Welcome to St. Nick’s on Sunday 20th and 27th September 2026
Dear Friends,
The Kind Farmer
A story based on this Sunday’s Gospel: Matthew 20:1–16
One morning, a farmer went to the village to find people to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a day’s wage, and they went to work.
Later in the morning, he saw more people standing around with no work. He said, “Come and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you fairly.” So they went too.
At midday and again in the afternoon, he found more workers and sent them to help.
Just one hour before the end of the day, he saw some people still waiting. “Why are you standing here?” he asked. “No one has given us any work,” they replied. “Then come and work in my vineyard,” said the farmer.
When the day ended, the farmer paid everyone. The workers who had only worked for one hour received a full day’s wage.
The workers who had started early thought they would get more money. But they received the same amount. They complained, “We worked all day, and they only worked one hour.”
The farmer replied, “I have paid you what I promised. Am I not allowed to be generous? Do not be jealous because I am kind.”
The workers thought about this. They realised the farmer had treated everyone with kindness.
God’s love is a gift. He welcomes everyone, whether they come to him early in life or much later.
Alison Mills
ALM and Churchwarden
Our Services
Sunday 20th September – Parish Communion
10.45am
We look forward to welcoming Rev Canon Patrick Davies to preside and Mark Vermes from St James and Emmanuel to preach. Music will be provided by Christian Fields, with prayers and readings delivered by the St Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Readings
| Reading | Passage | Page | Reader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Exodus 16.2–15 | 364 | Tony |
| New Testament | Philippians 1.21–end | 369 | Molly |
| Gospel | Matthew 20.1–16 | 369 | Margaret V |
Hymns
| No. | Hymn |
|---|---|
| 268 | Jesus Christ is Waiting |
| Gloria | |
| 405 | One More Step |
| 298 | Let There Be Love |
| Chant: Lord of All Goodness | |
| 32 | O Jesus, I Have Promised |
Sunday 27th September – Parish Communion
10.45am
We look forward to welcoming back our Area Dean, Rev Peter Mathews, to preside and preach. Music will be provided by Christian Fields, with prayers and the Gospel reading delivered by the St Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Readings
| Reading | Passage | Page | Reader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Exodus 17.1–7 | 371 | Hilary |
| New Testament | Philippians 2.1–13 | 374 | Elizabeth |
| Gospel | Matthew 21.23–32 | 376 | Margaret V |
Hymns
| No. | Hymn |
|---|---|
| 106 | Dear Lord and Father of Mankind |
| 148 | From Heaven You Came |
| 154 | Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart |
| 427 | Praise to the Lord |
| Chant | |
| 165 | Go Tell It on the Mountain |
Wednesdays – Midweek Holy Communion
10.30am
Our usual Wednesday Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments are served afterwards.
Watch Online
Our Sunday service is broadcast live on our YouTube channel, where you can also catch up on previous services.
Prayers
Sunday 20th September
Lord of creation,
whose glory is around and within us:
open our eyes to your wonders,
that we may serve you with reverence
and know your peace at our lives’ end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sunday 27th September
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen