Sunday Letter
Parishes of Padstow,
St. Merryn, & St Issey
Collect and Reflection for
Sunday March 14th 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent (Mothering Sunday)
Collect
God of compassion,
whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,
shared the life of a home in Nazareth,
and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living
that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal;
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
Lectionary Readings
First Reading Exodus 2:1–10
Gospel St. Luke 2: 33-35
I am the Resurrection and the Life
Read John 11.17-27
In this well-known passage
we see Jesus’ good friend has
died and amidst the pain and confusion there is hope. Hope is the overriding theme of Lent and Easter, it is when hope is realised!
Hope is found in nothing else but Jesus. He offers this hope; it is for us to believe and receive this resurrection life. Then life really begins!
Jesus makes this bold statement: ‘I am the resurrection and the life’. He then makes a clear invitation that all who believe can receive this life. A life that goes beyond our understanding of the here and now, a life that is eternal, a life that includes relationship with our creator, our king, our God.
This hope is summarised in Edward Mote’s well known hymn:
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
In ev’ry rough and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the vale.
When all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay.
When he shall come with trumpet sound,
oh, may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote (1797-1874)
This Mothering Sunday we are reminded of all those who we want to connect to, and we hope to see them soon. It is also a reminder that one of the purposes of the church is to gather people together to meet and celebrate the source of hope. Hope is a central theme of the Bible as well as the Cross. Jesus gave it all so we can have real and eternal hope. He invites us to ‘wholly lean of Jesus’ name’ and stand on the ‘solid rock’.
PRAYER
“Almighty God, through the death of your Son you have destroyed sin and death.
Through his resurrection you have restored innocence and eternal life.
We who are delivered from the power of the devil may live in your kingdom.
Give us grace that we may believe this with our whole heart.
Enable us, always, to steadfastly praise and thank you in this faith,
through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Do join us as we go on this journey through Lent together; a time of ensuring he is King and leading us.
We have a weekly Tuesday evening Lent reflection led by Ian (7pm), please join in.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Ian
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:
‘What’s on’ page and then select service
Facebook page for Sunday Worship
Parishes of Padstow, St Merryn St Issey
Zoom events this week:
Tuesday Lent Reflections 7.00pm
Wednesday Morning Prayer 9.00am
Wednesday 3rdMarch 6.30pm Taize Service
Links for Zoom events and links to the Benefice Facebook page and YouTube channel are all in the weekly email.
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.
