The Parish of Louth and Deanery of Louthesk Weekly notes and information for 3rd May 2020: 4th Sunday of Easter www.teamparishoflouth.org.uk Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! In all we do, we seek to live out Jesus’ command to draw close to the love of God in worship, and to share this by loving our neighbour Collect Prayer at Daily Prayer during the week ALMIGHTY God, who shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness: Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

At this time, if you are aware of anyone in pastoral need please e-mail [email protected] or ‘phone 07901 852198, 07500 965321 or 07734 871159. 1

The Rural Deanery of Louthesk within the DEANERY NEWS: EASTERTIDE 2020 Dear friends, The last few weeks have seen us deal with significant, almost unimaginable changes in our daily lives. As members of the local church many of us have been at the heart of our community’s responses: serving those in need, keeping in touch with those who are isolated, praying for each other and praying for our communities. In much of this I know that many of us have found (or renewed) a depth in our Christian calling as our days have been shaped by prayer and marked out by acts of service. Through all of this many of us have grown in faith, and many of us may have questions we will hold on to and need to reflect on when we are able at a later time.

It is amazing how quickly things changed, and how people responded so readily to calls on their time – demonstrating the same self-giving love that we have simultaneously celebrated as we have marked Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Just as the events of Easter call us to look beyond the ready to see, and to look for the reality that is beyond our imagining, so we now might start to look forward to what our communities may look like in the coming weeks and months – and how we can continue to witness to the God of love within our communities.

As time moves on we will need to start to work out how we resume church life in a way that is sustainable, and supports people in what will – possibly for some time – be changed circumstances. As we reflect on what has been at the heart of our response as local church communities it is possible to discern three key elements: • Regular prayer (both personal and corporate); • Service to others within the community and care for our neighbour; and • Stories of people growing in faith. In the coming weeks I will be starting conversations with the lay vice-chairs of PCCs within the deanery to start reflecting on what each benefice may benefit from as we start to understand better what the future months will look like. It is perhaps not a coincidence that at a time of immense change we have found ourselves called to be faithful in prayer, that we have grown in our discipleship and we have found means to be joyful in service of others. I pray that these aspects of Christian life be at the heart of all we do as we continue to follow Christ

Yours, with prayers and best wishes,

Nick Brown, Rural Dean of Louthesk

The Deanery of Louthesk Rural Dean: The Rev’d Canon Nick Brown Chapter Clerk: The Rev’d James Robinson Lay Chair: Dr Paul Hill Treasurer: Dr Jenny Ballantyne Synod Secretary: Dr Anita Samaan ------The Benefice The Benefice of , and with The Parish of Louth The Benefice of North and , and with The Benefice of Woldmarsh The Plurality of the Benefice of Midmarsh with and Theddlethorpe 2

PRAYER AND WORSHIP THIS WEEK… Orders of service are printed on the pages that follow, and all services marked * are streamed via the Parish of Louth facebook page (www.facebook.com/louthchurch). (N.B.: You should not need to be signed up to Facebook to access this – just click ‘Not now’ if it asks you to sign up) Sunday 3rd May 10am Eucharist* Please join in at home 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 2.42-end; 1 Peter 2.19-end; John 10.1-10 6pm Plainsong Evensong* Please join in at home Plainsong Responses Psalm 29.1-10 Plainsong Canticles Ezra 3.1-13; Ephesians 2.11-end The Lamb’s high banquet Plainsong Monday 4th 9 15am Matins* Please join in at home Psalm 103; Exodus 32.1-1.4; Luke 2.41-end 4pm Evening Prayer* Please join in at home Psalm 114; Deuteronomy 9.1-21; Ephesians 4.1-16 7 30pm Compline* Please join in at home Tuesday 5th 9 15am Matins* Please join in at home Psalm 139; Exodus 32.15-34; Luke 3.1-14 11am Holy Communion* Please join in at home 11 30am ‘How to pray… …with Ignatian Spirituality’ Please join in online or by ‘phone. Go to: www.zoom.us/join and enter the Meeting ID: 810 4083 6092 and Password: 310931, or ‘phone 203 481 5240 (and use the same ID and Password). 4pm Evening Prayer* Please join in at home Psalm 116; Deuteronomy 9.23-10.5; Ephesians 4.17-end 7 30pm Compline* Please join in at home Wednesday 6th 9 15am Matins* Please join in at home Psalm 135; Exodus 33; Luke 3.15-22 3 30pm BBC Radio 3 Broadcast Service A pre-recorded service 7 30pm Compline* Please join in at home Thursday 7th 9 15am Matins* Please join in at home Psalm 118 ; Exodus 34.1-10, 27-end; Luke 4.1-13 4pm Evening Prayer* Please join in at home Psalm 85; Deuteronomy 11.8-end; Ephesians 5.15-end 7 30pm Compline* Please join in at home Friday 8th 9 15am Matins* Please join in at home Psalm 33; Exodus 40.17-end; Luke 4.14-30 4pm Evening Prayer* Please join in at home Psalm 36; Deuteronomy 12.1-14; Ephesians 6.1-9 7 30pm Compline* Please join in at home

Saturday 9th 12 30pm Midday Prayer* Please join in at home

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Sunday 10th 10am Eucharist* Please join in at home 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 7.55-end; 1 Peter 2.2-10; John 14.1-14 6pm Simple Choral Evensong* Please join in at home Plainsong Resp. Ps. 147.1-12 Canticles: Sancti Jacobi Ludensis Brown Zachariah 4.1-10; Revelation 21.1-14 Lead me, Lord Wesley

PRAYERS AND READINGS AT THE EUCHARIST ON SUNDAY …

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!.

Collect Prayer (that can be used each day during the week) Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

The First Lesson: Acts 2.42-end A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 2.19-end A Reading from the first book of Peter. It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

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Gospel Reading: John 10.1-10 Reader: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, O Christ.

Post Communion Prayer Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! 5

Spiritual Communion when unable to attend a celebration of the Eucharist If a household are praying together one person may act as leader and the others as the congregation and they join in the sections in bold type. If alone read all the words aloud. You may want to light a candle before you begin, and have a bible, cross or crucifix to look at. The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect Prayer and Readings (see pages 2-4 for details)

Spend a few moments praying for the people you know and love, the needs of the world and for an end to the current Pandemic. End your intercessions with The Lord’s Prayer. OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. An Act of Contrition I love you, Jesus, my love above all things, and I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again, grant that I may love you always, and then do with me what you will. An Act of Spiritual Reception In union, dear Father, with Christian people throughout the world and across the centuries gathered to make Eucharist, hearing your holy Word and receiving the Precious Body and Blood, I offer you praise and thanksgiving. Even though I am exiled from tasting the Bread of Heaven and drinking the Cup of Life I pray that you will unite me with all the baptised and with your Son who gave his life for us. Come Lord Jesus, dwell in me and send your Holy Spirit that I may be filled with your presence.

O LORD and heavenly Father, we your humble servants entirely desire your fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching you to grant, that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all your whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. Amen. End by praying the Grace: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and evermore. Amen.

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HOMILY ON THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL

How strange, with only two Sundays past since Easter, both dealing with appearances of the Lord to the disciples, one with the need for personal affirmation by Thomas, and one the encounter on the road to Emmaus, that we don’t seem to stay with resurrection and encounter with the risen Christ, but with a return to the question of who Jesus is. Today is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because each year in the three year cycle the gospel always comes from this chapter of John. Easter is very much about Christ the lamb that was slain, and there is huge potential for thinking about the relationship between Jesus, the father, the disciples, the new converts in the language of sheep-farming. This is especially true for the people of the rural hill country where the Lord undertook most of his ministry, though maybe not such so for the community for which John’s gospel was written, well after the other three gospels. Strange also, that today’s gospel seems to offer two suggestions of the Lord’s role – the first, that introduces the idea of a sheepfold, doesn’t place Jesus, but we easily assume he is the shepherd. The people follow the shepherd that they know and can trust, and they avoid the others who would lead them astray – the pharisees, we guess, or maybe the other insurgent leaders trying to steer the Jesus movement into a military uprising. They recognise their shepherd by his. I wonder what goes through our minds when we think of a sheepfold? It is an area secured by a wall, which keeps sheep together and protects them, and we understand from our text it has only one entrance. We assume that we, the Christian community are the sheep, but the image is more complex than that. There seem to be many flocks of sheep, each able to recognise and follow the voice of one shepherd or another. Nothing negative in the gospel about them – maybe there is scope in this sheepfold of the wider world, for other types of Christian, even other faith groups, all encompassed by God’s love. Some, however, are ‘thieves and bandits’. They creep in, and climb over the walls. It is very clear that there are some who are there for the wrong reasons, as there may be even in a Christian faith community. There is a trap here for modern readers. The sheepfold, as a safe place, us as the chosen and Jesus as the shepherd. Many great artworks of the Good Shepherd show a benign Jesus, hugging and protecting a needy lamb. It is very easy to allow this image to push us towards believing we are saved to a protected and enclosed world – perhaps one we are all too familiar with during the lockdown. We risk seeing ourselves separated from and insulated from the world. We could sit complacently in a smug, cushy world of righteousness. Jesus is anxious in extending the story in the second part to show that he is a gate, but one which is inviting, not blocking the way. So being the gate isn’t about sorting and excluding rather than admitting. It is much more like his later saying ‘I am the Way’. The only way into the community and fellowship of the flock is through Jesus. Don’t trust anyone who claims to have got in, or claims to have the answers, that hasn’t passed through Jesus. This is like the gate in the language of the Psalms. Think of Psalm 118.19-20 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. So what is Jesus telling us? Or perhaps, better, what is he challenging us to think about? Well, “whoever enters by me will be saved”. Careful choice of words here. Entering “by me” – implies the means to enter is being in Christ - not just admitted by him, but transformed by being part of him. Then “will be saved” – the Greek word, ‘sothesetai’, doesn’t mean rescued as we normally think of salvation, it means ‘kept safe’, protected. Then, most surprisingly and most importantly - “and will come in and go out and find pasture” – far from being in a reward hotel for the faithful, the means by which we are drawn in and admitted to the fold is also the means by which we are expected to go out and do the work of the kingdom.

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For those who will listen, reflect, turn off their desire to find neat instructions, stop trying to get into the fold by any way other than total trust and immersion in the person of Jesus, the risen Lord – we have here a challenge to recognise the distinctive voice of the Good Shepherd amongst dangerous alternatives, to pass into the company of the church through the transforming person of Christ and only that way, and to go out through the same way of faith and being in him, to do the work of transforming the world. That was Easter; this is the risen Lord; now comes our belonging to and our working in the new creation.

Conversation Questions 1. How might you learn and deepen your faith through exploring Christ as sacrificial lamb, good shepherd, means of entry to the sheepfold? And your role in the story? 2. How can Christians avoid feeling smug and satisfied by being part of the flock in the sheepfold? 3. Think of some examples of people entering the sheepfold over the walls and not through the Christ/Gate. 4. What would a good, loving, creative shepherd want of us, his sheep, in our present world? Just to cuddle us and tell us it is OK? Or more? 5. Is there anything else from the passage not already discussed that speaks to you? What is it? 6. What will you do this week in your Monday-to-Saturday ministry in response to what you have heard today? #everydayfaith These resources are from the Diocese of Lincoln: The Homilies Project A series of homilies that may be used within the context of worship – together with some outlines of a form of worship you could use in the home. A meditation on the main Sunday readings is provided. https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/the-homilies-project

