Epiphany Holy Communion

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1 Welcome to All Saints Kings Heath Your Parish Church in the Diocese of Birmingham Epiphany Holy Communion Sunday 3 rd January 2021 Presiding and preaching today are The Revd Rob and The Revd Helen Hingley We gather At Church, face coverings are worn during the service, except when leading, reading and receiving communion. We are not able to mingle inside after the service, nor have congregational singing. At home, have ready in an honoured place a portion of food and something to drink. It may be bread and wine or something else. Set your Bible alongside. You might light two candles, and have another ready to light shortly. We imagine everyone in their homes around the parish, united in preparing for prayer. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen. At home you can sing as loudly as you like, as if no one but God is listening. In church we remain seated to listen, or hum, to the hymn:

Transcript of Epiphany Holy Communion

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Welcome to

All Saints Kings Heath Your Parish Church in the Diocese of Birmingham

Epiphany Holy Communion

Sunday 3rd January 2021 Presiding and preaching today are

The Revd Rob and The Revd Helen Hingley

We gather

At Church, face coverings are worn during the service, except when leading, reading and receiving communion. We are not able to mingle inside after the service, nor have congregational singing. At home, have ready in an honoured place a portion of food and something to drink. It may be bread and wine or something else. Set your Bible alongside. You might light two candles, and have another ready to light shortly. We imagine everyone in their homes around the parish, united in preparing for prayer.

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.

At home you can sing as loudly as you like, as if no one but God is listening. In church we remain seated to listen, or hum, to the hymn:

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HYMN Brightest and best

1. Brightest and best of the suns of the morning, dawn on our darkness and let us thine aid; star of the east, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2. Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining; low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; angels adore him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.

3. Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, odours of Edom, and off’rings divine, gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

4. Vainly we offer each humble oblation, vainly with gifts would his favour secure: richer by far is the heart’s adoration, dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Repeat verse 1 (words: Reginald Heber; music: Joseph Francis Thrupp)

We pray:

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.

We seek forgiveness CONFESSION

As we come to the Lord at the start of this New Year, let us seek his grace to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom as we confess our sins in penitence and faith. Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.

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Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father: Lord, have mercy. May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw us to himself, and cleanse us from our sins that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Ital from Common Worship)

THE COLLECT for the Feast of Epiphany

O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; 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

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 60:1-6 (click here for text;

readings from Deborah Osinaike) NEW TESTAMENT READING Ephesians 3:1-12 (click here for text) HYMN Earth has many a noble city 1. Earth has many a noble city;

Bethl’em, thou dost all excel: out of thee the Lord from heaven came to rule his Israel.

2. Fairer than the sun at morning

was the star that told his birth, to the world its God announcing, seen in fleshly form on earth.

3. Eastern sages at his cradle

make oblations rich and rare;

see them give in deep devotion gold and frankincense and myrrh.

4. Sacred gifts of mystic meaning:

incense doth their God disclose, gold the King of kings proclaimeth, myrrh his sepulchre foreshows.

5. Jesu, whom the Gentiles worshipped

at thy glad Epiphany, unto thee with God the Father and the Spirit glory be.

(words: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, trans Edward Caswell; music: German melody, arr Christian Friedrich Witt)

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GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:1-12 (click here for text) Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew All: Glory to you, O Lord. At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON I wonder how many of you now resort to using a SatNav to find your way to a new address. I certainly do. Though, I imagine future generations will not know how to read a map or use a compass, relying instead on mobile phones, Google maps and such-like. In our Gospel reading today the Magi relied almost entirely on the stars for their navigation. Growing up in South Africa, I have been fortunate to visit desert areas, such as Namibia, the Karoo and the Kalahari, as well as many other remote wilderness places. The clarity of the stars on a clear night is breath-taking – away from the pollution of city lights. It helps one to understand how stars guided our early forebears, as well as migrating birds and animals, across continents and oceans. A week or so ago, when Saturn and Jupiter passed over each other it gave the effect of an extremely bright star to light up the night sky in those areas where it was a clear night. There has been speculation that a similar event occurred at the time of Jesus birth, which accounts for Matthew’s story of the Star guiding the Magi to the Christ child in Bethlehem. (And at that time Jupiter was considered to be the Royal or Kingly planet, and Saturn was thought to represent the Jews.) Whether or not we believe in the historical accuracy of the event recorded in Matthew’s gospel, there are spiritual truths held within the story from which we can learn. And as I was pondering on this reading from Matthew, and our other two readings today, there were three elements that seemed spiritually significant to me, which I’d like to explore, through the Magi’s experience:

