Praying Together 25th September 2022

by kduchurches | Sep 25, 2022 | Pray Together

Luke 16: 19-31

What will it take to convince you?

With thanks to Anselm of Canterbury, and his inspiration Augustine of Hippo, there are two approaches to faith. (Excuse the Latin, but I had five years of it at school and I can’t help showing off sometimes as a reward.)

Intelligere ut credam – I understand so that I may believe.

The journey to acceptance of the Lord Jesus as Saviour, redeemer and friend into our life takes many different forms. There may have been inspirational sermons – devotional books – moving music – perhaps the witness of friends or family. They set us on a path, and there will be a point at which our knowledge brings some understanding, and we realise that the Gospel is more likely to be true than not – we get to 51%, and if our search has been conscientious, the inevitable consequence is that we get on our knees and accept Jesus into our life. But deep down, when the ship of our life is approaching the rocks, there will still be a tremor of uncertainty. All that witness is ok for other people – but does it really apply to me?

The other approach is this: Credo ut intelligam – I believe, so that I may understand

In other words, faith is key to understanding. Faith. Defined in the acronym:

‘Forsaking

All ,

I

Trust

Him’

Often, we really don’t understand. In fact, we need to realise that we shall never fullyunderstand, no matter how academically rigorous our theological background. Often, belief itself is hard, especially when based on (imperfect) knowledge or understanding. But when faith is beyond me, the Good News version of Psalm 131 is the anchor on which I cling.

Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance. I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.

Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. Israel, trust in the Lord now and forever!

Praying Together 18th September 2022

by kduchurches | Sep 18, 2022 | Pray Together

Luke 16: 1-13

To whom do we owe our allegiance?

You cannot serve God and ‘wealth’

Bah. If ever there was a misleading Biblical translation, that’s it. It’s bad enough when the translated phrase reads ‘You cannot serve God and money’. Neither of those words conveys the real meaning behind Jesus’ teaching.

Wealth isn’t about possessions – as John Ruskin said,

“There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.”

We might not have a massive bank balance – but we have God’s creation around us, we have unique gifts, we have a role in God’s plan, and we have the wealth of life itself, giving us the ability to live it in love and service of others. In using our wealth, we are not in opposition, but serving alongside our God. Wealth is a blessing – at least it is when properly understood.

How about Money? Not inherently a bad thing. We can use money for good – it provides a vehicle for the economic growth that allows society to function. It is not evil – it is the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10)

The right translation is ‘Mammon’. ‘You cannot serve God and Mammon.’ Mammon is the Demon, Greed. A source of evil, a corrupt devotion, worship of false god. The greed that destroys beauty, causes pain, violence and war. It serves only itself, through lies and deception; it knows nothing of compassion and love. It doesn’t want to. It is never satisfied. It draws people to itself, and when they have been sucked dry, it spits them out.

Jesus said ‘I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into their eternal homes.’ Much good will it do you – for their homes are the gates of Hell.

Praying Together – 11 September 2022

by kduchurches | Sep 11, 2022 | Pray Together

Collect for Trinity 13

Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: Help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

The Tabernacle Choir (2019)

Micah 4.1.-5

Vine and Fig Tree

Bay Area Music Project in collaboration with

the Alameda Sings! choral group

1 Timothy 1: 12-17

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

(with lyrics / performed by Steve Green)

Luke 15: 1-10

This has been one of those momentous weeks when most people remember exactly where they were when they first heard the news. President Kennedy assassinated in 1963: Neil Armstrong setting foot on the Moon: fall of the Berlin Wall: Live Aid: the planes hitting the twin towers: and now the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Someone said this week that these are the days when history stopped. But actually, it didn’t. Life went on – for some it possibly changed a little, but most carried on as normal, totally unaffected in their personal lives. Whatever event was plastered all over the papers, the sun still rose every morning, the world moved on and eventually there would be no-one alive who remembered the day – they became just stories in history books, as remote as the signing of Magna Carta. And how about Ozymandias?

In fact, the most life-changing days for most of us were private and personal. They never made the papers – but as an example, for me, the day 56 years and a few hours ago when I met a certain pretty young nurse changed my life completely – and the first times when I held our baby sons were somewhat memorable two.

World events – personal stories. They rarely affect each other.

One did, though.

On a hot, dusty afternoon in a town in occupied Israel, a young carpenter turned teacher was killed because he made the leaders of his own people uncomfortable and the Roman governor wanted a quiet life.

And on that day, everything – globally and individually – changed. Time didn’t stop, but a chapter of the history book closed, and a new one began, with a clean page.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Norton Hall Band

A Collect for Peace

Almighty God,

from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

A Prayer on the anniversary of

September 11 2001

On this day of solemn remembrance:

May we honour the lives that were lost in this tragic act.
May we give thanks for those who served and saved, rendered aid and assistance.
May we give comfort to those who live with loss.
May we seek justice and peace where it is within our ability,
and rely on you when the ability escapes us.

