Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity.

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power   Ephesians 6:1

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 4th July 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 4th July 2021

In today’s gospel we see how Jesus sends out his disciples to share his ministry. His advice to them focuses on a total dependence on God leaving material considerations to one side. Saint Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that our strength comes not from ourselves but from Christ. As we seek to follow Christ let us try to lean on him rather on ourselves.

We light a candle as a sign of Christ’s presence amongst us and join with all those who worship at home or in church as we say the collect for today:

Almighty God,
send down upon your Church
the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister the gospel
your countless gifts of grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen

We read today’s Gospel:   Mark 6:2-13

We say or sing:

We pray:
Grant, O Lord, we beseech you,
that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by your governance,
that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Church Services

Sunday, 4th July   9.45am Parish Eucharist                              
Sunday, 11th July   9.30am Online Family Time &   9.45am Parish Eucharist

Church News

Many of you will have already heard the news that the Rev. Canon Abi Thomson, Acting Dean and Sub Dean of St. Alban’s Cathedral and former vicar of St. James, Clifton who has frequently ministered to us at Whiston, has been appointed as the next Dean of Sheffield Cathedral. Our congratulations and our prayers go with her as she prepares for her new role.

Mission and Ministry

Our readings focus on sending out on mission. Last weekend saw the ordination of priests and deacons not only on our own diocese but across the whole of the Church of England. Let us keep in our prayers all those who are called, those who were ordained last weekend, our own ministers Karen and Toby, our bishops Pete and Sophie and Abi in her new ministry in Sheffield. Let us pray as well for vocations, for those thinking about ordination or lay ministry that God’s call may be heard in our generation.

Almighty God, you have entrusted to your Church
a share in the ministry of your Son our great high priest:
inspire by your Holy Spirit
the hearts of many to offer themselves for the ministry of your Church,
that strengthened by his power,
they may work for the increase of your kingdom
and set forward the eternal praise of your name;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen

Margaret Tupling, Branch Leader of the Mothers’ Union reports that £237.10 was raised for the various projects of the Summer of Hope Appeal from the sale of cakes, craft items and flowers last week and thanks all those who supported it in any way.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Third Sunday after Trinity.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, for his steadfast love endures for ever   Psalm 107:1

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 20th June 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 20th June 2021

Today’s readings from Job, the psalm and the Gospel speak to us about the awesome power and also the beauty of God’s creation., but also of his goodness towards us. Paul refers to God’s grace being with us as we struggle on our Christian journey. The disciples discover Christ’s Lordship and his calming presence. We rejoice both in God’s creation and in his redeeming love for us .

We come into his presence as we light a candle and say the prayer for today:

God our saviour,
look on this wounded world
in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son, our Saviour Jesus.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel:   Mark 4:35-41

We say or sing:

We pray:
O God, whose beauty is beyond our imagining
and whose power we cannot comprehend:
show us your glory as far as we can grasp it,
and shield us from knowing more than we can bear
until we may look upon you without fear;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen

Church Services

Sunday, 27th June   9.45am Parish Eucharist                              
Sunday, 4th July   9.45am Parish Eucharist

Generous June

The Mothers’ Union Branch I have of St Mary Magdalene will be having a table sale after the service in church on Sunday June 27th as a response to the national MU appeal Summer of Hope, empowering women and mothersworldwide as we celebrate 145 years of Mothers’Union and the centenary of the death of Mary Sumner, its founder. Cakes and craft items will be available. In order to keep as socially distanced as possible and so as not to handle cash for change, donations will be asked for any of the items.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Second Sunday after Trinity.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!   2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 13th June 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 13th June 2021

Change and renewal are at the heart of our faith. We are reminded in today’s readings that new growth is a feature of the Kingdom of heaven as a seed sprouts and grows and in the case of a mustard seed that growth can be amazing. Despite all our difficulties of this past year we are called to renew and to grow, both individually and as a church, knowing that Jesus alone can give us the assurance to do so.

We come into his presence as we light a candle and say the prayer for today:

Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake,
who is alive and reigns with you, you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel:   Mark 4.26-34

We say or sing:  The Church's One Foundation     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Faithful Creator, whose mercy never fails:
deepen our faithfulness to you
and to your living Word,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Church Services

Sunday, 13th June Online Family Time and 9.45am Parish Eucharist     ontact Lucy on 07707863901 for details & password                              
Sunday, 20th June 9.45am Parish Eucharist

Generous June

The Diocese is promoting June as a month in which we can focus on our giving and sharing as part of Christ’s church. We are encouraged to consider and reflect on the Grace we have received from our Heavenly Father and how that impacts the way we extend Gratitude and Generosity to the people and community around us.

One way of responding generously at the moment is to carefully consider our level of financial support for the church in Whiston and whether we can respond even more joyfully to its needs as it undertakes a complete renewal of the building’s Rainwater Dispersal System and meets the many costs of ministry.

Should you wish to change any aspect of your giving through the bank please note that we now have a NEW BANK ACCOUNT. The details are as follows:

TSB Bank plc     Sort Code   77-74-02       Account Number   0007 1841

Name of the Account (Cheques) PCC FOR THE PARISH OF WHISTON
Excel House
3 Semple Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8BL

Church Family

The funeral of Leslie Colley will take place in church on Wednesday 16th June 2021
Please pray for the sick and all those who mourn.

Ringing for Grenfell

Whiston will join with other churches across the country and take part in an act of remembrance on 14th June 2021 at 7:00pm to mark the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. Our Bell Captain Emily will ring a church bell 72 times, this will be followed by a two minutes silence as we remember those who died and pray for all those still affected by the fire, four years on. There will then be four more rings, one for each year since the fire itself.

Advance notice: The Mothers’ Union Branch of St Mary Magdalene will be having a table sale after the service in church on Sunday, 27th June 2021 as a response to the national MU appeal Summer of Hope, empowering women and mothers worldwide as we celebrate 145 years of Mothers’Union and the centenary of the death of Mary Sumner, its founder. Cakes and craft items will be available. In order to keep as socially distanced as possible and so as not to handle cash for change, donations will be asked for any of the items.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the First Sunday after Trinity.

Jesus said: ’Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother’   Mark 3:35

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 6th June 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 6th June 2021

There were times when no-one seemed to understand what Jesus was saying not even his family. It is sometimes like that in our own families when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus. In today’s gospel reading from St. Mark we hear Jesus speaking of those who heed God’s word as being his family. The last year has taught us that we can find comfort and encouragement in difficult times from those who share our faith and belong to us as our church family. There have been many shining examples in our communities of God at work in others. We are all called to serve and can take inspiration from each other as we seek to build God’s kingdom in our homes and communities. We do so as a family and guided by the Holy Spirit.

This morning we join in worship at home or in church and unite in prayer and worship. We light a candle to show Christ’s presence amongst us and say the prayer for today:

God of truth, help us to keep your law of love and to walk in ways of wisdom, that we may find true life in Jesus Christ your Son. Amen

We read today’s gospel   Mark 3:20-end

We say or sing: https://youtu.be/0JahFRDrSCs     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not for seek for rest;
To labour and not to ask for any reward
Save that of knowing that we do thy will.
Amen       (St Ignatius Loyola)

Church Services

Sunday, 6th June 9.45am Parish Eucharist
                             
Sunday, 13th June Online Family Time and 9.45am Parish Eucharist

Generous June

The Diocese is promoting June as a month in which we can focus on our giving and sharing as part of Christ’s church. We are encouraged to consider and reflect on the Grace we have received from our Heavenly Father and how that impacts the way we extend Gratitude and Generosity to the people and community around us.

This fits in with the theme for today’s bulletin - the service of others in Christ’s name. We have been blessed by the provision of ministry from our two oversight ministers and by the work and witness of the team that has prepared the church for worship and ensured through the bulletin, phone calls and Online Family Time that we stay connected as a family. We are also blessed in that our church family includes all those in our Mission Area and we have new opportunities for sharing.

There are going to be many ways of sharing in this mission and gradually these will become clear. One way of responding generously at the moment is to carefully consider our level of financial support for the church in Whiston and whether we can respond even more joyfully to its needs as it undertakes a complete renewal of the building’s Rainwater Dispersal System and meets the many costs of ministry.
Should you wish to change any aspect of your giving through the bank please note that we now have a NEW BANK ACCOUNT. The details are as follows:

TSB Bank plc     Sort Code   77-74-02       Account Number   0007 1841

Name of the Account (Cheques) PCC FOR THE PARISH OF WHISTON
Excel House
3 Semple Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8BL

Church Family

Joyce Harrison’s funeral (Jane Baker’s Mum) will take place in church next Friday. (Donations to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice). We have also learned of the death of Lesley Colley, a member of our Wednesday congregation. Please pray for the sick and all that mourn.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on Trinity Sunday

'For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.   John 3:16

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 30th May 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 30th May 2021

Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus who came to him in secret, trying to find out more about Jesus and his relationship to God. Jesus answers by telling him that he must be born again of the Spirit and points to himself as the Son of God. Without using the word Trinity, Jesus speaks with these words of the threefold loving nature of God which enfolds every one of us. Today we celebrate that love on the Feast of the Blessed Trinity.

We light a candle and say the prayer for today:

Holy God, faithful and unchanging:
enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,
and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,
that we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

Read today’s Gospel   John 3: 1-17.

We say or sing: https://youtu.be/ntdcY8q7a9E     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Almighty and eternal God,
you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
and live and reign in the perfect unity of love:
hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways
and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three Persons yet one God,
now and for ever,
Amen

We can also sing a hymn for Trinity Sunday written last year by Peter Lewis, a member of our church community. It is best sung to the tune of Love Divine, known as ‘Love Divine’.

God our Lord and heavenly Father A hymn for Trinity Sunday Words - Peter Lewis © 4/6/2020 Can be sung to “All for Jesus”, “Love Divine”, “Servant Song” or any other 87.87 metre.

Church Services

Sunday 30th May 9.45am Trinity Sunday; Parish Eucharist
                             
Sunday, 6th June 9.45am Parish Eucharist

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

The APCM took place last Tuesday. Alan Teale was elected Churchwarden. Colette White is standing down as churchwarden but remains in office until August 31st unless a second churchwarden is otherwise appointed. Four persons were elected as members of PCC: Kathryn Jackson, Emily Margetts, Margaret Tupling and Colette White. The accounts for 2020 were approved. These are in good order thanks to the regular giving of church members throughout the Pandemic. Thanks were given to all who have contributed to the care of the congregation and to the care of the church building and provision for worship.

The meeting was chaired by the Rev. Karen Skidmore and the Rev. Toby Gibbons was also present. At the end of official business, they spoke about the phases of Response, Recovery and Rebuilding which apply to any crisis situation with specific reference to the Church in terms of the Pandemic and to how they will move forward.

Church Family

There are a number of our church family who have health problems at this time and coping with bereavement please pray for them.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church at Pentecost

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.   Acts 2:21

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 23rd May 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 23rd May 2021

Nomination Form for Churchwarden (MS Word)
Nomination Form for Churchwarden (PDF)

Nomination Form for PCC Member (MS Word)
Nomination Form for PCC Member (PDF)

This the birthday of the Church! This the day that the first disciples left their self-isolation and went out into the world, renewed, released, and rejuvenated by the coming of the Holy Spirit. We pray that the Spirit of Pentecost might fall upon us as we worship together and plan for a full return to the church’s ministry to all God's people that in the words of Peter everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

We light a candle and say the prayer for today:

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,
ignite in us your holy fire;
strengthen your children with the gift of faith,
revive your Church with the breath of love,
and renew the face of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

We read the account of the first Pentecost in Acts 2:1-21.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Faithful God,
who fulfilled the promises of Easter
by sending us your Holy Spirit
and opening to every race and nation
the way of life eternal:
open our lips by your Spirit,
that every tongue may tell of your glory;
Amen

Church Services

Sunday 23rd May 9.45am PENTECOST Sunday; Parish Eucharist
                             
Sunday, 30th May 9.45am TRINITY Sunday; Parish Eucharist

This Sunday (23rd May) Children and young people of Starfish Gang meet online at 9.30am with Youth Zone in the evening. Further details from Lucy on {07707 863901}.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

The APCM will take place on Tuesday 25th May in Church at 7.00pm. The first part of the meeting, the Annual Parishioners Meeting, is open to all parishioners and its main purpose is to elect the Churchwardens. The second part, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, allows those on the Electoral Roll to elect members of the PCC. The accounts for 2020 need to be accepted and reports on the Activities of the Church, Meetings of the PCC, the Fabric (Churchwardens’ report), Deanery Synod, the Electoral Roll and the Work of the Children’s Minister will be given.

Nomination papers for the election of two Churchwardens and four members of PCC can be downloaded and printed from the Whiston Parish Church website http://www.whiston-parish-church.org.uk/ or obtained by asking one of the Churchwardens (Colette or Alan) who will ensure that you get the necessary form. Once completed, these should be returned to one of the Churchwardens who will forward them on to Dr Mary Holt, the PCC Secretary.

Nomination Form for Churchwarden (MS Word)
Nomination Form for Churchwarden (PDF)

Nomination Form for PCC Member (MS Word)
Nomination Form for PCC Member (PDF)

They can also be obtained by asking one of the Churchwardens (Colette or Alan); who will ensure that you get the necessary form. Once completed, these should be returned to one of the Churchwardens who will forward them on to Dr Mary Holt, the PCC Secretary.

Thy Kingdom Come

This special time of prayer concludes on Sunday. As part of this time of prayer the twinned Dioceses of Sheffield and Argentina exchange prayer requests. Below are those of our link parish of Holy Trinity, Lomas. Their Rector, Mario Agredo, took part (by Zoom) in Karen’s and Toby’s licensing. Please hold Mario and his congregation in your prayers.

Santa Trinidad, Lomas de Zamora – Rector: Rev. Mario Agreda

• For the challenges we face in our time, the use of new technologies to reach an ever- increasing demand of hope and healing in our society, and a new understanding of the needs of the ones we still don’t know in our community.
• For the challenge to overcome fears in our Congregation related to the Covid restrictions. Our in- person services went very well when we could provide them, but the participation was not great because of that. And that we could return to them as quickly as possible.
• For reaching out a new generation of believers: we need God’s guidance and strength to establish a meaningful dialog with the youngsters and children of this age, and nurture them in the Church.
• For our stewardship, to grow and be capable not only to help us in our present ministry, but to raise up to the demands of new ways of evangelism.
• For strength and wisdom from the Lord in the difficult times that we’ll eventually have to confront in the near future, especially regarding human sexuality, euthanasia and similar laws in Argentina.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Sunday after Ascension

'And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age'.   Matthew 28:20

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 16th May 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 16th May 2021
Thy Kingdom Come 2021

Nomination Form for Churchwarden (MS Word)
Nomination Form for Churchwarden (PDF)

Nomination Form for PCC Member (MS Word)
Nomination Form for PCC Member (PDF)

Jesus makes this promise as he leaves his disciples to return to his Father in heaven. Throughout all our trials and sufferings in this last year we have known his presence amongst us and his calming words ‘Do not be afraid’. Now as we emerge together into the light of another day, we still know that he is there guiding and leading his church and praying that we might be protected, just as he prayed for his disciples. In today’s gospel we hear some of the words of his prayer: Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

We meet this morning together in his name at home or in church..

We light a candle and say the prayer for today:

O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s gospel   John 17:6–19

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Risen, ascended Lord
as we rejoice at your triumph,
fill your Church on earth with power and compassion,
that all who are estranged by sin
may find forgiveness and know your peace,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

Church Services

Sunday 16th May 9.45am Parish Eucharist in Church
                             
Thursday 23rd May Pentecost 9.45am Parish Eucharist

Thy Kingdom Come (TKC)

– Prayer between Ascension and Pentecost – there is a verse, thought and prayer for every day from this Sunday until Pentecost in a separate attachment provided by our Oversight Ministers. You are very much encouraged to make use of them.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

The APCM will take place on Tuesday 25th May 2021 in Church at 7.00 pm. The first part of the meeting, the Annual Parishioners Meeting, is open to all parishioners and its main purpose is to elect the Churchwardens. The second part, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, allows those on the Electoral Roll to elect members of the PCC. The accounts for 2020 need to be accepted and reports on the Activities of the Church, Meetings of the PCC, the Fabric (Churchwardens’ report), Deanery Synod, the Electoral Roll and the Work of the Children’s Minister will be given.

Nomination papers for the election of two Churchwardens and four members of PCC can be downloaded and printed as follows:

Nomination Form for Churchwarden (MS Word)
Nomination Form for Churchwarden (PDF)

Nomination Form for PCC Member (MS Word)
Nomination Form for PCC Member (PDF)

They can also be obtained by asking one of the Churchwardens (Colette or Alan); who will ensure that you get the necessary form. Once completed, these should be returned to one of the Churchwardens who will forward them on to Dr Mary Holt, the PCC Secretary.

Christian Aid Week

This ends on the 16th May. We have not been able this year to organise fund-raising activities, but there is still time to make a direct donation to Christian Aid.
Online: donate.christianaid.org.uk   tel. donations 020 7523 2269 or cheque to: Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7RL

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Sixth Sunday of Easter

'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you’.   John 15:12

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 9th May 2021
Notes on the Readings and Worship Opportunities for 9th May 2021
Thy Kingdom Come 2021

Jesus leaves his disciples with this beautiful commandment. As a church community there is no better way of fulfilling his commandment than by loving and caring for each other. The lockdown may have made normal contact more difficult, but it has taught us to be aware of each other’s needs. As we move out of lockdown, we pray that we might emerge strengthened in faith and in love to live out our lives in the light of the risen Christ.

We join with each other as we light a candle and come into God’s presence.

We say together the prayer for today:

Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command
and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

We read this Sunday’s gospel - John 15:9-17.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
God our Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life:
may we thirst for you,
the spring of life and source of goodness,
through him who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen

Church Services

Sunday 9th May 9.30 am Online Family Time
                              9.45 am Parish Eucharist in Church
Thursday 13th May 7.00 pm Ascension Day Eucharist
for the whole Mission Area at St James, Clifton, Cambridge Street, Rotherham, S65 2SX Revds. Karen & Toby hope that as many people will feel able to attend in person. The service will also be streamed on St James’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stjamesclifton.
Sunday 16th May 9.45 am Parish Eucharist.

Thy Kingdom Come (TKC)

Thy Kingdom Come is the name now given to the 10 days of prayer which run between Ascension and Pentecost, from the 13th – 23rd May 2021. You can find further details on a separate attachment.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

The APCM will take place on Tuesday 25th May in church at 7.00 pm. The first part of the meeting, the Annual Parishioners Meeting is open to all parishioners and its main purpose is to elect the Churchwardens. The second part, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, allows those on the Electoral Roll to elect members of the PCC. The accounts for 2020 need to be accepted and reports on the Activities of the Church, Meetings of the PCC, the Fabric (Churchwardens’ report), Deanery Synod, the Electoral Roll and the Work of the Children’s Minister will be given.

Christian Aid Week

This begins on Monday 10th May and ends on the 16th May. We are not able to organise fund-raising activities, but you are invited to make a direct donation to Christian Aid. Online: donate.christianaid.org.uk   tel. donations 020 7523 2269 or cheque to: Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7RL

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Fifth Sunday of Easter

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. John 15:5

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 2nd May 2021
Notes on the Readings for 2nd May 2021
Opportunities for Worship and other Resources for 2nd May 2021

In today’s gospel reading we have another vivid image of Jesus and his relationship with God and with us.As followers of Jesus, we are part of the vine, connected to Jesus and to one another. We are in community, but in a living community that must bear fruit. In our reading from the first letter of John we are reminded that it is love which binds us together, and that love comes from God. We rejoice in the love that God has shown us and seek to love one another as he has loved us.

