THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTION.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS
In today’s Gospel we have the manifestation, the epiphany of Christ, who comes with Divine Power to heal wounded souls and bodies, and describes for us the dynamics at play in our own healing encounters with Christ. What does the healed life look like? This is what St. Paul describes for us in today’s Epistle lesson.
THE LESSON : Romans 12:16-21
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
THE GOSPEL: Matthew 8:1-13
When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.’ And the servant was healed in that hour.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
SENSIBLE SHOES tells the story of spiritual transformation a group of women experienced as they engaged in the spiritual practices and disciplines of the Christian life. Lorna is offering to lead a second book study of Sensible Shoes in which participants will have opportunity to engage these practices and experience transforming power of God’s grace. Please speak to Lorna if interested.
THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE. Next Sunday, being the 40th day after Christmas, we will celebrate how it was that Joseph and the Virgin Mary, in obedience to the Law of Moses, came to the Tempe in Jerusalem to present Jesus before the Lord. This Feast also known as “Candlemas” is one of the oldest Christian festivals dating back to the 4th century, and brings to a climax and conclusion the Advent/Christmas/ Epiphany cycle, helping us to “ make the turn” towards Lent/ Easter/ Pentecost. This is for us feast of spiritual purification and illumination which will include a blessing and procession with candles. Join us next Sunday for a Family Service followed by lunch in the parish hall. Please bring sandwiches or salad to share.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS. If you, or somebody you know is interested in serving on the Vestry for the coming year, or would like to know more, please speak to the either Churchwardens, Mike or John.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the WHOLE CONGREGATION will take place on Sunday, February 23rd, after the morning service.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Tuesday, Thursday Friday
- 8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
Wednesday:
- 9.10 a.m. Morning Prayer ( shortened)
- 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
- 5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer