04/08/2026
Services alternate between our Grouped parishes
SERVICE CHANGE - INFORMATION
Following a review of service provision at meetings of both Select Vestries a decision has been taken which affects the current pattern of worship.
From SEPTEMBER - St Polycarp’s will have a service each Sunday at 10am.
The Church of the Epiphany will continue with the current alternate weekly service provision although the service time will be 11:30am.
This pattern will be reviewed after six months.
The Tenth Sunday after Trinity
9 August 2026
SAINT POLYCARP’S PARISH CHURCH
10:30am Holy Communion Revd. Louise Stewart.
COLLECT
Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and that they may obtain their petitions,
make them to ask such things as shall please you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 14: 22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,* for the wind was against them.25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake.26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind,* he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
PRAYERS
Lord of peace, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, who stopped the strong wind and stilled the storm: May your merciful love be known across the earth, and your gentle peace still the tumult of this busy world. We pray for nations and communities suffering from war, violence, and unrest especially Those in the Middle and Far East, Crimea and Russia, We lift up all those who labour for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, as your disciples crossed the stormy waters and you protected them, so we pray for your Church throughout the world. May our churches be places of shelter, courage, peace and hope in a troubled world. We pray for George, our bishop, for Louise our Rector and for all who serve, worship and witness in our joint parishes.
Lord of peace,
Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you took your friend Peter by the hand, and drew him out of the cold waters. Lift up, we pray you, all those suffering in body, mind, and spirit. We pray for those in hospice , hospital or confined to home. Give them
peace and courage in a time of trouble, and grant wisdom and patience to all who care for them.
Lord of peace,
Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you spent the night in prayer up on the mountain. In this busy world, teach us to pray and give us grace that we might be still and know that you are God. Bless us with your grace and help us to grow in faith, this day and every day.
Lord of peace,
Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you told your disciples to take heart when they were struck with fear. We pray for all those who mourn, and we remember before you all those who have died, whom we love but see no longer. Grant unto them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Lord of peace
Hear our prayer.
Merciful Father,
accept these our prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ
Amen.
