December 2025

Advent Sunday sermon by the Rev'd Lewis Shand Smith

Advent 1 - Year A – GS 2025 The Four Last Things

Advent is a time of loitering – well that’s what the Rector told me a few weeks ago when I asked his thoughts about Advent. A time of loitering. But loitering is hanging about with no real purpose or aim – unless that is, it’s loitering with intent. And loitering with intent used to be a criminal offence connected with vagrancy.

I’m sure Dean wasn’t encouraging either aimlessness or criminality during Advent. But he certainly got me thinking.

We begin Advent, and the first day of the...

Read more about Advent Sunday sermon by the Rev'd Lewis Shand Smith

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LECTIONARY YEAR A

Advent Sunday 2025-Christ-the-King 2026
This year we follow the Year A readings which take St.Matthew’s Gospel as their guide.

30th November 2025 Advent Sunday

Advent sees the beginning of the Church’s year.

The Advent Collect (said every day in Advent)

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 lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Collect for Advent I

Stir up your power, Lord and come: that, with you as our protector, we may be rescued from our sins; and with you as our deliverer, we may be set free; for you live and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

7th December Advent II

Stir up our hearts, Lord, to prepare the way of your only-begotten Son: that, in his coming, we might serve you with our hearts made pure; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

14th December Advent III

Stir up our prayers, Lord, and hear us: that they who are sorrowful and suffering may rejoice at the Advent of your only begotten Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

21st December Advent IV

Stir up your power, Lord, and come: and strengthen us by the might of your love; that, although we are hindered by our sins, your abundant grace and mercy may quickly come and save us; for you live and reign with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

24th December Christmas Eve (Wednesday)

O God, you make us glad with the yearly expectation of our redemption: vouchsafe we pray, that as we joyfully receive your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, so may we with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; through the same Jesus Christ your Son our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

Romans 1:1-6; Matthew 1:18-21

25th December Christmas Day

Eternal God, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

28th December Christmas I

O God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

1Samuel 2:18-20 & 26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

2026

4th January Christmas II for the Epiphany

Eternal God, who by a star led Magi to the worship of your Son, guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12;Matthew 2:1-12

Wednesday 7th January for the Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12

11th January Baptism of Christ Epiphany I

Eternal Father, who at the Baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant that w, being born again, and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reign with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17

Wednesday 14th St.Kentigern (Mungo)

Almighty and everlasting God, who called your servant Kentigern to preach the Gospel to the people of Britain: raise up in this and every land heralds and evangelists of your Kingdom that your Church may make known the immeasurable riches of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

1Thessalonians 2:2-12; Matthew 28:16-20

18th January Epiphany II (Start of Christian Unity Week)

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of heaven and earth: mercifully hear the prayers of your people, and grant your peace to our times; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 49:1-7; 1Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

25th January Epiphany III

Almighty and eternal God, behold us in our weakness: and stretch out your hands to protect us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reign with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 9:1-4; 1Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

1st February Epiphany IV for Candlemas

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have sent us your salvation. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to recognise him who is the glory of Israel and the light for all nations, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Malachi 3:1-5; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

8th February Epiphany V (2 before Lent)

O Lord, watch over your household with constant love: that, supported by you alone, we may always stand firm in your protection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reign with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 58:1-12a; 1Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20

Wednesday 11th for St.Scholastica

As we celebrate the memorial of St.Scholastica, we pray, O Lord, that, following her example, we may serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Song of Songs 8:6-7; Luke 10:38-42

15th February Epiphany VI

Almighty God, grant that with our minds set always on your wisdom and love, we may pursue both in word and deed those things that are pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20; 1Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

18th February Ash Wednesday

God of mercy and giver of comfort, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Joel 2:12-17 ; Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

The Collect for Lent used daily throughout Lent with the Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you hate nothing that you have made, and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create in us a clean and contrite heart; that in lamenting our sinfulness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, forgiveness and perfect peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

22nd February Lent I

Almighty God, whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

1st March Lent II

O God, you see that we lack the strength to help ourselves: protect us both inwardly and outwardly; that our bodies may be guarded from adversity, and our minds may be defended from such thoughts as assault and harm the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Genesis 12:1-4a; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17

8th March Lent III

Merciful Father, we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: when we are discouraged by our weakness, give us strength to follow Christ, our pattern and our hope who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42

15th March Lent IV Mothering Sunday

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in our joys and sorrows we may know your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

1Samuel 1:20-28; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:33-35

Wednesday 18th for St.Joseph

God our Father, who from the family of your servant David raised Jospeh the carpenter to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary: give us grace to follow him in faithful obedience to your commands; 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. Amen.

