大象传媒

INTRODUCTION 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Churchyard
Harp music 鈥� fades in and out of speech throughout this section (Llety鈥檙 Bugail)

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Worship. May the God of grace and hope bless us all today!聽

I鈥檓 Mary Stallard, assistant bishop in Bangor, North Wales, and I鈥檓 delighted that my colleague, friend and Archbishop Andrew John will later lead us in prayer from T欧鈥檙 Esgob, Bishop鈥檚 House in Bangor . It鈥檚 our privilege to share this time of worship with you, in this, the third of a series of mountain-themed acts of worship from across the UK.聽

You join us this morning in stunning Snowdonia, in the heart of North West Wales: we鈥檙e praying in Nant Peris on the way up to our highest peak, mount Snowdon (which in Welsh is 鈥淵r Wyddfa鈥�). Amidst this unique Welsh landscape we鈥檒l also hear the sounds of Wales, with harpist, Alecs Peate, and members of Bangor Cathedral choir.聽 As we worship, we recall God鈥檚 presence and help in our lives at this special anniversary time for the 大象传媒, celebrating a hundred years of words transmitted in broadcasts in television and radio; bringing comfort, informing, educating and connecting people across the globe.

Mountains are great places to think and pray about our connections with one another, and with God.聽 The English name, 鈥淪nowdon鈥�, relates to the snow often seen on its peak. Its Welsh name 鈥淵r Wyddfa鈥� translates as 鈥渂urial place鈥�, and may refer to the legend that the mountain is the mystical resting place of Rhitta Gawr 鈥� a legendary giant killed by King Arthur.

Even in the rain and the wind, mountains offer a place of fascination and challenge as the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Snowdonia in all weathers throughout the year testify. Perhaps the dramatic landscape offers a call to adventure, a thrill of conquest of high slopes and hard climbs with the hope of discovery of fresh views from high places.聽

Being outside in dramatic landscapes offers a possibility to see the world from a different perspective, to breathe clean mountain air and to feel really alive.聽聽So, perhaps it鈥檚 not surprising that since the beginning of time mountains have been places of encounter with God.聽

In high places where risk, vision and beauty combine it鈥檚 easy to understand how such scenery can encourage thoughts and feelings that stretch beyond human boundaries. And there can be something about imposing landscapes which combine great heights and summits with deep valleys and gorges which might represent the variety and scope of our human experience. We often talk about mountain-top experiences when we think of times of exhilaration or high celebration. In a similar way, we may refer to situations of grief, sorrow or trouble as being like dark valleys or shadowy lowlands. By contrast, there can be a sense of safety in a sheltered place and of exposure on a mountain top. There鈥檚 much about the landscape that can compare with and describe our life and existence with all its triumphs and fragility.聽

As we worship God today we give thanks for the beauty and wonder of creation and for all it teaches us about the gift and possibility of life in all its fullness.

As much as the words of our hymns chosen for today, the melodies echo something of the drama and beauty of the landscape. There鈥檚 a brooding solemnity in the tune Abersytwyth, and the words in English and Welsh speak of God, our shelter and source of hope: Jesu, Lover of my soul.

HYMN 鈥� Jesu, Lover of My Soul 鈥� Members of Bangor Cathedral Choir 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Church

OPENING PRAYERS / PSALM 121 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard, Sarah Jones and Sam Hutchinson-Rogers 鈥� from St Peris鈥檚 Churchyard

Standing here in the churchyard in Nant Peris, in the foothills of Snowdon, the highest peak itself not quite visible, and the ridges I can see shrouded in mist, I feel really small. The mountains tower above us, they鈥檙e simply vast.聽聽

Ancient words in the Bible, from the book of poems and songs that we know as 鈥渢he psalms鈥� direct us to God, the source of help and strength in times of anxiety, need or trouble:聽

I lift up my eyes to the mountains.聽 From where does my help come?

Living God, you speak to us in so many ways. Help us to bring all our questions and concerns to you, and to notice your presence in our world.

Help comes from God, who made heaven and earth.

We thank you God, our maker, for the beauty and wonder of the world, for all that reminds us of the gift and potential of creation.

God will not let your foot stumble.聽Indeed, the One who watches over Israel will never slumber nor sleep.

Breathe your love and creativity afresh into our lives, that we might grow in friendship with you and all creation.

For God is your Protector; God is your shade at your right hand.

Lead us to be courageous and hopeful in worship and action.

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

May the open sky above us remind us that your mercy is always offered to us. May the diversity of nature speak to us of the breadth of your love.

God will protect you from all evil; God will watch over your life.

Help us to remember that we鈥檙e part of your creation, may we always strive to live in friendship and harmony with all that you have made.

God will watch over your going out and your coming infrom now to eternity. Amen.

Christians find a key to trusting in God聽 through the highs and lows of our life-journey in Jesus, who gifts us with strength and courage. Songs of praise to him can stir our spirits and help raise our sight to the God of hope; 鈥淎lleluia Sing to Jesus鈥�

HYMN 鈥� Alleluia Sing to Jesus 鈥� Members of Bangor Cathedral Choir 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Church

INTRODUCTION TO READING 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Churchyard

We鈥檙e going to hear a story in two parts today from a tale that feels as old as the hills from chapter 19 of the first Book of Kings which is part of the ancient Scriptures that Jesus himself would have known and heard many times. This passage is about the prophet Elijah and it鈥檚 set at the lowest point in his life when he feels completely lost and alone.He had upset and angered the powerful queen Jezebel who threatened to kill him. Feeling a complete failure, Elijah fled with no plan and no hope just longing for an end to all his stress. This part of his story is read by Barry Davies.

READING 鈥� 1 Kings 19 鈥� read by Barry Davies 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Churchyard
Elijah was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah鈥�he went a day鈥檚 journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: 鈥淚t is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.鈥� 5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, 鈥淕et up and eat.鈥� 6He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. 7The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, 鈥淕et up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.鈥� 8He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

REFLECTION - The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Churchyard
We鈥檝e come to a brilliant place to think about this story. The village of Nant Peris between Llanberis and Capel Curig couldn鈥檛 be closer to the mountains. Sheltering in the foothills of Snowdon, it鈥檚 a place where many come on their way to catch a train up the mountain, or on their way to begin some of the easier walking routes to the summit.

This little village is also home to the Llanberis mountain rescue service and of a tiny, beautiful church dedicated to the sixth century holy man, Saint Peris, after whom the village is named.聽

This is a place that鈥檚 all about shelter and rescue in the face of great challenge. Opposite the church there鈥檚 a field that becomes a campsite for walkers and climbers in the summer and there鈥檚 a 鈥楽herpa鈥� bus that passes through, dropping off climbers and walkers at convenient locations.

In the Biblical story, Elijah has reached a point in his life where he needs help and care. He鈥檚 completely overwhelmed and terrified, he feels he has nowhere to go, no one to help him, and no hope for the future. This is surprising, because previously he鈥檚 been strong and has seemed fearless. But now he seems utterly broken.

Perhaps many of us have the same experience when we鈥檝e over committed ourselves or when we鈥檝e been completely exhausted after a time of stress or pressure. When we are extremely tired, like Elijah we鈥檙e easily frightened.

The landscape here in Nant Peris speaks of these feelings. On a bright sunny day, the mountains which loom up in front of me are a magnificent sight, wonderful to behold if you have dry clothing, plenty of food and a plan for where you鈥檙e going. On a cold wet day, if your boots are leaking and you don鈥檛 have waterproof clothing, or are not sure of the way or feel alone it would be easy to feel completely overwhelmed in this place.

In the Elijah story God comes to the prophet in his depression, here, we encounter a God who鈥檚 not afraid of any weakness and he comes to console those who are downhearted. The God we see in the story is one who cannot be discouraged 鈥� in other words God is completely different to us. God always wants to console and encourage as a kind and tender parent looks after their child. God provides food and rest for Elijah and calls him on a journey to a mountain.

