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Sunday Worship for
12th July 2020 The Parable of the Sower |
SUNDAY WORSHIP FOR 5TH JULY 2020
1 Thessalonians 5 v18
Counting our Blessings and Giving Thanks
SUNDAY WORSHIP FOR 28TH JUNE 2020
A communion liturgy for Petertide (Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul)
It is one continuous video this week.
Morning Worship for Sunday 21st June
Second Sunday after Trinity
Theme - The story of Hagar - Racism- Black Lives Matter
Keep silence for a time before you start worship -
perhaps light a candle to remind you that God is present with you.
Call to Worship
We gather to worship God,
Who creates us and loves us;
Who gifts us with diversity and makes us for community;
Who gives Jesus Christ to show us how to live;
Who inspires children, youth, young adults, and people of all ages,
To seek justice, share power, and live together in love and equality;
Who invites us to join the struggle for wholeness and wellbeing for all,
and whose presence, grace, and love sustain us in our living.
We gather to worship God.
To God be all glory, honour, and praise!
— from the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, posted on the Presbyterian Church USA website.
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Opening Hymn
"My Chains Fell off (Amazing Grace)" |
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Prayer of Confession
God of justice,
we confess that in the pursuit of our own dreams and desires,
we have not always been civil, not always humane,
not always right.
Guided by your Spirit,
what we would like to do is change the world –
make it a little simpler for people
to feed, clothe, and shelter themselves
as You intended them to do.
Help us to be your witnesses,
by fighting for better conditions,
by crying out unceasingly for the rights of the workers,
the poor, of the destitute –
the rights of the worthy and the unworthy poor,
so that we can, with your help, change the world.
Enlarge our hearts to love each other,
to love our neighbour,
and to love our enemy as our friend. Amen.
May the God of love
bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins,
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect
Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
Bible Reading
– St. Matthew 10. V28-39
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
The word of the Lord
Thanks Be to God
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A new Song from Jubilate worship
- a very familiar tune with new words "Now We Hear Creation Groaning" |
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The sermon is based on the
story of Hagar from the book of Genesis the reading is in the middle of the talk. |
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
Please help those of us who are rich
to be honest and fair just like you, our God.
May we who have such abundance
be honest and fair with all your people,
especially the poor.
Let peace and justice rule every mountain
and fairness flow as a river that never runs dry.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
May we your people defend the poor,
rescue the homeless,
and crush everyone who hurts them.
May we be as helpful as rain that refreshes the ground,
to those who are treated unjustly.
Let the wholeness and fairness of your kingdom
live forever like the sun and the moon.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
Because you our God,
rescue the homeless and have pity on those who hurt
May we who are rich stand up for the poor
and let peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Let God’s kingdom of justice and fairness
reach from sea to sea, across all the earth.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry. Amen.
Keep a moment to pray for ourselves and to make our Personal prayers
We finish with the Lord's Prayer
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
Please help those of us who are rich
to be honest and fair just like you, our God.
May we who have such abundance
be honest and fair with all your people,
especially the poor.
Let peace and justice rule every mountain
and fairness flow as a river that never runs dry.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
May we your people defend the poor,
rescue the homeless,
and crush everyone who hurts them.
May we be as helpful as rain that refreshes the ground,
to those who are treated unjustly.
Let the wholeness and fairness of your kingdom
live forever like the sun and the moon.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry
Because you our God,
rescue the homeless and have pity on those who hurt
May we who are rich stand up for the poor
and let peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Let God’s kingdom of justice and fairness
reach from sea to sea, across all the earth.
God let your justice and fairness
flow like a river that never runs dry. Amen.
Keep a moment to pray for ourselves and to make our Personal prayers
We finish with the Lord's Prayer
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Closing Hymn "Shine Jesus, Shine" |
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As the Saviour so taught…
go now and overcome.
Overcome racial hatred with love and understanding.
Overcome sexism with mutual honour and respect.
Overcome social inequities
with fair and equal educational and employment opportunities.
Overcome mean-heartedness with a kind word or good deed.
Overcome war, poverty, hunger, and suffering
throughout our urban streets and lands abroad,
by sharing the love of Christ Jesus with your neighbour.
