LISTEN AND ENJOY !
If you missed the Sunday sermon, or you would like to listen over again, just scroll down to find the sermon you missed. We hope you enjoy listening.
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ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHURCH LOCKDOWN
Socially distanced services in church – NOW SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST FEBRUARY HALF TERM
Sunday 9:00am at Ulverston Parish Church (scroll down to find the latest Sunday Sermon)
Sunday 3:00pm at St. John’s Osmotherly (2nd and 4th Sundays – see full schedule here.
Live-streamed services (join us on our UPC facebook page)
Sunday 9:00am service from Ulverston Parish Church
Thursday 9:00 – 9:30am daily prayer
Live on Zoom:
Sunday 10:00am Junior Church
Sunday 10.30am Family Service
Sunday 5:00pm Youth meeting
Tuesdays 12.30-1:00pm Daily Prayer
To join these meetings please email Jen Cox at office@ulverstonparishchurch.org
or Ruth Hutchings at youth@ulverstonparishchurch.org
Prayer Ministry support on Sundays will be available via email. Please contact the team at prayer@ulverstonparishchurch.org
Additional ideas and resources for children and families worshipping at home are available on our Children and Families page
CATCH UP WITH LAST WEEK’S SERMON
11th April
Peter Taylor – “sharing all things in common”
- Acts 4:32-35
- John 20:19-31
WORDS FROM THE PRAYER TEAM
2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Psalm 27 v14. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 119 v105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The God of all comfort stands with us and shows us the way ahead. All would seem to fit with last week’s words: Hold on, Keep the Faith, Reach out.
We also felt there may be someone with a Sore elbow.
You can email: prayer@ulverstonparishchurch.org at any time.
4th April
EASTER SUNDAY – Brian Bull
- Acts 10:34-43
- John 20:1-18
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Brian Bull - Easter Sunday
28th March
PALM SUNDAY – Rev Alan Bing
- Philippians 2:5-11
- John 12:12-16
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Rev Alan Bing - Palm Sunday
STUDY SERIES FOR LENT
Our Sunday sermons and Home Group studies for Lent are based around the refreshed “God for All” vision and its four themes, provided by Bishop Emma. The sermon on February 21st introduces Lent with a meditation on Jesus’ Temptation in the wilderness, and the following four Sundays reflect the God for All themes, Follow Daily (Feb 28th), Speak Boldly (March 7th), Care Deeply (March 14th), Tread Gently (March 21st).
Further resources can be found at https://www.godforall.org.uk/lent-resources-2021/
21st March
Tread Gently – Madi Simpson
- John 12:20-33
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Madi Simpson - Tread Gently
14th March
Care Deeply – Brian Bull
- John 19:25b-27
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Brian Bull - Care Deeply
7th March
Speak Boldly – Matt Topping
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- John 2:13-22
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Matt Topping - Speak Boldly
28th February
Follow Daily – Rev Alan Bing
- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
- Mark 8:31-38
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Rev Alan Bing - Follow Daily
21st February
The Temptation of Jesus – Eric Barker
- Deuteronomy 8:1-10
- Mark 1.9-15
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Eric Barker - The Temptation of Jesus
14th February
What is “Transformation”? – Steve Parkinson
- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
- Mark 9:2-9
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Steve Parkinson - What is "Transformation"?
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration in Mark 9 gives us a glimpse of God’s glory, and a brief insight into the treasures that are stored up for us in His heavenly Kingdom.
7th February
What is “Wisdom”? – Madi Simpson
- Proverbs 8:1,22-31
- Colossians 1:15-20
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Madi Simpson - What is "Wisdom"
Wisdom is not just a matter intellectual knowledge, Jewish scholars consider wisdom to be “seeking the correct response to ever situation in life”. Wisdom seeks a response, and make demand on us, but If we ask God for wisdom he will generously give us the wisdom we need.
31st January
What is “The Fear of God”? – Matt Topping
- Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
- Mark 1: 21-28
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Matt Topping: What is "the Fear of God"
The Bible encourages us to be people of faith not fear. God is our loving father so why should we fear him? Matt suggests that we need to find “an eternally appropriate response” to a holy God, one of respect, reverence, awe, amazement, and worship. Fearing God means living wholeheartedly as God’s children.