On this day of solemn remembrance:
May we build what has been torn down.
May we mend what has been broken.
May we live your love when hate seems to reign.
May we bear witness to the cause of peace.

Author Unknown

Peace to you – أنتم سلام – אַתֶּם שָׁלוֹם universal greeting peace hymn

Yamma Ensemble 2020

We pray the Lord’s Prayer – And then as the music plays, we may break bread together as a family, a company of love that serves together as the body of Christ.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

This Is My Body, Broken For You

Arthur and Martha: Christ the King

by kduchurches | Aug 2, 2022 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

Arthur and Martha: Christ the King

Arthur: “Hey Martha, it won’t be long…”

Martha: “What won’t be long?”

Arthur: “Christmas! Christmas! Yipee!”

Martha: “I know. But we need to remember to prepare!”

Arthur: “Of course. I’m already doing that.

Martha: Really? How?

Arthur: Well… I’m checking out all the stuff I’m hoping to get!

Martha: Hoping to get?

Arthur: Of course. There’s a couple of games for my Xbox and loads of other stuff!

Martha: Such as?

Arthur: New… football kit. New… tracksuit. But most all…

Martha: …Yes?

Arthur: I’m hoping that I’ll find a new bike on Christmas morning.

Martha: You are?

Arthur: Sure thing it is. And I’ve being trying really hard to be helpful around the house.

Martha: Hmmm that’s interesting… I can’t say I’ve noticed.

Arthur: Well I have. So there! Anyway. Why aren’t you getting excited?

Martha: Funny you should ask that question. I am getting excited and I’ll tell you why.

Arthur: Can’t wait. What are you hoping to get for Christmas then?

Martha: Well… I do have a couple of ideas. But I want to talk to you about the weeks leading up to Christmas first.

Arthur: Go for it sis. I’m all ears.

Martha: Did you know that the church has a calendar?

Arthur: Hmmm… not noticed one. Where is it?

Martha: You’re funny. not that kind of calendar. What I mean is there is a whole cycle of events that happen throughout the year. And there’s a pattern – a bit like a bike wheel.

Arthur: A bit like a bike wheel?

Martha: Hmm… that’s right. It’s a cycle. But not like the one that you’re hoping for.

Arthur: Get on with it!

Martha: Okay… I’ll try. Today is the last day in the church calendar and then the whole cycle starts again.

Arthur: I think you’ve lost me.

Martha: Okay… no listen and don’t interrupt. You can ask questions later.

Arthur: Get you. Have you ever thought of becoming a teacher?

Martha: Shhhhhh. Just listen carefully. This is the last Sunday in the church calendar. It has a special name – Christ the King. This is the day we remember that Jesus is the king of all the world and that He is the greatest king of all. Just imagine. Jesus is our very best friend, but He’s a king! A king who knows you and loves you. He cares for everyone in the same way that a good shepherd cares for every one of his sheep. This is the last Sunday of the church year and next Sunday will be special too. It’s Advent Sunday.

Arthur: Tell me more.

Martha: Well of course I will. All in good time. But here’s something interesting. Grandma told me it used to be called ‘Stir up Sunday’.

Arthur: Stir up Sunday? Why?

Martha: Because that was the day that everyone made their Christmas pudding and everyone in the family would have a stir. There’s an old prayer for this day. It starts like this.

Stir up your hearts oh Lord to prepare the way for your only son
By His Advent we may be enabled to serve you with purified minds
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I like this prayer better.

Oh Jesus our King and our best friend.
Help us to live as your children, aware of the needs of others and always ready to help.
Amen.

Arthur: I’m lost for words. Imagine… my very best friend and he’s also a King! But just one question sis…

Martha: Go on then.

Arthur: If he really is everybody’s friend, I wonder what football team he supports?

Martha: Good question Arthur, but it’s one I can’t answer. Anyway, I think I have a craft activity for you. Would you like to make a crown? It’s starting to rain, so go inside and collect crayons and some glue.

Arthur: Great idea! What are you going to do?

Martha: Finish reading my book. You’ll enjoy it when you’re a bit older.

Arthur: You sure? What’s the story?

Martha: It’s called ‘The Last Battle’.

Arthur: Any good?

Martha: Well I think so. One day you should read it for yourself.

Arthur: Okay… I’m off to get the stuff together. Nice chat sis.

Martha: Now you could make a crown too and for bigger kids, I can recommend the book I’m reading. It would make a good Christmas gift!

That’s all folks! See you again soon!