We light a candle as we join those in church in worship and we say the prayer for today:

Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world
and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

We read today’s epistle and gospel:   1 John 3: 18-24, John 15:1-8.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
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

Church Services

Sunday, 2nd May  9.45 am Parish Eucharist
Sunday, 9th May   9.30 am Family time on Zoom
                              9.45 am Parish Eucharist

Electoral Roll

The annual revision will take place between April 24th and May 8th 2021. Contact Colette White, our Electoral Roll Officer, on mob: {07712 674675} or tel: {01709 370069} or email her on colette.white@lineone.net if you wish to be on the roll. Most of you are already on the roll since it was renewed in 2019 and do not need to take any further action. Note that young people reaching the age of 16 within the next 12 months are eligible to be on the roll.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

This will take place on Tuesday 24th May at 7.00 pm in church. Annual statutory reports for 2020 will be presented and elections for churchwardens and PCC members will be held. More details will follow.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Fourth Sunday of Easter

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 25th April 2021
Notes on the Readings for 25th April 2021

God’s love for us can be described as the love of a shepherd for his sheep. It is a sacrificial love for the good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. In our gospel reading for today we hear Jesus proclaiming himself to be the Good Shepherd. In psalm 23 we hear how the Lord is our shepherd and that he leads his flock in green pastures and by still waters. During this last year we have seen the sacrificial love of those that have cared for and nursed the victims of Covid. We have also known that in all the turbulence of our lives the Lord has been with us leading us and comforting us. Rejoicing in his love we turn to him in prayer:
Risen Christ, faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:
teach us to hear your voice
and to follow your command,
that all your people may be gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel:   John 10:11-18.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Merciful Father,
you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd,
and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again:
keep us always under his protection,
and give us grace to follow in his steps;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Church Services

Sunday 25th April 9.45 am Parish Eucharist with Bishop Pete presiding and preaching.
Sunday 2nd May 9.45 am Parish Eucharist

Electoral Roll

The annual revision will take place between April 24th and May 8th 2021. Contact Colette White, our Electoral Roll Officer, on mob: {07712 674675} or tel: {01709 370069} or email her on colette.white@lineone.net if you wish to be on the roll. Most of you are already on the roll since it was renewed in 2019 and do not need to take any further action.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

This will take place on Tuesday 24th May at 7.00 pm in church. Annual statutory reports for 2020 will be presented and elections for churchwardens and PCC members will be held. More details will follow.

Tribute Booklet

Booklets about the ministry of Dhoe and Peter Craig-Wild previously advertised are now available in church. If you are unable to come to church, please let us know and we will ensure that you get one.

Radio & TV:

Sunday Worship on Radio 4 at 8-10 am To have and to hold, as restrictions slowly ease we reflect on the relationships that have helped us through the past year.
Sunday Morning Stories BBC 1 10.45 am Series 2 (Episode 3 of 8) Rev Kate Bottley shares inspirational stories rooted in faith, hope and spirituality.
Songs of Praise BBC 2 at 13.15pm Springtime Joy Rev Kate Bottley visits the brand new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford.
Choral Evensong BBC Radio 3 Sunday 3 pm from St Matthew ‘s, Westminster & Wed 3-30pm from St Peter’s Eaton Square London with the BBC Singers.
The Daily Service (15 m) Weekdays at 9h45 on BBC Radio 4 long wave.

Daily Hope is a free phoneline of hymns, reflections, and prayers ring 0800 804 8044.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Second Sunday of Easter

Jesus came and stood among the disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you. John 20:20

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 11th April 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 11th April 2021
Notes on the Readings for 11th April 2021

Today, one week after the church’s celebration of Easter day, we continue to celebrate Christ’s victory over death and the salvation that he has brought us. We do so, almost in the same situation as the disciples of Jesus, still hiding away in our houses, or maybe timidly stepping out into the unknown world, which is opening up to us, still worried as to the future, trying to make sense of our lives which have been turned upside down since the start of Lockdown. It is into this bewilderment and confusion that the risen Christ enters our lives saying: Peace be with you.

Let us pray for each other, naming the person we are thinking of, saying: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

We light a candle to reflect the light of Christ.

We say together the prayer for today:
Risen Christ,
for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred:
open the doors of our hearts,
that we may seek the good of others
and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace,
to the praise of God the Father.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel:   John 20:19-end.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Lord God our Father,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ
you have assured your children of eternal life
and in baptism have made us one with him:
deliver us from the death of sin
and raise us to new life in your love,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Church Services

Sunday 9.45 am - Parish Eucharist
Sunday 9.30 am - Family Time by Zoom. Contact Lucy on Mob: {07707 863901}.

Electoral Roll

The annual revision will take place in the next few weeks. Contact Colette White, our Electoral Roll Officer, on mob: {07712 674675} if you wish to be on the roll. Note that young people reaching the age of 16 years of age within the next 12 months are eligible to be on the roll.

Ministry

On Easter Sunday the beginning of Karen’s and Toby’s ministry amongst us was officially marked when they read out their Declarations of Assent in front of the congregation. As one new ministry started the announcement was made of Jan Teale’s retirement as a Reader. Jan has written about this herself in her prayer section. Our thanks and prayers go with her as she completes 25 years of ministry in our parish.

Easter greetings and blessings for all our church family have been received from Rev Mario Agreda, the Rector of our link parish of Holy Trinity , Lomas, in Argentina. Please pray for his ministry in the huge area that he has to cover – he drove 1200 miles over the course of Holy Week and Easter!

Church Family

Please continue to pray for Jean Blyton and her family. Peter’s funeral takes place next Thursday (15th April 2021).

Rotherham Borough - 50 day Prayer Walk Challenge

Churches across our Borough will be joining together to prayer walk the whole borough from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, Sunday 23rd May 2021. For further details, click on this link: The App – Love Rotherham.

HRH Prince Philip

It was with great sadness that we all learned of the death of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. To mark his passing Emily will chime the church bells at 12 noon tomorrow. The following prayers are commended for our use:

God of our lives,
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
for the love he shared among us,
and for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy,
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Merciful God, be close to all who mourn,
especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.
May they know the hope of your promises
and the comfort of your love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce that Whiston Parish Church will reopen for worship on Easter Sunday (4th April 2021). There will be a service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am.

All places at the Easter Sunday morning Communion Service are now booked. We are sorry that current restrictions do not allow us to accommodate more people in church. We look forward to welcoming you on another Sunday. The church bulletin will  be available as usual and will  enable anyone unable to go to church to worship at home. Wishing you all a very happy Easter.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on Easter Sunday

Alleluia, Christ is risen

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Sunday Readings for Easter Day
Prayers for Easter Sunday
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for Easter 2021

Today we celebrate the greatest feast of the Church’s year, the day when Christ rose from the dead and brought new life to all that believe in him. Let us rejoice wherever we are and give thanks for his glorious Resurrection.

We light a candle as we join with the church congregation in worship.

We say together the prayer for today:
God of glory,
by the raising of your Son
you have broken the chains of death and hell:
fill your Church with faith and hope;
for a new day has dawned
and the way to life stands open
in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

We read today’s Gospel   Mark 16:1-8.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

He is risen indeed, Alleluia.

Sunday Services

Easter Sunday The service will start at the earlier time of 9.30am.
NB  Only those who have booked a place can attend.

Next Sunday. (11th, April 2021)  The Parish Eucharist will start at the usual time of 9.45am
There will be no need to book.
At 9.30am, a Zoom Family Time will take place. Details available from Lucy: {07707 863901}.

Church Family

Please continue to keep Jean Blyton and her family in your prayers. We hold everyone in our prayers who is ill or who grieves at this time.

This bulletin has attachments which include the Reading Sheet, a prayer sheet, Opportunities for Worship and Resources; Sunday Link, Live the Word and Look for Children.

A few Words on the Readings

Acts 10:34-43   Peter preaches in the house of Cornelius a Gentile. The Gospel of forgiveness is for everyone.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11  Paul makes a statement about Christ’s resurrection, which is like a simple creed.

Mark 16:1-8  This message of the resurrection in Mark’s gospel brings out the newness of the event – the early morning, the change from darkness to light, the surprise of the stone having been rolled away; the empty tomb and the instruction to transmit the news straightaway: to go and tell.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on Palm Sunday

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11:1

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 28th March 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 28th March 2021
Holy Week 2021

Holy Week 2021 - Printable Booklet

We say the prayer for today:
True and humble king,
hailed by the crowd as Messiah:
grant us the faith to know you and love you,
that we may be found beside you
on the way of the cross,
which is the path of glory.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel   Mark 11:1-11

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,
and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:
give us the mind to follow you
and to proclaim you as Lord and King,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen

Holy Week

As we celebrate on Palm Sunday Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, we also remember that he rode on a humble donkey. His journey from then on was to be one of pain and suffering and yet through this he was to glorify God, his father in heaven. Let us walk with Christ throughout this week and lay our burdens at the foot of the cross as we look forward to the joy of Christ’s resurrection and the hope of new life that Easter brings.

This edition of the bulletin starts with a service for Palm Sunday. The attachments also include the reading sheet, suggested material for observing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; and information about services and reflections on Radio and Television; as well as the usual prayer page, Sunday Link, Live the Word and Look for Children (and Adults).

In addition there is material for reflection for each day of Holy Week, provided by our Oversight Ministers for the Mission Area.

We hope that this will enable us to share the journey together.

