creed, but in ways we serve each other, meeting one another's need. Verses 3-5 follow Tune: C…
Prayer: Loving Father God
Prayer: Loving Father God
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Loving Father God Loving Father, God, we offer you the love and respect that you deserve. We know that we cannot be perfect and we recognize that we miss the mark of obeying your commandments, but we also know that you are a loving and caring God and that we are all your …
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Faith Wins the Victory
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Faith Wins the Victory
by SPCK - N T Wright
Faith Wins the Victory 1 John 5.1-12 The first time I went snorkelling on a tropical reef, I was overwhelmed by the sight. Face down in the water by the Great Barrier Reef, off the north-east coast of Australia, I knew at once that this was a totally new experience. All around me…
John for Everyone part 2 - Obeying and Loving
John for Everyone part 2 - Obeying and Loving
by SPCK - N T Wright
Obeying and Loving John 15.9-17 John for Everyone Part 2 Like an innocent child wandering by itself into a kitchen and pressing the switches that will set the house on fire, some biblical texts have been taken out of their original setting and used in ways that would have horrifi…
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Laodicea
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Laodicea
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Letter to Laodicea Revelation 3.14-22 At the beginning of the year 2011, there were extraordinary floods in Australia. To begin with it was part of Queensland, the vast state in the north-east of the country. Then it was more of the state, and still more. Then the floodwaters…
LWPT Meditations - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
LWPT Meditations - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by Susan Thorne
Meditation - 6th Sunday of Easter Year B Acts 10: 44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5: 1-6 John 15: 9-17 “They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (Acts 10 v 47). The first gentile believers were not like the Jewish Christians who had a life-long knowledge of the scriptures. Nor …
New Testament Wisdom for Everyone - Love One Another
New Testament Wisdom for Everyone - Love One Another
by SPCK - N T Wright
3 THE GREAEST OF THE VIRTUES LOVE ONE ANOTHER John 15: 9-17 Like an innocent child wandering by itself into a kitchen and pressing the switches that will set the house on fire, some biblical texts have been taken out of their original setting and used in ways that would have horr…
Psalms for Everyone - The Marriage Challenge
Psalms for Everyone - The Marriage Challenge
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The Marriage Challenge Psalm 45 When you’re young and you get married, you have to get your parents’ approval, but when you’re old and you get married, you have to get your children’s approval. So I was nervous about telling my sons that I was getting married again eighteen month…
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Story Retold: Bible
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Story Retold: Bible
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter TWO LIKE BIRDS HOVERING OVERHEAD: THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL (ii) The Continuous Story (b) The Story Retold: Bible The long tradition of retelling the story of Israel, not only on the large scale (as in the Pentateuch itself, the books from Joshua through to 2 …
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter TWO LIKE BIRDS HOVERING OVERHEAD: THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL The Theology of a Pharisee It is not difficult to draw out from what has already been said the main lines of Pharisaic theology, bringing into brief and I hope sharp focus the larger and longer treatm…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
by SPCK - N T Wright
3. Athene and Her Owl: the Wisdom of the Greeks Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy Before we do that, one final task remains. Granted that Paul grew up in the world of strict Pharisaic Judaism, what response might we expect him to have to the world of pagan philosophy? It would…
Rhythms of remembering - Christmas - Monday Evening Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Christmas - Monday Evening Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
CHRISTMAS - Monday Evening Prayer O magnify the Lord with me; for God’s mercy lasts for ever. Blessed are the poor, for they are free to hear; those who have nothing left are able to receive; those who are fast bound – they know what freedom means...
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - The Real King of Kings
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - The Real King of Kings
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The Real King of Kings Psalm 97-98 According to news reports, Muammar el-Qaddafi, who had ruled Libya for over forty years, once declared, “I am an international leader, the dean of the Arab rulers, the king of kings of Africa and the imam of Muslims, and my international status …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Living under the shadow of his wings
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Living under the shadow of his wings
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
Living under the shadow of his wings Like most animals, the eagle rushes into conflict when protecting its young, yet the same instinct causes it to exhibit tender care. Moses’ final song compares God’s concern for Israel to an eagle ‘hovering over its young . . . bearing them al…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The hour of glory
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The hour of glory
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The hour of glory The Passion, John 18—19 The sight of an eagle climbing up into the sky is glorious. So, too, for John, the death of Jesus sets him free of the earth to return to his Father on high; the hour of his Passion is also the hour of glory. This is the supreme irony. As…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Comment: 1 John
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Comment: 1 John
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Comment: 1 John Family language is prevalent in 1 John and is used in three distinct ways. First, family language is used to speak of the relationship between God and Jesus (e.g., 2:22–24; 4:14). Second, the author frequently addresses the community as “little children” (e.g., 2:…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book IV
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book IV
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book IV (Psalm 90-106) Book IV opens with “A Prayer of Moses, the Man of God.” It is the only psalm in the Hebrew Psalter ascribed to Moses. Its words are a plea to God for mercy: “Turn [shub], O YHWH! How long? Change your mind [nakham] concerning your servants” (90:13, my trans…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55) The sixteen chapters that begin with “Comfort, comfort my people” comprise a complex but thematically continuous piece focusing on Jerusalem’s restoration as the Babylonian era ended. The prophet is self-effacing and barely visible, but certain aspect…
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
The Fifth Sunday of Easter God of love, may we abide in your presence and so abide in your love: as we freely receive your love, let us freely share with others all that you have given us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever …
Traces of Glory Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
The Sixth Sunday of Easter Traces of Glory Year B Acts 10: 44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5: 1-6 John 15: 9-17 Lord, as you have chosen us, empower an equip us, make us worthy of our calling that we may reveal your love and show forth your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with yo…
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - ABIDE IN LOVE
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - ABIDE IN LOVE
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
ABIDE IN LOVE Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe his relationship with his disciples, even when he is physically absent. He is the ‘true’ or ‘real vine’, and we are branches which must remain in the vine to bear fruit, the fruit of love, one of John’s key themes. Jesus …
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year B Service Contains: Hymn: Come all you people, come and praise your maker or The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God Prayer: Loving Father God Psalm 98 Poem: Come crooners and crows Hymn: Sing to the great Jehovah’s praise or See all creation l…
Isaiah for everyone - The People Who Know What’s Best
Isaiah for everyone - The People Who Know What’s Best
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The People Who Know What’s Best I have been a student or a professor in four seminaries. One thing that students and faculty have in common is that they often think they know more about how to run the seminary than its head or the board of governors. For most of this time I was e…
glimpses of glory - Christmas Day - Year C
glimpses of glory - Christmas Day - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
Christmas Day Almighty Father, we rejoice in the coming of Christ our Lord. We pray that, as he has taken on our humanity, through your grace and goodness we may share in your divinity, and so partake in the radiance of your glory; through him who came down for us and is alive an…
journeying with John - 3 Lent
journeying with John - 3 Lent
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
3 Lent JOURNEYING WITH JOHN John’s Gospel differs from the other three Gospels in many ways, but in terms of style one of the most striking differences is the inclusion of what scholars call ‘discourses’, which are lengthy or formal discussions of a subject…
journeying with John - 4 Passion and Holy Week
journeying with John - 4 Passion and Holy Week
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
4 Passion and Holy Week Each of the Gospels brings its portrayal of Jesus to a climax with his death. Although the themes are different in each Gospel, it is important to pay close attention to the themes that come to the fore in the crucifixion accounts, since they tell us somet…
The Women's Bible Commentary - Gender, Circumcision, and Conversion
The Women's Bible Commentary - Gender, Circumcision, and Conversion
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Gender, Circumcision, and Conversion The third movement of Acts opens with a gendered question: whether uncircumcised men may join The Way. Circumcision is a gendered question, and in non-Jewish circles it was viewed as a kind of “unmanning,” or genital mutilation…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 218
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 218
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For S…
Vine Video - Helen's Story - The Story Project - 9th May 2021
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by Twelvebaskets Ltd
The Vine Video 9th May 2021 The Story Project - Helen's Story Helen's story is part of The Story Project - https://thestoryproject.org.uk/ The first 30 seconds are available as a preview. Click 'download' to view the whole video.
