the third sunday of lent sunday 3rd march 2013 - Welwyn.org.uk

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Parish of Welwyn,
Welwyn Team, Diocese of St Albans
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
SUNDAY 3RD MARCH 2013
8am Said Eucharist
9.30am Parish Eucharist
(Common Worship Order 1)
Welcome! If you are new to this church please introduce yourself to one of the clergy and take a
newcomers’ leaflet.
There is an induction loop for those with hearing aids.
This is a prayer you might like to use in preparation for worship:
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we
may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymns can be found in the Green Hymn Books
Please join in the words in Bold in the order of service
THE SERVICE BEGINS HERE:
Please stand to sing HYMN 374, How sweet the name of Jesus
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
and also with you.
The deacon introduces the confession
Lord God, we have sinned against you;
we have done evil in your sight.
We are sorry and repent.
Have mercy on us according to your love.
Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.
Renew a right spirit within us
and restore us to the joy of your salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We remain standing to sing:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
The priest pronounces God's forgiveness
We remain standing for the collect:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
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

We sit to listen to this Sunday’s bible readings.
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah (55:1-9) (read by Adrienne Evers)
The LORD says this: 1Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in
rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the
LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
6Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the
unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will
abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
We stand to sing the HYMN, 282, Faithful shepherd feed me
Please sit
A reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians
(10:1-13), (read by Valerie Turner)
1I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed
through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and
all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.
6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters
as some of them did; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.’ 8We must not
indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put
Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did,
and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written
down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you
do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be
tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand and face the gospel, which we greet with:
Praise to you O Christ, King of eternal glory (sung by the choir)
All:
The Lord is a great God, O that today you would listen to his voice.
Harden not your hearts.
Praise to you O Christ, King of eternal glory
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (13:1-9)
Glory to you, O Lord.
1There were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their
sacrifices. 2He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse
sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or
those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them - do you think that they were worse
offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish
just as they did.’
6Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it
and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on
this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” 8He replied, “Sir, let it
alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and
good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’
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This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Please sit for the Sermon: The Rev’d Dr David Munchin, The Rector
Lenten sermon themes: Children and Communion
Please stand to affirm our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is
worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please sit or kneel for the intercessions led by Gay Carpenter
For the sick: John Sainsbury, Tony Knappett, David Street, Alice Burnapp, David Nott, Karen Kinnear, Anna
Kinsman, Maisie Mogridge, Richard Symonds, Lottie Castle, Carly Malcolm
We use the following response
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
And at the end
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please stand for The Peace, which the priest introduces with a sentence from Scripture
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
We share the peace with our neighbours
We sing HYMN 376, I heard the voice of Jesus say
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During the hymn a collection is taken, and the altar prepared.
The priest gives thanks over the bread and over the wine
God of wisdom, may the light of your eternal Word,
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
lead us in holiness and guide us to glory;
we ask this in his name. Amen.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Please remain standing throughout the prayer, but sit if you need to
It is indeed right and good to give you thanks and praise,
almighty God and everlasting Father,
through Jesus Christ your Son.
It is indeed right and good to give you thanks and praise,
almighty God and everlasting Father,
through Jesus Christ your Son.
For in these forty days you lead us into the desert of repentance
that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline
we may grow in grace and learn to be your people once again.
Through fasting, prayer and acts of service
you bring us back to your generous heart.
Through study of your holy word
you open our eyes to your presence in the world
and free our hands to welcome others
into the radiant splendour of your love.
As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feast
with joyful hearts and minds we bless you for your mercy
and join with saints and angels for ever praising you and singing:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We praise and bless you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit,
that broken bread and wine outpoured
may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.
On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he praised you.
He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
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When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
Again he praised you, gave it to them and said:
Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,
in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice
made once for all upon the cross.
Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection
until he comes in glory.
Jesus Christ is Lord:
Lord, by your cross and resurrection
you have set us free. You are the Saviour of the world.
Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day
when your kingdom comes
and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.
Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving arms
and bring us with the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints
to feast at your table in heaven.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Please kneel or sit
We sing:
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
Jesus, Lamb of God; have mercy on us
Jesus, bearer of our sins; have mercy on us
Jesus, redeemer of the world; grant us peace
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his
supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
Most merciful Lord, your love compels us to come in.
Our hands were unclean,
our hearts were unprepared;
we were not fit
even to eat the crumbs from under your table.
5

But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation,
and share your bread with sinners.
So cleanse and feed us
with the precious body and blood of your Son,
that he may live in us and we in him;
and that we, with the whole company of Christ,
may sit and eat in your kingdom. Amen.
Please move for communion following the direction of the stewards. All are welcome to come to the
rail. Communicant members of all Christian churches are welcome to receive the bread and the wine,
all others are welcome to come for a blessing (please indicate this by crossing your arms and bowing
your head).
During communion the choir sings the anthem by Richard Farrant
Hide not thou thy face from us, O Lord, and cast not off thy servant in thy displeasure: for we confess our
sins unto thee, and hide not our unrighteousness: for thy mercy sake deliver us from all our sins.
and then we sing HYMN 276, Bread of heaven, on thee we feed
We pray together:
Merciful Lord,
grant your people grace to withstand the temptations
of the world, the flesh and the devil,
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
We sit for the notices, and banns of marriage are announced.
Then we stand to sing HYMN
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
6