Easter Sunday

It is planned that Church will reopen for worship on Easter Sunday, 4th April 2021.
There will be a Parish Eucharist at the earlier time of 9.30 am.
Both our Oversight Ministers, Rev. Karen Skidmore and Rev. Toby Gibbons will be present.

Please note:

• A final decision on reopening will be taken on Monday, 29th March 2021.
• Because of Covid restrictions on numbers in church there will be a Booking System.
• If you receive this through the letter box you will be contacted by telephone to see if you wish to attend the Easter Sunday service.
• If you receive this by email you will receive an email invitation to attend the Easter Sunday service to which you will need to reply in order to book a place.

We hope that the booking system will prevent disappointment on the day itself.

Easter Trail

Look out for the Easter trail in the village leading up to the church. This has been organised by Lucy.

Churchyard

A huge thank you to all who came to help in the tidying up operation in the churchyard - a great team effort. The Churchyard now looks splendid.

Church Family – Sad News

Just as we were preparing to send out the bulletin, we learnt the sad news that Peter Blyton passed away on Friday afternoon (26th March 2021) in hospital. Jean has asked that we should not contact her at this time.

We hold Jean, Ruth and Rachel and their families in our prayers.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce that Whiston Parish Church will reopen for worship on Easter Sunday (4th April 2021). There will be a service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Because of current restrictions on numbers, if you wish to attend you will need to book a place by following the link below: https://forms.gle/qMuAasJK9XeLqUicA

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Passion Sunday

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.   John 12.24

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 21st March 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 21st March 2021
Notes on the Readings for 21st March 2021

Liturgy for National Day of Reflection - 23rd March 2021

Jesus often uses the images of fig trees, the vine, or the flowers of the fields but in today’s gospel he speaks simply of a grain of wheat. But this image of a tiny grain of wheat hides a very important message for us, that of life and death. Passion Sunday brings into focus Christ’s journey to the cross and his willingness to die so that we may live. But it also brings our own journey into focus; we too must be prepared to die to our old life in order to gain new life in Christ. As we come before him this morning let us place ourselves at the foot of the cross and renew our commitment to following him.

We say the prayer for today:
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
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

We read today’s gospel:   John 12: 20-33

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen

Easter Sunday

It is planned that Church will reopen for worship on Easter Sunday, 4th April 2021.
There will be a Parish Eucharist at the earlier time of 9.30 am.
Both our Oversight Ministers, Rev. Karen Skidmore and Rev. Toby Gibbons will be present.

Please note:

• A final decision on reopening will be taken on Monday, 29th March 2021.
• Because of Covid restrictions on numbers in church there will be a Booking System.
• If you receive this through the letter box you will be contacted by telephone to see if you wish to attend the Easter Sunday service.
• If you receive this by email you will receive an email invitation to attend the Easter Sunday service to which you will need to reply in order to book a place.

We hope that the booking system will prevent disappointment on the day itself.

Day of Reflection - Tuesday, 23rd March 2021

We have decided to take part in the National Day of Reflection coordinated by the charity Marie Curie; and officially supported by the Church of England. Its aim is to help people who are grieving because of the loss of a loved one or a friend during this last year, and to acknowledge that so many people have been bereaved because of Covid-19.

Events:

• A minute’s silence at 12 noon.
• Lighted candles in windows at 8.00 pm.
• Private prayer at home and in church.

Whiston Church will therefore be open during Tuesday afternoon, from 2.30 to 5.00 pm for private prayer. If you wish to pray at home, you will find a suggested service in an attachment to this email (Liturgy for National Day of Reflection).

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Mothering Sunday

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.   Colossians 3:12

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 14th March 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 14th March 2021
Notes on the Readings for 14th March 2021

Children and Families Report - March 2021

These qualities, which Paul bids us to adopt, are very much those we associate with mothers and with motherhood in general. In many homes in these last 12 months, it is through our mothers that these qualities have shone as never before; in the face of so many difficulties caused by the pandemic and lockdown. All of us have been tested and yet there have been so many examples of care and mutual help as we endured setbacks and false hopes about new beginnings.

We now look forward, not only to freedom from restrictions, but to Easter; and the hope that Easter brings. As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, let us keep these words of Paul in our hearts and strive to be ever more Christlike in our relations with others; not just as mothers or parents; but as neighbours and friends.

Let us light a candle as we come into God’s presence, remembering that we do so with others in our church family. We say the prayer for today:
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

We read Paul’s letter to the Colossians Ch. 3 v. 12-17 and the Gospel from Saint Luke Ch. 2 v. 33-35

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
God of love,
passionate and strong,
tender and careful:
watch over us and hold us
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

One Year On

This the 52nd edition of the bulletin. We started with Mothering Sunday last year little thinking that it would last a whole year. The bulletin has grown, not only in its readership; but also in its content, as it has covered Christian Aid Week, the Ten Days of Prayer (Thy Kingdom Come), the Call to Prayer from the Archbishops; Advent and Christmas. Plus the week of Prayer for Christian Unity; as well as information about the Parish regarding the closure/re-opening of church for worship.

Secondly, since the autumn we have been able to advertise zoomed Family Services organised by Lucy; and there is a special one this Sunday for Mothering Sunday. Please give her a ring for the link on Mob: {07707 863901} or email her: lucy.luckock@gmail.com.

Lucy has also written a report on her work with children and families for PCC; and you will find this is available as an attachment (above).

Easter

Our PCC met on Tuesday, 9th March 2021; and decided that the Church should be reopened for worship on Easter Sunday (4th April 2021); depending on the local situation and restrictions in place by that date. A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening will be taken on Monday, 29th March 20201.

Meanwhile arrangements for the reopening of church for Easter will be published as soon as possible.

Churchyard

The Churchwardens and PCC are currently concerned about the general appearance of the Churchyard; and so are asking for volunteers to meet next Saturday (20th March 2021) at 10.00am in order to tidy it up for Easter. Large builders’ bags have been obtained for the many items and objects to be removed e g. old Christmas wreaths.

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Third Sunday of Lent

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.   Psalm 19:7

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 7th March 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 7th March 2021
Notes on the Readings for 7th March 2021

Rules have been very much a feature of our lives in this past year. As we have tried to follow them, we have seen it is not always easy to do so.

God gave the 10 commandments as a guide and rule of life for his people in their pilgrimage together. These laws were not enough to bring people nearer to God and Saint Paul points us in the right direction when he says in his first letter to the Corinthians that we are saved only through the cross. As we move through Lent we can reflect on our own way of life and give thanks that Christ has paid on the cross, once and for all, the price of our shortcomings in observing God’s commandments.

We come together as fellow pilgrims on the way of the cross and say the prayer for today:
Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
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

We read from Exodus 20:1-17 and Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 1:18-25.

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Merciful Lord,
grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world,
the flesh and the devil,
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you,
the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Worship in Church

Church is still closed for worship and a decision regarding its reopening will be taken at next week’s PCC.

Praise Service THIS SUNDAY at 5.00pm

There will be a service of praise involving all three churches in the Mission Area this Sunday (7th March 2021) at 5.00 pm by Zoom. People should join earlier in case of technological glitches (hence the meeting time being from 4:45pm).
PLEASE EMAIL: Rev Toby (revtobygibbons@gmail.com) or Rev Karen (karen.skidmore@yahoo.co.uk) for the link needed to take part.

Lent Course

The next session of Lights for Christ will take place on Wednesday at 7.00 pm.

Church Family

There are still a number of members of our congregation who are ill at home or in hospital and need our prayers. It is not appropriate to name them here but we can share those names we know with one another in order to pray.

One person who has been supported by our prayers is John Sparrow; who wishes to thank all those who have held him up in their prayers throughout his own illness. We can give thanks with John that he is now well on his way to a full recovery.

Children’s Ministry

Our Children’s Minister Lucy Luckock was originally authorised in September 2015 and will be reauthorised during the Joined-up Conference (The Annual Conference for Schools, Children’s, Families, Youth and Chaplaincy Workers) on Saturday, 6th March 2021. This year the conference is online. We pray for Lucy and her continued ministry in our parishes.

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Second Sunday of Lent

‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.   Mark 8:34

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 28th February 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 28th February 2021
Covenant Sermon - Dr Bill Goodman

It is easy just to follow, but Jesus is saying that following him is not an easy journey but one that requires effort. Most of us have found these times of restrictions doubly difficult in that we have not been able to join together in worship or receive the sacraments which sustain us on our journey of faith. We have had to adjust as we try to stay on the way that Jesus is showing us.

Just as we accept the difficulties of lockdown in order to regain the freedom we once knew, before the virus, so do we as followers of Jesus have to face up to the challenges which following him brings, in the hope of being with him for ever. Let us persevere on the way as we go through Lent and look to the freedom that the new life of Easter brings.

We join together in worship as we light a candle and come into God’s presence.

We say the prayer for today:
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ.
Amen

We read today’s gospel: Mark 8:31-end

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Almighty God,
you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves:
keep us both outwardly in our bodies,
and inwardly in our souls;
that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Ken Tupling

Ken’s funeral will take place in church on Monday, 1st March 2021 at 1.30pm and attendance is by invitation only as numbers in church are limited to 30. The service will be followed by burial in the churchyard at which only Margaret, Andrew and Christopher will be present.

In order to avoid a large gathering outside church Margaret has asked that all those who mourn Ken should NOT come to the church or to the churchyard but light a candle at 1.30pm in their own homes. Furthermore, the service will be streamed live via Facebook (you do not need a Facebook account to watch live streams so anyone can tune in). The link to go to on the day is www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch

Rev. Toby will start the stream 10 minutes before the funeral begins so people have time to tune in. The video will be saved and will be available on YouTube as a recording later in the day:   www.youtube.com/channel/UCkDlxtXU_J-LL6erBeOV4NA (or search for Whiston Parish Church in the YouTube search bar).
Donations in Ken’s memory are invited for Whiston Parish Church and/or the National Kidney Federation c/o J. Parkinson and Sons, Oil Mill Fold, Westgate, Rotherham S60 1BB

Lights for Christ

Lent Course   The first part of the course took place last Wednesday evening by Zoom; led by our Oversight Ministers, Karen and Toby. There are four more sessions on Wednesdays at 7.00pm. If you would still like the material or the link for the next session of the course, please ring Patrick. It is possible to do the course on your own.

