The Rectory St Clement’s Church Office, Rue du Presbytère La Grande Route de Saint ClémentSt Clement JE2 6RB St Clement JE2 6QQTel: 851992 Tel: 745260Mobile: 07797 920316 E mail: stclementjersey@outlook.com

Rev Tracy Le C Bromley Tel: 857693 Rev Martin Dryden Tel: 874668

Facebook: St Clement Church Jersey Channel IslandsWeb site: www.stclementschurch.org.je

Treasurers and church bank account details:St Clement: Tricia Barry triciabarry@hotmail.com Acc: St Clement Church 40-25-34 84087488St Nicholas: Ian Bromley captainimb@aol.com Acc: St Nicholas Church 60-12-03 81510535

13th January 2020 Dear friends of St Clement and St Nicholas,

St Clement looked very bare on Sunday. Thank you to everyone involved in clearing up after Christmas helped by Mike the Sexton. Val packed away her huge nativity scene and window sill decorations. Tricia took the virtue of patience to new heights as

she disentangled yards of stars and Carole and Lesley tidied away the prayer star tree and figures for another year. Over 150 stars had been written on and hung on the golden branches. Several hundred more have been ordered for what will hopefully be a busier 2021. The prayer candles were also popular and the vestry became an important part of people’s visits and before and after services – something we want

to repeat in 2021, so we are thinking of ways we can scale it up without creating a firestorm. Finally Boris, John and Len the shepherds were bagged up, ( looking rather sinister see picture right – or is it Mary on her way to Egypt disguised in a burkah ? ) and what began as a temporary fix to numbers rules may well return – but will all the faces be the same?

Out in the churchyard it is clear just how many people come to visit the graves and place flowers. Beyond in the Meadow the daffodils are already flowering. Whilst this does not bode well for a supply for Mothering Sunday, we have lots to give away so Barbara and David – weather allowing – will be picking bunches this week to give away on Sunday so people can enjoy them at home or give to a neighbour. If you know anyone who would appreciate a bunch do go there and help yourself – the 40,000 planted a few years ago have multiplied.

In rather warmer climes St Clement Primary School Malindi is returning after a very disruptive year of closures. Some classes will be held outside ( see left ) to comply with new spacing rules and we have funded extra washing facilities – photo below- textbooks and other covid related costs including the final year group of last year having to stay on for an extra term.

lunch is served – photos above/below

There has been a lot of news in the UK about free school meals. It is even more important in Kenya and I am pleased to say that we raised enough money last year to fund the mug of porridge for every pupil each day (£2000) and we are within £1000 of the cost of providing a free

lunch to every child following a generous gift of £2000 from a UK sponsor. Donations always welcome.

Last year someone in Malindi gave the school a cow and my email box this morning included the news that a baby calf had been born. Tricia Barry very kindly looks after the administration of the child sponsorship scheme but would be delighted if someone took this on – we write out to sponsors twice a year. It would be really good if two or three people could volunteer to get involved in the link with the school doing some fundraising or administration, perhaps even visiting them when things go back to normal.

When I think of Africa Malindi comes to mind but so also does Trevor Hodgskin whose tales of Zimbabwe regularly entertained us over coffee at St Nicholas. Sadly Trevor died last week and our prayers are with his family. A much loved member of St Nicholas , his funeral will be held there at 10.30am on Monday 18th but Covid restrictions mean that numbers allowed at funerals are very limited and people cannot just turn up. Thanks to technology people will be able to view live on our Face Book site “St Clement Church Jersey Channel Islands” where we will start broadcasting from around 10.25 or on a youtube video whose link Martin will post on the website shortly after the service. I never trust totally in technology but I am sure one or both will work and the FaceBook version will stay on the site for a week and be watched by family and friends around the world. The family are also planning to hold a memorial service when travel restrictions have been relaxed. Rather than flowers the family have kindly suggested that any donations be given to support the feeding of the children at St Clement Malindi - donations can be given to either of the treasurers and any bank transfers ( details at the top of this letter ) should reference “Trevor Kenya”. Hopefully we can arrange with the school to buy in extras so one of their lunches can be extra special and held in his memory.

Jersey covid rates seem to be dropping. Most island churches remain on line but for those who feel it is sensible and safe for them to attend we will continue to hold our Sunday services live at 9am St Nicholas and inside and sound to outside in the shelter at 10.30am St Clement with youtube recording of 9.30 and FaceBook live for 10.30 or at least when we manage to juggle taking services with plugging in wires, pressing buttons and wrestling with youtube – appeals for help seem to be falling on deaf ears so no apologies for clergy ineptitude, you will just have to put up with our efforts ! I had plugged three wires rather than four into the lap top hence the re start on Face book of the 10.30 and what sounded like an advert in Japanese popped up when in theory were about to listen to reflective music before the prayers – lots of potential for a Dibley update – perhaps Real Rectors of Jersey or perhaps not. I was advised after the service that the advantage of being in the outside shelter is that nobody inside can hear you laughing !