Go now and overcome!
and the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
The Love of God
and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with us now and always . AMEN
— adapted from The AfricanAmericanLectionary.org. Posted on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Worship Resources, on the Disciples of Christ Council on Christian Unity website.
go now and overcome.
Overcome racial hatred with love and understanding.
Overcome sexism with mutual honour and respect.
Overcome social inequities
with fair and equal educational and employment opportunities.
Overcome mean-heartedness with a kind word or good deed.
Overcome war, poverty, hunger, and suffering
throughout our urban streets and lands abroad,
by sharing the love of Christ Jesus with your neighbour.
Go now and overcome!
and the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
The Love of God
and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with us now and always . AMEN
— adapted from The AfricanAmericanLectionary.org. Posted on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Worship Resources, on the Disciples of Christ Council on Christian Unity website.
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A Final Thought from the Church in South Africa where the issues of race, colour and inclusivity are very pointed!
Pray for their young people. |
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Morning Worship for Sunday 14th June
First Sunday after Trinity
Theme - Justification by Faith
Keep silence for a time before you start worship -
perhaps light a candle to remind you that God is present with you.
Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 100.)
Shouts of joy!
Songs of praise!
Sounds of hope and love!
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!
Adonai is our God. Our creator.
We are God’s people, led by God’s love.
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!
Enter God’s house thanks giving.
Enter God’s house full of praise!
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!
God’s love is never ending.
God is good! Alleluia!
~ written by Richard Bott, and posted on Sharing Liturgy. http://liturgy.richardbott.com/
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"Opening Hymn
"How Deep the Father's Love for Us" |
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Confession
God shows his love for us
in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Let us then show our love for him
by confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
cf Romans 5.8
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have wandered and strayed from your ways
like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires
of our own hearts.
We have offended against your holy laws.
We have left undone those things
that we ought to have done;
and we have done those things
that we ought not to have done;
and there is no health in us.
But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners.
Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to mankind
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Collect for the Day
God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you
mercifully accept our prayers
and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature
we can do no good thing without you,
grant us the help of your grace,
that in the keeping of your commandments
we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Bible Reading Romans 5 v1--8
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God shows his love for us
in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Let us then show our love for him
by confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
cf Romans 5.8
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have wandered and strayed from your ways
like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires
of our own hearts.
We have offended against your holy laws.
We have left undone those things
that we ought to have done;
and we have done those things
that we ought not to have done;
and there is no health in us.
But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners.
Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to mankind
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Collect for the Day
God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you
mercifully accept our prayers
and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature
we can do no good thing without you,
grant us the help of your grace,
that in the keeping of your commandments
we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Bible Reading Romans 5 v1--8
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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This weeks Talk
"Justification by Faith" |
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a Song for reflection after the Sermon
"He Stood before the Court" |
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Questions to consider
Someone defined Justification as “Just as if I’ve never sinned” – Is this a good definition? If so why/why not?
Can you think of a time you felt guilty about something that wasn't actually wrong? Are guilt feelings helpful?
If we are forgiven why do we have the confession in Church?
How does being justified by Faith affect our lives (Look at the passage and consider peace- suffering – perseverance- hope)?
How do you live your life knowing you are completely and utterly forgiven and the debt of your sin has been paid in full.
Prayer of Intercession
Confident in the gracious and ever-widening mercy of God,
let us pray for the world, the body of Christ,
and all who yearn for wholeness of life.
Liberate us from our bondage to sin, God of freedom,
that your church would continually be reshaped and reformed
by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Show your righteousness, God of justice,
that all who are oppressed and marginalized,
forgotten, and cast aside would be given voice by elected leaders and compassionate citizens.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make wars to cease in all the world, God of peace,
that all strife, violence, and bloodshed give way
to reconciliation, compassion, and new life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Take us by our hand, God of companionship,
when we are paralyzed by our fears
and unable to step out in boldness.
Give us courage to walk confidently with you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your stillness, God of calm,
to all who are facing illness, surgery,
or any uncertainty of health especially those affected by the current Coronavirus Pandemic.
May they know that their times are in your ever-healing hands.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Write your law of love on our hearts, God of all,
that we, like our forebears in faith,
would be unswerving in our witness to your grace
that is ours through the gift of faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Listen to us when we call upon you, most merciful God,
and grant us grace to entrust our lives and our world
to your unfailing love,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
— from the website of St. James Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Someone defined Justification as “Just as if I’ve never sinned” – Is this a good definition? If so why/why not?