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Monologue: It's all so familiar
Monologue: It's all so familiar
by Andrew Pratt
Monologue on 1 Corinthians 13 (I use the name Andrew. It is best if the reader inserts their own name here). It's all so familiar: 'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity', they translate that as 'love' now - makes more sense, charity has the w…
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Here Comes the Power
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Here Comes the Power
by SPCK - N T Wright
Here Comes the Power Acts 2. 1-4 Sometimes a name, belonging to one particular person, becomes so attached to a particular object or product that we forget where it originally came from. The obvious example is ‘Hoover’: in England at least we speak of ‘the Hoover’ when we mean ‘t…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 8.26-40 1 John 4.7-21 John 15.1-8 If you like evangelism, you’ll love Philip’s story. A spirit-led meeting with a court official, who happens to be reading Isaiah 53 and asking the right questions. There is time to converse at leisure; there is wat…
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - The Call to the World, and the Father of Israel
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - The Call to the World, and the Father of Israel
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Call to the World, and the Failure of Israel ROMANS 10.14-21 Not long ago, some friends of ours came into possession of a large old house, and decided to do a first-class job of restoring it. To make sure all the details were taken care of, they hired a consultant to oversee …
Forgetting the faith that has brought us salvation
Forgetting the faith that has brought us salvation
by Andrew Pratt
Forgetting the faith that has brought us salvation, we lose track of honesty, twist what is true; we grasp at each fortune that fate will present us, calling corruption constructive and new. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: ST CATHERINE’S COURT Metre: 12.11.12.11 Andrew Pratt (born 1948…
Job for Everyone - On Learning From the Past
Job for Everyone - On Learning From the Past
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Learning from the Past Job 8: 1-22 The other Saturday we were sitting in a restaurant by the ocean, and a woman came to talk to us who is a student at the seminary. This particular beach is an hour away, so I asked her if she lived nearby. She explained that she came here on S…
John for Everyone part 2 - Obeying and Loving
John for Everyone part 2 - Obeying and Loving
by SPCK - N T Wright
Obeying and Loving John 15.9-17 John for Everyone Part 2 Like an innocent child wandering by itself into a kitchen and pressing the switches that will set the house on fire, some biblical texts have been taken out of their original setting and used in ways that would have horrifi…
Transforming Preaching - Preaching for transformation
Transforming Preaching - Preaching for transformation
by SPCK - David Heywood
1 Why preach? Preaching for transformation In the previous sections we have looked briefly at preaching in the contexts of contemporary culture and the Church’s life and worship. We saw that preaching is related to worship, teaching, pastoral care, leadership and evangelism. All …
Monologue/Drama: Look at Peter!
Monologue/Drama: Look at Peter!
by Marjorie Dobson
Monologue/Drama: Look at Peter! It’s the same man! It really is! Although you wouldn’t believe it, if you remembered his past behaviour. Remember he was the coward who denied that he knew Jesus when he was challenged by that girl in the courtyard while Jesus was standing trial. H…
In the stress of expectation
In the stress of expectation
by Andrew Pratt
In the stress of expectation, Jesus feared his coming fate, here in anxiousness he waited unjust judgement of the state: but then fired with righteous anger brought the hypocrites to book, challenging their suppositions, then disarming with a look. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: CALON L…
Psalm 148 – a reflection Does the east wind howl in praise of God?
Psalm 148 – a reflection Does the east wind howl in praise of God?
