Our Services
Welcome to our worship for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, 19th September
“He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’”
Mark 9:35
Mark 9:35
Call to Worship and Opening Prayers
The first shall be last.
We come to worship as we are.
The last shall be first.
We come with confidence.
The first shall be last.
We come with questions.
The last shall be first.
We come burdened by failure.
The first shall be last.
We come celebrating success.
The last shall be first.
We come fearful of the future.
The first shall be last
and the last shall be first
and a little child shall lead them.
The first shall be last.
We come to worship as we are.
The last shall be first.
We come with confidence.
The first shall be last.
We come with questions.
The last shall be first.
We come burdened by failure.
The first shall be last.
We come celebrating success.
The last shall be first.
We come fearful of the future.
The first shall be last
and the last shall be first
and a little child shall lead them.
Collect
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
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
Invitation to Confession
Jesus’ obedience took him to the cross, that by his life we might be brought into the presence of God for ever.
So we come to confess our sins and receive the cleansing that he offers us.
For when we have used our knowledge to put others down rather than build them up.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
For when we have clung to our prejudices rather than listening for deeper truth.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
For when we have shaped stories to protect our status rather walk in honest humility.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
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
Invitation to Confession
Jesus’ obedience took him to the cross, that by his life we might be brought into the presence of God for ever.
So we come to confess our sins and receive the cleansing that he offers us.
For when we have used our knowledge to put others down rather than build them up.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
For when we have clung to our prejudices rather than listening for deeper truth.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
For when we have shaped stories to protect our status rather walk in honest humility.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Readings for this Sunday
First Reading: Jeremiah 11. 18-20
It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, ‘Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!’ But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Psalm 54
Response: I will praise your name, for it is gracious
Save me, O God, by your name and vindicate me by your power. Hear my prayer, O God; give heed to the words of my mouth. R
For strangers have risen up against me, and the ruthless seek after my life; they have not set God before them. R
Behold, God is my helper; it is the Lord who upholds my life. May evil rebound on those who lie in wait for me; destroy them in your faithfulness. R
An offering of a free heart will I give you and praise your name, O Lord, for it is gracious. For he has delivered me out of all my trouble, and my eye has seen the downfall of my enemies. R
Second Reading: James 3. 13 – 4. 3, 7-8a
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Gospel Reading: Mark 9. 30-37
After leaving the mountain Jesus and his disciples went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, ‘Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!’ But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Psalm 54
Response: I will praise your name, for it is gracious
Save me, O God, by your name and vindicate me by your power. Hear my prayer, O God; give heed to the words of my mouth. R
For strangers have risen up against me, and the ruthless seek after my life; they have not set God before them. R
Behold, God is my helper; it is the Lord who upholds my life. May evil rebound on those who lie in wait for me; destroy them in your faithfulness. R
An offering of a free heart will I give you and praise your name, O Lord, for it is gracious. For he has delivered me out of all my trouble, and my eye has seen the downfall of my enemies. R
Second Reading: James 3. 13 – 4. 3, 7-8a
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Gospel Reading: Mark 9. 30-37
After leaving the mountain Jesus and his disciples went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
Here are some thoughts on the readings this morning, from Fr. Peter Jaram
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
Jesus must have been disappointed and frustrated that the disciples were assuming their closeness to Him gave them a privileged position.
He takes advantage of what has occurred in order to teach them about humility and service to others.
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
Outside normal family affection, children were not rated in the ancient world, they had no status, no prestige, therefore, using the child as an analogy he is saying that whoever shows respect, and performs the least act of love and kindness to the lowliest person for His sake, will enter into fellowship with God himself.
So, all who believe in Jesus have access to God. The disciples are not special, they are alongside everyone who will open their hearts and minds to Jesus.
What Jesus was trying to explain is that a change in attitude was needed.
So do we need to change too?
There is a great danger of being spiritually proud about ourselves. It’s easy to unconsciously view ourselves as the saviours of those we serve.
True spiritual growth is growing in humility, and seeking to think of others before ourselves. The most significant message of Jesus Christ was to “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
We can serve others well when we actively decide to take on the role of a servant.
When we study the life of Jesus, we find he continually humbled himself for the sake of others and switched places with people in the lowliest of positions.
To truly model service in the way of Jesus, we must accept that, in God’s eyes, everyone else is just as important as we are. By positioning ourselves in this way, we are forced to leave our personal feelings behind and elevate the importance of each person we are helping, which puts us a lot more in line with the example of Jesus.
When God is trying to say something to us, how good are we at listening?
Although there are some instances in Scripture when God speaks with an audible voice, most often God speaks in less direct ways. We may hope for a burning bush experience, but most often God speaks quietly through the Holy Spirit who helps us to listen and learn.
Athough, ...... we must try to be sure that it’s His voice we are hearing and not our own thoughts!
Proverbs 3 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
We must accept His great power and trust His guidance, but if we’re not listening he cannot help us!
When we’re struggling to make sense of how we can live out a life devoted to the service of others, it’s useful to remember the words of Jesus:
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Amen.
Jesus must have been disappointed and frustrated that the disciples were assuming their closeness to Him gave them a privileged position.
He takes advantage of what has occurred in order to teach them about humility and service to others.
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
Outside normal family affection, children were not rated in the ancient world, they had no status, no prestige, therefore, using the child as an analogy he is saying that whoever shows respect, and performs the least act of love and kindness to the lowliest person for His sake, will enter into fellowship with God himself.
So, all who believe in Jesus have access to God. The disciples are not special, they are alongside everyone who will open their hearts and minds to Jesus.
What Jesus was trying to explain is that a change in attitude was needed.
So do we need to change too?
