St. Michael's Church, Rocester

St. Michael's Church, Rocester A Family Centred Church where everyone is welcome and every Sunday is full of fun . . .

30/08/2026

30th August Prayers for holiday

Thought for the day

Creator God, we glimpse your beauty

in setting sun, mountain top, eagle's wing.

We sense your power in thunder crash,

lightning flash and ocean's roar.

Creator God we praise you



Precious Jesus, we see your love

stretched out upon a cruel cross.

We stand in awe at your sacrifice,

pure love poured out for humankind.

Precious Jesus we praise you



Holy Spirit, we see your power

in lives transformed, hearts on fire.

We listen for your still, small voice,

comforting, guiding, calling.

Holy Spirit we praise you

Amen



God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

(Psalm 46:1-3)



In our moments of doubt

and unbelief,

when worldly pressure

or circumstance

become the distance

between us,

draw near, we pray.

Remind us of the grace

that we first knew,

your healing touch,

the Father’s love,

the Spirit’s breath.

Grant us courage,

a faith that endures

and the sure knowledge

that you are with us

in our journeying,

now and always.



Set our hearts on fire with love of thee, O Christ our God,

that in that flame we may love thee with all our heart,

with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength,

and our neighbours as ourselves;

so that, keeping thy commandments,

we may glorify thee, the giver of all good gifts.



Source unknown (Eastern Orthodox)



For the glory of the heavens

set above us,

the majesty of the earth

surrounding us

and the mysteries of nature

that amaze us,

we stand in awe and thank you.

For your love which every day

has cared for us,

the protection of your arms

which shelter us

and the mystery of your grace

offered to us,

we stand in awe and thank you.

Amen

Faith and Worship

29/08/2026

29th August Prayers for holiday

Thought for the day



Find a quiet place, if you can, where you can enjoy precious moments of peace in God's presence.



It was not

to the rich and famous,

the powerful

intellectual

or influential

that you came to earth

and entrusted your Word,

but to fishermen,

outcasts and sinners,

ordinary people.

And to ordinary people

like us

you have revealed

the things of heaven

that we might become the

bearers of Good News!

So we praise you, Lord

for revelation

and the message

of Salvation.







Consider the challenge of your calling; to be set aside for service,

to be the voice, hands and love of Christ in your neighbourhood and workplace.



Be encouraged by the words of the Psalmist:



The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalm 34:17-19

We want to serve you in this world,

be the ones through whom

many will be drawn to the light,

show your love where there

is a need for love to be shown,

be your touch where there

are broken lives to be made whole,

speak your word in faith

against those who deny your power,

and yet we confess

we hesitate to speak your name,

are daily tempted

to listen to this world’s voice.

So we come again

to your feet, and in faith proclaim

‘Thanks be to God, who forgives us

through Jesus Christ our Lord!’

Amen

This day is precious,

created as it is

for each one of us

to fulfil our purpose.

This day is precious,

treat it with care.

Amen

Faith and Worship

28/08/2026

28th August Prayers during holiday

Thought for the day

Take a moment to listen to the still small voice of God within the bustle of the day which has begun.

The heavens declare your glory,

the skies exalt your name,

and though no anthems are sung,

no sermons written

or candles lit,

within the beauty

of dawn’s breaking chorus,

sun rising,

stars at night,

lies more theology

than any hymn that we could sing.

So we behold your glory,

and in our hearts

join with the heavens

in rejoicing.



Spend a moment or two to reflect on God’s impact on your life.

You have called us

to be your people,

to follow where you lead,

be obedient to your word

and bring your Good News

wherever we might go.

Forgive the impatience

and lack of faith

which causes us to stumble;

when we prefer our way

to yours.

Draw us back into your arms,

as prodigals to their Father

and grant us patience

and perseverance

in our journeying with you.



Journey into this day knowing that whatever should happen we can never be separated from the love of God, that when we are low He raises us, and when we are on the mountain top He rejoices with us.







Remind us often, Lord

that we are chosen

to share the good news,

and point the way to you.



Remind us often, Lord

that in our labours

we can show your love

in everything we do



Remind us often, Lord

that through your power

we can do all things,

your Spirit sets us free.



Remind us often, Lord

that we are chosen

to live by your Word

and reveal your glory!

Amen

27/08/2026

27th August Prayers

Thought for the day



This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118 v24



I awaken to your world

I listen to your world

I gaze at your world

I breathe in your world

I feel your world

I rejoice in your world

Amen



Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. I’m glad that you make daily a new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh.

Francis de Sales



So, as we begin this new day with the Lord let us give thanks for His glory.



Yours, Lord is the Glory

in everything I see;

a country scene,

mountain stream,

sunrise, sunset, rain and snow.

Yours, Lord is the Glory

wherever I might go



Yours, Lord is the Glory

in everything I hear;

a roaring sea,

bumblebee,

laughter, loving, a tender poem.

