ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUB

Welcome to our weekly Prayer and Newssheet!

Please visit our website^ too, for information about our churches, services and the people who make up our church family ~~

www.elhamvalleygroupofchurches.co.uk

Sunday 21st February 2021 – Lent 1This Sunday : 9.30am – Benefice Family Holy Communion by Zoom*++ ~ Hosted by St Mary & St Ethelburga, Lyminge, Rev’d Jane presiding Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6470664913?pwd=cis5T3lnUUE4K1NTTzBhRTJ6V0RMQT09Meeting ID: 647 066 4913 Passcode: CGED849.30am – Benefice Morning Prayer (CW) by Zoom*++ ~ Hosted by St Mary & St Radegund, PostlingHere is the link:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73781736610?pwd=UVNSOTg0U21OM3MwVXFod3VvUFJsUT09

Meeting ID: 737 8173 6610 Password: 009872

Wednesday 24th February ~ 8am ~ Morning Prayer by Zoom*++ ~ hosted by JanetThe benefice holds morning prayer each Wednesday at 8am. It is a short service, with slightly different liturgy across a three week rota, depending on who is leading it. All are welcome. If there is something you would particularly like us to add to the prayers let us know.Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4079456306?pwd=S0tDdWNlMk8rZTA0NmZ1cG1Jckd0UT09

Meeting ID: 407 945 6306 Passcode: 592492

Lent Fellowship Meditations ~ 6pm ~ a reflective service by Zoom*++ Led by members from across the benefice, this 5 week exploration will start by comparing the Passion Narratives of Mark and Luke, before reflecting on the impact the Gospels have had on more contemporary Christians. Here is the link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81149270950?pwd=MmlsREhybVluVkp2Y0xKMTE1ZzlVdz09

Meeting ID: 811 4927 0950 Passcode: 5j4Pt3

++ Join in by telephone too ++

*Zoom Services Everyone is welcome to join these on-line services, using a PC, tablet etc. Please do get in touch if you would like some help in accessing these. It is also possible for

access to Zoom events to be gained via normal phone landlines. Please contact Alison Dale if you would like more information.

ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUB

NEW! ~~~ WoW Service from St Mary & St Ethelburga, Lyminge ~~~NEW!

The theme of the service is on the Book of Revelation.  WOW stands for Ways of Worship.  It is a service of worship songs, a talk, prayers and a reading.  The service is available on The WORD and Services page of our website^ (see below for instructions) and will appear monthly.^ Our Website - Click (you may need to hold ctrl and click at the same time) on www.elhamvalleygroupofchurches.co.uk This will take you to the website - you may need to click on the 3 short bars or dots at the top of your screen-: Home, Our Churches, Contact Us, Who’s who & Gallery, the WORD and Services, News Events and Music. The latter has up to date news and events. Click on ‘Our Churches’ and you will find the list of churches and you can access the page for each church.

The Readings for 21 st February

Genesis 9: 8-17 ~ 1 Peter 3: 18-22 ~ Mark 1: 9-15

Thoughts for this Week

This small canvas hangs above the fireplace in my study, so it’s in front of me as I sit at my computer. It was made for me by the mum of one of my primary pupils some years ago. Some may consider it twee, or sentimental nonsense. For me though, it’s both a reminder and a challenge. Here we are, the first Sunday of Lent 2021, and all of this week’s appointed readings offer both reminders and challenges. Whether we regard the Genesis story of Noah as a factual account of a real event, or as a metaphorical narrative device, we cannot (and should not) disregard the context of the appearance of God’s bow in the sky. It was preceded by the utter horror of a divinely orchestrated genocide, and resulted in a very small number of humans living on a violated planet, with the instruction to ‘go forth and multiply’. In our reading of Peter’s first letter, we hear that Jesus made a proclamation to the spirits from the time of Noah (though there is no clear sense of what this might mean nor who these spirits were). This section, at least, was written with the express purpose of offering reassurance to a Gentile congregation suffering horrific persecution because of their faith. Our Gospel reading also gives us much food for thought. As is typical of Mark, the urgency of his writing means these seven verses cover a huge amount of material. We are marched swiftly through Jesus’ baptism, his time in the wilderness and the start of his earthly ministry. The words and phrases Mark chooses convey depth of meaning that may be easily overlooked, but which

ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUBshould have enormous resonance. We are so familiar with composite accounts of the events of Jesus’s life, I think we often fall into the trap of supplementing Mark’s carefully chosen words with details from other writers. That’s a massive oversight on our part.