Sermon   Instead of the usual notes on the readings, you will find a sermon written specially for us by the Rev. Dr Bill Goodman who would have preached this Sunday had church been open. Bill preached and presided at the Parish Eucharist in the Autumn. He is Assistant Principal of St Peter’s College, the Diocesan Training Centre and has compiled the Lent course, Lights for Christ, which we are using. The sermon explores the theme of covenant based on this Sunday’s readings but connecting with readings throughout Lent.

Star Fish Gang at 9.30am & Youth Zone in the evening are meeting this Sunday by Zoom. For further information contact Lucy on {07707 863901}.

World Day of Prayer - Friday, 5th March 2021

This year the annual Service in Rotherham will not be taking place, but you can join in a 30-minute service online prepared by the women of Vanuatu on the website: www.wwdp.org.uk. There are also a few order of service booklets available if you would like to be part of this women-led, global, ecumenical movement. Contact Colette if you would like one or require further info.

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the first Sunday of Lent

Make me to know your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Psalm 29:3

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 21st February 2021
Notes on the Readings and Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources for 21st February 2021

We have all had to learn new ways in this last year and as we continue to follow them hoping that Lockdown will lead us to a Covid-free world, so we can use this time of Lent to follow more closely the way of Christ and to prepare ourselves for the glorious freedom of the Easter message. Jesus himself prepared himself for his mission and we pray that this Lent will help us to grow in faith and love for him as we seek to be lights for him in our world of darkness.

This morning we light a candle to remind us we are in God’s presence and we say the prayer for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
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

We read today’s Gospel   Mark 1:9-15

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Heavenly Father,
your Son battled with the powers of darkness,
and grew closer to you in the desert:
help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer
that we may witness to your saving love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

East Central Mission Area

This is the name given to our three parishes of Clifton, Herringthorpe and Whiston. Toby and Karen have begun their work together and on Ash Wednesday led us in a joint service by Zoom as we marked the start of Lent.

Lent course

Each Wednesday in Lent at 7.00 pm there is a Lent course ‘Lights of Christ’ led by Toby and Karen on Zoom. Please email Patrick for a link to Wednesday’s session: 24.02.2021

Prayer

We continue to pray for our nation in this time of pandemic:
Week 4:   22-28th February
Lord Jesus Christ,
in these dark and difficult days, we turn our hearts to you.
In ages past, you have delivered our nation from disaster.
Do it again, we pray.
Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders,
Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers.
Give comfort beyond human comfort to the elderly and all who grieve.
Lord Jesus Christ, in these dark and difficult days,
turn your face towards us, have mercy upon us,
and heal our land, we pray.
Amen

Ken Tupling

During this last week we have been part of a vast wave of prayer which has touched all those, who knew Ken, and also many others, who have wanted to pray with us. Ken departed this life last Friday (13th Feb) surrounded by the prayers of the church and having prayed for all of us repeating the words of Dhoe, God is good. Ken’s funeral will take place in church on Monday, 1st March at 1.30 pm and will be by invitation only. Donations in Ken’s memory will be shared between Whiston Parish Church and the National Kidney Federation. Further details next week.

May light perpetual shine upon him; may he rest in peace.

We hold Margaret, Andrew and Chris and their families in our prayers.

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Sunday next before Lent

This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him! Mark 9:75

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 14th February 2021
Notes on the Readings - 14th February 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources: 14th February 2021

This Sunday’s readings take up the theme of the Transfiguration, the time when Jesus took three of his disciples and went up a mountain, where he was transfigured in front of them, bathed in light as he reflected God’s glory. The disciples see there Moses and Elijah, two major figures from the Old Testament, Moses being the Law and Elijah the Prophets. In this solemn moment Heaven and Earth touch in Jesus, God’s Son, his beloved.

At times it feels that we are climbing a high mountain as we wrestle with the problems of Coronavirus. It can be good to pause our climb and to look towards God and to listen to him speaking to us through Jesus. This Lent let us give ourselves the time to behold God’s glory and to prepare ourselves to meet him in his son, Jesus Christ. We come now before him to worship as we light our candle.

We pray:
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel   Mark 9:2-9

We say or sing:     ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
may we reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know his power to change and save.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Sunday Family Time

There will be a Zoom service led by Lucy on Sunday at 9.30am with a theme of 'Love is Patient, Love is Kind'. 1 Corinthians 13:4. For more information and to have the link please contact Lucy on Mob: 07707 863901

Lent course

Karen and Toby are organising a Lent course by Zoom. It will run on Wednesdays at 7.00pm starting with a service on Ash Wednesday. The course will follow the diocesan programme Lights for Christ. Please email Patrick if you wish to take part in order to receive the link.

The Licensing of our Oversight Ministers

This took place on Wednesday evening when over 100 people joined in a zoomed service. Bishop Sophie officiated and Toby and Karen made their formal declarations and led us in prayer.
In order to introduce themselves as they start their ministry with us, they have each written something about themselves:

Toby

Hello! I’m originally from Wiltshire where I was born and raised before heading off to Reading to study History at University. After that, I spent time working as a chef and a librarian; and when I could put it off no longer, I followed the call of God to become ordained. I packed my bags and went north to Durham where I studied for three years. It was during my time there that I met my wife Ruthi and we both served our curacies in the city of York for a number of years. We’re all very much looking forward to meeting everyone in due course either virtually or in person when we are all allowed out again!

Karen

I was born and brought up in Sheffield. I went to Tapton School. Although, I didn’t have a church background, as a teenager the Christian faith became my own. I studied Theology at the University of Nottingham. In the years that followed I worked in various capacities: with adults with learning difficulties; as an advice worker at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and in Pensions Administration. I had long felt the call to ordination. I trained at Ridley Hall Theological College Cambridge. My curacy was at Christ Church Pitsmoor in Sheffield. I’ve served in Herringthorpe for 10 years now, but I’ve been at Whiston often in various capacities. Now it is finally official - I’m Oversight Minister at Whiston – and if you don’t know me yet, I look forward to getting to know you!

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 2nd Sunday before Lent

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. Psalm 104:35

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 7th February 2021
Notes on the Readings - 7th February 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources: 7th February 2021

We say the prayer for today:
Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.

We read today’s Gospel   John 1:1-14.0

We say or sing:   Love Divine   ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Creator God,
send your Holy Spirit to renew this living world,
that the whole creation,
in its groaning and striving,
may know your loving purpose
and come to reflect your glory
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Licensing of Oversight Ministers

On Wednesday, 10th February 2021 at 7.30 pm the Revd. Karen Skidmore and the Revd. Toby Gibbons will be licensed as Oversight Ministers to the East Central Mission Area. This comprises the parishes of Herringthorpe, Clifton and Whiston so there will be two priests for three parishes. The title of Oversight Minister is a new role being used in the diocese and makes Karen and Toby jointly responsible for our three churches. Toby will be based at Clifton.
Because of the closure of our churches the service will take place by Zoom. It will be conducted by the Bishop of Doncaster, the Rt. Revd. Sophie Jelley. We look forward to the day when Toby will be able to meet our congregation in church. Meanwhile we keep both Toby and Karen in our prayers.

Those who have asked for a link for the Zoom Service of Licensing will receive it on Monday. If you would still like to join the service but haven’t asked for the link, please do so by 2.00 pm on Sunday by emailing : colette.white@lineone.net.

Prayer for the Nation

The Archbishops have called the nation to prayer as the milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19 has been reached.
We are invited to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6:00pm each day.

Prayer for Week 2:   8th - 15th February 2021

Loving God,
at this time of crisis
when so many are suffering,
we pray for our nation and our world.
Give our leaders wisdom,
our Health Service strength,
our people hope.
Lead us through these parched and difficult days
to the fresh springs of joy and comfort
that we find in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Daily Themes

Sunday:   Family, friends and loved ones
Monday:   Schools and colleges, children and young people
Tuesday:   Elderly, isolated and vulnerable
Wednesday:   Businesses, the workplace and economic wellbeing
Thursday:   The NHS and other key workers
Friday:   National and local government
Saturday:   All who are grieving, and all suffering with physical and mental ill-health

Giving

We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church at Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple

The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory Psalm 24:10

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 31st January 2021
Notes on the Readings and Prayers - 31st January 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources: 31st January 2021

Psalm 24 is a psalm which lifts the spirits. It speaks of the triumphal entry of pilgrims bearing the Ark of the covenant into the Temple at Jerusalem. Today we celebrate the entry of Christ into the Temple, brought there by Joseph and Mary as a baby to fulfil the requirements of the Law. He is the King of glory, the king, who according to Simeon, will be a light to the Gentiles, but the king who is going to suffer. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews puts it like this:
Because Jesus himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able help those who are being tested.

We are indeed being tested but we can know that Jesus is there at our side, because he has suffered for us on the Cross. Let us allow our spirits to be lifted as we see, in the words of Simeon, the Salvation that God has prepared for us. On this festival of light, at this Candlemas, let us light a candle and worship.

We pray:
Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel Luke 2:22-40

We say or sing: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,
who lived to welcome the Messiah:
may we prepare to meet Christ Jesus
when he comes to bring us to eternal life;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen

Prayer for the Nation

The Archbishops have called the nation to prayer as the milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19 has been reached.
This is part of their message:
“One thing we can all do is pray. We hope it is some consolation to know that the church prays for the life of our nation every day. Whether you’re someone of faith, or not, we invite you to call on God in prayer. Starting on 1st February, we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6:00pm each day. More than ever, this is a time when we need to love each other. Prayer is an expression of love.

