Sunday 23^rd August

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself welcomes you into this

place, where he meets us and feeds us, and then sends us

back out, renewed to witness to His loving wisdom and

power.

May each of us have a blessed holiday and rest in His presence !

“your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”

Opening Hymn: 456 Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus

Gloria on page 3

Refrain:

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest.

First reading: 1 Corinthians 2: 1-7

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Gradual Hymn: 570 You are the King of Glory

Gospel Reading. John 3: 1-17

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Offertory Hymn: 226 I Cannot Tell

Communion / Eucharistic Prayer:

Sung responses can be found on page 8

If you would like to receive blessing at the altar rail you are very welcome, and if you would like a special prayer or a prayer for healing, please indicate that to the priest when he comes to you.

During Communion 148 From heaven You Came ( Sung quietly and prayerfully)

Prayer.

Lord our God, grant us the wisdom to know you, the light to seek you, the heart to worship you, and the will to live in, through and by you. In Christ we pray. Amen

Elizabeth’s husband died last week after a long illness, our love thoughts and prayers are with her at this time.

Recessional Hymn: 128 Fight the Good Fight

Please take your pew sheet home with you and leave your hymn book and yellow service book on your seat. Please do stay for refreshments in the side aisle.

Harvest Weekend September 18^th – 20^th

Friday 18^th

16.00 Cream Tea at St John’s

18.00 Songs of Praise fund raising event at St John’s

Sunday 20^th

Harvest Thanksgiving service 10.30

Harvest lunch, bring a salad or dessert.

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Cream tea. 16.00 Friday 18^th

A chance to meet up with old friends and new over scrumptious cakes and cream and scones. Please sign up so that we have an idea of numbers and offer to make scones or a delicious cake.

Songs of praise 18.00 Friday 18^th

A fun fund raising event. Choose your favourite hymn by signing on the list or telling Shirley Rowson. She will choose a selection to sing on the evening.If your hymn is chosen we ask for a €10 donation. The hymns will be interspersed with choir items and reading. Come and help raise the roof!!

Harvest Thanksgiving Service 10.30 Sunday 20^th

Come and give thanks to God for all His goodness to us. We are not collecting Harvest produce this year because we ask that instead you make a contribution to the work of Dr Atif and Christine Salib at the Mahaba Benevolent Hospital in Cairo which is our Harvest Charity this year. More information at the back of the church.

Harvest Lunch following the service

Either in Ben and Anne’s garden, or the church. Chicken, wine, bread, will be provided. Please bring either a salad or dessert to feed at least six people. Please sign up on the list and say which you will be bringing.

Cost €10, proceeds to our Harvest Charity.

St. John’s Church The Reverend Canon Ben Eaton

Avenue Paul Doumer 04 94 40 48 61

www.sjevar.com beneaton@orange.fr