by Marjorie Dobson
Psalm 148 – a reflection Does the east wind howl in praise of God? Does the lightning flash to bring light to the world? Does the snow swirl to purify the dark earth? Does the hail rain down in a dance of joy? Do the clouds rejoice that above them is light? Do the mountains and h…
The earth is the Lords
The earth is the Lords
by Mark Boulton
Text Psalm 24 v1 'The Earth is the Lord's... ' Set aginst background of NASA earthrise. Other images in this series: The heavens declare the glory of God - Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God v2 - Psalm 19 In the beginning was the word - John 1 In the beginning was t…
Imagining the Lectionary: confronting the reality of evil (Easter 7B)
Imagining the Lectionary: confronting the reality of evil (Easter 7B)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Confronting the reality of evil (Easter 7B) Reflection accompanying image “Demon locked within” My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. (John 17:15) Jesus never prayed that his disciples would f…
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos
by Andrew Pratt
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos, with all creation singing to the sound, as though, with joy, angelic voices ringing transcend the heavens, shake the solid ground. Verses 2-3 follow © Andrew Pratt 29/3/2012 Tune: HIGHWOOD; DONNE SECOURS; CROWN LANE Metre: 11.10.11.10 A…
The Earth is the Lords v2
The Earth is the Lords v2
by Mark Boulton
Psalm 24 v1 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness therof, the world and those who dwell therein.' Set against background of Planet Earth from space taken from Apollo mission NASA, USA. Other images in this series: The earth is the Lord's - Psalm 24 The earth is the Lord's v3…
Broken bread and conversation
Broken bread and conversation
by Andrew Pratt
Broken bread and conversation, sharing food and drinking wine. Jesus punctuates the story talks of symbol, speaks of sign. When they ate, each time of meeting, they were to remember this, not some mystic magic moment, just a time of human bliss. Time for friendly reminiscence, ti…
Drama: Any objections?
Drama: Any objections?
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama: Any objections? ‘Any objections if I baptise these people?’ he asked. Well, what could we say? And would it have made any difference if we’d said, ‘Yes'? Not one bit, I suspect. We may not have been able to take in the evidence of our own eyes, but it was there and we coul…
Good Friday montage
Good Friday montage
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Poem: Children of God
Poem: Children of God
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Children of God The Law was a protection for the Jews. Stay within it, where all is regulated and secure, and nothing could harm them. Children they were, but children of the Law, bound by its restrictions and ever-expanding trivialities. Continues... ©Marjorie Dobson
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 113 24/04/16
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 113 24/04/16
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For Sun…
Constellations sang in silence
Constellations sang in silence
by Andrew Pratt
Constellations sang in silence, all the cosmos offered praise, long before this globe's existence spun to weave our nights and days. Here humanity was founded, seeking meaning, plumbing doubt, raising questions never answered, turning wisdom inside out. Verses 2-3 follow Metre: 8…
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - ABIDE IN LOVE
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - ABIDE IN LOVE
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
ABIDE IN LOVE Jesus uses the image of the vine to describe his relationship with his disciples, even when he is physically absent. He is the ‘true’ or ‘real vine’, and we are branches which must remain in the vine to bear fruit, the fruit of love, one of John’s key themes. Jesus …
Reflection: Love one another
Reflection: Love one another
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection: Love one another “Love one another as I have loved you.” What a challenge Does that mean I’ve got to love my enemies? Does that mean I’ve got to love my political opponents? Does that mean I’ve got to love those whose opinions I can’t tolerate? Does that mean I’ve got…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 58:1-2, 10
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 58:1-2, 10
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 58:1-2, 10 It is curious in the modern world that whereas there is great emphasis upon human justice, there is so little acceptance of divine judgement. Yet the two are the opposite sides of the one coin. People seem to resist and even dismiss the idea of God judging us, wh…
Poem: Wine and Spirit
Poem: Wine and Spirit
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Wine and Spirit ‘Don’t get drunk with wine,. Be filled with the Spirit.’ You know, there are some people who would totally misinterpret that message. You can hear them saying it, can’t you? ‘Keep off the wine, but spirits are fine!’ So off they go, drinking to excess, los…
Times and Seasons - Who will sound the urgent message
Times and Seasons - Who will sound the urgent message
by Andrew Pratt
Who will sound the urgent message? Who can make the people hear? God is coming here in person, long expected, drawing near. Who will recognise the God-head? How are we to make him known? Will he have a throne of glory? Will he wear a royal crown? Verse 3 follows Tune CROSS OF JES…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Faithfulness | Fruit of the Spirit
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Faithfulness | Fruit of the Spirit
by BRF - Rona Orme
Faithfulness is about persistence, about keeping going when it would be easier to give up, as well as about staying true to God. Contemporary living often values the ephemeral, the instant and the new. God's Spirit wants his followers to develop deep roots (Jeremiah 17:7-8) that …
LWPT Meditations - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A Romans 10: 5-15 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10 v 13) Who is this Lord on whom we must call? The words, quoted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, are from the prophecy of Joel (2 v 32) and are…
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Drink Is a Brawler
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Drink Is a Brawler
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Drink Is a Brawler A friend who is a recovering alcoholic sometimes comments with dark humour on the process whereby drinking ruins people’s lives. It all but ruined his life, and it has ruined the lives of people he knows…
Who knows?
