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
First Sunday after Trinity
Sunday 7th June 2026
Father Paul welcomes us to our summer series of Meeting Point as we travel from Jerusalem to Rome and learn more about our discipleship.
HYMN –
And did those feet in ancient time
walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
on England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
among these dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
till we have built Jerusalem
in England’s green and pleasant land.
Words: William Blake (1757-1827)
Music: Charles Parry (1848-1918)
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.
HYMN
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Lord?
No, I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Lord?
No, I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Lord?
No, I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let in shine
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. Acts 4 ; 32-25, 5: 12-16
Not going to let anyone blow it up
So I’m going to let it shine
Not going to let anyone blow it up
So I’m going to let it shine
Not going to let anyone blow it up
Let it shine, let it shine, let in shine
Ev’rywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
Ev’rywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
Ev’ry where I go,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
MEDITATION – Unity and enthusiasm – marks of the Jerusalem Church
A mountain farewell, a Trinitarian blessing and a commission for us all
HYMN
Go forth and tell! O church of God, awake!
God's saving news to all the nations take;
proclaim Christ Jesus, saviour, Lord, and king,
that all the world his worthy praise may sing.
Go forth and tell! God's love embraces all;
he will in grace respond to all who call:
how shall they call if they have never heard
the gracious invitation of his word?
Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:
share God's good gifts let no one be denied;
live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,
your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.
Go forth and tell! O church of God, arise!
go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies;
go till all nations his great name adore
and serve him, Lord and king for evermore
James Seddon (1915 - 1983) The Jubilate Group
Tune: Woodlands – Walter Greatorex (1877 – 1949)
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