The Parish of Burchetts Green
The Parish of Burchetts Green
Advent Sunday
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, the traditional time of prayer and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. The word ‘Advent’ speaks of an arrival – the arrival of Jesus. So Advent combines themes of looking forward to his arrival as God-made-man at Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, and looking forward to his arrival at the end of time to inaugurate his new and everlasting kingdom of peace, love and joy. Both these themes occur in our weekly readings through Advent, and this week’s Gospel reading (attached) speaks in dramatic language of the end of all things. Can we really ‘look forward’ to the end of all things? Well, yes we can, because the end of this life will mark the beginning of life in a new way. And this life, with all its trials and tribulations and restrictions, makes fullest sense in the light of that future hope. In the oft-used analogy, think of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly – a new life completely unimaginable to what has gone before.
This Sunday, and the coming week, our churches are open for private prayer as follows:
St James-the-less Stubbings: Sunday 29th November 2pm – 3.30pm, with quiet music
St John’s Littlewick Green: Sunday 29th November 11am – 4pm
Thursday to Saturday 11am – 4pm
St Mary’s Hurley: Every day 8am – 3.30pm
Sunday services for 6th December:
We look forward to our churches being open once again for Sunday worship on 6th December, and there will be worship in all of our churches on that day:
St James-the-less Stubbings: 6pm Choral Evensong for Advent
St John’s Littlewick Green: 9.15am Family Eucharist
St Mary’s Hurley:10.30am ‘God through Music’
Although the full guidance has not yet been published for how we will be able to celebrate Christmas in church, we are making plans as best we can and I will let you know as soon as I can what we will be offering. Meanwhile, we give thanks for the wonderful work being done in extraordinarily quick time to develop and roll-out vaccines that, God willing, will enable us once again to meet and socialise fully as families, as villages and communities, and as a Church. There is much still to be done, and we continue to pray for scientists and political leaders in this country and overseas.
We have received a news update from Mark and Rosalie Balfour, who have just begun a break in the UK to be with family and friends – a much needed break after a very long time continuously in Guatemala. The difficulty of dealing with Covid in a country with massive inequality and poverty are now compounded by the effects of hurricanes Eta and Iota which have affected 2 million people, displacing them (adding to Covid-risk), leaving them homeless, and ruining the possibility of harvest.
Mark and Rosalie conclude: Thank you so much for all your prayers – we know these are some big things to pray about – so maybe simply ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what particularly to focus on. It might just be one thing that stirs your heart and you focus on that. And, as ever, it’s good to pray for us and for yourselves that we keep our eyes on Jesus - whatever is happening in this world right now, He is Lord and He has the final word over everything.
For our prayers:
For our local and national politicians, and their scientific advisers; for success in the development and roll-out of vaccines against Covid; for our NHS, social care workers and care homes, that they would be adequately resourced and well managed, and that care is delivered with skill and compassion.
For families and friends making decisions about how to celebrate Christmas, balancing the safety of loved ones with the human need for meeting together with care and compassion.
For those facing uncertainty over job security, finances or relationships in these difficult times; for those trying to maintain businesses and look after their employees.
For those suffering overseas in places with poor healthcare provision and lack of resources, including Guatemala and Honduras. For Mark and Rosalie that they may obtain refreshment and renewed strength from their time in England.
We pray for the work of Maidenhead Foodshare and other local organisations that help the vulnerable and homeless, and for those who need their help. We pray for those of our own community who are ill, anxious, or otherwise in need, praying by name for Jacqueline Telfer who is unwell at this time.
We pray for the recently departed, including by name Helen Mosselmans whose funeral will take place this Friday, and for all who mourn the loss of a loved one at this time.
God of compassion,
be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with you in glory,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Implications of Lockdown. This is a difficult time for many people, especially those living by themselves, those in isolation, and those anxious about friends and loved ones. If there is ANYTHING we as the Church community can do to help, or if you would like to be included in my own personal prayers day by day, do not hesitate to let us know and we will do whatever we can. I can be contacted on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 (do leave a message on the confidential answering machine if I don’t answer).
