Guest Preacher, Revd. Mpho Tutu

We are really excited to be welcoming Revd. Mpho Tutu this Sunday 4th June as our Guest Preacher. She will give the sermon in our Eucharist service which starts at 14.30. This is a Choral Service so our choir will also be there, leading a sung service with hymns, a sung psalm and an anthem sung by the choir.

We really hope to see you there!

More information here…

We welcome you to this written service for Pentecost – Whit Sunday. It’s the fiftieth day after Easter when the Holy Spirit came with tongues of fire and touched the Apostles, helping them to preach with confidence.

We open with a prayer for peace in our world :

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: on this Day of Pentecost, kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; 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.

Opening Hymn 342

Breathe on me breath of God

The Collect

God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Intercessions

As we are gathered together here in hope and in faith, we ask you to minister to our needs. Send the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of your faithful people and kindle in them the fire of your love.
(Short Silence)

Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

We pray for our church leaders, that they will be guided in their ministry by the influence of the Holy Spirit and that the Church, in the power of the Spirit, may make the Gospel understandable to people of every race, language, and culture. That the Holy Spirit of Peace may unite and reconcile the peoples and nations of the earth, bringing an end to war, hatred, and discrimination.
(Short Silence)

Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

We pray for our own church family, that each of us will be open to the opportunities to give of our individual talents enabling each of us to flourish as a witness to the “One Body” of the church. We pray that our newly baptized brother and sister may develop more fully their response to all the gifts which the Spirit bestows for the service of the Body of Christ in the church.
(Short Silence)

Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

We pray for all those who have died: give them a place at your banquet in heaven. May the Holy Spirit, who purifies us of sin and raises the dead, bring all our departed loved ones into the fullness of your presence.
(Short Silence)

Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Everlasting God, on this Day of Pentecost, we rejoice in the wonderful gift of your Spirit. Send it again into our hearts, into our lives, and into our world.

Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

Hymn 362

Glorious things of thee are spoken

Closing Prayers

Faithful God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal: open our lips by your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

We warmly welcome you to use this written service to help guide your home worship. You will find today’s Bible Readings, prayers and music for today, the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

We start with a prayer for peace, for hope in the world.

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; 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.

Opening Hymn NEH 338

At the name of Jesus

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The 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 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.

The Readings

Acts 1: 6-14
1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5:6-11
John 17: 1-11

The Psalm

Psalm 93
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The Anthem

The Lord ascendeth up on high – Michael Praetorius

Hymn NEH 296

Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour

Closing Prayers

Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Final Hymn NEH 140

Holy Spirit, come, confirm us

We welcome you to this written service for those worshipping form home or not able to join us in church. This written service offers the prayers, readings and music for today, the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

In God’s world, we pray for peace and to love one another, as we have been taught. We therefore pray:

The Collect

Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples: help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the Father.

Opening Hymn 106

Come ye faithful, raise the strain

The Readings

1st Lesson: Acts 17: 22-31
2nd Lesson: 1 Peter 3: 13-end

Gospel: John 14: 15 – 21

Hymn 139

Come, thou Holy Spirit come

The Anthem

Ubi caritas by Paul Mealor

Hymn 265

Lord of beauty, Thine the splendour

God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life: may we thirst for you, the spring of life and source of goodness, through him who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

All, are welcome to share in this written service for worshipping at home this Fifth Sunday of Easter. Here you can find today’s readings, prayers and music.

We open with a prayer for peace, for areas in the world, especially Sudan and Ukraine, where war and unrest are affecting so many people.

Opening Hymn NEH 103

Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to heav’n and voices raise

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The Collect

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Readings

Acts 7: 54-end
1 Peter 2: 2-10
John 14: 1-14

The Anthem

The Call by Richard Lloyd

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The Intercessions

Gracious Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the teachings in the scriptures and the assurances we have been given through their words. Grant that as we come before you with our intercessions our hearts and minds may remain open to their teachings. May their words act as an inspiration and channel through which we conduct our daily lives.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