Finally, we write of hope. We are grateful for the hope we have because of the service of our NHS and social care staff. What a blessing and lifeline for our nation! We are grateful for the service given in local communities by clergy, other frontline workers and so many good neighbours. We are grateful for the hope of the vaccine. It is a testimony to the God-given wisdom and gifts of scientists and researchers. We urge everyone to take the vaccine as soon as it is offered to you.

Most of all, we have hope because God raised Jesus from the dead. This is the Christian hope that we will be celebrating at Easter.

We live in the hope that we will share in his resurrection. Death doesn’t have the last word.

In God’s Kingdom every tear will be wiped away.
Please be assured of our prayers. Please join us.”

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany

‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns'. Revelation 19:6

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 24th January 2021
Notes on the Readings and Prayers - 24th January 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources: 24th January 2021

Our God reigns! In all the flurry of human activity surrounding the pandemic we must never lose sight of God’s presence. He has entered our world in Jesus and has suffered with us. By raising Jesus from the dead God has shown us the way to eternal life. Jesus reigns in glory with God in heaven.

Today as we follow the Epiphany story, we see Jesus revealing his glory in the miracle of Cana in Galilee, changing water into wine and offering new life in abundance to those who were in need. Jesus offers us that new life today transforming our everyday existence and bringing us joy and hope in our troubles. Let us give God the glory as we come to worship him today.

We pray:
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,
Amen

We say or sing: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
God of all mercy,
your Son proclaimed good news to the poor,
release to the captives,
and freedom to the oppressed:
anoint us with your Holy Spirit
and set all your people free
to praise you in Christ our Lord.
Amen

Extract from Letter from our Bishops (dated 15th Jan 2021)
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may I urge you to pause and to recall the wonderful truth that, as Anglican Christians in the Diocese of Sheffield, we are part of that one body, sharing in one Spirit, and called to the one hope, together with all those who participate with us in one baptism, confessing one Lord in one faith. As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are one with those who have gone before us, centuries before us; and we are one with those who will come after us. We are one with those who serve our Saviour in the Diocese of Bondo, in Kenya, and in the Diocese of Argentina – our two link Dioceses. We are one with those who confess Christ as Lord as Roman Catholics, members of the Orthodox Churches, Baptists and Methodists, Pentecostal, Lutheran and Reformed Churches, independent evangelical and non-aligned churches. Of course, the divisions between us are painful, and we long for that unity for which our Lord himself prayed. But it is good to recall the wider family to which we belong, and commit ourselves afresh to ‘humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’.

Renewed Prayer for the NHS
It is appropriate in this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to note this call to prayer which has been issued by the Baptist Union of Great Britain:

• Pray for all NHS staff: for their safety, and for energy and peace in dealing with each and every patient.
• Pray for those in hospital leadership, for wisdom and for good decisions to give the best outcomes for patients.
• Pray for patients; for healing, and for their relatives who feel helpless.
• Pray for the rolling out of the vaccine, that it will be effective even against the new strain of Covid-19.
• Pray for a reprieve and an end to Covid-19.

GIVING
We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany

‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns'. Revelation 19:6

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
Prayers for 24th January 2021
Notes on the Readings and Prayers - 24th January 2021
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources: 124th January 2021

Our God reigns! In all the flurry of human activity surrounding the pandemic we must never lose sight of God’s presence. He has entered our world in Jesus and has suffered with us. By raising Jesus from the dead God has shown us the way to eternal life. Jesus reigns in glory with God in heaven.

Today as we follow the Epiphany story, we see Jesus revealing his glory in the miracle of Cana in Galilee, changing water into wine and offering new life in abundance to those who were in need. Jesus offers us that new life today transforming our everyday existence and bringing us joy and hope in our troubles. Let us give God the glory as we come to worship him today.

We pray:
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,
Amen

We say or sing: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:
God of all mercy,
your Son proclaimed good news to the poor,
release to the captives,
and freedom to the oppressed:
anoint us with your Holy Spirit
and set all your people free
to praise you in Christ our Lord.
Amen

Extract from Letter from our Bishops (dated 15th Jan 2021)
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may I urge you to pause and to recall the wonderful truth that, as Anglican Christians in the Diocese of Sheffield, we are part of that one body, sharing in one Spirit, and called to the one hope, together with all those who participate with us in one baptism, confessing one Lord in one faith. As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are one with those who have gone before us, centuries before us; and we are one with those who will come after us. We are one with those who serve our Saviour in the Diocese of Bondo, in Kenya, and in the Diocese of Argentina – our two link Dioceses. We are one with those who confess Christ as Lord as Roman Catholics, members of the Orthodox Churches, Baptists and Methodists, Pentecostal, Lutheran and Reformed Churches, independent evangelical and non-aligned churches. Of course, the divisions between us are painful, and we long for that unity for which our Lord himself prayed. But it is good to recall the wider family to which we belong, and commit ourselves afresh to ‘humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’.

Renewed Prayer for the NHS
It is appropriate in this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to note this call to prayer which has been issued by the Baptist Union of Great Britain:

• Pray for all NHS staff: for their safety, and for energy and peace in dealing with each and every patient.
• Pray for those in hospital leadership, for wisdom and for good decisions to give the best outcomes for patients.
• Pray for patients; for healing, and for their relatives who feel helpless.
• Pray for the rolling out of the vaccine, that it will be effective even against the new strain of Covid-19.
• Pray for a reprieve and an end to Covid-19.

GIVING
We look forward to resuming worship in our church, but for the moment If you have giving envelopes please continue to send in one of them with a cheque for the total amount made payable to Whiston Parish Church, Please no coins or notes!

Post to: Mr Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Moorgate; Rotherham, S60 3BW

If payment through the bank would be easier, these are the details:

RBS  The Parochial Church Council of Whiston St Mary Magdalene
A/C No. 15374552   Sort Code: 16.00.07

If anyone would also like to donate to the running costs of the church, this would also be most welcome. The continued generosity of our congregation is a blessing for us all.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Christmas Greetings from Whiston Parish Church

To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.   Luke 2:11

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Services in December 2020

Bulletin for Sunday, 27th December 2020

Amongst all the busyness of Christmas, especially with the added problems this year of meeting as a family, it is sometimes hard to remember the message of the Angels to the Shepherds, that today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. We come like the shepherds to worship him, echoing the songs of the Angels:   Glory to God in the Highest.

We say the prayer for today:

Almighty God,
you have given us your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him
and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:
grant that we, who have been born again
and made your children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
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

We read Luke’s account of the Christmas story Luke 2:1-20 (not on reading sheet)

The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those on whom his favour rests!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

We sing: O come, all ye faithful: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We pray:

God our Father,
whose Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illumine our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds;
through him who is Christ the Lord.
Amen

A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols has been recorded; with readings given by Congregation members and carols sung by the Choir. It can be viewed on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/5pCcSpe0QSE or by searching for 'Whiston Parish Church'.

The Reading Sheet for Christmas Day is attached. There is a second Reading Sheet and a service sheet for Sunday, 27th December. The final attachments are the usual printed sheets Sunday Link, Live the Word and Look for Children.

A few words on the readings from the usual reading sheet for Christmas Day.

A Christmas Message from Rt Reverend Sophie Jelley, Bishop of Doncaster:
https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/videos/bishop-sophie-jelley-christmas-2020

Prayers for 25th December 2020

Christmas Greetings and Christmas Blessings!

To conclude our prayers in advent using the words we would sing when we light the wreath and, particularly today, the white candle to mark Christmas Day. Let us pray:
Advent candles tell their story on this Christmas Day.
Those who waited for God’s glory: they prepared the way.
Christ is with us: loving, giving, in us living, here today!
And we pray for the recently departed among them Joyce Wilford and for all who are ill or may be sad and lonely, especially those who have lost family and friends recently and for whom life will never be the same again. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Maud Brook, Barry William Emson, Ethel May Dolphin, Christopher Lambert, Julie Young, Donald Holden, William Ingram and Mary Elizabeth Mellor.
Amen

Worship in church will resume on Sunday, 3rd January 2021; when we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 4th Sunday of Advent

Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Services in December 2020

Notes on the Readings and Prayers for 20th December 2020
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources

Mary’s yes allowed God’s plan of salvation to happen. As we move forward to celebrate Christ’s birth we give thanks for Mary and her willingness to trust God. We pray that we might follow her example of humility and service and be ready to accept her Son into our lives.

We prepare ourselves to worship by lighting a candle and we say the prayer for today:

God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

We read today’s Gospel: Luke 1:26- 38

We sing or say Magnificat the song of Mary in the words of the hymn Tell out my soul: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of the promised saviour:
fill us your servants with your grace,
that in all things we may embrace your holy will
and with her rejoice in your salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen

Christmas Services

All services in church will follow Covid-19 guidelines and a mask must be worn

Worship in church will resume on Sunday, 3rd January 2021; when we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord.

Follow the Nativity Trail which has been set up in the Village by Lucy, our Centenary Project Worker.
There are 10 pictures to find and lots of Angels! The trail starts at Whiston Parish Hall and finishes at Church.
If you scan the QR code, you will get a surprise!!

Milestone.  This is the 40th edition of this bulletin! From Lent to Christmas! It has brought us together as a Church Community in the darkest days of the year and we look now to the new hope that is born in a stable at Bethlehem in the form of a helpless baby.

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Services in December 2020

Notes on the Readings for 13th December 2020
Prayers for 13th December 2020
Opportunities for Worship and Other Resources

Advent brings good news and the words of Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians remind us of our relationship with God who has done such marvellous things for us especially in sending his Son Jesus to be our Saviour.
Remember God is good was the last message that our late Rector Dhoe sent to us.
Last Sunday we received the good news that a new priest was to be appointed to our Mission Area. We rejoice that our long wait is coming to an end and now we pray that a new era in the life of our church will be ushered in. We give thanks for the Rev. Toby Gibbons as he prepares to come to work in our three parishes alongside the Rev. Karen Skidmore, our new Priest in charge.

