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OUR DOORS MAY BE CLOSED BUT OUR HEARTS ARE OPEN

WELCOME St. Bartholomew’s with St. Nicholas’ Sunday 24th May 2020 7th Sunday after Easter Year A Gold or White

Collect for seventh Sunday of Easter The Sunday after Ascension Day O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Anglican Cycle of Prayer (Saint Augustine / Anglican Communion Sunday) *Pray for all members of the Anglican Communion in the world *For the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and all pri- mates and bishops *For members of the Anglican Consultative Council * For the Secretary General, Josiah Idowu-Fearon, *For the staff at the Anglican Communion Office in London and at the UN offices in Geneva and New York

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has launched a free national phone line as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes while church buildings are closed because of the coronavirus. A reading from the Acts of the Apostles [ch 1] The story of the Ascension can easily seem just ‘strange’. See it as a pic- ture of the divine vindication of Jesus, leading immediately to the shared life of his followers, the infant church. 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come up- on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Sa- maria, and to the ends of the earth.’ 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, sudden- ly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were con- stantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, in- cluding Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. This is the word of the Lord Praise to you O Christ

A reading from the first letter of Peter [ch 4/5] The testing of faith by persecution or otherwise is always hard; but it car- ries with it the seal of God’s restoration and even the experience of joy. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spir- it of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Re- sist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sis- ters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. his is the word of the Lord Praise to you O Christ The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John [Ch17] We read here the most profound statements about the interweaving of Jesus with the Father and then of us with them; it is our assurance for now and always. After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all peo- ple, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence be- fore the world existed.6 ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, be- cause they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Fa- ther, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. This is the Gospel of the Lord, Praise to you, O Christ

This Sunday is Day 3 of the Novena: the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost

Come Holy Spirit: Thy Kingdom Come

‘SORRY’

Oh merciful God, and full of grace, as we come into your presence may we remove, like outdoor clothes all pretence, all show, all arrogance; may our inner self be revealed, hum- ble, honest, open and longing to be changed by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Listening on the way; The full nine days of Pocket Worship of Readings and Prayers are available elsewhere on our church website During this coming week there are a number of special days

MONDAY 25TH MAY The Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, 735 Bede was born in Northumbria around the year 670. When he was seven years old, his family gave him to the monastery of St Peter and St Paul at Wearmouth. He then moved to Jarrow, where he lived as a monk for the rest of his life. Although it seems he never travelled further than York, his monastery – first under Abbot Benedict Biscop and then Abbot Ceolfrith – was a centre of learning, and Bede studied extensively. He used all the resources available to write the most complete history of Christian England up to the year 729, as well as commentaries on books of the Bible. He was renowned for his mo- nastic fidelity and his love of teaching, and was fondly remembered by his pupils, in- cluding his biographer. He died peacefully on the eve of Ascension Day in the year 735.

Aldhelm, Bishop of Sherborne, 709 Born in the year 639, Aldhelm became a monk at Malmesbury, and later was elected its abbot. When the growing Wessex diocese was divided in 705, he became the first Bish- op of Sherborne, founding the abbey church. Aldhelm was a great scholar, teacher and singer who, ‘by his preaching completed the conquest of Wessex’, according to Bede. Tradition has it that he would attract listeners by his singing and then preach the gospel to them. It seems he may have also been responsible for introducing the Rule of St Bene- dict to the area. He built churches all over Dorset, and the headland – commonly called St Alban’s Head – is in reality St Aldhelm’s Head, where there is an ancient chapel. His Old English verse, sung to harp accompaniment, was praised by King Alfred. Aldhelm died on this day in the year 709 at Doulting in Somerset, on his way to Malmesbury.