A MUSICAL REFLECTION from Allan Smith, Master of the Choristers - The Healing Power of Music - “There is a garden of the Spirit wherein the plants and the herbs, the trees and the fruit, the winds and the waters and the music of their running, the flowers and their perfume, ay, every breath we breathe, is for our blessing. This garden is in you and me if we can only find it. It is well worth looking for, and when found, it is well worth tilling and caring for, because it bears its flowers and its fruit in all seasons” James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925)

In last week’s reflection, I introduced the Easter song ‘Now the Green Blade Riseth’ and touched upon its relationship to how we make things blossom if we give it enough care attention. This week I would like to focus on the healing nature of Christ, and how Jesus assumed the role of Shepherd, healing his followers by tending to his flock.

The extract above is from James Macbeth’s prologue to ‘The Brotherhood of Healers’. He continues to say that the garden of the Spirit is “for the healing of the soul and body of man and beast.”

The second reading for this Sunday refers to Christ’s followers as ‘going astray like sheep’ and going back to the ‘shepherd’. In the gospel reading, from John 10. 1-10, Jesus refers to himself as the ’gate for the sheep’. He concludes that he opens the gate, so that his sheep may have life, and have it abundantly. Many Christians find comfort in the healing presence of Christ even when the chips are down and the odds feel against us.

Psalm 23, is probably one of the most popular comforting psalm texts. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and also a published poet, believes that this psalm contains vivid images, and it is this that helps it make a good poem. He makes the link between poetry and prayer, commenting that they are both about “coming to the edge of something greater” and that without the use of poetry and prayer, we are limited in what we imagine of the world. He believes that psalms still speak to us today, because of their directness, and vivid honesty with which we can connect with still in our current day.

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Due to its healing words, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ has comforted many through grave illness and loss of a loved one. Many will be familiar with the ‘Crimond’ hymn tune melody, but there are also may other settings of this text for choirs to sing. There are many to mention including those by Stanford, Berkeley, Rutter, Rubbra, Goodall, Schubert, plus many more.

Rutter’s setting of Psalm 23, is widely known through its inclusion as a movement in his larger scale setting of the ‘Requiem’. However, it was originally a stand-alone anthem, published in 1978. Seven years later it was included in his ‘Requiem’, then appeared in a later collection of nine psalms, called Psalmfest in 1993. The musical setting is set in C Major, 2 beats-in-a-bar and is to be performed ‘Slow, but flowing’. It contains a captivating oboe solo.

Howard Goodall’s setting hardly needs an introduction. It is immediately recognised from its original use as the theme tune to the TV series, The Vicar of Dibley. The opening section is in F Major and gives emphasis to the ‘Lord’ being the shepherd, through the use of the ascending Major 6th interval (incidentally the same interval employed in the elder ‘Crimond’ hymn tune). The use of a time signature in 3/4 gives the feeling of forward momentum, as if we are travelling closer towards Christ, the gatekeeper. The middle section however goes towards a minor tonality, which reflects the mood. Harmony suddenly disperses, for the phrase ‘I will fear no evil’. This unison cry, gives the phrase an assured strength, something akin to perhaps the “Do you Hear the People sing” march from ‘Les Miserables’ or the ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’ from Nabucco. The more intimate, personal connection with the listener is reborn with the further use of solo voice parts.

In this reflection, we have already encountered some of the writings of James Leith Macbeth Bain. He was a poet, mystical writer, spiritual healer and composer of songs. Many people do not realise that the title of the anthem, Brother James’ Air (another setting of the ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ text), refers to James Macbeth himself, as he wrote the beautiful, stirring melody.

The tune was originally titled ‘Marosa’ to honour the seventh daughter of a friend whom he had christened, the melody eventually came to be known by its present name, ‘Brother James’ Air’.