Our Gospel theme is that of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way of the Lord. May we now prepare for Christ’s coming by entering his presence at home or in Church.

At home we light a candle, and we say the prayer for today:

God for whom we watch and wait,
you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son:
give us courage to speak the truth,
to hunger for justice,
and to suffer for the cause of right,
with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28

We say or sing: ♫   𝅘𝅥   𝅘𝅥𝅮

We Pray:

O Lord, kindle in us the fire of your Spirit
that when your Christ comes again
we may shine as lights before his face;
who is alive and reigns now and for ever.
Amen

Services in December

All services in church will follow Covid-19 guidelines and a mask must be worn

Nine Lessons and Carols This will take place on Wednesday 23rd December at 7.00 pm (only choir to sing).

Christmas Day There will be a Family Communion Service at 10.30 am

There will be no service in church on Christmas Eve but there will be an Online Crib Service at 5.00 pm.

A Nativity Trail has been set up in the Village by Lucy, our Centenary Project Worker. There are 10 pictures to find and lots of Angels! The trail starts at Whiston Parish Hall and finishes at Church. If you scan the QR code you will get a surprise !!

Funeral of Derek Foster - This will take place on Monday 14th December. The cortege will leave 28 Weetwood Road at about 11.10 am.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Services in December 2020

Notes on the Readings for 6th December 2020
Prayers for 6th December 2020

Advent brings good news and the words of Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians remind us of our relationship with God who has done such marvellous things for us especially in sending his Son Jesus to be our Saviour.
Remember God is good was the last message that our late Rector Dhoe sent to us.
Last Sunday we received the good news that a new priest was to be appointed to our Mission Area. We rejoice that our long wait is coming to an end and now we pray that a new era in the life of our church will be ushered in. We give thanks for the Rev. Toby Gibbons as he prepares to come to work in our three parishes alongside the Rev. Karen Skidmore, our new Priest in charge.

Our Gospel theme is that of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way of the Lord. May we now prepare for Christ’s coming by entering his presence at home or in Church.

At home we light a candle, and we say the prayer for today:

God for whom we watch and wait,
you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son:
give us courage to speak the truth,
to hunger for justice,
and to suffer for the cause of right,
with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28

We say or sing:   ♪

We Pray:

Father in heaven,
who sent your Son to redeem the world
and will send him again to be our judge:
give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming
that, when he comes again,
we may be ready to greet him
with joyful love and firm faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Services in December

All services in church will follow Covid-19 guidelines and a mask must be worn

A Nativity Trail has been set up in the Village by Lucy, our Centenary Project Worker. There are 10 pictures to find and lots of Angels! The trail starts at Whiston Parish Hall and finishes at Church. If you scan the QR code you will get a surprise !!

The 6th December is Saint Nicholas’ Day. Nicholas was a 4th century Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor. Many of the wonders that he worked concerned children; and so the tradition began of bearing gifts to children on his feast day – hence Santa Claus!

Almighty Father, who chose your servant Nicholas to be a bishop in the Church,
That he might freely give out the riches of your grace:
Make us ever mindful of the needs of others
And as we have received, so teach us to give,
Through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,
Amen

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on Advent Sunday

Jesus said: What I say to you I say to all: 'Keep awake.’ Mark 13:37

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 29th November 2020
Prayers for 29th November 2020
Prayers for the Nation - November 2020

Call to Prayer for the Nation - Personal Prayers

Keep awake, keep alert is the Advent message. Be ready for Christ’s coming! As we look forward to the Christmas season and make our preparations, we also need to make ourselves ready to receive him. As we do so, we share hope for a new beginning, hope that Christ will break into our lives and point us to a future with God. Advent isn’t then just about a count-down to the arrival of Jesus as a baby at Christmas, it is about looking forward to Christ’s second coming. As we gather this morning in his name we begin once again a journey towards the kingdom that Christ brings to those who open their hearts to him and who keep watch for his coming. Keep awake, keep alert!

We light a candle and say the Advent collect:

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel Mark 13:24-end

We say or sing the hymn:

We Pray:

O Lord our God,
make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear,
he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service
and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Church will not be open for worship this Sunday but will reopen on Sunday 6th December 2020, the second Sunday of Advent for the Parish Eucharist at 9:45 am.

We pray for the family of Derek Foster who passed away on Wednesday. Derek, together with his late wife Brenda, was very much a part of our Church fellowship and will be missed.

CALL FOR PRAYER FOR THE NATION

Bishops, Pete and Sophie, have echoed the Archbishops call to prayer and are asking the whole diocese to join in prayer every day at 6.00pm throughout the lockdown.

Call to Prayer for the Nation - Week 4

Loving God, your Son Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly;
pour out your blessing upon our nation;
where there is illness,
bring your healing touch;
where there is fear,
strengthen us with the knowledge of your presence;
where there is uncertainty,
build us up in faith;
where there is dishonesty,
lead us into truth;
where there is discord,
may we know the harmony of your love;
this we ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Feast of Christ the King

For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods. Psalm 95:3

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 22nd November 2020
Prayers for 22nd November 2020
Prayers for the Nation - November 2020

Call to Prayer for the Nation - Personal Prayers

The Church’s year ends this Sunday on a high note - the Feast of Christ the King. Our readings focus on Christ as glorified Lord and King and point to the final end of all things. As we look forward to Advent Sunday and Christ’s coming, we can reflect today on his life and ministry and his death upon the cross culminating in his triumphal resurrection and ascension into heaven where he reigns for ever as our king and as our judge. So let us come into his presence with thanksgiving.

We light a candle as we join with one another in worship and say together the prayer for today:

Eternal Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel, Matthew 25. 31-end

We say the words or sing the hymn:

We Pray:

God the Father,
help us to hear the call of Christ the King
and to follow in his service,
whose kingdom has no end.
for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, one glory.
Amen

Giving

It has been a tradition at our church to make this Sunday Giving Sunday. Throughout this year; and despite all the current difficulties; we have seen the willingness of everyone to maintain their giving and to ensure that our church has the funds to meet its needs. Although there are considerable calls on our income, especially in relation to maintenance work on the Church and Churchyard, we are in a much stronger position than we ever thought possible given the difficulties facing many of our churches and cathedrals. We have therefore much to be thankful for; and we can praise God for this blessing. Please continue to think and pray about giving as a response to God’s love for us as we prepare for Advent and the coming of Jesus.

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,
may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

If you feel able to increase your giving please use your envelope or change your standing order or send a cheque made out to Whiston PCC to: Alan Teale, 27 Howarth Crescent, Rotherham, S60 3BW who will then pay the cheque in at the bank. Our bank details are as follows: The Parochial Church Council of Whiston Parish Church, The Royal Bank of Scotland Account no: 15374552 Sort Code: 16-00-07

CALL FOR PRAYER FOR THE NATION

Bishops, Pete and Sophie, have echoed the Archbishops call to prayer and are asking the whole diocese to join in prayer every day at 6.00pm throughout the lockdown.

Prayer for Week 3     23rd - 29th Nov

Lord Jesus Christ,
in these dark and difficult days, we turn our hearts to you.
In ages past, you have delivered our nation from disaster.
Do it again, we pray.
Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders,
Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers.
Give comfort beyond human comfort to the elderly and all who grieve.
Lord Jesus Christ,
in these dark and difficult days, turn your face towards us,
have mercy upon us, and heal our land, we pray.
Amen

NEW document: Personal Prayers for a number of situations - see separate attachment.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 2nd Sunday before Advent.

Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another. Psalm 90:1

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 15th November 2020
Prayers for 15th November 2020
Prayers for the Nation - November 2020

We give thanks to God that he is with us in all our times of trouble. His presence is a constant source of strength and hope. As we prepare ourselves for Advent and the renewal of hope we are again reminded to be alert, to keep awake and ready for the Lord’s coming. Jesus tells the parable of the talents asking us to use our gifts in his service. Let us use this time of Lockdown to grow closer to him, to use the time that we have, for God’s greater glory.

We light a candle and come into the light of his presence.

We say the prayer for today:

Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world’s salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel Matthew 25:14-30

Say or sing the hymn:

A Prayer of Blessing:
As we are sent out to live as children of light;
May we walk in faith,
be sustained by hope,
and share the all-embracing love of God
with everyone we meet.
Amen

Ministry to Younger Children

Please ring Lucy on Mob: (07707 863901) or email: lucy.luckock@gmail.com.

CALL FOR PRAYER FOR THE NATION

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/call-prayer-nation#na
Quote from the Archbishops:
“Bearing in mind our primary vocation as the Church of Jesus Christ to pray and to serve, we call upon the Church of England to make this month of lockdown a month of prayer.”

https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation#na
See also Prayer for the nation leaflet attached to last week email.

Prayer for Week 2 16th - 22nd Nov.

Loving Father God,
be with us in our distress;
be with our families, friends, and neighbours,
our country and our world.
Give health to the sick,
hope to the fearful,
and comfort to mourners.
Give wisdom to our frontline and key workers,
insight to our Government,
and patience to us all.
Overcome disease with the power of your new life,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 3rd Sunday before Advent.

Remembrance Sunday

You are my Helper and Deliverer; O Lord make haste to help me. Psalm 70.6

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 8th November 2020
Prayers for 8th November 2020 - Lest We Forget
Prayers for the Nation - November 2020

The readings for today prepare us for Advent but also remind us of our need for peace and healing in a war-torn world. We remember those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom and those who sacrifice their lives today in order to protect their fellow human beings from the evils which still afflict us.

Like the writer of psalm 70 we turn to God in prayer imploring his mercy and protection. In the words of the Prophet Amos we pray that ‘Justice may roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’.

