Welcome to the parish online Prayer...May 10, 2020  · of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

Prayer

with the Anglican Communion we pray for the province of Kenya; for Archbishop Justin; for Bishops Tim, David and Debbie; for the Anglican Communion worldwide as it responds to the challenges of Covid-19

our mission giving: £1,000 for Churches Together in Winchester’s nominated charities to help refugees: Médecins sans Frontières, Firefly International, Aid to the Church in Need and a British Red Cross project, ‘Hampshire Young Refugees Together’

as we commemorate VE Day, a pledge to serve all people in the cause of peace those affected by Covid-19 worldwide; the safety of medical and support staff in

our hospitals, nursing and care homes; availability of appropriate PPE research scientists developing and trialling vaccines wisdom for countries starting to ease lockdown measures international efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in war zones and refugee

camps people who need to be shielded in isolation at home; all who care for them those whose work cannot continue during the pandemic; all who worry about

providing for their loved ones Christian Aid Week in these exceptional times when churches are closed and

door-to-door collection impossible; praying for a generous response to provide clean water for those who have none

the unwell: Johnny Burt, baby Emily, Bob Harland, Phillippa Lerclercq, Chris Peck, Tony Silcox, Patricia Watts and David Wilson

the long-term unwell: Caroline Behan, William Buncombe, Vera Edwards, Julia Jones, Kate Morgan, Jane Seal, Brett Tribe and Vera Willnecker

those who have died recently, including Daisy Daniels, Louisa (young child), Tom Lynch (Barney’s father), Eileen Read, Ruth Smith (Alan Chandler’s sister) and Philip Surrage; all living with the pain of untimely death; God’s comfort for all who remember loved ones

Welcome to the parish online

10 May 2020

The fifth Sunday of Easter; [BCP] the fourth Sunday after Easter

Please feel free to send prayer requests to [email protected] or contact Peter Seal on 854849

Peter Seal writes: Thank you for using this online resource while our churches are closed. We hope this service will help you feel connected to other people and also help you to worship God from wherever you are. Though many of us are having to self-isolate, we are joined together in love and prayer – we may be apart but we’re never alone. If you need help in any way, do please be in contact with any of us.

‘Virtual’ service for 10 May

9.30 am

Introduction

Opening hymn

The Gathering

The Greeting

Prayer of preparation

Parish Eucharist

Welcome to the rectory garden as together we celebrate this Sunday. It’s a real joy to be able to be with you in this way. It’s been so encouraging to hear how valued these recorded services are. If you have two electronic devices you may want to watch and listen on one, and be able to follow the Order of Service incorporated within the welcome sheet on the other.

This Easter season reaches right though until nearly the end of May. We celebrate the new life that Jesus’ resurrection gives us. ‘Christ is risen!’ means that ‘We are risen!’

It’s this great truth that we explore anew this year, especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of penitence

Gloria

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil, and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.

Let us confess our sins.

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

Almighty God who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect

Liturgy of the word

Gradual hymn

Gospel reading

We have beheld your glory, O God, in the face of Jesus Christ your Son. Enliven our faith, that through Christ we may put our trust in you. Deepen our faith, that in Christ we may serve you. Complete our faith, that one day we may live with you in that place which Christ prepares for us, where he lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Reader: Mary Copping

Acts 7: 55–60 [p. 179] But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look’, he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’. Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’. When he had said this, he died.

For God’s holy word, thanks be to God.

Loving shepherd of thy sheep

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the first and the last, says the Lord, and the living one; I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.

(Revelation 1: 17, 18)

Sermon

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

John 14: 1–14 [p. 180] ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’

Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied’. Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.’

This is the gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Revd Mary Copping

Prayers

Nicene Creed

Intercessor: Katie Seal

Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and thank God for his goodness.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

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

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Liturgy of the sacrament

Offertory hymn

Eucharistic Prayer

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you’. Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.

(John 20: 19, 20)

The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

Angel-voices ever singing round thy throne of light

Blessed be God, by whose grace creation is renewed, by whose love heaven is opened, by whose mercy we offer our sacrifice of praise. Blessed be God for ever.

The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise, almighty God and eternal Father, and in these days of Easter to celebrate with joyful hearts the memory of your wonderful works. For by the mystery of his passion Jesus Christ, your risen Son, has conquered the powers of death and hell and restored in men and women the image of your glory. He has placed them once more in paradise and opened to them the gate of life eternal. And so, in the joy of this Passover, earth and heaven resound with gladness, while angels and archangels and the powers of all creation sing forever the hymn of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Accept our praises, heavenly Father, through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and as we follow his example and obey his command, grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these gifts of bread and wine may be to us his body and his blood;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Therefore, heavenly Father, we remember his offering of himself made once for all upon the cross; we proclaim his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; we look for the coming of your kingdom, and with this bread and this cup we make the memorial of Christ your Son our Lord.

Jesus Christ is Lord. Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Saviour of the world.

