United Benefice of St.Mary, Higham Ferrers, and St. John, Chelveston
The United Benefice of
St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers
with St John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott
Sunday 30th March
Mothering Sunday
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Father Paul welcomes us to this service for Mothering Sunday, the the fourth Sunday in Lent
HYMN
Our Father God in heaven
on whom our world depends,
to you let praise be given
for families and friends;
for parents, sisters, brothers,
a home where love belongs,
but on this day for mothers
We bring our thankful songs.
How well we know the story
that tells of Jesus' birth,
the Lord of heaven's glory
become a child of earth;
a helpless infant sleeping,
yet King of realms above,
to find in Mary's keeping
the warmth of human love.
Our Father God in heaven,
to you we lift our prayer,
that every child be given
such tenderness and care,
where life is all for others,
where love your love displays:
for God's good gift of mothers
let earth unite in praise!
Timothy Dudley-Smith / Hope Publishing/O.U.P.
A READING FROM ST LUKE’S GOSPEL
Jesus said: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:11-24
Each son took his share
HYMN
I will sing the wondrous story
of the Christ who died for me,
how he left the realms of glory
for the cross of Calvary.
Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
of the Christ who died for me -
sing it with his saints in glory,
gathered by the crystal sea.
I was lost but Jesus found me,
found the sheep that went astray,
raised me up and gently led me
back into the narrow way.
Days of darkness still may meet me,
sorrow’s path I oft may tread;
but his presence still is with me,
by his guiding hand I’m led.
He will keep me till the river
rolls its waters at my feet:
then he’ll bear me safely over,
made by grace for glory meet.
Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
of the Christ who died for me -
sing it with his saints in glory,
gathered by the crystal sea.
Words: Francis Harold Rowley (1854-1952)
Music: HYFRYDOL Rowland Huw Prichard (1811-1887)
A REFLECTION ON MOTHERS, FATHERS AND FAMILIES
Final Prayer and blessing
HYMN
Let us build a house
where love can dwell
And all can safely live,
A place where
saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
Rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions;
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
And words are strong and true,
Where all God's children dare to seek
To dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
And a symbol of God's grace;
Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where all are named
Their songs and voices heard:
And loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word
Built on tears and cries and laughter,
Prayers of faith and songs of grace,
Let this home proclaim from floor to rafter.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.
Words and music; Marty Haughen (b. 1950)
Material used in this service is copyright of its respective rights owners. Music and hymn words are reproduced under ONE LICENSE number A-633137, Church Copyright License 2148907 and Music Reproduction License 2216255. Material in this order of service is taken from Common Worship, copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000-2006 and is used here with permission. www.commonworship.com.
images by permission of www.christart.com