PERSHORE BENEFICE The Abbey Church of the Holy Cross with

St Nicholas’ Pinvin, St James’ Birlingham & St Mary’s Wick Sunday, 12 April, 2020

EASTER DAY

WEEKLY WORSHIP SHEET, BULLETIN & DIARY Please join in with this service wherever you are

at the time you would normally be in church

CALL TO WORSHIP Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. INTRODUCTION This is the day when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life. Throughout the world Christians celebrate the awesome power of God. As we hear his word and proclaim all that God has done, we can be confident that we shall share his victory over death and live with him for ever. HYMN A&M 205 (Easter Hymn)

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia! Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

[Lyra Davidica,1708 and others]

THE COLLECT

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen.

FIRST READING Acts 10:34-43 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Peter began to speak to those assembled in the house of Cornelius. ‘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.’

For the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE GOSPEL John 20:1-18 Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing

there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.“’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

A REFLECTION - BY REVD CLAIRE LORDING There was darkness and there was weeping and there were many, many questions. The feelings and emotions of those first disciples, as they encountered an empty tomb, are echoed today as we continue to be a community and country in lockdown. We weep with those who mourn, with those unable to attend services for their loved ones; we weep with those far from family and those missing daily human contact; we weep with those struggling on their own and longing for usual freedoms; we weep with those who daily risk their lives as frontline key workers; we weep with those worried about jobs and businesses. We cry out with others, when will this end? Yet, in the midst of the emotion and her questions, Mary in deepest grief, hears her name being called. In this darkest of moments the risen Christ is right there beside her, and suddenly everything has changed. With the coming of the dawn on that first Easter Day there is a whole new world of possibility and hope. There are no simple answers to any of Mary’s questions or the questions that came after she told others about her early morning encounter. What mattered then, and what matters now, is that Jesus who had died on a cross and was laid in a tomb has been raised from the dead. That is the good news, the only news that needs sharing. On this Easter Day we need good news and hope more than ever. On this Easter Day the risen Christ meets us in our sadness and uncertainty and calls us each by name and says I have been there with you, through the darkest of times, and I will always be with you. The risen Christ invites us to share in the joy of the resurrection, knowing that we can never be separated from the love of God, ever. This is our hope always. Amen.

HYMN A&M 215 (See what a morning)

See, what a morning, gloriously bright, With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;

Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light, As the angels announce, "Christ is risen!"

See God's salvation plan, Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,

Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?" As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb;

Hears a voice speaking, calling her name; It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!

The voice that spans the years, Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us,

Will sound till He appears, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days, Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty.

Honour and blessing, glory and praise To the King crowned with power and authority!

And we are raised with Him, Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered;

And we shall reign with Him, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

[Stuart Townsend b.1963 and Keith Getty b. 1974]

INTERCESSIONS

In joy and hope let us pray to the Father. That our risen Saviour may fill us and all the Church with the joy of his glorious and life-giving resurrection, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That God may grant us humility to be subject to one another in Christian love, that he may give strength to those who care and serve their neighbours and communities in this time of great need, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.

That he may provide for those who lack food, work, shelter, or medical attention, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick, the weak and the dying, to those affected by the Coronavirus, to comfort and strengthen them, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That, according to his promises, all who have died in the faith of the resurrection may be raised on the last day, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people, so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer. Heavenly Father, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant that, as his death has recalled us to life, so his continual presence in us may raise us to eternal joy; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

FINAL HYMN A&M 666 (Londonderry Air)

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won; angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay. Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,

endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

Lo, Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;

let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing, for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting:

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

No more we doubt thee, glorious prince of life; life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife;

make us more than conquerors through thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above:

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

[Edmond Budry, 1854-1932, translated by Richard Birch Hoyle, 1875-1939]

BLESSING

God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead, open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life. Amen.

God the Son, who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory, give you joy as you share the Easter faith. Amen.

God the Holy Spirit, who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord, empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace. Amen. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be making you and remain with you always. Amen. He is not here. He is risen. Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

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Times & Seasons, © The Archbishops’ Council 2006 & New Patterns for Worship,

material from which is included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops’ Council 2002

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Priest-in-Charge: The Revd Claire Lording Email: vicar@pershoreabbey.org.uk

Abbey Wardens: Mr Bill Newman (01386 640497) Mrs Suzanne Clarke (01386 553293)

The Benefice Office of Pershore with Pinvin, Wick & Birlingham

Alveston House, 11, Broad Street, Pershore, WR10 1BB (01386 552071) Email: office@pershoreabbey.org.uk Website: www.pershoreabbey.org.uk

The Office is now closed to visitors until further notice, but we are still working and available by phone and email

PLEASE PRAY FOR

We pray together for all those affected by the current crisis

We pray for those whose weddings, blessings and baptisms have been affected by the

crisis, and for all those who are making new plans to celebrate these special life events

We pray for all those welcoming new life into their families

We pray for those in need

We pray for those who have died and for their families and friends.

We pray for those whose anniversary of death occurs in the coming week.

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO ALM MINISTRY? Since the launch of the Authorised Lay Ministry (ALM) scheme in the Diocese in 2010, hundreds of people have trained as Worship Leaders, Pastoral Workers, Children and Youth Workers, Evangelists, Administrators, Community Workers and Music Ministers. ALM ministry has become a significant feature of our diocesan life, celebrating the many gifts of our church communities. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the ALM scheme.

Do you think there is someone in your parish who might be called to serve in one of these ALM ministries? Might it be you who God is asking to take this step? Find out more about the ALM scheme on the diocesanwebsite: www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/authorised-lay-ministry Or you can talk to one of our ALMs: Suzanne Clarke, Sandra Long and Hilary Roffey. If you are interested can you please let me know as soon as you can as training sessions are planned for later in the year and the diocese are hoping to get people signed up by 22nd May. Claire

PERSHORE CHURCHES TOGETHER IN PERSHORE FOODBANK: will be operating only on Fridays between 13:00 - 15:00.

CITIZEN’S ADVICE FACE TO FACE SESSIONS SUSPENDED: To speak to an adviser please ring 01386 712100. For General Advice select option 1. For help to complete your first Universal Credit application select option 2. This service is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 -13:00. The Worcestershire Adviceline is also available Monday to Friday between 10.00 - 16.00, telephone 03444111303 or email enquiries.wychavon@citizensadvicesw.org.uk

THE DOORS OF THE PERSHORE BENEFICE CHURCHES ARE NOW SADLY TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS: The Church of England will be offering a national weekly service which will be broadcast online each Sunday via social media. The Church’s “Time to Pray” app, which includes simple daytime and night prayer services, is now free to everyone. An accompanying daily audio offering on SoundCloud and iTunes was launched last week, with the Archbishop of Canterbury leading worship. This is in addition to the wide range of resources local churches are creating and sharing in both print and digital formats.

KEEPING IN TOUCH AT THIS TIME: If you would like to receive email updates and a copy of the weekly service sheet, pew bulletin and diary from the Benefice Office we will be keeping in touch by email and Facebook. If you would like to be included on the email circulation list please email the office with your request at office@pershoreabbey.org.uk Your personal details will be handled in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations. Our Privacy Notice is available at www.pershoreabbey.org.uk .

PASTORAL SUPPORT: As many members of our congregations will now be self-isolating under the latest Government guidelines and public worship has been suspended we are all in a position where we are unable to attend church services, so we are exploring the best methods of providing pastoral care and support during this crisis.

The majority of members of the Pastoral Group are themselves over 70 years, but are still able to offer support by keeping in telephone or email contact with people whom they are already in contact with. This applies to anyone else in the same situation and we would ask you please to keep in touch with any house neighbours or pew

neighbours, by email or telephone, to check on their well-being. Many will be more than happy to receive a phone call to let them know they are not forgotten and are being prayed for.

Lording, via the Abbey Office (552071 or office@pershoreabbey.org.uk) or Angela Gerrard who will determine the best response to these circumstances.

IMPORTANT LOCAL INFORMATION: Use this link to find out when local food shops and pharmacies are open, which of them are doing home deliveries, as well as details about health care and other important local information. This information being advertised on social media. If you know someone who does not use social media or is not online, please let them know this crucial local information. Thank you. http://www.pershoretowncouncil.gov.uk/latest-news.htm

ST ANDREW'S CENTRE HAS CLOSED FOR EVENTS: St Andrew's events have been cancelled , suspended or postponed in response to the latest guidelines, including all church-led events. Please check the website for the current schedule.

ABBEY CONCERTS AND EVENTS: All concerts and events due to take place in the Abbey in March, April and May have now been cancelled or postponed. Please see our website or contact the office for full details.

WORSHIPPING TOGETHER We are finding new ways of Worshiping, did you know that a new Worship Sheet, Benefice Bulletin and Abbey diary is uploaded to the website every Friday ready for the weekend. You can also see up to date information posted regularly on Facebook for worship and regular video recordings, messages and encouragements from Claire and Steve and other members of the Ministry Team, you can access the Facebook pages, without signing up, at the bottom of our website. Also on Facebook if you haven’t already met Pershore Abi do take a look. Go to www.pershoreabbey.org.uk

HOW YOU CAN HELP

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN PERSHORE FOODBANK REQUESTS: Please can you help with the following non-perishable items if it is safe for you to do so, (we aren’t able to use chilled or frozen items). We currently need, tinned cold meats, tea, cereal, tinned potatoes and instant mash, shower gel, cleaning products, tinned sponge puddings. With grateful thanks.

DIG OUT OR GOOGLE THOSE OLD RECIPES: Do you have any old recipes, maybe from the days of rationing, using local and home grown food or tinned produce? I'm starting to put together some ideas for a local food project. Contact me through the Abbey Office. Many thanks, Helen.