Welcome to St. Nick’s on Sunday 9th and 16th August 2026

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Dear Friends,
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, we learn about Peter’s attempt to walk on the water.

The sun had long slipped below the horizon as the disciples climbed into their boat. Jesus had sent them ahead across the Sea of Galilee while he stayed behind to pray alone on the mountain.

At first, the journey was peaceful. But as the night grew darker, the wind began to howl. Waves crashed against the boat, tossing it from side to side. The disciples pulled hard at the oars, yet they seemed to make little progress.

Just before dawn, while the storm was still raging, they saw something impossible.

A figure was walking across the water toward them. Fear gripped their hearts. “It’s a ghost!” they cried. But then a familiar voice called out through the wind.

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The disciples recognized Jesus, and their fear began to melt away. Peter,  stepped forward, “Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You on the water.”

“Come,” Jesus replied.

Peter carefully climbed out of the boat. To his amazement, he stood on the waves. Step by step he walked toward Jesus.

But then Peter noticed the roaring wind and the towering waves around him. Doubt crept into his heart. Fear replaced faith, and he began to sink, “Lord, save me!” he cried.

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.

“You of little faith,” Jesus said gently, “why did you doubt?”

Together they climbed into the boat. At once the wind died down, and the sea became calm. The disciples stared in wonder. They knelt before Jesus and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

And from that day, they remembered that even in the darkest storms, keeping their eyes on Jesus was the way to find courage, faith, and peace, a message for all of us in these turbulent times.

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 Rev Mark Hewerdine to preside at our Wednesday services in July and August. #Everyonewelcome #Refreshments

Sunday 9th August
We look forward to welcoming Rev Mark Hewerdine to preside and James Wilson from St. James and Emmanuel to preach.  Our Eucharist service starts at 10.45am. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Bray with prayers and the Gospel reading delivered by St Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Readings PageReaders tbcHymn NumberProvisional HYMNS tbc
O.T  174God of Grace and God of Glory
Genesis 37.1–4,12–28327Molly148From heaven you came
N.T  207Heaven shall not wait
Romans 10.5–15332Christine P299Let us break bread together
Gospel   Chant: Jesus remember me
Matthew 14.22–33333Margaret V186Great is thy faithfulness

Sunday 16th August
We look forward to welcoming Rev Philip Dobson to preside and there will be a preacher tbc.  Our Eucharist service starts at 10.45am. Music will be provided by Christian Fields with prayers and the Gospel reading delivered by St Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served after the service.

ReadingsPageReadersHymn NumberHYMN
O.T334Tony4A new commandment
Genesis 45.1–15122Father, Lord of all creation
N.T337Molly506This is my body
Romans 11.1–2a , 29–32328Make me a channel of your peace
Gospel337Margaret V Chant: My Peace
Matthew 15.[10–20] 21–28457Stand up, stand up for Jesus

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 9th August

Lord of heaven and earth, 
as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer,
give us patience and courage never to lose hope,
but always to bring our prayers before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen

Prayer for Sunday 16th August

God of glory,
the end of our searching,
help us to lay aside
all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom, 
and to give all that we have
to gin the pearl beyond all price,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen