The fifth Sunday after Trinity The Parable of the Sower Week beginning: Sunday 12th July 2020 ADVANCED NOTICE It is our intention, subject to current restrictions or a further easing, to re- commence church services with an Evening Prayer Service on Sunday 19th July at 5pm. Social distancing will apply. There will be a maximum of 30 people who can attend. Should anyone need assistance of any kind, i.e. shopping, medicines etc. please contact: Lane Thompson at the Timebank on 01480 467209 or 07484 524180 or houghtonwytontimebank@gmail.com Contacts: Revd Geoff Boucher, The Rectory, 3 Rectory La, Wyton, PE28 2AQ, 01480 461846 Church Wardens: Mike Batchelor: 01480 300390 Guy Morton: 01480 494641 Collects for 1 The Fifth Sunday after Trinity Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 2 The Fifth Sunday after Trinity Almighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer about the outbreak God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 st Reading: Matthew 13:1-9 A Story About Planting Seed That   same   day   Jesus   went   out   of   the   house and   sat   by   the   lake.   Large   crowds   gathered around   him.   So   Jesus   got   into   a   boat   and   sat, while   the   people   stayed   on   the   shore.   Then Jesus   used   stories   to   teach   them   many   things. He   said:   “A   farmer   went   out   to   plant   his   seed. While   he   was   planting,   some   seed   fell   by   the road.   The   birds   came   and   ate   all   that   seed. Some   seed   fell   on   rocky   ground,   where   there wasn’t   enough   dirt.   That   seed   grew   very   fast, because   the   ground   was   not   deep.   But   when the   sun   rose,   the   plants   dried   up   because   they did   not   have   deep   roots.   Some   other   seed   fell among   thorny   weeds.   The   weeds   grew   and choked   the   good   plants.   Some   other   seed   fell on   good   ground   where   it   grew   and   became grain.    Some    plants    made    100    times    more grain.   Other   plants   made   60   times   more   grain, and    some    made    30    times    more    grain.    Let those with ears use them and listen!”

Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23 Jesus Explains the Seed Story Jesus said “So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer. What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away the things that were planted in that person’s heart. And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy. But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life. He keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, then he quickly gives up. And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and love of money stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person’s life. But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes 100 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 30 times more.”