Lectionary 08/09/2024
- Proper 18 (23) - Year B
Lectionary Readings
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Blind Guides
Blind Guides
by Dave Hopwood
Feet of Clay and the Breath of God Bible Ref: Isaiah 42; Matthew 5-8 & 10; Mark 3; Luke 6 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 …
The Centurion's Servant
The Centurion's Servant
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 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 l…
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
The Death of John the Baptist
The Death of John the Baptist
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
The Bread of Life
The Bread of Life
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
What Makes a Person Unclean
What Makes a Person Unclean
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
A Persistent Canaanite Woman
A Persistent Canaanite Woman
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 linkin…
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 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 link…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Wednesday: Third Week in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Wednesday: Third Week in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 3: WEDNESDAY... ...He went to the door of the restaurant and looked in. Then he came back to the car, shaking his head. ‘It’s not our sort of place,’ he said. The other occupants of the car understood. They drove on to another part of town, to t…
Mark for Everyone - The Syrophoenician Woman
Mark for Everyone - The Syrophoenician Woman
by SPCK - N T Wright
Mark For Everyone MARK 7.24–30 The Syrophoenician Woman... ...Not just another healing, more a political incident. This very odd story has all the trappings of a dangerous event for Jesus, and Mark helps us to understand it by the way he’s linked it to what went before. We’ve jus…
Mark for Everyone - A Deaf and Mute Man Is Healed
Mark for Everyone - A Deaf and Mute Man Is Healed
by SPCK - N T Wright
Mark For Everyone MARK 7.31–37 A Deaf and Mute Man Is Healed... ...I received a leaked memo the other day on my fax machine. It wasn’t a very serious leak – something that would be in the papers in a couple of days anyway – but it gave me a strange feeling. It goes on all the tim…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 18 Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 18 Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 18 Proverbs 22.1-2, 8-9, 22-23 James 2.1-10[11-13], 14-17 Mark 7.24-37 James’ comments about faith and works, part of his wide- ranging application of ‘the law of liberty’ (1.25, 2.12), have become famous because of their apparent contradiction of Paul’s insistence on just…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 18 Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 18 Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 18 Mark 7: 24-37 Gaze on the miles and miles Jesus covers in this story, wandering around the perimeter of Galilee, unwilling to return to where he is so well known. For there, some want him king, and some want him killed. Gaze on Jesus trying to remain unrecognized. Why w…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 18 Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 18 Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Proper 18 Isaiah 35. 4-7a James 2.1-17 Mark 7. 24-37 I suppose it’s comforting, in an Eeyore-ish kind of way, to know that ours is not the only generation of Christians to think that belief is simply a matter of the words you use, and that it doesn’t need to affect ordinary life …
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Faith and Works
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Faith and Works
by SPCK - N T Wright
Faith and Works James 2.14-26 That’s the wrong way round, isn’t it? That’s what we are inclined to think as we read that final verse. If I were to use ‘the body and the spirit’ as a picture for ‘faith and works’, I would make ‘faith’ correspond to the ‘spirit’ and ‘works’ to the …
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - No Favourites
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - No Favourites
by SPCK - N T Wright
No Favourites James 2.1-13 I have often been embarrassed in church, but one of the worst moments was on Easter morning many years ago. I had arrived at the service in what I thought was good time, but there was already a large queue outside and it wasn’t moving. Clearly the place…
Hymn: When people are afflicted
Hymn: When people are afflicted
by Andrew Pratt
When people are afflicted, the poor are trodden down, God stands within the midst of them, with neither robes nor crown. Come hear the call of Jesus, in every one we greet; and see the Christ in every face, in every one we meet. The poorest of our neighbours, in spirit or in debt…
Poem: Safety
Poem: Safety
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Safety Walking on moors, discovering a circular stone wall intended as shelter for sheep against storm and danger, or for weary walkers caught in a mist and losing all sense of direction, makes plain the words of the Psalmist that God surrounds his people in protection ... …
Reflection: Favouritism
Reflection: Favouritism
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection: Favouritism Were you ever the last one to be chosen for a team and really hurt because all the others were picked before you? Were you ever in a class at school when someone else was the teacher’s pet and you always wondered why? Did you ever walk into a room, dressed…
Hymn: God shows no partiality
Hymn: God shows no partiality
by Andrew Pratt
God shows no partiality to favour rich or poor; God sees beyond pretentiousness and looks right to the core where every heart is open wide, and each desire known, where platitudes are stripped away and motives clearly shown. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: KINGSFOLD; MACPHERSON'S FAREWEL…
Prayer: God of healing power
Prayer: God of healing power
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: God of healing power God of healing power we come to pray for those who have a special need for your care. We pray for those whose brains have been physically damaged, often from birth, and for those who suffer from some form of dementia. We pray for those whose learning …
Hymn: She felt just like a ragged dog
Hymn: She felt just like a ragged dog
by Andrew Pratt
She felt just like a ragged dog that scratched around for food, denied, despised and kicked aside and never any good. Yet now she stood inside the door and pleaded with this man, for each taboo had little weight, her grief had wider span. Verses 3-5 follow Tune: AULD LANG SYNE ( …
Hymn: Beyond the bounds of Galilee
Hymn: Beyond the bounds of Galilee
by Andrew Pratt
Beyond the bounds of Galilee he found his fame had spread, and though he sought for solitude was followed there instead. Both Jew and Gentile came to him that he might meet their needs. He cast out fear, cured many ills, ignoring caste and creeds. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: ELLACOMB…
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - The Lord's Prayer
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - The Lord's Prayer
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6.7-15 I was talking to a friend who had the reputation of being one of the finest preachers in the area. How did he go about it, I asked. He had no particular technique, he said; he just puzzled over the biblical readings that were set for that day unti…
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - On Fasting and Lasting Treasure
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - On Fasting and Lasting Treasure
by SPCK - N T Wright
On Fasting and Lasting Treasure Matthew 6.16-24 The student looked crestfallen, as well he might. For weeks he had thought he was doing all right. Yes, he hadn’t been working as hard as he could have done; but he was in the college football team, and he was playing in a rock grou…
Meditation - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Meditation - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
by David Middleton
Meditation – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B I need you, I need you now Mark 7: 24-37 Were you really going to ignore her Jesus? Her tiny little daughter was poorly Not just poorly, she was possessed by a demon. I’m sure she touched your heart, Jesus, I’m sure you must have fel…
LWPT Meditations - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B
LWPT Meditations - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B
by Susan Thorne
Meditation- 23rdSunday in Ordinary Time Year B Mark 7 v 24-37 There is a curiously touching detail in the story of the healing of the deaf and mute man in Mark’s gospel (7 v 31-37). The man had been deaf for many years (probably from birth since he could “hardly talk”) and ther…
Psalms for Everyone - How to Dwell with God
Psalms for Everyone - How to Dwell with God
by SPCK - John Goldingay
How to Dwell with God Psalms for Everyone Part 1 Psalms 1-72 Psalm 15 A composition. David’s. 1 Yahweh, who may stay in your tent, who may dwell on your holy mountain? 2 The person who walks with integrity, and acts with faithfulness, and speaks the truth in his heart. 3 He has n…
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Thursday Morning Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Thursday Morning Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
ADVENT - Thursday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God: you come to set your people free. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness...
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Friday Morning Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Friday Morning Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
ADVENT - Friday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God: your steadfast love never ceases, your mercies never come to an end. Water will gush in the desert and streams in the wastelands, the parched land will become a marsh and the thirsty land springs of water...
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Mountains around Jerusalem, Yahweh around His People
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Mountains around Jerusalem, Yahweh around His People
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Mountains around Jerusalem, Yahweh around His People Psalm 124-125 Last weekend we overheard a conversation on the San Francisco subway in which the father of two small children who was on his way to the airport with some people from different parts of the country was recounting …
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Don’t Trust in Leaders
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Don’t Trust in Leaders
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Don’t Trust in Leaders Psalm 146 I remember the winter’s day when I announced to the students at the theological college in England where I used to be the principal that I would be leaving the coming summer. To my surprise, it aroused a feeling of anxiety among a number of studen…
Journeying With Mark Year B - Ordinary Time
Journeying With Mark Year B - Ordinary Time
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
7 Ordinary Time Exploring the text The aim of Mark’s Gospel is to introduce us to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There are many ways in which we can encounter him – for example, through his calling of his followers or in the moments of great revelation at the baptism, transfigurat…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The beast of conflict
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The beast of conflict
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The beast of conflict Opposition and ministry, Mark 1—8 One thing is clear about lions in every age and culture: they are powerful fighters with a keen sense of territory. After the opening flurry of chapter 1, Jesus starts to roam far and wide around the northern territories by …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What kind of animal is this creature?
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What kind of animal is this creature?