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Agnus Dei

Accept through him, our great high priest, this our sacrifice of thanks and praise, and as we eat and drink these holy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty, renew us by your Spirit, inspire us with your love and unite us in the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, we worship you, Father almighty, in songs of everlasting praise. Blessing and honour and glory and power Be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

Jesus says, I am the bread of life; whoever eats this bread will live for ever. Lord, our hearts hunger for you; give us this bread always.

Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us your peace.

Giving of Communion

Post-Communion prayers

Hymn

Blessing and Dismissal

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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. Amen.

Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.

God is love: let heaven adore him

God, who through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us the victory, give you joy and peace in your faith; 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 the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Readings next Sunday, 17 May

The sixth Sunday of Easter; [BCP] the fifth Sunday after Easter

BCP

9.30 am

9.30 am

p. 142

Parish Eucharist Readings: Acts 17: 22–31; John 14: 15–21 [p. 181]

Children’s service

Good global neighbours Christian Aid Week has always been about how we can be good global neighbours. Asking ourselves how we can extend the love that never fails to our neighbours near and far has never been more important than it is this year.

At some point, too, we need to face up to the honest questions that the response to coronavirus prompts us to ask – such as how we can reimagine and recreate a world where no one dies of preventable diseases that we already have vaccinations for and medicines to treat. Why are there still more than 7,500 children under five dying every day from such diseases?

From Christian Aid Week resources

A prayer of thanksgiving and intercession from Christian Aid

For the health workers tending the seriously ill for the scientists working on a vaccination

for the researchers analysing data and identifying trends for the media outlets working to communicate reality

for the supermarket workers, hygiene and sanitation providers for the good news stories of recoveries and effective planning for the singing from balconies by locked-down communities

for the recognition that isolation doesn’t need to mean loneliness for the notes through letterboxes offering help and support

for the internet and telephones and technology that connects for the awakened appreciation of what is truly important

thanks be to God.

For those who are unwell and concerned for loved ones for those who were already very anxious

for those immune-suppressed or compromised for those vulnerable because of underlying conditions

for those in the ‘most at risk to coronavirus’ categories for those watching their entire income stream dry up for those who have no choice but to go out to work

for those who are afraid to be at home for those who are more lonely than they’ve ever been

for those who are bereaved and grieving. God be their healer, comfort and protection,

be their strength, shield and provision, be their security, safety and close companion.

And raise up your Church

to be your well-washed hands and faithful feet to be present to the pain

to respond with love in action if even from a safe distance.

God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Notices

The renewed St Paul’s Our vastly improved facilities offer a great opportunity for both church and community events. A small group are working on how best to promote, administer and manage what we will have. We’re looking for advice and input from anyone who has experience in Events Management; please contact Peter Seal, [email protected], 854849, or Ursula Payne, [email protected].

Join in from home! With all UK churches closed to protect public health, and door-to-door collection impossible, let’s try to help Christian Aid as much as we can. You can make a telephone donation at 020 7523 2269 or give online at caweek.org. As a community we can pray, and on the Christian Aid website we can join a live-streamed Christian

Aid Week service with Dr Rowan Williams today at 1 pm. From Mon 11 to Sat 16 May, live daily reflections from staff and partners overseas will be streamed at 11 am.

Contributions for May magazine We would welcome articles, reflections, prayers, book reviews, etc. for the next parish magazine. Also photos and drawings to share our ongoing community life while we’re staying at home: horizontal format, please, and ‘actual size’ or ‘large’ from a mobile phone. Please send contributions to [email protected] by Thurs 14 May. (Final editorial choice rests with Peter Seal, and we reserve the right to edit material.)

Rectory drop-off point for gifts When out on your daily exercise, please leave them in the yellow box by the garage at the rectory (44 Cheriton Road).

Prison: Cliff McClelland, chaplain at Winchester Prison, has asked if people might like to supply packs of colouring pencils and packs of matchsticks and lolly sticks for use by prisoners.

Basics Bank: tinned potatoes, packets of mashed potatoes, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, pasta sauces, curry sauces, rice (in bags or microwaveable pouches), marmite, peanut butter, jam, honey, tinned pasta (e.g. spaghetti, ravioli), Fray Bentos (or similar style) pies, custard, rice pudding.

Archbishop’s free phone line for worship The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has set up Daily Hope, a national phone line available 24 hours a day. It offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services by telephone. Callers hear a special greeting from the Archbishop before being able to choose from a range of options, including hymns, prayers, reflections and advice on Covid-19. The number is 0800 804 8044.

Crowdfunding for Olive Branch counselling The Olive Branch has been offering affordable, professional counselling to the people of Winchester and surrounding areas since 1997, including long-term therapy. Due to the pandemic, the service is more in demand than ever, and counselling has also had to change its practices overnight. It is seeking to raise a minimum of £10,000 immediately to meet the most pressing needs – training volunteer counsellors and increasing the number of online and telephone sessions for those experiencing mental crisis. Please help.

Hampshire’s care support and dementia advice, providing information and help to carers and people with dementia and memory problems. Contact us if you have any concerns: 01264 332297 (option 3), [email protected].