The Parish office is currently closed to visitors, but open for contact by telephone and email - Gilly will be picking up and responding to telephone messages and emails. Note that we have a new email address for the Parish Office: office@burchettsgreenparish.org I remain available on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 Sunday to Wednesday, and other times for urgent matters.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on the Parish Website (www.burchettsgreenparish.org), 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 Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist can be found at its usual 10am Sunday slot on https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/ I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
Feast of Christ the King
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
This Sunday, the last Sunday in the Church Year, is celebrated appropriately as the Feast Day of Christ the King - a suitable climax of the whole year which began in Advent 2019 as we looked forward to Christ’s birth at Bethlehem. What great things came from that seemingly insignificant birth in a stable.
I hope you are keeping well in these strange times. It certainly feels as if what we thought in the Spring might be a short sprint, or at worst a comfortable middle-distance race, has turned into a marathon stretching out for months rather than weeks. But the good news of recent days about coronavirus vaccines at least helps us to know that there will be a finishing line, even if we can’t quite see it yet. We must be thankful to, and pray for, those working so hard in our medical and scientific services.
Meanwhile, a little light relief for me has been Professional Masterchef on TV – not that I hope to emulate their abilities, but I enjoy being amazed at the fantastic creativity and the way in which the contestants develop new skills and ideas as they travel through the competition. I guess that mirrors something of our own journey through life – exploring new creativity, developing new skills, borrowing ideas from one another, and gaining from the experiences that we have along the way.
Our readings this week (attached) tell of God’s desire that we should live happy, fulfilled lives – pictured by the prophet Ezekiel as like a flock of sheep feeding on rich pasture alongside streams of clear water, and lying down in safety. But the readings also remind us that we need to play our part in helping to make this happen for all people, as we live lives of generous love towards others, not exerting our own self-will to the detriment of others. Always being mindful of those on the margins, those who are struggling, those who feel like ‘lost sheep’ at this particular time of their lives.
And so we do, as individuals and as communities. By being good neighbours; by watching out for each other; by supporting community initiatives, including Maidenhead Foodshare and those who work to care for the homeless. And by praying for God’s guidance and his care for those in need.
We are not allowed to hold services in our churches for the time being, but our Churches are open for private prayer throughout November as follows:
St James-the-less Stubbings: Sunday 2pm – 3.30pm
St John’s Littlewick Green: Thursday to Sunday 11am – 4pm
St Mary’s Hurley: Every day (incl Sunday) 8am – 3.30pm
Implications of Lockdown. November is likely to be a difficult time for many people, especially those living by themselves, those in isolation, and those anxious about friends and loved ones. If there is ANYTHING we as the Church community can do to help, or if you would like to be included in my own personal prayers day by day, do not hesitate to let us know and we will do whatever we can. I can be contacted on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 (do leave a message on the confidential answering machine if I don’t answer).
For our prayers:
The Church of England is urging everyone across England to pray daily at 6pm for the life of our community and Nation, and you may like to join in this. They suggest the following daily themes:
Sunday: Family, friends and loved ones
Monday: Schools, colleges, children and young people
Tuesday: The elderly, isolated and vulnerable
Wednesday: Businesses, workplaces and economic well-being
Thursday: The NHS and all key workers
Friday: National and local Government
Saturday: All who are grieving and all suffering with mental or physical ill-health
To these you might like to add regular prayers for those working to find and implement a cure for the virus, and those suffering overseas in places with poor healthcare provision and lack of resources.
We pray for the work of Maidenhead Foodshare and other local organisations that help the vulnerable and homeless, and for those who need their help. We pray for those of our own community who are ill, anxious, or otherwise in need, praying by name for Jacqueline Telfer who is unwell at this time.
For pray for the recently departed, and especially for Janet Houston whose funeral took place this week, and for their families and all who mourn their loss.
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
The Parish office is currently closed to visitors, but open for contact by telephone and email - Gilly will be picking up and responding to telephone messages and emails. Note that we have a new email address for the Parish Office: office@burchettsgreenparish.org I remain available on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 Sunday to Wednesday, and other times for urgent matters.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on the Home page of 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 Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist can be found at its usual 10am Sunday slot after the summer break, and can be found at https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/ I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday online services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
Second Sunday before Advent
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
I’m pleased to say that Remembrance Sunday was properly observed at all three of our churches by representatives of church and community, and we are grateful to Revd Dilys and Revd Tina who helped to make this possible. The wreaths at Stubbings are shown in the photo, including beautiful wreaths from Burchetts Green School, Claire’s Court and the Scouts. The Hurley ceremony is available to view via the parish website.
This Sunday is the Second Sunday before Advent, reminding us that by the time we emerge from the current lockdown restrictions we will be in the season of Advent, and the run-up to Christmas. Whatever Christmas might hold for us this year, and however we are able to celebrate it, Christmas will remain the important Christian festival that it always is.
The readings for this Sunday, which you can find in the attachment, fit very well with our time of uncertainty and difficulty this year. St Paul, writing to fellow Christians in the early years of the church after Jesus’ death and resurrection, reminds them of the uncertainty of life. We none of us know the number of our days; we don’t know when severe difficulties might come our way, and we certainly don’t know when our lives will come to an end. Best be prepared, Paul says – but it’s not something for us to be afraid of, he says, rather it’s the next stage on the great adventure of our life and relationship with God. In death, life is changed, not taken away: we have something positive to prepare for, not something fearful to try and hide from. At the end of our lives, we will be judged not so much on what we have done, but the love with which we did it; not the length of our days, but the opportunities we took to show kindness and compassion to others; not the successful people we knew, but those in need who we didn’t know and yet helped as best we could. Our life in this world, Paul says, is to be lived as a foretaste (perhaps a training run) of something even greater: A place of love and joy in relationship with one another and with God.
And if that sounds good to you, there’s no reason why you can’t begin living that way today, and every day! And as we do that, we are supported and strengthened by the love of God in our lives.
Our churches in Burchetts Green are alive and well, but as you know we can’t meet together for public worship until December at the earliest. Our church buildings are open for private prayer, and it is good to see just how many people have welcomed this and are taking the opportunity to spend a little time in quiet and prayer:
Our Churches will be open for private prayer throughout November, as follows:
St James-the-less Stubbings: Sunday 2pm – 3.30pm
St John’s Littlewick Green: Thursday to Sunday 11am – 4pm
St Mary’s Hurley: Every day (incl Sunday) 8am – 3.30pm
Implications of Lockdown. November is likely to be a difficult time for many people, especially those living by themselves, those in isolation, and those anxious about friends and loved ones. If there is ANYTHING we as the Church community can do to help, or if you would like to be included in my own personal prayers day by day, do not hesitate to let us know and we will do whatever we can. I can be contacted on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 (do leave a message on the confidential answering machine if I don’t answer).
The Parish office is currently closed to visitors, but open for contact by telephone and email - Gilly will be picking up and responding to telephone messages and emails. Note that we have a new email address for the Parish Office: office@burchettsgreenparish.org I remain available on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 Sunday to Wednesday, and other times for urgent matters.
For our prayers:
The Church of England is urging everyone across England to pray daily at 6pm for the life of our community and Nation, and you may like to join in this. They suggest the following daily themes:
Sunday:Family, friends and loved ones
Monday:Schools, colleges, children and young people
Tuesday:The elderly, isolated and vulnerable
Wednesday:Businesses, workplaces and economic well-being
Thursday:The NHS and all key workers
Friday:National and local Government
Saturday:All who are grieving and all suffering with mental or physical ill-health
To these you might like to add regular prayers for those working to find and implement a cure for the virus, and those suffering overseas in places with poor healthcare provision and lack of resources.