There is a great danger of being spiritually proud about ourselves. It’s easy to unconsciously view ourselves as the saviours of those we serve.
True spiritual growth is growing in humility, and seeking to think of others before ourselves. The most significant message of Jesus Christ was to “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
We can serve others well when we actively decide to take on the role of a servant.
When we study the life of Jesus, we find he continually humbled himself for the sake of others and switched places with people in the lowliest of positions.
To truly model service in the way of Jesus, we must accept that, in God’s eyes, everyone else is just as important as we are. By positioning ourselves in this way, we are forced to leave our personal feelings behind and elevate the importance of each person we are helping, which puts us a lot more in line with the example of Jesus.
When God is trying to say something to us, how good are we at listening?
Although there are some instances in Scripture when God speaks with an audible voice, most often God speaks in less direct ways. We may hope for a burning bush experience, but most often God speaks quietly through the Holy Spirit who helps us to listen and learn.
Athough, ...... we must try to be sure that it’s His voice we are hearing and not our own thoughts!
Proverbs 3 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
We must accept His great power and trust His guidance, but if we’re not listening he cannot help us!
When we’re struggling to make sense of how we can live out a life devoted to the service of others, it’s useful to remember the words of Jesus:
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Amen.
Prayers for this week, from Sue Billett
Let us pray to the God of glory, in whom we live and move and have our being
Creator God, drive away despair from our politics, revive our dreams of justice and truth, and restore our passion for what is good and right. Establish your just and gentle rule throughout the world especially where there is conflict; where peace seems so far away and so many have lost everything, even the faint hope of a peaceful future.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord Jesus, you give children a special regard and dignity. Keep their well being and safety at the forefront of our minds and practices. Give strength to all involved in safeguarding and protection and sustain them in their work
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
We pray for the Church, both here and throughout the world, and all who call themselves Christians, that they may go forward in unity and strength. Help us to respect the beliefs of others even if we do not share them, to celebrate what we have in common and to accept our differences. Guide us all in our ministries as we live each day.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
We pray that all communities may look after one another, supporting the vulnerable, encouraging the timid, providing practical help for all who need it, and nurturing the young in a climate of trust
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God Lord, we pray for all those who are afflicted by physical, emotional or mental illness. Help them to keep their eyes fixed on you, and give them the courage to face the trials and temptations that may come. Especially we pray for Angus MacDonald, Jane Sampson, Nigel Greenfield, Roger Coupland, Anthony Nichol, Thelma Taplin and Jane King.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord Jesus, you hold before us the hope of salvation. Keep in your love all who have died and give eternal life to all the faithful departed, including Marjorie Barry.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Faithful God as we leave this place today and return to our homes and loved ones draw near to us, strengthen our faith, deepen our love for you and for our neighbours and open our eyes to the wonder of your creation.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Creator God, drive away despair from our politics, revive our dreams of justice and truth, and restore our passion for what is good and right. Establish your just and gentle rule throughout the world especially where there is conflict; where peace seems so far away and so many have lost everything, even the faint hope of a peaceful future.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord Jesus, you give children a special regard and dignity. Keep their well being and safety at the forefront of our minds and practices. Give strength to all involved in safeguarding and protection and sustain them in their work
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
We pray for the Church, both here and throughout the world, and all who call themselves Christians, that they may go forward in unity and strength. Help us to respect the beliefs of others even if we do not share them, to celebrate what we have in common and to accept our differences. Guide us all in our ministries as we live each day.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
We pray that all communities may look after one another, supporting the vulnerable, encouraging the timid, providing practical help for all who need it, and nurturing the young in a climate of trust
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God Lord, we pray for all those who are afflicted by physical, emotional or mental illness. Help them to keep their eyes fixed on you, and give them the courage to face the trials and temptations that may come. Especially we pray for Angus MacDonald, Jane Sampson, Nigel Greenfield, Roger Coupland, Anthony Nichol, Thelma Taplin and Jane King.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord Jesus, you hold before us the hope of salvation. Keep in your love all who have died and give eternal life to all the faithful departed, including Marjorie Barry.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Faithful God as we leave this place today and return to our homes and loved ones draw near to us, strengthen our faith, deepen our love for you and for our neighbours and open our eyes to the wonder of your creation.
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 Angus MacDonald, Jane Sampson, Nigel Greenfield, Roger Coupland, Anthony Nichol, Thelma Taplin and Jane King
those who have lit candles and those for whom candles have been lit
those who have recently died, including Marjorie Barry
those whose anniversary of death falls at this time, Nicholas Timmins, Ernest Buckle, Mabel Clark, Stephen Lawn and Charles Pape.
the sick, and those who care for them, including Angus MacDonald, Jane Sampson, Nigel Greenfield, Roger Coupland, Anthony Nichol, Thelma Taplin and Jane King
those who have lit candles and those for whom candles have been lit
those who have recently died, including Marjorie Barry
those whose anniversary of death falls at this time, Nicholas Timmins, Ernest Buckle, Mabel Clark, Stephen Lawn and Charles Pape.
Post Communion Prayer:
Almighty God, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law:
grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
Ending Prayer
We thank you, Lord, that you hear our prayers.
Help us to trust in your love and power as we rest our concerns in your care.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Church of England online service
Here is a link to the Church of England’s service, which comes from a different place each week.
Click here
Click here
CHURCH GIVING
A few people have asked how they can support the church financially if they can't do their normal weekly giving. We do still require your offerings of money! We have ongoing expenses and commitments and the coffers will inevitably drain a bit low! Please continue to use Pam’s letterbox to drop off church donations – either envelopes, cheques (made payable to PCC of Pickering 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.
