4th October 2020 All Saints Church, Childwall
READ Matthew 21:33-46: The Parable of the Tenants
33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.
REFLECT: This parable reveals the failure of the tenants to honour the authority they had been granted by the landowner, God. In usurping that authority for their own ends, they have given up any claim to have authority by God’s grace. The question to ask ourselves this week, however, is where does this parable bite today? Who is the recipient of Jesus’ sting in the tail today? It is easy for us to read an ancient story such as this as mere observers, watching on with detachment.
If we are honest with ourselves, are we not more likely to be lumped in with the chief priests and elders of the people? Consider how the Western developed world has taken advantage of the resources of this planet, this global vineyard, for its own ends creating wealth beyond belief often at the expense of poorer, less powerful nations and people. When we think about our own actions, how much of the time do we make decisions that we can, hand on heart, say are based more on God’s kingdom values than on selfish desires and wishes? And when we make the direct connection to the church today, the tenants of God’s vineyard, how do the actions of our churches, nationally or locally, reflect the values of the kingdom of God? How much does our internal wrangling over who has authority distract us from living out the gospel?
This parable is not one locked in time and in the particular issues of the chief priests, elders and Pharisees and their dishonoring of God. It is one that reveals a constant threat to the values of God’s kingdom and the life and ministry of Jesus: the seizing of what is not yours for your own ends. It is the history of colonialism, of empire, of Britain and America (and others), of slavery, of indentured servitude, of unfair trade, of multinational corporations which privatise their profits and socialise their losses—pocketing wealth in the good times and seeking government handouts in the tough times, of removing rights from workers, and on and on. Jesus draws on Psalm 118 (vv. 22-23) to emphasise the point that while Jesus has come to reveal truth to the world, his teaching is rejected, the stone rejected, and yet it will become the cornerstone of a new community rooted in the purpose of God. How we still long for that reality amidst our messy and failed attempts to live up to that aspiration.
RESPOND: The abuse of the privilege of power is a blight on our world.• Can you think about people and places today – near and far where you recognise this is the case?• Why is it that people find it hard to let go of power? • How do you use your power and authority?
Make a list of people you feel abuse the position of ‘respect’ in which they have been placed, or placed themselves. Then pray for them.
PRAY: God you call us to tend your land to till your garden and to feed your people. But often we confuse dominion with domination, service with subjugation. In our bewilderment we substitute your loving intent with our selfish will, your persistence presence with our power. May the example of your self-emptying Son awaken us to the great reversal of grace that sets us all free to tend your land and love all your people. Amen.
Helen Deegan (Curate at All Saints, Childwall) Adapted from Spill-the-Beans issue 36 http://spillbeans.org.uk
Dear Friends,
Church is OPEN this Sunday and we will be having two Services of the Word at 9.30am & 11am.
Both services will be the same and last about 35mins. Children are very welcome at either service.
Please start arriving from 30mins before the service. You will need to wear a face mask, gel hands on arrival and sign in. Children will need to stay with parents at all times please. The creche cannot be open and the pew bags have had to be removed. Inside church and afterwards outside please keep 2m apart at all times.
Thank you to all of you that have come to the services and have been so positive and helpful and have sat in the pews that you have been asked to. It is essential that we fill up each aisle from the front so as no one is walking past anybody else. At the end of each service please remain in your pews until directed to leave.
I am sorry that this is all necessary, but it ensures the safety of everyone attending and those on duty.
Thursday Communion service – Our Thursday Communion service is now taking place each week at 10.45am. There will be no shared cup and wafers only which I will distribute with tongs whilst wearing a mask. Everyone will need to wear face masks, gel hands on arrival and sign in.
APCM – Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting is planned for Monday19th October in the evening.
Wardens & PCC nominations – nomination forms for Wardens and Deputy Wardens and PCC members are displayed at the front of church to the right of the Vestry door. We have 6 vacancies for our PCC this year. Please prayerfully consider whether you could serve on All Saints PCC at this time.
Rock Club Online from Sunday 4th October – Our new youth and children’s worker Gypsey has developed new online activities for Pebbles, Rock Club & Boulders. These can be accessed on our website: https://www.allsaintschildwall.org.uk/online-rock-club/ Thank you Gypsey for all you work on this!
If you would like to be kept informed and receive specific emails detailing our Youth & Children’s Worship please can you let us know by emailing gypsey.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com Once Gypsey has your details, we will add you to our new mailing list specifically for our Youth & Children’s work.
Please pray for Gypsey as she plans and develops our online provision for our Children and Young People.
On the Trail: In search of hope! – This month’s community activity is brought to us by Scripture Union. On the Trail: In search of hope! is a treasure hunt for children and families that uses a series of films to create conversation and help crack a code. You will need your phone or tablet with you as videos are accessed by scanning four QR codeshidden in the church grounds. Look for the posters on the notice boards and gates for further instructions on how to get started. Can you find all the clues?
The resource is fun, interactive and engages children in exploring, walking and talking about their experiences and what they are looking forward to. No booking is necessary. The trail can be accessed throughout October at any time apart from Sunday mornings, when the church building is being used for services. Please act responsibly and follow government guidance on social distancing.
On the Trail is a community resource so please tell your friends. All are welcome.
Thank you Helen for putting this together for us all to use!
CARE FOR THE FAMILY – AUTUMN EVENTS Online – Free to view – DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Care for the Family events are always very good value, well presented, enjoyable, amusing, and tackle real issues in all aspects of family and other relationships. They are practical. You will not regret listening.
Please see the attached separate flyer. Thank you.
Christmas starts with Christ! – “2020 was a year unlike any other. To protect lives our society was put on hold. This autumn it is more important than ever that, as we make our journey towards Christmas, we find ways to share the story of the birth of Jesus, our Light and our Hope. The Real Advent Calendar is a proven way to do this.” (Meaningful Chocolate Company). It is a fun way for parents, grandparents, Godparents and friends to share the Christmas story. Please see the attached separate flyer. Thank you.
All Saints Playgroup – All Saints’ Playgroup have a limited number of spaces available for 2 – 4yr olds.
To book a place for after half term please get in touch ASAP.
At Playgroup we empower children to be leaders of their own discoveries. We strive to engage, support, enhance and challenge them as they grow and develop.
To find out more please follow us on Instagram @all_saints_playgroupand Facebook All Saints’ Playgroup and email us to arrange a Covidcompliant outdoor visit. allsaintsplaygroup1@hotmail.co.uk
Harvest Sunday 11th October – It will come as no surprise that we are not able to collect gifts of food this year for harvest. Many families still need food particularly at this challenging time. Please could I ask you to donate the same amount that you would have spent on Harvest gifts to ‘South Liverpool Foodbank’.
You can donate directly on their website, this link will take you straight to their donation page:
https://slfoodbank.enthuse.com/Donate#!/ Collection boxes are alsoavailable in church. Thank you!
Tearfund Big Quiz Night scheduled for Saturday November 14th – Please put this date in your diary.
Children’s Society Boxes –Please bring your collecting box to church and place in the box at the back of church. Please write your name on it so it can be returned to you. Thank you, Delia Owen
Weekly Prayer requests – If you would like other members of our church family to pray for you or a family member, please send me their names for this sheet, please ask permission from the person.
We pray for all those who are unwell at this time particularly for Alan McClelland.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING – Weekly prayer meeting Thursday 6.30pm on Zoom. Why not join a group of us at All Saints that pray regularly. It lasts 40 minutes, you can pray, sit and listen or just contemplate.
Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79853782379?pwd=NEloclhRVEJST3RFeUdUVEowSWJRUT09
Meeting ID: 798 5378 2379 Password: 7VUQh6 Aidan Holmes
Zoom coffee – Please note change of time to 11.15am for 40 mins – remember to bring your own coffee! Details for Zoom coffee are as follows:
Zoom Coffee – every Sunday at 11.15am Meeting ID: 842 767 1496 Password: 4allsaints
With our prayers for you all at this time
Andrew Colmer – Vicar – Tel: 07305 842257 – vicar.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Helen Deegan – Curate – Tel: 07984 933467 – curate.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Gypsey Tait – Youth & Children’s Worker – Tel: 07961 793435 –gypsey.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
