Lectionary 28/04/2024
- Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
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TRUE VINE 1
TRUE VINE 1
by Jonathan Miller
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 the t…
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…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 2: SUNDAY... ...Imagine you are standing there in the dark, at the foot of the cross. The sun’s light has failed, and through your tears all you can see is this horrible pole stretching up, with Jesus hanging there, his whole body so tortured th…
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…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
The Fifth Sunday of Easter John 15.1-8 Gaze on a hillside covered in vines, their arms stretched out in rows, the branches clasped and intertwined. The bunches of grapes are pendulous, plump, ready to be picked. It is a glorious evening, and the scent of fruit is on the air. The …
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 8.26-40 1John 4.7-21 John 15.1-8 The writings of John, both in the Gospel and the epistles, are bafflingly determined not to come down on one side or the other of the ‘chicken or egg’ question. Which comes first, love of God or love of our neighbou…
Monologue: The Ethiopian’s story
Monologue: The Ethiopian’s story
by Marjorie Dobson
Monologue: The Ethiopian’s story What an amazing coincidence! I still find it hard to explain – even after telling so many people the story. Some of them found it almost impossible to believe that it happened. But I know it did. How would you have felt if it had happened to you? …
Hymn: In many ways we designate
Hymn: In many ways we designate
by Andrew Pratt
In many ways we designate the boundaries of faith and by unconscious bigotry condemn the human race. Our human rules constrain the grace, the love that God can give, as though we have authority to judge or to forgive. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: CLAUDIUS Metre: DCM Andrew Pratt (bo…
Hymn: Each hour marks a mighty resurrection
Hymn: Each hour marks a mighty resurrection
by Andrew Pratt
Each hour marks a mighty resurrection, a time of overcoming fate and fear, the dawning of a common understanding in which the grace of God is drawing near. Each morning brings a sense of new creation. New life, new love, encompasses the earth. New time, new light illuminates the …
Meditation/poem/prayer: If love is the centre of God’s being
Meditation/poem/prayer: If love is the centre of God’s being
by Marjorie Dobson
Meditation/poem/prayer: If love is the centre of God’s being If love is the centre of God’s being and we are surrounded by that love, why is it that we find it so hard to love certain other people? Is it a matter of overcoming prejudice? Jesus did that. Is it a matter of disagree…
Song/Hymn: See your brother in each man you meet
Song/Hymn: See your brother in each man you meet
by Andrew Pratt
See your brother in each man you meet, see your brother in each man you meet. See your sister in each woman you meet, see your sister in each woman you meet, See your neighbour, see your neighbour, see your neighbour in each one you meet. See your neighbour, see your neighbour, s…
Hymn: Love is the focus to those who are loving
Hymn: Love is the focus to those who are loving
by Andrew Pratt
Love is the focus to those who are loving, love is the centre, the core of their being, love dwells within them, around them, among them, love will sustain them in action and seeing. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: AQUINAS (Terry) Metre: 11.11.11.11 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 15/…
Drama: The Vine
Drama: The Vine
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama: The Vine On stage one figure, ‘the vine’, stands centrally with arms raised. Other people – as many as you like, but at least five – are attached to the central figure in lines on either side, by holding hands, or belts, or green ribbons. Each figure should have leaves and…
Hymn: We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery
Hymn: We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery
by Andrew Pratt
We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery grapes that have hung in the sun, now a sign: Jesus taught plainly, with words of simplicity, 'you are those branches and I am that vine'. Look at it this way, imagine a scene with me: look at the gardener tending each branch. Tho…
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Philip and the Ethiopian
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Philip and the Ethiopian
by SPCK - N T Wright
Philip and the Ethiopian Acts 8.26-40 I was once visiting Cambridge (the English Cambridge, not the American one) to do some lectures. One afternoon I was working on the themes for the lectures still to come, when I found to my surprise an urgent thought in my head: Go to Evenson…
Acts for Everyone part 1 - "He is God's Son"
Acts for Everyone part 1 - "He is God's Son"
by SPCK - N T Wright
“He is God’s Son” Acts 9.19b-31 ‘How did you start your great missionary career, Paul?’ ‘I was let down through the wall in a basket and ran away!’ Actually, that is more or less what Paul himself wrote, at the end of 2 Corinthians 11, quite deliberately showing the proud Corinth…
Imagining the Lectionary: Branching Out (Easter 5B)
