Tag: congresbury

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Special Service for Harvest

Recorded live from St. Andrew’s, Banwell and St. Andrew’s, Congresbury on Sunday 11th October.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for Joint Harvest Festival –

14th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:

“Joint Harvest Celebration”

( Matt 6:25-34 and “the Canticle of the Creatures” – Francis of Assisi)

Sunday 11th Oct 2020

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Reading:

Matt 6:25-34:  If you would like to look up the reading for yourself – simply click the link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+6%3A25-34&version=NIVUK

Set Readings for today:

Isaiah 25:1-9 – This is one of Isaiah’s great speeches, embodying the hope that God will come, in the form of His Messiah, and put things right in the world, lifting up the lowly and humbling the proud.  As Christians this is something we have both seen in Jesus’ first coming but also long to see completed by His second coming.

Philippians 4:1-9 – Paul is giving instructions and seeking to inspire perseverance in the little Philippian Christian community.  He thereby encourages us to do likewise, letting our hearts be filled with thanksgiving, praise and prayer, these change us and how we then see the world.

Matthew 22:1-14 – This is one of the most powerful of Jesus’ parables and has just as much edge for today as it did in former times.  The wedding banquet is the new Kingdom that God is seeking to usher in.  Like the Israelites in the wilderness after the Exile, they/we need to be prepared for that Kingdom.  Those invited first, are those in any age who think they have a ‘right’ to be there – the Jewish elite and religious types in Jesus’ day, those of us who would claim to be ‘faithful’ and go to Church in our own.  But unless we allow our hearts to be changed our clothes remain as they always were.  Wedding clothes are given by the Groom’s Father at a Jewish wedding – will we truly receive and wear the Cross of Jesus?   Only then, are we worthy to enter the wedding banquet.  So often I find, those who don’t think they are worthy are the ones Jesus speaks so favourably of in this parable, and those who think they have somehow got there have much yet to learn.

Hymns and Songs for Harvest Festival:

Traditional:

  1. “Come, ye thankful people, come” Songs of Praise version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3n7IUCdqAM
  • “For the fruits of His Creation” version with Lyrics:

Children’s Harvest song:

  1. “Harvest talk for schools” by Rob Waldron (Diocese Rural Affairs Advisor) – great to watch with children about modern farming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiIZ27NcaQo&feature=youtu.be

During Communion:

  1. “Sing of the Lord’s goodness” – sung by the Jazz Church:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9fsAKZHq-w
  2. Songs of Praise version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGE6ZOumLQM

Modern:

So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:

As the Service begins:

  1. “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IlVfkY5q54

After the Livestream:

  1. “Creation sings the Father’s song”” by Keith and Kirsten Getty with Lyrics:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyED26qgRrA

Other songs:

  1. “So will I” – acoustic version of this well-known Bethel Music song by Tori Kelly (we played this a couple weeks ago after the Livestream): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuedrKMVbFk
  1. “Psalm 42”– a version “As the Deer” by Tori Kelly with Kirk Franklin on piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGgsmCEgf4w
  1. “Worthy is the Lamb” by Hillsong – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-cd5prE4f0

Videos:

  1. Talk about Harvest by Rob Waldron (Diocese Rural Affairs Advisor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MruI8wCEvBg&feature=youtu.be

Film/TV Series

  1. “The Chosen” (TV mini-series) – this is a courageous project to tell the story of Jesus as a TV series.  Financed by crowd funding around the world, it has attracted record viewing numbers in the order of 59 million.  Well worth watching – Series 1 now released.  (You might find you wish to fast forward over the Director/Producer’s quite lengthy introductions at the beginning and reflections at the end.) Available on YouTube and downloadable as an App from the App store to come straight to your phone or tablet.  Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE
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Church APCM’s

The Annual Parochial Church Meetings and Election of Churchwardens will be taking place over the coming weeks. These have been postponed from April due to the COVID restrictions.

Anyone may attend these meetings and all are very welcome, although the churches themselves are obviously subject to the same restrictions as church services, so we will be welcoming the majority of people via zoom.

Please see joining details below.

Banwell APCM

Friday 16th October 2020 at 7 PM

Please log on to zoom at 6:50pm for 7pm start.

To Join the Zoom Meeting – please click the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83342933361

Meeting ID: 833 4293 3361

 

Congresbury APCM

Wednesday 21st October 2020 at 7:30 PM

Please log on to zoom at 7:20pm for a 7:30pm start

To Join the Zoom Meeting please click on the following link and, when prompted, enter the passcode.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023159350?pwd=a3RuRGk3TGFrYlVnQko5aFpzTk9aUT09

Meeting ID: 850 2315 9350

Passcode: 796275

 

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Special Harvest Service THIS SUNDAY 11th October

Join us this Sunday 11th October for a special joint Harvest Service at 10.30am.

We will be LIVE in both Churches, St. Andrew’s, Banwell and Congresbury with a video link between the two which will also be Live-streamed to our Facebook page and will be available to view here on the website afterwards.

This is the first time we’ve attempted anything like this so please do bear with us, but we hope to bring Harvest blessings to our physical and online communities.

We will be collecting donations of food, specifically long-life items e.g. rice/pasta/sauces as well as snacks crisps/biscuits and drinks tea/coffee for the Foodbank and Somewhere to Go.

Donations can be dropped off at either church either the days before the service (please note that the churches will be closed on Saturday for cleaning as per COVID regulations) or for the week following the Harvest service.

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Service for the 17th Sunday after Trinity

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 17th Sunday of Trinity –

13th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:

“Feast of St Francis”

“Themes in John’s Gospel.”

  • Relationships – Part B (John 15:1-17)

Sunday 4th Oct 2020

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Reading:

John 15:1-17:  If you would like to look up the reading for yourself – simply click the link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-17&version=NIVUK

Set Readings for today:

Isaiah 5:1-7 – Isaiah’s great cry that Israel has not been faithful comparing it to a Vineyard which was hoped would produce a great crop but which produced only ‘wild grapes.’  Very topical given our Bible Reading for our theme today – Jesus therefore came to be the “new Vine,” to be ‘Israel’ for Israel, because she couldn’t be.

Philippians 3:4b-14 – one of the great writings and teaching of Paul.  Pure poetry and faith, putting Christ at the centre.  Nothing Paul has experienced in his past compared or prepared him for knowing Jesus.  And yet, he also goes on to say, there is still so much more to experience and discover.  How things are is but the beginning.

Matthew 21:33-end – – Jesus’ powerful prophecy and parable about the Vineyard and what will happen to those who don’t look after it.  It is a parable, in that it was talking not a bout a Vineyard as such, but about the nation of Israel and how it had been uncared for and hijacked by religious leaders who simply wanted power.  It is also a prophecy, in that all that Jesus said came to pass, both regarding His own death but also about the Vineyard being taken away from those charged with caring for it – see the destruction of the Temple and the sacking of Jerusalem in AD70 and then again in 135AD.

Hymns and Songs for 17th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. “O, the deep, deep love of Jesus” Songs of Praise version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliCy09D3v0&t=126s
  2. Also version with a strong Russian flavour from Simon Khorolskiy, a passionate young Christian singer seeking to bring the Gospel and Christian music to his native land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLTu1xv2-Us
  •  “There is a Redeemer” – by Keith Green – Songs of Praise version with Lyrics:

Communion Prayer:

During Communion:

– as per last week, an original arrangement and version by Sarah MacLauchlan with lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFkjdFgqOY4&feature=youtu.be

6. “Romance” from the Gadfly – by Dmitri Shostakovich (played by Laura Heathcote): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDW4VJGKLAQ

Children’s Song:

7. “Wide, wide as the Ocean” – with Lyrics and Actions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9KnSK680yg