Journey Encounter and Gifting

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The Magi was the technical name given to the trusted spiritual teachers of the religion of Persia at that time. They were educated in philosophy, medicine, natural science, interpretation of dreams and astrology. From the study of the stars they attempted to foretell the future. The journey which the Magi undertook would have been a huge commitment - long and arduous, enduring all the elements of weather, wild animals, brigands, and challenging terrain. But their eyes were focused on that one bright star, beckoning them ever onward to find a new king, whom they believed had been born - to bring peace and blessing to the whole world. It was truly a journey of faith. When they reached their destination - probably several weeks after Jesus birth - they found the place where his family were residing in Bethlehem. There, in humble surroundings, the Magi encountered a tiny baby, born to ordinary parents, of a different religion and culture. Magi - outsiders to the Jewish faith – were amongst the first to encounter the Christ child. This encounter which the Magi had, signalled in a sense, something new – that God sent his Son, not just for the few, the Jewish people, his chosen people, but for the whole world – to whomever would be open to receive him. As we heard in the prophecy of Isaiah: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. [Isa 9:3] We can only imagine what that encounter would have been like for them. There they humbly knelt and worshipped, and offered their gifts; precious, valuable gifts, which symbolised their lives, and their role in the world. Gold – the sign of wealth; Frankincense – for worship; Myrrh - for healing. Whatever they thought, they knew this child was special, and a gift to them and the world. It would be interesting to have eaves-dropped on their conversation after they left, and to know if and how their lives were changed as a result of the encounter. But, the most important thing was the encounter – God will do the rest, for any who open their hearts to receive what he has to give. And so, as we reflect on the Magi’s journey, their encounter, their gifts and gifting, what about us – how does this speak into our lives?

Our journeys of faith Our encounters with God in the Christ child, and the resurrected Jesus; What about the gifts we bring to, or receive from God and one another?

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During much of the past year there have been very few physical journeys for most of us. For many, journeys have been to and from the living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom – especially for the vulnerable, and those shielding. In some ways, despite the lack of physical movement, the metaphorical journeys we’ve experienced, may have seemed a little like the Magis’ journey to Bethlehem – with many challenges along the way; an unknown and difficult new terrain to navigate, with greater limitations or extra demands; full of pitfalls; even brigands and con artists who seek to extort money via online and telephone scams.

What, or who, have been the Stars to keep you focused on the journey? Where have you found light in the darkness?

Encounters have mainly been via Zoom, Skype, facetime, or telephone – we’ve even encountered a whole new vocabulary.

What are the encounters that have helped you to survive? Gifts and gifting have also been very different – but maybe more precious.

What are the gifts that you have received that have been precious, or the gifts that you have brought to the table to bless others? And this is not just physical gifts – but could be in the form of a person, a phone call, a letter, an email…….

I have certainly found there have been some challenging times, where it is has been difficult to see where God is in the midst of the mess - just like the mess of the stable into which Jesus was born. At times I have felt helpless on the journey through this year, wanting to do more, and feeling constrained by elements outside of my control. But, within it all, there has been a dawning realisation that this time has also become an inward journey with God; and a time of encounter with God in new ways. And the inward journey will continue long into this year. I am acutely aware of the challenges so many have faced at different levels in their spiritual, mental and emotional journeys this year – coping with loneliness, isolation, ill health, family members having Covid, some dying from it; those not being able to visit people in care homes or hospital; parents having to home-school children; fractured relationships because of being cooped up in homes together 24/7; loss of work & income; collapse of businesses…….. So many painful and difficult situations people have had to cope with – and with more still to come. It can all feel so overwhelming, and hard to see the light in that darkness, hard to see the star shining.

