Author: Ginnie

First Reading
1 Samuel 1. 20-end
In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked him of the Lord.’
The man Elkanah and all his household went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, ‘As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the Lord, and remain there for ever; I will offer him as a nazirite for all time.’ Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only—may the Lord establish his word.’
So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, ‘Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.’
She left him there for the Lord.

Bible Readings
Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ngs

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 1. 3-7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

Prayer
Loving God,
We pray for all those who are suffering because of the coronavirus, may they know your healing power.
When we are afraid for ourselves and our loved ones, give us your strength and courage.
When we feel alone and isolated, reassure us with a sense of your presence.
Give wisdom to those in authority and may our community work together for the good of all.
We give thanks for those who care for others and ask you to bless them in all they do.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, healer and physician.
Amen

#everydayfaith
#everydayactions
Light a candle and put it in your window at 7pm on Sunday evening, to signify the light of Jesus shining in the darkness.
More resources can be found at:
https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/ministry-for-mission/discipleship/everyday-faith

Gospel Reading
Luke 2. 33-35
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

Alternative Collect for Mothering Sunday
God of love,
passionate and strong,
tender and careful:
watch over us and hold us
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What’s On

office.tpots@gmail.com

www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk

Our Vision for the Parish of Three Saints
Our desire is to deepen our spiritual awareness and relationship with God so that we can serve our communities more effectively as His hands and feet, and also to develop our sacred spaces to make them welcoming, flexible and suited to the broad ranging needs of our communities.
(Taken from The Parish Profile 2018)

Dear All,
You may have heard that the Archbishops have written to us suspending collective worship in churches (and, by implication, other places) on Sundays and all weekdays. They write “Public worship will have to stop for a season. Our usual pattern of Sunday services and other mid-week gatherings must be put on hold”.
You can read their letter in full on the C of E website.
We will have to re-imagine church outside of the buildings – what a great opportunity!!
Before I write more fully about practicalities, a little reflection:
I should explain my priority as your Priest is firstly to the church family. We cannot “be” church, working for and witnessing to the wider community if we are not well ourselves. You cannot pour from an empty vessel. So my main concern is to minister to you pastorally, for both physical and mental well-being, and spiritually. To do that I will need your prayers – thank you. If you have any concerns or anxieties, please do phone me. Obviously I am still the Parish Priest for all, and will respond to other people’s needs too. I know we will share that load well, as you are such a great team – one parish – and we pull together to do God’s work here.
More practical notes:
· The church buildings will remain open as usual – please use them, but use your discretion about space if others are around.
· I will produce some sort of weekly “worship” sheet by Saturday each week – a simple reading/thought/prayer perhaps. If you can, please use this on Sunday at 10am for a few minutes, but at any other time if you can’t do that. I will send this to a mailing list I’ll create of the church family. Some are not on email, so please print and share more widely as you see fit. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
· Each day, in common with other clergy, I say the daily Office (if nothing else, Morning Prayer at 7am!!). I find this really encouraging, as, although I am alone in my study, I know others are saying the same – maybe not at the same time. Join in. You can find all this on the C of E website. It is easy to follow. Look up “Join us in Daily Prayer”.
· Light a candle in your window as suggested in the Archbishops’ letter at 7pm on Mothering Sunday.
· Encourage people to join the TPOTS “Facebook Group” or at least look at the Facebook Page, the latter is public. Notices and words of encouragement will be published there.
· The funerals I have next week will go ahead, but will not be public services. It will be family only at the crematorium. Hopefully, we can arrange public memorials/celebrations later in the year.
· I will await advice about weddings, the APCM etc..
· Being church...if you have concerns about a neighbour in need – let us know. Anthony (07701081077) with the Village Agent, Kim, will help to co-ordinate responses, but it does not have to be the Pastoral Care Team or even church people who help. Let’s keep a special eye out for anyone who wants a chat (by phone) or needs something. There are “official” cards available to drop through doors.
Above all, pray for strength and guidance...
There is a note and prayer from Bishop Peter on the Bath and Wells Diocesan website.
Keep in touch. Call me if you have any questions or just want a chat.
I’ll write more in time or if the situation changes.
Bless you all,
Kevin

