Devotions for Sunday 19th March 2023 – Mothering Sunday

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For these Mothering Sunday devotions Dave is joined by Roy Hollands as we reflect on Jesus’ visit to the temple with his parents as found in Luke 2:25-38 and the start of the story of Moses from Exodus 2:1-10 both read by Paul.  The love of God given to all shines in our lives, just as it shines in our familes of birth, faith and fellowship, may that light shine out of us all to those around us.

Devotions for Sunday 12th March 2023 – Third Sunday in Lent.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-t56xp-13b1ede

In this episode Dave Tocher is joined by the Revd. Dr Paul Dean.

The Bible reading is John 4:5-42, and it is read by Rowena Dean.

As Paul is a URC minister, the opening prayers & confession are taken from the URC ‘Prayers for church seasons’ for Lent.

The hymn recordings have been provided by Joy and Ruth Everingham:
Amazing grace – how sweet the sound (StF 440)
For the healing of the nations (StF 696)

Devotions for Sunday 5th March 2023, Second Sunday in Lent.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-k36mq-13a91e4

In today’s podcast, John 3 1-17  “Nicodemus meets Jesus”, is read by Richard Giles. The reflection is by Revd. Helen Hollands, and includes a reading from Genesis 12: 1- 4. The podcast is edited by Hugh Burnham.

Songs are Singing the faith 553 “I am a new creation”, and 391 “O breath of life come sweeping through us”.

We Pray for Ukraine

A prayer for Ukraine
For the one year anniversary of the war in Ukraine

Almighty and Great God, accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us. Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine, as they confront foreign aggression and invasion. Open the eyes of those who have been overtaken by a spirit of deception and violence, that they be horrified by their works. Grant victory over the powers of evil that have arisen and bless Ukraine with your gifts of liberty, peace, tranquility, and good fortune.

We implore you, O Merciful God, look with grace upon those who courageously defend their land. Remember the mothers and fathers, the innocent children, widows and orphans, the disabled and helpless, those seeking shelter and refuge, who reach out to you and to their fellow human beings looking for mercy and compassion. Bless the hearts of those who have already shown great generosity and solidarity, and those who prepare to receive their Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ukraine’s greatest time of need. Bring us together as your children, your creation, and instill in us your strength, wisdom and understanding. May you be praised and glorified,  now and forever, and to the ages of ages.
Amen

 

Devotions for Sunday 19th February 2023

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Dave is joined by the Revd Gill Songer as we discuss the Transfiguration of Christ and the impact that Jesus has on our everyday lives.  Hymns are all from Singing the Faith; Speak, O Lord as we come to you (161), Jesus on the mountain peak (259), Be still for the presence of the Lord (20) and Lord the light of your love (59).  We pray for Church Action on Poverty.

Devotions for Sunday 5th February 2023

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In this podcast, Roy Hollands considers what it is to be salt and light in the world, and Christine Slater reads to us from the prophet Isaiah and Matthew’s gospel. The readings are Isaiah 58:1 – 8 and Matthew 5:1 – 20. One hymn is from Singing the Faith, number 134 “Christ whose glory fills the skies”, the other is from Songs of Fellowship, “Here I am, wholly available, as for me, I will serve the Lord”, number 167.

Devotions for Sunday 29th January 2023

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3qw2g-137618b

“The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom”, Revd. Helen Hollands provides the reflection for this week’s Worship Podcast. Paul Missin reads the reading, (1 Cor 1:18-31). The podcast is introduced by Hugh. Songs are from Singing the Faith, number 611, “Brother, Sister let me serve you” and “Sing hey for the carpenter”, 462.

 

Devotions for Sunday 22nd January 2023

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pqmp9-136be02

Dave is joined by Revd Paul Dean on this episode of the podcast service.  We think about the call of the first disciples and how that challenging call echoes through to us in the modern world, how should we answer the call and become fishers of people with justice and equality.

Our hymns are all from Singing the Faith; 59 – Shine, Jesus, Shine; 673 – Will you come and follow me; 495 – Dear Lord and Father and 251 – Jesus Christ is waiting.