Can you think of a time you felt guilty about something that wasn't actually wrong? Are guilt feelings helpful?
If we are forgiven why do we have the confession in Church?
How does being justified by Faith affect our lives (Look at the passage and consider peace- suffering – perseverance- hope)?
How do you live your life knowing you are completely and utterly forgiven and the debt of your sin has been paid in full.
Prayer of Intercession
Confident in the gracious and ever-widening mercy of God,
let us pray for the world, the body of Christ,
and all who yearn for wholeness of life.
Liberate us from our bondage to sin, God of freedom,
that your church would continually be reshaped and reformed
by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Show your righteousness, God of justice,
that all who are oppressed and marginalized,
forgotten, and cast aside would be given voice by elected leaders and compassionate citizens.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make wars to cease in all the world, God of peace,
that all strife, violence, and bloodshed give way
to reconciliation, compassion, and new life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Take us by our hand, God of companionship,
when we are paralyzed by our fears
and unable to step out in boldness.
Give us courage to walk confidently with you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your stillness, God of calm,
to all who are facing illness, surgery,
or any uncertainty of health especially those affected by the current Coronavirus Pandemic.
May they know that their times are in your ever-healing hands.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Write your law of love on our hearts, God of all,
that we, like our forebears in faith,
would be unswerving in our witness to your grace
that is ours through the gift of faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Listen to us when we call upon you, most merciful God,
and grant us grace to entrust our lives and our world
to your unfailing love,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
— from the website of St. James Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, Iowa.
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CLOSING HYMN
"I Stand Amazed in the Presence" |
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Final Prayer (inspired by Matthew 9:35-10:23)
As Jesus sent the disciples out into the communities,
so we are sent to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.
We are eager to share your love, without expecting a reward.
We realize will not always be made welcome.
When that happens,
let us move on
because there are many more places that need to receive your grace.
May your Spirit speak through us in truth.
Lord Jesus, equip us for the journey, we pray. Amen.
Go in peace to Love and serve the Lord
In the name of Christ! Amen.
As Jesus sent the disciples out into the communities,
so we are sent to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.
We are eager to share your love, without expecting a reward.
We realize will not always be made welcome.
When that happens,
let us move on
because there are many more places that need to receive your grace.
May your Spirit speak through us in truth.
Lord Jesus, equip us for the journey, we pray. Amen.
Go in peace to Love and serve the Lord
In the name of Christ! Amen.
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A few weeks ago we had the U.K. Blessing.
Here is the Irish version - just as applicable with some lovely pictures of Ireland |
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HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
7th June 2020
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY
31st May 2020
For this service you will need a candle which will be lit at the end of the service
31st May 2020
For this service you will need a candle which will be lit at the end of the service
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR The Sunday after Ascension
24th MAY 2020
ALL ABOUT "The Rugby Post Prayer".
Please take some time for silence before you begin
Ascensiontide Opening Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 47)
Ascended God,
we praise you for the mighty power of your royal reign!
Glorious and Righteous King of all things:
we come today to worship you.
Ascending God,
we give thanks for your continuing reign of truth and love.
“Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise...!”
LORD Most High God,
Creating King of all that was and is,
and all that will be:
we sing our praises
and offer our thankful prayers for all God’s gifts to us.
Awe-inspiring God,
the Alpha and the Omega,
we revere your Holy Name,
and yearn for the time
when God’s Kingdom of justice and peace is realized. Amen.
This opening prayer for Ascension Day. It was written by Joan Stott with inspiration from Psalm 47, and posted on The Timeless Psalms.
(inspired by Psalm 47)
Ascended God,
we praise you for the mighty power of your royal reign!
Glorious and Righteous King of all things:
we come today to worship you.
Ascending God,
we give thanks for your continuing reign of truth and love.
“Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise...!”
LORD Most High God,
Creating King of all that was and is,
and all that will be:
we sing our praises
and offer our thankful prayers for all God’s gifts to us.
Awe-inspiring God,
the Alpha and the Omega,
we revere your Holy Name,
and yearn for the time
when God’s Kingdom of justice and peace is realized. Amen.