The pretty little church here, nestling at the foot of the mountain is a wonderful sign of welcome, rest and shelter. St Peris鈥� well just across the road is thought to be a place of healing and pilgrims and worshippers as well as mountaineers and adventurers have been drawn to this place for centuries.

Its visitor book shows that it鈥檚 a haven for many. Some write about how they鈥檝e travelled great distances to come here. Some have come to climb the mountains or to view the scenery from their cars or from the mountain railway. Lots have written about the peace and prayerfulness they鈥檝e received in this historic and beautiful place.聽 It鈥檚 an ancient house of prayer crouched low in front of a mighty mountain range and it鈥檚 easy to see what a welcome space this must be for those who are tired or who need shelter, who like Elijah are in need of help for their journey.

And that theme of looking for direction in our lives is central to our next hymn sung in Welsh, Arglwydd, arwain trwy鈥檙 anialwch: Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer:聽

HYMN 鈥� Arglwydd, arwain trwy鈥檙 anialwch 鈥� Members of Bangor Cathedral Choir 鈥� in St Peris鈥檚 Church

Harp music fades up and weaves in and out of speech (My Little Welsh Home)
Footsteps, ascending the mountainside in Nant Peris

INTERVIEW with Barry Davies, member of the local Mountain Rescue team

INTRODUCTION TO READING, PART 2 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� on the mountainside

As we stand here, elevated, looking across the valley and up to the craggy heights we hear Barry reading the next part of Elijah鈥檚 story, where he himself journeys to the mountain of God鈥�.

READING 鈥� 1 Kings 19 鈥� read by Barry Davies 鈥� on the mountainside
At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 鈥淲hat are you doing here, Elijah?鈥�10He answered, 鈥淚 have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.鈥� 11He said, 鈥淕o out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.鈥� Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.聽

REFLECTION 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� on the mountainside
Just as the great spiritual hero Moses had done before him, and as Jesus will after him, Elijah climbs up a mountain to meet God. He goes to a high place where the voice and ways of God have been heard before. Elijah seems to be anticipating an encounter even if when he finally hears God it鈥檚 not at all what he expects. We鈥檙e here on the mountainside looking down upon the valley below with the babbling 鈥渘ant鈥� or stream, the water of Nant Peris, below us.

There are many reasons why people come climbing in Snowdonia. Today, more than half a million walkers and climbers come here each year plus many thousands more who take the train up the mountain. There鈥檚 the challenge of climbing on such an incredible range, and to the highest place in Wales at an altitude of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level. People come here for the adventure, for their fitness, to simply enjoy the scenery and maybe for a sense of escape and recreation, perhaps to enjoy being in touch with nature and the renewal and inspiration this can bring.

When Elijah climbed up Mount Horeb he poured out all his bitterness and discouragement to God. We can almost hear his rage and despair when he says, 鈥淚 am the only faithful one that is left of your people鈥�. He tells God that he鈥檚 tried to do his best, but he feels that everything depends upon him. He seems at his wits end.

For many of us, challenging exercise provides a great opportunity to get in touch with how we鈥檙e feeling and to reflect upon what鈥檚 going on in our lives. I have often found while out walking, that in the simple and repetitive process of putting one foot in front of another it鈥檚 somehow easier to process complicated or difficult things in my life. Perhaps an advantage of mountain walking is that it forces us to focus on the present moment, on literally where to put our feet next. The simplicity of this can be calming if we鈥檙e carrying many worries or problems.

In the story, Elijah doesn鈥檛 just encounter himself and his own feelings on the mountain,聽 he meets with God there, and in a most surprising way: What鈥檚 extraordinary is that the God Elijah meets is very different from what others have experienced before him. Earthquakes, fire and great spectacles were traditionally seen as manifestations of God, but Elijah鈥檚 encounter on the mountain is like his experience of the God who fed him in the desert. For Elijah God comes to him with great tenderness in a still small voice.聽

This story seems to tell us about a God who longs for connection with us, who wants to speak to our hearts. This is not a God of vengeance and domination but a God of tenderness, a sustaining force, giving strength and renewal to those who need this. Perhaps like Elijah we might seek to recognise the gentleness of God. I find it interesting that God doesn鈥檛 directly address Elijah鈥檚 bitter outcry about how he鈥檚 been feeling.聽 God鈥檚 answer seems to come simply in the stillness of God鈥檚 presence. Elijah covers his face in a sign of adoration, and he leaves the darkness of a cave on the mountain to step out and to be given a new mission by the God who calls him.

As I stand here on the rugged mountainside there鈥檚 much to encounter in this wild terrain; it鈥檚 designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna and boasts some of the most amazing views in the country. It can be a busy place, especially in the summer months, but it鈥檚 so vast and extensive that there鈥檚 always some space and stillness here to encounter something new, a great place to explore, to learn about, and in which to find invigoration and renewal for our journey through life.

I鈥檝e always loved the heart-stirring hymn-tune Ebenezer, and in our next hymn it carries words of reassurance: 鈥淕od has spoken 鈥� by his prophets.鈥�

HYMN 鈥� God has spoken by his prophets 鈥� Members of Bangor Cathedral Choir 鈥� on the mountainside

INTRODUCTION TO PRAYERS 鈥� The Rt Revd Mary Stallard 鈥� on the mountainside聽
From T欧鈥檙 Esgob, Bishop鈥檚 House in Bangor, Archbishop Andrew leads us in prayer.

PRAYERS 鈥� The Most Revd Andrew John 鈥� from outside T欧鈥檙 Esgob, Bishop鈥檚 House in Bangor
Harp music weaves in and out of speech (Dafydd y Garreg Wen)

In faith we pray:聽 O God, you come to us not in the chaos of the whirlwind or the roar of an earthquake, not in the burning heat of fire or in the noise of violence and destruction,but in the sound of sheer silence.聽聽

Still our minds, bring your peace to our hearts and bodies that we might meet you in the silence, as on a lonely mountain-side in the quiet of the day.

Help us to listen for your still, small voice. Give us courage to go wherever you lead us in our lives, trusting that you prepare the way for us and will give us all that we need, and looking to Jesus, our companion on the journey.

O still, small voice of God, speak to us that we might become brokers of your peace聽in our homes, in our communities and in our world today. We hold in our hearts the people of Ukraine and all who live in fear or under threat. We remember all who are hungry, cold, lonely, stressed, or grieving.

We pray for our leaders, for all who face tough decisions and for those who are ledWe thank you, loving God, that you never leave us without helpers. Thank you for all the signs of your love and care in our lives, from our sisters and brothers, from animals and creatures from everything that speaks of beauty and that points to you.

Wherever there are situations of confusion, where doubts proliferate, and anxieties cloud our vision, breathe your gentle peace into our hearts. Help us to put our trust in you.Wherever we are held back by guilt, regret or fear, help us to be brave, to walk the steep, hard paths of reconciliation and forgiveness, trusting that your way leads to life in all its fulness.

Gracious God, your love brings light to dark places, courage to the fearful and strength to the weak. Show us how to search for you and to find you in the joys and in the sorrows of our lives. Help us to believe and trust that no wrong we have done,聽and no good we have failed to do, is too great for you to forgive and heal,through Jesus Christ your Son, in whose words we now pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,聽Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.聽Dyro i ni heddiw ein bara beunyddiol, a maddau inni ein dyledion.聽 Fel y maddeuwn ninnau i鈥檔 dyledwyr.聽聽And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.聽聽Canys eiddo ti yw鈥檙 deyrnas, y gallu a鈥檙 gogoniant, yn oes oesoedd, Amen.聽

HYMN 鈥� Love Divine 鈥� Members of Bangor Cathedral Choir 鈥� on the mountainside

BLESSING 鈥� The Most Revd Andrew John 鈥� from outside T欧鈥檙 Esgob, Bishop鈥檚 House in Bangor
And now may the blessing of God our Creator, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, accompany each of us through all the mountains and valleys of our lives, so that we may always know God鈥檚 peace and presence and be signs of joy and hope for others, Amen.

HARP PLAYOUT 鈥� Ar hyd y nos 鈥� played by Alecs Peate