Who knows?
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Who knows? Proper 14 year A Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b Did Jacob know, while favouring one son, the brothers planned to kill that special one? Did Reuben know, by letting Joseph live, they would be saved by what that boy could give... 7 August 2011, …
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - The Healing of the Demoniacs
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - The Healing of the Demoniacs
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Healing of the Demoniacs Matthew 8.28-34 I was listening to some music last night that kept surprising me. It was a great symphony, with a wonderful tune that turned this way and that, sweeping us along, catching our emotions and lifting our spirits. Then, just when you thoug…
Hymn: Here in the midst of greatest loss
Hymn: Here in the midst of greatest loss
by Andrew Pratt
Here in the midst of greatest loss, reflecting on what might have been, Naomi gave a kiss of peace, a kiss of comfort, yet release, but Ruth would learn what love could mean, yes she would learn what love could mean. The love these women would exchange was not ephemeral or weak, …
glimpses of glory - Proper 4 - Year C
glimpses of glory - Proper 4 - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 4 Lord of majesty and splendor, the King of all creation, from you comes all wholeness, peace and well-being. We come with our needs and in our brokenness, seeking your help and knowing that you alone can make us whole. Come, Lord, and renew us; through Jesus Christ our Lo…
Poem:Sing a new song
Poem:Sing a new song
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Sing a new song (This piece should be spoken with a lilting rhythm and could be done by one person with a change of tone for each of the two speakers. But it has been marked to be read by two people, following the same rhythmic pattern. Will need rehearsal!) A. Sing a new s…
glimpses of glory - The Baptism of Christ (The First Sunday of Epiphany) - Year C
glimpses of glory - The Baptism of Christ (The First Sunday of Epiphany) - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
The Baptism of Christ (The First Sunday of Epiphany) Lord, you have called us. Make us worthy of our calling, that, in the mighty name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we may rejoice in your love and saving power, and proclaim your presence and glory in the world; through Jesu…
glimpses of glory - The Second Sunday of Easter - Year C
glimpses of glory - The Second Sunday of Easter - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
The Second Sunday of Easter Christ our God, risen from the dead, come and enter into the darkness of our doubt and despair, with the bright light of your presence, that we may put trust in you and in the power of your resurrection, that we may rejoice in you the risen Lord, our s…
Hookers sea lion Serat Bay Catlins South Island New Zealand
Hookers sea lion Serat Bay Catlins South Island New Zealand
by Mark Boulton
Hookers sea lion Phocarctos hookeri hauled out on beach Serat Bay Catlins South Island New Zealand. This is one of the rarest and most endangered species of sea lions which were hunted for oil and hide until hunting was banned in 1893.
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Resurrection Plus the name of Jesus equals trouble
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Resurrection Plus the name of Jesus equals trouble
by SPCK - N T Wright
Resurrection Plus the Name of Jesus Equals Trouble Acts 4.1-12 I cherish the remark attributed to a bishop who complained that he didn’t seem to be having the same impact as the first apostles. ‘Everywhere St Paul went,’ he said, ‘there was a riot. Everywhere I go they serve tea.…
Lectionary Reflections Year A - Pentecost Year A
Lectionary Reflections Year A - Pentecost Year A
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Day of Pentecost - Year A Numbers 11.24–30 Acts 2.1–21 John 20.19–23 It is typical of God’s calling to us that on the day of Pentecost, instead of being allowed to dwell on what it feels like and means to have tongues of fire resting on you, the disciples have to go straight out …
Imagining the Lectionary: Seasons of Leadership (Proper 25A; Ordinary 30A)