The Choir are heading off!
This year our choir members are singing in the wonderful York Minster. It’s an impressive location, steeped in history and a huge space, boasting fabulous acoustics – sing up, Choir, you can do it!
We’re enormously proud to have our Choir join the European Cathedral Singers which is led by our very own Director of Music, Martin van Bleek. They will be the resident Choir for the first week of August starting on Monday 31st July. And there’s maybe a teeny bit of pressure as this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the North of England.
The choir were last there in 2017 and, once again, they will sing traditional Choral Evensongs each day at 5.30pm and on the final Sunday 6th August there are three service – a Matins, a Eucharist and a Choral Evensong.
“We lament with the people of Ukraine, and we pray for the innocent, the frightened and those who have lost loved ones, homes, and family.”
“We pray for those in Ukraine who suffer grievously, for all who take decisions around the world, and for the people and leaders of Russia too.”
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have asked for this Sunday 27th February to be a day of prayer for peace.
On Tuesday 1st March we can pray with the Diocese in Europe for the chaplaincy in Kyiv and the churches that serve Ukraine.
Join by visiting Diocese in Europe Youtube channel
On Ash Wednesday 2 March you can participate with the wider church in Pope Francis’s call for a day of prayer and fasting for peace.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.
John 14.27
Invitation for Prayers Across Europe for Peace in Ukraine
The first Sunday in Advent was a beautiful service and we felt blessed to see the first candle lit.
We were lucky enough to enjoy our Advent Tea afterwards – albeit with strict distance rules and wearing of face masks. But the atmosphere was jolly, the spirits high and the food delicious – and many went home with a prize in the raffle! A lovely get together enjoyed by all. 
“Gloria in excelsis Deo” (Latin), “Glory to God in the highest” (English), the Angelic Hymn or simply the Gloria, different names but the same song. The Gloria is the third of the songs from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel, although I have placed the Gloria at the end of our Advent reflections, as close to Christmas as possible. I know for the many the Gloria is not said or sung during Advent (or Lent). Advent is a penitentiary season and one of preparation for Christmas and the gift of Jesus. So here we are in Advent and I’m focusing on these words from Luke:
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (Luke 2:13-14, The Message)
I do so as a final preparation and in anticipation of our Christmas celebrations.
This song from Luke’s Gospel is different for other songs, it is sung by angels not humans. Mary sings the first; Zechariah the second; and finally Simeon sings the final song. Also the Gloria is sung to a group of shepherds in the fields outside of Bethlehem – shepherds were not seen as the most respectable of people. We recall, that Mary sings her song to Elizabeth; Zechariah sings his to Elizabeth and the crowd gathered for John’s naming; and Simeon sings when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple.
The Gloria has been sung to many settings from Vivaldi, Handle and Saint-Saens through to the British composers William Walton, John Rutter and Karl Jenkins. There are literally hundreds of setting to the Gloria.
Below are the opening words of a French Carol, the composer unknown translated from French to English is by Bishop James Chadwick (1813-1882)
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains. Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
This is a great song of celebration, Gloria, in excelsis Deo! A worthy end to this period of Advent preparation. It is surely a song of joy, of peace that is worthy to be shared so that many may join in the unending hymn, “Glory to God in the highest!” Amen, Amen.
The Fourth Week of Advent 2021
Collects for the fourth week of Advent
Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son,
so we wait for his coming in glory; bring us through the birth pangs of this present age
to see, with her, our great salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.
God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Words from the Psalms
Psalm 123 (1)
To you I lift up my eyes, • to you that are enthroned in the heavens.
Psalm 131 (1-3)
O Lord, my heart is not proud; • my eyes are not raised in haughty looks.
I do not occupy myself with great matters, • with things that are too high for me.
But I have quieted and stilled my soul, like a weaned child on its mother’s breast; •
so my soul is quieted within me.
Pause
Words from the prophet Isaiah Chapter 32
See, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.
Each will be like a hiding-place from the wind, a covert from the tempest,
like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.
Then the eyes of those who have sight will not be closed, and the ears of those who have hearing will listen.
The minds of the rash will have good judgement, and the tongues of stammerers will speak readily and distinctly.
A fool will no longer be called noble, nor a villain be said to be honourable. (32.1-5)
Pause
As the season of Advent comes to an end, the season where we have lifted up our hearts in praise and anticipation. Let us pause before our prayers of intercessions and hold the words of our readings, perhaps slowly reading them again.
We pray firstly for those closest to us, our immediate family and closest friends – for their health, needs, joys and fears.
(Silent prayer)
God of creation, God of Salvation Hear the prayers of our hearts
We pray for our extended family and friends who we might not see each week –
for their love and concern, for their wellbeing.
(Silent prayer)
God of creation, God of Salvation Hear the prayers of our hearts
We pray for those who we only have contact with infrequently –
for a blessing this Advent-time
(Silent prayer)
God of creation, God of Salvation Hear the prayers of our hearts
We pray for this world and its people – for the needs of this week and the future.
(Silent prayer)
God of creation, God of Salvation
Who speaks to us through thunder and whisper, who loves us as if there were but one of us to love Hear the prayers of our hearts
(Adapted from Prayers for Advent 1 John Birch)
Lord, as Christmas draws ever closer free us from being self-absorbed and self-centred. Instead fill us with eagerness and generosity of heart. Like Mary, may we too go out in loving service of others and with the angels have our hearts filled with joy as we go out into the world.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our thanks to Barry and Ann Sugden for the musical accompaniment. Many of use will remember with gratitude their musical input to our weekly worship during the Lockdowns and beyond. Thank you for your contribution to this time of reflection.
Gloria sung to Cwm Rhondda
Please follow the link below for the music
Glory be to God in heaven
songs of joy and peace we bring.
Thankful hearts and voices raising,
to creations Lord we sing.
Lord we thank you, Lord we bless you.
Glory be to God our King!
Glory be to Christ our King!
Lamb of God, who on your shoulders
Bore the load of this worlds sin.
Only Son of God the Father,
You have brought us peace within.
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy,
Now your glorious reign begins,
Now your glorious reign begins!
You, O Son of God, are holy,
You we praise with one accord,
none in heaven or earth is like you,
only you are Christ the Lord,
With the Father and the Spirit,
ever worshipped and adored,
ever worshipped and adored.
A Loving Benediction
Be people of love.
Let love live in your heart and share the love of Christ with all you meet.
Share love by loving those you see regularly. Start by loving your community.
Share love by loving those you do not know. How do your actions affect the rest of God’s creation?
Share love by praying for our world.
In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share love.
As you go out into the wonder of God’s creations, share love, joy, peace, and hope with those you meet. Amen. (Liturgylink.net)
You may wish the finish this time of reflective prayer sitting silently and enjoying a peaceful moment or two. You may also think about listening to some music that has touched you or a favourite hymn or song. Enjoy these moments! God bless!
Derek Akker
(Derek is a retired Anglican Parish Priest and a member of the congregations of All Saints & St James)
Collects – © Common Worship, The Archbishops Council, 2000
Parish of Kirklees Valley, Bury, (All Saints, Elton & St James, Woolfold)
In the Diocese of Manchester
CCLI Licence Number 1243418 Church Copyright and Streaming Licence
Image: Advent wreaths in Austria-
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 – Wkimedia Commons
Advent marks the beginning of the Church year – it means arrival or coming and is the four week season that leads up to Christmas. It is a time for reflection and joyful expectation as we await the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ.The use of a wreath is a longstanding tradition tied to Advent and the lead up to the Christmas season. The wreath itself is made of evergreens and symbolises life. As it is in a circle it represents God’s unending love, the eternity of God and the everlasting life we find in Christ. A candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas Day.
The first candle is the Prophesy Candle in remembrance of the prophets: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle representing love: “This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
The third candle is the Shepherd’s Candle representing joy: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8–11).
The fourth candle is the Angel’s Candle representing peace: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ (Luke 2:13–14).
On Christmas Eve the Christ Candle is lit representing the life of Christ come into the world.
