Worcester Diocese Podcast

Easter Sunday 2026 A sermon podcast for Easter Sunday on 5 April 2026 from the Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Nelson

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever..... Amen Prayers Please pray for_ • peace and reconciliation in all areas of conflict • those injured or killed in the battle for peace • those coming to Baptism • all those who are unwell, inc. Anthony, Sheila, Brett and Rachel • those who have died - their families and friends • all who visit us, either in person at church or through this web • those living at Vine Lane, Clent & The Green, Hagley Readings for Sunday 05 April Readings from ‘Year A’ Old Testament Psalm New Testament Gospel Jeremiah 31.1-6 118 Colossians 3.1-4 John 20.1-18

Diocesan Prayers

Mon 6 Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles Please pray for Sarah, our Mission Support Officer, as she settles into her new role; for our growing relationship with local schools; and our efforts in the areas of eco and racial justice. For our retired clergy: Simon Thorburn, Wyn Beynon. Clergy: Mel Beynon; Readers: Robert Barbour, Barbara Fauset Tue 7 All Saints Wribbenhall Please pray for our community work, combatting loneliness and isolation; our relationship with local schools & families; our outreach through music & activities for children/young people, and our progress toward beginning a NWC. For our retired clergy: Heather Flack. Wed 8 Diocese of Morogoro We pray for the continuing ministry of the Cathedral in Morogoro town and the clergy who serve there. We pray especially for Canon Peter Mkengi, Priest in Charge, as he faces living with a long- term medical condition. We give thanks for his ministry and pray for his wife and children. Thur 9 Kidderminster East Pray for our churches of St George and St Cecilia. For the new housing development now being built, as we discern how we can build community there and reach out in mission, along with other churches together in Kidderminster. Clergy: David Hildred; Readers: Lisa Manser, Carol Morris, David Grist Fri 10 Kidderminster East Pray that St Chad’s Platinum Jubilee inspires community growth and love, and that St Mary’s Church in Stone remains a testament to God’s faithfulness, guided by fresh vision for the future. Clergy: Jacqueline Shalloe; Readers: Tony Bill, John Chesworth, Elaine Voice Sat 11 Growing as Kingdom People Lord, we pray for all those across the Diocese and for your continued love, mercy and grace for us all. Help us to use our church buildings to offer a welcoming space for others. Amen HUGH NELSON BECOMES 114TH BISHOP OF WORCESTER Bishop Hugh said: “It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as the next Bishop of Worcester. I am so looking forward to joining you in Worcestershire and Dudley on your journey as Kingdom People; getting to know the different communities across the Diocese and finding out what God is up to in its villages, towns and cities. “The Diocese of Worcester is full of so much that is good and holy, with plans to double the number of young disciples, to create 100 new worshipping communities, to renew churches right across the area and to underpin all this by resourcing clergy and lay leaders. And all of that building on the faithful, generous service of people in churches of every size, tradition and place from Dudley to Bredon, and from Malvern to Redditch.”

PRAYER