Worship podcast link and other news from Seal

 

Dear Friends Today marks my retirement as Vicar of Seal, and therefore, sadly, the last of these weekly newsletters and worship podcasts. I am very grateful for all the kind messages people have sent me since I began making these podcasts at the beginning of the Covid pandemic; it has been good to know how much they have been appreciated. The old ones will still be available in the YouTube account, at least for the time being, if you want to revisit any! Services in the church building will continue as normal, led by visiting clergy, by Kevin Bright our Reader, or by members of the congregation.  There are also online services produced by the Church of England every week, which you can find here. They come from a different local church each week, so you can travel through England and join in with many different congregations for worship. I will be holding you in my prayers. Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  Patronal Festival Holy Communion and farewell to Anne and Philip, followed by festivities in the churchyard and church hall through the day ( see below) No evensong this week, but evening services will continue from next week. This week:  Fri, Sat, Sun           Big Butterfly watch in the churchyard (see below)                                            Next Sunday  10 am  All Age Worship 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion

PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND FAREWELL In our first reading today, Paul gives thanks for the people of the church at Philippi, and prays for them.  Today, I am giving thanks for all those whose lives have touched mine during my ministry over the last 18 years at Seal, and also the 13 years before that in the churches of St Mary, St Faith and St Francis, Alverstoke, St Thomas, Elson, and Christ Church, Gosport. As I look back, I know that there are too many people to name, but that each one of them has revealed something of God's love to me.  Thinking back over your life, who are the people whose love has shown you God's love, and enriched your life? In the Gospel reading, St Peter asks Jesus to call to him to get out of the boat, so that he can walk on the water like Jesus. He soon finds himself sinking, but Jesus is right there to pull him up out of the water. Have you ever had to do something which felt (and maybe was) impossible? Have you ever felt out of your depth? What helped you?

All Age Ideas Today will be my last Sunday at Seal Church, because I am retiring and Philip and I will be moving away from Seal. I will miss everyone a lot, and that makes me feel a bit sad sometimes. I know that life will feel different, but I don't quite know how yet, and that can make me feel a bit frightened. But I also know that there are times in our lives when it is right to move on, and I feel excited about the new things I will be able to do. I am looking forward to having time to sew, read and look after my garden in my new home (you can see my garden in the picture!)  Perhaps you are moving schools or going into a different class or doing something else that feels new and strange sometime soon too? In today's Gospel story, Saint Peter sees Jesus walking on water, and decides that he wants to have a go (don't try this at home!). He walks a few steps - I wonder what that felt like?- but soon starts to sink, but as soon as he calls out for help, Jesus pulls him up out of the water.  How do you feel about doing new things? Do you sometimes feel sad or scared as well as excited? Who or what helps you when you feel like that?  The picture above is of Seal Church's stained glass window, which shows this story. You could draw your own version, and put yourself in it and think about the things that make you feel scared, and pray that you will remember that Jesus is there to help you.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS The photo of the stained glass window which I have used for this week's podcast was taken by Dr Mark Charter, who spent a long time photographing this window and another by the same stained glass artist, John Jennings. You can see more of his photos here . You may note that his site is "Cornish Church windows", and think that Kent is rather far from Cornwall. The link came about because John Jennings made a very similar window (ours came first!) in a church in Cornwall, and Dr Charter wanted to see our window to compare it.  FREE ! Children's books in the church porch. There are still some children's books in the porch. Please help me out by helping yourself, if you have children, grandchildren, godchildren or other small friends... Any left over will go to a charity shop, so do pick some up today! ENHANCED LISTENING COURSE 20th and 27th July - 10.30 to 12.30 in Seal Church hall. Two sessions to enable group participants to recognise the listening skills they already have and enhance them with confidence. Please contact Sue Buddin – 07737026701 or 01732 760990 densuebud@aol.com if you think this could be useful to you or want further information   BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT 12th – 14th July. Thank you to Babs and all who came along to help survey the churchyard during this past week. Following on from that, can you spare some time to do some butterfly and moth spotting in the churchyard? If so, please contact Babs Bartholomew to help out - babsvmurray@gmail.com. More details at https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND FAREWELL TO ANNE AND PHILIP Today between 10 am  and 4pm  Philip and I would be very glad to see anyone who would like to come along and join in the celebrations to mark our last day in the parish today.  The day starts with the Patronal Festival and Farewell service at 10 am, but continues with a shared lunch, bbq, music, activities, tree planting in the churchyard, and then strawberries, cake and tea in the church hall. Details in the pic below. If our paths have crossed at all during my time at Seal - weddings, baptisms, funerals, through the school, Know Your Neighbours, or in any other way - it would be lovely to see you, so do drop in! Many, many thanks to all those who have been involved in organising this lovely assortment of activities to mark the day! We are bowled over already by the thought and care that have gone into making this a special day.  HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday worship podcast link and other news: June 30