Romans 4:13-18; Matthew 1:18-end

22nd March Lent V Passion Sunday

Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ezekiel 37:1-14; ; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

Wednesday 25th The Annunciation

We beseech you O Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the Incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection; 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. Amen.

Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38

29th March Palm Sunday

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant, that we, walking in the way of his cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Palm Gospel Mark 11:1-11

Almighty God, who, in your tender love for the human race, sent your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his passion, and also, be made partakers of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Passion Gospel Matthew 26:14-27:66

Holy Wednesday 1st April

O Lord God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour gave his back to the smiters, and did not hide his face from shame: give us grace to endure the sufferings of this present time, and confidence in the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Isaiah 50:4-9; Matthew 26:14-25

Maundy Thursday 2nd April

God our Father, as you invite us to share in the supper that your Son gave to his Church to proclaim his death until he comes: inspire us by his service, and unite us in his love; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Exodus 12:1-14; 1Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

Good Friday 3rd April

Loving God, look graciously, we pray, on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1 – 19:42

5th April Easter Day ALLELUIA!

Almighty God, who, through your Son, Jesus Christ, have overcome death and opened the gates of eternal life: grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of his resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

Easter Wednesday 8th April

O Lord, of life and power, who, through the mighty resurrection of your Son, have overcome the old order of sin and death, and have made all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:1, 13-35

12th April Easter II Low Sunday

Almighty God, in your great goodness, grant that we, as pilgrims through the Easter mysteries, may hold them fast in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Acts 2:14a & 22-32; 1Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

19th April Easter III

O God, who, in the death and resurrection of your Son, have raised up this fallen world: may we and all your people, whom you have saved from the gates of everlasting death, rejoice in your eternal presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Acts 2:14a & 36-41; 1Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35

26th April Easter IV Good Shepherd Sunday

O God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 2:42-47; 1Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10

3rd May Easter V

O God, who alone can bring harmony to the minds of your faithful people: give us grace to love the things you command, and to desire the things you promise; that, amid the uncertain changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.10th May Easter VI the Start of Christian Aid Week

Acts 17:22-31; 1Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

10th May Easter VI

O God, from whom all good things arise: grant such grace to those who call on you, that, by your inspiration, we may ponder those things that are right, and by your guidance, do them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 17:22-31; 1Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

Wednesday 13th for St.Matthias

Almighty God, who in the pace of the traitor Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve: preserve your church from false apostles and, by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers, keep us steadfast in your truth; 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. Amen.

Acts 1:15-end; John 15;9-17

Thursday 14th Ascension Day

O God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53

17th May Easter VII Sunday after the Ascension

O God, the King of Glory, hear our prayer: that as we believe your Son Jesus Christ to be exalted with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven; so also we may know his presence with us now, and to the end of time; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 1:6-14; 1Peter 12:14 & 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

24th May Pentecost

O God, who on the day of Pentecost enlightened the hearts of your people by the fire of the Holy Spirit: give us wisdom and understanding, and lead us into all truth, that your Church may be kept in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 2:1-21; 1Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23

31st May Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us grace in the profession of true faith to recognise the glory of the eternal Trinity: keep us steadfast in this faith and bring us to see you in perfect and eternal unity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 40:12-17 & 27-31; 2Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

7th June Trinity I Proper 10

O God, our hope and strength, the source and end of all our prayers: because our mortal nature is weak we can do nothing good without your help; support us with your grace, that in keeping your commandments, we may ever remain in your love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world with out end. Amen

Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13 & 18-26

Wednesday 10th for St.Barnabas

Bountiful God, giver of all gifts, who poured your Spirit upon your servant Barnabas and gave him grace to encourage others: help us, by his example, to be generous in our judgements and unselfish in our service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 11:19-end; John 15:12-17

14th June Trinity II Proper 11

O Lord, you always guide your people whom you build up on the foundation of your love: make us ever stand in awe of your Holy Name, and love you in equal measure; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Exodus 19:2-8a; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:23

21st June Trinity III Proper 12 Father’s Day

O Lord, in your mercy hear our prayers: and as you give us the desire to pray, grant us your help and protection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Jeremiah 20:7-13; Tomans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39

Wednesday 24th Birth of John the Baptist

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant john-the-Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour by the preaching of repentance: lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example, constantly to speak the truth, body to rebuke vice, and patiently to suffer for truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ yioyr Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:57-66 & 80

28th June Trinity IV Proper 13

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing can be whole and nothing can be holy: increase your mercy towards us, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so enjoy the good things of time, as to not lose the things of eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Jeremiah 28:5-9; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

5th July Trinity V Proper 14

O Lord, let the world be ordered in peace, according to your will; that your people may be free to worship you with joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19 & 25-30

12th July Trinity VI Proper 15

O God, you have prepared for those who love you good things no eye has seen: pour into our hearts such love of you, that, by loving you in all things and above all things, we may be worthy of your promises, which surpass all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23

19th July Trinity VII Proper 16

O God, of power and might, all good things belong to you: sow in our hearts the love of your name, and make us grow in the life of faith; nurture the things that are good, and tend them with your loving care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43

Wednesday 22nd St.Mary Magdalene

Almighty God, whose Son restored Mary Magdalene to wholeness of body, mind and spirit, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection; forgive us, heal us, and strengthen us by your grace, that we may serve you in the power of his risen life; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

2Corinthians 5:14-17; John 20:1-2 & 11-18

26th July Trinity VIII Proper 17

O God, whose providence orders all things in heaven and earth: keep us from everything harmfully and lead us to all that is good; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 1Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33 7 44-52

Wednesday 29th Ss.Mary, Martha & Lazarus

God our Father, whose Son enjoyed the love of his friends; Mary, Martha and Lazarus in learning, argument and hospitality: may we so rejoice in your love that the world may come to know the depths of your wisdom, the wonder of your compassion and your power to bring life out of death: through the merits of Jesus Christ, our friend and brother, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Isaiah 25:6-9; John 12:1-8

2nd August Trinity IX Proper 18

Grant to us, Lord, the spirit to think on those things that are right, and always to be ready to do them: that we, may have the strength to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Wednesday 5th August for the Transfiguration

Almighty and everliving God, who revealed the glory of your beloved Son when he was transfigured on the holy mountain: mercifully grant us such a vision of his divine majesty, that, being purified and strengthened by your grace, we may be transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Daniel 7:9-10 &13-14; Luke 9:28b-36

9th August Trinity X Proper 19

Open your merciful ears, O Lord, to the prayers of your humble servants: and, that you would graciously grant what we ask, make us desire what is pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

1Kings 19:9-18; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33

16th August Trinity XI Proper 20

O God, you make known your loving power in your merciful compassion: increase your mercy towards us; that we, being eager for your promises, may inherit the treasures of heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Isaiah 56:1 & 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a & 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28

23rd August Trinity XII Proper 21

Almighty and eternal God, by your generous love you grant to those who pray more than is desired or deserved: pour down your mercy upon us, forgiving what our conscience fears, and granting what we dare not ask; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Isaiah51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8; Mathew 16:13-20

30th August Trinity XIII Proper 22

Almighty and merciful God, by whose grace alone your faithful people offer you service and praise: grant that we may hasten without stumbling towards the things that you promise; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen

Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Wednesday 2nd September Martyrs of Papua New Guinea

Heavenly Father, whose servants Vivian Redlich and the martyrs of Papua New Guinea gave their lives in faithful witness to the love of Christ: help us endure to the end, strengthened by the grace of him who gave his life for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Romans 8:35-end; Matthew 16:24-26

