Hi Everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well.
I’ve been struck this weekend by the announcement of the death of American Civil Rights activist, Congressman John Lewis.
As we’ve been looking at St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we have been thinking about the freedom which we enjoy in Christ Jesus, echoing Paul’s words to the Galatians: “It is for freedom that Christ set us free.” Lewis participated in the ‘Freedom Rides’ of 1961, in which he and other protestors put their lives on the line, travelling across the segregated bus networks of the southern USA, in order that they be forced to open up to people of colour as well as whites.
He continued to stand up publicly for social and racial justice right to the end, secure in his faith and in the rightness of his cause. John Lewis famously said – in words that could almost have come straight from St. Paul – “Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.” Heavenly Father, we thank you for those men and women of courage and faith, who stand up for God’s justice, and seek to build your Kingdom here on earth.
Do watch our Online Service video here at 9.30AM on Sunday 19th, and then, as usual, join us here on Zoom (Meeting ID: 864 0083 1074; Password: 549794) from 10.15AM for a catch-up with all your Cranmer Group friends.
And of course you can also catch up later with the Online Service, on our YouTube channel here.
Our worship today has been led by Deb Hubbard and Deborah Davies – thank you both so much as usual:
There Is a Hope that Burns within My Heart
Played by Deb Hubbard
There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for every passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiven;
And Christ in me, the hope of heaven!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my home.
There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future’s fear,
He whispers ‘courage’ in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.
There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
And every longing satisfied.
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.
Stuart Townend & Mark Edwards Copyright © 2007 Thankyou Music
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Played by Deborah Davies
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of Heaven to Earth come down;
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesu, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art,
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Come almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation,
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
‘Til in Heaven we take our place,
‘Til we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.
Charles Wesley
As usual, if you’d prefer to read rather than watch the video, the sermon transcript, reading, prayers for today, and worship lyrics can be downloaded here:
And if you cannot make it to our churches for private prayer (see the homepage for the times when each church is open every week), do keep joining us for our online prayer gatherings:
To join Morning Prayer on Zoom, Wednesdays & Fridays 9.00-9.30AM, click here (meeting ID: 873 3636 1158; Password: 629570).
To join Evening Prayer on Zoom, Thursdays 8.00-8.30PM, click here (meeting ID: 873 3636 1158; Password: 629570).
Go well this week, and God bless,
Rev. Tim Chambers
Vicar
The Cranmer Group
E-mail: curate@stgilesparish.com
Mobile: 07946 526569