Modern:

We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church.  So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:

As the Service begins:

  1. “Weep with me” by Rend Collective lyrics version:

After the Livestream:

  1. “Jacob’s song” by Br Isaiah SSF (Franciscans of the Renewal) – in celebration of the Feast of St Francis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9WFac5WEDg

Other songs:

  1. “Open Space” – by Housefires – Gemma writes, “‘Open space’ is a song by ‘Housefires’ (sorry I love them)   And it tells our relationship with Jesus and when he shows us he’s there for us we really feel his presence in all we do ! And we are stronger because we are all united in Jesus Christ! The backing music behind the lyrics too makes it such a peaceful song to listen too”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpdloYnlQJU&app=desktop
  1. “O come, O come, Immanuel”– by Joshua Aaron (in English and Hebrew) live recording in the Tower of David, in Jerusalem – in celebration of the Jewish Festival of Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles – God with us!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFoFOZmSIfY

Videos:

  1. Example of Selfless love – Diego Mentriga helps British Triathlete, James Teagle to claim his 3rd place after James crashes out.  Remarkable:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NjRL-K5RM0
  1. A celebration about all things Franciscan: “From Bronx to Bradford.” A great insight into the power and action of God at work through love:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL9TGKRaVpA&t=1098s

And from last week:

  1. “Love: Agape” – Word Study by the Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slyevQ1LW7A
  1. “Love: Ahavah” – Word Study by the Bible Project:

Film/TV Series

  1. “The Chosen” (TV mini-series) – this is a courageous project to tell the story of Jesus as a TV series.  Financed by crowd funding around the world, it has attracted record viewing numbers in the order of 59 million.  Well worth watching – Series 1 now released.  (You might find you wish to fast forward over the Director/Producer’s quite lengthy introductions at the beginning and reflections at the end.) Available on YouTube and downloadable as an App from the App store to come straight to your phone or tablet.  Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE

Film:

  1. “The Sultan and the Saint” a documentary film, crowd funded across the world, looking at the historic and legendary meeting of St Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, Al-Kamil in 1219.  Brilliantly put together with many insights we could all learn from in today’s world.  Can be purchased via Amazon (comes form the US).
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Service for Sunday 20th September the 15th Sunday of Trinity

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 15th Sunday of Trinity –

11th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:

“Themes in John’s Gospel.”

  1. Justice – Part B (John 16:1-15)

Sunday 20th Sept 2020

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Readings:

John 16:1-15:  If you would like to look up the whole reading for yourself – simply click the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A1-15&version=NIVUK

Set Readings for today:

Jonah 3:10 – 4:11 – Jonah was sent to Nineveh to pronounce God’s judgement on the great city.  But they repented when they heard the message.  Rather than be delighted Jonah is grumpy because God has shown mercy beyond judgement. How do we respond to God’s graciousness both towards calling us to forgive others and to allowing ourselves to be forgiven.  Goes to the heart of the Lord’s Prayer.

Philippians 1:21-end – Paul speaks to his fellow brothers and sister in the Church in Philippi with such compassion but also such certainty of his destiny to the point where he would rather be with Christ through death than to remain in this world.  Out of this closeness of relationship though Paul then speaks of the need for the Church to stand shoulder to shoulder as one worshipping and following the Lord Jesus. 

Matthew 20:1-16 – Jesus speaks both into the human condition but also into the specific situation of many of those from Jewish descent.  For the Jewish community had been faithful to following in the footsteps of Abraham, their spiritual father figure and to the keeping of the Mosaic Law for thousands of years.  But here is Jesus saying, those who have come to faith most recently, and more than that, those who have been rejected by society and thrown of the rubbish heap, they in their thankfulness and humility, those who could not believe they would possibly be invited to the party and treated as an equal, these are those who will lead the parade into the Kingdom.  For it is gratitude, generosity, and humility, not piety, works, and badges that are God’s currency of what aligns a person’s heart with His own.