Have a good week and stay well.David

Holy Communion – Recorded at St Nicholas Jan 10th, 2021 https://youtu.be/gnY7ssq13wA

Holy Communion Service for Sunday 17th January with youtube links to the music – and featured live hopefully on our Facebook site from about 10.35am as for data protection we need to make any announcements about people we will be praying for off line.

https://youtu.be/J3ZqQcVlMTECome let us join our cheerful songs

With angels round the throneTen thousand thousand are their tonguesBut all their joys are one.

Worthy the Lamb that died, they cryTo be exalted thusWorth the Lamb, our lips replyFor he was slain for us.

Jesus is worthy to receiveHonour and pow’r divineAnd blessings, more than we can giveBe, Lord for ever thine.

Let all that dwell above the skyAnd air, and earth and seasConspire to lift thy glories highAnd speak thine endless praise.

Let all creation join in oneTo bless the sacred nameOf him that sits upon the throneAnd to adore the lamb.

The Greeting The Lord be with you. and also with you. Prayer of Preparation 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.

Prayer of Penitence Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.Amen. Lord, have mercyGod so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, to be our advocate in heaven, and to bring us to eternal life. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, firmly resolved to keep God’s commandments and to live in love and peace with all.Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen. Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on you. Pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenGlory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, Heav'nly King, Almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord, Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect for the second Sunday in Epiphany Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; 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

The Readings: The First Reading is taken from 1 Samuel, Chapter 3, beginning to read at the first verse. (1 Samuel 3 1-10) The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel.Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God

THE GRADUAL HYMN There is a Redeemer https://youtu.be/JDgZ1v3l9go

There is a redeemerJesus Gods own SonPrecious Lamb of God, MessiahHoly One.

Jesus, my RedeemerName above all namesPrecious Lamb of God, MessiahO for sinners slain. (refrain)

Thank you, O my fatherFor giving us your SonAnd leaving your Spirit Till the work on earth is done. (refrain)

When I stand in gloryI will see his faceAnd there I’ll serve my King for everIn that holy place. (refrain)

The Gospel Reading: Here the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you O Lord (John 1 43-51)43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”50 Jesus said, “You believe[h] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you,[ you[j] will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’[k] the Son of Man

This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you O Christ

Sermon Martin The first reading is full of brooding significance: something is rotten in the state of Israel and yet Eli the high priest ignores it at the very moment that God chooses Samuel to change the system. Up to now, beleaguered Israel had been loosely governed by a succession of judges, but under Samuel it would become a monarchy, with Saul as its first king.

However, this would happen in spite of Samuel’s better judgement: he would warn the people that having a king would not make Israel prosperous or help it to overcome its enemies. In fact, just the opposite would happen. But they refused to listen, and so Samuel relented, and it all ended in tears, just as he had foreseen.  If you want to find out how, read on!When we look at our own world, we see lots of organisations that don’t work properly: governments; bits of the civil service; schools; hospitals; the police; social services; even churches (shock, horror!) The temptation is to fix the problem by changing the system. Of course, this can help, but if we are to take Samuel seriously, it isn’t enough. Any system can be made to work if it has honest, selfless, responsible people in it; people who seek after goodness, truth, justice and peace (assuming, of course, that they are also competent!) In Christian terms, these are people who love God with all their heart and love their neighbour as themselves. Paraphrasing Samuel, without the presence of such people, tinkering with the system is like putting lipstick on a pig. 

When I read about the chaotic time of the judges, the creation of the monarchy under Saul and its disintegration after David and Solomon, followed by a long period of foreign rule, it seems to me that God manages to find ways to work through our human structures, no matter how broken they may be. That has to be cause for hope. So as our battered and bewildered world struggles to find a way out of its current predicament, I think we should take a leaf out of Samuel’s book and mostly be praying for reformed hearts, not reformed structures.

The Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Music before Prayers Albinoni – Oboe Concerto in D minor (slow movement)https://youtu.be/iYmCNrzE2EU

Prayers of Intercession: We sit or kneel Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

Prayers for the world: For Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Yemen (World Council of Churches prayers)For all who are trying to find God when he may seem far away. For all who pay a high price for following Jesus. For all reconciliation movements, especially for the work of Open Doors and the Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East.For justice and peace to prevail over violence and hatred For all who are in authority to exercise their power for the common good For the homeless and all refugees in winter. For a time when no one has to live in insanitary and crowded conditions.

