Other Feasts and Holy Days
The Naming of Jesus
1 January
Sentence
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among us by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Collects
We thank you, Lord God, for the gift of your Son
whom you commanded to be called Jesus;
grant that we may so honour his name on earth,
that others may be led to him who alone is Lord and Saviour.
Praise to you, Christ our Redeemer
for you were circumcised this day
and given Jesus as your name.
Praise to you, Jesus, well are you named
for you save us from our sins.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Eternal God,
to whom a thousand years are no more than a moment;
renew us in your Holy Spirit,
so that we may serve you with courage
while we have life and breath;
through the grace of Jesus your Son.
God of time and eternity,
as we enter this new year
day by day
open us to your new age.
Psalms 25:1-11; 98
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 45:15-23 Philippians 2:3-11 Luke 2:15-21 |
A God who saves The name above every name He was called Jesus |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 67 | Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:15-21 |
Post Communion Sentence
You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
The Conversion of Saint Paul
25 January
Sentence
I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what he has entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:12
Collects
Almighty God,
you have caused the light of the gospel
to shine throughout the world
through the preaching of your servant Paul;
grant that we who remember his wonderful conversion
may follow him in bearing witness to your truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Convert us,
Jesus the persecuted,
as you converted Paul
and sent him as apostle to the world.
May our love, our prayers, our suffering
carry your gospel at whatever cost
to all who wait to hear it.
Psalms 67; 87
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Jeremiah 1:4-10 Acts 9:1-20 Matthew 19:23-30 |
A prophet’s appointment The conversion of Paul Loss and gain |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 117 | Acts 22:3-16 Or
9:1-22 Galatians 1:11-24 Mark 16:15-18 |
Post Communion Sentence
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
2 February
Sentence
Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24
Collects
Everliving God,
your Son Jesus Christ was presented as a child in the temple
to be the hope of your people;
grant us pure hearts and minds
that we may be transformed into his likeness,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever.
Holy God,
they brought the little Christ to his Father’s house,
with peasant gifts, to consecrate him;
grant to us, little or great,
that consecration.
Psalms 118:19-26; 122
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| 1 Samuel 1:20-28 Romans 12:1-8 Luke 2:22-40 |
A child lent to the Lord Presentation and transformation The presentation of the child Jesus |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 24 | Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 |
Post Communion Sentence
We have called to mind your steadfast love O God in the midst of your temple. As your name is great O God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth: your right hand is filled with victory. Psalm 48:9,10
Holy Innocents
16 February (alternative date)
Saint Matthias the Apostle
24 February
Sentence
You have not chosen me, I have chosen you, says the Lord. Go and bear fruit that will last. John 15:16
Collects
Almighty God,
your faithful apostle Matthias
was chosen in place of Judas;
grant that your Church may be saved from false teachers
and guided by faithful and true pastors,
to the glory of your holy name.
Holy Spirit, grant to us who serve your Church
to mend what is spoiled,
to strengthen what is sound,
and to follow you
wherever and however you may lead.
Psalms 119:33-40; 61
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 22:15-22 Acts 1:15-26 Matthew 7:15-20 |
An unworthy steward replaced The choice of Matthias Beware of false prophets |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 113 | Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Philippians 3:13-21 John 15:9-17 |
Post Communion Sentence
One of them must become with us a witness of the resurrection of Jesus. Acts 1:22
The Annunciation of our Saviour to the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 25
Sentence
Mary said, ‘Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38
Collects
God of grace,
grant that Mary’s obedience may inspire us
to obey your will
and receive Jesus Christ in our hearts as Lord;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God for ever.
Father of love,
through your most Holy Spirit,
Mary the Jewish girl conceived your Son;
may his beauty, his humanity,
his all-transforming grace be born in us,
and may we never despise the strange and stirring gentleness
of your almighty power.
