Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Parish Church of Saint Peter, West Green

SUNDAY 17th MAY 2020 Sixth Sunday of Easter

WELCOME to our service this Sunday Pavilioned in splendour and girded at St Peter’s. We hope you will find this with praise. service sheet useful for prayer, meditating on the scriptures and as an O tell of his might, O sing of his information service. grace, Whose robe is the As a church family we need to work light, whose canopy together to protect our most space; vulnerable members. If you are self- isolating, then please let us know – His chariots of so that we can pray for you at wrath the deep Church and offer any additional thunder clouds support you may require. form, Most importantly as a Christian And dark is his path on the wings family let us remember to pray for of the storm. one another and let us gain strength from that knowledge This earth, with its store of wonders untold, Hymns in this service sheet Almighty, thy power hath founded If you have a computer and use the of old; internet you can go into, say, Google or Yahoo, and look up a hymn. Hath stablished it fast by a You will probably find a choir or an organist changeless decree, who will sing it or play the tune. And round it hath cast, like a If so, you could accompany the musician or mantle, the sea. choir and sing along with them, a bit like in church. You might even be joining in with Thy bountiful care what tongue Kings College Choir, Cambridge or a cathedral can recite? choir. What a joy and what fun, too! Fr Paul It breathes in the air, it shines in Today’s theme – building bridges and the light; speaking for God It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain; THE GATHERING And sweetly distils in the dew and We get ready to worship God and we sing our the rain. opening hymn: O worship the King, all glorious Frail children of dust, and feeble above; as frail, O gratefully sing his power and his In thee do we trust, nor find thee love; to fail; Our shield and defender, the Thy mercies how tender, how firm Ancient of Days, to the end,

Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, Lord, have mercy. and Friend. You promise us the Holy Spirit as our guide. Christ, have mercy. O measureless might, ineffable You give us the peace that the world cannot give. Lord, have mercy. love, While angels delight to hymn thee Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver above, you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen Thy humbler creation, though you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; feeble their lays, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

With true adoration shall sing to THE GLORIA (our glory to God) thy praise. Robert Grant (1779-1838) Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his THE GREETING people on earth. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, Lord God, heavenly and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. King, almighty God

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Father, we and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you worship you, and also with you. we give you thanks, we praise you

Alleluia. Christ is risen. for your glory. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, Jesus will soon return to the Father, but in you take away the sin of the today’s gospel he promises to send the Spirit of truth on the disciples. Let us give thanks that the world: have mercy on us; you are Holy Spirit reveals to us the truth about Jesus and seated at the right hand of the gives us the grace to understand and to keep his Father: receive our prayer. commandments. For you alone are the Holy One,

PRAYERS OF PENITENCE you alone are the Lord, you alone We say sorry for the wrong are the Most High, Jesus Christ, things we have done and ask with the Holy Spirit, in the glory God to forgive us of God the Father. Amen.

Jesus does not leave us on our own. His Spirit THE COLLECT - A prayer which collects or guides us through our lives, showing us the way sums up our worship themes for today to justice and truth.

Let us confess our failings in love towards God, Let us pray. our neighbours and ourselves, praying grace for repentance, forgiveness and amendment of life. God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Silence is kept for a time of reflection kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual You are the way to the Father. presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, him—though indeed he is not far who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. from each one of us. 28 Amen For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of LITURGY OF THE your own poets have said, WORD “For we too are his offspring.” The bible readings for today: 29 Since we are God’s offspring,

we ought not to think that the deity FIRST READING from the Acts of the is like gold, or silver, or stone, an Apostles 17.22-31; Paul develops his message image formed by the art and by teaching that God is Creator and Judge, imagination of mortals. and by declaring the truth about Jesus Christ 30 While God has overlooked the and His resurrection from the dead 22 times of human ignorance, now he Paul stood in front of the commands all people everywhere to Areopagus and said, repent, 31 because he has fixed a day ‘Athenians, I see how extremely on which he will have the world religious you are in every way. 23 judged in righteousness by a man For as I went through the city and whom he has appointed, and of this looked carefully at the objects of he has given assurance to all by your worship, I found among them raising him from the dead.’ an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” This is the word of the Lord What therefore you worship as Thanks be to God. unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and Psalm 66.7-18 everything in it, he who is Lord of 7 Bless our God, O you peoples; make the heaven and earth, does not live in voice of his praise to be heard, 8 Who holds our souls in life and suffers shrines made by human hands, 25 not our feet to slip. nor is he served by human hands, 9 For you, O God, have proved us; as though he needed anything, since you have tried us as silver is tried. he himself gives to all mortals life and 10 You brought us into the snare; you laid breath and all things. heavy burdens upon our backs. 26 From one ancestor he made all 11 You let enemies ride over our heads; nations to inhabit the whole earth, we went through fire and water; but you brought us out into a place of liberty. and he allotted the times of their 12 I will come into your house with burnt existence and the boundaries of the offerings and will pay you my vows, which places where they would live, my lips uttered and my mouth promised 27 so that they would search for God when I was in trouble. and perhaps grope for him and find

