The Parish of Burchetts Green

Three churches one Parish

St Mary the Virgin, Hurley
St John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green
St James the Less, Stubbings

Seeking to know Jesus, to share his love and

make him known in word and action.

Details of all our services here>>

News and Greetings from the Revd John Ainslie.

9th Sunday after Trinity

A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.

This week we send our Love and Very Best Wishes to Keith and Pam as they prepare to move house on Wednesday 12th August. I have not known Keith for long, and Pam even less so, but I am personally very grateful to Keith for all his assistance to me coming new to this Parish. But I know  that you, the residents and friends of this Parish, have much to thank Keith and Pam for over many years, as you have enjoyed their love and friendship and benefitted from their work among you. Keith and Pam - we trust that everything goes well with the move and we wish you the very best for the future as you begin the next phase of your life together. God Bless you both.

Keith has asked me to let you have their new address: 4, Fullers Close, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1LU.

In our Churches This Sunday:

Sunday 9th  August:

Stubbings - 08.00am BCP Holy Communion

Hurley - 10.30am CW Eucharist

Littlewick Green - Church open for private prayer 11am-4pm

If you are able to join us for Sunday worship you would be most welcome.  The Government has amended its advice and it is now mandatory for most people attending worship to wear a face covering. However, in line with shops and public transport, there are circumstances where people are not expected to wear face coverings, including children under the age of 11 and those for whom it would cause physical or mental difficulty or distress. We are asked to be respectful of each other and mindful that the reasons why someone is not wearing a face covering may not be apparent to others.

We have worked hard to ensure everyone is as safe as possible in our churches in these strange Covid-19 times, especially through social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser stations in our church buildings. Can I remind you that you should not come to church if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or live with someone who does, or you have been asked to isolate by NHS Track and Trace.

Private Prayer this week:

Our churches will be open for private prayer this week at the following times:

St John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green: 11am to 4pm Thurs-Sat

St Mary the Virgin, Hurley: 8am to 10am Thurs-Frid

Next Sunday 16th August there will be a Eucharist at Littlewick Green at 9.15am, a service of God in Quiet at Hurley at 10.30am, and BCP Holy Communion at Stubbings at 11am.

Last Thursday saw two contrasting commemorations. 6th August sees the Church celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, when we recall Jesus being transfigured in glory on the mountain before his closest disciples, Peter, James and John, and the voice of his Father from heaven saying "This is my Son, listen to him" - something which the Church has tried to do as faithfully as it can for 2,000 years as we learn how to live out Jesus' teaching of love and service.

6th August is also remembered as the date of the dropping of the first atomic bomb, on Hiroshima, resulting in the death of some 100,000 people on the day itself and in the first few weeks afterwards. Contrast the glory of Jesus, true God and true man, revealed on a mountain top, with the 'glory' of humankind revealed in a mushroom cloud. And so we pray that the hearts of those bent on power, repression and violence would be turned towards love, peace and justice, and that children the world over would grow up in a world where they can live in peace and live lives of joy and happiness.

The Disasters Emergency Committee Covid-19 Appeal to provide the basic necessities and healthcare supplies needed to protect the poorest of the poor, including those living in crowded refugee and displacement camps in Syria and Yemen, is still open at www.dec.org.uk

Nearer to home, please keep up your support for Maidenhead Foodshare as they support individuals and families in need with food and other essentials.

For our prayers: For peace between nations, peace between peoples and races, peace within our communities, and peace within our families. For those working to resolve conflict and ease tension between and within countries. For our armed forces as they seek to promote peace with justice around the world. For those affected by the explosion in Beirut, and for the future of Lebanon. For those of our own community in any kind of need, especially those suffering from financial insecurity or in fear for their livelihood. For those who are ill at home, in care homes or in hospital. For those who mourn the loss of a loved one at this time. For those who have died, especially those known to us personally.

O Almighty God, the Father of all peoples,

we pray thee to turn to thyself the hearts of all peoples and their rulers,

that by the power of thy Holy Spirit peace may be established among the nations

on the foundation of justice, righteousness, and truth;

through him who was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to himself,

even thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The streamed Oxford Diocese Sunday services are taking a break in August. Other internet services are available in a variety of styles; for instance if you prefer a relaxed but traditional style of service, I can recommend the Sunday Eucharist from Canterbury Cathedral https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/#onlineservices (where you will also find interesting and engaging Morning and Evening Prayer each day, sometimes with a starring role for the Deanery cats and hens); closer to home, All Saints Marlow offer both traditional and contemporary Sunday worship at https://4u-team.org/digitalchurch/

The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on this website and there is also a link to sign-up to receive this weekly email Newsletter, for anyone you know who might like to receive it regularly.

The Parish Office remains closed to visitors, but phone messages, emails and post are being collected and dealt with so do please continue to contact the Office in those ways.  I am available as usual Sunday-Wednesday on 01628 629827 and revjohnainslie@gmail.com.

Keep safe, be gentle on yourself, and remember that with God by your side you need never be alone.

With love and prayers,

Fr John Ainslie

Download: Reflection for 9th Sunday after Trinity – 9th August 2020  

An important word from Tom, our Church Treasurer:

Even though we are unable to use our churches we still have bills to pay and the present lockdown is creating a major financial burden for the church and for us. Income from the hiring of our halls and church buildings; weddings and other special services; social events and fundraisers; and the collection plate at normal church services; are all well down (or zero)  this year for obvious reasons.

If you would like to continue to support us financially, even though you cannot use the collection plate there are several ways that you can give:

• To give regularly, telephone the Parish Giving scheme at on 0333 002 1271. Tell them how much you want to give, how often  and that you want to give to Burchetts Green Parish and they will arrange it for you or go online to them at  https://www.parishgivingscheme.org.uk/

• For one off donations either simply post a cheque to the Parish Office or put it through the Soltau Centre door.

 Or:

• For those with smart phones you can scan the QR code below:

Or simply text 70085 and enter  PRAISEGOD and the amount you want to give.

(e.g. PRAISEGOD 10 for a £10 donation (£20 maximum)).

Updated 24/07/2020

Re-opening of churches for worship

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