Services for the coming week
Sunday, 28th April, The Fifth Sunday of Easter
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am Holy Communion at Levisham
10.00 am Parish Communion
12.30 pm Baptism
6.00 pm Evensong
Wednesday, 1st May
10.00 am Holy Communion
1.00 pm Funeral
Friday, 3rd May
2.00 pm Funeral
Sunday, 5th May, The Sixth Sunday of Easter
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.00 am Parish Communion
12.30 pm Baptism and Wedding
6.00 pm Evensong
Welcome to our worship for
The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 28th April
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father.
Collect
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Readings for Today
First Reading: Genesis 22.1-18
God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt-offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt-offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.’ Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘Father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son.’ So the two of them walked on together. When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt-offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’ The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.’
Psalm 22 Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Praise the Lord, you that fear him; 0 seed of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, O seed of Israel. R
For he has not despised nor abhorred the suffering of the poor; neither has he hidden his face from them; but when they cried to him he heard them. R
From you comes my praise in the great congregation; I will perform my vows in the presence of those that fear you. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live for ever. R
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. For the kingdom s the Lord's and he rules over the nations. R
How can those who sleep in the earth bow down in worship, or those who go down to the dust kneel before him? He has saved my life for himself; my descendants shall serve him; this shall be told of the Lord for generations to come. They shall come and make known his salvation, to a people yet unborn, declaring that he, the Lord, has done it. R
Second Reading: Acts 8. 26-end
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Gospel Reading: John 15.1-8
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt-offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt-offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.’ Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘Father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son.’ So the two of them walked on together. When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt-offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’ The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.’
Psalm 22 Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Praise the Lord, you that fear him; 0 seed of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, O seed of Israel. R
For he has not despised nor abhorred the suffering of the poor; neither has he hidden his face from them; but when they cried to him he heard them. R
From you comes my praise in the great congregation; I will perform my vows in the presence of those that fear you. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live for ever. R
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. For the kingdom s the Lord's and he rules over the nations. R
How can those who sleep in the earth bow down in worship, or those who go down to the dust kneel before him? He has saved my life for himself; my descendants shall serve him; this shall be told of the Lord for generations to come. They shall come and make known his salvation, to a people yet unborn, declaring that he, the Lord, has done it. R
Second Reading: Acts 8. 26-end
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Gospel Reading: John 15.1-8
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Thoughts on the readings for this week.
From 'Common Worship - Living Word'
“Abide in me as I abide in you.” John 15:4a
The practice of viticulture began thousands of years ago, making it as familiar to Jesus’ disciples as it is to us. Tended well, vines can be fruitful for a long time. The oldest living vine, in Slovenia, still bears grapes after four hundred years. During the Middle Ages, monasteries owned and tended some of the best vineyards in Europe, with vinum theologium regarded as a wine superior to all others.
Wild grapes may be edible, but the largest, most succulent grapes are those that have been cultivated. The vine-grower ensures that the vines are well positioned and adequately supported, and receive the optimum nutrients and water to supply the life-nurturing sap. As the branches grow, the grower monitors progress and may also regulate conditions. Vines can spring up quickly, but slower growth actually improves the ripe fruit’s flavour. And the knife is as vital a tool as the watering can. Dying branches must be cut away to conserve sap and create more space and light for the living ones. As they flourish, abundant branches need to be pruned to concentrate the sap on healthy, maturing fruit of quality, rather than mere quantity.
The Old Testament depicts Israel as a vine, planted by God to flourish for God’s purposes. But wayward Israel failed to be fruitful. Now Jesus applies the image to himself. He is the chosen one, perfectly obedient to God’s will as he effects salvation for the world. Jesus’ declaration “I am the true vine” is the last of his seven “I am” statements in John’s Gospel, each illuminating a facet of Jesus’ identity and mission in relation to his followers.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples just a few hours before he is arrested and his followers scatter. Yet the image of the vine is the call and promise of connection on the other side of the cross. Relationship is the key. Jesus presents the interdependence of the Trinity – the Son as vine, tended by the Father and flowing with the sap of the Spirit. Believers are invited into this intimate relationship. They belong as dependent branches, receiving the vine’s vital nurture for truly Godly fruit.
Discipleship is not a self-sufficient, solo enterprise. Jesus’ words are stark. We achieve nothing for the kingdom without being fully connected to the King. Being a detached, or even a semi-detached, branch renders it fruitless.
Utter dependence on Jesus the vine does not make faith passive. Jesus also calls his disciples to an active abiding. The flourishing branch needs to receive the vine’s nurture and to continue to do so even as the grower decides where pruning is needed and wields the knife. Though sometimes painful, wise and loving pruning is a gift that leads to greater fruitfulness.