13 I will offer you fat burnt sacrifices with God. He was put to death in the the smoke of rams; I will sacrifice oxen flesh, but made alive in the spirit, and goats. 19 in which also he went and made a 14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, proclamation to the spirits in prison, and I will tell you what he has done for my 20 soul. who in former times did not obey, 15 I called out to him with my mouth and when God waited patiently in the his praise was on my tongue. days of Noah, during the building of 16 If I had nursed evil in my heart, the ark, in which a few, that is, eight the Lord would not have heard me, people, were saved through water. 17 But in truth God has heard me; he has 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, heeded the voice of my prayer. now saves you—not as a removal of 18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld his loving mercy dirt from the body, but as an appeal from me. to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus SECOND READING: 1 Peter 3.13-22; Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven Peter encourages Christians to be prepared to and is at the right hand of God, with defend their faith in public angels, authorities, and powers made 13 Now who will harm you if you are subject to him. eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing This is the word of the Lord what is right, you are blessed. Thanks be to God. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your THE GOSPEL hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your Alleluia! I am the first and the last, says the Lord, and the living one; defence to anyone who demands I was dead, and behold I am alive for from you an account of the hope evermore. Alleluia! 16 that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. A reading from the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Keep your conscience clear, so that, Christ according to John when you are maligned, those who Glory to you, O Lord. abuse you for your good conduct in John 14.15-21; this focuses on the role of the Christ may be put to shame. 17 Spirit as advocate. For it is better to suffer for doing Jesus said to his disciples: good, if suffering should be God’s 15 ‘If you love me, you will keep my will, than to suffer for doing evil. commandments. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins 16 And I will ask the Father, and he once for all, the righteous for the will give you another Advocate, unrighteous, in order to bring you to to be with you for ever.

17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom and need an advocate to speak up on their the world cannot receive, because it behalf. neither sees him nor knows him. Nowadays the word Comforter does not You know him, because he abides mean what it once meant. with you, and he will be in you. 18 ‘I will not leave you orphaned; It was first used by John Wycliffe in the I am coming to you. 19 In a little while 1300s when he was translating the Latin the world will no longer see me, bible into English. He chose Comforter but you will see me; because I live, because the Latin word fortis meant brave. you also will live. 20 On that day you So, a Comforter would make you feel braver. will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Nowadays Advocate is often used, 21 They who have my commandments meaning someone, perhaps a lawyer in and keep them are those who love court, who could speak well on your me; and those who love me will be behalf and defend you. loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Jesus wanted to re-assure his disciples that they would not be let down. He would This is the Gospel of the Lord. always know their problems and be with Praise to you, O Christ. them in some form and help them. That is good news for us, too.

THE HOMILY from Fr Paul That is the good news we can give to Advocate those who are still staying at home, staying I was somewhat taken aback last Sunday, safe, or confused about what they should when we were told we should, ‘Stay be staying alert for and how. Pray them Alert.’ Alert to what or to whom? the loving support and help that knowing Is it suddenly Advent? Christ is with you and loving you can Maybe the Prime Minister was struggling bring. with which words to use? Be yourselves re-assured and feel safer and loved by our good news. That was the problem the translators of Alleluia, alleluia, Christ is risen. the bible were having when it came to a He is risen indeed, alleluia, alleluia! special Greek word, parakleetos, which is hard to translate. Some have suggested THE CREED (We all say what Helper or Comforter. we believe as Christians) Let us declare our faith in God: Jesus was thinking along those lines about We believe in one God, his disciples, especially when he would be the Father, the Almighty, maker of crucified. They would be frightened. heaven and earth, of all that is, seen Or later when, after his Ascension, the and unseen. disciples might be brought before a court We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally That isolated and persecuted churches may find begotten of the Father, God from fresh strength in the good news of Easter … God, Light from Light, true God from we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. true God, begotten, not made, of That God may grant us humility to be subject to one Being with the Father; through one another in Christian love … him all things were made. we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate That he may provide for those who lack food, from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin work or shelter … Mary and was made man. For our we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. sake he was crucified under Pontius That by his power war and famine may cease Pilate; he suffered death and was through all the world … buried. On the third day he rose we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. again in accordance with the Scriptures; That he may reveal the light of his presence to he ascended into heaven and is the sick, the weak and the dying, to comfort and seated at the right hand of the strengthen them … Father. He will come again in glory we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. to judge the living and the dead, That, according to his promises, all who have and his kingdom will have no end. died in the faith of the resurrection may be raised We believe in the Holy Spirit, on the last day … the Lord, the giver of life, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people, so that we may bear faithful witness the Son is worshipped and glorified, to his resurrection, who has spoken through the we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. Heavenly Father, you have delivered us from the We acknowledge one baptism for power of darkness and brought us into the the forgiveness of sins. We look for kingdom of your Son: grant that, as his death has recalled us to life, so his continual presence in us the resurrection of the dead, and the may raise us to eternal joy; through Christ our life of the world to come. Amen. Lord. Amen.