Hymns and Songs for 15th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. “Jesus Christ is waiting ” by John Bell (Iona Community) with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CSzEviUc_o

Children’s Song:

Modern:

We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church.  So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:

  1. “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan. One of the greatest protest songs. With Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G58XWF6B3AA
  1. “Inner City Blues” by Rodriguez. One of the best protest singers to come out of the US.  His story is quite remarkable (see film recommends).  A story of God’s justice at work.  He is one of his early videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXAaLXWY6RM&list=PLvrWACVuHe6rImJAkWvF03xoGjwZkfYYo&index=9  
  1. “Justica” by The Porter’s Gate.  Created during Lockdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzEB3NKsNv0&feature=youtu.be
  1. “Justice will roll down” by Sandra McCracken with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkXpaMrNFk&feature=youtu.be

Played during Communion:

  1. “Romance” – by Shostakovich, from “The Gadfly” played by Laura Heathcote.
  2. You can find a YouTube version of this by clicking the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDW4VJGKLAQ

Played after the Livestream:

  1. “This is Amazing Grace” version by Christopher Duffley of Northland Church.  Christopher has Autism and was born blind due to drug addiction from his mother at birth.  His story and the story of his faith are incredible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXYTHbS3-RU
  2. See his first video at age ten, “Open the eyes on my heart, Lord,” which we have played before.  It’s innocence and simplicity are truly humbling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXYTHbS3-RU&list=RD-F_W_zl61bI&index=4

Videos:

  1. “Justice” – Word Study by the Bible Project:

Films:

“Searching for Sugarman” the story of Sixto Rodriguez.  This is the story of a singer songwriter, living in the depths of poverty, passed over by his own, only to be discovered and heralded six thousand miles away without him even knowing it for twenty years.  Until one day.  Rodriguez has been compared as a lyricist to the like of Bob Dylan, and in a foreign land, he was bigger than the Beattles.  Great watch (especially if you’re a music buff or like a story of injustice with a happy ending).  Available from Amazon or to rent on Amazon Prime.

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Service for the 13th Sunday after Trinity

Recorded at St. Andrew’s, Congresbury on Sunday 6th September.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 13th Sunday of Trinity –

9th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:

“Introduction to John’s Gospel: John’s story of King Jesus.”

(John 1:1-18)

Sunday 6th Sept 2020

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Readings:

John 1:1-18 – John introduces Jesus as the King of the Universe born in human flesh.

If you would like to look up the reading for yourself – or simply click the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=NIVUK

Set Readings for today:

Ezekiel 33:7-11 – God informs Ezekiel he must speak the truth as God’s prophet.  He must tell the people the error of their ways.  But in a rare insight God shares with Ezekiel why.  It’s because God knows that when the people live by other priorities, by other values, and worship other gods, this will lead them not to life but to death, and God wants to save them from the outcome He can foresee.

Romans 13:8-end – Paul, following Jesus, sums up all the Old Testament Commandments in the two that Jesus used, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  And love your neighbour as yourself.”  He gives this teaching added emphasis by contrasting it as the difference between walking in the way of the Light, which is to walk according to the Spirit, and walking in the way of darkness, which is to follow simply human desires.  Don’t delay, says Paul, choose Light.

Matthew 18:15-20 – Jesus gives a similar teaching to that given by  God to Ezekiel, this time the disciples and the early Church.  The desire here is not for retribution or punishment of the person who has done wrong, but for restoration, both of the individual and the wider community; that the person be shown the error of their ways and be offered the opportunity to change.  For God delights in one person who changes.  He wants to see nobody lost.  God seems to be a passionate believer is what has come to be known as ‘restorative justice.’

