04thFebruary 2018
Candlemass
Collect
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations and glory of Israel: make your home among us, and present us pure and holy to your heavenly Father, your God, and our God.
Readings
Old TestamentMalachi 3:1-5
New TestamentHebrews 2:14-end
GospelLuke 2:22-40
Today we hear how Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem. So with Simeon let us rejoice in God’s salvation for all people, and with Anna let us praise and worship the Lord.
First Reading Malachi 3:1-5
The message of good news about the coming of the Lord carries a warning for the people of Israel. Are they ready for the Lord’s judgement?
Second Reading Hebrews 2:14-end
The Lord has come in human form and so, in understanding our struggles, is merciful to us, helping us through testing times.
Gospel Luke 2:22-40
The Lord comes to the Temple as a baby and is recognised by Simeon, who also sees the controversies and struggles that lie ahead for Jesus.
Jesus’ parents sacrifice two small birds when they come to present their baby at the Temple. When he returns to Jerusalem, he will be offering himself as a sacrifice for others and that sacrifice will cause him agony of body and mind and his mother will indeed feel as if a sword has pierced her soul.
Jesus is still a controversial figure today, and we bring judgement on ourselves by the way we react to him and by the way we treat other people who, like us, are his brothers and sisters. Jesus, who is the light of the world, calls us also to be lights for revelation to all people. He calls us to speak out against injustice, oppression, cruelty and corruption. He calls us to bring healing and peace to those who are sick and suffering hardship. He calls us to reach out to welcome those without homes, those seeking safety and refuge among us, and those whose behaviour frightens and offends others.
We, too, may become controversial figures calling for radical changes in our society and the wider world, facing stiff opposition from those who prefer the darkness to the light. We, too, may feel that a sword is piercing our soul, but we will also know that our eyes have seen God’s salvation. Let us pray that that knowledge will bring us peace. David
Services Next Sunday – 11th February Sunday next before Lent
Weston-under-Penyard / Parish Communion / 9.30 a.m.Hope Mansel
The Lea / Holy Communion / 8.00 a.m.
Aston Ingham / Village Praise / 9.30 a.m.
Linton / Family Service / 11.15 a.m.
Upton Bishop / Mattins / 8.00 a.m.
Forthcoming Services & Events
The Lea: Ash Wednesday Service 14th February 2018 at 7.30 p.m.
Upton BishopNotice of Changes: Please note that the8amMattinsService on11thFebruary20186pm Evensong on 18th
February2018will take place in theCommittee Roomof theMillennium Hallinstead of the church.Family service and Parish Communion services will be in the church as usual.
Hereford Cathedral School choirs, featuring the award-winningCantabile Girls Choir,will be performing in Upton Bishop Church on2ndMarch at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to come and hear a feast of truly fabulous music. Cantabile was the winner of the BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year competition in 2015. For more details ring Olivia on 780321. There will be a retiring collection in aid of church funds and Hereford Historic Churches, which is so generous in its support of all our local churches.
Linton:At The Linton Family Service on Sunday 11th February at 11:15am,we are supporting Jars for Change to raise funds for the Lent Water Aid Appeal. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR JAM JAR!
Please be aware that if you have any events you would like to advertise here, do please contact Debs directly (details below) and she will be pleased to include them.
Please pray for all who are sick,
And remember all who have died: Nicholas Birch (HM)
Doris McDougall (Lea)
Rev David Howell 01989 568736 email:
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