 

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (Said, with hymns) This week:  Wed                       7.15 am Choir practice Fri                          9am Morning prayer in church                               10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall                               11.30 am  Baptism: Hamish Sindall Sat                        12 noon: Wedding: Georgia and James                                Next Sunday  10 am  Patronal Festival and Farewell to Anne and Philip, followed by celebrations to mark the day. No Evening service this week (but evening services will continue during the interregnum

TRINITY 5 Today's Gospel reading is the story of two healings, one enfolded within the other. Jesus is begged by a desperate father, an important and probably wealthy man, to heal his daughter who is at the point of death. On the way there, a woman in the crowd, who has a chronic condition, touches his cloak, hoping to be healed without anyone noticing. Jesus stops to find out who she is and to hear her story, declaring publicly that this woman, who has been marginalised by her community as unclean, is healed and blessed. But this means that by the time he gets to the little girl's house, she is already dead. This is not the end of the story, however... The story asks us to consider the subtle, and not so subtle, ways in which we might think of some people as more deserving than others of God's love and help.  As you listen to the story, who do you sympathise with?  When you are in need, do you feel confident about asking for help, or are you apologetic, not wanting to make a fuss, as the woman in the story seems to be? Why do you feel the way you do?

All Age Ideas In today's Gospel story, Jesus is interrupted on the way to heal the little daughter of an important man. A woman reaches out to touch his robe, believing it will  heal her - she had been ill for a long time - without anyone knowing. She doesn't want to make a fuss or draw attention to herself. But Jesus stops to heal and talk to her. That means that when he gets to the child's house, she has already died. Jesus raises her from death, but her family had already gone through the sadness of thinking they had lost her.  I wonder how the people in the story felt when Jesus stopped to heal the woman?  How do you feel if someone takes a long time to do something you have asked them to do? Do you know anyone who is feeling poorly today? God cares about them, even though they don't always get healed as the people in this story do. You could say a special prayer for them, and maybe make them a card too!