As we enter Lent this year, of all years, perhaps we need to make a concerted effort not to allow external influences to adversely colour our thinking. We’re reading Mark, so let’s focus on Mark. Not on what the other Gospel writers have to say about the same events, but on what Mark himself says. Let’s really look at what Mark DOES include, and begin to understand why this is, rather than become mired in what we might consider to be missing. Is it even possible to think about the scene in the desert without recalling images of bread and stones, or the highest mountain, or the pinnacle of the temple? Mark speaks of Jesus’ baptism, including the rending of heaven and God’s voice. He tells of Jesus’ time in the wilderness, mentioning wild animals, Satan and angels. He writes of John’s arrest and of the start of Jesus’ ministry – his first sermon if you like. Why? Why these things? What was it Mark was concerned with convey to his readers at the time, and by extension to us today? Perhaps this year, starting Lent - as we are - in lockdown, the choice of Mark as our lectionary Gospel is more pertinent than the compilers might ever have thought possible. Perhaps, without the extraneous narrative provided so readily by Matthew and Luke, we are allowed to focus on the bare bones of the Gospel. Perhaps, our current experiences of postponed physical services, delay of family get-togethers, of neither being able to offer, nor receive, hospitality - perhaps they for us are the wilderness in which we find ourselves. A seemingly never-ending stretch of isolation, disorientation and heartache as we grieve both the people and the events we have lost. If this is our experience, our readings this morning offer huge hope. They speak collectively of a God who is ceaselessly faithful, eternally loving, patiently waiting. They speak of a God who provides blessing upon blessing, if we can but see it through our own tears. Of a God who calls each of us beloved; of a God who sends angels to minister in the midst of suffering. They speak of a God who so loved us, that he sent his only begotten Son to die for us. My rainbow picture reminds me of these things. Life is full of rain – pain, loss, disappointment. And it is full of rainbows – blessings, grace, angels. The reassurance is the knowledge that this is true – the challenge is to remember it, and to look for God working his purpose out in those times when it doesn’t seem remotely possible. In the midst of our loss and these wilderness times, let us pray to be able to see God’s blessing upon us and all around us here and now. As we enter Lent this year, whatever our spiritual practices may be, let us pray that we are able to focus ever more keenly on the God who calls us, drawing closer to him. The God who sealed a covenant, with a multicoloured bow in the sky, of his steadfast love towards us. Let us remember this covenant as we seek to live Lent well. AmenDeb Scoble

Although we are apart, we pray together:Praise the Lord"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised." (Psalms 113:3) Father God, in the Name of Jesus, I will praise You forever. I will exalt You. I

ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUBchoose to lift up Your Name in every season of my life. In good times and in bad, I will exalt Your Name. On the mountaintop and in the valley, Father, I choose to praise You. In good times and in dark times Your Name is to be exalted. When I can see my destiny clearly and when things are cloudy — I will exalt Your Name. Your Name is to be exalted and magnified high above my problems and fears. Jesus, I will exalt our Name forever. From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, I will lift up Your Name. When I rise, I will lift You up. When I lay my head to sleep, I will exalt You. In my sunset, I will exalt You. In every season of my life, I will exalt You. For Your Name is great and I will Praise You forever. God of love - hear our prayer.

LentLord our God, as we are baptised in your Name, protect us from all of evil and deliver us from all temptation. May we use this time of Lent as a dedication and renewal. We pray that your church may stand against evil and seek good. We remember before you all who have lost faith, those who no longer pray themselves, those who find it difficult to trust in you or in anyone. Lord we trust in you. Deliver us all from evil.

God of love - hear our prayer.

Covid-19Father we thank you for the rollout of the Covid vaccine. We are grateful for scientists who developed the vaccine so quickly, for health workers and volunteers who are administering the immunisation programme. We remember those who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic. May you bring them peace and comfort in their sadness and grief. We pray for those receiving treatment in hospital, may they soon recover. For the doctors and nurses to know your strength and help as the struggle with physical fatigue and the emotional impact on their lives. For our government to be wise, to be guided as to when and how the lockdown should end. We particularly remember those in poor countries who have been devastated by the pandemic, made worse with the lack of medical facilities. Lord be close to them at this time of distress. God of love - hear our prayer.

