Sunday Letter
Benefice of Padstow & Trevone,
St. Merryn, & St Issey with Little Petherick
During this extraordinary time, we thought our congregations might appreciate an emailed letter with the prayers and readings for the Sunday and a short devotional piece, as a way of keeping us together and sharing any thoughts we may have.
Sunday January 24th 2021
The Third Sunday of Epiphany
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
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
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading Genesis 14: 17-20
Around 2000 BC, Melchizedek the High Priest uses bread and wine to bless Abram and celebrate his victories.
Second Reading Revelation 19:6-10
A vision of heaven as a great feast, the wedding supper of Jesus. His bride, the Church, is given fine linen to wear, and all those invited to the party are blessed by God.
Gospel St. John 2:1-11
Jesus is concerned with every aspect of our lives, nothing is too insignificant for him. When the wine runs out at a local wedding, he saves the day by changing water into wine.
Reflection – ‘Quite A Party’ written by the Revd Ken Taylor.
He loved parties and company and delighted in this simple village wedding, always glad to share in others’ happiness.
He was himself great fun to be with; not yet a man of sorrows, he was a man of joy – and there was so much laughter in the early days.
Cana was not far from Nazareth, and Mary may have shared the preparations, her concern reflecting some responsibility.
In need she turns to him (as she has for some years now); and his gentle rebuke reveals the strong love between them. She submits to him and trusts him: ‘Do whatever I tell you’.
With 180 gallons of wine, far more than they needed, it must have been some party!
That’s the nearest clue that there’s more to this story than meets the eye – a deeper level.
In John’s wonderful book there are always deeper meanings: ‘On the third day’ is a hint:
Look for links with the resurrection and the new life Jesus brings.
It’s a wedding – a new beginning in a new relationship, and points to ‘the heavenly banquet which he has prepared for all’, the great marriage feast of the Lamb, with Christ the Bridegroom and the Church his Bride, at one with him and under his authority.
Six is less than seven – and so imperfect – and to make sure you get the point, six jars are identified with Jewish Law and symbolise a religion that’s imperfect, even for those brimful of it. It is superseded by the new, now the Perfector has come.
Water is transformed by his presence, as is all life; a better religion and a better life, and new and richer quality of life, as different as water is to wine.
The sign of glory linking human and divine is the transformation Jesus brings, and the humility that shares with ordinary folk.
He saves the best till last – the further you follow him the better it gets; and as the years pass by this is the hope I treasure; He saves the best till last.
Post Communion Prayer
Almighty Father,
whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
is the light of the world:
may your people,
illumined by your word and sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
for he is alive and reigns,
now and for ever. Amen
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYER
Workers in health and social care and emergency services, local GPs, all keyworkers.
Our Benefice with all its communities
Our new Rector – Revd Ian Gulland and his family Schools – teachers, children and parents
Those losing jobs, or facing financial difficulty
Those with mental health problems
Church – worldwide, Diocese and Benefice
World – peace, equality and justice for all
– those affected by Coronavirus
Suffering – all who are sick, anxious, lonely
– refugees and all who are homeless
Radio 4 8.10am Sunday Worship
Online video services:
(Video Recordings page)
www.kerdh.co.uk for readings, prayers & reflections.
Facebook pages:
United Benefice of Padstow, St Merryn St Issey
St Columb Minor & St. Colan Parish Churches
Facebook Newquay Online Church
https://www.facebook.com/groups/690831511862960/
United Benefice of West Kerrier
Wednesday Morning Prayer 9.00am by Zoom
Sunday Service of the Word 10.00am by Zoom Sunday 24th Teatime Service 4.00pm by Zoom
Email Revd Fiona for link giorlaf@outlook.com
PRAYERS FOR THIS TIME
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us
from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray to Almighty God,
who alone makes us dwell in safety.
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For those who are guiding our nation at this time, and shaping national policies that they may make wise decisions, and that all people will be considerate of others …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For a blessing on our homes and families, and our local communities, that all who need help will be known and cared for …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We commend ourselves,
and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