OUR PRAYERS THE PEACE We pray together. We thank God. We pray for people who need God Jesus said: “Those who love me to be especially close to them will keep my word”. We rejoice in our one-ness with him, In joy and hope let us pray to the Father. and our fellowship with one another in his name.

The peace of the Lord be always with you That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of his glorious and life-giving resurrection and also with you. we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.

During this hymn we would normally gather wherein the Holy Spirit makes his the gifts of the church. Please continue to use dwelling. this as an opportunity to give to the work of Bianco da Siena (d1434), tr Richard F Littledale (1833-90) the church. HOLY COMMUNION Come down, O Love divine, seek thou this soul of mine, Please see the and visit it with thine own ardour guidelines later in the glowing; service sheet for O Comforter, draw near, Spiritual Communion within my heart appear, Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the and kindle it, thy holy flame glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for bestowing. everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of O let it freely burn, your own do we give you. till earthly passions turn PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. to dust and ashes in its Through your goodness we have this bread to heat consuming; offer, which earth has given and human hands and let thy glorious have made. It will become for us the bread of life. light Blessed be God for ever. shine ever on my sight, Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. and clothe me round, the while Through your goodness we have this wine to my path illuming. offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God for ever. Let holy charity mine outward vesture be, Pray, my dears, that this our sacrifice may be and lowliness become mine inner acceptable to God the Almighty Father. clothing: May the Lord accept the sacrifice true lowliness of heart, at your hands, for the praise and which takes the humbler part, glory of his name, for our good and o’er its own shortcomings and the good of all his Church. weeps with loathing. Eucharistic Prayer

And so the yearning strong, The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us. with which the soul will long, Lift up your hearts. shall far outpass the power of We lift them to the Lord. human telling; Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and for none can guess its grace, praise. till he become the place 8

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always Christ will come again. and everywhere to give you thanks, almighty and eternal Father, and in these days of Easter to celebrate with joyful hearts the memory of your wonderful works.

For by the mystery of his passion Jesus Christ, your risen Son, has conquered the powers of death and hell and restored in men and women the image of your glory. He has placed them once more in paradise and opened to them the gate of life eternal.

And so, in the joy of this Passover, earth and And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the heaven resound with gladness, while angels and cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins archangels and the powers of all creation sing for of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty ever the hymn of your glory: resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this Holy, holy, holy Lord, memorial of our redemption. God of power and might, As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and heaven and earth are full of your thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and glory. this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy Hosanna in the highest. to stand in your presence and serve you.

Blessed is he who comes in the Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather name of the Lord. into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of Hosanna in the highest. Our Blessed Lady, … and of all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for of bread and wine may be to us the body and ever and ever. Amen. blood of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; THE LORD’S PRAYER he broke it and gave it to his disciples, Rejoicing in God’s new creation, let us saying: Take, eat; this is my body which pray with confidence as our Saviour has is given for you; do this in remembrance taught us of me. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: thy kingdom come; thy will be Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of done; on earth as it is in heaven. the new covenant, which is shed for you Give us this day our daily bread. and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in And forgive us our trespasses, as remembrance of me. we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into Let us proclaim the truths of our faith Christ has died: Christ is risen: temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the 9

power and the glory, for ever and with splendour he is crowned. ever. Amen. How awesome is the sight our radiant King of Light! The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread, Be still, for the glory of the Lord is saying shining all around. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one Be still, for the power body, because we all share in one of the Lord bread. is moving in this place: Lamb of God, you take away the he comes to cleanse and heal, sin of the world: have mercy on us. to minister his grace. Lamb of God, you take away the No work too hard for him, sin of the world: have mercy on us. in faith receive from him. Lamb of God, you take away the Be still, for the power of the Lord sin of the world: grant us peace. is moving in this place. David J Evans b 1957 ©1986 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music INVITATION TO COMMUNION Before the distribution the celebrant says A time for silent reflection and thanksgiving This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin is kept of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. POST COMMUNION PRAYER Lord, I am not worthy to receive God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ gives the you, but only say the word, and I water of eternal life: may we thirst for you, the spring of life and source of goodness, shall be healed. through him who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen Communion Hymn: Be still, for the presence of the Almighty God, we thank you for Lord, the Holy One, is here; feeding us with the body and come, bow before him now, blood of your Son Jesus Christ. with reverence and fear: Through him we offer you our In him no sin is found souls and bodies to be a living we stand on holy ground. sacrifice. Send us out in the power Be still, for the presence of the of your Spirit to live and work to Lord, the Holy One is here. your praise and glory. Amen.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL is shining all around; God defend you from all evil. Jesus counsel he burns with holy fire, you with all wisdom. The Holy Spirit comfort you in adversity. And the blessing of God