Psalms 89:1-18; 45
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 7:10-14 Galatians 4:1-7 Luke 1:26-38 |
A young woman shall conceive Born of a woman The message of Gabriel |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 40:8-13 | Isaiah 7:10-14 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 |
Post Communion Sentence
And Mary said, ‘From this day all generations will call me blessed; for you O Most Mighty have done great things for me, and holy is your name.’ Luke 1:48,49 (adapted)
Saint Mark the Evangelist
26 April
Sentence
Go out into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
Collects
Almighty God,
by your grace John Mark rose above failure,
and proved useful in your service;
grant that we may steadfastly abide in Christ,
and be fruitful in good works,
to the honour of your name.
When new fashions, new ideas, new fears,
burst on us, unchanging God,
grant us then to know with Mark the evangelist,
that Christ is risen
and the gospel stands.
Psalms 119:1-8; 62
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 52:7-10 Ephesians 6:10-20 Or Acts 15:36-40 Mark 13:9-13 |
Messengers of salvation Stand fast Mark and Barnabas Enduring to the end |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 89:1-9 | Isaiah 62:6-12 Ephesians 4:7-16 Or 1 Peter 5:5b-14 Mark 16:15-20 |
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him as he told you. Mark 16:7
Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
1 May
Sentence
Jesus said, ‘Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’ John 14:13
Collects
Merciful God,
whom truly to know is eternal life;
teach us to know your Son Jesus Christ
as the way, the truth and the life
that, following in the steps of your apostles Philip and James,
we may walk in the way that leads to eternal life;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
God,
whose work is never done,
look on us with Philip, James,
and all the countless millions
who have served you, and who serve you still.
Psalms 119:9-16; 33
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 30:18-21 Acts 2:36-43 John 14:1-12 |
Walk in the way The apostles’ teaching and fellowship Lord, show us the Father |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 19:1-6 | Isaiah 30:18-21 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 John 14:6-14 |
Post Communion Sentence
O Lord the heavens proclaim your wonders: and the council of the holy ones praises your faithfulness. Psalm 89:5
Saint John the Evangelist
May 6 (alternative date)
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
31 May or 2 July
Sentence
The Lord has lifted up the lowly and has filled the hungry with good things. Luke 1:52,53
Collects
Everloving God,
by your grace Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary
and hailed her as the mother of the Lord.
Fill us with your grace,
that we may acclaim her Son as our Saviour
and rejoice in our fellowship with him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of the humble and expectant,
you bless those who believe when you promise;
help us, like Mary and Elizabeth,
simply to delight
in the good things you prepare for us,
to say, ‘Yes’.
Psalms 113; 121
Readings
| Zechariah 2:10-13 Romans 12:9-16 Luke 1:39-56 |
The Lord will live among you Love one another Mary and Elizabeth |
Post Communion Sentence
Blessèd is she who believed that the Lord’s promise would be fulfilled. Luke 1:45
Saint Barnabas the Apostle
11 June
Sentence
When Barnabas came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Acts 11:23
Collects
Almighty God,
we remember today your servant Barnabas,
whose great joy was to proclaim your love;
grant us also the gift of your Holy Spirit,
to bring others to know your goodness,
to encourage the faint-hearted
and to minister to those in need;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Holy and humble Spirit,
we thank you for Barnabas
who went to seek for Saul;
grant us the integrity and perception
to recognise the one you choose.
Psalms 34; 119:153-160
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Job 29:7-16 Acts 11:19-30 John 15:12-17 |
The compassion of Job The mission of Barnabas Love one another |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 98 | Job 29:11-16 Acts 11:19-26 Or 21b-26;13:1-3 Matthew 10:7-13 |
Post Communion Sentence
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Acts 11:24
Saint John the Baptist
24 June
Sentence
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came to bear witness to the light. John 1:6,7
Collects
God our strength and our hope,
grant us the courage of John the Baptist,
constantly to speak the truth,
boldly to rebuke vice
and patiently to suffer for the truth’s sake;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Terror and doom, and wrath to come,
John your herald preached
to bring us to repentance;
open our eyes, almighty God,
show us our sin,
and grant us forgiveness.
Psalms 75; 119:41-48
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Malachi 4 Acts 19:1-6 Luke 1:57-80 Or Matthew 11:2-19 | Elijah, the prophet to come John’s baptism The birth of John the Baptist John and Jesus |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 139:1-11 | Isaiah 49:1-6 Acts 13:(16-)22-26 Luke 1:57-66,80 |
Post Communion Sentence
You will go before the Lord to prepare the way, to give God’s people knowledge of salvation. Luke 1:76,77
Saint Peter and Saint Paul,
Apostles, Martyrs
29 June
Sentence
His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11,12
Collects
Almighty God
we thank you for your servants Peter and Paul,
leaders of your Church and martyrs for your name;
fill us like them with your Spirit
that we may follow in the way of Jesus Christ
who endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and is at your right hand,
now and for ever.
God of the new and the old,
we praise you for Peter and Paul,
for the Church their leadership has established,
and for all we have received from them;
grant that we, like them,
may recognise our moment when it comes
and choose for you.
God of grace,
your Church is built on Peter’s faith;
grant that we, like him, forgiven and restored,
may overcome our weakness
and serve you without wavering,
now and for ever.
Psalms 18:1-7; 61
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Ezekiel 34:11-16 Or Ezekiel 3:4-11 1 Corinthians 3:18 - 4:1 Or 2 Timothy 4:1-8 John 21:15-19 Or Matthew 16:13-19 |
The good shepherd A prophet’s endowment of strength Servant of Christ I have fought the good fight Peter’s death foretold The great confession |
THREE YEAR SERIES
St Peter
| Psalm 34:1-10 | Acts 12:1-11 2 Timothy 4:6-18 Or 6-8,17-18 Matthew 16:13-19 |
Post Communion Sentence
By God’s power Paul was made an apostle to the gentiles, just as Peter was made an apostle to the Jews. Galatians 2:8 (adapted)
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
2 July (alternative date)
Saint Thomas, Apostle, Martyr
3 July (alternative date)
Saint Mary Magdalene
22 July
Sentence
Jesus said to Mary, ‘Go to my friends and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ John 20:17
Collects
Merciful God,
your Son restored Mary Magdalene to health
of body and mind
and called her to be a witness
of his resurrection;
heal us and make us whole
that we may serve you
in the power of his risen life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sweet is your friendship, Saviour Christ;
Mary you accepted,
Mary you drew to the foot of the cross,
Mary you met in the garden;
grant us a like redemption.
Psalms 116; 124
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 65:17-19 2 Corinthians 5:14-19 John 20:11-18 | An end to weeping A new creation Revelation to Mary |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 63 | Song of Songs 3:1-4a 2 Corinthians 5:14-17(-21) John 20:1-18 Or 1-2,11-18 |
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). John 20:16
Saint James and Saint John, Apostles
25 July
Sentence
Jesus said, ‘In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33b
Collects
Grant to us, merciful God,
that as James and John left their father
and all that they had
to follow your Son Jesus Christ,
so may we be ready to follow,
even unto death,
to the glory of your name.
Grant us, Christ our life,
the courage of James and John, your friends,
to undergo your baptism,
to drink the cup you drank,
to follow you, even to the place of death.
These collects may be used omitting the references to John.
Psalms 16; 129
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Jeremiah 26:11-24 Acts 11:27 - 12:3a Mark 10:35-45 |
The price of witness to truth The martyrdom of James The cost of discipleship |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 126 | Jeremiah 45 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Matthew 20:20-28 |
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said to them, ‘You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ Matthew 20:23
Saint Stephen, the first Christian Martyr
August 3 (alternative date)
The Transfiguration of the Beloved Son
6 August
TWO YEAR SERIES
Sentence, Prayers and Readings for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, page 565.
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 97 | Daniel 7:9-14 Or 9-10,13-14 2 Peter 1:16-19(-21) |
A |
B |
C |
| Matthew 17:1-9 | Mark 9: 2-10 | Luke 9:28b-36 |
COLLECT OF
Epiphany 4
Saint Mary, the Mother of Jesus
15 August
Sentence
The Angel Gabriel came to her and said, ‘Hail, O favoured one!’ Luke 1:28a
Collect
God of love,
you chose the blessèd virgin Mary
to be the mother of your only Son;
grant that we who have been redeemed by his blood,
may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus, your birth is wonderful
and your mother is the most beloved woman of all time.
Help all of us who believe in you
to honour each other equally,
whatever our gender,
whatever our ability,
whatever our social state may be.
Psalms 34:1-4; 146
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 61:7-11 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 1:46-55 |
Yours shall be everlasting joy Born of a woman Magnificat |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 132:6-10, 13-14 | Isaiah 7:10-15 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 1:46-55 Or Luke 2:1-7 |
Post Communion Sentence
Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you! The Holy Spirit will come upon you. Luke 1:28,35
Saint Bartholomew (Nathanael), Apostle
24 August
Sentence
What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5
Collects
Almighty God,
grant that as the apostle Bartholomew truly believed
and preached the word of life,
so now your Church may continually hear and proclaim
the gospel of Jesus Christ,
to the glory of your name.
Bestow upon us, Lord,
the grace of the honest and open heart
which you gave to Bartholomew,
so that we may rightly discern the truth
and willingly believe in your Son Jesus Christ.
Psalms 112; 116
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Genesis 28:10-17
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 John 1: 45-51 |
Jacob’s vision The apostolic preaching The call of Nathanael |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 145:10-18 | Deuteronomy 18:15-18 Revelation 21:9b-14 John 1:45-51 |
Post Communion Sentence
When Jesus saw Nathanael he said, ‘Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false!’ John 1:47 (adapted)
Builders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
1 September
Sentence
Call to remembrance O Lord your tender care and the unfailing love which you have shown from of old. Psalm 25:5
Collects
Everlasting God,
your messengers have carried the good news of Christ
to the ends of the earth;
grant that we who commemorate
the builders of your Church in these islands
may know the truth of the gospel in our hearts
and build well on the foundations they have laid;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of every generation
that has been and is yet to be,
we praise and thank you
for those who have served and shaped
your Church beneath the Southern Cross;
in our day
raise up prophets and visionaries
to bring us new insights, new challenges
and renewed confidence in you
and the gospel of your Son.
Psalms 126; 145
Readings
| Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 Or Proverbs 8:1-13 1 Corinthians 3:11-17 Matthew 5:1-12 |
Famous people of the past Wisdom for the people Christ the true foundation The beatitudes |
Post Communion Sentence
Come to him, our living stone; come and let yourselves be built as living stones into a spiritual temple. 1 Peter 2:4-6 (adapted)
Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist
21 September
Sentence
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20
Collects
Gracious and eternal God,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you called Matthew from his place of business
to be an apostle and evangelist;
free us from all greed and selfish love of money
that we may follow in the steps
of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Jesus, Word of God, may we hear your call
to lay aside sharp practices and ruthlessness;
and still, like Matthew, to love
all those with whom we live and work.
Psalms 146; 119:121-128
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Proverbs 3:13-23 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Matthew 9:9-13 |
The true riches Right use of wealth The call of Matthew |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 19:1-6 | Proverbs 3:1-6 Ephesians 4:1-14 Or 1-7,11-13 Matthew 9:9-13 |
Post Communion Sentence
For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Saint Michael and All Angels
29 September
Sentence
I looked, and heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. Revelation 5:11
Collects
Almighty and everlasting God,
whom we adore with all the angelic host,
may we always rejoice in your heavenly protection
and serve you faithfully in this present life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Make us your messengers, Jesus,
make us the guardians of your faith,
and grant us also that great and ancient vision
Michael,
numberless angels
the dazzling host of heaven
to accompany and inspire us for all time.
Psalms 103:15-22; 91
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Daniel 10:18-21 Revelation 12:7-12 Matthew 18:1-14 |
The angelic champion The dragon overthrown Guardian angels |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 138:1-6 | Daniel 7:9-14 Or 9-10, 13-14 Revelation 12:7-12a John 1:45-51 |
Post Communion Sentence
O praise the Lord all you angels, you mighty ones who do God’s bidding: and heed the command of the Most High. Psalm 103:20
Saint Luke the Evangelist
18 October
Sentence
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good tidings of salvation. Isaiah 52:7
Collects
Almighty God,
you inspired Luke the physician to proclaim
the love and healing power of your Son;
give your Church grace through his teaching
to strengthen the afflicted,
heal the desolate
and bind up the broken-hearted;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus, the crucified,
let not our feet take us from suffering
to the other side of the road;
keep us, with Luke,
helpers, healers and bearers of hope.