Prayer

Prayer

Prayer and Healing Ministry
As a Church Family, God calls us to “pray without ceasing” for one another and for our neighbourhood. With this in mind, a Calendar of Prayer covering the whole of The Parish Of Three Saints has been drawn up. Each Sunday we will be highlighting a particular road or street, plus an organisation or group of people in our Parish or Diocese and encouraging you to pray for them during the week. The Calendar of Prayer will also be available in the prayer corners of each of our church buildings.
This week please pray for….
Those living in Burton Row and Middle Street, Brent Knoll.
The Methodist Churches in Brent Knoll and East Brent.
Don’t be afraid to ask for Prayer!
If you or a loved one are going through a difficult time and would like prayer, please contact our Prayer Group Co-ordinator Gwen Hatton 01934 750416. The Friday Prayer Group will support you in prayer for as long as you need and everything is absolutely confidential.
Alternatively, if you or a loved one would like to be included in this public prayer list in the Sunday Link and prayed for by the whole Church Family, please contact Carole in the Church Office 01278-769082 or Ginnie Soffe 01278-769117. Please ask for the person’s permission beforehand. Please continue to pray for Mervyn, Iona, Ben, Luke, David, Carole, Kathryn, Peter and Marcus.

Lord God, carer of all people, creator, sustainer and healer;
We pray for all who have contracted Covid-19. Be with them and their loved ones and bring healing to their bodies.
We pray for all medical staff and emergency services as they look after the physical health, worries and concerns of their patients, especially the vulnerable and particularly those who have reduced contact with the outside world. Let us be good neighbours, looking out for and after each other.
We remember the work of scientists, discovering and testing vaccines for this disease, and we pray for all of us, caught up in our everyday lives with the effects of these outbreaks.
Bless your world Lord, and help us to be blessings to one another, in Jesus name.
Amen

SAFEGUARDING: We take safeguarding very seriously. If you have any concerns for a child or a vulnerable adult please contact our parish Safeguarding Officer (a voluntary position) Kathy Quinnell (01278-760031) or contact the central diocesan team https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/diocese/safeguarding/rep

Contacts

Priest in Charge	Revd. Kevin Wright	priest.tpots@gmail.com	The Rectory, 3 Ash Trees, East Brent, Highbridge, TA9 4DQ	Tel: 01278 760844
Please Note that Friday is the “Vicar’s Day of Rest”. Thank you for your understanding.
Reader	Nikki Burns	reader.tpots@gmail.com		Tel: 01278 760860
Church Administrator	Mrs Carole Carter	office.tpots@gmail.com	Church Office, Church Road, East Brent, Somerset. TA9 4HZ	Tel: 01278 769082

For further contact information please see our parish website - www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk

If you would like to submit anything for the Sunday Link please email it to Carole at office.tpots@gmail.com by Thursday. Please also send anything for The Parish of Three Saints website to the same address.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon 1914

Diary

The Five Marks of Mission
TELL = To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
TEACH = To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
TEND = To respond to human need by loving service
TRANSFORM = To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation
TREASURE = To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure and lovely.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4. 8

Annual Meeting of Parishioners and
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 19th April after the 10am service in St Mary’s.
We will be looking for
At least one new Warden for St Mary’s (all the Wardens are elected year-by-year)
Some Assistant Wardens;
Up to eight PCC members;
A Deanery Synod Representative;
A Treasurer, assisted by a Stewardship Champion.
Please pray about these posts.
Can you serve the parish in any of these ways, helping to discern God’s will and direction?
Or do you have a suggestion of someone who has the skills and commitment to serve?
Revd Kevin Wright