We pray for those of our own community who are ill, anxious, or otherwise in need, praying by name for Jacqueline Telfer who is unwell at this time.
For pray for the recently departed, and especially for Janet Houston whose funeral takes place in a few days’ time, and John Gower and John Norford whose funerals took place this last week; for their families and all who mourn their loss.
A prayer of St Augustine:
Watch thou, dear Lord,
with those who wake, or watch, or weep to-night,
and give thine angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend thy sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest thy weary ones. Bless thy dying ones.
Soothe thy suffering ones. Pity thine afflicted ones.
And all for thy love’s sake.
Amen.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on the Parish Website (www.burchettsgreenparish.org), 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 Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist can be found at its usual 10am Sunday slot on https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/ I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - 8th NOVEMBER
News and Greetings from the Revd John Ainslie.
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
Remembrance Sunday will be observed at all three of our churches with an Act of Remembrance on behalf of all of us, including the laying of wreaths by representatives of Church, Parish councils and other local organisations. Unfortunately, due to the tighter restrictions now in place, these events must take place without any public participation – but you will know they are happening, and you can join us from home in prayer if you wish, perhaps using the televised Act of Remembrance from Whitehall. All of our churches will be open for private prayer at some point during the day (see below).
Remembrance Sunday, continues the theme from last week of reflecting in gratitude and sadness on the lives and the gifts of those who have gone before us. But Remembrance Sunday has its own special poignancy as we remind ourselves again of those who died, often so very young, in order that we might live in peace and justice. We owe it to them, and to all those with whom we share this earth, to do our utmost to promote peace with justice and to fight against wrongdoing and oppression wherever we find it. In the Bible, mercy and justice frequently go together when we read of the character of God, and of how he wants us to live together. It is not peace at all costs, at least not peace in the secular sense of the word. It is actively working for justice and mercy, to protect the vulnerable, heal the sick, and bind up those who have been wounded by the trials and tribulations of life. And there is sacrifice enough for us in doing that.
Implications of Lockdown. November is likely to be a difficult time for many people, especially those living by themselves, those in isolation, and those anxious about friends and loved ones. If there is ANYTHING we as the Church community can do to help, or if you would like to be included in my own personal prayers day by day, do not hesitate to let us know and we will do whatever we can. I can be contacted on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 (do leave a message on the confidential answering machine if I don’t answer).
The onset of a further period of lockdown means that our Church life must change once again, at least for the time being – but it is change, we are not shutting down!! I know many of you used our church buildings for private prayer in the previous lockdown, enjoyed receiving this Newsletter and the Sunday Readings, joined in internet worship from Oxford Diocese, from Canterbury Cathedral or from elsewhere, and prayed daily at home for our local community and the needs of the wider world. All of that can, and I’m sure will, continue through this present lockdown.
There can be no public worship in church until December at the earliest, which means that all our Sunday worship – including the 11.15 Eucharist this Sunday which should have taken place at Hurley Church - is now cancelled.
All three of our Churches will be open for private prayer throughout November, as follows:
St James-the-less Stubbings: Sunday 2pm – 3.30pm
St John’s Littlewick Green: Thursday to Sunday 11am – 4pm
St Mary’s Hurley: Every day (incl Sunday) 8am – 3pm
These opening hours will run from this Sunday, 8th November. Full precautions are in place to ensure everyone is kept safe including the use of face coverings and hand sanitising on entry and exit.
Unfortunately the Parish office is now closed once again to visitors, but open for contact by telephone and email - Gilly will be picking up and responding to telephone messages and emails. Note that we have a new email address for the Parish Office: office@burchettsgreenparish.org
I remain available on revjohnainslie@gmail.com and 01628 629827 Sunday to Wednesday, and other times for urgent matters.
Sad News. We have heard this week of the death of Janet Houston, who many of you will know especially from Stubbings church. Janet died on Wednesday and a funeral service is being planned at Reading Crematorium for the close family. We remember her, and her family and friends, in our prayers.