As human beings we like to be in charge of our lives. We delight in our individuality, yet a vine has many branches, each dependent on the vine. The “you” that Jesus addresses here is plural. We are in this together as we seek to obey Jesus’ call to stay close to him. The call to welcome Jesus’ indwelling of us is fundamental to the Christian faith – so much so that the word “abide” occurs no less than eight times in this short passage.
We welcome Christ’s strengthening as we abide in him through our worship, fellowship and prayer, reading God’s word and seeking the Spirit’s guidance in making faith-filled choices throughout our ordinary days. On extraordinary days, when the going becomes difficult, perhaps through circumstances that challenge our trust, we hold fast in faith, lean into God and accept the pain of pruning for the growth of fruitfulness. Such fruitfulness may take many forms. It may be seen as the Church offers the life of Christ to the world through practical acts of compassion and care, through the visible vibrancy of a loving and supportive community life, through living as a beacon of faith and hope in a dark world.
Whatever form kingdom fruitfulness takes, it will be something that blesses others. Branches do not live off their own fruit.
The practice of viticulture began thousands of years ago, making it as familiar to Jesus’ disciples as it is to us. Tended well, vines can be fruitful for a long time. The oldest living vine, in Slovenia, still bears grapes after four hundred years. During the Middle Ages, monasteries owned and tended some of the best vineyards in Europe, with vinum theologium regarded as a wine superior to all others.
Wild grapes may be edible, but the largest, most succulent grapes are those that have been cultivated. The vine-grower ensures that the vines are well positioned and adequately supported, and receive the optimum nutrients and water to supply the life-nurturing sap. As the branches grow, the grower monitors progress and may also regulate conditions. Vines can spring up quickly, but slower growth actually improves the ripe fruit’s flavour. And the knife is as vital a tool as the watering can. Dying branches must be cut away to conserve sap and create more space and light for the living ones. As they flourish, abundant branches need to be pruned to concentrate the sap on healthy, maturing fruit of quality, rather than mere quantity.
The Old Testament depicts Israel as a vine, planted by God to flourish for God’s purposes. But wayward Israel failed to be fruitful. Now Jesus applies the image to himself. He is the chosen one, perfectly obedient to God’s will as he effects salvation for the world. Jesus’ declaration “I am the true vine” is the last of his seven “I am” statements in John’s Gospel, each illuminating a facet of Jesus’ identity and mission in relation to his followers.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples just a few hours before he is arrested and his followers scatter. Yet the image of the vine is the call and promise of connection on the other side of the cross. Relationship is the key. Jesus presents the interdependence of the Trinity – the Son as vine, tended by the Father and flowing with the sap of the Spirit. Believers are invited into this intimate relationship. They belong as dependent branches, receiving the vine’s vital nurture for truly Godly fruit.
Discipleship is not a self-sufficient, solo enterprise. Jesus’ words are stark. We achieve nothing for the kingdom without being fully connected to the King. Being a detached, or even a semi-detached, branch renders it fruitless.
Utter dependence on Jesus the vine does not make faith passive. Jesus also calls his disciples to an active abiding. The flourishing branch needs to receive the vine’s nurture and to continue to do so even as the grower decides where pruning is needed and wields the knife. Though sometimes painful, wise and loving pruning is a gift that leads to greater fruitfulness.
As human beings we like to be in charge of our lives. We delight in our individuality, yet a vine has many branches, each dependent on the vine. The “you” that Jesus addresses here is plural. We are in this together as we seek to obey Jesus’ call to stay close to him. The call to welcome Jesus’ indwelling of us is fundamental to the Christian faith – so much so that the word “abide” occurs no less than eight times in this short passage.
We welcome Christ’s strengthening as we abide in him through our worship, fellowship and prayer, reading God’s word and seeking the Spirit’s guidance in making faith-filled choices throughout our ordinary days. On extraordinary days, when the going becomes difficult, perhaps through circumstances that challenge our trust, we hold fast in faith, lean into God and accept the pain of pruning for the growth of fruitfulness. Such fruitfulness may take many forms. It may be seen as the Church offers the life of Christ to the world through practical acts of compassion and care, through the visible vibrancy of a loving and supportive community life, through living as a beacon of faith and hope in a dark world.
Whatever form kingdom fruitfulness takes, it will be something that blesses others. Branches do not live off their own fruit.
Prayers for today
Let us pray for the church and the world and let us thank God for his goodness.
Everlasting God, give us the courage of Philip who took the time to share his faith with a curious stranger and remind us of Jesus command to us to “make disciples of all.”
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Holy God, we pray for the worldwide Christian Church, Christ’s body on earth, and all church leaders. We pray especially for those churches who meet in difficult and dangerous circumstances. May they be aware of your abiding presence to uphold their courage and strengthen their faith.
