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Praying Together 25th December 2022

Praying Together 25th December 2022

by | Dec 25, 2022 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

a woman holding a bible in candlelight

Collect For Christmas

 

Almighty God, you gave us your only Son to take on our human nature and to illumine the world with your light. By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Titus 2: 11-14

John 1: 1-14

A verse from ‘It came upon the Midnight clear’

And Man, at war with Man, hears not
The love-song that they sing
O hush your noise, Ye Men of strife
And hear the Angels sing.

Which could be paraphrased as ‘Shut up and listen and you’ll hear something worth hearing.’

But most of the time we don’t. We’re too busy to stop and listen. And while we’re running around and trying to multitask we drown out the silence in which faith whispers a message of hope; hope enables the love which casts out fear; fear that drives conflict, hatred and anger and brings a pervasive darkness that feeds upon itself. We read the news of continual human conflict, and it’s easy to feel despair. But it only takes one candle to be lit and the darkness loses its power to frighten. That’s our mission.

In the very first passage of John’s Gospel, we are reassured that the light has come; and the darkness will never overcome it. Quite a simple message – one we hear repeated at this time of incarnation, God becoming Man out of love for us. Unlike Santa, God doesn’t give us presents because we’ve been good – He gives us the present of Jesus even though we haven’t been. Because He loves us. And if we shut up and listen – even for five minutes – we’ll hear the song of the Angels telling us so.

When we sing the verse in the carol about ‘Man at war with Man’, we usually think that it applies to those nations and their leaders who use violence to achieve their dominance over others. But perhaps we ought to look at ourselves. If we believe Judgement begins with those of God (1 Peter 4:17), how about changing the verse slightly to reflect the state of the Church…

And ‘Christians’ at denominational war with other ‘Christians’ hear not
The love song that they sing
O hush the noise Ye sectarian legalists
And hear the Angels sing

The Song isn’t about reinforcing our own preferences and prejudices;
the Angels are singing about Jesus. Be quiet and listen.

A message from Bishop Michael

A short summary of the Christmas Story.

A little Christmas memory

‘All the stores were closed and shuttered’. Walking to Early Communion on Christmas Day in Stalybridge – all the busyness of the Market town stilled. So quiet. Not even church bells yet. I can hear my own footsteps. What will the day bring? Song. Laughter. Friends. Bread. Wine. Family. Faith. Hope. Love.

May you share that Blessing in Christ.

M

street lamp at sunrise

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Praying Together 18th December 2022

Praying Together 18th December 2022

by | Dec 18, 2022 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

children looking at a nativity scene in a glass ball

Collects For Advent 4

 

God our redeemer, who prepared the blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: Grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9

Romans 1: 1-7

Matthew 1: 18-25

According to most media reports, Church attendances are quickly falling as society becomes more secular, dismissing the Gospel stories as fictional, made up to support an archaic social structure that props up a religious hierarchy.

There are so many demands on our time, that churchgoing is seen as a chore that takes away a precious half day on a Sunday morning. Many people claim to be ‘Christian’ – but of course, they claim, ‘you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. (Perhaps not – but why wouldn’t you want to hear more?)

It doesn’t help when the history of the established churches is revealed to be unfeeling and hypocritical and, in many cases, tolerant of abuse.

So why are churches full for Carol services and the annual Nativity play? Is it just part of a meaningless ritual? A habit? A tradition, like chestnuts roasting by an open fire, brussels sprouts (ugh) turkey and ham (ugh, ugh and more ugh)?

Perhaps. But I don’t think so. Traditions have a sell-by date, and our Christmas celebrations will, over time, be replaced by newer ones. (Sadly, probably driven by clever marketing). But I don’t just believe, I KNOW, that in a hundred years, and for hundreds of years after that, the Nativity story will still be told, as it has been for the last two thousand. And people will treasure it.  

Why? Because it touches all of us in our lives. Why? The story of the gift of freedom brings us hope in the darkest times. Why? The story of a child born to people just like us gives us a means of understanding that we are special in the eyes of our creator, trusted to bring His Joy to a hurting world.

Why? Because, despite all the failures and bells and whistles, It’s true.

Forget the wrapping. Enjoy the present within it.

And Come and Behold Him, born the King of Angels.

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Praying Together 11th December 2022

Praying Together 11th December 2022

by | Dec 11, 2022 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

a sign saying yes to service

Collect For Advent 3

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Isaiah 35: 1-10

Luke 1: v46-55 – Mary’s Song of Praise

And Mary said ‘Yes’. Just like that. Straightway. She heard God’s call, delivered through the angel Gabriel. Sure, she asked for a bit more detail – but not for one moment did she refuse. No excuses, no argument, no compromise. Unlike all those very important men like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Saul, Isaiah and Jonah, who all looked for a way out.

She knew what the consequences would be. The loss of her betrothed husband-to-be, Joseph. The ridicule of being called a shameless hussy, cast out from society. An uncertain – probably unmanageable – future. But despite all that, she still says ‘yes’. Scripture describes many brave acts – but none of them as courageous.

God has to choose a human who He can trust to be the parent of His only Son. He could have selected an important wealthy family, perhaps a princess of the royal blood. You’d certainly have thought so. But, as always, His wisdom is as unexpected as it proves to be correct. Mary is the one He trusts.

I doubt any of us will be called by God to do something as earth-shattering. But we will all be called to fulfil His purpose in our lives. When He does, just say ‘Yes’ – and get on with it.

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Praying together 4th December 2022

Praying together 4th December 2022

by | Dec 4, 2022 | Pray Together

charity volunteers at work

Collect For Advent 2

 

Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: Give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Isaiah 11: 1-10

Romans 15: 4-13

Matthew 3: 1-12

“It’s not what you eat between Christmas and New Year you should worry about, it’s what you eat between New Year and Christmas.” Anon

Christmas preparations. The shops started their pressure selling straight after Halloween. ‘Shop early for Christmas’, in case things go out of stock. Mince pies, puddings, crackers, trees, big boxes of chocolate – and would you believe, Brussels Sprouts. No matter how much you love ‘em, I doubt that month-old sprouts would actually enhance the Festive meal. (I know quite a few people who would love it if the Brussels Sprouts ran out of stock).

And then there are the go-to presents of the year. Apparently Air fryers are hurtling off the shelves, but if the budget doesn’t allow, there are always seasonal standbys – I am told that there really are people who enjoy that disgusting mixture of Carnation milk and British sherry sold as ‘Something’s Irish Cream’.

The pressure to do Christmas properly is huge. But the truth is that ‘Christmas’ is now an industry, a smokescreen hiding the harsh reality of social injustice.  

In the last few years, a new tradition has arrived with the Christmas tearjerkers from the major retailers. Like the unsolicited charity mail, these highlight real, deserving causes – but it’s impossible to respond to each and every one, and I’m afraid compassion fatigue is hard to resist.

Well, tough. Resist it.

It’s not as hard as going a week without a hot meal, sleeping on the street, living in fear of domestic violence, warming soup on the top of a radiator because you can’t afford the electricity to cook;  worst of all, feeling that no-one cares and that there is no point in living.

So what should our response be? We can’t heal the world We can’t do everything. But that is no excuse for doing nothing. Over the Christmas period, there will be initiatives to reach out to help those in real need. We respond as we are able. But we then have to ask ourselves what happens on St Stephens day and for the rest of the year. Our giving, our support, our prayers must not be seasonal, but continuous. Perhaps the Advent preparations should encompass the whole year?

To paraphrase the quote above: “It’s not how we serve between Christmas and New Year that we should worry about, it’s how we serve between New Year and Christmas.” 

Now, as we pray for whatever our personal response should be, we ask our Father what we could do to serve, not just at Christmas, but all year round. Doesn’t have to be a huge thing – but a small sincere act is a thousand times better than a grand promise unfulfilled. Be silent for a few moments and listen to God. It might not be a bad idea to write His answer down and pin it on the wall as a constant reminder.

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Praying Together 27th November 2022

Praying Together 27th November 2022

by | Nov 27, 2022 | Pray Together

hourglass-reflection-time

Collect For Advent Sunday

Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Isaiah 2: 1-5

Matthew 24: 36-44

For a change, a Meditation rather than a sermonette. Thanks to Clare Anglicans

end-abuse-and-violence

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign. It takes place each year from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10th December (International Human Rights Day).

Throughout the campaign, we join with others globally to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is an extension of the day-to-day grassroots work of Mothers’ Union, where we work alongside communities to help end gender-based violence and to support those affected by it.

For more information, see:

 16 Days … – All-Ireland Mothers’ Union (mothersunion.ie)

end-abuse-and-violence

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Praying Together 20th November 2022

Praying Together 20th November 2022

by | Nov 20, 2022 | Pray Together

crown of thorns

Collect For Christ the King

Eternal God, you exalted Jesus Christ to rule over all things, and have made us instruments of his kingdom: by your Spirit empower us to love the unloved, and to minister to all in need, then at the last bring us to your eternal realm where we may be welcomed into your everlasting joy and may worship and adore you for ever: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Luke 23:33-43

28 November 2021. Advent Sunday – the Christian New Year’s Day. We looked forward to the Story that St Luke would tell in the year to come.

First of all, there would be the announcement of two forthcoming births – one born to be a messenger, telling people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah; one to give birth to a King whose reign will never end.

A very old, loyal woman will tell of prophecy fulfilled; a devout, patient believer will himself be blessed in blessing the newborn who will be a light to the nations.

The young man, Yeshua – or in English, Jesus – will begin His ministry with a Satanic test – an opportunity to use His birthright to gain wealth and power.  A temptation He will refuse.

In the coming years, he will lead a small group of disciples, teaching them by example. He will heal. He will perform miracles. He will explain the true nature of God’s love for All His people – whoever they may be – man, woman, Jew, Greek, slave, free. He will offer freedom and forgiveness for the dregs and outcasts of society. He will reject false, self-centred leadership and replace it with servanthood. He will do all this, despite knowing that He will be persecuted by those whose only love is for themselves.

He will turn His face to Jerusalem, the theatre where His Destiny will be revealed – a destiny of unearned suffering for the sake of usually unrequited love.

And even at the last, in unbearable pain and humiliation, His unconditional and universal love will be demonstrated in His final words – the words of comfort to which we cling even when all hope appears lost. For today, and forever, He is Christ the King.

Truly I tell you; today you will be with me in paradise.

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