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 23rd February
Second Sunday before Lent
HYMN
Eternal Father, strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
It's own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word
Who walked on the foaming deep
And calm amidst it's rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude
And bid it's angry tumult cease
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea
Words; William Whiting (1825 - 1878)
Tune; “Melita”, J.B.Dykes (1823 – 1876)
Father Paul introduces the service
A reading from St. Luke’s Gospel
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Luke 8:22 - 25
HYMN
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.
​
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
and grace will lead me home.
​
When we've been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we've first begun.
Words: John Newton (1725-1807)
Music: probably of Scottish origin
MEDITATION ON THE LESSONS OF STORMS IN OUR LIVES
HYMN
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift or firm remain?
Refrain:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love!
Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'er flow?
Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past forever more?
Words: Priscilla J. Owens (1829-1899)
Tune; William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
A BLESSING PRAYER
The power of God be about you
The love of Christ enfold you
The joy of the Spirit be within you
And the blessing of God Almighty,
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be upon you this day and remain with you always. Amen
HYMN
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly
And you will keep singing as the days go by
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small
Do not be disheartened, God is over all
Count your many blessings, angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end
Author: Johnson Oatman (1897)
Tune: Edwin O. Excell (1851-1921)
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