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
What kind of animal is this creature? Identity and interlude, Mark 8—10 So, everybody misunderstands Jesus during the first half of this gospel – his family (3.21–35), the crowds (4.10–12), the Gerasenes (5.17), his own home town (6.1–6), the religious leaders (7.6; 8.11–12) and …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Mountains
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Mountains
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
Mountains For some strange reason, human beings connect mountains with God. In many ancient religions, worship took place on the ‘high places’. Even today, we talk of ‘mountain-top experiences’, despite having left behind the notion that mountains are closer to God’s supposed dwe…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book V
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book V
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book V (Psalms 107-150) Book V of the Psalter opens with Psalm 107, a community hymn celebrating God’s graciousness in delivering the community of faith from exile in Babylon. The psalmist says: “Let the redeemed of YHWH say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Mark's gospel A Drama in Three Acts
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Mark's gospel A Drama in Three Acts
by BRF - Dick France
MARK’S GOSPEL- A DRAMA in THREE ACTS After a prologue which sets the scene, Mark’s story unfolds in three main sections, each of which has a distinct geographical setting: 1:1–13 Prologue (set in ‘the wilderness’) 1:14—8:21 Act 1: Galilee 8:22—10:52 …
The Women's Bible Commentary - Jesus and the New Community
The Women's Bible Commentary - Jesus and the New Community
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Jesus and the New Community A new section of Mark’s narrative opens with a summary statement of Jesus’ healing and teaching beside the Sea of Galilee, where persons come to him from all the places he will later go. This compact summary closes with the unclean spirits recognizing …
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 17 - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 17 - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 17 Make clean our hearts, o God, and renew a spirit within us, that we may seek and serve in joy and gladness and bring others into the glory of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is a live and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen…
The Women's Bible Commentary - From the Household into the World
The Women's Bible Commentary - From the Household into the World
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
From the Household into the World Proverbs 1–9 culminates at a crossroads. The youth hears the voices of wisdom (9:3–6) and folly (9:16–17) beckoning him home for supper, each with initially identical invitations (“you who are naive, turn in here,” 9:4, 16). Wisdom and folly, it …
Mark The Peoples' Bible Commentary - Crumbs for the Gentiles
Mark The Peoples' Bible Commentary - Crumbs for the Gentiles
by BRF - Dick France
Crumbs for the Gentiles The question of purity, discussed in the first part of this chapter, would have important repercussions for the eventual expansion of the church to contain Gentiles alongside the original Jewish believers. This strange little story illustrates the point, a…
Mark The Peoples' Bible Commentary - Another Gentile Healed
Mark The Peoples' Bible Commentary - Another Gentile Healed
by BRF - Dick France
Another Gentile Healed The previous story focused on the question of Jesus’ mission to Gentiles as well as Jews. Now we see him continuing in Gentile territory: Sidon, like Tyre, was Phoenician, and Decapolis was the Greek-dominated area to the east of the lake of Galilee (see on…
52 Reflections on Faith - The big picture: God and evil
52 Reflections on Faith - The big picture: God and evil
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
The big picture:God and evil I think most people know the expression ‘Keep your eye on the big picture’. Sometimes, when we’re getting bogged down in minutiae and arguing about detail, someone says, ‘OK, keep your eye on the big picture.’…
Fresh Thoughts for Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 80 06/09/15
Fresh Thoughts for Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 80 06/09/15
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…
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 21 - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 21 - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 21 Lord our God, On the way of goodness, if we stumble lift us up; On the way of holiness, if we stay bring us back; On the way of kindness, if we toughen soften our hearts; That we may draw others to you and your saving power, By our words and our example; Though Jesus Ch…
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Proper 18 (23) - Year B
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Proper 18 (23) - Year B
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Fourteenth after Trinity Proper 18 (23) - Year B Service Contains: Hymn: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy or God shows no partiality Prayer: God you are here Hymn: I heard the voice of Jesus say or God, you feel our pain and sorrow Reading: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Poem: Safe…
Isaiah for everyone - Putting Down Edom, Giving the Mute Their Voice
Isaiah for everyone - Putting Down Edom, Giving the Mute Their Voice
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Putting Down Edom, Giving the Mute Their Voice As a result of multiple sclerosis, my first wife, Ann, indeed had collapsing knees, as well as weak hands. When we were relocating to the United States, as we arrived at Heathrow, I was helping her transfer into her wheelchair by usi…
glimpses of glory - Third Sunday of Advent - Year C
glimpses of glory - Third Sunday of Advent - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
The Third Sunday of Advent Good and gracious God, grant us a glimpse of your glory, That we may rejoice in your presence and abide in peace; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen…
The Act of Prayer Year C - Proper 5 - Year C
The Act of Prayer Year C - Proper 5 - Year C
by BRF - John Birch
Proper 5 Year C Opening prayer In our meeting together, let us remember that we worship you, the God who created this world, the God who spoke through his prophets, led his people from captivity to liberty, healed the sick, fed the hungry and was faithful even when rejected…
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Rich and Poor Meet
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Rich and Poor Meet
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Rich and Poor Meet Getting dressed this morning, I noticed there was no change in my pocket. I remembered giving my change to someone in the street and wondering whether I was helping him get a meal or just get another drink…
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Don't Let Your Nap Go On Too Long
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs for Everyone - Don't Let Your Nap Go On Too Long
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Don't Let Your Nap Go On Too Long When I was a student and we were working in the library in the afternoon, my friend Jim would wrap his scarf around his head, put up the hood of his coat over his head, lean forward onto his desk, and nap…
embodying mark - 4 Following the Shepherd
embodying mark - 4 Following the Shepherd
by SPCK - meda a a stamper
4 Following the Shepherd As in the last chapter, so also here Mark begins a story, interrupts it with another, and then comes round to the first story again. The passage we are exploring now follows on from Jesus’ sending of the disciples two by two in 6.7–13 to participate in hi…
The Women's Bible Commentary - Proverbs
The Women's Bible Commentary - Proverbs
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Proverbs Many of the themes addressed in 10:1– 15:33 continue, but antithetical proverbs are now mixed with a greater diversity of wisdom genres, including synonymous and synthetic proverbs, “better than” proverbs (e.g., 16:8, 32; 17:1), rhetorical questions (e.g., 17:16; 18:14),…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 236
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 236
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…
The Fatherhood of God
The Fatherhood of God
by Colin Smith
The fatherhood of God is explored In this short (1430 word) reflection/sermon. In it, the tenderness of God as a loving father is contrasted with his apparent remoteness as he resides in heaven. The tenderness and remoteness are reconciled by thinking of God as creator for both…
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by Sally Coleman
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…
Streams in the desert - Streams in the desert 3
Streams in the desert - Streams in the desert 3
by Sally Coleman
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…
Streams in the desert
Streams in the desert
by Sally Coleman
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…
Eco Lectionary notes year A Lent 1-3
Eco Lectionary notes year A Lent 1-3
by Keynsham Methodist Church Eco Group
Keynsham Methodist Church ECO-HINTS FROM THE LECTIONARY Lent 1 to Lent 3 Year A First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7 Psalm 32 (H&P 845) Romans 5: 12-19 Matthew 4: 1-11 You could spend some time unpacking the Genesis mythology of ’the tree of knowledge’. This reading para…
Hymn: Imagine people gathered round
Hymn: Imagine people gathered round
by Andrew Pratt
Imagine people gathered round, the day was warm, the sun was low. The mist was rising from the lake, the mood was holy, lowly, slow. Toward the evening they had come, expectant, waiting for his word. The day was long, they rested tired, and looking, his compassion stirred. Verses…
Framed Image - Psalm 1:1a
Framed Image - Psalm 1:1a
by Revd Dr Michael Moon
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…
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the merciful
by Colin Smith
Traditional stained glass window in St Johns Methodist Church Hayfield depicting the beatitude “Blessed are the merciful. Image suitable for use in a PowerPoint slide (see below) PowerPoint Slide Size- This image is full size which is 1865 x 3575 pixels and 1.2MB The ideal way to…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Easter Friday Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Easter Friday Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B EASTER FRIDAY... The old ones are the best. ‘I was on a plane,’ said the comedian Bob Hope, ‘and suddenly it started to go into a spin and head straight for earth. Everybody was panicking and someone said, “Do something religious!” ‘So,’ he said, ‘I …
Blind Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus
by Dave Hopwood
The Great and the Good Bible Ref: Matthew 19-20 & 26; Mark 10 & 14; Luke 17-19; John 11 & 12 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 …
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Thursday: Second Week in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Thursday: Second Week in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 2: THURSDAY... ...The true test of a pastor comes not in the set-piece events (big services, regular fellowship groups, the weekly Bible study) but in the unforeseen, unprepared moments. Especially the ones which, frankly, you not only hadn’t pl…
Times and Seasons - Prayer: Human instincts
Times and Seasons - Prayer: Human instincts
by Marjorie Dobson
Romans 12: 9-21 Prayer: Human instincts Vengeance is a natural reaction and most children have the instinct from an early age. We have to be taught to share, to forgive, to live in peace with one another and to resist our automatic reaction to get our own back. So we pray: When o…
Why now?