Psalms 78:1-7; 62
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Ecclesiasticus 38:1-14 Or Jeremiah 30:10-17 2 Timothy 4:5-18 Luke 1:1-4 Or Luke 10:1-9 |
Honour a physician The healing of the nation Paul and his companions Luke’s preface of dedication The seventy |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 145:10-18 | Jeremiah 8:22- 9:3 2 Timothy 4:9-17a Luke 10:1-9 |
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ Luke 5:31
Saint James of Jerusalem, Brother of our Lord
23 October
Sentence
How good and pleasant a thing it is when God’s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1
Collects
Grant, O God,
that following the example of your servant James,
the brother of our Lord,
your Church may give itself continually
to prayer and to the reconciliation
of all who are at variance and enmity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of revelation and reform,
we thank you for James
and his change from unbelief
to knowing Jesus, his brother, as Saviour,
and dying for his faith.
Grant that when we are wrong
we may trust you enough to change.
Psalms 1; 119:65-72
Readings
| Genesis 33:1-11 Acts 15:12-22a Matthew 13:53-58 |
Jacob and Esau reconciled The Council of Jerusalem James the brother of Jesus |
Post Communion Sentence
The risen Christ appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:7
Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
28 October
Sentence
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9
Collects
Almighty God,
your Church is built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets
with Christ our Lord as the cornerstone;
grant that, united with them in faith and love,
we may be part of that living temple
which is being built to your glory,
now and for ever.
Your Church, Christ Jesus,
is home for the Judes and Simons,
recognition for the unregarded,
hope for the hopeless,
fulfilment for the obscure.
Make us proud of those whom you call friend.
Psalms 134; 99
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Isaiah 28:14-18 Ephesians 2:11-22 Luke 6:12-19 |
A sure foundation You are God’s temple The choice of the twelve |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 19:1-6 | Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Ephesians 2:(11-) 19-22 Luke 6:12-16 |
Post Communion Sentence
But you, my friends, must build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 20
All Saints’ Day
1 November
Sentence
Know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power in us who believe. Ephesians 1:18,19
Collects
Almighty God,
your saints are one with you
in the mystical body of Christ;
give us grace to follow them
in all virtue and holiness
until we come to those inexpressible joys
which you have prepared for those
who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eternal God,
you have always taken men and women
of every nation, age and colour
and made them saints;
like them, transformed,
like them, baptised in Jesus’ name,
take us to share your glory.
Psalms 1; 145
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Daniel 12:1-3 Revelation 7:1-4, 9-17 Matthew 5:1-12 |
The rule of the saints The triumph of the saints The character of the saints |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 24:1-6 | Revelation 7:2-14 or 2-4, 9-14 1 John 3:10-13 Matthew 5:1-12a |
Post Communion Sentence
These are they who have put off mortal clothing and have put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God; now they are being crowned, and receive palms. 2 Esdras 2:45
Prayer after Communion
God,
we give you praise and glory
for all your saints,
who have followed the way of Christ
in the power of the Holy Spirit.
May we learn from their example and rejoice in your call to us
to bring your kingdom to all.
We praise and thank you Holy Spirit of God,
for the men and women you have called to be saints;
from your first fallible, frightened friends
who followed you to Jerusalem,
through the centuries of discovery and growth,
people of every class and temperament
down to the present day.
We praise you, Holy Spirit, for calling us
to serve you now,
for baptising us to represent you
in this broken world.
Help us to be Christ’s united body to heal and reconcile;
help us to share Christ’s life with everyone.
Lord of hosts,
we praise your glory reflected in your saints;
may we who share at this table
be filled with the joy of your eternal kingdom,
where Jesus is Lord
now and for ever.