Imagining the Lectionary: Branching Out (Easter 5B)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Branching Out (Easter 5B) Reflection accompanying images “I am the vine you are the branches”, “Old Victorian Greenhouse detail” and “Old Victorian Greenhouse with gardener potting plants” Jesus had a photographer's eye. Because his teaching and conversa…
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - God's Love
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - God's Love
by SPCK - N T Wright
God’s Love 1 John 4.7-21 Statistics aren’t everything, but sometimes they are quite revealing. The word ‘love’, or some form of it, occurs no fewer than twenty-seven times in these fifteen verses. No need to ask, then what the subject-matter is here. In fact, we seem to be at the…
John for Everyone part 2 - The True Vine
John for Everyone part 2 - The True Vine
by SPCK - N T Wright
The True Vine John 15.1-8 One of many areas in which I possess near-total incompetence is gardening. We have moved house so many times that I have never had the chance to develop an instinct for which plants do well where and in what kind of soil and light. Once or twice I have p…
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Sardis
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Sardis
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Letter to Sardis Revelation 3.1-6 You might be surprised to know that, in some parts of England, ‘The Wars of the Roses’ still live on. These wars were fought between the Houses of York (the white rose) and Lancaster (the red rose) in the fifteenth century. But, ever since, t…
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Philadelphia
Revelation for Everyone - The Letter to Philadelphia
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Letter to Philadelphia Revelation 3.7-13 I have been sitting here trying to imagine what it’s like to find yourself in an earthquake. I was once in a hotel in Los Angeles, a few dozen floors up, and was alarmed to find detailed instructions in the room on what I should do if …
LWPT Meditations - Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
LWPT Meditations - Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by Susan Thorne
Meditation - 5th Sunday of Easter Year B Acts 8: 26-40 Psalm 22: 25-31 1 John 4: 7-21 John 15: 1-8 I once went into a cafe to buy my dog a sandwich. She was hungry and I had forgotten to pack any dog biscuits with our picnic. Of course, I didn’t want to admit the sandwich was for…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 22:14
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 22:14
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting wax. Recovering from heart surgery I could not find a more vivid expression to describe my aching body and soul. Anaesthesia, sedation and painkil…
New Testament Wisdom for Everyone - God Is Love
New Testament Wisdom for Everyone - God Is Love
by SPCK - N T Wright
3 THE GREAEST OF THE VIRTUES GOD IS LOVE 1 John 4: 7-21 God is love; those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17This is what makes love complete for us, so that we may have boldness and confidence on the day of judgment, because just as he is, so are we withi…
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
by SPCK - John Goldingay
My God, My God, Why? Psalm 22: 1-18 Each Palm Sunday as part of our church’s worship we read the story of Jesus’ trial and execution, with members of the congregation taking different parts. There are a number of frightening moments in the story. Particularly sickening is the poi…
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Facing Two Sets of Facts Psalm 22: 19-31 Two friends of ours were giving us an amusing account of a difference they had discerned between the way they approach problems in their relationship and in other aspects of life. It was amusing yet also serious and profound. When there…
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Dance and Slaughter
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Dance and Slaughter
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Dance and Slaughter Psalm 148-149 As a teenager, I did not learn to dance or to shoot a gun for different reasons. I didn’t learn to dance because my church regarded dancing as “worldly”; it wasn’t appropriate to people who were really committed to God. I didn’t learn to shoot be…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
In at the kill The Passion, Mark 14—15 At last we come to the ending – the Markan Passion, a dark scene to which the whole gospel has been leading. Jesus has made his way to Jerusalem, and this geographical concentration has brought the conflict into focus: a lion’s story should …
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 - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book I (Pss. 1-41) Book I opens, in Psalm 1, with words encouraging faithful meditation upon the Torah. The book continues in Psalm 2 with words of warning to the nations and their rulers to recognize the God of Israel as king over all. The psalms are framed (1:1 and 2:11) with t…
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 - The Kandake’s Eunuch
The Women's Bible Commentary - The Kandake’s Eunuch
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Kandake’s Eunuch (Acts 8:26–40) The diakonos Philip travels to the desert of Gaza, authorized by “the Spirit” (8:26). His mission: the ideological conquest of “land’s end” to the south: Nubia (or Ethiopia), more specifically the city-state of Meroe ruled by the Kandake (NRSV …
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 …
52 Reflections on Faith - Becoming Real: Loved into life
52 Reflections on Faith - Becoming Real: Loved into life
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
7 Becoming Real: Once upon a time there was a velveteen rabbit. He woke up one Christmas morning to find himself in a little boy’s stocking with a pile of other toys. He was brand new and wondering what was going to become of him. When the little boy opened his presents, he was d…
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - I AM THE VINE
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - I AM THE VINE
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
I AM THE VINE The various themes introduced in chapter 13 were developed through chapter 14, including the key elements of a farewell speech. Finally, Jesus said, ‘Rise, let us go from here’ (14:31). However, they do not do this until 18:1. Some scholars suggest that chapters 15—…
Times and Seasons - Full Service-Fifth Sunday of Easter-Year B
Times and Seasons - Full Service-Fifth Sunday of Easter-Year B
by
Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B Service contains: Hymn: God is love: let heaven adore him or Each hour marks a mighty resurrection Prayer: Meditation/poem/prayer: If love is the centre of God’s being Song/Hymn: When I needed a neighbor, were you there or See your brother in each …
The Vine
The Vine
by Revd Yvonne Pearson
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…
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Love | Fruit of the Spirit
50 Praise, Pray and Play Sessions - Love | Fruit of the Spirit
by BRF - Rona Orme
This session introduces the theme of the nine fruit of the Spirit. Nearly everyone has some understanding of what love is, so the Bible character featured is Herod, who did not show love. Session aim To understand that the Holy Spirit can give love to bless family, friends and th…
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 23 - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 23 - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 23 Holy and Strong One, we praise you for Jesus Christ our great High Priest, who has entered into the fullness of the kingdom in heaven and opened for us a gate of glory. May we approach the throne of grace and boldness, and in time of need know your mercy and grace; thro…
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…
journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
8 Ordinary Time I am the bread of life Chapter 1 began with an exploration of the great Prologue of John’s Gospel. It seems right, therefore, to end the book with an exploration of the other iconic feature of John’s Gospel – the ‘I am’ sayings. Jesus’ various ‘I am’ sayings occur…
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
by SPCK - meda a a stamper
7 Following the King Finally we come to the terrible death of the Son, betrayed, denied and deserted by his male followers; mocked by passers-by, who shake their heads and say ‘Aha’, and by the religious authorities, who have condemned him in a kangaroo court and handed him over …
The Women's Bible Commentary - Construction of a Shared Story
The Women's Bible Commentary - Construction of a Shared Story
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Construction of a Shared Story The first of the Moses speeches, Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43, consists of two sections: a “historical review” (Deut. 1–3) and a sermonic interpretation of the commandment against idolatry…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 217
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 217
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…
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Imagining the Lectionary: Branching Out (Easter 5B) Reflection accompanying images “I am the vine you are the branches”, “Old Victorian Greenhouse detail” and “Old Victorian Greenhouse with gardener potting plants” Jesus had a photographer's eye. Because his teaching and conversa…
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The Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 8.26-40 1John 4.7-21 John 15.1-8 The writings of John, both in the Gospel and the epistles, are bafflingly determined not to come down on one side or the other of the ‘chicken or egg’ question. Which comes first, love of God or love of our neighbou…
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The Fifth Sunday of Easter John 13.31-35 Gaze on the supper table. The meal is over, the table strewn with crumbs, the cups empty of wine, and the plates greasy. The feast is finished and the disciples are tired. They are all anxious after they have been warned of betrayal, and c…
Opening prayer - This is your day
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Opening prayer image for a service: This is your day and we shall praise you! This is your day and we shall declare your name! Image suitable for use in a PowerPoint slide (see below) PowerPoint Slide Size- This image is full size which is 2000 x 1500 pixels and 559KB The ideal w…
Still Caring - Need a refill?