This opening prayer for Ascension Day. It was written by Joan Stott with inspiration from Psalm 47, and posted on The Timeless Psalms.
Our Opening Hymn is Charles Wesley's great Ascensiontide hymn
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Prayer of Confession
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us..
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us..
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us.
God, the Father of mercies,
has reconciled the world to himself
through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ,
not counting our trespasses against us,
but sending his Holy Spirit
to shed abroad his love among us.
By the ministry of reconciliation
entrusted by Christ to his Church,
we receive his pardon and peace
to stand before him in his strength alone,
this day and evermore.
All Amen.
Collect for Day
O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
BIBLE READING Jesus Prays a rugby post prayer. John 17 v1-5
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said,
“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,
2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.
5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us..
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us..
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, Have mercy on Us
Christ have mercy on us.
God, the Father of mercies,
has reconciled the world to himself
through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ,
not counting our trespasses against us,
but sending his Holy Spirit
to shed abroad his love among us.
By the ministry of reconciliation
entrusted by Christ to his Church,
we receive his pardon and peace
to stand before him in his strength alone,
this day and evermore.
All Amen.
Collect for Day
O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
BIBLE READING Jesus Prays a rugby post prayer. John 17 v1-5
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said,
“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,
2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.
5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
Talk for the Day
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A simple song of worship
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Encircling Others with Prayer –
Say these slowly – Bring to mind any situations which need prayer.
God of all things seen and unseen, if you had insulated yourself from the pain of the world, then your name could not be love and our condition would be without hope. Thank you for being so personally involved, for revealing your complete commitment in Jesus of Nazareth. Through him we pray with hope, in him we pray with love.
Let your healing love be known this day by all who suffer ailment of body, or distress of mind, or agony of spirit
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your intimate love be known today by all who feel forgotten or lost, and all who are walking in the dark valley of despair.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your fierce love this day redress the wrongs of all who suffer exploitation, injustice, abuse, neglect, violence or unwarranted imprisonment.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your nurturing love today encourage those who are gathering resolve to make tough decisions, take on new responsibilities, or break free from some bondage.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your relentless love this day upset congregations that have become self-centred or even contemptuous of other churches.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your reconciling love today gather together the separated Christians, and make them aware of the fellowship and mission of the one, universal body of Christ
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your inspiring love this day rejuvenate pastors, priests and prophets who have become weary to the very roots of their souls.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Thank you for hearing us, most loving God. With the whole body of believers in time and eternity, we want to love, praise and serve you, today and evermore. Through Christ Jesus your true Son. Amen!
— written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/
Say these slowly – Bring to mind any situations which need prayer.
God of all things seen and unseen, if you had insulated yourself from the pain of the world, then your name could not be love and our condition would be without hope. Thank you for being so personally involved, for revealing your complete commitment in Jesus of Nazareth. Through him we pray with hope, in him we pray with love.
Let your healing love be known this day by all who suffer ailment of body, or distress of mind, or agony of spirit
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your intimate love be known today by all who feel forgotten or lost, and all who are walking in the dark valley of despair.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your fierce love this day redress the wrongs of all who suffer exploitation, injustice, abuse, neglect, violence or unwarranted imprisonment.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your nurturing love today encourage those who are gathering resolve to make tough decisions, take on new responsibilities, or break free from some bondage.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your relentless love this day upset congregations that have become self-centred or even contemptuous of other churches.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your reconciling love today gather together the separated Christians, and make them aware of the fellowship and mission of the one, universal body of Christ
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Let your inspiring love this day rejuvenate pastors, priests and prophets who have become weary to the very roots of their souls.
Please reveal your compassion, Loving God, bring wholeness to all.
Thank you for hearing us, most loving God. With the whole body of believers in time and eternity, we want to love, praise and serve you, today and evermore. Through Christ Jesus your true Son. Amen!
— written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/
Our Closing Hymn
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Final Prayer
Jesus, Son of God, our true and only Saviour:
you died like a criminal on a cross;
but you are God who forgives.
Once broken, helpless and in pain,
you are God in whom there is hope.
You have shown us a love beyond words:
give us your forgiveness, hope and love.
May live our lives under cross to your honour and glory
forever and ever.
Amen
Jesus, Son of God, our true and only Saviour:
you died like a criminal on a cross;
but you are God who forgives.