Saint Andrew, Apostle, Martyr
30 November
Sentence
Andrew said, ‘Here are five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’ John 6:9
Collects
Everliving God,
your apostle Andrew obeyed the call of your Son
and followed him without delay;
grant that we like him may give ourselves readily
to do what you command;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Jesus, when you call
may we like Andrew leave our nets,
our home, our everything, to follow you.
Psalms 67; 107:23-32
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Jonah 3:1-10 Romans 10:12-18 Matthew 4:17-22 Or John 1:35-42a |
Response from the gentiles Good news for all The call of Andrew |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 19:1-6 | Deuteronomy 30:11-14 Romans 10:8-18 Matthew 4:18-22 |
Post Communion Sentence
Andrew first found his brother Simon, and said to him,‘We have found the Messiah,’ and he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41,42
Saint Thomas, the Apostle
21 December or 3 July
Sentence
Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ John 20:29
Collects
Almighty and everliving God,
your Son’s resurrection was doubted
by the apostle Thomas;
grant that though we cannot see Jesus,
we may learn to put our whole trust in him,
our Lord and our God.
Christ our light,
like Thomas we need to see,
need to touch,
need to be sure before we believe.
When we don’t know, help us to trust;
when we can’t see, help us to keep on walking.
Psalms 27; 66
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Job 42:1-6 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:24-31 |
Now my eyes see Believing without seeing Thomas sees and believes |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 117 | Habakkuk 2:1-4 Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29 |
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.’ John 20:27
Saint Stephen, the first Christian Martyr
26 December or 3 August
Sentence
Stephen said, ‘I can see heaven open, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.’ Acts 7:56
Collects
Merciful God,
give us grace in all our sufferings for the truth
to follow the example
of your martyr Stephen,
that we also may look to him who was crucified
and pray for those who persecute us;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Jesus,
your glory is not in power alone
but even more in suffering and death;
may Stephen’s vision
crown our resolution and keep us true.
Psalms 73:24-28; 119:9-16
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 Acts 7:54-60 Matthew 23:34-38 |
The blood of Zechariah The stoning of Stephen Rejection of the prophets |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 31;1-8 | 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60 Matthew 10:17-22 |
Post Communion Sentence
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8
Saint John, the Evangelist
27 December or 6 May
Sentence
The life was made visible, we have seen it, and bear our testimony; we here declare to you the eternal life which dwelt with the Father and was made visible to us. 1 John 1:2
Collects
God our Father,
we praise you for John, your evangelist,
whose gospel reveals the mystery of the Word made flesh;
grant that, enlightened by his teaching,
we may walk in the way of your truth,
and finally come to the light of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus,
new beginning, heavenly bread, living water,
we hear the word of life,
we see and grasp the truth;
help us to proclaim it.
Psalms 27; 71
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Exodus 33:17-23 1 John 1:1-7 John 21:20-25 |
A vision of divine glory A life made manifest The beloved disciple |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 97 | Proverbs 8:22-31 1 John 1:1-5 John 20:2-8 |
Post Communion Sentence
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus. John 13:23
The Holy Innocents
28 December or 16 February
Sentence
I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
Collects
Holy Father,
your Son was saved from the slaughter of infants
at the hand of Herod;
grant that we may never be indifferent
to the sufferings of your children,
but may bring them help and compassion in your unfailing love,
now and for ever.
Loving Jesus, let the tears of Rachel express our desolation,
let her weep for battered babies and clinical deformity,
weep for human cruelty and ignorance and arrogance.
Loving Jesus, may we weep with her,
may we see what we are doing,
what is happening to us;
help us repair it soon.
Psalms 131; 8
Readings
TWO YEAR SERIES
| Jeremiah 31:15-17 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 Matthew 2:13-18 |
Hope in sorrow The weakness of God The murder of the innocents |
THREE YEAR SERIES
| Psalm 124 | Jeremiah 31:15-20 1 John 1:5-2:2 Matthew 2:13-18 |
Post Communion Sentence
It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from humanity as first fruits for God and the Lamb. Revelation 14:4