St George's Rod And Staff

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost COLLECT Lord Jesus Christ, we are often blind to the miracles you work among us: conform our minds to yours, and sustain us by your mighty power; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in the Unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." 10 So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. THE GOSPEL according to Mark 6: 1-13 1 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." PRAYER IN THE TIME OF COVID Author of life, Saviour of the nations COVID is humbling, your grace is sufficient. The deaths, we mourn; For the recoveries, we give thanks; The compassionate care, we applaud; For the vaccines, we are grateful; For compliance, we plead; For the common good, we pray; In the healing name of Jesus. Amen © Rodney Whiteman BLESSING Go now, and wherever people will hear you, proclaim the life-changing love of God. Do not fear your weakness, for when you are weakest, Christ’s strength is known. Travel lightly, live simply, and honour those who welcome the gospel. And may God be your protection and safe haven; May the power of Christ Jesus dwell in you; and may the Holy Spirit be your guide forever. COMMISSIONING Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen, Amen, Amen In the name of Christ. Amen. Amen, Amen.

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany COLLECT Merciful Lord, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law: grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING from Proverbs 31 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” READING from Romans 12 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. 9 Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. GOSPEL according to Luke 6: 27-38 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Prayer for Protection Visit our homes and families, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Go now and give your life to the Lord. Trust in God and do good. Love and bless everyone, even your enemies. Do not judge others, but be merciful and generous to all. Treat others and you would have them treat you. The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost | Children's Ministry Day | Month of Compassion | Women's Month Theme: It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him COLLECT O God, Architect of our faith: build in us the assurance of our hope, and the conviction of your faithfulness, that we will be ready to receive the treasure of Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20 10 Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the Lord is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. 11 He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. 18 The Lord says, “Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. 19 If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. 20 But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.” READING from Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16 8 It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the country that God had promised him. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who received the same promise from God. 10 For Abraham was waiting for the city which God has designed and built, the city with permanent foundations. GOSPEL according to Luke 12: 32-40 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. 33 Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them. 34 For your heart will always be where your riches are. 35 “Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, 36 like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once. BENEDICTION Go now like those prepared for the Lord to return. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed. Give freely to those in need and let your treasure be in the things of heaven. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter Theme: God will wipe every tear from their eyes COLLECT Good Shepherd, you assure us that no one will ever snatch us out of your hand: grant that all who hear your voice may know you who calls us each by name, and follow where you lead; for you live and reign in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Acts 9: 36-43 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. 38 Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. READING Revelation 7: 9-17 17 The lamb in the centre near the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs filled with the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” GOSPEL according to John 10: 22-30 22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. BENEDICTION Go now, following the voice of the shepherd. Fear no evil, for God is by your side. Devote yourselves to the works of God, to words of mercy, to good deeds and to acts of love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Theme: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few" COLLECT O God, you make all things new: make us ministers of your transforming power that all may share in the healing Christ brings; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from 2 Kings 5: 1-14 13 His servants went up to him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can't you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child. READING from Galatians 6: 7-16 12 The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. 14 As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. 15 It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. 16 As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people! GOSPEL according to Luke 10: 1-11; 16-20 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." BENEDICTION Go now, and proclaim that the reign of God is near. Travel lightly, but bear one another’s burdens, and so, fulfil the law of Christ. Work for the good of all, avoid temptation, and pray that God will send more labourers into the harvest. And may God give you mercy and peace; May Christ Jesus give you power over all that would harm you; And may the Holy Spirit produce within you a rich harvest of joy and life. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ. Amen.