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But, despite it all, there have been wonderful signs of God at work – shining the light of Christ into the dark places and bringing new hope and healing – often through unexpected gifts from unexpected sources. In my work of spiritual accompaniment, one of the people I journey with, is quite physically disabled, and lives on her own. She had very little contact with others during lock-down, and not much support from anyone. But, through her inner journey with God, she wrote a moving meditation of encounter with the infant Christ. Her meditation formed the basis of her Christmas card – simple, humble, but powerful. It became for her, and those of us who received it, a gift, a bright star, shining in the darkness, reminding us of what is important in our life of faith at this time. No doubt, many of you will have seen and been moved by the stories of the two clergy in Burnley, who, with others, are helping to provide food and meals for many families who are struggling financially. They have been gifting their community. But at times they felt overwhelmed by the need. The one pastor had himself come from a life of crime, but in a vision after a spell in prison, saw the light of Christ, which helped him turn his life around – and now he serves the most vulnerable in his town. On Christmas Eve one of my closest friends, a couple of days older than me, suffered a stroke, leaving her paralysed down one side, unable to speak or swallow. Her husband only discovered her several hours after it had happened, and blames himself for not being there. Several days after being in hospital she tested positive for Covid, which it seems she must have picked up in hospital. She has made a little progress since then, for which we give thanks. It was a sobering reminder of the fragility of life; but it made me reflect on the person and gift to me she was in so many ways, during a very difficult period of my life – a star shining into a dark place, bringing new life at a time of utter despair and emptiness. As Christians on this pilgrimage through life during the pandemic, we may all have found it a struggle to see God in the mess; but, because of our faith, weak as it may be, we know that God is there within it all: through those encounters we have and through those many stories we’ve seen and heard, of love, goodness and generosity, which inspire us to act, and give, in small or big ways, as we are able.

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Through our journey with God, we are given the resources to continue to navigate the challenges of life, as well as to help in supporting others on the way; through developing our life of prayer we can begin to discover what that means – but at the same time being gentle with ourselves, and not feeling guilty about things we can’t do. It’s important to be reminded that we don’t, and cannot, have all the answers to the world’s problems: that is God’s business. God asks of us only that we have faith, and to journey with and towards him or her. Jesus Christ came into the world, not in power, but in love, desiring to create a relationship of love with us. And thus to recognise Jesus in each person we encounter, to build others up, to pray for the increase of God’s goodness, justice and mercy in the world; and to share our gifts, small or large in whatever ways we can in our present circumstances, one with another. Amen.

We affirm our faith AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from Common Worhsip)

We stand and at home, if able, we turn to look in the direction of Church, to affirm our faith in God, revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

INTERCESSIONS led by Clare Noakes In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father. The response to the bidding “Lord revealed in the world” is “hear our prayer”. Heavenly Lord, as we enter into this new year, let us be like the Magi, travelling on a long and difficult journey, but confident of good news and filled with the hope that your presence in the world can bring.

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We pray for your church around the world, celebrating the birth and Epiphany of your Son with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank you for the work of all bishops, priests and deacons, both near and far, who have been working to bring Christmas services, whether virtual or in person, to their congregations, providing some kind of continuity in this rapidly changing world. We pray for our own parish, for David, the ministry team and our church wardens, committed to everyone whom this All Saints community serves. Lord revealed in the world Hear our prayer We pray for the nations of the world and those who lead them. We pray for the people of Gjerdrum dealing with the aftermath of the huge landslide. We pray for the people in Croatia affected by the earthquake. We pray for the people of Argentina, pleased or upset as abortion becomes legal. And we pray for all people and countries who have fallen away from the front pages, the news bulletins and Facebook feeds, but for whom daily life continues to be a struggle, in war torn areas, places suffering from catastrophic natural disasters, or who are at the mercy of corrupt, dictatorial or oppressive regimes. Lord revealed in our world Hear our prayer We pray for our own country and city, as we enter the new post-Brexit reality. We call to mind all who are working to save businesses, adhere to new visa and employment regulations, and all those from Europe who have made their homes in the UK and are feeling uncertain of their future. We pray too that good relations with Europe and indeed the rest of the world will remain and that mutual respect and understanding can once more take root and grow. Lord revealed in our world Hear our prayer As new COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out, but hospitals continue to teeter on the edge of being overwhelmed, we pray for all working to battle against the coronavirus pandemic. We ask for strength and fortitude for medical professionals, many of whom will have been working throughout the festive period, perhaps foregoing time with their families. We pray for those in hospital or at home suffering from COVID-19, but also for those who have had operations or treatment postponed or cancelled in recent months. Protect and comfort all who suffer in body, mind or spirit and let them know the power of your healing presence. Lord revealed in our world

