Sunday Worship

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Holy Communion Service – Sunday 23rd February

Today’s Collect Prayer

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.

Today is the Second Sunday before Lent – (See our last Sunday worship post) It was lovely to see everyone turn out on what was another cold, grey February morning – Signs of Spring coming though and still the cheerful greeting of the snowdrops by the gate.

Snowdrops is a watercolour pen drawing by Maxine Dodd artist. The image shows simple outlines of the snowdrop flowers against the white background of the paper. Flowers are shaded lightly in pale blue wash and the leaves in warm apple green
‘Snowdrops’ by Maxine Dodd

Themes and thoughts

The first reading came from the first book of the Bible – Genesis, Chapter 2: 7, which tells of the creation of man and how he planted a garden in the east

“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being”

“Every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.

Breathe on me

Following this reading, we sang ‘Breathe on Me, Breath of God’ with words by Edwin Hatch, which tell’s of God’s breath of new life, after repentance and redemption.

‘Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

The second reading came from Luke’s Gospel and spoke of the women who formed part of Jesus’s group of supporters – the twelve disciples and these women, who used their own money to fund Jesus’s mission.

Luke, Chapter 8 ‘Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag′dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Jo-an′na, the wife of Chu′za, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Thoughts and reflections on the importance of these women and women’s ministry – How Jesus included women in his work throughout his life – and how sad that the church has excluded them over time. Women’s contribution is essential and vital – yet time after time, culture after culture, they are demeaned and oppressed.

Prayers

The intercessions were said and we prayed for women and girls – those who live with oppression and are silenced, denied education and even simple fun that other children enjoy. We prayed for our world leaders and the momentous week of talks and meetings in the week to come.

St Peter's Church High Altar Window which shows the Deposition of Christ from the Cross and the women who tended him, including Mary, his Mother and Mary Magdalene
St Peter’s High Altar Window, which shows the Deposition of Christ and the women who tended him, including Mary, his mother and Mary Magdalene

Coffee and warm up afterwards

We followed the service with a good cup of hot coffee and tea – with warming ginger biscuits and a chat and catch up on the weekend’s rugby and football. Thanks to our service team for a warm and thought provoking service.

Lent 2025

Ash Wednesday – 5th March and this year’s Lent course which begins on 11th March were announced and details will be published here shortly.

Donations

Donations can be made to St Peter’s at any time from the secure payment site here. Donations go towards maintenance of the building, day to day service bills and supports our work in our small community. Donations can be made as one-offs or regular payments.

We thank you for your kind and continued support.

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