After reading some of James Macbeth’s writings, you would assume that he was a fervent believer of Christ, but in fact he had an early turbulent, chequered relationship with the Lord. It was later, when he was in a more cemented period, that he sowed the seeds for the melodic gem of ‘Brother James’ Air’. In 1915, during the First World War, James Macbeth published the book containing the popular tune. It has a rather long title: The great peace: being a New Year’s greeting to our motherland and the nations at present in conflict and a welcome to them all to the feast of the great peace, composed by your brother and comrade in the good fight of brotherhood. The word “brotherhood: appears frequently in his writing and he makes it clear that he is referring to both man and woman in the use of this term. He gathered people together to bring comfort to people affected by the war. This was known as the ‘Brotherhood of Healers’ and they were instructed to treat both mental and physical sickness. He advocated the practice of singing to patients, as part of their treatment.

In this fractural world that we currently live in, it seems to me that more of us are seeking to be healed, both physically and mentally, as we battle with the unwelcomed guest of Coronavirus. Music has featured in the BBC’s ‘Big Night In’. Amateur and professional musicians have taken to Facebook and other social media platforms, to perform music with the principal aim of lifting people’s moods during this crisis. Some of you will 9 have seen videos in Italy, of neighbourhoods singing together from their balcony as a sign of unity and support. In these testing times, many of us look for guidance, for assurance that all will be well eventually. We put our faith and trust in the government and its advisors, that they lead us out as safely as possible from the situation we are in. We put our trust and faith in our NHS system and its valiant employees. Christians put their faith in God and stretch out towards the healing hands of Jesus. Many of us have found solace in art, music and other creative endeavours. Even before this pandemic, people have said that they have found it therapeutic to engage regularly in the arts. Some doctors see the advantage too and have in recent years prescribed music on the NHS.

Does all music heal? James Macbeth writes in great length about the subject in ‘The Christ of the Holy Grail’. He refers to the “Holy Word as the note of beauty in sound”. and believes that the “sweet aroma of the Christ substance” is best communicated through songs such as the Hebrew psalms. He praises Beethoven, for he has power of blessing in his music. He believes music can be “a deep, spiritual creation” and that the greatest creators of music are ever in quality, according to the soul through whom it speaks. This reminds me of the phrase, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. James Macbeth also informs us of his belief that music that wearies and strains us is of man and not of God, and has not been inspired by God. “Music that heals”, he says, “comes through a soul that has attained unity or harmony with Christ…It’s the sweet sound of the Christ-child who ceases never to utter in us its own joyous deathlessness”. He believes that music is the most effective power we can use for the healing of a soul, due to its purity and being so deeply inspired.

Discovering James Macbeth’s deep rooted beliefs has helped me to appreciate his work in a new way. To me the melody now sings with an air of freshness, that I hadn’t encountered before. It has allowed me to truly listen to every note, knowing that every moment was carefully selected with Christ at the heart of it. I feel like the gate has been opened anew.

At St. James’ we use a popular arrangement by the British composer, Gordon Jacob. You can hear this setting of ‘Brother James’ Air’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1whOV3qU-TE

Suggested further reading of the writings of James Leith Macbeth Bain: The Christ of the Holy Grail: https://archive.org/details/christofholygrai00bainiala/mode/2up The Brotherhood of Healers: http://iapsop.com/ssoc/1906__macbeth_bain___the_brotherhood_of_healers.pdf

PRAYING WITH… …Ignatian Spirituality The First session in our Month of Mary prayer series will focus on Ignatian Meditation.

As the name implies, Ignatian Meditation is a method of prayer developed by Saint Ignatius who lived in Spain in the sixteenth century. Ignatius was a soldier who was badly injured during the Battle of Pamplona and he had to endure a long convalescence. During these months of recovery he learned to be still, he had only the Bible and a book about Saints to read and he was in great pain. Ignatius became enthralled by the heroism of the Saints and he found the Gospel narratives of Jesus' life captivating. Ignatius began to imagine what it would have been like to be a witness to the calling of the twelve disciples or to have been a guest at the wedding in Cana. Over the months of his recovery he imagined himself walking with Jesus on the Road to Emmaus, being there at the Last Supper and being amongst the disciples when Jesus appeared in the Upper Room. By using his imagination Ignatius placed himself firmly in the Biblical scene; what would it have looked like, what conversations might we have overheard, what would Jesus have said directly to us had we been there, how might we reply?

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Ignatius shows us that we can bring these Biblical narratives to life by placing ourselves within them and noticing how we respond, what we are drawn to and the ways in which we desire to be engaged with what is going on.

Ignatian meditation begins with a period of stilling our bodies and focusing on our breathing. We simply slow down and pay attention to the present moment. During this period we are becoming receptive to the time of prayer and we might ask the Holy Spirit to be upon us. When we are still and alert we will hear a Bible story read aloud. In the silence that follows the leader of the meditation will encourage us to notice small details from the narrative and to finally picture ourselves in the scene which has been set. We are encouraged to imagine what we might have thought or said or done had we been there and to play that out in our mind’s eye. Often we might be invited to imagine Christ speaking directly to us and to notice how we respond in our hearts, our souls and our imaginations.

After some silence the story will be read aloud for a second time and we remain focused on our breathing and what may have happened to us as we replay the events of the Bible story in our imagination. Finally there is often a period of sharing where those who have participated share aspects of what has happened to them during their meditation. Traditionally, participants who wish to speak comment but without any response or questioning or challenge from others in the group, it doesn’t become a discussion, it is too precious for that. The experience is simply heard and respectfully and silently held for a moment by all. The prayer usually ends with the Grace or the Lord’s Prayer.

Saint Ignatius went on to found the Society of Jesus which is a Roman Catholic religious order and is popularly known as the Jesuits. The motto of the Jesuits is 'Contemplation in Action' and it the goal of this method of prayer to draw us closer to Jesus so that we might live the Gospel more fully for the good of our souls, for the good of others and for the transformation of the world. Pope Francis is perhaps the best known modern day Jesuit. Ignatian Meditation has undergone a revival across denominations over the past thirty or forty years and is widely used in the Anglican Communion. The Rev’d Chris Wedge

To join the first of our online ‘Praying with…’ sessions at 11 30am on Tuesday morning, please go to: www.zoom.us/join and enter the Meeting ID: 810 4083 6092 and Password: 310931. We hope to make the teaching session available for people to catch up on Facebook.

The Daily Examen The Examen, or examination of conscience, is a simple prayer which helps us see God at work in our lives. It is often prayed at the end of the day. The prayer was popularized by St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, in his Spiritual Exercises. On the next page are five steps to help you pray the examen at home. With them, day by day, the hope is that you will find God's presence become clearer and feel nearer to you. 11

1. Remember God's presence: surrounding us, within us. In prayer God comes closer still. Ask God to be with you as you pray. 2. Walk through your day in the presence of God and give thanks. Focus on the day’s gifts, hour by hour: nothing is too small. 3. Pay attention to your emotions and reactions as you review the day. What is God saying through these feelings? God may show you shortcomings and you may feel sorry. Look for new directions to take. 4. Remember God's mercy and grace as you ask him to guide your focus of prayer to a joy or a sorrow, small or large. Pray through it, whether you are asking, thanking, praising or saying sorry. 5. Look towards the day to come in hope, and ask for fresh light for what is to come. JOINING IN WORSHIP with Facebook and Pow-Wow All our worship is being streamed on the Parish of Louth facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to view these services – just click on ‘Not know’ when it asks you to sign up. www.facebook.com/louthchurch/live

From this week the Sunday morning service is accessible by ‘phone. Please ‘phone Tiffany Noden on 01507 600929 for the ID number that you will need in order to access the service. At 10am on Sunday morning, please join the service by calling 0330 336 0036 – you will be asked to enter the ID to access the service.

