Sunday worship May 17

The links to our worship this week are below

SUNDAY WORSHIP May 17
Morning Worship Podcast        Morning Worship Service sheet       Morning hymn words
Evensong Podcast                    Evensong Service sheet                    Evensong Hymn Words


For those who can't use the internet, there is now a "dial a podcast" service, giving access by phone to the reading, talk and prayer from each Sunday morning's service. Please pass on the phone number to them - 01732 928061. Calls cost the normal rate for dialing an 01732 (Sevenoaks) number.

This week's sermon ponders Jesus' words to his disciples on the night before his crucifixion, " I will not leave you orphaned". 

He knows they will feel bereft and alone when they cannot see him physically. He reassures them that though they might feel alone, they will not be alone. He will be with them in his Holy Spirit, found in the stillness of prayer, in the words of the Bible, in the love they give and receive to one another and to those around them. 

To be orphaned in the ancient world was very frightening, not only emotionally, as it would be for anyone, but also practically. In a world with no welfare state, you needed to have a family around you to support you. Orphans and widows were often mentioned in the Bible as groups who especially needed help. They came at the top of God's list of priorities, high on his heart, because of their vulnerability. There are, of course, many orphans and widows around the world today, for whom life is still just as tough. The video below, shared as part of Christian Aid week, which ends today, tells the story of one widow, Rose, struggling to support her children and grandchildren. In helping her, Christian Aid, and all who donate, are helping us to live out God's promise that no one should be left orphaned. In helping her, we declare that we are all part of the family of God, belonging to him and to one another. 






To find out more about the work of Christian Aid and to donate click here https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week


ALL AGE IDEAS 

• Download and print a Christian Aid activity sheet for children . The theme this year is the way in which climate change is affecting those who are most vulnerable. We all depend on the earth, water and air around us, and caring for the planet is a way of caring for each other.
• Draw pictures of those who care for you, in your family and beyond it. Talk about how they make you feel safe. 
• Rochester Diocese's Ministry @Home sheet, with ideas and things to talk about for families is here https://www.rochester.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/1589201051.pdf
• The Roots at Home sheet is here https://www.rootsontheweb.com/media/20954/17-may-2020-childrens-sheet.pdf
• There are some craft ideas on this week's Pinterest board for crafts about caring and family. 
• Some good advice here for keyworkers and their children who might be worried about each other, (or for others returning to work).
• Here is a video about this week's Gospel reading.