almighty, the  Father, the Son and the Holy 10

Spirit, be upon you and all whom you love and walk, walk in the light. pray for, living and departed, now and for ever. Damian Lundy (1944-97) Amen. Be in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. The Spirit lives to set us free, walk, walk in the light.

He binds us all in unity, Thoughts for the week: walk, walk in the Do we sometimes expect God to answer light. our prayers by making us immune from suffering? How do today’s readings help us Walk in the light, see our relationship with God Walk in the light, incorporating suffering? Walk in the light, walk in the light of the Many people today are not church-goers, but would say they believed in “the Lord. unknown God”. How would you explain him to them? Jesus promised life to all, walk, walk in the light. Readings for next Sunday, the 7th of Easter : The dead were wakened by his Acts 1.6-14; I Peter 4.12-14 & 5.6-11; John call, walk, walk in the light. 17, 1-11

He died in pain on Calvary, And on this rock I will build my church walk, walk in the light, to save the lost like you and me, walk, walk in the light. For our prayers: Dear Lord, we thank you for all the love and We know his death was not the care you show us. We send you our love for you to use, as you wish. end, walk, walk in the light. He gave his spirit to be our friend, Dear Lord, we want to attract more people walk, walk in the light. to join us in worshipping you. Please help us in this mission. By Jesus’ love our wounds are Dear Lord, we pray for our parish, especially healed, this month those who live in Town Mead, walk, walk in the light. Buckmans Road, The Link and Kites Close, The father’s kindness is revealed, and all those working at the Fire Station. walk, walk in the light. Dear Lord, we pray for those in need of our prayers, especially Phyllis Woods, Tim Butler, The Spirit lives in you and me, Joyce Mulford, Steve Williams, Bernice Golby, walk, walk in the light. Beryl, Grace Walsh, Tim Lucas, Michael His light will shine for all to see, Grant, Tony Greener, Daniel, Keith and 11

Michael, Andrew Fairbairn, Peter Parsons, Making a Spiritual Debbie Langridge, Archdeacon Fiona Communion Windsor, Jane and Geoff, Jacki and Geoff, We must use these Nancy. extraordinary times to our advantage and make an opportunity out of Dear Lord, we pray for all those whom we being on our own for longer as well as have loved but see no longer, and for all thinking of how we can sustain our friends, those who have recently died, especially neighbours and others whom we know to be Josephine Smith, Revd Pauline Lucas (Rector in need, by using phone, text or email, as well of Kirdford), Nicholas Lockett. We pray for as prayer, which has used a divine world-wide their families and friends as they mourn their web for thousands of years. loss. We shall miss being together at our Parish Eucharist, sharing in each other’s presence, Dear Lord, we pray for all those whose friendship and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. anniversary of death occurs at this time, We shall miss being fed by him and renewed especially Marjorie Thomson. Rest and joy by him through his presence in our eternal grant unto them O Lord, and let light communion. But when we cannot make our perpetual shine upon them communion, like now, or when we are on holiday or ill at home, we can make a spiritual Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. communion and know that the Lord can still Blessed are you among women, and blessed is feed us with his grace through the words of the fruit of your womb, Jesus. scripture, especially his words in the gospel Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us and the words of the prayers and the words sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. of forgiveness in the absolution. Amen So, if you can get a copy of the week’s service SECAM, the Symposium of the Episcopal sheet, either online, or a hard copy delivered Conferences in Africa and Madagascar, has to you, sit down and open it up as you would suggested the following prayer for all those in church. You can imagine being in church. affected by the coronavirus: Read through the service, pause now and Almighty and merciful Father, who show your then and let the words sink in. love to all your creation. Pause before saying the confession and after We come before you asking for a quick the absolution, and give thanks for Christ control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging wanting to forgive you and help you keep our world. trying and maybe even do better. Hear graciously the prayers we make for The collect prayer is always good value and those affected by the virus in various parts of worth saying over a couple of times. Some of the world. these prayers are very beautiful and uplifting. Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the If you have time you can read all the dead and consolation to the bereaved scriptures, but be careful. families. We pray that an effective medicine to combat Always interpret the Old Testament the sickness be speedily found. scriptures in the light of what Jesus teaches We pray for the relevant governments and us. If the OT, including the Psalms, is not as health authorities that they take appropriate loving as the NT, then dismiss them. I think steps for the good of the people. you need to have studied the OT for years in Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us order to understand them, their origin and our failings. Amen.