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS GARDEN PARTY AT 17 ZAMBRA WAY SEAL IN AID OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH LAST WEEK  Well done to Maggie, Chris and their team, for raising £746 for the church - a huge thank you. SEAL GARDEN SAFARI Today - JUNE 30th Sunday 30th June 12-5pm £6 per person £5 if paid in advance Tickets from Seal village stores or Frances Fish 01732 760007 or 07749240456 Children accompanied by adult free Money to go to Cancer and Mind charities Raffle and plant stall at 2 Zambra way Refreshments now at 2A Zambra way ( not at the allotment) Tickets now available from Seal Supermarket FREE ! Children's books in the church porch. I am downsizing my rather ridiculously large collection of children's books. Please help me out by helping yourself, if you have children, grandchildren, godchildren or other small friends... They will be in the church porch until Sun 30th, after which any left over will go to a charity shop! FREE ART EXHIBITION - VILLAGE HALL June 29th and June 30th Donations will go to Seal Village Hall fund Saturday  29th June 12 - 4 pm Sunday 30th June 11 - 4pm Seal Village Hall There will be a lovely selection of artwork from the Thursday U3A art group which meets in  Seal Village Hall each week. We are also having a board with some small pieces of artwork from each of our members for sale costing £5 which will be sold and the money will be going to the Seal Village Hall fund.. Other artwork will be on sale ... please come and browse and enjoy the atmosphere!  ENHANCED LISTENING COURSE 20th and 27th July - 10.30 to 12.30 in Seal Church hall. Two sessions to enable group participants to recognise the listening skills they already have and enhance them with confidence. Please contact Sue Buddin – 07737026701 or 01732 760990 densuebud@aol.com if you think this could be useful to you or want further information   BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT 12th – 14th July. Thank you to Babs and all who came along to help survey the churchyard during this past week. Following on from that, can you spare some time to do some butterfly and moth spotting in the churchyard? If so, please contact Babs Bartholomew to help out - babsvmurray@gmail.com. More details at https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND FAREWELL TO ANNE AND PHILIP Sunday July 7th between 10 am  and 4pm  Philip and I would be very glad to see anyone who would like to come along and join in the celebrations to mark our last day in the parish before my retirement on July 7.  The day starts with the Patronal Festival and Farewell service at 10 am, but continues with a shared lunch, bbq, music, activities, tree planting in the churchyard, and then strawberries, cake and tea in the church hall. Details in the pic below. If our paths have crossed at all during my time at Seal - weddings, baptisms, funerals, through the school, Know Your Neighbours, or in any other way - it would be lovely to see you, so do drop in! Many, many thanks to all those who have been involved in organising this lovely assortment of activities to mark the day! We are bowled over already by the thought and care that have gone into making this a special day.  HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: June 23

 

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  Holy Communion 2pm     Wedding anniversary thanksgiving:  6.30pm Evensong (Said, with hymns) This week:  Wed                       7.15 am Choir practice Friday                     9am Morning prayer in church                               10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall                                Next Sunday  10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong  (Said, with hymns)

TRINITY 4 Jesus' disciples are "all at sea" in today's Gospel reading, despite many of them being experienced fishermen. When I visited Galilee, the lake was glassy calm, but apparently it can blow up into a storm remarkably quickly, and it can catch out even those who know it well.  But the disciples fear of the storm is, as I explore in today's sermon, soon replaced by another fear, when they realise that Jesus, who has stilled the storm, is far more than just an ordinary Galilean carpenter, or even a wise teacher.  Rembrandt's picture captures well the scale and the terror of the storm, but if you look closely, you can see the figure of Jesus, serene and shining with glory, in the stern of the boat, about to say "Peace! Be still!" Do you recall any savage storms you have been in? What was it like? Have their been other "storms" in your life? What has helped you when you are in them?