Hymns and Songs for 13th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. “Jesus is King” with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWP5LYtiZA

For Children and Families:

Modern:

  1. “My world needs you right now” by Kirk Franklin (2017 Stellar Awards Performance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WRd4QTTC0
  1. “Atah Gibor” (You are Mighty) Live – Praises for Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv30TWM6Efs 
  2. This recent song (Jan 2020) from this modern Messianic Jewish Christian community, beautifully phrased lyrics.
  1. “Waymaker” – the original version was composed by an African American artist, Sinach.  It has become a modern classic and has been covered by many Christian artists and translated into more than fifty languages.  This original version alone has had 156M views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4XWfwLHeLM

Played after the Livestream:

  1. “King of Kings” by Hillsong United (Passion 2020 version) – just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avBnNQ44yn4
  2. “Passion” is an annual large interstate Christian music convention for College students held in big stadiums throughout the US.
  3. Version with Lyrics so you can sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OnfQpZr030 
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Live Service for Sunday 23rd August – 11th Sunday after Trinity

Recorded live at 10.30am on Sunday 23rd August from St. Andrew’s Church, Congresbury for the 11th Sunday after Trinity.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 11th Sunday of Trinity –
7th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:
Week 3 of 3 Looking at the Values we have adopted as a
NEW Church:
“There is no ‘them,’ only US: the transforming potential
of the Gospel.”
Sunday 23rd August 2020

Key quote from Chickenshed Theatre Company:
‘If we could get people to believe that this is not just a Utopia that we believe in but a glimpse of a more perfect world…..we might just be able to change the world a bit.’
Taken from the video which we shared as a Music Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dkeIwVvpw&t=8s

Bible Readings:
Key Bible Readings:
Galatians 3:23-29 – Paul’s dream of a new world
And, if you would like to look up the reading for yourself – click the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…

Set Readings for today:

Isaiah 51:1-6 – One of Isaiah’s great messages of hope from God.

Romans 12:1-8 – Paul’s great vision of how all Christian people are interconnected into one single family, each with their own gifts and contributions that they can make that builds up the whole body of Christ. There are parallels here to Paul’s other great speech in the same vein in 1Corinthians ch 12.

Matthew 16:13-20: – Jesus asks the disciples the question that He asks everyone, “Who do you say that I am?” He does this at Caesarea Philippi, a place dedicated to numerous gods in Jesus’ day. So, too He asks us today, amongst the many gods that so easily grab our attention, who do we say Jesus is?

Hymns and Songs for 11th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:
1. “Only begotten, Word of God eternal:”
– Sung as a Gregorian Chant by The Cathedral Singers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXBTTOHblqw

2. “Brother, sister let me serve you” Songs of Praise with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttW9oQ-yiuU

3. “I come with joy, a child of God” (St Botolph) with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpBs0b8Nnzs

4. “Gaelic Blessing” – John Rutter with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eve2y-P-Zjk

5. “Jesus put this song into our hearts” by Graham Kendrick with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgKaXcpm4F8

Inspired by the Chickenshed Theatre Video:
6. “Who is my mother, who is my brother” – this was sent in by one of the group after watching the Chickenshed Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Great song to sing with Children:
7. “Children of God” – by Christopher Walker (Vocal version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDC8x3fEBT8

Music for Reflection (during Communion):
8. “Salut d’-armour” by Elgar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5z3ZO0QfFE

Lord’s Prayer in Makaton:
9. Shared by members of the Youth Group: 

Modern:
We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church. So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:
Played before the Livestream:
10. “Something inside so strong” by Labi Siffre – epic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otuwNwsqHmQ

Played after the Livestream:
11. “Yes I will” by Vertical Worship – sent in by a member of the Youth group – expresses a belief in praising God even in tough and difficult times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrTv39-lG4M

Other choices in the Playlist:
12. Appleshed Theatre Company “I am in love with the world” – a classic from the Chickenshed Theatre Company repertoire:

13. “We all bleed the same” by Mandisa, TobyMac, and Kirk Franklin – a powerful statement of seeing the world from God’s point of view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVKuA1s5I3o