meaning in ancient times and maybe now if loud, which is very good therapy. Often the applicable. hymns express a lot about the gospel in easy terms, sometimes sublimely beautifully, too. Always concentrate on the Gospel, where Have fun and joy!! Fr Paul Jesus speaks to you. Savour his words and see what they seem to be saying to you. The service sheet will contain the St. Peter’s Net intercessions and, again, if you have time say them and think around them and explore Vicar: Father Paul 01293 544046 them in your mind and imagination. You can Church Wardens: add praying for your loved ones and others Jean Dinnair Tel: (01293) 550453 whom you think need prayer, too. John Keller Tel: (01293) 560526 Say the words of The Peace. You could imagine exchanging the peace in church. CHURCHES ARE CLOSED How lovely! until further notice

You are all in our thoughts and Instead of seeing the elements brought up to prayers. the altar during the offertory hymn, imagine Now, more than ever, we need to giving yourself to Christ so he can bless you make sure we keep our eyes fixed and feed you. on God, and work together as a If you have time you can say the whole of the church family, to love each other Eucharistic prayers and all those that follow. When you would have made your and those around us. communion you can hold out your hands and But please do still let us know of imagine the sacrament being placed there, anyone you wish to be prayed for likewise with receiving the chalice. Now pause again, be still and know that Christ gives himself to you and loves you utterly and We hope that wants you. You are his child. Say thank you everyone in our to the Lord for his grace and all that he went congregation through to show you how much you are will receive our loved and wanted. weekly service sheet, either by Finish with the collects and say the blessing email or delivery, so we can all over yourself and the dismissal. remain connected. Remember that God wants to feed you with himself, his love, his grace because he so St John’s are screening their 9.30am loves you! (Read John 3.16 & 17) service on the website

www.stjohnscrawley.com Shorter Form If this is too long - just say sorry and ask watch live on Sunday or at a time to forgiveness, say the collect, read the Gospel, suit you. say some prayers and then open your hands You can also view their to imagine receiving the sacrament and say Ascension Day service thank you. this Thursday, 21st May And there are the hymns! I hope you will 7.30pm enjoy singing them, when you know the tune (you can check on Youtube) and doing so out

The Archbishop of Canterbury has Christian Aid launched a free national phone line as a Week simple and easy way to bring worship and You can still donate, but this year ‘digital prayer into people’s homes while church only’. St Peter's has always given buildings are closed because of the generously to Christian Aid, so please coronavirus. It offers music, prayers and continue your support this year. reflections as well as full worship services To give: go to: www.christianaid.org.uk from the Church of England at the end of or phone 0845 700 0300 a telephone line. The line – which is available 24 hours a Blue Envelope Users day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up If you are a blue envelope user and use particularly with those unable to join online-banking you could make your online church services during the period weekly donations to St Peter’s online. of restrictions in mind The church’s bank is CAF Bank, the sort code is 40 52 40 and account number The BBC is broadcasting a service on 00013551, make sure you put those zeros Sundays 8am across local radio in in at the beginning of the account number, England (BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey for the name of the account is St Peter’s us) + their usual Sunday Worship on Church West Green Crawley Current Radio 4 8.10am. Account. For a reference please use your And there is a service shown on BBC1 – name. You might like to set up a standing check TV listings for exact times order for the duration of the lockdown which would save you a lot of time. Any queries do call Keith on 514729.

HEARING YOU - A local response to the Coronavirus crisis

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE The Diocese of Chichester with Together NEW BISHOPS in Sussex have launched Hearing You, a 10 Downing Street have announced the pastoral phone line to enable the people names of the new bishops of Horsham and of Sussex to feel connected and Lewes to serve as suffragan bishops in the supported. Diocese of Chichester. The phone line provides pastoral support The Revd Ruth Bushyager, currently and a listening ear to the recently Vicar of St Paul’s, Dorking in the Diocese bereaved and people directly affected by of Guildford will serve as the COVID-19 outbreak. It is staffed by Bishop of Horsham. volunteers who are trained in pastoral care and listening skills: clergy and licensed The Revd William Hazlewood, lay ministers. currently Vicar of the United Benefice of All volunteer listeners will Dartmouth and Dittisham in the Diocese • have an active DBS and have of Exeter will be the next completed safeguarding training with the Bishop of Lewes. 14