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28 Need a refill? Love one another, for love comes from God. (1 John 4.7) Living on our nerves is exhausting. Squashing our normal reactions, forcing calm and patience and pleasant responses to that question or that comment for the nth time, costs us. Dealing with upsets without …
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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 …
There are stories in the Bible
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There are stories in the Bible Where this world's turned upside down - Wine from water; health from sickness; Bread from none; a Kingdom shown. Jesus stands in all these stories, Human being with godly powers; By his words and signs and spirit We shall find God's life is ours. Th…
Drama: Any objections?
Drama: Any objections?
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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…
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by SPCK - N T Wright
The Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61.1–4, 8–11 1 Thessalonians 5.16–24 John 1.6–8, 19–28 Restrain the impulse towards Isaiah’s rolling cadences and John’s pregnant simplicity, and ponder what Paul has packed into such a small space. Apart from verse 23 (a benediction for those …
The Power of the Parable - Rome as the New Jerusalem
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chapter 9 Rome as the New Jerusalem The Parable Gospel According To Luke-Acts “Aphrodisias,” said Octavian, when not yet Caesar Augustus, “is the one city from all of Asia I have selected to be my own,” and its citizens carved that accolade on the archive wall of their theater. S…
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…
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Lectionary Reflections Year A - Proper 6 Year A
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Lectionary reflections - Year A Ordinary Time Proper 6 Exodus 19.2–8a Romans 5.1–8 Matthew 9.35—10.8 Christians know that, through the work of God in Christ, made real to them by the Holy Spirit, the world is a different place. We are, to use Paul’s characteristic phrase, ‘justif…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Paul in Ephesus
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Paul in Ephesus
by SPCK - N T Wright
Paul in Ephesus Acts 19.1-10 The response of the disciples Paul met at Ephesus has passed into common parlance, at least among theologians. Not long ago I was helping to organize a conference, and was inviting distinguished speakers from various parts of the world to attend and r…
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by Michael Docker
Where there is water, where there is worship, There is a sign for all to see, Here we are challenged, called by the water, Drawn to the death that sets us free. One time Jesus came to John, Like the others to be baptised; Signed his death and heard God say, ”With him I am pleased…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Warding off the Inevitable
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Warding off the Inevitable
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Warding off the Inevitable Acts 21.15-26 One of the oldest and best-known legends in English history is the story of King Canute. (He was probably called Knut or something like that, but we’ll leave him in his usual popular form for now.) According to the legend, he had his thron…
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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…
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John for Everyone part 2 - Love One Another
by SPCK - N T Wright
Love One Another John 13.31-38 The question from the Greeks at the feast told Jesus that his time had come (12.23). In the same way, the disappearance of Judas, going out into the night, tells Jesus that his time, his great moment, is rushing upon him like a tidal wave. As the do…
Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes - 31 Women and Men Worshiping
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by SPCK-Kenneth E. Bailey
Women and Men Worshiping The first section in this essay on worship affirmed both women and men in their roles as prophets (11:2-16). Paul suggested that they dress differently to avoid misunderstanding and carry on praying and prophesying. At the end of the essay on worship (14:…
Hymn: When Jesus came to Bethlehem there was no worse a day
Hymn: When Jesus came to Bethlehem there was no worse a day
by Andrew Pratt
When Jesus came to Bethlehem there was no worse a day, they say a census had been called, there was no place to stay; this baby who would shake the world, would first lay down his head, not in a royal house or hall, but in a manger bed. When Jesus went to Nazareth his father had …
journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
8 Ordinary Time I am the bread of life Chapter 1 began with an exploration of the great Prologue of John’s Gospel. It seems right, therefore, to end the book with an exploration of the other iconic feature of John’s Gospel – the ‘I am’ sayings. Jesus’ various ‘I am’ sayings occur…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Glossary
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Glossary
by SPCK - N T Wright
GLOSSARY Acts for Everyone Part 2 age to come, see present age apostle, disciple, the Twelve ‘Apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’. It could be used of an ambassador or official delegate. In the New Testament it is sometimes used specifically of Jesus’ inner circle of twelve; but Pau…
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - People of the Lie
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - People of the Lie
by SPCK - N T Wright
People of the Lie 1 John 2. 15-29 The late psychotherapist M. Scott Peck once wrote a book called People of the Lie. It wasn’t, perhaps, as famous as his remarkable (though still controversial) book The Road Less Travelled, but I found it more thought-provoking. In People of the …
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Prophecy Made Sure
Early Christian Letters for Everyone - Prophecy Made Sure
by SPCK - N T Wright
Prophecy Made Sure 2 Peter 1.12-21 I am writing this in the middle of winter. First thing in the morning, when I get up, there is no sunlight visible at all. The sky is dark. But, if the clouds are not too thick, there is a light which from ancient times has been seen as an early…
Mark for Everyone - Jesus' Baptism
Mark for Everyone - Jesus' Baptism
by SPCK - N T Wright
Mark For Everyone MARK 1.9–13 Jesus’ Baptism... ...A famous movie-maker had a huge legal wrangle with his long- time mentor and guide. The younger man simply couldn’t handle criticism, and ended up rejecting the person who had helped him so much. When it was all over, a close fri…
John for Everyone Part 1 - The Lamb and the Spirit
John for Everyone Part 1 - The Lamb and the Spirit
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Lamb and the Spirit John 1.29-34 ‘What I want to know is – what’s that sheep doing there?’ The student had been sick for several days, and I went to visit him. He was in his first year at university, and the whole world of cultural and intellectual enquiry was opening up in f…
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - United Praise under the Messiah's Universal Role
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - United Praise under the Messiah's Universal Role
by SPCK - N T Wright
United Praise under the Messiah’s Universal Rule ROMANS 15.7-13 The great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius brought the art of writing symphonies to a new glory. His first six were each splendid in their own way, developing the form which previous composers had used and flooding it …
Great Christian Thinkers - 70 Julian of Norwich
Great Christian Thinkers - 70 Julian of Norwich
by SPCK - Pope Benedict XVI
Julian of Norwich I still remember with great joy the apostolic journey I made in the United Kingdom in 2009. England is a land that has given birth to a great many distinguished figures who enhanced Church history with their testimony and their teaching. One of them, venerated b…
Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes - 22 Old Covenant Sacraments and Idolatry
Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes - 22 Old Covenant Sacraments and Idolatry
by SPCK-Kenneth E. Bailey
Old Covenant Sacraments and Idolatry Partial Identification In the previous homily he affirmed the need for Christians to identify fully with the world around them. They were to be “all things to all people,” and through the use of metaphors from the world of sports Paul challeng…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 94 13/12/15
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 94 13/12/15
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…
At A Baptism
At A Baptism
by Norman J Goreham (1931-2021)
This hymn is based on a bidding in the baptismal liturgy of the Anglican Church in New Zealand and Polynesia. The use of the word "treasures" reflects the Maori understanding of "taonga" meaning possessions or valuables, treasures belonging to a heritage that must be preserved at…
A Bit Like Jesus - Care for the leper
A Bit Like Jesus - Care for the leper
by SPCK - Robin Gill
WEEK 4 Care 21 Care for the leper A Bit Like Jesus A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the l…
Chosen by Christ
Chosen by Christ
by Julie M Fairweather
Chosen by Christ When You said that I didn’t choose You that it was You who chose me I knew it was true. For only You could have led me here met me here - in this place. This place where You look on me and You see me as I truly am - warts and all. Yet still You write my name in…