Yours, Lord is the Glory

wherever I might go



Yours, Lord is the Glory

in everything I feel;

a special place,

warm embrace,

accepted, helped to become whole

Amen



"..I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)

For the many blessings

of daily life; knowing

that you walk with us

through light and dark,

our strength and peace;

that your gentle whisper

is heard when wisdom,

love and grace required;

that you forgive when we

inevitably stumble,

and help us to our feet

on this, our daily journey

with you, Saviour and Lord.





“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6 v24-26

26/08/2026

26th August Prayers during holiday

Thought for the day

I arise today

embraced in the arms

of God the Father

empowered by the strength

of God the Spirit

immersed in the love

of God the Son

I arise today

in the company

of the Trinity

Father, Spirit and Son

I arise today

Amen



Take time to reflect on Psalm 46 v1-3 as you start the day

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46 v1-3

In your time, Saving God,

You walked upon this earth,

And in your time Became one of us,

To show what we could become. Remind us always

As we look at our lives

In comparison with yours,

That at the centre of all things

Is the saving Grace of God

In your time, Mighty God,

You will come in glory,

And in your time

Gather the harvest,

From one end of this earth to the other.

Remind us always,

In times of plenty,

And in times of famine,

That at the centre of all things

Are the mercy and justice of God.

Amen

Faith and Worship

As we go out into the world let us remember the words of the Blessing found in

Numbers 6 v24-26

“‘“The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”’

Amen

25/08/2026

25th August Queues

Thought for the day

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law

Galatians 5 v22-23

Over the past few days, the local theme park has attracted a lot of visitors, so much so that the local, narrow and twisty country roads have been at a standstill at the start of the day. There have been one or two collisions as drivers have not read the road or have been impatient with other drivers.

Yesterday morning I got caught in a queue of traffic, meaning that a route which normally takes me three minutes to cover ended up taking 40 minutes. It was interesting to observe other drivers becoming increasingly impatient as the minutes ticked away. Queueing certainly tests our inner calm and our behaviour towards others.

In Galatians 5 v22-23 patience, or forbearance is listed as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is a gift we need to nurture. Whilst standing in a queue or a traffic jam can be frustrating, we can turn the situation around and use it as an opportunity to reflect, pray and quieten our minds; realising that there is more to life than rushing around and ticking things off our ‘to-do’ list. We may well take the opportunity to reflect on the words of Saint Francis de Sales,

‘Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself’

Then we can begin to pray by focusing on the people around us, viewing them not as an obstacle to our progress, but as people needing our compassion and God’s love.

Having to queue can also give the opportunity to look at the world around us and be thankful for everything we see.

To Pray

Lord, grant me patience for today

to navigate any challenges I encounter.

With You by my side,

nothing is impossible.

I pray for Your Holy Spirit

to fill me with grace and patience,

so, I may end the day with my head held high.

I entrust all to You, Lord.

Amen.

Crosswalk

24/08/2026

24th August Damson Jam

Thought for the day

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9v8

Yesterday afternoon we picked 8pounds or 3.6 kilos of damsons. The tree that we picked them from was laden, with a lot of fruit already lying on the ground. It was overgrowing a popular pathway, and it appeared that passersby either had not noticed the damsons, did not know what they were, or were not inclined to pick them. As we were picking it did attract some attention, with one runner stopping to chat and eat some damsons and others intrigued that we were picking them.

I suspect that were it no longer easy to go into the shops to buy jam that more people would be interested in making their own. In our current world the aspects of God’s grace which are readily available to us are easily ignored. There are so many facets of God that are evident in the day-to -day that we miss, either because we are not attuned to seeing them or because we just cannot be bothered to engage.

The question of ‘Where is God today’? can be answered by helping people to open their eyes to God all around them-in the magnificence of nature, but also in the acts of kindness, generosity and compassion that we witness.

When we see the broken world, we should seek to overcome it in our prayers and by our example. We can be instruments of change by using the God given gifts and experience that we receive, as an example to those we have lost their way or simply do not recognise what is Infront of them.

To Pray

Heavenly Father,

open my eyes to notice Your grace all around me today.

Forgive me when I get too busy

or troubled to see the quiet gifts You give.

Help me find Your goodness in small moments,

in the people I meet,

and in the world You made.

Fill my heart with peace and thankfulness.

Amen

Gospel Coalition

23/08/2026

23rd August Bark and bite

Thought for the day

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Matthew 12 v34

Whilst out walking again yesterday I do not think that the other walkers and I were hugely convinced by the reassuring words of the owner of the dog which growled and barked as people walked by. It became particularly angry when another dog went running past. The owner telling us all, 'Don't worry, he doesn’t bite'. Looking at the dog and his actions I would not have liked to have tested the statement!

