The Spilsby & Stickney Groups

Bolingbroke Deanery Team Parishes Faithful, Confident, Joyful 31st May 2020 PENTECOST SUNDAY (Gold or White)

BLESSINGS AND PEACE for

PENTECOST This week: Weekday Prayer: Daily

PENTECOST SUNDAY

9.00am Sunday Service at Home - Join our national Pentecost Sunday service with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, UK Church leaders and a message from His Holiness Pope Francis.

Celebrate with us on the day we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online https://youtu.be/UvNuebjkSM4

10.00am Prayer in our own homes See below

Bolingbroke Churches on line:

I have managed to publish a short video on YouTube and linked it to our website from our prayers it will win no prizes and makes me wince not a little but it is out there as an offering. I have created a YouTube Account Bolingbroke Team Churches

http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/index.php

I will try to make it a weekly offering and it will be on the above web site. So watch this space - if you can. PC

June

Bolingbroke Team Ministry

Pentecost Morning Worship

As we still our hearts and minds and come before the presence of God let us remember that although we are a dispersed community we are united in this act of worship:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in us the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn Father, Lord of all creation, ground of being, life and love; Height and depth beyond description, only life in you can prove: You are mortal life's dependence: thought, speech, sight are ours by grace; Yours is every hour's existence, sovereign Lord of time and space.

Jesus Christ, the man for others we, your people, make our prayer help us love, as sisters, brothers all whose burdens we can share where your name binds us together you, Lord Christ, will surely be 4

where no selfishness can sever there your love the world may see.

Holy Spirit, rushing, bringing wind and flame of Pentecost fire our hearts afresh with yearning to regain what we have lost may your love unite our action nevermore to speak alone God, in us, abolish faction God, through us, your love make known. Words: Stewart Cross Music: Abbot's Leigh

Invitation to Confession The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed. Let us then open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins in penitence and faith.

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

Assurance of pardon May the God of love and power forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by his Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading from Acts 2:1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it 5

filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: “In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Gospel reading John 7.37–39 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Homily from the Diocesan website It’s one of the many great promises in the Bible – ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 6

“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ This is God’s promise of life, of refreshment – life and refreshment for themselves and for the world, from the one standing before them there in the Temple court. In the early days of Jesus’s ministry he was preparing his disciples for what was to come. Now, years later, as they gather huddled together in that upper room, it is happening – the fulfilment of that promise. The Spirit was now here because Jesus had been glorified. This wasn’t the first time the Spirit had come. But in the past he’d come to selected people. And he had come for limited periods, often for a specific task. But now it was different. The time foretold by the prophet Joel had come. God had promised a ‘tropical downpour’ of the Spirit on all people; now here it is happening before them – “suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” And the disciples can’t quite find words to describe it – ‘a sound like the blowing of a violent wind’ …. what seemed to be tongues of fire…’ It’s hardly surprising that they can’t find the exact words as they share their story with Luke. This was a supernatural event. This had not happened before. And it was an event that, from that moment on, changed their lives for ever; an event from which there was no going back. This was nothing less than the Spirit of God coming in power, giving the disciples, that small bunch of frightened, confused believers – men and women, old and young, quite likely including children – an assurance of who they were. They were the sons and daughters of the living God. It was the Spirit of God coming in power to shape them, and make them more like Jesus. It was the Spirit of God coming in power to equip them for the work He had for them to do, bringing more people to Him. So, we read on in the chapter and find they create they quite a stir, when Peter that ‘untrained fishermen’ goes on to preach his first sermon. And what happens? 3000 people become Christians that very day. That meant the Church had grown by 25 times its size – not bad for a day’s work. The story of the rest of the book of Acts, the story of the Church throughout history is that of ordinary people equipped to do extraordinary things. From the very beginning there were signs, wonders, miracles, healings, things that we still see today. This happened for those disciples when they received the long- promised gift of the Holy Spirit and as they opened themselves up to what God wanted to do with them.

And God hasn’t changed. That same power is still available today. The question is – are we willing to receive, what he wants to give?

Questions for reflection 1. Are we willing to receive what God has promised? 2. We read in Acts of the difference the Sprit made to the lives of those first disciples. What difference would you say He makes to yours? 3. Seeing visions, dreaming dreams. What are your dreams? What vision do you have for the work of God today? 5. What will you do this week in your Monday-to-Saturday ministry in response to what you have heard today? #everydayfaith

Let us declare our faith in God. We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray: Breathe on your Church O God, your holy and life-giving Spirit. Refresh and revive it as we seek to be united in the Body of Christ during this time of lockdown. Pour out your gifts that your glory may be proclaimed throughout the world. Renew us by your Spirit.

