Showing posts with label ordinary time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ordinary time. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 July 2016
Sunday, 12 June 2016
A sermon on the occasion of the 90th Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II
SERMON @ MASS @ ST PETER-IN-THE-FOREST, WALTHAMSTOW
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – YEAR C
(PROPER 6)
2 SAMUEL 11:26-12:10, 13-15
GALATIANS 2:15-21
LUKE 7:36 – 8:3
It has been a week in which I have been thinking about leadership, servanthood, and the gospel of God’s love, shown in Jesus Christ…
Where does leadership come from? Who is to exercise it? How is it to be exercised, and in whose interest?...
We are all drawing closer to the exercise of our citizen-vote on the plebiscite of 23 June 2016 – to determine whether we wish to remain part of the European Union of 28 nations, in a political and economic bloc, or to withdraw from that partnership of the last 43 years. Meanwhile, we have learnt the likely names of the two politicians to contend forvotes from the citizens of the USA, in November, in order to become President of the United States of America: Donald J. Trump and (almost-certainly) Hilary Rodham Clinton…
And, this weekend, we think about the servant leadership of someone never elected, but called, into the role of being our Monarch, as our Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reaches the milestone of her 90th birthday…
Today’s scripture readings provide us with models of leadership, of engagement, and ofservanthood. They do so through all being exercises in understanding Godly hospitality and our wisdom in applying it to situations we find ourselves in. Ultimately, they help to point us to the grace of God, and the source of our salvation…
I will touch, briefly, on each of our readings, before focussing down on our portion of St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, which is our agreed preaching strand these weeks of June…
*David’s abuse of hospitality, rebuked by Nathan (and, as much as it is an abuse of hospitality, note also that it is expressly condemned as an abuse of the poor anddefenceless)
- use-abuse of his position of privilege
-unwillingness to sacrifice any of his precious ownership
-his own selfishness and sin addressed and repented, but, notice, consequences already spilling into his life and affecting the future…
*Jesus is in receipt of a Pharisee’s hospitality, but it is limited – on his own, ritualistic and purity-focused rules/standards…self-righteous
- woman’s actions are of a more genuine and spontaneous kind – and rooted in a humility and awareness of her own sinfulness
- Jesus teaches, in story and more directly, the lesson that true hospitality is a school for the acceptance of forgiveness…
*and then, St Paul, teaching on with theGalatian gentiles, from where he was in the first part of his letter (which we read these last two weeks), reminding us about the importance of being free from our personal-histories as we learn about God’s welcome to all…
- Paul has used the incident with Peter which occurred in Antioch, in verses 11-14 of chapter 2 of this letter to the Galatians, to illustrate again his independence of the Jerusalem church, as Fr Mike talked about last week. The incident was over an issue (kosher food versus table fellowship with Gentiles) that pointed toward the same general principle Paul wishes to establish with the Galatians: that the Church, despite its Jewish heritage, cannot compel Gentiles to observe the Mosaic Law. To do so is to make "justification," that is, right relationship with God, come about "by (literally `from') works of the law" rather than "through faith in Jesus Christ."
- he teaches now that the law is an ass – that a person is acceptable to God, welcomed by God, given hospitality and a place by God, not through law, not through cultural ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, or through being ‘our sorts of people’, but through faith/trust, and God’s grace… to reintroduce law is to deny Christ, to deny the efficacy of his death…
- Paul does not "nullify the grace of God" by asserting, as his opponents apparently do, that Christ's sacrifice was insufficient for our justification
- we should not do so, either…
I should like to finish today, also, by making some comments about our Queen, Elizabeth:
Elizabeth, who now presides over a monarchy that has managed to remain popular, regal, inclusive and relevant in the 21st century. After 64 years as monarch, she is still one of the most respected figures in the world.
Elizabeth, who now presides over a monarchy that has managed to remain popular, regal, inclusive and relevant in the 21st century. After 64 years as monarch, she is still one of the most respected figures in the world.
If we are to truly appreciate the reign of our Queen, then we need to understand her deep, inner conviction, the fierce resolve and complete dedication that guides this woman.