14. “This is me” the classic from the musical “The Greatest Showman” – also sent in by the Youth Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw

15. Praises Of Israel – Daber El Libi (Speak To My Heart) [Live] – this is a most beautiful and simple song of calling on Jesus to “Speak to my heart” – great song to find beautiful peace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4fBvDzhYRs

16. “The Spirit and the Bride say Come!” – Jewish & Arab Teen from Israel in Hebrew, Arabic & English Worship Jesus together – a more remarkable video showing young people overcoming hundreds, thousands of years of mistrust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rQIQMUEBD0

Further Videos
17. “The Arabs are the enemy” – the incredible story of Anastasia Okhrimenko who works for the Messianic Jewish organisation “One for Israel” – the story of how she overcame her hatred. For further insight see this week’s New Creation Pew News “Thought for the Week:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2uBOUnJCEc

18. Continuing the theme of turning pain into Blessing especially across long standing divides – a story from the sister organisation to “One for Israel” – the Arabic “Pod for Israel and Arabic Outreach” – a remarkable story of sharing the Gospel in Gaza. Please do not be put off by the fact that for some of the speakers English is not their first language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Sx6oRhDZg

19. And not long released a version of “The Blessing” in Arabic to bless the whole Arabic world, with some stunning photography – may we be a Blessing not a threat to our Arabic brothers and sisters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy0v69p5Jik

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Live Service for Sunday 26th July – Seventh Sunday after Trinity

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 7th Sunday of Trinity –
3rd Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:
“Lament, Thanksgiving, and Restoration”
– Part 3 – “Restoration”
Sunday 26th July 2020

Bible Readings:
Key Bible Readings:
Isaiah 61:1-4 read by Beth Ashton-Hilton:

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendour.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 read by Sonya Stocker:
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
The Parable of the Net
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Refrain:
“A disciple in the kingdom of Heaven brings out new treasures as well as old.” (Matt 13:52)

Key Points:
Isaiah 61 – An Outer Vision of Restoration
Matt 13:45 – An Inner Vison of Restoration
Matt 13:52 – Is to link the two – Action AND Prayer/Contemplation

KEY Video on the value, depth and breadth of Prayer – talk given by Richard Rohr in Norwich Cathedral in 2015, “Becoming Stillness” – although an hour long, it is one of the best talks to help us understand why Prayer is both so valuable and so important: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TGS-JD80nE
Details of further videos that flow from this talk are detailed in the “Video Section” below.

Set Readings for today:
1Kings 3:5-12
Romans 8:26-end
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Hymns and Songs for 7th Sunday after Trinity:
Traditional:
1. “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness” – sung by The Davies boys (Liz Chappell’s grandsons:
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UolCH0BYj7E&feature=youtu.be

– Version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWb0VrgTcag

2. “The Lord’s my Shepherd” (Vicar of Dibley) – sung by The Davies Boys (Liz Chappell’s grandsons):

– A Songs of Praise version recorded at Hereford Cathedral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0LA3GvAUGU&t=26s

– Version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIRFBZ0L9TY

3. “Brother, sister, let me serve you” – Songs of Praise version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttW9oQ-yiuU

4. “Be still for the presence of the Lord”- Aled Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJMaOxdu6B4

5. “As the deer” (Psalm 42) – World Edition – helps us to be aware from God’s perspective not all prayer is in English but many languages yet one language of love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnIYWKfW74E

Music for Reflection:
6. Toby Davies singing, “Agnus Dei” – “Lamb of God” by Mozart: https://youtu.be/ZGBdcgqbMDY

Modern:
7. “Simplicity” by Rend Collective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrusZ-MkTn4

8. “Symphony” by Switch feat Dillon Chase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNhGnUoPZ_0

9. “Together” – for King and Country feat Kirk Franklin – helps us to see us all as one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR1Hk0FVi_k