SOME MORE RESOURCES FOR REFLECTION

Parish of Louth on Facebook So far as possible, all services are being streamed on Facebook Live (you do not need to be a registered facebook user to access this – please click on the ‘Not now’ button when it asks you to sign in): https://www.facebook.com/louthchurch Parish of Louth website: Downloadable resources (including this leaflet), an uploaded broadcast of Sunday Eucharist from St James, and regular video meditations: www.teamparish-oflouth.org.uk Deanery of Louthesk: The Confraternity of St sHerefrith Video and other prayer resources will be available from the confraternity’s website, including a regular meditations by members of the clergy serving the Deanery of Louthesk. https://herefrith.org/confraternity-resources/video/ Society of Jesus: Resources for daily reflection: A general resource for daily reflection: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray/ A resource for reflection for families: https://www.dsj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/STF-Daily-Examen-for-Families.pdf Church of : Daily HOPE: A free phone line of hymns, prayers and reflections (24 hours a day): 0800 804 8044

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Matins and Evening Prayer: An Order of Service If used in the context of a family or household the words in bold are said by all. If said alone, all words are spoken by the individual praying. Along with this order of service you will need a Bible for the psalm and readings. Details of which psalm and readings to use are found on page 3 of this booklet. O Lord, open thou our lips. And our mouths shall shew forth thy praise. O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Praise ye the Lord. The Lord's name be praised. The Word of God Say or recite the Easter Anthems (at Matins), and the appointed Psalm. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast; Not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5.7b, 8 Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin: but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 6.9-11 Christ is risen from the dead: and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death: by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor 15. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; 20-22 As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

The Psalm ends with the ‘Gloria patri’: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

A Reading from The Old Testament. (See page 3 for details)

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Say or sing the Canticle; either the Benedictus (at Matins) or Magnificat (at Evening Prayer): Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: My soul doth magnify the Lord: for he hath visited and redeemed and my spirit hath rejoiced in God his people; And hath raised up a my Saviour. For he hath regarded: mighty salvation for us: in the the lowliness of his handmaiden. house of his servant David; As he For behold, from henceforth: all spake by the mouth of his holy generations shall call me blessed. prophets: which have been since For he that is mighty hath the world began; That we should magnified me: and holy is his be saved from our enemies: and Name. And his mercy is on them from the hands of all that hate us; that fear him: throughout all To perform the mercy promised to generations. He hath shewed our forefathers: and to remember strength with his arm: he hath his holy covenant; To perform the scattered the proud in the oath which he sware to our imagination of their hearts. He forefather Abraham: that he hath put down the mighty from would give us; That we being their seat: and hath exalted the delivered out of the hand of our humble and meek. He hath filled enemies: might serve him without the hungry with good things: and fear; In holiness and righteousness the rich he hath sent empty away. before him: all the days of our life. He remembering his mercy hath And thou child shalt be called the holpen his servant Israel as he Prophet of the Highest: for thou promised to our forefathers, shalt go before the face of the Lord Abraham and his seed for ever. to pre pare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people: for the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

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A Reading from The New Testament. (See page 3 for details)

At Evening Prayer, we also say the Nunc Dimittis: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

The Creed You may wish to stand to say the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Prayers The Lesser Litany, Lord’s Prayer and Prayers: The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

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O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us. And grant us thy salvation. O Lord, save the Queen. And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. Endue thy ministers with righteousness. And make thy chosen people joyful. O Lord, save thy people. And bless thine inheritance. Give peace in our time, O Lord. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. O God, make clean our hearts within us. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us. These Prayers end with one or more Collects for the Day (see page 1) and the following morning or evening Collects: O God, who art the author of peace O God, from whom all holy desires, all and lover of concord, in knowledge good counsels, and all just works do of whom standeth our eternal life, proceed; give unto thy servants that whose service is perfect freedom; peace which the world cannot give; defend us thy humble servants in all that both, our hearts may be set to assaults of our enemies; that we, obey thy commandments, and also surely trusting in thy defence, may that, by thee, we being defended not fear the power of any from the fear of our enemies may adversaries; through the might of pass our time in rest and quietness; Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who Lighten our darkness, we beseech hast safely brought us to the thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy beginning of this day; defend us in defend us from all perils and dangers the same with thy mighty power; of this night; for the love of thy only and grant that this day we fall into no Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. sin, neither run into any kind of Amen. danger, but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A time for Reflection You may find this a good time to play a piece of recorded music or listen to one of the podcasts/video meditations. The Conclusion The service ends by praying the Grace: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and evermore. Amen.