The incident did make me think of the phrase ‘his bark is worse than his bite’, suggesting that someone may use harsh and angry words yet have a kind and harmless nature. The problem is that we may not always see the true nature of someone if their words are harsh and angry, and that often unkind words reflect a deeper unkindness.

As Christians we need to guard against our words and attitude to make sure that we live lives which reflect that we are followers of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 12 verse 18 tells us that;

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The Bible warns us that careless words hurt others like a sword. Even when we do not intend to be mean and harsh, the words that we chose significantly affect the other person.

In Matthew 12, verse 34 –37, after Jesus has healed the blind and mute man who is possessed by a demon, He is challenged by the Pharisees. Jesús answers their accusations-

‘For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of......

For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.’

Jesus warns that our words either justify or condemn us, because our words expose what is truly in our heart.

To Pray

Christ, as a light

illumine and guide me.

Christ, as a shield

overshadow me.

Christ under me;

Christ over me;

Christ beside me

on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me,

lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;

in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.

This day be within and without me,

lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light;

Christ as a shield;

Christ beside me

on my left and my right.

Amen

Ancient Celtic prayer based on St Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer.

22/08/2026

22nd August When we ignore injustice

Thought for the day

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Luke 10 v31-32

I enjoy walking along the nearby disused railway track, which is a popular spot for other walkers, runners and cyclists. It is interesting to note the interactions which occur as we pass one another. Some people say ‘Hello’ as they walk, others engage in a conversation usually pre-empted by a comment about the weather. I often even get a cheery ‘Hello’ from runners as they sprint past. One runner today exchanging a colloquial ‘A’right duck’, as he ran past. However, there are some people who actively do not engage, and I have noticed that there are four techniques which avoid eye contact.

One is to look at down with head bowed, another is to be absorbed in some happening in the undergrowth just by them, another is to shout the dog (assuming that they have one!) Finally, to be deep in conversation either in person or on the phone.

Avoidance, or ‘turning a blind eye’ is an attitude which we so often see in the world. Jesus drew our attention to this in the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’, as those who we would have expected to help the injured man looked the other way.

How often we ignore the other in need or crisis because we think someone else will speak out. The famous poem, ‘First they came...’ by the German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller, written in 1946, speaks of how people ignored the N***s during the war, as they targeted different groups, until no one was left to speak out when they came for him.

We need to reflect afresh, that silence and avoidance in the face of adversity and injustice eventually affects us all.

We are the voice of challenge, justice and compassion in our world today.

To Pray

Lord God, help us to love those

whom we find it difficult to love.

Give us a heart that reaches out

to those we would otherwise ignore.

Give us the strength not to cross

to the other side of the road,

but to play the part of the Samaritan.



This will not be easy, Lord.

It is not in our nature.



We spread our love thinly

among those we can relate to,

those who share our values

and those who do not threaten

our comfortable lifestyle.



It's not easy, Lord

and on our own we shall fail.



But with your help all things are possible.

You led the way,

and it is your example that we look to.

You turned the values of this world upside down.

Do the same with us, Lord.

Help us live the reality of your Love.

Amen

21/08/2026

21st August Heaven on Earth

Thought for the day

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 84 v2

Yesterday we received an advertisement through the post offering holidays in the North of England. The headline read

‘Heaven on Earth, where a visit to the coast should be on your must-visit-list’.

Whilst the coastline of the North of England can be spectacular, it seems rather extreme to describe it as ‘Heaven on Earth’. This description assumes that we know what Heaven looks like and can emulate it here on Earth, the advert would have us believe that the coastline of Northern England gives us a view of what Heaven is like.

Throughout our lives we have a restless yearning for something which we just do not seem quite able to satisfy, although we may try. We may fill our lives with material things or experiences, we may well spend time by the coast, taking in the sights and sounds, but none of these things will fill the gap-our yearning to be with God.

The author of the Book of Hebrews, writes about the great leaders who have gone before, who had seen God at work in their lives, but who were still waiting and longing to see Heaven and be with God.

‘Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.’

Hebrews 11 v16

Whilst we cannot see Heaven on Earth as a place, Heaven does break through into our world in the beauty of the natural world and, importantly, when we live lives which show love, forgiveness and peace. In the Lord’s Prayer we pray;

‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’.

Matthew 6 v10

Our actions and our relationship to God allow us to live out ‘Heaven on Earth’ by being bridges of grace to others, thus allowing God’s kingdom to intervene in this needy world.



To Pray

Be my vision,

O Lord of my heart.

There is none other but the King of the seven heavens...

Raise me up to the company of the angels.

Be every good to my body and soul.

Be my kingdom in heaven and on earth...

Until I am able to pass into your hands,

My treasure, my beloved,

through the greatness of your love

Amen

Attributed to the 6th-century poet Dallán Forgaill, which later became the hymn

‘Be Thou My Vision’

Address

Church Lane
Uttoxeter
ST145JZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm
Friday 9am - 3:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 12:15pm

Telephone

+441889591748

Website

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