In a moment of silence, please ask God to show each one of us the part that he wants us to play in our church life.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Creator God, we pray for Your world and we long for the time when all the families of the nations will bow down before you and the poor will eat and be satisfied. We pray for world leaders who bear the heavy responsibility of providing for their populations; give them wisdom to know what is right and the courage to make the right decisions. We pray particularly for peace in all places where there is violence, war and terrorism. In a moment of silence, please pray for any country that you are concerned about today.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Father God, we thank you for all those who help our local community to run smoothly. Bless our neighbours and strengthen those who are working in your name to bring healing and comfort to those in need. We also pray for the local council elections next Thursday and pray that the people elected will seek to serve all people in their areas. In a moment of silence, please pray for any aspect of life in our local community that is on your mind today.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Loving God, we bring to you the sufferings of those we hold dear; the struggle of those trying to cope with difficult circumstances; the pain of the sick at home, in hospital or care homes; the loneliness of the elderly and the frail. In your great mercy bring them comfort and reassurance that you are always with them in all their troubles. In a moment of silence, please pray for those that you know who needs God’s healing touch today. Almighty God, we ask you to draw them close so that they may be aware of your healing presence, and we ask you to provide your peace and comfort for them at this time.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful God, your son Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before you those who have died and pray for all those who are going through the darkness of loss and bereavement. Almighty Father, we thank you for your promise of eternal life and the hope of glory and commend to your everlasting love and care those who have died.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Everlasting God, as we go out into the world to face another week help us as we seek to live out our lives according to your son Jesus Christ’s example. Free us from the sins of the world that spoil our lives so that we may be a living testament to your will for your world.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Everlasting God, give us the courage of Philip who took the time to share his faith with a curious stranger and remind us of Jesus command to us to “make disciples of all.”
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Holy God, we pray for the worldwide Christian Church, Christ’s body on earth, and all church leaders. We pray especially for those churches who meet in difficult and dangerous circumstances. May they be aware of your abiding presence to uphold their courage and strengthen their faith.
In a moment of silence, please ask God to show each one of us the part that he wants us to play in our church life.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Creator God, we pray for Your world and we long for the time when all the families of the nations will bow down before you and the poor will eat and be satisfied. We pray for world leaders who bear the heavy responsibility of providing for their populations; give them wisdom to know what is right and the courage to make the right decisions. We pray particularly for peace in all places where there is violence, war and terrorism. In a moment of silence, please pray for any country that you are concerned about today.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Father God, we thank you for all those who help our local community to run smoothly. Bless our neighbours and strengthen those who are working in your name to bring healing and comfort to those in need. We also pray for the local council elections next Thursday and pray that the people elected will seek to serve all people in their areas. In a moment of silence, please pray for any aspect of life in our local community that is on your mind today.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Loving God, we bring to you the sufferings of those we hold dear; the struggle of those trying to cope with difficult circumstances; the pain of the sick at home, in hospital or care homes; the loneliness of the elderly and the frail. In your great mercy bring them comfort and reassurance that you are always with them in all their troubles. In a moment of silence, please pray for those that you know who needs God’s healing touch today. Almighty God, we ask you to draw them close so that they may be aware of your healing presence, and we ask you to provide your peace and comfort for them at this time.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful God, your son Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before you those who have died and pray for all those who are going through the darkness of loss and bereavement. Almighty Father, we thank you for your promise of eternal life and the hope of glory and commend to your everlasting love and care those who have died.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Everlasting God, as we go out into the world to face another week help us as we seek to live out our lives according to your son Jesus Christ’s example. Free us from the sins of the world that spoil our lives so that we may be a living testament to your will for your world.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Please pray for:-
the sick, and those who care for them, including Patricia Gordon-Duff, John Grove, Tony Lindsay and Liz Clark
those who have lit candles and those for whom candles have been lit
those who have recently died including Robert Heal and Ann Turnbull
and those whose anniversary of death falls at this time, including George Watson, Doris Bulmer, Kathleen Bass,
Daniel Robin Warin, Clara Batchelor, Robert Pickering and Amos Wood
Post Communion Prayer
Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life:
grant us to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life;
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen
grant us to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life;
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen
From The Church of England
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All of our weekly service content is manually subtitled and contains British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation throughout.
CHURCH GIVING
A few people have asked how they can support the church financially if they can't do their normal weekly giving. Please continue to use Pam’s letterbox to drop off church donations – either envelopes, cheques (made payable to PCC of Pickering Parish Church) or other loose cash (In a sealed envelope marked for the Church). If you are unable to go outside, please ring, and we will see if there is an alternative way to collect.
Pam Robb at 16 Garden Way, Pickering, YO18 8BG. 07769 801708
WITH VERY MANY THANKS.