Trinity Winchester emergency appeal You’re invited to help Trinity keep homeless people safe by donating.

Nightshelter – a much-needed home To help the Nightshelter support residents through to more stable times, including providing food, counselling and emotional support, please donate.

Eco Church

Car charging points In line with the parish’s Eco Church commitment, we’re just starting to explore whether we may usefully be able to offer a small amount of administered electric car charging at medium speed for worshippers, users and visitors to the St Paul’s site. We’re looking for someone to take the lead; if that might be you, please contact Peter Seal, [email protected].

How climate-friendly is your home? WinACC’s Bob Whitmarsh has been sharing ‘15-minute checks’ to help us find out. In Winchester, homes are a major source of the carbon emissions that contribute to the climate crisis, so while many of us are confined to base we can try to make them as energy efficient as possible. The checks should also save money on bills. If you have comments or questions about these blogs, do email [email protected].

Climate Justice webinars Join Christian Aid online to hear voices from the forefront of the climate crisis and to pray, reflect and plan action together for climate justice. The next one is on Wed 27 May, 10.30 am–noon.

Christian Climate Action If you haven’t yet made a donation to the Lent Appeal, the Beyond Ourselves Action Group invites you to make a cheque out to Christian Climate Action, give directly at https://christianclimateaction.org/donate/ or send in cash from your Lent box for us to forward to them.

Building for Life update

Glenn Obstancias, our expert site manager, is responsible for implementing the

government’s Covid-19 regulations for safe working, which includes taking the temperature of everybody as they come onto site – on Wednesday this enabled seven people to work safely at the same time in different areas of church

challenges: specialist workers are very much in demand, and their input is being prioritised; we’re currently being held up on the electrical upgrade and glazing alterations

this week work has progressed well on the oak panelling to the outer walls of the new office and kitchen

steel work is planned for the balcony staircase, kitchen hatch doors, dais ramp and gallery meeting room, starting from Monday

plans for a new, more efficient boiler situated in the vestry loft are being finalised; this will free up the existing room as much-needed storage space

All photos courtesy Glenn Obstancias

Oak panelling, with new office to the left and new community kitchen on the right

Heating pipework under the side aisles, with two layers of lagging

Heating pipes going up to the gallery

Eastertide Compline

A number of us have adopted the habit of saying Compline each night at 9 pm (see https://www.facebook.com/groups/652796952212998/about/). Please join in from your own home. What follows is Night Prayer in Eastertide from Common Worship.

The ancient office of Compline derives its name from the Latin word completorium, meaning ‘completion’. It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day.

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Most merciful God, we confess to you,

before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed

and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins,

heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Alleluia.

Psalm 104: 1, 21–33 Bless the Lord, O my soul.

O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty.

The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.

When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work

and to their labour until the evening.

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there,

living things both small and great. There go the ships,

and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.

These all look to you to give them their food in due season;

when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die

and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the ground.

May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; may the Lord rejoice in his works –

who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 22: 4, 5 The servants of the Lamb shall see the face of God,

whose name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night:

they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,

for God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Alleluia, alleluia. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Alleluia, alleluia.

For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. Alleluia, alleluia.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Alleluia, alleluia.

Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

Alleluia. The Lord is risen, alleluia, as he promised to you. Alleluia, alleluia.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

Alleluia. The Lord is risen, alleluia, as he promised to you. Alleluia, alleluia.

A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Almighty God, by triumphing over the powers of darkness

Christ has prepared a place for us in the new Jerusalem: may we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection,

praise him in the eternal city of which he is the light;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In peace we will lie down and sleep; for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night watch looks for the morning, so do we look for you, O Christ.

Come with the dawning of the day and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.

May the risen Lord Jesus bless us. May he watch over us and renew us as he renews the whole of creation.

May our hearts and lives echo his love. Amen.

Common Worship: Daily Prayer, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2005

and published by Church House Publishing

Contact us

Canon Peter Seal, Rector 854849 (h) 844878 (office) M, Tu, W, Th, [email protected]

Revd Mary Copping, Children/Youth Co-ordinator & Assistant Priest 07921 886016 M, Tu, W, F, [email protected]

Revd Liz Stuart, Curate [email protected]

Katy Palacio, Parish Administrator 844878 M, W, F, [email protected]

Ursula Payne, Rector’s Assistant & Building for Life Administrator 844878 M, Tu, Th, [email protected] (please send me any notices)

Parish Office (generally open M, W, F, 9.30–3), St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Hill, Winchester SO22 5AB, 844878, www.stmatthewstpaul.org

Please make cheques payable to St Matthew’s PCC – all gifts gratefully received

Some material included in the service is copyright. © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. © The Archbishops’ Council 2000. © Central Board of Finance of the Church of England. Baptism of Christ © Oxford University Press, The Book of Common Worship in the Church of South India.

In line with government advice, all parish meetings are cancelled until further notice. Church staff are working from home whenever possible, and can be reliably contacted by email.