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Hear our prayer Hear us as we remember all who have died. We remember especially any known personally to us and ask that you comfort all who mourn. Enfold them in your love and help them to see the light of your presence in the darkness of grief. Lord revealed in our world Hear our prayer Father, we rejoice in our fellowship, with the shepherds, the angels, the Magi, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the faithful departed. In your unfailing love for us and for all people, hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Merciful Father Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. THE PEACE We pause to remember each other: those worshipping at home, and those worshipping in Church and those we care for who are far away.

Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

We say to one another:

The Peace of the Lord be always with you. MUSIC (in church) A new year carol

(words: Anonymous; music: Benjamin Britten – sung by Clare Noakes) HYMN (recording) We three kings of Orient are 1. We three kings of Orient are;

bearing gifts we traverse afar; field and fountain,

moor and mountain, following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding,

guide us to thy perfect light. MEN: 2. Born a King on Bethlehem plain,

gold I bring, to crown him again, King for ever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.

3. Frankincense to offer have I,

incense owns a Deity nigh,

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prayer and praising, gladly raising, worship him, God most high.

WOMEN: 4. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume

breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,

sealed in the stone-cold tomb. 5. Glorious now behold him arise,

King and God and sacrifice; alleluia, alleluia, earth to heav’n replies.

(words & music: John Henry Hopkins alt)

The Table is prepared in Church. At home, now is the time to say the Lord’s Prayer (below) and consume the food and drink you have prepared, first praying:

God, we long for Communion. With this symbolic meal stir my hope for the fellowship meal we cannot yet see, and help me wait for it with patience. Amen.

(cf Romans 8:2)

We tell the story of salvation

Priest: Gracious God, accept the offering of your Church, the hearts of your people joined in praise and thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise.

Revealing God, you send the light of a star, and in that light we see the truth of who you are and the truth of who we are. Like the magi you call us to worship you, but like the magi we mistake where you truly belong and where we truly belong. Yet in revelation you direct us to yourself and in incarnation you meet us in yourself. You become what we are, that we might become what you are. And so you draw us to the company where your angels gather around your eternal throne singing their hymn of unending praise.

All: 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.

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Hosanna in the highest. God of wonder, as the magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, so we bring these gifts of bread and wine. In those gifts we see your grief at the way we crucified your Son, the holy one among us, but also the wonder of how you raised him to be our king in glory for ever. Send down your Holy Spirit, that we may discover what it means to be of you and in you, and that this bread of honest toil and this wine of joyous celebration may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ, who at supper with his disciples, took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

A bell is rung. After supper he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “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.”

A bell is rung. Great is the mystery of faith. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. God of wisdom, as the magi brought gold, bring your whole church, living and departed, to the vision of your glory. As the magi brought frankincense, infuse all who seek you with the beauty of your holiness. As the magi brought myrrh, embrace all who suffer until the time comes when you flood the whole creation with justice and mercy. In this banquet restore us in your image, surround us with your company and prepare us for your freedom, that we may come to resemble your Son, through whom and with whom and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER 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,

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and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Priest: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. All: Though we are many, we are one body.

For we all share in one bread.

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.