A very Big Thank You to those who prepared and opened our three churches last Sunday for a time of All Souls remembrance – from beautiful rose decorations commemorating our loved ones in Littlewick Green, to gentle and quiet ‘sacred space’ for recollection in Stubbings, and a beautiful time of prayer in Hurley Church. I know I speak on behalf of very many people when I thank you for these opportunities for prayer, contemplation and remembrance.
For our prayers:
The Church of England is urging everyone across England to pray daily at 6pm for the life of our community and Nation, and you may like to join in this. They suggest the following daily themes:
Sunday:Family, friends and loved ones
Monday:Schools, colleges, children and young people
Tuesday:The elderly, isolated and vulnerable
Wednesday:Businesses, workplaces and economic well-being
Thursday:The NHS and all key workers
Friday:National and local Government
Saturday:All who are grieving and all suffering with mental or physical ill-health
We pray that the tide of the Covid-19 virus would be stemmed and turned back, that we would be released from this time of sadness and fear; that numbers of infections would decrease, and our social and economic life would recover.
In our local community, we pray for Maidenhead Foodshare, the Maidenhead Care good neighbour scheme, and all who are supporting the poor, homeless and vulnerable in our community.
For the recently departed, and especially for Janet Houston, John Gower and John Norford whose funerals will take place in coming days; for their families and all who mourn their loss.
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.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on the Home page of 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 Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist can be found at its usual 10am Sunday slot on https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/ I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
All Saints & All Souls
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, when we remember the holy men and women through the last 2,000 years who have played an especially visible part in the life and mission of the Church. Monday 2nd November is kept by the Church as All Souls day, when we remember all those departed this life in the faith of Christ, and especially our own loved ones. We are therefore providing opportunities to remember our departed loved ones in each of our three churches on Sunday.
We will be keeping the Feast of All Saints with a Eucharist at Littlewick Green at 9.15am. That service will end with an opportunity to also remember our own loved ones. Then, on Sunday afternoon, both Stubbings Church and Hurley Church will be open between 3pm and 5pm for you to use for quiet time, to remember your loved ones, and for personal prayer and reflection, with gentle background music and an opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer if you wish. Stay as little or as long as you wish. We offer this space for you to use as you wish.
Love truly is stronger than death.
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
The special Collect prayer for the Feast of All Saints contains within a few short lines a wealth of things to ponder:
God of holiness,
your glory is proclaimed in every age:
as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,
inspire us to follow their example
with boldness and joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The prayer begins by acknowledging that God is ‘the holy one’, the source of all goodness and mercy. Any holiness that we find lived out in the lives of the saints has its origin in God’s call to them and God’s guidance and gifts bestowed on them. Amazingly, the goodness and glory of God have been proclaimed ‘in every age’ – and we especially think at All Saints-tide of the whole company of saints, from the apostles and martyrs of the early Church, without whom the Christian message would have simply died out, and on to our own age. It has been said that there have been more Christian martyrs in the 20th Century than at any other period; but we also think of the advances in social reform, health provision, education and campaigns against injustice such as the abolition of slavery, which very often had had courageous and energetic Christians at the forefront, inspired by their faith in Christ; and we also think of caring pastors and lay people the world over who give of their time and energy in the service of God and neighbour.
And, as the Collect reminds us, we remember this wealth of goodness and holiness not just because we stand aside from it and give thanks to God for it; but because we find our inspiration there – we are inspired by the faith and holiness of this company of Saints to follow in their footsteps, and as we see and reflect on the effects of faith on their lives, so we know the potential for our faith in Christ to cause us to grow in holiness and in God’s service. And we live this new life in the grace of God, and ‘with boldness and with joy’.
You will find the Readings for All Saints here>>.
Next Sunday our Eucharist will be at Hurley Church starting at the special time of 11.15 due to Remembrance Sunday observances earlier in the day. Our church at Littlewick Green will be open for prayer and reflection from 11am to 4pm.
