Worcester Diocese Podcast

A sermon podcast for the 5th Sunday of Easter on 28 April from Angela Gerrard, Licensed Lay Minister in the Pershore Abbey benefice.

Collect

Almighty God, who, through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, have overcome death an opened to us the gate of everlasting life; grant that, as by your Grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen

Parish Prayers

Please pray _ • for peace and reconciliation, with respect and dignity • the church in Gothenburg; in Glasgow & Galloway; and in Bangladesh • for those who are unwell - Peter, Fiona, Mel, Steve, Helen & Robert, Toni and Linda • for those who have died - Charles & Keith • for their families and friends • for those living in Mill Pool Close, Clent; and Winds Point, Hagley. Amen Readings for Sunday 21 April * Acts 8.26-40 * Psalm 23 * 1 John 4.7-21 * John 15.1-8 *

Diocesan Prayers

Mon 29 Ribbesford w Bewdley & Dowles & Wribbenhall Please pray for the churches and communities of Bewdley, Wribbenhall, Button Oak and Ribbesford. For God’s blessing on our lay ministers and all who work to further our faith and mission. Pray for St Anne’s CE Primary School and for deepening links between school and church. Clergy: Mel Beynon; Readers: Barbara Fauset, Robert Barbour Retired Clergy: Heather Flack, Mark Moreton and Simon Thorburn Tue 30 Wyre Forest West We give thanks for all the work that was done during 2023 looking at ways to help our village churches ‘Thrive’. Clergy: Sallie Butcher, Julia Quinn Wed 1 MAY Diocese of Peru Pray for all clergy and lay ministers in the Diocese of Peru and for all the work that they do, remembering especially how many struggle financially and have to work more than one job to support their families. Thu 2 Wyre Forest West We look forward to continuing our ‘Thrive’ work, to discover what is unique about each of our churches, and how each can contribute to the growing of God’s Kingdom. Clergy: Sallie Butcher, Julia Quinn Fri 3 Wyre Forest West We celebrate our growing work with Bayton and Far Forest primary schools and how introducing them to Godly Play and Out of the Box has helped so many children learn more about God and their faith. Clergy: Sallie Butcher, Julia Quinn Sat 4 Growing as Kingdom People Pray for all those who feel excluded from our churches and help us to find new ways to ensure they are welcomed. Amen Our prayer might be not only that we should experience that more fully for ourselves but all might do so. So, we pray for the Church in its mission to spread Kingdom joy and for all those in need, those whose lives are still racked with the marks of Christ’s passion to find abundance of life and joy. Then will the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Bishop + John