18 t h JUNE 201 7
PRAY, AND KEEP PRAYING Rev’d Mandy Churcher May Moore Chaplain and Associate Minister, Malmesbury Abbey
I am writing against the backdrop of political change and uncertainty, and also the pictures on our television screens of human loss and tragedy in North Kensington. Such events at times render us with those questions of wondering 'what can I do about it' and it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. Of course, there is action that might be taken. This was very evident in the North Kensington Community, but even if that is not open to us, one of the things we can always do is pray. Jesus said in one parable to 'pray always and not to lose heart' (Luke 18v1) i.e. we need to keep going, and not give up, even if we are not aware of change or know the results.
I have heard the story of a young man who was dying in a far country from his own, he had no faith, but his mother did. Later he discovered that, at the time he was losing consciousness, his mother was praying many miles away. He had an amazing experience of a hand pulling him out of the darkness and into life. His mother prayed in faith for her son, not knowing what was happening and he was rescued from death. It is recorded in the Gospels that Jesus went to pray early in the morning, and on Sunday we will hear of one of the times that Jesus told his disciples specifically what to pray for. 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field' (Matt 9v37-38)
ABBE Y DI AR Y THIS SUNDAY: June 18th 9am BCP Communion 10.30am Holy Communion 4pm Informal Worship & Junior Church
Although, at the time of Jesus there was great political unrest, Israel was an occupied land and there was much human distress... Jesus knew that his message would change the world by changed people following his commandments and showing his love. As church in a time of change we also need to keep on praying for God to work in our lives, to change us and to prepare us for what is going to happen in the future and to know what he is asking us to do in the present. To wait for the Lord, which means to expect and look in hope, as we keep our focus on him.
Mandy
THIS WEEK EACH DAY 9am Morning Prayer MON 19th 10am Little Stars TUES 20th 12.30pm Prayers for M’bury CofE Primary (see page 7 for details)
WEDS 21st 10.30am Communion 3-4pm MAMS free Organ Recital by John Hughes THURS 22nd 10.30am Time for Chat 7pm Choir Practice NEXT SUNDAY: June 25th 9am BCP Communion 10.30am Holy Communion 4pm Informal Worship & Junior Church 6.30pm Choral Evensong with prayers for the reelected Mayor of Malmesbury ADVANCE DIARY FRI 30th 6.30pm Refresh! at Roberts Berry Farm (more details on page 6)
MON 3rd- WEDS 5th JULY Lifepath SAT 8th MAMS – Fontanella Recorder Quintet
MATTHEW 9:35 – 10:8 35
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ 10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and illness. 2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 8 Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Additional Reading: Romans 5:1-8
DISCIPLESHIP 1. Read Matt. 9:35 – 10:8. What (and why?) was it that drew compassion from Jesus (Matt. 9:35-36)? What qualities did Jesus think most important for his disciples in their mission (Matt. 10:6-8)? 2. In what ways do you, your group and our Church fulfil the command of Matt. 9:38? How about the command of Matt 10:7-8? Are these commands applicable to us as Jesus’ disciples in the 21st century? 3. Read Romans 5:6-8. What is it that Paul wants his readers to realise about us and about God’s love? Read Romans 5:1-2. What are the marks of someone who is a follower of Jesus? What do you think they do? 4. Read Romans 5:3-5. Think of some examples of those who suffer because of their faith. Is there anyone in the group who suffers because of their faith? Does it matter if we don’t suffer for our faith? 5. Where or what is your “front-line” where you and your faith interact most with the secular world? Does Sunday worship or homegroup help? How could they help more? (Let us know office@malmesburyabbey.com). 6. How does the Holy Spirit help (Romans 5:5)? Pray Matt. 9:38. Pray for those in your group, locally or elsewhere who are suffering in any way.
