Welcome to St.Nick’s Sunday 21st and 28th June 2026
Dear Friends,
Many people remember the British TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances. The main character, Hyacinth Bucket (who insists it’s pronounced “Bouquet”), always tried very hard to be seen doing, wearing, and saying the “right” things. This was funny because most of us know someone a bit like her. As children, many of us were told by our parents to always wear clean underwear “in case of an accident.” Children often wondered why this mattered so much. Was looking proper more important than being safe?
Today, life may seem less formal, but we still feel pressure to look right in front of others. This can be about saying the “correct” things or having the “right” kind of food, like organic or fair‑trade products. These are good choices, but there is a thin line between truly being a good person and just wanting others to think we are. The pressure to keep up appearances hasn’t gone away—it’s always been there.
This was also true in the time of Jesus. In first-century Palestine, there were strict rules about how people should behave. These rules helped people know what was right and wrong, but they also excluded and judged those who didn’t follow them. Jesus challenged these rules, which upset many people. As a result, he was called a troublemaker and treated badly.
Jesus understood how deeply people were connected to their society and how hard it is to change it. He knew how difficult it is to go against the values of your community, especially when you’ve given it your time and love. He also knew the pressure people feel to keep up appearances. We can learn from this by asking for the courage to look at our own hearts and remember that, even though the pressure to look good is strong, God’s love is stronger.Alison MIlls
ALM and Churchwarden
Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
We hold our usual Wednesday Holy Communion at 10.30am.We look forward to welcoming back Rev Glenys Richards to preside at our Wednesday service on 17th and 24th June.
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments
Sunday 21st June
We look forward to welcoming back Rev Mark Hewerdine to preside and Mark Vermes from St.James and Emmanuel to preach at our service for Trinity 3 and Father’s Day.
Sunday 28th June
We look forward to welcoming back our Area Dean, Rev Peter Matthews to preside and preach on Trinity 4. Christian Fields our MD and Organist will accompany the hymns and chants. Members of St.Nick’s team will deliver readings, prayers and refreshments.
LIVE BROADCAST Our Sunday service will be broadcast live via our website www.st-nicholas-church.org.uk, to watch previous services please visit St. Nicholas Burnage You Tube.
Prayer for Sunday 21st June
God our saviour,
look on this wounded world
in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
A prayer for Sunday 28th June
Gracious Father,
by the obedience of Jesus
you brought salvation to our wayward world:
draw us into harmony with your will,
that we may find all things restored in him,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
