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
As we are now re-introducing regular (socially distanced) services on Sundays at 9.00am, as well as the on-line zoom service at 10.30, pre-recorded worship sessions will no longer be provided.
We plan to go back to our pre-lockdown practice of recording the Sunday sermon which will be uploaded here for those who would like to catch up later.
Prayer Ministry support on Sundays will be available via email. Please contact the team at upc.prayerteam@gmail.com
Additional ideas and resources for children and families worshipping at home are available on our Children and Families page
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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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