24th January
What is “Glory”? – Rev Alan Bing
- John 2:1-11
- Revelation 19:6-10
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Rev Alan Bing -What is "Glory"
Rev Alan Bing considers the two wedding that occur in our readings, the Wedding in Caana where Jesus turns water into wine, and the Wedding of the Lamb in Revelation 19. What can these two passages tell us about the person and character of Jesus, and of our relation with Jesus as the “Bride of Christ”?
17th January
What is Worship? – Ian Peters
- 1 Samuel 3:1-10
- John 1:43-end
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Ian Peters - What is Worship?
Ian Peters looks at the calling of Nathaniel in Joh’s Gospel and at what we can learn from Nathaniels’ experience of being called to be a disciple of Christ. How does this result in a life of worship?
10th January
Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation
Coping with the highs and lows in our lives – Rev Alan Bing
- Mark 1:9-15
If you prefer you can watch a video of the sermon our our YouTube page
Rev Alan Bing - Coping with the highs and lows in our lives
We would normally have been recording the sermon from the 9am service in the Parish Church. However the church premises are currently closed following government advice. In it’s place, we will be uploading a pre-recorded sermon following the lectionary readings for each week.
This week’s reading from Mark chapter 1 describes Jesus’ baptism, followed by his experience of temptation in the wilderness. What can we learn from Jesus’ example to help us cope with the high points and the low points in ous own livees?
Brian Bull - Covenant Service
Brian Bull looks at God’s Covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, and its implications for our own Covenant promises in today’s circumstances.
Peter Taylor
As Mary kept all the treasures of that first Christmas time and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19), so should we take the opportunity to refect on all the treasres that God has given us, and will continue to bless us with according to his future plans for our lives.
Hannah Fishwick
2020 was the year we stayed at home! But Christmas reminds us that we should be looking for treasurrs in heaven, not in this world. Let’s thank God for the gift of His Son and all the blessing that come to us through Him.
Rev Alan Bing
Our comfort in these times comes from God, who tells us, as he told Mary, “Do not be afraid!” The angels told the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for we bring you good news of great joy!” Jesus came to earth as the prophets said he would – he promised he would be with us. and bring us in the end to his kingdom of joy and peace. Let’s rejoice as ever this Christmas, because God is faithful and always fulfils his promises.
20th December
Fourth Sunday in Advent
The Best News Ever –
Ruth Hutchings
- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
- Luke 1:26-38
Ruth Hutchings
With so much bad news to cope with during the past year, what is the BEST news you have ever received?… or the best news you have ever given to others?
13th December
Third Sunday in Advent
Good News for a Troubled World –
Eric Barker
- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
- John 1:6-8, 19-28
Eric Barker: Good news for a Troubled World
These days good news stories seem to be the exception rather than the rule. However the Christian message of Christmas is full of good news. It promises to all the possibility of restoration, hope and the confidence to expect great things from God. Our responsibility is to shine God’s light in the darkness of our world.
6th December
Second Sunday in Advent
“Comfort ye my people” – Rev Alan Bing
- Isaiah 40:1-11
- Mark 1:1-8
Rev Alan Bing - "Comfort ye my people"
When the news headlines include the advice “Don’t Hug Your Gran for Christmas”, God promises to be with us and to provide the comfort, reassurance and intimacy that we are so deprived of in our present circumstances.
Peter Taylor - Keeping Awake
Peter Taylor presents us with a taster of Jesus’ teaching in Mark chapter 13. There is prophecy, there is persection, there are the problems of living in a secular society, and the challenge for all of us to be ready when the Lord calls or comes again.
22nd November
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats – Madi Simpson
- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
- Matthew 25:31-46
Madi Simpson - A parable to keep us on our hooves
Although the parable of the sheep and the goats is ostensibly about what will happen in the future, it is a parable intended to “keep us on our hooves”. Its purpose is to change us so that we live well in the present. It teaches us about the way God deeply cares for the sheep and the goats, and how much we need to learn about caring for the people around us, individuals who are each loved by a loving and caring Heavely Father.
Brian Bull - Sharing God's gifts
The parable of the talents encourages us to use the abilities, gifts and resources that God gives us for the growth of God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus’ condemnation of the “lazy servant” may well have been intended for the religious leaders of the day, who buried the message of God’s salvation under a mound of rules and regulations, misrepresenting God as a hard taskmaster.God’s desire is to bless us, and the world around us, with the gifts of his Spirit.
Rev Alan Bing - True Wisdom
The five foolish bridesmaids in the parable that Jesus told (Matthew 25) failed to bring enough oil for their lamps and so were not ready to go in and share the banquet when the bridegroom arrived. Will we be ready and faithfully serving the Lord when our bridegroom, Jesus Christ, come to call us to his heavenly banquet?
1st November
(All Saints Day)
Belonging – Rev Alan Bing
- Deuteronomy 34:1-12
- Matthew 21:33-46
Rev Alan Bing - Belonging
Rev Alan Bing reflects on the way our membership in the world-wide community of God’s people, and our hope in a future eternilty in heaven, affects the way we respond to our experiences in this earthly life.
Jen Cox - The Faithfulness of God
God was always present with Moses and the Children of Israel all the way through their wilderness journey, in spite of all their grumbling and rebellion. God p[romised he would lead them to the Promised Land, and although Moses never entered that land God allowed him to see the fulfillment of the promise from afar. God will be faithful with us, too.
18th October
The Presence of God – Madi Simpson
- Exodus 33:12-23
- Matthew 18:15-20
Madi Simpson looks at the ways God kept his promise to be present with the Children of Israel during their wilderness journeys, and asks how we can experience God’s presence with us in our lives and our struggles today.
Madi Simpson - Experiencing the Presence of God
11th October
How to Avoid Idolatry – Rev Alan Bin
- Exodus 32:1-14
- Matthew 22:15-22
Rev Alan Bing looks at the story of Aaron and the Golden Calf and considers what idoltry is, and how we can keep God at the centre of our lives.
Rev Alan Bing - How to avoid idolatry
4th October
Harvest Festival
Obeying God Whatever the Cost – Ian Peters
- Exodus 20:1-20
- Matthew 21:23-32
Ian Peters looks at Jesus’ example and teaching in Matthew 21 and challenges us to follow Christ with our whole heart.
Ian Peters - Obeying God whatever the cost
27th September
God our Provider – Brian Bull
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Matthew 22:1-14
We can change our view of our present circumstances by asking, not “will God still provide for us”, but is God our Provider still with us”. God does provide for our daily needs day by day, but we should resolve to rejoice in God’s presence with us even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.
Brian Bull - God our Provider
20th September
Complaining to God Rev Alan Bing
- Exodus 16:2-15
- Matthew 20:1-16
Bringing our cares and concernes to God in prayer is perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged by God, but grumbling is a different matter. How do we maintain a godly attitude when things don’t go the way we expect them to?
Rev Alan Bing - Complaining to God
6th September
Love fulfills the law Madi Simpson
- Romans 13:8-end
- Matthew 22:34-46
If we love God sincerely, with our heart, our soul and our mind, then that love should flow from us to our neighbour, as we love others as ourselves.
Madi Simpson - Love fulfills the law
30th August
Walking by faith Peter Taylor
- Romans 12:9-end
- Matthew 16:21-end
Peter Taylor discusses what it means to deny ourselves and follow in the steps of Jesus.
Peter Taylor - Walking by faith
23rd August
“How much are you worth?” Rev Alan Bing
- Romans 12:1-8
Each one of us is of infinite worth in the eyes of God, and if we are part of his kingom he gives us all a purpose and a plan for our lives.
Rev Alan Bing: How much are you worth?
16th August
“God always hears our prayers.” Tom Cox
- Matthew 14:22-33
Even though we may not understand the curcumstances we face, or appreciate the way God is working things out, God always responds to our situation and answers our prayers.
Tom Cox: God always hears our prayers
9th August
“How beautiful are the feet that bring good news…” Brian Bull
- Mark 2:1-12
- Romans 10:1-16
However bruised and battered are the feet that follow in the steps of Christ, carrying the Good News of salvations to the world, they are beautiful in the sight of God.
Brian Bull: How beautiful are the feet ...
2nd August
There will be no pre-recorded worship and sermon video today as we are encouraged to join on-line worship and prayer from New Wine at 11am. The live-streamed event can be found at http://www.new-wine.org/breaksout
A complete outline of activities for Sunday 2nd August can be found on this week’s notice sheet
Prayer Ministry will be available via email at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
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26th July
2 Corinthians 4:6-18
Luke 9:18-25
PAUL
Strength and hope
Madi Simpson considers how the apostle Paul was able to keep going through difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences in the light of resurrection.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What has been the worst thing
that has ever happened to you? - Paul and Silas sang and did not
escape when given the chance –
what made them act this way? - Does knowing that Jesus gives
you eternal life make you think
about things differently?