Once broken, helpless and in pain,
you are God in whom there is hope.
You have shown us a love beyond words:
give us your forgiveness, hope and love.
May live our lives under cross to your honour and glory
forever and ever.
Amen
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR EASTER 5
17th MAY 2020
ALL ABOUT "GOD USING FAILURES".
Please take some time for silence before you begin
This the Last Sunday of the Easter Season –
we remind ourselves of the good news of Easter - the time when :-
Mary ready to embalm the dead
ran in joy from the empty tomb
it was Easter day
Thomas touched the wounds
and set himself free
it was Easter day
Emmaus became synonymous with welcome
and the breaking of bread with strangers
it was Easter day
Through the resurrection Jesus gave us our home in heaven
it was Easter day
Today we are reminded of the time when
The disciples looked from afar
at a breakfast of fish on the beach
it was Easter day
Peter’s three “yes’s” to Jesus
finished his three denials
it was Easter day
~ based on Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Opening Hymn
"This Joyful Eastertime"
There are two versions - pick which one you prefer!
"This Joyful Eastertime"
There are two versions - pick which one you prefer!
Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 30 and John 21: 1-19)
Brothers and sisters.
If you lift your net and it is empty,
Come here!
We’ll cast it out again into Christ’s abundance.
If you open your eyes but do not recognize the Holy One,
Come here!
We’ll find the Risen Christ here among us.
If your life is filled with mourning,
Come here!
Christ is leading a dance of joy.
Come here, sisters and brothers!
To give blessing and honour and glory to God!
~ from Feed My Lambs, written by Rev. Quentin Chin. Posted on the United Church of Christ website. http://uccfiles.com/pdf/FeedmySheepEaster3April14.pdf
Collect Prayer for the Day — Before we read Scripture, we pray
Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command
and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Bible Reading - John 21 v1-19 (NKJV)
Abundance by the Sea
1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”--knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
(inspired by Psalm 30 and John 21: 1-19)
Brothers and sisters.
If you lift your net and it is empty,
Come here!
We’ll cast it out again into Christ’s abundance.
If you open your eyes but do not recognize the Holy One,
Come here!
We’ll find the Risen Christ here among us.
If your life is filled with mourning,
Come here!
Christ is leading a dance of joy.
Come here, sisters and brothers!
To give blessing and honour and glory to God!
~ from Feed My Lambs, written by Rev. Quentin Chin. Posted on the United Church of Christ website. http://uccfiles.com/pdf/FeedmySheepEaster3April14.pdf
Collect Prayer for the Day — Before we read Scripture, we pray
Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command
and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Bible Reading - John 21 v1-19 (NKJV)
Abundance by the Sea
1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”--knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
A song "Faithful One" and then a Reflection on the Reading
Questions for Reflection
How do you imagine the scene as to time, location, setting, people present in action, what do you hear and smell?
What was Jesus trying to show the disciples by allowing to catch such a large number of fish?
When Peter hears it is the Lord he jumps into the water and begins swimming ahead of the boat. What does this reveal about Peter and his relationship with Jesus?
How would you have responded if you had denied the Lord only a few days earlier?
What subtle differences do you notice in Jesus's three questions and Peter's responses?
What do you think is the significance of those differences?
What can we learn from this passage about the steps involved in restoring a Christian who has sinned?
What aspects of Jesus character or ministry has impressed you most?
Prayers of Intercession - Pause between each intercessioin- fill out names and situations
God our Father knows better than we do our dependence on him in our lives and in the lives of all his people.
Let us pray for humility, wisdom and insight to pray for our own needs and for the needs of world.
We pray for all those who have recently become members of God’s church through baptism that they may grow in faith and be strengthened day by day in the service of Christ.
We pray for the leaders of nations and all in authority that they may use their skills and the power entrusted to them responsibly and for the good of all people. We ask God to uphold them in this time of the pandemic.
We pray for all the people we meet in our daily lives that we may recognise and serve Christ in each other and hear God speaking in the voice of friends and strangers.
We pray for all those whose spirit is crushed with guilt and a sense of failure that they may know our Lord’s forgiveness and healing and be restored in faith and confidence in God’s love.
Heavenly Father, you reached out to Simon Peter in his guilt and shame and appointed him to be a shepherd of your flock. With faith in your compassion and mercy we commit ourselves and those for whom we have prayed into your care. We ask that our lives may be renewed and directed by your loving wisdom so that we may follow Christ, not in our own strength but by your grace and blessing.
Amen.
How do you imagine the scene as to time, location, setting, people present in action, what do you hear and smell?
What was Jesus trying to show the disciples by allowing to catch such a large number of fish?
When Peter hears it is the Lord he jumps into the water and begins swimming ahead of the boat. What does this reveal about Peter and his relationship with Jesus?
How would you have responded if you had denied the Lord only a few days earlier?
What subtle differences do you notice in Jesus's three questions and Peter's responses?
What do you think is the significance of those differences?
What can we learn from this passage about the steps involved in restoring a Christian who has sinned?
What aspects of Jesus character or ministry has impressed you most?
Prayers of Intercession - Pause between each intercessioin- fill out names and situations
God our Father knows better than we do our dependence on him in our lives and in the lives of all his people.
Let us pray for humility, wisdom and insight to pray for our own needs and for the needs of world.
We pray for all those who have recently become members of God’s church through baptism that they may grow in faith and be strengthened day by day in the service of Christ.
We pray for the leaders of nations and all in authority that they may use their skills and the power entrusted to them responsibly and for the good of all people. We ask God to uphold them in this time of the pandemic.
We pray for all the people we meet in our daily lives that we may recognise and serve Christ in each other and hear God speaking in the voice of friends and strangers.
We pray for all those whose spirit is crushed with guilt and a sense of failure that they may know our Lord’s forgiveness and healing and be restored in faith and confidence in God’s love.
Heavenly Father, you reached out to Simon Peter in his guilt and shame and appointed him to be a shepherd of your flock. With faith in your compassion and mercy we commit ourselves and those for whom we have prayed into your care. We ask that our lives may be renewed and directed by your loving wisdom so that we may follow Christ, not in our own strength but by your grace and blessing.
Amen.
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Final Hymn
"Love Divine, all Loves Excelling" |
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Blessing
May God,
who comes to us
in the things of this world,
bless your eyes
and be in your seeing.
May Christ,
who looks upon you
with deepest love,
bless your eyes
and widen your gaze.
May the Spirit,
who perceives what is
and what may yet be,
bless your eyes
and sharpen your vision.
May the Sacred Three
bless your eyes
and cause you to see.
~ from In the Sanctuary of Women, copyright © Jan L. Richardson. Posted on the painted prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/
May God,
who comes to us
in the things of this world,
bless your eyes
and be in your seeing.
May Christ,
who looks upon you
with deepest love,
bless your eyes
and widen your gaze.
May the Spirit,
who perceives what is
and what may yet be,
bless your eyes
and sharpen your vision.
May the Sacred Three
bless your eyes
and cause you to see.
~ from In the Sanctuary of Women, copyright © Jan L. Richardson. Posted on the painted prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/
A video to Finish
J John speaking at a mission meeting reminds us that Jesus is for all people
J John speaking at a mission meeting reminds us that Jesus is for all people
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR EASTER 5
10th MAY 2020
ALL ABOUT OUR "HOME"
Welcome to worship for this week.
Keep a moments silence before you begin to worship.
Introductory Prayer Litany
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we shout for justice,
And as one we fight against oppression.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we seek God’s righteousness
And as one we sing God’s praise.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we climb God’s mountain,
And as one we enter the promised land.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom,
And as one we enjoy its peace, and abundance and love.
A responsive prayer litany inspired by Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech ( It was written by Christine Sine and posted on Godspace. )
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we shout for justice,
And as one we fight against oppression.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we seek God’s righteousness
And as one we sing God’s praise.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we climb God’s mountain,
And as one we enter the promised land.
May we dream of a world made new,
Where together we proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom,
And as one we enjoy its peace, and abundance and love.
A responsive prayer litany inspired by Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech ( It was written by Christine Sine and posted on Godspace. )
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This song is a newish one by Graham Kendrick It is an earworm!!!!!! We will certainly be trying it when we get back to Church |
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A Prayer of Preparation
Seeking peace in a broken world,
but also knowing God’s peace through God’s presence,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace in suffering, illness, and pain,
but also feeling God’s peace through healing, prayer, and those who help,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace through our distress, depression, isolation, and fear,
but also feeling God’s peace through the words of loved ones
and the hope we see in the world,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace through the pain of worshipping separately,
longing for our holy community to be gathering,
but also feeling peace through God’s presence with each of us
as we worship together distantly,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, loving Lord.
We need you now, as we have needed you every day.
We cannot live without you.
Amen.
~ written by Pastor Nissa Peterson, Chatfield & Root Prairie Lutheran Churches.
BIBLE READINGS
Collect Prayer for the Day — Before we read Scripture we pray
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
First Bible Reading Acts 7:55-60
Standing before the high priest and the council, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.
Gospel Reading John 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Seeking peace in a broken world,
but also knowing God’s peace through God’s presence,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace in suffering, illness, and pain,
but also feeling God’s peace through healing, prayer, and those who help,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace through our distress, depression, isolation, and fear,
but also feeling God’s peace through the words of loved ones
and the hope we see in the world,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Seeking peace through the pain of worshipping separately,
longing for our holy community to be gathering,
but also feeling peace through God’s presence with each of us
as we worship together distantly,
we pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, loving Lord.
We need you now, as we have needed you every day.
We cannot live without you.
Amen.
~ written by Pastor Nissa Peterson, Chatfield & Root Prairie Lutheran Churches.
BIBLE READINGS
Collect Prayer for the Day — Before we read Scripture we pray
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
First Bible Reading Acts 7:55-60
Standing before the high priest and the council, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.
Gospel Reading John 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
This next part was all filmed in Christ Church
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CLOSING HYMN
"Here is Love Vast as an Ocean" |
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Closing Prayer
be with us all be (based on John 14:1-4)
Don’t let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God, and in God’s son, Jesus Christ,
who is the way, the truth and the life,
and through whom we come to know the Father.
And may the blessing of God,
the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit
be with us all..
Amen.
be with us all be (based on John 14:1-4)
Don’t let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God, and in God’s son, Jesus Christ,
who is the way, the truth and the life,
and through whom we come to know the Father.
And may the blessing of God,
the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit
be with us all..
Amen.
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To finish a prayer song
This is a prayer of blessing recorded during the Lockdown Listen to it to end our worship. Pray for your street, our town, our country and it's government. Pray a blessing upon them. |
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SUNDAY SERVICE FOR EASTER 4
3rd May 2020
Jesus the Gate to the Sheep-fold
Welcome to worship for this week.
Keep a moments silence before you begin our prayers
Keep a moments silence before you begin our prayers
Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 23)
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want
I seek the grace of God
and my cup runneth over
I seek the will of God
and my cup runneth over
I seek the strength of God
and my cup runneth over
How generous is God's love
so much that the world cannot contain it
The Lord is my Shepherd
and I lack nothing
~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws.
Opening Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)
Loving Shepherd,
you know our names;
you care for us.
When we face darkness and death,
walk beside us.
When we hunger for your love,
fill us with your presence.
When we are fearful,
feed us at your table.
May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy
all the days of our lives. Amen.
~ written by Mary Petrina Boyd,
Alleluia! Christ is Risen
He is risen Indeed. Alleluia!
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Opening Hymn This is a new Hymn by Dan Schutte (The man who wrote "I the Lord of Sea and Sky") JOIN IN THE DANCE - An Easter Hymn |
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The Bible Readings
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Gospel John 10 v1- 14
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Gospel John 10 v1- 14
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
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Today's Teaching
All about Sheep |
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Questions about Psalm 23
v1-3
Why is a shepherd a good picture of God?
What are the characteristics of a good shepherd? How exactly does he care for his sheep?
V2
What does "for his names sake" mean? Why does the Psalmist say this?
v4
What scene in the life of a shepherd is the psalmist painting in this verse?
What does the rod signify in your life? What does the shepherd's staff signify?
v5-6
How does God act as our gracious host?
What does goodness and love (mercy) mean to you?
What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord forever?
Further Discussion.
1) How do you account for the popularity of this Psalm? Why does it give strength and comfort?
2) Psalm 23 is a weapon against fear. What fear in your life will you go to war against with this prayer as your cannon?
3) What are your comforts in the life of faith?
4) Read John 10 . again does this add anything to your picture of the Lord being your shepherd?