Obviously, her Christian faith has been at the heart of who she is. She made this very clear in her 2000 Christmas broadcast when she said, “For me the teachings of Christ and personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.”
But we can go deeper and find the central idea that shaped Elizabeth before she even became Queen. On her 21st birthday in 1947, in a speech to the youth of the British Empire, Princess Elizabeth said:
“There is a motto which has been borne by many of my ancestors – a noble motto, ‘I serve.’ Those words were an inspiration to many bygone heirs of the Throne when they made their knightly dedication as they came to manhood. I cannot do quite as they did.
“But through the inventions of science I can do what was not possible for any of them. I can make my solemn act of dedication with the whole Empire listening. I should like to make that dedication now. It is very simple.
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong. But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.”
Long before the term became popular in church and business, Elizabeth defined herself as a servant leader–as one who serves rather than expects to be served, as a royal who turns the common understanding of royalty upside down. She is a Servant Queen whose life has been one of service to her subjects every hour of every day from the moment she became heiress presumptive to the day she takes her last breath on this earth.
Some of us may think that the monarchy has no real power in this day and age. It’s a symbol without substance, a relic of the past without relevance to the present. And yet, servant leadership is about influence, about shaping the discussion, touching the heart, stretching the mind, motivating action and compassion and engagement in public life. Servant leadership is about the ability to bring people together in common purpose and shared values and a hopeful future. Servant leadership is much like love: the more you give to others, the more flows back to you naturally.
No wonder Queen Elizabeth is one of the most respected people in the world. She has this deep notion of duty and selfless service to others, which is deeply attractive and commands our utmost respect and admiration.
This is how to understand the servant leadership of our Queen: her power is in her influence, and this has more to do with service than status. She is a voice that harmonizes the cacophony of voices in the Commonwealth, a symbol of a common heritage that binds a multitude of nations and peoples into one communion, an authority figure without being authoritarian.
In her 2001 Christmas broadcast, the Queen addressed the issue of multiculturalism that has so affected the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations. She raised her voice for tolerance, inclusiveness and mutual respect when she said that we need to “overcome differences and misunderstandings by reducing prejudice, ignorance and fear. We all have something to learn from one another, whatever our faith–be it Christian or Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh–whatever our background…”
That is monarchy at its best–having roots and wings– and soaring into the future while staying grounded in an enduring purpose and shared values. Monarchy gives us that firm foundation to exercise our politics respectfully, civilly and for the common good. It is inherently inclusive rather than exclusive, all-embracing rather than ostracizing, making room for differences among people rather than demanding a rigid uniformity.
St Paul got it. The Queen gets it. The Galatians were being urged to get it. Have we got it?!...
Yes, God bless the Queen. Throughout her long reign, oftentimes triumphant and joyful, sometimes sad and tragic, but always dedicated and faithful, Elizabeth has never ceased to be a Servant Queen, a Royal with a heart for her people, a Sovereign with a deep sense of responsibility for her subjects. She has exercised her role as Queen graciously, majestically and with the utmost dignity. So in a world of political expediency, crass politics and shady politicians, how could we not be thankful for such a Queen?
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
Sermon from the 13th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 17B)
This is a sermon preached by the Vicar, Fr Paul Trathen, at the Parish Mass on Sunday 30 August 2015. He draws on the lectionary texts set for the day:
DEUTERONOMY
4:1-2, 6-9
JAMES
1:17-27
MARK 7:1-8,
14-15, 21-23
Monday, 21 July 2014
Sermon for First Sunday after Trinity
A sermon from The Revd Canon Mike Gibbs:
When
Father Paul preached last week for
Trinity Sunday he expressed the thought that Trinity Sunday produced problems
for preachers every year! The complexity, he told us, of the theology behind
the concept of the Triune God is not easy to explain or understand.. I cannot
disagree with that.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Sermon for the Second Sunday before Lent
This is an audio recording of a sermon preached by the Vicar, Fr Paul Trathen, reflecting on the theme of 'Perspective' and drawing inspiration from the scripture Romans 8:18-25
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday before Lent (Proper 1)
A sermon by St Peter's Reader, Sue Diplock...
9th February 2014: Isaiah
58: 1-12; 1 Corinthians 2: 1–12; Matthew 5:13-20
May the words of my lips and the thoughts of
our hearts be now and always acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and
our redeemer.
We’re going
on a journey this morning – back to Corinth in the first century AD. Corinth, a prosperous go-getting city,
interested in the arts, new ideas, and making money – a bit like London today.
Anyway - imagine
– there you are, sitting in the synagogue on the Sabbath, just as you are sitting
here today in church, and, instead of your usual preachers, this little man,
gets up. Not a very impressive little
man, you think, very modestly dressed, looks a bit travel worn. And he doesn’t read a verse from the scriptures,
– but sits down in the preachers’ seat – as they did in those days in the
synagogues – and starts to speak.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Last Sunday after Trinity sermon
This is a sermon delivered by Fr Paul Trathen on the Last Sunday after Trinity 2013 - 27 October 2013 - drawing on the scripture texts: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14. (The sermon focusses, principally, on the latter, the passage from Luke's Gospel.)
Friday, 1 November 2013
Last Sunday after Trinity pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer E
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Last Sunday after Trinity
Parish Eucharist
The Power of Prayer All Age Worship pewsheet
Colour: Green
Welcome
to St Peter’s-in-the Forest
All Age Communion
With a special welcome to Leo and Luca Pascall
20th October 2013
Trinity 20 pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer E
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Trinity 19 pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer E
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity - Parish Eucharist
With prayers for healing
Trinity 16 sermon
There are stories in our
readings today of things and or people being lost in one way or another and
then being found, brought to their senses.
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Trinity 19 sermon
This is a recording of a sermon preached by St Peter's Reader, Harry Goodwin, on Sunday 6 October 2013.
Trinity 17 pewsheet
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity - Parish Eucharist
Trinity 16 pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer A
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity - Parish Eucharist
Parish Eucharist Thursday, 8 August 2013
Trinity 10 pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer G
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
Tenth Sunday after Trinity - Parish Eucharist
Presiding & preaching today is Fr Paul Trathen
4th August 2013
Trinity 9 pewsheet
Today’s Eucharistic Prayer G
Colour: Green
Welcome to the Church of
St-Peter-in- the-Forest, Walthamstow
Ninth Sunday after Trinity
Parish Eucharist
Presiding & preaching today is Fr Paul Trathen
28th July 2013
Our welcomers today are Marian Bradley &
Bridget Gibbs
The
ORDER OF SERVICE can be found on page 3 of the Church Service Book
Introit Hymn |
380 |
O Lord my God |
Greeting
***
Rocks now go to their room – leading today is Anita ***
Prayers of Penitence
Absolution
The Gloria
The Collect
Almighty
God,
who
sent your Holy Spirit
to
be the life and light of your Church:
open
our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that
we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in
love and joy and peace;
through
Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,
who
is alive and reigns with you,
in
the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
We
sit for the first two readings
First Reading |
Genesis 18:20-32 (page 17) Read by John James |
Second Reading |
Colossians 2:6-19 (page 1118) Read by Tony Doherty |
|
Gradual Hymn
|
442 Seek and ye shall find (Sung as a round in two parts) |
|
Luke 11:1-13 (page 984) Read by Fr Paul Trathen
|
Reader Hear the Gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
All
sing Glory
to you, O Lord.
Reader This is the Gospel of
the Lord.
All sing Praise
to you, O Christ.
Sermon – by Fr Paul Trathen
Creed (page 7 of
the service book)
Prayers
(led by Nick Williams)
The Peace (page 8 of
the service books)
Offertory Hymn |
270 |
Jesus is Lord
|
During the offertory hymn, a
collection will be taken. If you would
like information on how to gift-aid your donation, please see Peter Shrubsole
after the service. Information on
setting up standing orders is also available from Peter.
|
Eucharistic Prayer G (Service
Book page 22)
|
|
All who are baptised are welcome to receive Holy
Communion. [For the younger baptised, do please refer to our ‘Children at
Holy Communion Parish Policy’ and make use of the children’s guides, (copies
of both in the porch)]. If you do not
receive Holy Communion, please feel free to go forward for a blessing.