We pause to remember all who pray at home, then share the bread and wine, now for us the body and blood of Christ. Priest: The body of Christ keep you in eternal life. Amen

Please keep distance from one another as you move around. Of course, we can remove our mask to receive.

ANTHEM during Communion A spotless Rose A spotless Rose is blowing, sprung from a tender root, of ancient seers’ foreshowing, of Jesse promis’d fruit; its fairest bud unfolds to light amid the cold, cold winter, and in the dark midnight. The Rose which I am singing, whereof Isaiah said, is from its sweet root springing in Mary, purest Maid; for through our God’s great love and might, the Blessed Babe she bare us in a cold, cold winter’s night.

(words: of 14th-century origin; music: Herbert Howells)

Inside or outside we are called to serve

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Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with your Word [and with the body and blood of Christ]. Strengthen us in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.

We imagine our scattered fellowship, family and colleagues and all our neighbours, especially those, like the Magi, of a different faith to ours, praying for blessing on all: THE BLESSING

Christ the Son of God perfect in you the image of his glory and gladden your hearts with the good news of his kingdom; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

HYMN As with gladness men of old 1. As with gladness men of old

did the guiding star behold, as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; so, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to thee.

2. As with joyful steps they sped,

to that lowly manger-bed, there to bend the knee before him whom heav’n and earth adore, so may we with willing feet ever seek thy mercy-seat.

3. As their precious gifts they laid,

at thy manger roughly made, so may we with holy joy,

pure, and free from sin’s alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to thee our heav’nly King.

4. Holy Jesu, ev’ry day

keep us in the narrow way; and, when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide.

5. In the heav’nly country bright

need they no created light, thou its light, its joy, its crown, thou its sun which goes not down; there for ever may we sing alleluias to our King.

(words: William Chatterton Dix alt;

music: adapted from Conrad Kocher by William Henry Monk; descant: Sydney Hugo Nicholson alt)

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

VOLUNTARY Improvisation on The First Nowell (Noel Rawsthorne – played by Benjamin Noakes)

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Unexpected guests

Unexpected guests arrive, needing a heart-warming something after a cold journey. I don’t know their dietary restrictions. What might I serve?

Rummaging in the fridge and vegetable rack today I’d find a parsnip a couple of carrots, a chunk of celeriac, some celery, a leek and onions. The thyme in the garden is holding on so I could pick a good sprig.

Chop a couple of onions, quarter and slice the leek and chop the celery, then soften them in oil with some garlic. Peel and grate the root veg.

Add to the pot. When combined and shiny, stir in a couple of handfuls of Puy lentils, the thyme, and a bay leaf. Stir well. Pour in as much

white wine as you can spare. Reduce until the sharpness has gone. If it were just for me, or I’d established the guests were all right with chicken

stock, I’d take some from the freezer, defrost and add to the soup. Otherwise, just water is surprisingly good though in which case the more wine the better. (Of course you can use a veg stock powder if you like, but taste before seasoning. It’s usually salty.) The liquid should cover

the veg and lentils well.

Simmer for half an hour or so until the lentils are soft enough. Taste and season. A squeeze of lemon sometimes gives a little lift if needed.

Sprinkle in some parsley if you have any.

It should be ready before the travellers know you weren’t expecting them.

Eileen Pearson’s funeral is on the Feast of the Epiphany, Wednesday 6th January. At Eileen’s request, her family will hold the committal first

and then join us at All Saints for a service at 2.30pm. We are only allowed thirty mourners, Eileen’s family being 14, that leaves 16. It is likely that more of us than that will want to come. Please tell David if

you hope to come and he will liaise with Linda about how best to arrange it. It may be that some of us will gather outside at least to greet Eileen’s family before or after, suitably distanced. David will distribute the text of

the service.

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This order of service is printed on sustainably sourced paper.

Hymns and Songs printed under CCL Licence No. 116429

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England

is copyright © the Archbishop’s Council (2000)

Eucharistic Prayer from Joining the Angels’ Song, © Sam Wells and Abi Kocher 2016