Why now?
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Why now? Proper 17 Year A Romans 12: 9-21 Vengeance is a natural reaction and most children have the instinct from an early age. We have to be taught to share, to forgive, to live in peace with one another and to resist our automatic reaction to get our own back. So we pray…
Human instincts
Human instincts
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Human instincts Proper 17 Year A Romans 12: 9-21 Vengeance is a natural reaction and most children have the instinct from an early age. We have to be taught to share, to forgive, to live in peace with one another and to resist our automatic reaction to get our own back. S…
Tangled in prejudice, lost in presumption
Tangled in prejudice, lost in presumption
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Tangled in prejudice, lost in presumption Fourth Sunday in Lent John 9. 1-41 Tangled in prejudice, lost in presumption, locked in our judgments, so sure of our ground; others are sinful, but we are the righteous, this is the truth we are sure we have found. This is our blin…
Brothers in Arms - Bible Study
Brothers in Arms - Bible Study
by Tim Marshall
A Bible Study which relies heavily on discussion rather than leading. Using the song "Brothers In Arms" (by Dire Straits) as a starting point and then looking at a variety of passages (which can be obtained from the web in a variety of different translations) There are questions …
Freedom - Set The Captives Free
Freedom - Set The Captives Free
by Andy Lindley
My son, looking pensively through the bars on Whitby quayside, but reminscent of a prisoner behind bars, pleading for freedom. Words from Isaiah 42: 5-8 ‘I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covena…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 21 Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 21 Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 21 Esther 7.1-6, 9-10 James 5.13-20 Mark 9.38-50 The ancient world was full of stories in which the threatened hero or heroine is rescued at last, and the people who had almost overcome them are condemned instead. David kills Goliath. Homer’s heroes – some of them, anyway …
Great God your love has held our lives
Great God your love has held our lives
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn - Great God your love has held our lives NEW HYMN FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER Great God your love has held our lives across the years down to this day. Your constant presence held us fast: remain with us we plead and pray. We watched the …
Poem: Justice
Poem: Justice
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Justice God calls for justice for the weak and defenceless, for the ignorant and the misunderstood, for the poor and the hungry, for the oppressed and the orphaned, for all who cannot understand why the greedy and the selfish, the wicked and the unjust seem to win every tim…
Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee
by Doug Burke
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…
Nicodemus Muses on Experiencing a Death and No Rebirth
Nicodemus Muses on Experiencing a Death and No Rebirth
by Roger Price
This is one of a number of monologues that I have written for use in worship or some other reflective purpose. This one deals with the events of Nicodemus's vist to Jesus where the concept of being born again is foirst mentioned from the point of view of Nicodemus. Nicodemus Muse…
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Prayers for Freedom and Oppression
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Prayers for Freedom and Oppression
by SPCK - Ian Black
Three prayers covering freedom, oppression and refugees: Freedom and democracy Suffering through injustice and oppression Refugees Lord of justice and peace, we thank you for the freedoms we enjoy to choose our leaders and shape the course of our common life. Give us wisdom to us…
One Day at a Time: Meditations for Carers - 39. Whose life is it anyway?
One Day at a Time: Meditations for Carers - 39. Whose life is it anyway?