|
Communion
Hymn 411 Our
Father
Prayer
after Communion
Holy Father,
who gathered us around the
table of your Son
to share this meal with the
whole household of God:
in that new world
where you reveal the fullness of your peace,
gather people of every race
and language
to share in the eternal banquet of Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Notices
Final Hymn |
167 |
God forgave my sin
|
Blessing and
Dismissal
Please stay after the service, to have a cup of coffee, tea or juice, and
a biscuit, and chat with other people. Our
coffee, tea, sugar and biscuits are all fair-trade products. Serving coffee today are Ken and Marian
Bradley
Prayers – this week
please pray for:
Barbara & Stan Eager Rita & Colin Reid Beryl Goodwin
Lily Bollen Ray
Hepburn Les Hobart
George and Phyllis Robbins Richard Fayolle Michael Bailey
Fred Lennard Eddie Hoad
Richard, Debbie, Claire
and Grace Mainwaring
Next
Week:
|
4th August 2013
|
Tenth Sunday after Trinity
|
||
|
Welcomers
|
Colin Reid
|
Jill Appleby
|
|
|
Readers
|
Liz
Todd
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 |
Anita
Doherty
Colossians 3:1-11
|
|
|
Coffee
|
Jenni Hall
|
Dan Hall
|
|
|
Rocks
|
Break for the
summer
|
||
Please
remember the mid-week Communion Service
on
Wednesday mornings at 9.30 am – all most welcome.
Notices
Children’s Deanery Event – 19th October 2013, 2.00 – 4.30 pm at St
Michael’ Church. The title of this day
is “Shake Rattle and Roll” – more details will follow and flyers are available
– please put the date in your diary now!
If you have
any photos of Parish/Church life, send them to Paul or Sarah via email and they
will be posted on the parish blog site.
Open
Church – Sunday
afternoons from 2.00 – 5.00 pm. There
will be tea/coffee and cakes available.
Please do come! We need
volunteers to be hosts and serve refreshments and also people to make a cake -
please speak to Bernard, Judith, Frances
or Sue for more information or sign up on the rota at the back of church –
putting your name and if making a cake, what flavour it will be!
Money for the flowers today was
given by Barbara Bullen in remembrance of her mother and father-in-law.
Sign
posts
– many of you will have seen the new notice boards at the front of church (do
go and look after the service if you have not).
They cement the community partnership between St Peter’s in the Forest
Church and Peterhouse and look to strengthen the pastoral partnership with Forest
School. We offer grateful thanks to Forest
School who have paid for these two new notice boards.
New rotas (September – December)
will be available soon. If you would
like to be added on to any of the rotas – welcoming, serving, reading, coffee,
cleaning, flower arranging or Rocks leaders, please let Sarah know by the
beginning of August. If you know you’re
not going to be around for specific dates, please let Sarah know.
If you are not sure if you’d like to
be added on to the rotas on a regular basis but would perhaps like to try something
– even if it’s just once – please speak to Sarah or have a chat with someone
who is on the rota. We are most urgently
in need of Servers so please give that some thought.
And remember, as with everything,
the more people on one particular rota, the less often you’ll be called
on! For example, if you’re on the
readers rota, you’ll probably be down to read once every 10 – 12 weeks. At the moment, the servers are down to serve
every other week……
At the back
of church is a letter from Fr Paul, on behalf of the Buildings Committee. It concerns our church building and where we
go from here. Please take a copy with
you, read it, think and pray about it and make your choice from the four
options given. There will be a box in church into which you are asked to put your
reply, no later than the 25th August.
When you flee
temptation
don’t leave a
forwarding address
|
Weekday evenings & weekends contact:
The Vicar: Fr Paul
Trathen
St Peter’s Vicarage, 121 Forest Rise, E17 3PW
020 8521 5000
(Parish blog)
(Vicar’s blog)
|
Weekday office hours contact:
The Parish
Administrator:
Sarah Collins
Peterhouse Centre
122 Forest Rise, Walthamstow
E17 3PW
020 8509 1811
|
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