10. “So will I” – Ben Platt – suggested by the Youth Group – that God is with us always through everything: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VjDNOJHQ3g

11. “Build your Kingdom here” by Rend Collective (with Lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zcjIdUm2JQ

Further Videos:
12. “Understanding of word YHWH” – the Bible Project : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLrGM26pmM0

13. “Understanding of the word Listen “Shema” – the Bible Project: https://youtu.be/6KQLOuIKaRA

14. “What is Contemplative Prayer and why is it so needed?” – by Richard Rohr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0o5J0-8OA0

15. “The Interior Castle – the work of St Theresa of Avila – simple, illustrated version” excellent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fru12dD1rno

16. “Julian of Norwich: a medieval take on Lockdown” by Emma Pennington (first in a series – others in the series can be easily found): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzEe8HSQhOI&t=193s

17. “Kintsugi – MT” – an appreciation of the healing power of God – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txnxzlYlr1I&t=11s

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Live Service for Sunday 12th July – 5th Sunday after Trinity

Click here to view the service that was recorded live during the first service in St. Andrew’s Church, Congresbury since Lockdown.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 5th Sunday of Trinity –
1st Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:
“Lament, Thanksgiving, and Restoration.”

Bible Readings:
Key Bible Reading:
Jeremiah ch 8:18 – 9:1
As part of the Talk:
Howard wants everyone to share in a chorus to a poem:
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There’s power enough in heaven
To heal the sin-sick soul

Set Readings for today:
Isaiah 55:10-13
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Hymns and Songs for 4th Sunday after Trinity:
Traditional:
1. “There is a Redeemer” – by Keith Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YM_hYzcPo

2. Played live as an Introduction to Worship – “Meekness and Majesty” – Graham Kendrick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tK1hQpacs8
– Songs of Praise version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBonpqR7ay0

3. “O the deep, deep love of Jesus” – Hereford Cathedral Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliCy09D3v0
– Great Folk version from three girls in Ireland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaiUT74Vshk
– And the very distinctive version from a Christian Russian Opera singer, Simon Khorolskiy – “very upbeat, modern take ‘Russian’”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliCy09D3v0

4. Played live at the end of the Service: “There is a Hope” – by Stuart Townend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_yv5yGZnBc

Song for Refection:
Hugh Davies, Liz Chappell’s grandson sings Psalm 121 – beautiful just to close your eyes to and let these timeless words speak to you and over the Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3OapRQg4P8&feature=youtu.be

By contrast:
The African American Spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead” was a rallying cry that there was a hope, even a hope against all odds – and that was, and is, Jesus. Two versions:
The deep soulful voice of Paul Robeson from 1958 in Carnegie Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okl2XbTM7xM
And, from 1987 – Nina Simone’s more upbeat version, recorded at Vine Street Studios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3KF3zUFDzI

Prayers of Intercession:
Kay’s Prayers during the Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY1sJZTslTw&feature=youtu.be

Music during Communion:
“Pie Jesu” by Gabriel Fauré. Two versions:
– One, a traditional version from Winchester Cathedral: https://youtu.be/s6ePmrZDTfw
– The other sung by an eight piece adult harmony – VOCES8 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9al6HNOgSo

Modern Music:
5. “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams – recommended by the Youth Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U&feature=youtu.be

6. “My feet are on the Rock” – I am They (an American band with a sound a bit like Rend Collective): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYiHiJTN6Y

7. “Every Praise” – Hezekiah Walker – hard not to make your feet tap and put a smile on your face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuuZMg6NVeA

8. I’ve fallen in love with this song – Kirk Franklin at his best, and so appropriate for today, “Love Theory” (so no apology for playing it again): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aD8OK07iIY

Videos:
9. What does the “Balm of Gilead” look like? This is quite a remarkable video – has to be seen and heard to be believed -brought me to tears, tears of joy. Not only a “MUST SEE” but also a prayer for us all. Good on Christopher Duffley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_W_zl61bI