Remembrance Sunday Observance
As you will be aware, it is not possible to keep Remembrance Sunday this year in the usual way. The National ceremony in Whitehall is much reduced, as is our own Borough Civic ceremony at the Town Hall, and the public are asked not to attend either of those events. In Burchetts Green Parish, the need for social distancing means that the churches cannot accommodate the large numbers who would normally attend our Remembrance services. However, we are determined that an appropriate, short, Act of Remembrance will take place on behalf of our Parish at each of the three war memorials at our churches. These will include the Last Post, the two minutes silence at 11 o'clock, laying of wreaths by representatives of the Church, Parish Councils and uniformed organisations, and the reading out of the names commemorated by each memorial. These Acts of Remembrance will be on behalf of the whole community of our Parish, but unfortunately the numbers physically present must be severely limited due to Covid restrictions. Attendance will be restricted to those participating in the Ceremony, with space for a small number of those who have a particularly strong personal reason for wanting to be present. If anyone has a strong personal reason to attend please contact us first, because of the restrictions set on numbers:
Littlewick Green – please phone Richard Moores, 822282
Stubbings – please phone Sue Harrington-Hill, 783028 or email susanharringtonhill@hotmail.co.uk
Hurley please email davidrburfitt@gmail.com
or phone 07748 678990
We realise that this will be painful and unwelcome to many, but we have no choice. Remember, the three Acts of Remembrance are being offered on your behalf and on behalf of all in our Parish and community. We do hope you will want to join us on Remembrance Sunday in prayer from home, perhaps including watching the televised ceremony from Whitehall. And the Church at Littlewick Green will be open from 11am to 4pm if you wish to go in for a personal act of prayer and remembrance.
For our prayers:
We pray that the tide of the Covid-19 virus would be stemmed and turned back, that we would be released from this time of sadness and fear; that numbers of infections would decrease, and our social and economic life would recover.
We remember other countries around the world, and their fight with the virus; the effects on hard-pressed health services; on those who are ill, frail or on the margins of society; on mental health, and on economic life.
For those who are facing financial difficulty as a result of the virus and the restrictions necessary to fight it.
For those of our community, or known to us personally, who are in any kind of need, physical, mental, economic or for any other reason. For those anxious about loved ones, for those in hospital and care homes, and for those mourning the loss of a loved one at this time. For those who have died, and amongst the recently departed we pray by name for the souls of John Gower and John Norford.
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.
The Parish Office is open on Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am, but in these Covid-times we recommend telephoning if possible rather than visiting in person. I am usually available Sunday-Wednesday.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link on the Home page of this websiteto sign-up to receive this weekly email Newsletter, for anyone you know who might like to receive it regularly.
The Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist has returned to its regular 10am Sunday slot after the summer break, and can be found at here. I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday online services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
News and Greetings from the Revd John Ainslie.
Bible Sunday
A warm welcome to this email Newsletter to all our friends and neighbours in the Parish of Burchetts Green.
In our Churches This Sunday:
Sunday 25th October:Stubbings – 8.00 am BCP Holy Communion
Hurley – 10.30am Eucharist (CW)
Littlewick Green – Church open for personal prayer 11am – 4pm
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
This Sunday is Bible Sunday, when we give thanks for the revelation of God in the Bible - through the story of the Old testament Hebrew people, the Gospel stories of the ministry and teaching of Jesus, and the growth of the early Church as seen through the Acts of the Apostles and the various letters of encouragement that were written between church congregations. The readings for Bible Sunday are here>>.
The special prayer (called a Collect) used in church services for Bible Sunday seems particularly apt for us in these times:
Merciful God,
teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty,
that trusting in your word
and obeying your will
we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are certainly living in times of change and uncertainty and have been for many months now. Finding solid ground on which to base our lives and our hopes is so important in these testing times; people have been finding that solid ground in family and friendships; in living lives of compassion and helpfulness to those around us; in rediscovering the joy and beauty of the natural world – and in just finding a little time and space to reflect on what is most important to us. You will find those same themes running throughout the Bible, too, as people from all ages sought to live lives of joy, love and compassion whatever outward circumstances threw at them. And they found themselves strengthened and renewed as they came close to God, and knew His protection for them. They knew that whatever else happened, they would always live in the love and care of God. And that was the most solid ground of all, something that nothing and no-one can take from you. Something that you encounter in the depths of your heart, and that once found will stay with you for ever.