TUESDAY 26TH MAY Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 Augustine was prior of the monastery of St Andrew in Rome. In 596, at the instigation of Pope Gregory the Great, he was dispatched as the leader of a group of forty monks to re- evangelize the English Church. Augustine appears not to have been a particularly confi- dent person and, in Gaul, he wanted to turn back, but Pope Gregory’s firm resolution held the group to their mission. The monks finally landed in Kent in the summer of 597 where they were well received by King Ethelbert whose wife, Bertha, was a Christian. Once established, Augustine returned temporarily to Gaul to receive ordination as a bish- op. Pope Gregory would have preferred London to have become the primatial see, but in the event Canterbury was chosen and thus Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. He died in either 604 or 605.

John Calvin, Reformer, 1564 The French reformer John Calvin was born at Noyon in Picardy in 1509 and, since he was intended for an ecclesiastical career, he received the tonsure and his first benefice at the age of twelve, which was not untypical at this time. It proved to be the only ‘order’ he ever received. Two years later he began studying theology at Paris but for some rea- son changed to law and moved to Orléans where he came under his first Protestant influ- ences. He broke with the Roman Church in 1533, having had a religious experience which he believed commissioned him to purify and restore the Church of Christ. The first edition of his Institutes appeared in 1536, being basically a justification of Refor- mation principles. >>>>>>>> >>>>Calvin accepted a position in Geneva which involved organizing the Reformation in that city and, with a few absences, spent most of the rest of his life there, becoming the undisputed master of the moral and ecclesial lives of the citizenry. His pre-eminence could be seen in that he wrote to the Protector Somerset in England indicating to him the changes he felt should be made, and he corresponded similarly with other nations’ lead- ers. During all this, his literary output never wavered. His immense reputation and influ- ence have continued in the churches of the Reform to the present day. He died on this day in 1564.

THURSDAY 21ST MAY Lanfranc, Prior of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Scholar, 1089 Lanfranc was born in Pavia, Italy, around the year 1005. At the age of thirty-five, he became a monk of Le Bec, in Normandy, where he founded the school which rose rapid- ly to renown throughout Europe. In 1062 William of Normandy appointed him Abbot of Caen, then in 1070 Archbishop of Canterbury. Lanfranc was a great ecclesiastical states- man, overseeing administrative, judicial and ecclesial reforms with the same energy and rigour that the Conqueror displayed in his new kingdom. Lanfranc did not forget his monastic formation: he wrote Constitutions for Christchurch, Canterbury, based on the customs of Le Bec, and appointed many Norman abbots to implement his vision in the English abbeys. He died in 1089

SATURDAY 30TH MAY Joan of Arc, Visionary, 1431 first heard voices of particular saints when she was fourteen years old, telling her to save France, which was caught up in the Hundred Years War with England. Though at first she was dismissed, her credibility increased when some of her predictions began to come true. She managed to identify the disguised dauphin – later to become Charles vii – whose approval she gained. She persuaded troops to be sent to relieve Orléans and rode at their head, wearing white armour. They were successful in battle, which increased the morale of the army and enhanced the reputation of Joan. When the dauphin was crowned king at Rheims, she stood at his side. Her voices had warned her that her life would be short yet she was dangerously naïve in not seeing the jealousies she provoked. After some failures in battle, she lost favour and was eventually sold by the Duke of Burgundy to the English, tried in a court for heresy by the Bishop of Beauvais and burned at the stake on this day in 1431. Twenty-five years later, the pope formally declared her inno- cent. She was made second patron of France after her canonization in 1920.

The Neighbourhood Coronavirus Support Network (NCSN) tel: 07791 397160 is the local ‘go to’ support service for those self-isolating and/or in need of support/ shopping/ or just a friendly call.

[email protected] IN AND FROM OUR PARISH

FOLLOW REV. HILARY LIVE ON SUNDAYS FOR A SERVICE OF MORNING PRAYER

AT 10.30 am ON FACEBOOK LIVE ALTHOUGH REV HILARY IS NOW ALLOWED TO ACCESS THE CHURCH THESE SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO BE STREAMED FROM THE RECTORY WHICH HAS BETTER WI-FI ACCESS.