On Sunday 28th November at 7.30pm we hold our traditional Advent Carol Service. The service begins in a darkened church. The light spreads slowly and reassuringly as the choir sings and candles are lit. The growing light symbolises hope: Jesus is the light of the world. The service includes readings, congregational carols and music sung by the choir. This service will be live streamed.
Advent marks the beginning of the Church year – it means arrival or coming and is the four week season that leads up to Christmas. It is a time for reflection and joyful expectation as we await the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The use of a wreath is a longstanding tradition tied to Advent and the lead up to the Christmas season. The wreath itself is made of evergreens and symbolises life. As it is in a circle it represents God’s unending love, the eternity of God and the everlasting life we find in Christ. A candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas Day.
The first candle is the Prophesy Candle in remembrance of the prophets: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle representing love: “This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
The third candle is the Shepherd’s Candle representing joy: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8–11).
The fourth candle is the Angel’s Candle representing peace: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ (Luke 2:13–14).
On Christmas Eve the Christ Candle is lit representing the life of Christ come into the world.
At 2.30pm this Sunday, our All Saints service will take the form of a Choral Evensong. Led by Rev. Dr. Mattijs Ploeger, this beautiful service offers worship through traditional text and music.
Our choir will once again be robed and will be singing the Magnificant and Nunc Dimittis as well as responses and a sung psalm. The Choir will also sing an anthem. Led by Music Director Martin van Bleek with Christina Edelen playing the organ. Please note, there is no Holy Communion.
Choral Evensong is a popular service as it offers passages of beautiful spoken liturgy, moments of contemplative silence as well as anthems, psalm(s) and Canticles (ie the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis).
We welcome you to this written service on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the day when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into Heaven having ended her life on Earth.
Today we return to services in church after a short summer break.
Opening Prayer
O God, you declare your almighty power
most chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace,
that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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. Amen.
The Readings
Isaiah 61: 10-end
Galatians 4: 4-7
Luke 1: 46-55
The Anthem
Hymn to the Virgin – Benjamin Britten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQsv5W4KXpM
The Intercessions
Everlasting God we bring before you our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Almighty God we pray for Anglican churches in The Netherlands and ask that our church here in Haarlem have a clear vision of what is needed to be both focused and relevant in all that is good and serves your purpose of spreading the Good News. We pray for our future chaplain during this time of preparation. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Creator God we thank you for the beauty of the created world; for its wonderful variety and bounty. Help us to be good stewards by taking care of our environment and doing all that we can concerning global warming. We remember those whose lives have been affected by the floods in different parts of the world including the Netherlands. We pray for the victims of wild fires in America and Russia, as well as Italy, Turkey and Greece. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Faithful God we pray for the world, particularly for the situation in Afghanistan. We pray for those who are living in fear and danger. Grant wisdom to the world leaders that the decisions they make will bring about peace. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Gracious God we thank you for the miracle of healing and for those we know who are in the process of recovery. We pray for all who minister to the sick and infirm, both at home and in hospital care centres. We remember those we know who are ill or in need of our prayers that they may experience your peace and love. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Merciful God we pray for those whose lives have been shattered by the death of someone close and dear to them. Surround them with your comfort and strength. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Father God in a moment of quietness we bring before you our own thoughts and prayers.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Hymn
Closing Prayers
God the Father, Creator and Sustainer,
who gives all good things
seen and unseen.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Son, Saviour and Redeemer,
who died for our sins
and rose again.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Spirit, Teacher and Comforter,
who moves us to sing
‘Our God reigns!’
In you alone we put our hope. Amen.
We welcome you to this short written online service on the Seventh Sunday after Trinity. For those able to be in church, we are grateful for the chance to sing again and to have our choir sing an anthem for the first time since December. If you are not in church, the music is here to listen to – click on the links.
Opening Prayer
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
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. Amen.
The Readings
Jeremiah 12: 1-6
Ephesians 2: 11-end
Mark 6: 30-34, 53-end
The Anthem
‘Ubi caritas’ by Ola Gjeilo
The Intercessions
Heavenly Father, we thank You that we may once again come to worship You in Your house, seeking that peace which You promise to those who trust in You.
But our hearts are heavy at this time, with all the suffering and evil we see in the world.
With climate change creating increasingly abnormal weather conditions in many places,
we now see Europe reeling at the destructive flooding at its centre,
and the countless lives that have suddenly been lost or ruined;
Bishops Robert and David have asked that this prayer be offered for the victims:
Compassionate God, source of all comfort,
We pray for those whose lives have been devastated by rain and flood.
Comfort the bereaved and bring healing to those who are traumatised.
Give strength and compassion to those who bring relief and aid.
In the power of your Spirit we pray for the rebuilding of physical communities,
and for a shared sense of solidarity and trust in your goodness
known through human kindness.
We pray in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
We pray for these victims, and for the world at large now under the influence of so many subtle forces beyond its understanding and control,
Covid-19 still causing health, social and economic chaos,
the unforeseeable consequences of globalisation, cyber-crime increasing world-wide,
inhuman repression of many peoples by authoritarian rulers;
Our Bishops also pray:
Heavenly Father,
we see our world struggling in the rough waves,
and we turn to You in humility but trust (Psalm 69)
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
So we pray for the Church, that its ministers may be filled and strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, to understand Your will for them at this time, to guide and protect the flocks in their care;
We pray particularly for this our Chaplaincy as it prepares for a new Chaplain;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all sick and suffering, particularly for those of our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List;
and for those for whom we personally wish to pray …..
Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, you have promised to provide light in the darkness for those who trust in you, give us the grace to understand what you would have us do, and the courage and strength to do it;
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The hymn for today
NEH 484 to tune Aurelia:
Closing Prayers
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
(Lao-Tse – 6th Century BCE)
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.
You are warmly welcomed to worship with us today, this Sixth Sunday of Trinity, either in church or here with our written service. Today’s service offers prayers, readings and music. The featured image today comes from an almost hidden window at the back of the church. The window features four small 4 leafed stained class windows by Willem Bogtman’s, dated 1938. Today you can see the first leaf – the other three will follow over the next three weeks.
Opening Prayer
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
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. Amen.
The Readings
Amos 7: 7-15
Ephesians 1: 3-14
Mark 6: 14-29
The anthem for today
Give us the wings of faith – Ernest Bullock
Prayers and Intercessions
Everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, hear our prayers which we offer in his name and by the power of your Holy Spirit working among us that we might share your love and the Gospel of Salvation with those around us. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Holy God we pray for your Church, for Archbishops Justin and Stephen, our Bishops Robert and David, our host Bishop Dirk and our Archdeacon Sam. We pray that they will be strengthened and protected by the Holy Spirit in all they do and say. We pray for the work of The General Synod of the Church of England having a “physical” meeting in Church House, Westminster this weekend. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Creator God we pray for the leaders of the world carrying responsibilities for the lives of their people especially the governments and the Royal Families of the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. We pray for all still affected by the Coronavirus and for a new determination to end the Pandemic which brings with it so much fear, heartache and suffering. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Father God, we pray for all those suffering in the world: the homeless, the refugees, the millions who are hungry due to wars or famine. We pray for the international aid organisations working to bring relief. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God we pray for healing in body, mind and spirit for all who are in need. We pray that in lives darkened by any kind of pain, distress or grief the light of Christ will bring comfort, hope and a sense of your all-encompassing love.
In a moment of quietness we pray for those on our own hearts.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
And so Heavenly Father we thank you for the opportunity of being together in prayer. As we look forward to the week to come, we pray for an awareness of your love and support in all we do.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Hymn for today
NEH 103: Alleluia, alleluia! Hearts to heaven and voices raise
Closing Prayers
Our care for God’s world
As Christians we believe that we are not only a part of God’s Creation, but have a responsibility of stewardship over this world upon which we live. Governments and others might disagree but science and experience tells us that this world is being damaged through our neglect and selfishness.
Creator God, who placed this planet
and all its resources into our care,
encourage those who now remind us
of our responsibilities, both to you
and future generations, to do all
that is necessary, whatever the cost,
to save this world that we call home,
so our children and theirs might not
look back, both in shame and anger,
at what we, in denial, have failed to do. Amen.
John Birch, faithandworship.com
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.