When we contemplate our world, we see the darkness of war and the shadows of conflict disrupting extensive regions of our human communities. We think of Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Tigray, and many other areas. The images of destruction and suffering compel us to pray to you urgently for peace. Grant, we humbly beseech you, the cessation of violence, and a willingness to engage in dialog that builds bridges across divides, restoring trust and mutual respect.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for the victims of man-made and natural disasters. Help us, therefore, to remain mindful of the plight of refugees and inspire us with the willingness to respond to their needs.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Bless and guide our Heads of State, Willem Alexander and Charles, and their queens, Maxima and Camilla.
On this special weekend when we have witnessed the UK monarch, Charles, take an oath at his coronation to be the servant of his people, imbue him with the strength and wisdom to fulfill this promise throughout the duration of his reign.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for our bishops, Robert and David, and their diocesan clergy. Support in them the commitment and determination to provide spiritual leadership and guidance throughout the widespread communities that compose our diocese.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Today, we ask for your blessing on the members and activities of the Greek Orthodox Church and its relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Patriarch of Athens and all Greece.
In our diocesan prayer cycle, we also ask your guidance for our Diocesan Ministry Team in their work to find and develop new ordinands, as well as to promote ministry of the laity.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, we lift up before you our Priest, Bruce. We thank you for his ministry and pray that he may continue to lead us towards fresh growth in numbers, and an extended outreach to the surrounding community in Haarlem.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Look in mercy upon the sick and infirm in our community. Grant healing and comfort, with a strong assurance of your presence within us. Once again, we lift up before you the many on our prayer list, (especially…………), beseeching you to minister to their specific and personal health and welfare needs.
For those that have departed from this mortal life, grant eternal rest (…..) and bring comfort to the grieving families and friends they leave behind.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As we close these intercessions, help us to reflect again on the instruction in St. Peter’s First Letter, which invites us to long for pure, spiritual milk that we may grow (1 Peter 2.2)
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Closing Hymn 401

Light’s abode, celestial Salem

Closing Prayers

Eternal God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life:
grant us to walk in his way,
to rejoice in his truth,
and to share his risen life;
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Merciful Father,
you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd,
and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again:
keep us always under his protection,
and give us grace to follow in his steps;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Join us for prayers, read today’s Bible Readings and enjoy the hymns, psalm and anthem for today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. As today is an Evensong in church, the music in this written service also includes the Canticles.

On this beautiful sunny day, we take a moment to think of those suffering through war and unrest. Let us pray for a moment…

Opening Hymn 374

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

The Collect for Today

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Canticles: Gibbons Short Service

Magnificat

Nunc Dimittis

The Readings

Acts 2: 42-end
John 10: 1-10

The Psalm

Psalm 23

The Anthem

O God the King of Glory

Hymn 457

The King of Love my shepherd is

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The Intercessions

I give you a new commandment: love one another, as I have loved you, says the Lord, alleluia.

Let us pray to God the Father, who raised Jesus to life and exalted him at his own right hand. Lord protect your people through the glory of Christ

Our Father in heaven, We pray today for our new King Charles III. Grant him your peace as he commits himself again to your service. Give him strength and perseverance as he promises to serve us all as King. May he know you are walking with him day by day.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Reveal the riches of our hidden life in Christ, enable us to see the signs of the new heaven and the new earth.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the exaltation of Christ send your Spirit into the Church, make us a sign of unity for the whole human family.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the exaltation of your Son raise up the sorrowful, set prisoners free, heal the sick; may the whole world rejoice in your wonderful gifts.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

You nourished the faithful departed with Christ’s body and blood, let them share in his glory on the day of resurrection.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen

Hymn 463

Thine for ever! God of love

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Closing Prayers

Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

We come together in worship sharing prayers, Bible readings and music this Third Sunday of Easter. All are welcome to join in home worship with this written service.

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

We open with a prayer for Peace in this troubled world and think of those suffering. We especially pray for Sudan and Ukraine.

Opening Hymn

Hymn 345 – christ is the king o friends rejoice

The Collect

Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Bible Readings

Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
1 Peter 1: 16-end
Luke 24: 13-35

The Anthem

O for a closer walk with God – Charles V. Stanford

Hymn 400

Light of the minds that know him

The Intercessions

Holy God, as we gather together to hear your word, to sing your praise walk with us as individuals and as the Church on our Road to Emmaus. Open our eyes, as you did with Jesus’ companions, to the reality and truth of the resurrection. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Everlasting God, we pray for the worldwide Anglican Church, for our Bishop Robert, our host Bishop Dirk and our Chaplain Bruce. Bless all those who preach the Gospel, bringing light to those in darkness and words of love to those in need of comfort. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Creator God, we thank you for the beauty and wonders of your creation. So often we see the evidence of poor stewardship in our surroundings, and it is easy to forget that the world belongs to you. Help us to recognise your presence in our modern world and help us to use more wisely the resources of the earth. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Father God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, our Saviour, who walks with us on our life’s journey. We pray for all who travel with us in our family, among our friends and within this community. We pray for a deepening awareness of our need for one another and of your image in the hearts of everyone we meet.Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Loving God, we pray for those we know who are going through a time of suffering and pain in mind, body or spirit. Help us to be aware of one another’s needs and to respond in such a way that we may care for them with words and deeds on the road of recovery. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Faithful God, as we go out into your world, we thank you for walking alongside us wherever we travel. May see you as a constant companion and friend.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

Closing Hymn 119

The strife is o’er

Closing Prayers

God our Father, whose Son, the light unfailing, has come from heaven to deliver the world from the darkness of ignorance:let these holy mysteries open the eyes of our understanding that we may know the way of life, and walk in it without stumbling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Join us for today’s prayers, music and Bible Readings this Second Sunday of Easter.

We start with a Prayer for Peace, hoping for a safer world without conflict or pain caused by unrest and war:

Opening Hymn 105

Christ the Lord is risen again

The Collect for Today

Risen Christ, for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred: open the doors of our hearts, that we may seek the good of others and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace, to the praise of God the Father. Amen.

The Readings

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-end

The Psalm

Psalm 16

The Anthem

This joyful Eastertide – Charles Wood

Hymn 103

Alleluya! Alleluya! Hearts to heaven and voices raise

The Intercessions

Hymn 361

Forth in the peace of Christ we go

Closing Prayers

Lord God our Father, through our Saviour Jesus Christ you have assured your children of eternal life and in baptism have made us one with him: deliver us from the death of sin and raise us to new life in your love, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

We wish you all a joyful and Happy Easter as we celebrate through worship this day when Jesus was resurrected. Join us in prayer, read today’s Bible Readings and listen to hymns and anthems selected for Easter Day.

God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Opening Hymn 110

Jesus Christ is risen today

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The Collect

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.

The Readings

Acts 10: 34-43
Colossians 3: 1-11
John 20: 1-18
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The Anthems

Joy is come – Andrew Carter

Oculi Omnium – Charles Wood

Hymn 104

At the Lamb’s high feast we sing

The Intercessions

Heavenly Father, we come before You on this day of remembrance and deepest thanks for Your Son’s sacrifice, overcoming the world’s temptations and offering Himself for the sins of the whole world.

A life of selfless love and a sacrifice of this extent is impossible for us to imagine – despite our best intentions we all consider our own interests first.

But however unworthy we are, Father, we thank You that You have given us the eyes to see, though dimly, the wonder of Your Son’s sacrifice and resurrection, the re-birth of Your creation, and the blessing of that glorious hope that You have set before us of entering Your Kingdom, when Your Son shall come again;

We continue to pray of the world at large; vainly struggling to make human sense of Your unfathomable creation, looking only to its own devices, but sliding ever further into chaos;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We continue to pray for the Church world-wide struggling in the restless waters of the world;
particularly for the Church of England facing a profound rift within its leadership,
and for all Christian leaders, particularly for our kings, Charles and William Alexander;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all in need or distress at this time,
for those suffering from the atrocities being perpetrated in so many areas of the world;
for those suffering directly or indirectly from the consequences of climate change;
for all sick and suffering; the mentally ill, the lonely, and the bereaved;
We pray particularly for our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List,
and for all 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, as You have given us to believe with confidence that Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, grant that we may ever be conscious of His presence and ready to meet Him when He shall return again;
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen

Closing Hymn 120

Thine be the Glory

Closing Prayers

God of Life, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection have delivered us from the power of our enemy: grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Welcome to our Palm. Sunday written service, the day when we commemorate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week. In this service you can read the extended Gospel reading, join us in prayer and listen to the anthem and hymn for today.

We open with our unifying Christian message, a prayer for peace in the world and remember those facing unrest and sadness.

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

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; 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.

Palm Sunday Reflection

Rev Derek Akker

On this Palm Sunday let us bring the donkey back into the story with the words of:

‘The Donkey’ by G K Chesterton.

When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
Of all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.

The poem is told through the voice of the donkey and its of the sad existence. The donkey opens with the unsettling words of blood red moon and flying fish, the prelude to the birth of something ugly. The words have a bitter tone reinforcing the negative status of the donkey in the world.

The poem ends where the donkey with his long-ears, huge-head and screeching cry, carrying the Prince of Peace. An event leading towards Jesus’ unthinkable appointment with death. Jesus had his face towards the cross, where he would, defeat death by his own death.

The poem concludes with the donkey having the last word, a word of honour, finally being recognised by the people. As Christ rode him into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it was as if everyone loved donkeys now, because they were tied to this story and the events of Holy Week.

The story portrays the absurdity of Palm Sunday: just think, the Messiah, the King of Israel entered Jerusalem with no throne or army at his side, but on a donkey. This animal, a downtrodden beast, has hosted the majesty of the Christ.

There’s a wider point not just about Easter but human life as a whole: we’re invited to see in the lowly and unimpressive, glimpses of glory and dignity. All humanity is graced to be made in the image of God, all humanity is wonderfully made.

In a society still so locked into superficial judgements, there is a timely warning in the events of Palm Sunday. It’s God – not human judgements – who gives creatures their glorious dignity, our God often turns things upside down.

Readings for today

At the Procession with Palms – Gospel. Luke 19:28-40. Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. …

Isaiah 50:4-7. The Lord GOD has given me. …

Philippians 2:6-11.

The Intercessions

(Intercessions are taken from – Passiontide and Holy Week – Common Worship Seasonal Material)

Let us pray to the Father, who loved the world so much that he sent his only Son to give us life. Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the cross for your Son. Give us grace to lift heavy loads from those we meet and to stand with those condemned to die.