Sunday 1 February 2026 - 11am Sunday First Service
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Readings for Sunday:
The Reading for Sunday First service is Mark 4.35-41
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
The set readings from the lectionary - Sunday nearest to Candlemas:
The first reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 2, verse 14-end
Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
The second reading is taken from Luke 2.22-40
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons’.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.’
33 The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
You can follow the service on YouTube
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJ7uMFp9y1d2OIS96CMsOQ/live
The next monthly prayer meeting is on 4 February between 7pm and 8pm and will be held on Zoom. Here is the link Zoom link
Services in St Michael's Next Week
Wednesday 4 February 9:30am Spoken Holy Communion Service
Sunday 8 February 11am Morning Worship with Holy Communion
SILENT BOOK CLUB - Bring your own book - BYOB
Come and join us at the first Open Church Silent Book Club on Thursday 19th February starting at 2.30pm. There is no assigned book just grab your current choice of reading, head down to church, order a drink and cake then settle down to an hours uninterrupted, sustained reading. After that you can stick around and socialise, maybe share something about your chosen book but there’s no pressure to hang about.
A chance to enjoy an hour of peace and quiet! Why not give it a try?
Who Let the Dads Out
WLTDO plans to return on 21st Feb.
Prayer Ministry Team
For many years we had a team of people in church willing to pray for those in need of intercession after the service on a Sunday Morning. Over time the team has dwindled so we are planning to rebuild it in order that we can offer prayer for anyone who requires it.
Please speak to Hanneke or Rev Mike if you think you could help with this important ministry. We are able to provide training for anyone who would like it.
Join theologian Dr Andrew Ollerton for a thought-provoking and interactive evening exploring the Bible’s toughest questions. TED-style talks, live audience Q&A, and an interactive vote on the final topic Andrew presents. Come curious and leave with a fresh perspective.
Dr Andrew Ollerton is a theologian, author and pastor who makes complex ideas simple and relevant. Andrew works with Bible Society, where he developed The Bible Course for small groups and recently published God’s Book: An honest look at the Bible’s 7 toughest topics. Andrew also works closely with the explorer Bear Grylls and remains involved in academic teaching and research. Andrew is married to Charlotte and they have three kids, two fish, a snake and a dog.
Saturday 7th February 2026 at 7pm
BOOK A SEAT - £5 Book a seat using this link