A COPY OF THE SERVICE WILL BE ON THE WEBSITE

Worship Podcast

An alternative way to worship The Venerable Mike Lodge, the Archdeacon of Southend, has recorded a podcast to be used for worship on the 6th Sunday of Easter, 24th May 2020 You can find each week’s podcast at

www.chelmsford.anglican.org/sermons

Spiritual Communion When Unable to attend a Celebration of Holy Communion During the coronavirus pandemic the Church of England is having to put public worship on hold. This means that many people who would have received Holy Communion each Sunday, and some of them every day, are not able to receive the comfort and benefits of the sacrament. This is a huge loss. However, it is not the first time that the Church has been in such a position. Throughout Christian history some Christian people have found themselves isolated from the sacramental life of the Church for all sorts of reasons, and particularly in times of plague, famine and warfare.

The Church has made available a form of service for use at home. If you would like a copy please email a request to me at: [email protected] AS A PARISH WE CONTINUE WITH THE NOVEL IDEA OF MARKING SUNDAY AS A DAY OF PRAYER

All of us are encouraged to place a lighted candle in a window at 7.00pm and take time to pray for our world.

FOR THOSE WORKING IN THE NHS AND OTHER WORKERS IN RESEARCH ETC. Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You could also use the prayer on the front page

For your Prayers

The sick and those in need: Kate; Margaret; Peter; Anne ; Ralph; Mar- garet ; Bruce; Margaret; Lorraine, Joshua

For those haver died:

Those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time: Peter; David; Dora; Nicholas; Nancy; Gladys; Lilian; Cyril; James

A cessation of conflict in Yemen, Venezuela, Syria and all places of vio- lence.

Prayers throughout the week: Daily pray for those who are working in the Health and Care ser - vices, all Doctors, Nurses, support workers and carers. For those personally affected by Covid-19, those in isolation and lonely. Those who have no work and those who are required to work maintaining Services. Monday pray for our Bishops, Peter and Roger, and senior staff in the Diocese; our parish staff team Tuesday pray for an increase of peace in the world– those who work in the caring profession. Wed’day pray for the mission and ministry of our church in trying times. Thursday pray for all who live in our communities– God’s blessing on home and family life Friday pray for children in our local community, our schools, nurseries, Edward Bear, youth club, uniformed organisations Saturday all who have asked for our prayers, the sick and suffering, lonely and desperate. Sunday the persecuted church, all who have given their lives for the spread of the gospel. For our mission partner Rachel. Finished your library books? Here’s something to fill in time. READINGS AND COLLECTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD The following are the readings for Morning Prayer In addition Psalm 121 is read after each designated Psalm

MONDAY 25th MAY Psalm 93 Numbers 22: 1-35 Luke 7: 36-end COLLECT: God our maker, whose Son Jesus Christ gave to your servant Bede grace to drink in with joy the word that leads us to know you and to love you: in your goodness grant that we also may come at length to you, the source of all wis- dom, and stand before your face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

TUES 26th MAY Psalm 98 Numbers 22: 36-23-12 Luke 8: 115d COLLECT: Almighty God, whose servant Augustine was sent as the apostle of the English people: grant that as he laboured in the Spirit to preach Christ’s gospel in this land, so all who hear the good news may strive to make your truth known in all the world; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

WED 27Th MAY Psalm 2 Numbers 23: 13-end Luke 8: 16-25 COLLECT: O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfort- less, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Sav- iour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

THURSDAY 28th MAY Psalm 24 Numbers 24 Luke 8: 26-39 COLLECT: Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find for- giveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father.

FRIDAY 29th MAY Psalm 28 Numbers 27: 12-end Luke 8: 40-end COLLECT: O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfort- less, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Sav- iour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

SAT’DAY 30th MAY Psalm 42 Numbers 32: 1– 27 Luke 9: 1-17 COLLECT: God of compassion and love, by whose grace your servant Josephine But- ler followed in the way of your Son in caring for those in need: help us like her to work with strength for the restoration of all to the dignity and freedom of those created in your image; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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