6th September Trinity XIV Proper 23

Almighty and eternal God, make us grow in faith, hope and charity: and that we may be worthy of your promises, cause us to love what you command; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Wednesday 9th for the Birthday of Mary

Almighty and everlasting God, who stooped to raise fallen humanity through the child-bearing of blessed Mary: grant that we, who have seen our glory revealed in or human nature and your love made perfect in our weakness, may daily be renewed in your image and conformed to the pattern of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Micah 5:2-4; Matthew 1:18-23

13th September Trinity XV Proper 24

Guard your Church, O Lord, with your perpetual mercy: and since without your aid we lose our way, draw us always, by your help, away from harm and steer us towards salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen

Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Wednesday 16th St.Ninian of Whithorn

Almighty God, through the preaching of your servant Ninian you made the light of the Gospel shine in our land: may we prove to you our thankfulness for his life and labours by following the example of his zeal and patience: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 13:46-49; Mark 16:15-end

20th September Trinity XVI Proper 25

O Lord, let your constant compassion cleanse and strengthen your Church: and since, without you, we cannot continue in safety, may we ever be governed by your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

27th September Trinity XVII Proper 26 HARVEST FESTIVAL

Creator of the fruitful earth, you made us your stewards of all things. Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness, and steadfast wills to use your bounty well, that the whole human family, today and in generations to come, may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

Deuteronomy 8:7-18; 2Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 12:16-30

Wednesday 30th for Michaelmas

Everlasting God, who ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order: grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven, so, at your command, they may help and defend us on earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Revelation 12:7-12; John 1:47-51

4th October Trinity XVIII Proper 27

O Lord, we beseech you: give your people grace to turn away from evil; and to follow you, the only God, in pureness of heart and mind; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

11th October Trinity XIX Proper 28

O Lord, since without you we cannot please you: let the work of your mercy in all things guide our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

18th October Trinity XX Proper 29

Almighty and merciful God: in your goodness keep from us all that is harmful;

that, being ready both in body and soul, we may freely accomplish your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 45:1-7; 1Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

25th October Trinity XXI Proper 30 Bible Sunday

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:

help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:1-12; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 24:30-35

Wednesday 28th Ss.Simon & Jude

Almighty God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen

Ephesians 2:13-22; John 15:17-27

1st November Trinity XXII Proper 31 for All Saints & All Souls

Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son: grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

2Esdras 2:42-48; Hebrews 12:18-24; Matthew 5:1-12

Monday 2nd November All Souls Day

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love but see no longer. Grant them your peace, let light perpetual shine upon them and in your loving wisdom and power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Wisdom 3:1-9 John 6:37-40

8th November Trinity XXIII Proper 32 Remembrance Sunday

Eternal God, in whose perfect realm no sword is drawn but the sword of justice, and no strength known but the strength of love: guide and inspire all who seek your kingdom, that peoples and nations may find their security in the love which casts out fear; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Micah 4:1-8; Revelation 21:1-6a; Luke 1:68-79

15th November Trinity XXIV Proper 33 (2 before Advent)

O Lord, forgive the transgressions of your people: and by your goodness release us from the snare of sin, in which, by our frailty, we have been caught; through Jesus Christ our Lord who live and reigns with in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Zephaniah 1:7 7 122-18; 1Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Wednesday 18th St.Hilda of Whitby

Eternal God, who made the abbess Hilda to shine like a jewel her time and through her holiness and leadership blessed your Church with new life and unity: help us , like her, to yearn for the Gospel of Christ and to reconcile those who are divided;

through him who reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 14: 7-14

22nd November Christ-the-King

Everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in the kingdom of your well-beloved Son: mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Collect for the week

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people: that they, richly bearing the fruit of good works, may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ezekiel 34:11-16 & 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Next Event

Order of St.Lazarus of Jerusalem Carol Service

The Good Shepherd Church

The annual Carol service for the Order of St.Lazarus will be held at 2pm on Sunday 7th December.

Community Carols round the Roseburn Christmas Tree

The Roseburn Christmas Tree on the Colt Bridge

Come and sing those old and loved carols round the community Christmas tree in Roseburn.

ALL WELCOME