All Age Ideas The picture above is of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel story today tells of a time when Jesus' disciples were sailing back across the Sea of Galilee - really a large lake - with Jesus asleep in the boat. Suddenly a storm blew up, and the disciples thought the boat would sink. They woke Jesus up, and said "Don't you care that we are dying?"  But Jesus just said "Peace! Be still!" and the storm stopped.  Jesus always cares, and though sometimes life does feel "stormy" he is always with us to help us.  Have you been in a storm? Are you frightened or excited when there are high winds or thunder? What helps you when you are feeling frightened? You could make a storm bottle. Fill a bottle or jam jar with water, and add one drop (no more!) of washing up liquid. Then add some glitter and other small things. You could also add some food colouring if you want it to be coloured.  Put the top on really tightly. If you can add some tape around the lid it will be less likely to leak!. Shake it up, and then watch the glitter and other things settle.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Congratulations to those confirmed last Sunday in Farnborough. It was a lovely service, and great to see them taking this new step in their faith journey.  SEAL GARDEN SAFARI SUNDAY JUNE 30th Sunday 30th June 12-5pm £6 per person £5 if paid in advance Tickets from Seal village stores or Frances Fish 01732 760007 or 07749240456 Children accompanied by adult free Money to go to Cancer and Mind charities Raffle and plant stall at 2 Zambra way Refreshments now at 2A Zambra way ( not at the allotment) Tickets now available from Seal Supermarket FREE ! Children's books in the church porch. I am downsizing my rather ridiculously large collection of children's books. Please help me out by helping yourself, if you have children, grandchildren, godchildren or other small friends... They will be in the church porch until Sun 30th, after which any left over will go to a charity shop! FREE ART EXHIBITION - VILLAGE HALL June 29th and June 30th Donations will go to Seal Village Hall fund Saturday  29th June 12 - 4 pm Sunday 30th June 11 - 4pm Seal Village Hall There will be a lovely selection of artwork from the Thursday U3A art group which meets in  Seal Village Hall each week. We are also having a board with some small pieces of artwork from each of our members for sale costing £5 which will be sold and the money will be going to the Seal Village Hall fund.. Other artwork will be on sale ... please come and browse and enjoy the atmosphere!  ENHANCED LISTENING COURSE 20th and 27th July - 10.30 to 12.30 in Seal Church hall. Two sessions to enable group participants to recognise the listening skills they already have and enhance them with confidence. Please contact Sue Buddin – 07737026701 or 01732 760990 densuebud@aol.com if you think this could be useful to you or want further information   BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT 12th – 14th July. Thank you to Babs and all who came along to help survey the churchyard during this past week. Following on from that, can you spare some time to do some butterfly and moth spotting in the churchyard? If so, please contact Babs Bartholomew to help out - babsvmurray@gmail.com. More details at https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ PATRONAL FESTIVAL AND FAREWELL TO ANNE AND PHILIP Sunday July 7th between 10 am  and 4pm  Philip and I would be very glad to see anyone who would like to come along and join in the celebrations to mark our last day in the parish before my retirement on July 7.  The day starts with the Patronal Festival and Farewell service at 10 am, but continues with a shared lunch, bbq, music, activities, tree planting in the churchyard, and then strawberries, cake and tea in the church hall. Details in the pic below. If our paths have crossed at all during my time at Seal - weddings, baptisms, funerals, through the school, Know Your Neighbours, or in any other way - it would be lovely to see you, so do drop in! Many, many thanks to all those who have been involved in organising this lovely assortment of activities to mark the day! We are bowled over already by the thought and care that have gone into making this a special day.  HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday Worship Podcast and other link: June 16

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (Said, with hymns) This week:  Wed                       7.15 am Choir practice Friday                     9am Morning prayer in church                               10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall Sat                         10-3pm Garden party at 17 Zambra Way                                Next Sunday  10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong  (Said, with hymns)

TRINITY 3 Today's readings have a "tree" theme. Ezekiel describes the nation of Judah (the southern tribes around Jerusalem) as a tree, planted by God, but which has now been cut down, since Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonians and many of the population taken into forced exile. Is it all over for them, or can this tree grow back again? Jesus also uses the imagery of growth in his parables, but the "tree" he describes is very different. Do you have a favourite tree? What is it about the tree that you love? What does it feel like to you to be welcomed and included? Are there times when you haven't felt like that?  You might like to find a patch of overgrown scrub and watch it for a while to see what visits it, feeds on it, or makes its home in it. The Merlin bird app is great for identifying the birds you can hear but not see, and iNaturalist can help you identify insects and plants. There's often a lot more going on than we think!

All Age Ideas Do you like trees? They are all different. Some are big and dramatic. Others are small and ordinary. But all of them can be home to lots of different creatures. Jesus tells a story in today's Gospel reading about a tree that grows from what he calls a "mustard seed". The tree he is talking about is probably a tree called Salvadora Persica, but it has other names too - the Peelu tree, the Miswak tree, or even the "toothbrush" tree, because people make toothbrushes out of its twigs, like the one on the left! It is often more like a large, overgrown bush than a tree - very untidy and sprawly, but great for providing nesting and roosting places for birds, and food for many creatures, including people (as well as toothbrushes). It doesn't look very special, and it can be a nuisance if it gets overgrown, but it is an important plant. Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like that. It can grow from something very small - a kind act or word by just one person - but grow into something big which helps a lot of people and has room for everyone.Have you got any favourite trees? What makes them special to you? Spend some time sitting quietly near an overgrown, wild scrubby patch of land, like a bramble thicket. Listen and look. What comes and goes from it? What lives or feeds on it.? (You could ask a grown up to download the Merlin and/or iNaturalist apps to their phones - Merlin will listen to the bird song and tell you what birds are around - you might not be able to see them, but you can hear them. iNaturalist will help you identify plants, birds, animals and insects from photos).  What makes you feel welcome and included in groups you are part of?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Watch out for events between June 15th- 22nd to mark the Great Big Green Week, and Count on Nature week which aims to survey the wildlife in churchyards. There will be someone from the Eco Church team in the churchyard between 6 and 8pm every evening, with suggestions to help us see what flora and fauna we have, including a bat survey! Details to follow. GARDEN PARTY AT 17 ZAMBRA WAY SEAL IN AID OF SEAL CHURCH SATURDAY JUNE 22nd . Garden Party 22nd June 17 Zambra Way Starts at 10.00 till 3.00 Stalls Plants, Cakes, Grifts& Bric-brac Light Lunch Menu Tea & Coffee And Maggie's Famous Quiche SEAL GARDEN SAFARI SUNDAY JUNE 30th Sunday 30th June 12-5pm £6 per person £5 if paid in advance Tickets from Seal village stores or Frances Fish 01732 760007 or 07749240456 Children accompanied by adult free Money to go to Cancer and Mind charities Raffle and plant stall at 2 Zambra way Refreshments now at 2A Zambra way ( not at the allotment) Tickets now available from Seal Supermarket FREE ART EXHIBITION - VILLAGE HALL June 29th and June 30th Donations will go to Seal Village Hall fund Saturday  29th June 12 - 4 pm Sunday 30th June 11 - 4pm Seal Village Hall There will be a lovely selection of artwork from the Thursday U3A art group which meets in  Seal Village Hall each week. We are also having a board with some small pieces of artwork from each of our members for sale costing £5 which will be sold and the money will be going to the Seal Village Hall fund.. Other artwork will be on sale ... please come and browse and enjoy the atmosphere!  HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: June 9

 

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  All Age Worship & Baptism: Isaac Bridges 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion This week:  Wed                       7.15 am Choir practice Friday                     9am Morning prayer in church                               10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall                                Next Sunday  10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong  (Said, with hymns)

TRINITY 2 Families feature large in today's reading. Families, are, of course, important. At their best, they are places wehre we can learn to love and be loved, feel secure and thrive, but many families aren't like that, and no family is perfect. The Old Testament reading gives us a picture of a partnership that, despite being very new, is already coming apart at the seams, riven by blame and scapegoating. The picture accompanying the podcast shows the moment when the rot sets in, when Adam and Eve are taken in by the smooth-talking snake, and give in to the temptation to try to play God, with disastrous results.  In the Gospel reading Jesus seems to be rejecting his own family of origin in favour of the followers he has gathered around him. It's an uncomfortable moment, and might challenge our image of him, but, as is often the case, Jesus is making a point through exaggeration. His family are trying to prevent him fulfilling his calling. Families can be wonderful, but they can also behave as if they own their members, trying to squash them into a mould. Jesus affirms the importance of people taking responsibility for answering the call of God on their lives, and the "families" that don't fit the stereotype we might have of them.  Have you ever had to take a different path from the one your family expected you to take? What did that feel like? What do you think and feel as you hear the Gospel story? Where do your sympathies lie?

All Age Ideas In today's Gospel reading Jesus' family try to stop him preaching and sharing his message. He refuses to stop though. This is the job God has given him to do. His family aren't very happy about it. I wonder how they all felt, and how Jesus felt that they were upset? In the Old Testament reading Adam blames Eve for making him eat the fruit God said they shouldn't, but he chose to do eat it just as much as she did. Eve blames the snake. Neither of them accepts their own responsibility. It doesn't sound like a very happy family! What do you love about your family? How can you help to make your family a place where everyone knows they are loved and valued? You could write or draw something for each member of your family telling them what you think is good about them, and what you like about being part of your family.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Watch out for events between June 15th- 22nd to mark the Great Big Green Week, and Count on Nature week which aims to survey the wildlife in churchyards. There will be someone from the Eco Church team in the churchyard between 6 and 8pm every evening, with suggestions to help us see what flora and fauna we have, including a bat survey! Details to follow. GARDEN PARTY AT 17 ZAMBRA WAY SEAL IN AID OF SEAL CHURCH SATURDAY JUNE 22nd . Garden Party 22nd June 17 Zambra Way Starts at 10.00 till 3.00 Stalls Plants, Cakes, Grifts& Bric-brac Light Lunch Menu Tea & Coffee And Maggie's Famous Quiche HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: June 2 2024

 

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service (I am having problems with the phone-in version of this podcast, so have had to suspend it. Spotify is also playing up, so if you subscribe on Spotify,  this week's and future podcasts can be found here. Access to past podcasts here. It is simpler to use the Youtube link in the picture above, however!) DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving!

In the church building today 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (said, with hymns) This week:  Wed                        No Choir Thurs                     8pm PCC meeting Friday                     9am Morning prayer in church                               10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall                                Next Sunday  10 am  All Age Worship and Baptism: Isaac Bridges 12 noon  Baptism: Sacha Fitzsimons 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion

TRINITY 1 In today's readings we hear about two "outstretched" arms or hands. Today's sermon explores that idea. In the Old Testament, God is described as delivering Israel out of Egypt with "an outstretched arm", while in the Gospel we meet a man whose longing is to "stretch out his hand", something he has been unable to do because his arm is "withered", by an accident, illness or from birth. The other common factor between both readings is the Sabbath. The first speaks of the reason for keeping the Sabbath, while the second is set on the Sabbath, at a time when some people had become so particular about keeping it that it had become more important to them than the needs of those around them.  Do you think there is something healthy about having a day which is different in the week? How do you mark Sundays?

All Age Ideas In today's Gospel story, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath Day. You might expect everyone to be pleased about this, but some people are cross, because they saw the Sabbath day - Saturday for Jewish people - as a day when no one should do any work, and healing people was work, in their opinion. Jesus said that it was more important to help people than to keep this rule perfectly, and that this was really what this special day of the week was for, to show our love for others and for God. Christians keep the "Sabbath" on Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. Many Christians go to church then, to gather together for worship and to encourage each other.  Are there special things that happen on some days of the week for you?  What do you do on Sundays? Does it feel like a special day to you? What could you do then to make it special, to help others and to learn more about God?

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS Thank you to Babs for a lovely Eco Church activity afternoon last week. We made paper pots and sowed seeds, and learned about bees. A great time was had by all in our lovely churchyard. Watch out for events between June 15th- 22nd to mark the Great Big Green Week, and Count on Nature week which aims to survey the wildlife in churchyards. There will be someone from the Eco Church team in the churchyard between 6 and 8pm every evening, with suggestions to help us see what flora and fauna we have, including a bat survey! Details to follow. GARDEN PARTY AT 17 ZAMBRA WAY SEAL IN AID OF SEAL CHURCH SATURDAY JUNE 22nd . Garden Party 22nd June 17 Zambra Way Starts at 10.00 till 3.00 Stalls Plants, Cakes, Grifts& Bric-brac Light Lunch Menu Tea & Coffee And Maggie's Famous Quiche HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: May 26 Trinity Sunday

 