As we face the darkening clouds of the lockdown, we still need to keep in mind the darker days of two world wars and the bravery and courage of those who fought and of those who struggled on the home front. We also need to keep alive the hope which inspired them. Paul speaks to us about our hope in Jesus, so as we come together into God’s presence, we place our hope in him and in him alone.

We say the prayer for today:

Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We read Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians 4.13-end

We remember the fallen of Whiston Parish. See the list provided by Jan on the next page

Say or sing the hymn:

We pray:
God, our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Our Archbishops have called for Calm, Courage and Compassion during Lockdown.

Bishops, Pete and Sophie, have echoed the Archbishops call to prayer and are asking the whole diocese to join in prayer every day at 6.00 pm throughout the lockdown. The attached prayer booklet from the C of E provides prayers we can use on a daily basis. Let us take this opportunity to pray more and to pray with others throughout the diocese and nation at a time of crisis.

CALL FOR PRAYER FOR THE NATION

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/call-prayer-nation#na
Quote from the Archbishops:
“Bearing in mind our primary vocation as the Church of Jesus Christ to pray and to serve, we call upon the Church of England to make this month of lockdown a month of prayer.”

Prayer for Week 1 9-15nov.

Loving God,
at this time of crisis
when so many are suffering,
we pray for our nation and our world.
Give our leaders wisdom,
our Health Service strength,
our people hope.
Lead us through these parched and difficult days
to the fresh springs of joy and comfort
that we find in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Look out for further information in this bulletin about online worship on Remembrance Sunday!

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on All Saints Day

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God     Matthew 5.8

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 1st November 2020
Prayers for 1st November 2020

The feast of All Saints is a time for us to reflect on those whose lives have been an example of Christian living and in whom the Faith has burned brightly, even leading to martyrdom. In the Sermon on the mount Jesus offers us a picture of saintliness and our Gospel reading focuses on his most well-known words – The Beatitudes. In them each picture of saintliness is followed by a promise. As we strive to be saintly in our own lives we rejoice in God’s promises and pray that we may one day join the company of saints in praising God in his everlasting kingdom.

We come into his presence as we light our candle and join with Christians everywhere gathered at home or in church or wherever they can meet.

We say the prayer for today:

O ALMIGHTY God, you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship,
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
Grant us grace so to follow your blessed Saints
in all virtuous and godly living,
that we may come to those inexpressible joys,
which you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

We read today’s Gospel Matthew 5.1-12

Say or sing the hymn:

We pray:
May God, who kindled the fire of his love in the hearts of the saints,
pour upon us the riches of his grace.
May he give us joy in their fellowship and a share in their praises.
May he strengthen us to follow them in the way of holiness
and to come to the full radiance of glory.
Amen

A Prayer for those affected by Coronavirus

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

Remembrance Sunday There will NOT be a service of Remembrance at the Lychgate next Sunday. The fallen will instead be remembered during morning worship.

Family Time and 'Little Fishes' Online

On Remembrance Sunday, our children and their families will join with those from St. Cuthbert’s for an online time together.



For further information or to find out the Zoom details for both the above, please either phone me on Mob: 07707 863901 or email: lucy.luckock@gmail.com.
All welcome   😊

Thank you
Lucy

Annual Meetings

At our Annual Meetings last week Alan Teale was re-elected and Colette White elected as Churchwardens. Thanks were expressed to Wendy Whitaker for her service as churchwarden over the last four and a half years. Suzanne Booker, Janet Vout, Ray Gallagher, and Chris Rivington were re-elected to the PCC for a further term of three years.

CHURCH continues to be OPEN for Sunday worship. Please wear a mask if you come.

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on Bible Sunday

Jesus said “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” Matthew 24.35

Dear Friends Download the latest information:

Notes on the Readings for 25th October 2020
Prayers for 25th October 2020

In these words, Jesus tells us that God’s word is eternal. Today, Bible Sunday is a celebration of God’s word and a reminder of how we can seek comfort, guidance, and hope in the Bible’s record of God’s saving work amongst us. Paul speaks of the joy of God’s word saying, ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.’ Nehemiah tells how the people of Israel rediscovered God’s word read to them by Ezra and how they made ‘great rejoicing’.

We rejoice in God’s word and as we come into God’s presence, we light a candle to pray together, to study the readings on our sheet and to give praise and thanksgiving.

We say the prayer for today:

Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

Say or sing the hymn:

We pray:
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,
Amen

Diocesan Vision Prayer

Living God, Jesus calls his followers to seek first your Kingdom.
Renew us as we make your love known;
Release us to share freely together in mission;
and Rejuvenate us to be fruitful in your service.
Give us courage, wisdom and compassion,
that strengthened with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may, as the Diocese of Sheffield,
both flourish and grow through Christ our Lord.
Amen

One way of joining in prayer with fellow Christians all over the Diocese is to join the Diocesan Prayer Community 2025. This requires a very simple commitment:

1. Say the Lord’s Prayer daily.

2. Read at least ONE verse of the Bible daily.

For suggested bible readings try the website www.wordlive.org which even offers daily emails or podcasts.

3. Say the Diocesan Vision prayer daily (see above).

4. Pause to pray at 20:25 or at any hour between 20 and 25 past as this relates to the Diocesan Vision for 2025. Pray for renewal and growth in our worshipping community.

Look out for more information next week on the RENEW strand of the diocesan strategy.

CHURCH continues to be OPEN for Sunday worship. Please wear a mask if you come.

Patrick White

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the Feast of Saint Luke, the Evangelist, the 19th Sunday after Trinity

The Kingdom of God has come near. Luke 10.9

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
APCM October 2020 - Advance Notice Sheet for congregation 11th and 18th October 2020

Bishiops' Message for St Luke's Day - 18th October 2020
Prayers for 18th October 2020

These words of Christ recorded by Saint Luke tell us that whatever our situation God is with us and his kingdom at hand. Christ gave these words which are full of comfort and hope to the bigger group of disciples known as the Seventy for them to give to those whom they met and ministered to. In Luke’s second book, the Acts of the apostles, we see the Early church bringing this same message of hope to the world. Let us find comfort and hope in the Gospel that Luke has left us.

Let us come into God’s presence as we light a candle to pray and worship together.

We say the prayer for today:

Almighty God, you called Luke the physician,
whose praise is in the gospel,
to be an evangelist and physician of the soul:
by the grace of the Spirit
and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel,
give your Church the same love and power 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

Read the epistle: 2 Timothy 4.5-17 – Paul urges us to do the work of an evangelist. He has fought the good fight and has Luke with him as his companion.

Say or sing the hymn: Fight the Good Fight

We pray:
Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to your Apostles,
By the power of that same spirit,
Strengthen us to witness to your truth
and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Parochial Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place by Zoom on Wednesday 21st October 2020 at 7.00 pm.
If you wish to have copies of the reports sent to you contact Patrick.
Please pray that a new churchwarden may be found to replace Wendy who is standing down.

Ministry

Please continue to pray that the appointment process will bring a priest to serve in our Mission Area.

Deanery

There will be a meeting of Bishops Pete and Sophie with Rotherham and Laughton deaneries on Tuesday, 20th October 2020 from 2.00 - 4.30 pm by Zoom.
This is part of a series of meetings giving updates on the diocesan strategy. There will be opportunities to discuss the presentation and ask questions. Bishop Pete will lead a time of prayer with a fresh look at Psalm 23. If you want to join in the event here's the link for booking :
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rotherham-laughton-paired-deanery-event-tickets-124257165527

Please pray for all those involved in this event and for the work of the deaneries.

If you are intending to attend Sunday service; please remember to wear a mask.

Patrick White

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.

Greetings from Whiston Parish Church on the 18th Sunday after Trinity

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Dear Friends Download the latest information:
APCM October 2020 - Advance Notice Sheet for congregation 11th and 18th October 2020

Notes on the Readings for 11th Oct 2020
Prayers for 11th Oct 2020

These words from Paul’s letter to the Philippians form the basis of an anthem by Purcell often sung by our choir. They invite us to rise above any present difficulties and to give thanks for all the Lord has done for us. Come ye thankful people, come is the theme of a harvest hymn and again we are invited to raise the song – at least at home!

On this Sunday morning our children and families are having a happy Harvest time by Zoom so we rejoice with them that through modern technology they can come together in God’s presence to give thanks and praise.

At home we light a candle as a sign of his presence, and we say the prayer for today:
God our judge and saviour,
Teach us to be open to your truth
And to trust in your love,
that we may live each day
with confidence in the salvation which is given
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Read through the Epistle from Philippians 4.1-9

Say or sing:

As we come to terms with a second wave of Coronavirus let us pray for all those affected by it:
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.

Children’s Ministry

For further details contact Lucy Luckock on: 07707 863901.
Please pray for our children and for their parents and for Lucy and her team.

Ministry

Please continue to pray that the appointment process will bring a priest to serve in our Mission Area.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Parochial Meeting at which we elect churchwardens and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting at which we present reports for the year ended December 31st 2019 and elect PCC and Deanery members will take place by Zoom on Wednesday 21st October 2020 at 7.00 pm. PLEASE SEE SEPARATE ATTACHMENT. Any queries to Patrick White, Chair of PCC, by email preferably or by phone (see below).
Please pray that a new churchwarden may be found to replace Wendy who is standing down after 4 years of service and pray also that all places on the PCC may be filled.

If you are intending to attend Sunday service; please remember to wear a mask.

Patrick White

Please contact any of us if you need to talk or simply to have a chat.

Email: whistonparishchurch@gmail.com
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhistonParishChurch/

Should you wish to speak to a priest, the Revd. Karen Skidmore (tel: 01709 836052) and the Revd. Sue Davies (mob: 07515 881605) are both happy to be contacted.

Take care of each other and remember God is good.