Important Guidelines about the Coronavirus and Church
While wishing to retain the important symbolism and sanctity of the Holy Sacrament, the church takes its responsibilities for health and safety for all very seriously. We do have many vulnerable people in our church family and local communities.
From now until further notice the Bishops have advised the following:
The Common Cup is suspended.
This means Communion will be given in ONE KIND ONLY (i.e. only the bread). The Priest will receive in both kinds on behalf of the congregation.
We will resort to WAFERS for the time being.
Note: INTINCTION (i.e. dipping the bread into the wine) is not a safe practice for several reasons and should not be practiced at any time, even if and when the cup is offered.
THE PEACE SHOULD BE OFFERED IN A NON-CONTACT WAY – a smile, a wave, the namaste greeting, an open-handed gesture of peace, or sign language – and of course verbal “Peace be with you” or similar. Please refrain from greeting people more closely before and after the service.
Those preparing or administering the Communion will exercise a high level of hygiene before the service, avoid face touching and sanitise hands before the preparation.
There will be NO COLLECTION TAKEN DURING THE SERVICE. A plate will be at the door when you enter. This will be offered at the usual time in the service. If you forget, please put your offering in afterwards or sign up for a regular Standing Order (ask the Wardens for a form).
If you are unwell and self-isolate or prefer not to come to worship during this time...
please let Revd Kevin Wright know (01278 760844) and he will pray with you on the phone himself or pass your number to a member of the Pastoral Team.
If you are aware of neighbours who are vulnerable and isolated...
and who may need help with supplies of shopping/medicines etc. please let Anthony Barkle know (Pastoral Care Team – 07701 081077) .

Christian Aid Update
Thank you so much for your very generous donations to Christian Aid Week back in May.
10,000 churches took part and an amazing £7.56 million was raised across the UK and Ireland through donations, activities and The Big Brekkie.
You will remember we showed a film about the appalling conditions in which mothers were giving birth in Sawula Village, Sierra Leone? One of the pregnant ladies from the film, Jebbeh, has now given birth safely to a healthy baby boy. Your money has gone to help build and equip a brand new health clinic, where Nurse Judith is now working. Your gifts have such an important impact in helping the poorest and most vulnerable communities in our world.
Thank you again for your support.

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable, or dirt poor.
We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers.
We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You're welcome here if you're 'just browsing,' just woken up or just got out of prison.
We don’t care if you're more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury, or haven't been to church since Christmas ten years ago.
We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.
We welcome keep-fit mums, football dads, staring artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters.
We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted.
We welcome you if you're having problems, are down in the dumps or don't like 'organised religion.' (We're not that keen on it either!)
We offer a welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or are here because granny is visiting and wanted to come to church.
We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither.
We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throat as kids or got lost in the Somerset Countryside and wound up here by mistake.
We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters...
and you!

Blessed are you, Lord God of all Creation; through your goodness we have this money to offer …….. to do your work in the world.
During our worship an offering will be collected. If you wish to join with our offering there is a yellow envelope nearby for your contribution or you can, of course, simply add your donation to the bag that will be passed along the pew during our offertory hymn. Many of our Church Family make a regular contribution to the running and work of the Parish by Standing Order. If this is something you would like to find out more about, please see one of the Stewards or a Churchwarden.

Parish Prayer
9.15 -9.45 am
Thursday 21st November
St Christopher’s
30 minutes of quietly being in God’s presence, listening to him and bringing before him the needs of our parish, nation and world.
Everyone is very welcome
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”
Romans 12. 12

THE LISTENING PROJECT….
... is starting up again this autumn and you will all be receiving a letter or email in due course. We are a small team so please bear with us as we work our way down the electoral roll and through the church family. It might take us a while to get round to everyone.
This venture is all about listening to you - listening to what you value about church life, what you find helpful and what really doesn’t work for you. There are no wrong answers! We look forward to listening to you soon.
If you need any further information, or would like to join the team doing the listening, please speak to Anthony on 07701 081077