Dear Friends Listen to today's worship podcast by clicking on the picture above.  Anne Le Bas Worship Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service (I am having problems with the phone-in version of this podcast, so have had to suspend it. Spotify is also playing up, so if you subscribe on Spotify,  this week's and future podcasts can be found here. Access to past podcasts here. It is simpler to use the Youtube link in the picture above, however!) DONATE TO SEAL CHURCH HERE - all contributions gratefully received to keep the church thriving! In the church building today 10 am  TRINITY: Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (said, with hymns) This week:  Wed                        No Choir (Half-term)                                2-4pm Eco church activity in the churchyard Sow seeds, explore the churchyard.                                   See below for more detail Friday                     9am Morning prayer in church                                10.30am Friday Group in the Church Hall                                Next Sunday  10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (said, with hymns) TRINITY SUNDAY The idea of the Trinity is one which most of us struggle to understand intellectually, but, in a way, that is the point. You wouldn't make it up! It springs not from intellectual curiosity, but from the lived experience of Jesus' first disciples, who believed that they had met the God they had always known as Father in Jesus, and in the experience of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Putting all this together, the only explanation they could come to was that Father, Son and Holy Spirit were one God, but three distinct persons. Jesus' had spoken of the relationship of love he had with his Father, and the doctrine of the Trinity emphasized that at the heart of God there was a loving relationship, not an isolated and distant divinity. More than that, it is a relationship in which we are all invited to share, as we learn to love and be loved by God and one another. We can't exist on our own either.  In Matthias Stom's painting, Jesus and Nicodemus are surrounded by darkness. Nicodemus comes to Jesus "by night", according to the Gospel. He is a prominent religious leader, and doesn't want to be seen coming and asking theological questions of a carpenter from Nazareth. The darkness also symbolises his own sense of confusion. Jesus shouldn't be able to teach and act with the authority he does, and yet Nicodemus sees he has genuine power. For all his 'book learning' - he not only has the book on the table, but a servant carrying a second volume - he can't make sense of what is happening in Jesus. The only source of light in the room is a single candle, to which Jesus points. It reminds us of the beginning of the Gospel of John, which identifies Jesus as "the light that was coming into the world".  We meet Nicodemus once more, at the end of the Gospel, when he comes to help bury Jesus' body, bringing spices to anoint him. He has finally decided to identify himself with Jesus, even if, at that point, it must seem too little, too late. The fact that his story, and his name, were preserved suggests that he became part of the early church community after the resurrection, when he discovered that he was not too late to follow Jesus after all. If you could pull up a chair and join the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, what questions would you want to ask? All Age Ideas Today is Trinity Sunday, when we think especially about the idea that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It's hard to understand how God can be three people, but one God, but the idea grew up because Jesus first followers were convinced that in Jesus they were meeting God. It is a hard idea to understand, but it reminds us that God isn't on his own. At God's heart is a loving relationship, and we are invited to be part of that.  Do you know how to make a plait? If you don't, ask a grown up to show you how.  Take three ribbons, or pieces of string, or strips of cloth and plait them together. Take a fourth ribbon and write your name and the names of those you love on it. Thread it into your plait as you pray for those you have named, asking God to help them know that they are woven into his love. CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS SOW SEEDS TO TAKE AWAY, ECO CHURCH ACTIVITY Wednesday 29th May 2-4pm (School May holiday), to celebrate World Bee Day & No Mow May?   We shall focus on bees and butterflies (art & craft activities) and bless seeds (mostly pollinating flower seeds), make biodegradable pots & sow into these to take home to family's own green spaces/window sills. We'll have some herb activities /tasting/salad to top, too, ahead of starting with herbs in the new planter for a multisensory experience for passers-by.  Also amphibian & reptile themed activities in celebration of Stone Street's Toad Patrol & our wildlife area slowworms. We'll have litter pickers available & depending on who comes along, hope to do some churchyard tidying & logpile construction.  An appeal: we are looking for bee & butterfly-friendly plant seeds to be donated for our seeds sowing, and some old small pots or seed trays for reuse & rehoming, ahead of 29th May.  These can be handed to Lise or Babs or put under the Eco Church display table for our collection, thank you.Any donations of biscuits or cake would also be much appreciated!  GARDEN PARTY AT 17 ZAMBRA WAY SEAL IN AID OF SEAL CHURCH SATURDAY JUNE 22nd . Garden Party 22nd June 17 Zambra Way Starts at 10.00 till 3.00 Stalls Plants, Cakes, Grifts& Bric-brac Light Lunch Menu Tea & Coffee And Maggie's Famous Quiche HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PARISH GIVING SCHEME? Back in the Autumn we signed up for the Parish Giving Scheme which is a simple system to replace Standing Orders as a way of giving to the church, and automates the collection of Gift Aid for those who are tax payers, which saves a great deal of time and effort on the part of the volunteers who help to look after the churches finances and means we get the Gift Aid very quickly.  It would be great if more people could give through this scheme, as it simplifies the administrative burden so much! If you are a regular giver to Seal (or would like to become one!) please would you consider using this route for your donations. You can find out more here, or contact us if you would like to know more, by emailing financesealpandp@gmail.com

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