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Madi Simpson - Paul: strength and hope
19th July
Job 19:21-27a
Luke 1:26-38
MARY
Trusting in Jesus
Hannah Wallace reflects on the strength of Mary’s faith in God, and how she was able to keep trusting even when everything seemed to be going wrong.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What is the most shocking news
you have ever received? - Do you prefer to be spontaneous
or have everything organised? - What was Mary’s reaction when
Gabriel gave her this shocking
news? - Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s plan.
What might God’s plan be for
you and how can you say ‘yes’?
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Hannah Wallace - Mary: trusting in Jesus
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
12th July
Nehemiah 2:11-20
Ephesians 4:11-16
NEHEMIAH
Returning from exile
Rev Alan Bing considers the faith and determination of Nehemiah to restore the fortunes of Jerusalem, and challenges us to “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God” as we help rebuild after the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What is the biggest task you’ve
ever had to face? Did you
complete it? - When the going gets tough, do
you normally give up or carry
on? - What made Nehemiah so
determined? - Nehemiah believed that with
God’s help he could succeed.
How hard is it for you to believe
this too?
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Rev Alan Bing - Nehemiah: Returning from exile
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
5th July
Lamentations 21:14-26
Revelation 21:1-5
JEREMIAH
Learning to lament
Tom Cox looks at Jeremiah’s response to the destruction of Jerusalem and the prospect of holding on to hope in the midst of disaster.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- When has been the saddest time
of your life? - Have you ever experienced
bullying? - What helps you when you feel
down? - What can you learn from how
the author deals with sadness?
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Tom Cox - Jeremiah: Learning to lament
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
28th June
2 Samuel 21:1-14
Matthew 21:1-13
RIZPAH
Speaking truth to power
Eric Barker considers our responsibility as believers to stand up for truth and justice and to stand by those who may be needing help or advocacy in case of hardship or oppression.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Think of a time when someone
let you down. How did it make
you feel? - When have you stood up for the
right thing/for justice? - Why did you do it? (You could
have let someone else do it or
just ignored it.) - What does Jesus teach you
about fighting for justice?
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Eric Barker - Rizpah: Speaking truth to power
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
21st June
Ruth 1:8-19a
Luke 9:57-62
RUTH
Refined by suffering
Rev Alan Bing explores the story of Ruth and Naomi, and looks at how we can support one another through periods of grief and suffering.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Naomi was forced out of her own
country – think of a time when
you’ve been forced to go
somewhere you didn’t want to
go. How did it make you feel? - This is a story all about loss. When
have you lost someone or
something (either by death or
misplacement)? - What would you say to someone
who was hurting like Naomi or
Ruth? - Ruth was so kind to Naomi. Who
is the kindest person you know? - How could you be more like
them?
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Rev Alan Bing - Ruth: Refined by suffering
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
14th June
Genesis 12:1-9
Matthew 6:25-34
ABRAHAM
Into the Unknown
Madi Simpson looks at the story of Abraham and the role of faith in facing an uncertain future.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Describe a time when you have
been really sad to leave
somewhere? - What has been the biggest
change for you during lockdown? - How did Abraham handle the big
change in his life? - What can we learn from him
about how to handle change? - How do you feel about ‘the
unknown’? Do you love the
adventure or hate the
uncertainty?
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Madi Simpson - Abraham: into the unknown
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
June 7th
Trinity
Genesis 4:1-16
John 13:30-35
CAIN AND ABEL
Locked out of Eden
Brian Bull looks at the family stresses and tensions that result from being “locked out” of the Garden of Eden.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Describe a time when you have
been generous. How did it make
you feel? - Cain lied to God. Do you think
this was a good idea? Would you
do it? - God sent Cain away. Have you
ever been sent away from
somewhere? - How well do you love others
instead of being jealous of them?
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Brian Bull - Cain and Abel: Locked out of Eden
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
May 31st
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
John 7:37-39
THE GIFT OF THE SPIRIT
Paul Daltry looks at the birth of the early church and the gift of the Holy Spirit on that first day of Pentecost.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
- The disciples were waiting for the
gift of the Holy Spirit (like Jesus
told them to). Are you good at
waiting for God to answer? - In what 3 ways did the Holy Spirit
come? - The Holy Spirit gave the disciples
power and ability. What does He
give you?
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Paul Daltry - The Gift of the Spirit
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
May 24th
7th Sunday of Easter
Ascension
Acts 1:6-14
John 17:1-11
YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER
At the beginning of Acts, the disciples are living in uncertain times, not sure what is happening, what the future holds for them. Jesus tells them to wait and pray. He will send the Spirit, and they will receive power to be witnesses.
How can that experience of the first believers help us in today’s uncertain situation?
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
(relating to the passage from John 14)
- What is the most amazing thing
you have ever seen? - What do you think it means to be
baptised with the Holy Spirit? - Why did Jesus go back to
Heaven? - How open are you to receiving
God’s gift of the Holy Spirit?
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Rev Alan Bing - You will receive power
JIGSAW PROJECT
Tim and Kate Lee have sent us a VIDEO UPDATE ON THE JIGSAW PROJECT
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you would like to receive prayer, the prayer team is available on Sundays. Please email them at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
May 17th
6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22-31
John 14:15-21
KNOWING GOD
Matt Topping preaches on Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill in Athens, from Acts 17. Taking the tomb of the unknown god as his starting point, Paul witnesses to the truth that we can not only know about God, but know God personally as our creator and living Saviour.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
(relating to the passage from John 14)
- Jesus said he was just like His
father. How are you like your
father/father figure? - Do you find it easy to be obedient
to those whom you love? - Which of Jesus’ commandments
do you need to work on today?
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Matt Topping - Knowing God
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
May 10th
5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60
John 14:1-14
EVERYBODY HAS TROUBLES
Madi Simpson looks at the troubles we all face in this life. Jesus prepares his disciples for the prospect of his own death on the cross and tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. If we know Jesus in our hearts, the abundant life and promise of eternity that he brings can carry us through every trouble that we can ever face.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
(relating to the passage from John 10)
- How many rooms do you have in
your house? Will there be more
or fewer rooms in God’s house? - Jesus said he is ‘the way’. Do you
always get your own way? - When do you find it difficult to go
Jesus’ way/be like Jesus? - If we get to know God through
Jesus, how do we get to know
Jesus?
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Madi Simpson -Everybody has Troubles
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
May 3rd
4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47
John 10:1-10
“ALL THINGS IN COMMON”
Chria Taylor reflect on Acts 2:44: “All who believed were together and had all things in common”. We can take heart from this that although we can’t be physically together at this time, we do remain spiritually connected through God. With God’s strength through the Holy Spirit we remain as one with all things in common, and together we can encourage one another to face the fear of an ‘invisible enemy’.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
(relating to the passage from John 10)
- Whose voice do you always listen
to? Whose voice do you never
listen to? - Have you ever had anything
stolen? How did it feel? - Why does Jesus refer to himself
as the gate for the sheep? - How do you live life to the full?
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Chris Taylor - "All things in common"
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
April 26th
3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 2: 36-41
Luke 24: 13-35
ONLY THROUGH CHRIST
Rev Alan Bing reflects on Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2). Jesus is risen from the dead, and only through the power of his resurrection can we find forgiveness and new life through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for the service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
(relating to the passage from Luke)
- Have you ever dressed up in a
costume? What has been your
favourite disguise? - Why do you think Jesus didn’t
reveal himself straight away? - Jesus told the disciples why he
had to die. Do you know why? - How can you show or tell other
people about Jesus?
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Rev Alan Bing - Only Through the Risen Christ
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
April 19th
2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT DOUBT
Eric Barker looks at the story of Thomas (“Doubting Thomas”) in John 20 and considers the part that doubt plays in our journery of faith.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for todays service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What do you believe in that you
cannot see? - Why do you think Thomas
didn’t believe the disciples’
story? - Why did Jesus give them the
gift of the Holy Spirit? - Are there times when you find
God/Jesus hard to believe in?
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Eric Barker - Some Thoughts About Doubt
Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
EASTER SUNDAY
Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24
John 20: 1-18
LITURGY FOR HOLY COMMUNION
If you would like to follow along with the liturgy for todays service you can view or download the document file here.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- What is the heaviest thing you
have ever pushed/lifted? - Do you think Mary wanted to
roll the stone away? If not,
what was she doing there? - Why didn’t she recognise Jesus
at first? - What does Jesus’ resurrection
mean to you?
