Easter 2

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER Hymns NEH 112, 106, 115, 118

FIRST READING Acts 4.32-35 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 133

Response: Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Behold how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity.

It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, even on Aaron’s beard,

running down upon the collar of his clothing. R

It is like the dew of Hermon, running down upon the hills of Zion.

For there the Lord has promised his blessing: even life for evermore. R

SECOND READING 1 John 1.1-2.2 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have no sin, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

GOSPEL John 20.19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL'S

Priest-in-Charge Fr John Ainslie (revjohnainslie@gmail.com; 01628 629827)

A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us for refreshments in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of a problem with the organ, it is unfortunately impossible for our service of music and readings, planned for 5 pm this (Sunday) afternoon, to take place. We do, however, hope to be able to plan similar services later in the year.

Our Services:

Thursday 11th April - Mass at 10.30 am in the Ascension Chapel; Fr Paul is kindly celebrating.

Next Sunday (14th April) – Sung Mass at 10.30 am.

Renewed thanks to all who contributed, in whatever way, to a memorable Holy Week and Easter Day at St Michael's - among them welcomers, servers, organists, singers, those who provided and served the refreshments, those who created the magnificent Easter Garden, readers, flower-arrangers, and our dedicated sacristan and sound engineer. Fr John was particularly glad to have Fr Paul concelebrating with him on Easter Day.

The Parochial Church Council meets briefly in church immediately after Mass today to pass the Accounts. Warmest thanks to Treasurer Nelly, who has had a particularly challenging time sorting out some queries and getting the accounts audited.

The Church Electoral Roll: today is the closing date for any amendments to the Electoral Roll. Please speak to Martyn immediately after Mass – he will be delighted to have your form. Thank you, Martyn!

More Forms! Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting takes place on April 28th after Mass. There are nomination forms in the narthex for offices we shall need to fill within the parish – Churchwarden, Deanery Synod member, PCC members – though nominations can also be made at the meeting.

Make a Difference Maidstone (MADM) is seeking an experienced part-time Finance Manager – exact hours and pay subject to negotiation. Contact this fast-developing local charity for the job details.

Family Trust are seeking volunteer leaders and cooks to help with two week-long camps (28th July-2nd August and 4th-11th August) intended to enable young people aged 9 to 12 to explore the Christian faith. Please contact Dean Colins (dean@familytrust.org.uk) for further information.

From Our Tower:

Kent County Association, Maidstone, Kent: St Michael and All Angels

Sunday, 24 March 2024 in 41m (6–1–24 in C)

1312 Lessness Surprise Major

  1. Pam Thomas
  2. Philip Jarvis
  3. Mark Elvers
  4. Jane L Kostelnyk
  5. Stephen Coaker
  6. Jacqueline Barlow
  7. Mike Birkbeck
  8. Neil Jones (C)

For Palm Sunday and thinking of all those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Friday, 29 March 2024 in 2h 41 (6–1–24 in C)

5040 Grandsire Triples

Composed by JJ Parker (12 part)

  1. Paul A Cammiade
  2. Josephine D Horton
  3. Jacqueline M Barlow
  4. Fiona M Wheeler
  5. Ruth Blackwell
  6. Richard A Pearce
  7. Stephen A Wheeler (C)
  8. Neil W Jones

Rung half-muffled on Good Friday

On St George's Day, 23rd April, at 7.30 pm, a quarter-peal will be rung.

Among the sick we pray especially for: Paul, Margaret, Ellie, Pauline, Rue, Fr Leon, Antony, Fran, Ellie, Tom, Joseph, Peter, Joan, Margaret, Lindsay, Glynis, Ethan, Sarah, Yvonne, Jessica, HM The King and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Among the Departed: Patricia Nolan, recently departed, and those whose year's mind occurs at this time, includng:Thomas Gresley-Summers, priest; Derek Moody, priest.

Could you pass this sheet on to someone else who might like to see it?

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