Breathe on your creation, O God, your holy and life-giving Spirit, Spread abroad from sea to sea and shore to shore your peace. May lockdown give us the opportunity to renew our appreciation of your creation and to take seriously our responsibility to care for your wonderful world. Renew us by your Spirit.

Breathe on all flesh, O God, your holy and life giving Spirit. Unite into one family and fellowship the fragmented strands of humanity. We thank you that during lockdown so many people have been committed to serving their neighbour. We pray that love and compassion will continue to be offered long after the lockdown is over. Renew us by your Spirit.

Breathe on all who are frail and weary, O God, your holy and life-giving Spirit. We pray for everyone who is finding lockdown difficult: for those with the challenge of home schooling, those suffering from domestic abuse, for those with anxiety and depression, for those who are ill and for key workers in the frontline. Refresh all people with the living waters that flow from you. Renew us by your Spirit.

Breathe on all who have died, O God, your holy and life-restoring Spirit. We pray for those whose lives have been cut short by corona virus. We pray for the bereaved who are burdened by the additional distress caused by lockdown. Give us all the hope of everlasting life and renew us by your Spirit. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the love of your only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

Let us pray with confidence as Jesus taught us: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Pentecost by Malcolm Guite Today we feel the wind beneath our wings, Today the hidden fountain flows and plays, Today the church draws breath at last and sings, 9

As every flame becomes a tongue of praise. This is the feast of Fire, Air and Water, Poured out and breathed and kindled into Earth. The Earth herself awakens to her maker, Translated out of death and into birth. The right words come today in their right order And every word spells freedom and release, Today the gospel crosses every border, All tongues are loosened by the Prince of Peace. Today the lost are found in his translation, Whose mother-tongue is love, in every nation.

Hymn (To the tune ‘Tell out my soul) Thy Kingdom Come – Lord teach us how to pray For all to know your joy, your peace and love And know your friendship each and every day The breath of Christ, the Father’s gentle dove

Thy Kingdom Come – Christ’s prayer to make us one That all may know the Father sent the Son To celebrate the victory He has won In love and grace we pray: ‘thy will be done’

Thy Kingdom Come – we pray for those we know To turn and follow you for all their days and in your love find peace and service grow Our one desire and hope your highest praise

Thy Kingdom Come – transform our human ways Our lives laid down in mercy, truth and care Nations renewed, in giving thanks and praise To see God’s Kingdom come: this is our prayer

Thy Kingdom Come – we praise your Holy name Your sacrifice and rising sets us free That by our words and lives we may proclaim By Jesus’ risen life, God’s victory!

Closing Prayer God of power, may the boldness of your Spirit transform us, may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us, may the gifts of your Spirit equip us to serve and worship you now and always. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord: Thanks be to God.

PENTECOST SUNDAY Praying to be sent “out” 5th Sunday in the month

Monday The Visit of the BV Mary to Elizabeth Family Visits as lockdown eases 10.00am` Team meeting via Zoom Tuesday “Ordinary time resumes” !! 11.00am A/C: Ruth Machin’s Funeral

Wednesday The Martyrs of Uganda The developing World 1.30pm B/C Jackie Hall’s Funeral

Thursday Petroc, Abbot of Padstow Deaneries of Lincoln Diocese

Friday Boniface, Apostle to Germany Praying at the foot of the cross.

Saturday Ini Kopuria, founder of the Melanesian Brotherhood Learning Communities

Next Sunday – TRINITY SUNDAY The Confession of a true faith 1st Sunday in the month 11

Sunday 31st Power, Wisdom, Peace, Gifts, Fruit – We pray that the Holy Spirit will Pentecost fill our church

Thy Kingdom Come Pray for the Anglican Church of Melanesia The Most Revd Leonard Dawea - Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Bishop of Temotu

Monday 1st The Deanery of Lafford. The Revd Philip Johnson, Rural Dean; The Visit of the Trevor Bush, Lay Chair. Blessed Virgin Mary Pray for wisdom in the development of a new deanery plan and a to Elizabeth strategic vision for ministry and mission the other side of lockdown.

Nebraska (USA) The Revd Scott Barker; Akot (South Sudan) The Rt Revd Isaac Dhieu Ater; Irele - Eseodo (Nigeria) Vacant

Tuesday 2nd The Billingborough Group - Aslackby, Billingborough, Dowsby, Horbling, Sempringham w Pointon – Revd Neil Knox Pray for our parishes and deanery as we seek to discern God’s calling to us in ministry and mission for the future. Diocesan Risk Management Committee

Nelson (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Revd Steve Maina; Akure (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Simeon Borokini; Isial-Ngwa South (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Isaac Nwaobia

Wednesday 3rd The Diocesan Agenda Planning Committee Meeting The Martyrs of Diocesan Agenda Planning Committee Uganda, 1885–7 and Stow & Lindsey AMPC 1977 Nevada (USA) The Rt Revd Dan Edwards; Alabama (USA) The Rt Revd John McKee Sloan

Thursday 4th The Digby Group -Ashby de la Launde, Bloxholme, Rowston, Petroc, Abbot of Dorrington, Scopwick, Kirkby Green – Revd Mark Kennard Padstow, 6th century New Busa (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Israel Amoo; Alaska (USA) The Rt Revd Mark Lattime; Albany (USA) The Rt Revd William Love

Friday 5th The Heckington and Helpringham Group - Asgardby, Burton Boniface of Crediton, Pedwardine, Hale magna w Hale Parva, Heckington w Howell, Bishop, Martyr, 754 Helpringham, Scredington, Swaton – Revd Chris Harrington We pray that the services we put out on Heckington Living Community Radio each week will glorify the Name of Jesus, encourage your people, and stir the hearts of those who are seeking or who as yet don’t know You but may be listening. Diocesan Advisory Committee

New Guinea Islands, The (Papua New Guinea) Dennis Kabekabe; Algoma (Canada) The Rt Revd Anne Germond

Saturday 6th Kirkby Laythorpe – Revd Val Greene Ini Kopuria, Founder 12

of the Melanesian New Hampshire (USA) The Rt Revd Robert Hirschfeld; All Saints Brotherhood, 1945 Cathedral Diocese (Kenya) The Most Revd Jackson Ole Sapit (Primate); Isikwuato (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Manasses Chijiokem Okere

Sunday 7th Give thanks to God the creator, Christ the Saviour of the world, and Trinity Sunday the Spirit of truth and love, for creating us to live in community

Pray for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico The Most Revd Francisco Moreno - Presiding Bishop of La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico & Bishop of Northern Mexico

Prayers to use during the coronavirus outbreak Booklet. These prayers will help Christians to pray in solidarity with one another even when it is not possible to gather together in church. It’s essential at all times – but particularly in times of anxiety and fear – that we continue to develop and strengthen our own habits of prayer. A simple form of prayer to say each morning and evening is included here. It can be shared with all who are at home and unable to worship together, especially those who are unable to access online resources. This booklet can be downloaded in various formats from the Church of England website, where you will also find many other resources and ideas for sustaining our worshipping lives:

CofE.io/ChurchOnline

Or hard copies can be obtained in the Box in the porch of Spilsby Vicarage. You will also find hard copies of May Grape Vine & this Weekly Notice Sheet.

For those who receive this WNS by email you will also receive the electronic copy of the Grape Vine – please let me know if there are email addresses to add to the list?

You are aware that we are not printing the usual number of Grape Vines as we are not wanting people to break the lockdown by making journeys to deliver them but if you are in Spilsby you know they are in the box – if you want greater numbers leave a message on 752526.

As you will all know all Public Worship has been suspended and our Churches have been closed as part of our attempts to slow the progress of the Coronavirus (Corvid 19). There will be no services in our or in our sister Churches (with the exception of grave side or crematorium Funerals with only very close family in attendance) Weddings and Baptisms (with the exception of emergence Baptisms) are not allowed.

However, I am sure that worship and prayer to our loving God is at the heart of what we need to do at all time and especially now. That is why we are asking you to be part of the Churches offering of Worship this Sunday and every day too. Although we can’t be together to worship physically we can in spirit. We are offering in this booklet a service we can pray at Some point on Sunday and through the week. We can join together through the mass media. Please be aware there is also a national service on Sunday at 9am on the Church of England website and Facebook page which you might want to point people to.

NEW Bishop David has allowed the clergy to pray or stream worship from our Church buildings again but only the one name person.

This Sunday your Ministers will celebrate the Holy Communion/Eucharist in their own homes (we have been asked to not use our church buildings as we are all advised to stay at home. Please join in at home. As you eat and drink spiritually know that you are receiving our Lord. Each day we will be saying the daily prayers. Join in where you are https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service- daily-prayer

The sick at home or in hospital, Leo Seebacher-Hobson, Nigel Worth, Kathleen, Ann, Molly, Veronica, Dorothy, Maggie J. Betty Brawn, Tristan, Joan Abbey, Michael P, Joan T. Mark, Jossie Lee, June, Hilary, Michael, Harriet, Rose L., Kate B. Abby, Sheila Janes, Fleur, Beryl B. Mary, Jeff Mason, Rosie, Jean C. Wendy, Bob, (Baby) Chloe Lear, Lawrence, Kathryn B, Margaret White (Spilsby).

The Departed: Stephen Dawson, Ruth Machin, Jackie Hall, Margaret Rhodes, Alan Jarvis.

