9th Sunday after Trinity
Bible readings:
Jeremiah 23:23-29;
Psalm 82;
Hebrews 11:29-12:2;
Gospel Reading Luke 12:49-56
‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptised, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’ He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? [Luke 12:49-56]
A Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
Christ, Prince of Peace,
hear our prayer and lament,
for our suffering sisters and brothers.
Our hearts are heavy as we witness lives torn apart,
as we see the faces of frightened children
and hear the pleas of those without water or food.
We pray for the dead and the grieving,
for the injured and the afraid.
We pray for courage and perseverance,
for those working for healing and to bring aid.
We pray for world leaders,
that they may strive for a just and lasting peace.
God of new beginnings,
in your ways are compassion and hope.
Open our hearts to dialogue and understanding.
Lead us all to answer your call
to become peacemakers
today, and all the days of our life.
Amen. – CAFOD
Weekly newsletter/blog and website
Please send all information for the Sunday newsletter/blog by Wednesday evening to Josie at penleeclusternewsletter@gmail.com. For anything else specifically website-related, please contact Chris at communications@penleecluster.org.uk. If you would like to write a reflection for the newsletter, please contact Josie.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility…
RECOGNISE – the signs that could indicate abuse is happening
RESPOND – sensitively and listen – don’t question or investigate
RECORD – what you have been told factually and accurately using the language used by the person disclosing
REPORT – immediately to your Parish Safeguarding Officer/Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. They will refer to the police or social services as required.
Email: safeguardingconcerns@truro.anglican.org Call: 01872 274351
Website: trurodiocese.org.uk/safeguarding
Support: 0300 1231 116 MARU (Multi Agency Referral Unit) for safeguarding concerns; Police 101/999; https://www.firstlight.org.uk; https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom from 8.00am-8.30am. If you would like to attend, please email Keno admin@penleecluster.org.uk for zoom details.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Group will meet on zoom at 6.00pm this Sunday, 17th August. If you would like to attend, please email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk for zoom details. For reflection:
Opening reflection
Joyful are those who abide in God,
whose ears are tuned to the song of the faithful,
whose eyes behold glimpses of holiness
in the everyday and the extraordinary.
Grateful are those who know themselves
beloved and blessed,
who offer a hand to those in need,
whose gentleness brings calm.
Those gathered around the table of love
will never go hungry.
Happiness will flavour their days;
at night they rest content.
Their kindness feeds the flourishing of others,
as the cup overflowing slakes the first of others.
Sentence
Joyful are those whose eyes behold glimpses of holiness
in the every day and the extraordinary.
Closing prayer
May the Holy ever bless us in our homes
May our families thrive
and our friendships go strong.
May we see the reign of justice and joy
in our land and beyond.
May generations to come know peace
and live to praise. (Psalm 128 redux)
Prayer Requests
If you are concerned about someone and would like their name included in the Prayer Request Group’s weekly prayer list, please do email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk by 7.00pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
Holiday Club Summer 2025
Penlee Cluster Holiday Club nears its end, with one final day of activities this week, on Thursday 21st August: surfing at Gwithian; transport and surfing supported by The National Trust.
NightChurch Volunteer wanted…
We are looking for a volunteer to join our NightChurch Outreach Team every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
The role is to prep and cook in the kitchen, allowing the rest of the team to focus fully on welcoming and supporting our guests. If you enjoy cooking, feel led to serve in a practical way, and can offer a couple of hours each week, we would love to hear from you! No formal experience needed, just a heart to serve and a willingness to help. Interested? Please speak to Victoria at nightchurchpenzance@gmail.com
Bric-a-brac & Book Sale at St. Peter’s Church
Monday 25th August
Come along to St. Peter’s brac-a-brac and book sale on Bank Holiday Monday (25th August) from 11.30am – 1.30pm. Refreshments, including hot and cold drinks, as well as Ploughman’s lunches and cakes will be available. All welcome!
Paul Church Talk
Judges I have Loved
a talk by John Gallagher KC
Tuesday 2nd September
Last year John Gallagher gave us a thoughtful and discussion-provoking analysis of the current state and future role of the Law. Given his career history as an accredited Mediator, a Barrister, Master of the Bench of Gray’s Inn and since 1994 a part time Judge of the Crown and County Court, few can be better qualified to speak on his chosen 2025 topic. He has subtitled it ‘Judges I have known: the good, the bad and the judgly’…. This year’s talk may well be even more memorable, definitely not to be missed. Doors open at 7.00pm. Talk starts at 7.30pm. £5.00 entry, includes nibbles. Drinks on sale before and afterwards.
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Penwith Deanery News
Can these bones live?
Disability, Wilderness, Hope & God – 14th Annual Conference on Disability and Church in partnership with St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Inclusive Church at St Martin-in-the-Fields and on zoom – Saturday 18th & Sunday 19 October 2025
Like the prophet Ezekiel, disabled people can feel overwhelmed by the places we inhabit. Surrounded by bones – by the difficulties of life and by the hostility and injustice of our culture – we can easily lose hope. But God asks us the question, ‘Can these bones live?’ Can we believe that hope will take root and new life grow? Registration details and content coming soon….
National Week of Prayer 6th – 14th September
‘A week to remember and discover the good things God has done and continues to do in this country, with thanksgiving, worship and praise, as we return to Him.’ For more information on this year’s National Week of Prayer, please see here: https://www.nationalweekofprayer.uk/
Season of Creation 2025
This year’s Season of Creation runs from 1st September to 4th October 2025. From the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Website: ‘This year’s theme is ‘Peace with Creation’ and a celebration guide is available to download from the Season of Creation website. The Biblical text for this year is Isaiah 32:14-18.’ For more information, please see here: https://tinyurl.com/4ahm4336
Debt Advice
The Salvation Army offers debt advice services to people in this area. They are free, confidential and impartial. Please dial 01752 643955 to speak to a Debt Advisor from 10.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday or email cornwalldas@salvationarmy.org.uk.