Pandemic prayers For a swift global rollout of the vaccine For the safety of those who are most at risk For medical services, hospitals, paramedics, nurses and doctors and all who are overstretched by the increasing numbers of the sickFor people everywhere to act responsibly, not selfishly, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Prayers closer to homeFor the parish church of St Mary and Rector Tim Neill (Christians Together in Jersey prayers)Give thanks that the situation here in Jersey is better than in other places For the States of Jersey, for wisdom in all its decisions.For the sick, vulnerable, the lonely and bereaved and for all who seek to help them

For all who volunteer in charitable workGive thanks for signs of faith, hope and loveFor all who are mourning the death of a loved one

Merciful Father,accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Peace We stand to share the Peace: Christ is our peace. He has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross. We meet in his name and share his peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you.All: May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever more Amen.

Preparation of the Table:

THE OFFERTORY HYMN (when the offertory would have been taken)

In Christ alone https://youtu.be/JWiFYJMGas0

In Christ alone, my hope is foundHe is my light, my strength, my songThis Cornerstone, this solid GroundFirm through the fiercest drought and stormWhat heights of love, what depths of peace,When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!My Comforter, my All in AllHere in the love of Christ, I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on fleshFullness of God in helpless babe!This gift of love and righteousnessScorned by the ones he came to saveTill on that cross as Jesus diedThe wrath of God was satisfiedFor every sin on him was laidHere in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground his body layLight of the world by darkness slainThen bursting forth in glorious dayUp from the grave he rose againAnd as he stands in victorySin’s curse has lost its grip on meFor I am his and he is mineBought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in deathThis is power of Christ in meFrom life’s first cry to final breathJesus commands my destinyNo power of hell, no scheme of manCan ever pluck me from his handTill he returns or calls me homeHere in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

The Eucharistic Prayer The Lord be with you. 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.

Almighty God, good Father to us all, your face is turned towards your world. In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death. Your Word goes out to call us home to the city where angels sing your praise. We join with them in heaven’s song: 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. Hosanna in the highest.

Father of all, we give you thanks for every gift that comes from heaven. To the darkness Jesus came as your light. With signs of faith and words of hope he touched untouchables with love and washed the guilty clean. This is his story. This is our song: Hosanna in the highest

The crowds came out to see your Son, yet at the end they turned on him. On the night he was betrayed he came to table with his friends to celebrate the freedom of your people. This is his story This is our song: Hosanna in the highest.

Jesus blessed you, Father for the food; he took bread; gave thanks, broke it and said: This is my body, given for you all. Jesus then gave thanks for the wine; he took the cup, gave it and said: This is my blood, shed for you all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me. This is our story: This is our song; Hosanna in the highest.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup we celebrate the cross on which he died to set us free. Defying death he rose again and is alive with you to plead for us and all the world. This is his story. This is our song: Hosanna in the highest

Send your Spirit on us now that by these gifts we may feed on Christ with opened eyes and hearts on fire. May we and all who share this food offer ourselves to live for you and be welcomed at your feast in heaven where all creation worships you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer: Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Amen

Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you,. Eat in remembrance that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

Music during Communion Mozart – Clarinet Concerto (2nd movement) https://youtu.be/v-pHCF9cle0

Prayers after Communion We stand; God of glory, you nourish us with your Word who is the bread of life: fill us with your Holy Spirit that through us the light of your glory may shine in all the world.We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.

The Dismissal: The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen

THE FINAL HYMN

All my hope on thee is founded https://youtu.be/W3LCGh02Vew

All my hope on God is founded He doth still my trust renewMe through change and chance He guidethOnly good and only true.God unknown,, he aloneCalls my heart to be his own.

Human pride and earthly glorySword and crown betray his trustWhat with care and toil he buildethTow’r and temple, fall to dustBut God’s power, hour by hour, Is my temple and my tower

God’s great goodness aye endurethDeep his wisdom, passing thoughtSplendour, light and life attend himBeauty springeth out of naught.Evermore, from his storeNew-born worlds rise and adore.

Still from earth to God eternalSacrifice of praise be doneHigh above all praises praisingFor the gift of Christ his son.Christ doth call one and allYe who follow shall not fall,

The Grace: May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.

Final music Vivaldi arr. Bach – Concerto in A minor (1st movement)https://youtu.be/DvmIuX2SuLM