Trinity 16
TRINITY 16 Hymns 420, 271, 376, 339
FIRST READING Exodus 16.2-15 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.' Then the [Lord]{.smallcaps} said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.’ So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you shall know that it was the [Lord]{.smallcaps} who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the [Lord]{.smallcaps}, because he has heard your complaining against the [Lord]{.smallcaps}. For what are we, that you complain against us?’ And Moses said, ‘When the [Lord]{.smallcaps} gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the [Lord]{.smallcaps} has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the [Lord]{.smallcaps}.’Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the [Lord]{.smallcaps}, for he has heard your complaining.” ’ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the [Lord]{.smallcaps} appeared in the cloud. The [Lord]{.smallcaps} spoke to Moses and said, ’I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the [Lord]{.smallcaps} your God.” ’In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the [Lord]{.smallcaps} has given you to eat.'
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 105 Response: Remember the marvels the Lord has done
He struck all the first-born in their land, the finest flower of their sons.
He led out Israel with silver and gold. In his tribes were none who fell behind.
Egypt rejoiced when they left, for dread had fallen upon them.
He spread a cloud as a screen, and fire to give light in the darkness. R
When they asked for food he sent quails; he filled them with bread from heaven.
He pierced the rock to give them water; it gushed forth in the desert like a river.
For he remembered his holy word, which he gave to Abraham his servant. R
So he brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.
And he gave them the land of the nations. They took the fruit of other men’s toil,
That thus they might keep his precepts, that thus they might observe his laws. Alleluia. R
SECOND READING Philippians 1.21-30 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you, for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
GOSPEL Matthew 20.1-16 ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’
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NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL'S
A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. A special welcome and thanks to Fr Paul Matthias, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be saying Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly.
Welcome, too, to Harry, whose Baptism takes place during this morning's Mass. We assure him of our support and our prayers as he sets out on his Christian journey.
Thank you so much to all who joined the Garden Working Party yesterday, and to Martyn for arranging it. It was a sunny and companionable morning, and you have really made a difference!
The Maidstone Deanery Roadshow at St Luke's, Maidstone, on October 16th at 7 pm - what is it? Deanery Roadshows are a chance for parishes to learn about the financial plans of the diocese and how they will affect the deanery and its parishes. Those present can ask questions and, indeed, make representations about financial matters that concern them. Recently St Michael's has made its presence felt, and its voice heard, on these occasions. Please note the date and try to come along.
Flowers in church: Members of the congregation sometimes wish to dedicate a flower arrangement in church in memory of a loved one. If you would like to do this, please have a word with Margaret G., who can provide information and help.
We shall be welcoming the St Michael's Schools for their Michaelmas-and-Harvest Service on Friday, 29th September, at 9.30 am. Please, after today's Mass, can you kindly move kneelers out of the way to maximise the available space, and see that all books are returned to the back of church?
The Family Trust – which focuses on encouraging children and young people to explore the Christian faith – seeks to appoint a new Schools Worker to join its team in this part of Kent. A rewarding opportunity for service and mission! Details at https://www.familytrust.org.uk/join-our-team.
Choral Evensong often speaks not only to active Anglicans but to many people whose links with the Church are far less definite. Everyone will be welcome at Choral Evensong at St Michael's on Sunday, 29th October, with a gathered choir conducted by Gareth James. Do pass the word around!
Don't forget our Michaelmas Lunch next Sunday, 1st October! If you are able and willing to bring a contribution of food, please sign up on the pink list at back of church. Thank you to Alison and all the other angels who are helping to make this a joyful occasion for everyone! All are welcome.
Our Harvest Thanksgiving will be just a week later, on October 8th. Everyone is invited to enjoy a glass of wine and cake after Mass. Please, if you can, come to church with an offering of food to be delivered to the Christian Care Foodbank in Knightrider Street. Imperishable food is most welcome, but so is fresh garden produce. Thank you in advance for your generosity – particularly appreciated in these difficult times.
From Our Tower: Kent County Association - Maidstone, Kent: St Michael and All Angels
Sunday, 10 September 2023 in 41m (6–1–24 in C): 1317 Gangnam Surprise Minor
- Janice Byrne
- Jacqueline Barlow
- Philip Jarvis
- Mark Elvers
- Stephen Coaker
- Neil Jones (C)
Rung on the Saint's Day of St Thomas of Villanova.
Sunday, 17 September 2023 in 44m (6–1–24 in C): 1260 Stedman Triples
- Philip Jarvis
- Kath White
- Jacqueline Barlow
- Emma Jarvis
- Paul Barton
- Mark Elvers
- Neil Jones (C)
- Mike Birkbeck
1st of Stedman: 6.
Rung on the Saint's Day of Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen
Readers' List for October – warmest thanks to all our readers!
1st October OT Margaret Gatehouse, NT Mike Trout
8th October OT Catherine Garland, NT Alison Heywood
15th October OT Ralph Baldock, NT Katja Svarts
22nd October OT Paul Jones, NT William Danes-Volkov
29th October OT Team Kwalombota, NT Eleanor Relle
(If unable to read on the day listed, please try to arrange a swap with another reader).