Sunday 31st January 2021 – Presentation of Christ
All Saints Church, Childwall
READ: Luke 2: 22-40 – Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
REFLECT: Simeon’s song, known as the Nunc Dimittis, has become embedded in our liturgy. Traditionally sung after Communion, as a sending from worship, or in our evening prayers. When I was living in community, at college, it came at the end of the day, during Compline.
The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It signals the end of activity and the start of rest. When all the praise and prayers of the day have been offered, all confessions made, all desires disclosed. We mark this moment with words borrowed from Simeon. The words of a servant submitting to his master. “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.” They were the last thing we said or sang, as a group, before going off to bed. Our nightly reminder to let go and let God. A lullaby of reassurance.
During this pandemic, we retire each night with much unfinished and unfulfilled. Some will have lost things that cannot be regained, all have been forced to relinquish some freedoms. Many prayers have been said but we have yet to see how they will be answered.
As the darkness closes in, and anxiety builds, I am drawn to the example of Simeon and Anna. People of patience, wisdom, and hope. People who lived expectant lives during a time of oppression and fear. People who were rewarded by God for their faithfulness.
I wonder how many prayers formed on Anna’s lips during the decades she spent in the temple. I imagine her old bones creaking as a result of the years she spent on her knees. Then, I picture an old man, waiting in the sanctuary, told by God that his life-long wish was about to be fulfilled, yet unaware of exactly how.
When the moment comes, they both recognize Jesus as the answer they have been waiting for, no angels, stars, signs, or wonders required. The happy ending of their story serves as a welcome reminder that God is truly faithful; He does not forget his children. Even when we cannot see it, he is in control and can be trusted. As we come to depend more on Him and less on ourselves, we can rest easier knowing we are in his care. We learn to let go and let God and although we cannot know what tomorrow holds, like Simeon, we can experience peace. Our eyes have been opened and we have seen Jesus, our saviour. The one who suffered, died, and rose again is with us and he will deliver us from our sufferings to eternal life. There is always light in our darkness.
RESPOND: How has your faith in Christ helped you during the pandemic? Do you sleep easier knowing that you are saved? Do you feel compassion for those who have not yet seen their salvation?
PRAY: Lord give us the eyes of faith, to see your presence in the world.Where fear closes our eyes, help us. Where tears blind us, heal us.Where busyness keeps us from noticing, slow us. Where pride gets in the way, release us. Set us free to see your love at work in the world and experience your peace. Amen
Rev. Helen Deegan (Curate at All Saints Childwall)
Dear Friends,
Please can I encourage you to read the attached letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
It will put this short extract from it into context.
‘One thing we can all do is pray. We hope it is some consolation to know that the church prays for the life of our nation every day. Whether you’re someone of faith, or not, we invite you to call on God in prayer. Starting on 1 February we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm each day. More than ever, this is a time when we need to love each other. Prayer is an expression of love. A number of resources will be made available at’ www.ChurchofEngland.org/PrayerForTheNation
Please can I encourage you to pause daily at 6pm and join in prayer with other Christians around the UK.
Services in church – All services in church are currently suspended until further notice. Funeral services are still happening at All Saints with a limit of 30 mourners set by government guidelines.
Church Services Online – We are recording our Sunday morning service in church weekly. It will be uploaded to our website to be viewed each week soon after 11am. www.allsaintschildwall.org.uk
Evening Prayer every Sunday at 6pm – Every Sunday evening the Readers will be hosting a weekly service of Evening Prayer on Zoom at 6pm. The liturgy and the readings will be on the screen and there will be a short reflection on the New Testament passage which has been set for the day. Please join us. Garry Critchley Meeting ID: 789 873 7449 Passcode: Newsman1
Rock Club Online!– Our youth & children’s worker Gypsey has developed online activities for Pebbles, Rock Club & Boulders. Available on our website: https://www.allsaintschildwall.org.uk/online-rock-club/
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
All Saints Buddy Scheme – If you are self-isolating and would value some support or a regular chat or know someone else who would, please text or email Mary Harrison atmary.harrison32@virginmedia.com with details.
Bookworms is our All Saints reading group – We have not been able to meet to discuss books over the past year but undoubtedly many of us have been reading avidly. It has been decided to create a book quiz which anyone will be able to access, whether or not they have attended Bookworms in the past. It will be sent out on-line or delivered as a paper copy and you can do it in your own at home, share it with your family or phone a friend! Results will be sent out about 10 days later. There will be no prizes but we hope it will stimulate the brain cells and while away a wet afternoon or two! Everyone who is on the Bookworms email list will automatically get a copy. If anyone else would like to receive it either on line or as a printed paper copy delivered to their door please contact Helen Ford. email: h.h.ford@btinternet.com. Phone 428 9153
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. Please pray for all those who are unwell at this time particularly praying for Bill Maitland, Nicoli Gray (Carole Turner’s daughter) David Miller and Eileen Miller and Jenni Delea. Please pray for the bereaved family and friends of John Downes and Peter Watson (Ruth Scott’s Father).
Weekly News – If you are aware of anyone who is not receiving all the weekly news that we are sending out please ask them to send me their email address so I can add them to our master email list. Thank you.
Pastoral visiting – Current Government guidelines mean that we cannot visit people and go inside their homes. Any face to face visiting will have to happen from the front gate. If you would value a chat or know anyone who would appreciate a visit please let Helen or me know, our phone numbers and email addresses are below.
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.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79853782379?pwd=NEloclhRVEJST3RFeUdUVEowSWJRUT09
Meeting ID: 798 5378 2379 Password: 7VUQh6 Aidan Holmes
Zoom Sunday coffee – NEW TIME! – Every Sunday at 10.15am – remember to bring your own coffee!
Zoom Coffee – every Sunday at 10.15am Meeting ID: 842 767 1496 Password: 4allsaintshttps://us04web.zoom.us/j/8427671496?pwd=K2dMMnlvTHpwTkxDNEV6bDYwQXBDQT09
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
Bill Forster – Associate Minister – william.forster1@btinternet.com