Diocese of Chichester be downloaded from the News and • be able to point callers to their parish Notices section. clergy The website needs some high resolution • direct callers to other organisations photographs of the building and especially offering specialist support if appropriate of St Peter's in action. If you have some • offer to pray for the caller or for their suitable jpeg files that you don't mind concerns. sharing please forward them to NB This is not a substitute for the emergency Alan Jamieson [email protected] services (111 or 999) or a counselling for uploading. service. It is a human, Christian response to anyone who turns to the Church in this time Cartridge Recycling - If you are of need. working from home and using your printer more, do remember to save the The phone line is open to anyone living in empty cartridges - we can recycle them Sussex whether they attend a church or for charity. not, and will initially run until the end of May, Monday - Friday 9am-7pm. Prayers – if you would like to add a name The Hearing You number is: to the weekly prayers included in the 01273 425047 service sheet please contact Fr Paul or June in the Parish Office. (Please also ALSO remember to tell us when to take someone The Diocese have launched a simple off) statement for people to take into hospital with them. Some people will need it Year's Mind: We keep a list of the printed by a friend, neighbour or parish anniversary of the death of close relatives priest. and friends to remember them in our We advise that every household should prayers, on or near their anniversary. have one of these statements ready for If you would like to add a name please use. contact June in the Parish Office. This statement declares a person’s Christian faith, and request access to a Gift aid - If your circumstances change, Church of England a chaplain while in e.g. you no longer pay sufficient tax to gift hospital. aid your donations or you change address A template for this statement is available please tell Keith. on the Diocesan website Electoral Roll – Should you change your A Church Near You … contact details please let Helen know, so is the Church of England's website for our records are kept up to date. parishes. St Peter's, West Green, Crawley can be found by searching within Time on your hands? Get those knitting "A Church Near You" or you can go needles out … directly to The congregation & friends of St John's www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5210 are now supporting the work of the The site lists Parish activities and Romanian Aid Foundation, a Christian resources. The weekly service sheet can charity operating from Horley Baptist 15

Church. They make up ‘baby bags' that www.stpeterwg.org.uk contain useful items for both mother & Facebook: ‘St Peter’s Church baby, so our layettes would be much Crawley Booksale’ appreciated. Baby garments (cardigans, hats, bootees, Bible notes mittens, leggings, etc) can be knitted or Christians can bear testimony to the saving power of crocheted. If you have patterns of your God in Christ with confidence because the Spirit is own, please use them. Sizes to fit from their advocate. Paul preaches in Athens, a hostile environment where birth, to around 6 years, are needed. new ideas were assessed and often rejected, but Any colour, double knitting or 4 ply wool attracts some support because he preaches the can be used for baby sizes. DK or Chunky gospel appropriately and with confidence. Psalm 66 wool is more suitable for the larger size speaks of testimony to God’s salvation at many levels, garments. while 1 Peter encourages Christians to be prepared to If you need some wool, a pattern or defend their faith in public. John’s Gospel focuses on the role of the Spirit as advocate. needles please email me: [email protected], stating Acts 17.22-31 Paul, delayed in Athens on his what you need, and your address, and I journey south, used the opportunity to talk to will do my best to get it to you. those he met, religious Jews in the synagogue and If you prefer something less complicated the philosophers of the marketplace. This led to than garments, blankets (approx 36 inches an invitation to address the Areopagus, the most respected Greek court of its day; Paul was not on square) are also needed. trial but simply an interesting speaker. Luke’s account may be the sort of thing Paul would have In the meantime - the pattern for knitted been likely to say in the circumstances, rather squares for a blanket is … with needles size than an accurate record of the speech. 8 (4mm) and double knitting wool cast on 20 stitches & knit approx 32 rows, until a square Paul’s audience included Stoic philosophers, who believed that life should be lived in acceptance of is formed. Great for using up oddments of the natural order and free from passion or wool - it will fill half an hour or so. Knitters emotion, and Epicureans, whose highest principle don’t have to sew them together - let’s see was pleasure managed so that it did not lead to how many squares we can produce before the pain. Paul’s speech is constructed according to end of the pandemic! Crochet squares are rhetorical principles, expressed in the language of also welcome if you know how! Anne Granite Greek philosophers (v. 25) and poets (v. 28) and referring to their artists (v. 29). He undercuts the Greek claim to intellectual leadership by referring We’re also knitting ‘twiddlemuffs’ for to their lack of knowledge and to their ignorance: patients at St George’s hospital. their intellectual heritage is flawed and needs the opportunity of repentance just as much as any Or write a letter/card to cheer other. Although this speech appeared someone up … To one of our unsuccessful because of its very limited impact, it is important to note that Paul maintained his congregation …. or the Charity From intellectual integrity, holding together culturally Me to You ask people to write to cancer appropriate forms of expression with patients spending time in Sussex hospitals. resurrection, the heart of the gospel. www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk Psalm 66.7-20 This psalm begins by stressing Keep in touch with St Peter’s: that God’s power extends over the whole universe. He cares for his people, and the group www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5210 16