Compline (or Night Prayer): An Order of Service

The Preparation The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Brethren, be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith.

But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. Thanks be to God

Our help is in the name of the Lord who hath made heaven and earth. Silence is kept. We confess to God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, through our own grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.

Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us all our sins and deliver us from all evil, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Turn us, O God our Saviour. And let thine anger cease from us. O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Praise ye the Lord. The Lord’s name be praised.

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The Office Hymn

Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray That with thy wonted favour thou Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes From nightly fears and fantasies; Tread under foot our ghostly foe, That no pollution we may know.

O Father, that we ask be done, Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son; Who with the Holy Ghost and thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. The Word of God Verses from Psalm 4, or another suitable psalm are said or sung.

Antiphon (which may be said before and after the psalm) Have mercy upon me, O God, and hearken unto my prayer.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour: and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing? Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly: when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness: and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say: Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up: the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart: since the time that their corn, and wine, and oil increased. I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest: for it is thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

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A Reading from the Old and/or New Testament is read. The following suggested readings may be suitable: You, O Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14.9 The servants of the Lamb shall see the face of God, whose name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night: they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22.4, 5

Responsory Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. For thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth; I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Keep me as the apple of an eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.

Gospel Canticle: Nunc Dimittis Antiphon (which may be said before and after the canticle) Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. The Prayers Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

A time of prayer ends with the following or another suitable Collect: Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night: for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Conclusion We will lay us down in peace and take our rest. For it is thou, Lord, only that makest us dwell in safety. Abide with us, O Lord for it is toward evening and the day is far spent. As the watchmen look for the morning so do we look for thee, O Lord.

The Lord be with you and with thy spirit. Let us bless the Lord Thanks be to God.

The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless us and preserve us. Amen. © Common Worship, material from which is included in these services, is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000.

NEWS AND NOTES Hopefully, in the next week or so a short newsletter available with details of activities taking place and things that people have been doing during the lockdown period. As well as work that has been carried out on behalf of the Church by the Ministry Team, it would be good to include anything other people have been doing to sustain themselves, or support others at this time. Please send any information (and any pictures!) to [email protected]. And finally… …some good news! Congratulation to two families associated with South Elkington on the birth of children: Elowen, born to Edwin & Amy Pillans; amd William, born to Adam & Amy Terry Both babies are home, and we congratulate their families, holding them in our prayers. In our prayers this week… All those affected by the current pandemic The Sick and those in need: Peggy Baillie, Anne-Marie Bidwell, Helen Blakey, Hildegard Deetmer-Beecroft, Nigel Goy, Rosemary Huke, Corie Langford, Christina Livesey, Roly Livesey, Mal Locking, Brian Luckwell, Anna Mamwell, Alan Pounds, Sylvia Pounds, Eileen Robinson, Marjorie Spendlow, Enid Spicer, Pauline Watson, Stuart Watson, Elaine Wedge Those who have died: George Berry, Edwin Egholm, Ethel Child, Flora Aldrich, Michael Robinson, Derek Wardle, Gordon Ward, Sarita Kincaid, Patricia Williams, Iris Balthasar PARISH CONTACTS Deanery Office 01507 610247 Trinity Centre 01507 605803 [email protected] [email protected] For Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals and other enquiries For matters relating to activities at Trinity Centre Safeguarding concerns 01507 610752 For information about how to respond to safeguarding concerns, or for sources of support, please see Safeguarding Notices in church porches

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