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Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
HOLY WEEK reflections
During Holy Week, members of the staff team will be posting a daily reflection on the lectionary reading of the day.
Similar resources can also be found on the C of E web page.
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MONDAY
A reflection from Rev Alan Bing
(Luke 22:1-23)
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PALM SUNDAY
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Matthew 21: 1-11
WHO IS THIS MAN?
This week we begin our Easter journey, together with other Christian worshippers around the world, with the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Have you ever made a grand
entrance? - What happened?
- What makes you think that Jesus has
planned ahead for this day? - Why had such large crowds
gathered to welcome Jesus? - What sort of king was everyone
expecting?
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Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
JESUS BRINGS LIFE OUT OF DEATH
The focus of worship for this week is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). The sermon was recorded for us at home by Steve Parkinson.
You can view and/or download the order of service HERE.
EXPLORE TOGETHER QUESTIONS
- Why didn’t Jesus arrive at
Bethany sooner? - Why do you think Martha
believed that Jesus could bring
her brother back from the dead? - Can you imagine how the
mourners in the garden reacted
when Jesus told them to roll the
stone away? - Jesus prayed to God before the
miracle happened. What can we
learn from this prayer?
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Every Sunday the prayer team meet to ask God for words or Scripture verses to share with the church. These will be posted HERE
If you feel led to respond to any of these words please contact the prayer team at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
As Church gatherings have been suspended for the time being, as a result of the coronavirus situation, Rev Alan Bing records a podcast, reflecting on the significance of Mothering Sunday at this difficult time, and our appropriate response in times of trouble and social isolation.
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LENT 3 – Let the land produce vegetation
March 15th – Tom Cox
Tom Cox preaches the third of our Lent series based on Ruth Valerio’s “Say Yes to Life”.
This session focuses particularly on the important role that trees played in the Old Testament story, and in Jesus’ own life and teaching. He encourages us to value the natural world around us and to play our part in protecting our woods and forests.
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LENT 1 – Let there be light
March 1st – Brian Bull
Brian Bull begins our Lent series of teaching based on Ruth Valerio’s “Say Yes to Life”.
The light of God’s creation enables us to view the natural world around us in all its different moods, in all the varying seasons. But we need to acknowledge that this world is God’s, not ours. In Job 38, God reminds Job in no uncertain terms that this world is his, We have been charged to be stewards to care for his creation, not to exploit it for our own benefit.
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TRANSFIGURATION
Feb 23rd – Eric Barker
Eric Barker preaches from the story of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Jesus sometimes gives us special blessings or experiences to strengthen our faith and bless our witness for him. We can’t remain for ever on the mountain top, but we can know that the God who is with us on the mountain top will also be with us in the valley.
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HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
Feb 16th – Madi Simpson
Madi Simpson uses the opportunity from Valentines Day to preach from Psalm 136 and Romans 8:18-25 on the character of God’s love. Romans 8:20 tells us that creation is subject to frustration, or futility. If this world is all we have to look forward to, then we have nothing permanent to rely on or to give us hope for the future. But our hope lies in the promise that God’s love endures forever!
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THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS
Feb 2nd – Rev Mike Talbot
Rev Mike Talbot was vicar of Emmanuel, Northwood and is currently Director of Mission Community Development for Carlisle Diocese. Mike preaches from the story of Jesus’ presentation at the Temple in Luke 2:21-39, and considers the example of Simeon (a lesson in expectation) and Anna (a lesson in faithfulness).
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THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL
January 26th – Matt Topping
Matt Topping preaches on the story from today’s Gospel reading, when Jesus calls his first disciple to follow him (Matthew 4:12-23). The Message of the Gospel can be summarised in three words: Repent, Follow, Unite. Matt encourages us to put aside any arguments and disagreements and serve together in sharing the message of Jesus with our needy world.
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HEALING SERVICE
January 19th – Madi Simpson
Madi Simpson preaches from 1 Corinthians 1:8; “He (Jesus Christ) will keep you firm to the end.” Many cosmetic products today advertise similar extravagant claims. What does this verse really mean? Do we believe the adverts more than we believe the claims and promises of Christ in our lives?
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COVENANT SERVICE
January 5th – Hannah Wallace
Hannah Wallace preaches at our annual Covenant Service. As we move forward from Christmas to the coming year, are we willing to follow the example of the Wise Men, to journey in commitment and worship, to follow the star that leads us to Jesus?
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