recalls the struggles undergone in crossing the illustrates it with the teaching that he is the vine, Red Sea (v. 6) and in the battles since (vv. 9-11) his Father the vinedresser and his disciples the but understands them as purifying, leading to ‘the branches. spacious place’. Finally, the individual testifies to God’s help in trouble, and promises offerings in Within this, Jesus teaches about the gift of the response. In all three sections, there is a call to Spirit, who also indwells the disciples. John the public witness (vv. 1,5,16) and an invitation to Baptist saw the Spirit descend from heaven at the come and see or hear what God has done, beginning of Jesus’ ministry, and remain with him making testimony a key element of this psalm. (1.32). This gift passes to the disciples, to teach them (v. 26) and to lead them into the truth (v. New Testament 1 Peter 3.13-22 The passage 6). The key role of the Spirit is as Advocate, a begins with the optimistic expectation that term for someone who offers support by Christians will not suffer for doing good; speaking for a person facing court proceedings. however, given the lack of religious tolerance One stylistic device of John’s Gospel is the idea characteristic of the Roman Empire, Peter goes that Jesus is presenting a forensic self-defence, as on to consider how to respond if there is if the story is evidence at a trial to establish persecution. Verses 14-16 offer advice, while whether his claim about himself is true. The verses 17-22 offer a theological basis for that Spirit’s role is to speak on Jesus’ behalf and to advice. help his disciples support his claim after he has gone. Peter advises the Christians to ensure that their lifestyle is beyond reproach, but to be ready to defend their beliefs with gentle persistence if they ‘ST PETER’S are brought to trial. Theologically, he returns to the theme of 2.21, linking their innocent suffering CONGREGATION with Christ’s. Christ’s death served the purpose of bringing them to faith. The passage ends with a CORNER’ complex mix of ideas, offering two levels at which hearers can claim their salvation. To ensure that everyone continues to feel part of our church community, here’s your Those who refused to listen to God in the days chance to ‘chat to your friends’. Send us a of the Flood were, in Jewish tradition, the funny story, your views or news, a poem a greatest of sinners, whose imprisonment was the recipe, or simply a ‘hello’ and we’ll run them most long term. Christ offered even them the here each week - to make you smile! chance to hear the good news – how much more does he offer it to these Christians? Noah and his Another great contribution from Val, family were saved through water, like Peter’s audience who have been saved through baptism. a woman of many talents … The resurrection has the power to save all people. Would you want to be Boris at this time With extremely high mountains to climb Gospel John 14.15-21 The passage focuses again on love, expressed through obedience. In John’s You satisfy some, leaving others quite Gospel, loves concerns lifestyle, not emotion. It numb closes with a renewed emphasis on love as the Whilst acting as Minister Prime! force binding together Jesus, the Father and the disciples. This love enables Jesus to return to the You’ll have been through a very rough disciples and lets them share in his life (v. 19). Life in Christ is explained as a three-way relationship: patch Jesus, the Father and the disciples dwell in each Praying hard that you wouldn’t catch other. The mutual dependence of such indwelling This awful infection, with no known is central to John’s Gospel; in chapter 15, Jesus injection 17

Which our scientists just couldn’t match What are the two doors behind the middle lectern – the ‘Ladies’ and ‘Gents’ Baby Wilfred arrived, what a joyous perhaps?? occasion My suggestions for the two doors at All greeted with joy and much adulation number 10 are:-The broom cupboard But now you must face, with dignity and and the passageway to the bunker or the grace escape route!! Helen Those who criticise….so with greatest frustration.. Laughter lines: A father was reading Bible stories to his Let us all sing to the tune of “Okey young son. He read, "The man named Lot Cokey”…. was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but – you can go in and you can go out his wife looked back and was Put your left leg in, not your left leg out turned to salt." You do the okey-cokey but not turn about His son asked, Is this what’s it’s all about? "What happened to the flea?" Seen online

Play tennis and golf if you like Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble You can go with friends on your bike letters on the road. Go ten-pin bowling and get a strike I asked him, ‘What’s the word on the Is that what it’s all about? street?’

All the while, be aware Alexa, skip to Friday www.rd.com Of the two metre distance you must take care ‘Out of the mouths of babes’ In this we all must have a share Theology as explained by children THAT’S what it’s all about! Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles. Be safe everyone Reasons why NOSTALGIA is overrated ‘Just a thought’ Ah, the good old days. But before you It’s wonderful to see, that in most of the get too misty-eyed about your skype interviews with people on TV, they childhood, don’t forget what it was have a vast collection of books behind really like … them – but have they read them? “We didn’t sit in McDonalds all day” … No, as without Nando’s, Maccy D’s and Hurrah! We’ve had a reply to our recent Starbucks, there was nowhere for kids to ‘Just a thought’ hang out except abandoned bus stops and Are you watching the daily briefing? council flower beds!

THE CINEMA CLUB Answers to last week's quiz. For all those missing our Question: Name the musicals in which the regular films in the church …. have a song lyrics appear. seat, dig into some popcorn and enjoy 1. 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' ('The Roses Of this column, thanks to Edward. Success') 2. 'Singin' In The Rain' ('You Were Meant Classic lines from the Marx Brothers: For Me') Groucho Marx... 3. 'The Jungle Book' ('I Wanna Be Like 'I find television very educating. Every You') time somebody turns on the set, I go into 4. 'Gigi' ('I'm Glad I'm Not Young the other room and read a book'. Anymore') 5. 'Seven Brides For Seven Brothers' WHICH FILM IS THE ODD ONE OUT..... ('Goin' Courtin') AND WHY? 6. 'High Society' ('True Love') 7. 'An American In Paris' ('S wonderful') 1. a) 'The Spy Who Loved Me' b) 'Live And 8. 'State Fair' ('It Might As Well Be Spring') Let Die' c) 'On Her Majesty's Secret 9. 'Top Hat' ('Isn't It A Lovely Day') Service' d) 'Moonraker' 10. 'Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs' 2. a) 'The Sandpiper' b) 'Becket' c) 'The ('The Silly Song/The Dwarfs Yodel Song') Comedians' d) 'The V.I.P's 3. a) 'Amadeus' b) 'Gladiator' c) 'Rocky' d) Movie facts you probably didn’t know … 'Jaws' Psycho was the first US film to show a 4. a) 'Marnie' b) 'Rear Window' c) 'To toilet flushing! Catch A Thief' d) 'Dial M For Murder' 5. a) 'In Search Of The Castaways' b) 'That Crispy chocolate fridge cake Darn Cat' c) 'Summer Magic' d) 'Tiger Bay' 6. a) 'The Misfits' b) 'Gone With The Wind' c) 'It Happened One Night' d) 'Walk, Don't Run' 7. a) 'The Glass Mountain' b) 'Angels One If you have any mini eggs left over from Five' c) 'There Was A Young Lady' d) 'Pink Easter, this is a great lockdown treat: String And Sealing Wax' 8. a) 'The Pink Panther' b) 'Monte Carlo Or 300g dark chocolate, broken into pieces Bust' c) 'Being There' d) 'What's New 100g butter Pussycat?' 140g golden syrup 9. a) 'Funny Girl' b) 'Star' c) 'West Side 200g chopped biscuits Story' d) 'The Sound Of Music' 100g sultanas 10. a) 'Ryan's Daughter' b) 'A Passage To 85g Rice Krispies India' c) 'The Dambusters' d) 'Hobson's 140g mini eggs Choice' 50g white chocolate, melted

Line a 20x30cm baking tin with baking Imberhorne School (where our Gillian parchment. Melt dark chocolate, butter & works) has a strong link and exchange golden syrup in a bowl set over a pan of program with them and as the coronavirus simmering water, stirring occasionally, reaches Dar es Salaam, please can we until smooth & glossy. Add biscuits, keep them in our thoughts & pray for their sultanas & Rice Krispies, and mix well until safekeeping. Thank you everything is coated. Tip into tin and flatten with back of a spoon. Press in mini eggs and put in the fridge until set. When hard, drizzle all over with melted white chocolate and set again before cutting into chunks. Enjoy!

Message board

Helen is our Safeguarding Officer at St Peter’s .. if anyone wants to contact her for a chat or needs anything, please email: [email protected]

From Mya … By Dave Walker, Church Times cartoonist Elliott Jones Catering who usually supply the company where I work are now Stay smiling, stay safe, stay in! offering a fruit & veg delivery service to homes in Crawley, ie mixed box for family The Parish Office is closed – and the of 4 £20. Tel: 07776 148717 or email: Team working from home. If you have [email protected] for more anything to go in next week’s service sheet info. please email to [email protected] by 5pm Monday

Prayer Corner Do contact Fr Paul or the Parish Office (01293) 522692 Sunday prayer at 6 if you need any assistance, or just At 6pm tonight, let’s all stop, want to speak to someone! stay silent and pray for .. All those working in social care

Please remember in your prayers … All the students and staff at Minaki School, The Paschal Candle has been Kisarawe, Tanzania, and Veronica and all sponsored by Lea, in memory of Ron the children in Kisarawe Orphanage.