by SPCK - Dorothy M Stewart
ONE DAY AT A TIME Meditations for Carers 39. Whose life is it anyway? Isaiah 41.13 Becoming a 24/7 at-home carer involves a lot of changes. Life gets to be pretty well unrecognizable, and as for us – our very identities may be changed. Once we may have been well-paid and valued…
Dialogue: Weariness
Dialogue: Weariness
by Marjorie Dobson
Dialogue: Weariness The weary older one Oh dear, I am so tired. And so fed up. And life seems so pointless. And I don’t know why I bother. Do you know, I’ve been working with that church for fifty years or more and what do I have to show for it? Not a lot. I’m not saying I can’t …
All the glory of the cosmos
All the glory of the cosmos
by Andrew Pratt
All the glory of the cosmos bleeds its brilliance through the darkness, light emerges, shadows shorten, sign and hope of people's pardon. Nations gather in communion, cov’nant grace and hope of union, lift your eyes for God is with us, bringing hope through Christ's forgiveness. …
Vine Video - Water from the Rock - The Vine Video - 27th September 2020
Vine Video - Water from the Rock - The Vine Video - 27th September 2020
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
The Vine Video 27th September 2020 Water from the Rock The full video is just over 2 and half minutes. Click 'download' to watch the whole video. A reflective video that invites you to enter into the story of Moses during water from the rock in the wilderness. What would that fee…
In pious tones we worship God
In pious tones we worship God
by Andrew Pratt
In pious tones we worship God, with cheerful songs of praise, while all that God has sought of us is justice all our days. We sing our hymns and pray our prayers oblivious to need, while near our doors the poor will die. Ours is a hollow creed. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: WILTSHIRE M…
Twelve Months of Sunday year c - The Second Sunday of Advent Year C
Twelve Months of Sunday year c - The Second Sunday of Advent Year C
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3.1–4 Philippians 1.3–11 Luke 3.1–6 I must have sung Handel’s Messiah dozens of times before I asked myself what its first chorus actually meant. ‘And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.’ It makes what …
Trust in the Lord with all your strength
Trust in the Lord with all your strength
by Don Stott
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…
Monologue: Jesus and Herod
Monologue: Jesus and Herod
by Andrew Pratt
Monologue: Jesus and Herod I love me. No, don't get me wrong. I know you can see me! And I see myself in the mirror...each morning. Seeing me waking up is not a pretty sight! I'm not always proud of what I say or do. I have my regrets, oh yes. But...you knew there'd be a but, but…
Poem: Speaking out
Poem: Speaking out
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Speaking out If a long-ago prophet could not keep silent about the virtues of a city, so righteous in his day, but torn by strife in our time; how is it that we, who know the extent of the love of God, as shown in the life and death of Jesus, Continues... ©Marjorie Dobson
Imagining the Lectionary: wholeheartedly faithful (Proper 24C / Ordinary 29C)
Imagining the Lectionary: wholeheartedly faithful (Proper 24C / Ordinary 29C)
by David Perry
Reflection based on Psalm 119 to go with the image "Statue in a whirl" or "Comedy and Tragedy" could also be used to illustrate the comedy and tragedy aspect, but you will need 'Statue in the Whirl' image when you you refer to it within the text.
Commend what is excellent, things that bring honour
Commend what is excellent, things that bring honour
by Andrew Pratt
Commend what is excellent, things that bring honour Commend what is excellent, things that bring honour, things that are praiseworthy, honest and pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever brings justice, these are the things to affirm and secure. Be known by your gentleness, loyal in …
The Proper Fast
The Proper Fast
by Norman J Goreham (1931-2021)
The Proper Fast (A Hymn for Ash Wednesday) “When you come to me with fasting‚ show repentance true and lasting‚ all your sins upon me casting‚” I‚ your righteous God‚ have said. “Bring your sorrow to fruition in a godly full contrition‚ not in hollow exhibition‚” I‚ your ri…
At this time of New Year
At this time of New Year
by Marjorie Dobson
At this time of New Year, when we wish happiness to everyone we meet, the Psalmist helps us to focus our minds on those who are in real need. We think of those whose New Year is not a time for celebration. We think of those who have not been able to afford to buy lavish gifts for…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Before the Sanhedrin
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Before the Sanhedrin
by BRF - Dick France
BEFORE the SANHEDRIN Mark carefully sets the scene at the high priest’s house on a double stage: Jesus before the full council of the Sanhedrin (v. 53; note again the full listing of the dignitaries) and Peter out in the courtyard among the servants (v. 54). As the spotlight fall…
Not pushing for favours, nor craving acceptance
Not pushing for favours, nor craving acceptance
by Andrew Pratt
Not pushing for favours, nor craving acceptance, but waiting in line for our moment to come, and then love exalts us, affirms and promotes us, yes this is gospel the, the source and the sum. God raises the humble, the poor and afflicted, the ones that society longs to despise. Go…
Poem - Right here in the presence of loving and grace
Poem - Right here in the presence of loving and grace
by Andrew Pratt
Right here in the presence of loving and grace, see Judas is scowling, a sneer scars his face. Anointing with perfume is costly and rare, this gift could be sold giving substance to care. What need this affection, that Jesus received? It seemed to go counter to all they believed.…
Right here in the presence of loving and grace