No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
The priest says the blessing ending:
…be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
The ministers and people depart. The organist plays a voluntary.
All are welcome to stay for refreshments in New Church House.
Please take this booklet with you, but leave the hymn book.
NOTICES
The Church Office is open Monday to Friday 10am-noon.Clergy surgery (particularly for bookings of marriages and baptisms) is open on
Saturday 10-11am, when coffee is also served in New Church House.
The Rector: The Rev’d Dr David Munchin,
rector@welwyn.org.uk, 01438 714150
Parish Office: secretary@welwyn.org.uk, 01438 840964
Please see separate flyer for details of all services and events, Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
There is a sign up sheet for the Passover Meal on Monday in Holy Week and the Easter Monday Pilgrimage
Church Electoral Roll
Every six years we are required to revise our Electoral Roll. This means that everyone must complete a new form during the revision
period which will take place starting 17th March until 9th April. Further details will be given nearer the time. In the meantime if you
have any questions please contact our Electoral Roll Officer, Jane Carr at jane@carrassociates.co.uk or 01438 712510.
Usha and Colin will be away on Thursday 7 th March so will not be holding their Lent Group that week. The group will continue as usual
at 7.15pm on Thursday 14 th March.
Trinity Open Learning Course A new course begins in Welwyn after Easter: Discover God's Ancient Story, an in-depth study of the
Book of Genesis. The course involves home study and fortnightly group discussions. The roots of our Christian faith to be explored in
supportive fellowship. No prior knowledge needed! If you are interested, contact Gay Carpenter now (01438-718439
gay.carpenter@btinternet.com ) or Catherine Jupp (01438 716622 catherinejupp@gmail.com). This is the last chance to join this
course.
'The Gospel According to Matthew' is the Film Club's next film on Monday 11th March at 7pm. The dialogue of Pier Paolo
Pasolini's 1964 black and white critically acclaimed masterpiece is entirely taken from the Scriptures. The film is in Italian with English
subtitles. The soundtrack includes some of Bach's oratorios and a Congolese mass. The film will be followed by a short break and
discussion/presentation led by Revd. June Fordham. Tickets will be available from NCH after the 9.30 service on Sunday 24th
February, 3rd and 10th March. A small donation of £3.00 is required to cover the costs. We look forward to seeing many of you on the
night.
Maundy Thursday: if anyone would like to join the ministry team, as they attend the Chrism Mass 11am at the Abbey on Maundy
Thursday followed by a pub-lunch, they would be most welcome. Please let one of the ministry team know.
Maundy Thursday: The 'Washing of Feet' will take place during the Eucharist of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday evening at
8.00pm. Twelve people from the congregation have one foot gently washed (in warm water!) and dried. If you would like to take part in
this ceremony, or you would like more information, please speak to Linda Dobbs.
If you would like make a donation towards the cost of Easter Lilies in remembrance of someone, please find leaflets and envelopes on
the table at the crossing. We plan to fill the church this Easter with spring flowers and blossom and the Easter Lily display at the altar
and high altar is always an important and special part of this. Jenny Wiseman
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Can you help prepare and serve breakfast in NCH on Easter Monday for those going to St Albans after Eucharist? Helpers needed
from 8.00am until about 10.30am, if you can help for all or part of the time please let me know on 01438 718952 or put your name on
the list on the offertory table. Many thanks, Gillian Dobson.
Ladies’ Lunch will be held on Saturday 13 th April 2013. The speaker will be Keith Stott who will give a slide presentation showing the
work of Mercy Ships. Lunch will be served promptly at 12.30pm followed by the talk. Tickets are £9.00 each will be on sale on 17 th and
24 th March 2013 in NCH after the 9.30am service.
A selection of Mothering Sunday and Easter Cards is now available on the Bookstall.
Date for your diaries: The APCM will take place on Wednesday 24 th April in New Church House. There will be a Eucharist at 7.15pm
followed by the Election of Church Wardens and the APCM at 8pm. More details later.
Please note that there will be no Women’s World Day of Prayer this year
FAIRTRADE SALES - Tuesday 5th and Saturday 9th March 10am - 11.30am in Church House
It's Fairtrade Fortnight and we will be sampling homemade cupcakes made with fairtrade caster sugar, icing sugar, cocoa and
chocolate. Any donations towards these cakes will be sent to Comic Relief, who work alongside Traidcraft Exchange on projects in
Ghana. We will also have lots of new stock from the Spring/Summer Traidcraft catalogue. Copies are available from the fairtrade stall
and from the bookshelves by the Church door - do help yourself to a copy and contact me if you'd like to order anything.
THIS WEEK IN THE WELWYN TEAM –
Today
5pm Standing Committee NCH
6.30 Evensong at Tewin
Monday
5pm Evening Prayer at Tewin
Tuesday
8am Morning Prayer
12.30 Assembly Club at Church
2pm Mothers Union at Woolmer Green
9.30 Community Café in NCH
Wednesday
8am Preparing for Sunday Breakfast Bible Study in NCH
9am Morning Prayer at Welwyn
9.30 Eucharist at Welwyn
10.30 Rector’s Lent group in NCH
2pm Pram Service
Thursday:
10.30 Stuart Road Service
5pm Evening Prayer at Datchworth
7.15 Lent Group in NCH
8pm Arpeggios Handbell Ringers Upper Vestry
8pm Team Council in NCH
Friday:
9.30 Morning Prayer at Woolmer Green
10am Holy Communion at Woolmer Green
6.30 Welwyn Tune Practice in NCH
7.30 Choir Practice in NCH
Saturday:
9am Parish Prayers at Welwyn
10am Fairtrade Stall and Coffee NCH
10am Clergy Surgery at Welwyn NCH
10.30 Greek Class in NCH
Sunday 10th March - The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Mothering Sunday
8am Eucharist
9.30 All Age Communion 1 Samuel 1:20-end, Luke 2:33-35
6.30 Choral Evensong
Passion Sunday 17 th March. Sermon theme: The Second coming
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