The Act of Prayer Year C - Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year C
The Act of Prayer Year C - Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year C
by BRF - John Birch
Fifth Sunday of Easter Year C Opening prayer Let us be still for a moment as we draw near to worship God. Let us remind ourselves why we are gathered together today. Listen. God speaks even through the background noise of the world around us…
Hymn: As Jesus faced his closest friends
Hymn: As Jesus faced his closest friends
by Marjorie Dobson
As Jesus faced his closest friends and asked them,’Who am I?’ ‘You are the Christ, the one who comes,’ was Peter’s sure reply. But Jesus turned to speak to them of torture and of pain and Peter could not bear those words and urged him, ‘turn again.’ Then Peter heard Christ’s shar…
Imagining the Lectionary: Cherry picking with Jesus (Epiphany 3C)
Imagining the Lectionary: Cherry picking with Jesus (Epiphany 3C)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Cherry picking with Jesus (Epiphany 3C) Reflection accompanying image “Cherry picking with Jesus” As Jesus is handed the Isaiah scroll to read in his home synagogue, Luke delights in setting the narrative stage for the heart of this ancient text to be pr…
Simeon: Waiting a Lifetime
Simeon: Waiting a Lifetime
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 Luke 2: 25-35 from the point of view of Simeon. Simeon: Waiting a Lifetime Luke 2: 25-35 Waiting. It is all I seem to do nowadays. To c…
Jesus died for our sins
Jesus died for our sins
by Don Stott
Dark trees with "Jesus died for our sins" 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 th…
An angel of the Lord stood before them
An angel of the Lord stood before them
by David Perry
Image accompanying reflection Imagining the Lectionary: I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Year C) Also available with out text - Click Here Image suitable for use in a PowerPoint slide (see below) PowerPoint Slide Size- …
LWPT Meditations - Christmas Day - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Christmas Day - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – Christmas Day Yr A Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:8-20 I have often wondered what it was about the infant Jesus that so inspired the shepherds who were his first visitors. Women are traditionally fascinated by babies, gazing at them, cooing over them and talking nonsense to the…
LWPT Meditations - Ascension Day - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Ascension Day - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – Ascension Day Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23 give you the spirit Luke 24:44-53 Luke tells us twice about the Ascension, when Jesus returned to heaven to be with the Father. In his gospel, the Ascension account rounds off the entire story of Jesus’ earthly lif…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Preaching and Prison in Philippi
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Preaching and Prison in Philippi
by SPCK - N T Wright
Preaching and Prison in Philippi Acts 16. 11-24 A friend of mine, a few years after being ordained, was sent to work in an inner suburb where, for a long time, vice had reigned unchecked. The police knew what was going on but were following a policy of containment rather than con…
Framed Image - Psalm 150:2b
Framed Image - Psalm 150:2b
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…
Times and Seasons - A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve
Times and Seasons - A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve
by Jan Berry
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE We praise you, God of wonder and mystery. We praise you in the excitement of anticipation, in the heartache of our longing, and the fulfilment of our dreams. Continues... ©Jan Berry
Heavens and Waters Praise Him
Heavens and Waters Praise Him
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A composition image created by Twelvebaskets Ltd Original 'Grey Clouds' by Rose Humphrey Original 'Sea' by Rev David East Image layering, blending and text by Twelvebaskets Ltd For details of composition images and accreditation see our Terms & Conditions
Psalm 119:174-176
Psalm 119:174-176
by BigBible
Created by Jo Brown. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight.Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. ESV Translation. The Holy Bible, English…
Open with God Book - Drama
Open with God Book - Drama
by Christine Odell
DRAMA Prayers for Various Occasions Reading Job 38.1-11 or another dramatic reading Creator God, we worship and praise you for speaking into being such a dramatic world: full of noise – thunder crashing and waves roaring; full of light – the flash of lightning and reflections of …
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 217