All this reminds me of what I know as the ‘Serenity Prayer’:
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.
There is much about the pandemic that we, as individuals, can’t change, and wishing things were different, kicking against it, or finding someone to blame does no good. There is a place for gently accepting how things are, and learning to live with them. But there is also a place for being vigorous in challenging and changing things that can be changed, and we see that in the way that people have come together to provide help to those in need, and finding ways of keeping businesses running and children educated – and fed.
Next Sunday 1st November we celebrate the feast of All Saints and All Souls. In the festival of All Saints we give thanks to God for all the Saints through the ages who have carried the light of the love of God for future generations – ranging from great theologians, such as St Augustine, to people of great compassion and service such as St Teresa of Calcutta.
At the same time, in the celebration of All Souls, we remember our own departed loved ones. We give thanks to God for all that they have meant to us, and all that they have given to us, and we pray that they will know the fullness of joy with Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our 9.15am service at Littlewick Green on Sunday 1st November will be a celebration of All Saints, but will also incorporate prayers and a time of reflection for our departed loved ones. The church will be decorated with roses in memory of our departed loved ones. Both St James-the-less Church Stubbings and St Mary’s Church Hurley will be open on Sunday 1st November between 3pm and 5pm for you to use for quiet time, to remember your loved ones, and for personal prayer and reflection, with gentle background music and an opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer if you wish. Stay as little or as long as you wish.
Love truly is stronger than death.
At last Sunday’s Annual Church Meetings, five
Churchwardens were elected to serve for the coming year: Mary Cooper, Sue Harrington-Hill, Richard Moores, Jenny Robinson and Jane Smith. Congratulations to them all; we thank them for their time and commitment and pray for them and their work, and we also give thanks for the continuing work of Sue Wilkins as Assistant Warden at Stubbings. There were also elections to the Parochial church Council (PCC) and we welcome Tim Bowler, John Johnson and Maria Quantrill onto the PCC as newly-elected members. Sally Gray and Elaine Mordaunt are coming off the PCC, and we thank them for their valued contributions over recent years.
Good News from Guatemala: Mark and Rosalie have finally been granted residency there, which means they will be able to come and go to visit family and friends much more easily.
The Parish Office is open on Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am, but in these Covid-times we recommend telephoning if possible rather than visiting in person. I am usually available Sunday-Wednesday by email revjohnainslie@gmail.com or telephone 01628-629827.
For our prayers:
We pray that the tide of the Covid-19 virus would be stemmed and turned back, that we would be released from this time of sadness and fear; that numbers of infections would decrease, and our social and economic life would recover.
For those who are facing financial difficulty as a result of the virus and the restrictions necessary to fight it.
For those anxious about loved ones, for those in hospital and care homes, and for those mourning the loss of a loved one at this time.
We pray for those dealing with the Covid pandemic across the world, especially in places where healthcare resources are severely limited or Governments are inept or uncaring.
We pray for the work of MSF and other medical aid charities.
For Mark and Rosalie Balfour and the Guatemalan Street Kids initiative.
For our Churchwardens and PCC.
For those of our own community in any kind of need, physical, mental, economic or for any other reason. For those who mourn the loss of a loved one at this time. And for those who have died, especially those known to us personally.
Merciful God,
we entrust to your tender care
all those who are in any kind of need, trouble or distress,
knowing that whenever danger threatens
your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Weekly Prayer Sheet from the Hurley Oasis Group is available via a Link here 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 Oxford Diocesan online Sunday Eucharist can be found at its usual 10am Sunday slot on https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/ I continue to also recommend the daily and Sunday services from Canterbury Cathedral.
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