Our RequestsIn this season of Lent we ask that you help us to serve others, ‘to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God’. As come out of Winter into the dawn of Spring, help us Lord to be faithful in our walk with Jesus and to seek you daily in worship and prayer. To pray, not only for own needs, but also for those on our hearts (Pause). For Jane, Stephen and Deb to be guided in the provision of ministry, and virtual services. For Sharon in the provision of pastoral care throughout the group of churches in the Elham Valley.We pause to particularly remember anyone we know who needs your presence and strength at this time... Shanon Milton, Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, John Hammond, Sheila Godden. We lay at the foot of your cross the friends we see no longer, and all those who grieve. We remember especially the souls of Jim Pennington, Emma Gunn and Theresa Matchum and their families. And we remember with thanksgiving the lives of those whose year’s mind falls at this time, Mick Hogben, Stanley Dines, Vivien Friend, Peggy Aspin, Betty Young, Patricia Hobbs and Mary Edna Young.

Lord we ask all these things in the name of Jesus our Saviour, Amen.

Gary ColvinMay we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUB

Kyrie - Mass for the Bread of Life by Margaret Rizza ~ Sung by Lyminge Church Virtual Choir

https://youtu.be/qqQsTUicHp0

Assistance during the PandemicAlison Dale and some of the churchwardens (see below, marked with *) have a list of contacts who can help or provide a service to everyone in the Group, from walking a dog to supplying take-away meals. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more, or wish to make an offer of assistance to others.

ELHAM VALLEY GROUP OF CHURCHES CONTACTSPriest-in-Charge Rev’d Jane Weeks - 01303 840219 (Monday to Thursday. Jane is not available on Thursday evenings and all-day Friday) revweeks@hotmail.com Associate Priest Rev’d Stephen Dougal: 07764775507 stephendougal@btinternet.com Pastoral Team Leader Sharon Paine 07873316492 sharonpaine10@aol.comLay Minister Deb Scoble revdebscoble@gmail.com*Benefice Administrator: Alison Dale 07985025381 (Thu-Fri 9-11am – alison-dale@outlook.com Churchwardens:Elham *Peter Swain 01303 840408 - *Graham Ernest-Jones 01303 840645Acrise *Simon Smith 07999515551 – Martin Bradley 01303 864289Denton & Wootton Sue Clough 01303 844324.

Prayer CircleAt present we cannot enjoy the company of many of those we would wish to be with. Nor can we all meet together in order to offer and share prayers for those people and situations we know are in need of them. If you would be interested in joining a prayer circle, undertaking to offer prayers regularly for those who need them, please do let me know. ( sharonpaine10@aol.com, or 0787 3316492 ).If you would like prayers offered by this circle for a particular person or situation please also use these contact details. Confidentiality of information will be maintained, and only sufficient information in order to frame a relevant prayer would be needed. Sharon Paine

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come;thy will be done;on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation;but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen.

ELHAM VALLEY OPEN DOOR PRAYER HUBLyminge *Phil Hawken 01303 862151 Bob Lane 01303 863010 Stanford *Sara Myers 01303 814183 – *Paul Smallwood 01303 813198Postling Peter Le Feuvre plefandsem@doctors.org.uk – Chris Reynolds chris.r@thepent.co.ukPaddlesworth Celia Mosley 01303 893609 - *Lindsey Smith lsmith665@googlemail.com On the Internet: www . elhamvalleygroupofchurches . co.uk and www.achurchnearyou.com

Churches open for Private Prayer Lyminge Church:– 9am to 4pm dailyElham Church: - Jesus Chapel will be open from 9 am to 4pm dailyPostling: - every day, daylight hoursPaddlesworth:- every day, 9am -5pm Denton & Wootton:- every day, all dayHere are some links for videos of services and further resources from Canterbury Diocese and the Church of Englan d https://www.canterbury-cathedral.orghttps://canterburydiocese.org/parishsupport/coronavirus/prayer-worship-during-coronavirus/ - some excellent resources and Apps for prayerhttps://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgN0s2xmCuMFollow the church of England on Twitter https://twitter.com/churchofengland

Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. Options available include materials such as Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer  updated daily, from Common Worship, and a recording of the Church of England weekly national online service . A section called Hymn Line offers callers a small selection of hymns, updated

daily. An option entitled ‘Hymns We Love’, provides a hymn and reflection and is based on an initiative by the Connections group. The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in

mind.

Foodbank

Understandably many foodbank contributions have ceased as the churches are closed and as a consequence the local foodbank are not likely to receive many donations in the foreseeable future. If you would like to make a financial donation to Shepway Foodbank they would be extremely grateful. To do so online type in: Shepway Foodbank then click on Shepway Foodbank I Helping Local People in Crisis then click on Donate Money and follow the instructions. Offline you can ring 07912573404 and ask about donating.