Anniversary: John Shaw, Hilda Wright, John Hully, George Lawson, Jack Folley, Kevin Ford, Joan Dauber, Edith Calvert, Norman Ward, Wendy Toynton, Pauline Lawie, Alfred Wild, Kath. Dean, Gladys Nix, Alan Kemp, Louise Applebaum, Geoff Howsam, Phylis Bauer, Gordon Parker, Frances Rawlings, Ann Dunn, David Herberts, Joan Symonds, Peter Sharp, Ted, David James, Dennis, Katharine Anderson, Jean Handbury, John Coupland, Mary Harrison, Jane Clewes, Marjory Bland, Alix Hoff, Mandy Worthington, Raymond Daft. Jo Doolan, Amy Dodds, Bill Thacker, Mark Bell, Betty Blades, Vic Ranyard, Margaret Shaw, Ivy Willoughby. Bill Short, Eddie Sharman, June Guise. Denise Pailing, June Ingamells, Eileen Beal, (Baby) Julia Baxter.

An act of Spiritual Communion

You may wish to find a space for prayer in front of a cross, a candle, or a special place. You might choose to make your Spiritual Communion at a particular time of day, or after viewing a live streamed service.

Reflect on the day and on your relationships. - What good things have come from God today? - Where have I fallen short? - What might I do tomorrow?

You may wish to say or pray Lord, have mercy. 15

Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Read the following words from Scripture. If you have access to today’s readings for Holy Communion, you may wish to read and reflect on them.

Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ John 6.35

Pray for the needs of the world, for your local community, and for those close to you. End with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father...

Give thanks for the saving death and resurrection of Jesus and ask him to be with you now.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have borne for me. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

Conclude with the following: The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen. A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Daily at Noon God of love, turn our hearts to Your ways and give us peace. Amen

From our Bishops In the past few days we have been encouraged to see ways in which congregations are already putting into action new ways to stay in touch with communities. We now have a new Facebook page as a way to stay in touch, which is Lincoln – Bishops’ Office (please click on https://www.facebook.com/lincolnbishopsoffice/? to access the page).

Clergy Team The Rev’d. Canon Peter Coates The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, PE23 5EF email: [email protected] Tel: 01790 752526

The Rev’d. Ms. Fran Jeffries The Rectory, Horbling Lane, Stickney PE22 8DQ email: [email protected]

The Rev’d. Mrs Joan Thornett email: [email protected] Tel: 01790 754151 The Rev’d Mrs Jean Coates Contact via Spilsby Vicarage – As above email: [email protected]

Rev’d. Mrs Teresa McLaughlin & Mr Paul McLaughlin – Community Chaplain The Rectory, Scremby Road Partney PE23 4PG [email protected] 01790 752344 17

Reflection for Pentecost

Some of us will remember paper sellers standing on street corners shouting, “Read all about it!!….” today’s version would be perhaps Facebook or Twitter, or a headline on the homepage of your internet provider. If the morning of Pentecost happened today it would make headline news. It was an historical event, an event that was vital for the survival, and even more important, the growth of the Church. Amid this there was still the interjection of “False news” by claiming that those present were all drunk. It was Peter who picked up on this and reminded everyone that was not the case, and that it was early in the morning.

So on this Pentecost Sunday, as we reflect on all that happened all those years ago, was this a one off “event” never to be repeated? Let us just take a look for a moment at the reading from John’s Gospel (7:37-39), it was Jesus who said, “receive the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is there to be invited into our life, to empower us, not to give us any status but in order for us to be about God’s kingdom work, just as those disciples did in our reading from Acts. Jesus knew how difficult the future would be for his followers, and it is no different for us all these years later.

It is lovely to sit outside (my laptop comes with me of course) and enjoy the heat of recent days, but of course it is just as important to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water. It is a necessity at anytime of the year, but even more so if we want to stay well and keep on doing those things that are important to us. Just as we need water, we also need the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus knew how important it was to quench our thirst when he asked all those who were thirsty to come to him and drink.

All churches are facing a future that presently looks very different; there are challenges for all of us. These challenges though are not insurmountable if we look to be empowered by God himself. None of us would dream of planning a road trip to see someone we have not been able to see since lockdown started, without making sure our car had enough fuel in it. Yet we seem to accept that we can try and do various things in church without seeking God’s power to empower us and help us, to provide the fuel we need for daily life. Yes the Pentecost of Acts really happened, but that does not mean to say that it is filed away as just an ‘event’ of the past; it can also be a reality in our life today. 19

God loves us, despite us often wanting to do things our way rather than his. Just as Jesus did with his disciples (John 20:22) he longs to breathe on us and give us his Holy Spirit, to fill us afresh. The days at the moment are some of the most challenging yet let us remember that we have hope, hope in the Lord. With his power we can reach out in love to those who need to see the Lord at work in his disciples, loving one another, loving all in our communities. Today our world needs love more than ever; love shown through the genuine actions of the followers of Christ being guided by the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News with love.

Teresa