D A I LY R E A D I N G S Monday Psalm 30 Job 13 Romans 7:1-6 Tuesday Psalm 36 Job 14 Romans 7:7-end Wednesday Psalm 34 Job 15 Romans 8:1-11 Thursday Psalm 37 Job 16:1 – 17:2 Romans 8:12-17 Friday Psalm 31 Job 17:3 – end Romans 8:18-30
REGULAR GIVING If you would like to give regularly to the mission and ministry of the Abbey as part of your discipleship, please e-mail alan@malmesburyabbey.com.
MUSICIANS NEEDED
O NE W EE K TO G O !
If you love to worship the Lord in song, and play an instrument or sing (in tune!), we are in need of musicians for our 4pm music bands. Please speak to Revd John Monaghan if you would like to find out more. john@malmesburyabbey.com
We are in the process of creating a brand new Parish Directory so, even if you are included in the old directory, maybe you’re a life-long member or you are new and feel that the Abbey is your home, we would really like you to be included in the new Parish Directory. None of this is compulsory and is basically to help us all stay in touch and to have an efficiently running church. Please collect your BLUE FORM from the back of the Abbey and return to the Parish Office by 25th June at the latest.
T H A N K YO U !
REFRESH!
Rachel, Dan, Catriona, Kirsty and David Robertson would like to say…”Thank you for the wonderful
send-off, beautiful flowers, card, prayers and excellent book we were given. We so appreciate the love and support the Abbey have shown to us” Please continue to pray for the Robertson family as they settle into their new surroundings, jobs and school life.
Our next event will take place on Friday 30 June, 6.30pm. Meeting at Roberts Berry Farm, Grittleton, join us for a reflective farm walk, food round the campfire, hot chocolate, cake & marshmallows. Suggested donation £5. You will need to book a place for this event on 01666 826666 or office@malmesburyabbey.com after which we will send directions and further details for the evening. In the event of rain this event will be cancelled!
12th CEN TU RY BE AU T Y 21st CEN TU RY CHU R CH
NOTICEBOARD NEW WINE Every summer 20-30 of us spend a week camping at the Christian festival NEW WINE. Join us this year in week 2, 30th July - 5th August. It takes place in Shepton Mallet which is only just over one hour away. There is inspiring teaching and worship, great nights for adults, amazing daytime groups for kids and a fantastic opportunity to spend time with others from the Abbey. Either camp with us for the week or come along and meet up with us for a day or two. Email tom.hunton@hotmail.co.uk for more details or visit https://www.new-wine.org/events/united-2017-week-2
P R AY E R S F O R M A L M E S B U R Y S C H O O L Please make a note in your diaries of the next Prayers for Malmesbury Primary School meetings: Tuesday 20th June at 12.30pm and Thursday 13th July at 9am. Both at the Primary School in the Head Teachers office. If you are able to attend or if you are able to pray at home, please remember:
Mr Oakes as he goes to take up an acting headship position from September to December, and for all those who will miss him - both as a person and filling in for the work he does here. Teachers as they embark on a long, action filled but tiring term. Year 6 pupils who are entering their last term here and facing the huge changes of moving to secondary school. Next week they will be going away to France - pray for safety, health and enjoyment. The new intake - children starting school in September are currently having induction visits and beginning to get to know the school and the staff. Children and families who are coping with bereavement. Schools policy following this weeks’ General Election.
CONTAC T
ABBEY OFFICE Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-3pm 01666 826666 office@malmesburyabbey.com www.malmesburyabbey.com Staff members can be contacted by name@malmesburyabbey.com
ABBEY CAFÉ Monday-Friday Friday (normal) 9.30am – 4pm Happy Hour (drinks £1) from 9.30-10.30am 10.30am café@malmesburyabbey.com MalmesburyAbbey MalmesburyAbbeyKitchen
MALMESBURY ABBEY At Malmesbury Abbey we love to welcome new people, so don’t do be shy, please make yourselves known to us today or contact the Parish Office during weekday office hours (details above). We also love to show care for our community, please lease help us by letting us know if you, or anyone you know, needs our help.
12th CEN TU RY BE AU T Y 21st CEN TU RY CHU R CH