5) This Psalm uses the picture of the shepherd, imagery with which we are not personally very familiar with. If you were to choose a picture or comparison from your own experience to express God's care for you, what would it be?
v1-3
Why is a shepherd a good picture of God?
What are the characteristics of a good shepherd? How exactly does he care for his sheep?
V2
What does "for his names sake" mean? Why does the Psalmist say this?
v4
What scene in the life of a shepherd is the psalmist painting in this verse?
What does the rod signify in your life? What does the shepherd's staff signify?
v5-6
How does God act as our gracious host?
What does goodness and love (mercy) mean to you?
What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord forever?
Further Discussion.
1) How do you account for the popularity of this Psalm? Why does it give strength and comfort?
2) Psalm 23 is a weapon against fear. What fear in your life will you go to war against with this prayer as your cannon?
3) What are your comforts in the life of faith?
4) Read John 10 . again does this add anything to your picture of the Lord being your shepherd?
5) This Psalm uses the picture of the shepherd, imagery with which we are not personally very familiar with. If you were to choose a picture or comparison from your own experience to express God's care for you, what would it be?
Prayers of Intercession for Good Shepherd Sunday
(the fourth Sunday of Easter)
O God, our loving Shepherd,
you come to us with the strength and love of a father,
and the tender mercies, patience and protection of a loving mother.
We see you in the very living of our days,
and yet we so often fail to praise you or to offer our burdens to you.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of Praise)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
We pray for those in need–those who hunger or are homeless.
We pray for those in pain—the broken-hearted and lonely.
We pray for the sick in body and in mind, and for those who grieve.
For the life of this community and all those who put their trust in you
for all their todays and all their tomorrows,
we pray that your lovingkindness to the world would be offered
through our hands, our words, our deeds, our hearts.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of intercession for others)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
Free us, Lord, as your own people,
to sing your praise in the work of our everyday lives.
In those comings and goings of our simple living,
make us instruments of your peace and grace
in weary days with weary people.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of prayer for ourselves)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
Bless our memories, O God,
that in our remembering we may partake
of the mystery that is eternal life in its fullness.
For we pray in the presence of your risen Christ,
our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
We say the Lord's Prayer together.
(the fourth Sunday of Easter)
O God, our loving Shepherd,
you come to us with the strength and love of a father,
and the tender mercies, patience and protection of a loving mother.
We see you in the very living of our days,
and yet we so often fail to praise you or to offer our burdens to you.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of Praise)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
We pray for those in need–those who hunger or are homeless.
We pray for those in pain—the broken-hearted and lonely.
We pray for the sick in body and in mind, and for those who grieve.
For the life of this community and all those who put their trust in you
for all their todays and all their tomorrows,
we pray that your lovingkindness to the world would be offered
through our hands, our words, our deeds, our hearts.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of intercession for others)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
Free us, Lord, as your own people,
to sing your praise in the work of our everyday lives.
In those comings and goings of our simple living,
make us instruments of your peace and grace
in weary days with weary people.
(We keep a moment of silence in which we offer words of prayer for ourselves)
Hear us, Lord,
as we lift to you our prayers for others and for ourselves.
Bless our memories, O God,
that in our remembering we may partake
of the mystery that is eternal life in its fullness.
For we pray in the presence of your risen Christ,
our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
We say the Lord's Prayer together.
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Closing Hymn
"The Lord's my Shepherd" Stuart Townend |
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CLOSING PRAYER
Prayer of Blessing: St. Columba (c. 521-597).
My dearest Lord.
Be Thou a bright flame before me.
Be Thou a guiding star above me.
Be Thou a smooth path beneath me.
Be Thou a kindly shepherd behind me.
Today and evermore Ad may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, evermore. Amen.
Prayer of Blessing: St. Columba (c. 521-597).
My dearest Lord.
Be Thou a bright flame before me.
Be Thou a guiding star above me.
Be Thou a smooth path beneath me.
Be Thou a kindly shepherd behind me.
Today and evermore Ad may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, evermore. Amen.
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR EASTER 3
26th APRIL 2020
THE ROAD TO EMMAUS
26th APRIL 2020
THE ROAD TO EMMAUS
Emmaus Road: Call to Worship
Here’s an introduction, call to worship and opening prayer for Easter 3 , where the story of Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus is explored (Luke 24:13-35). It appears on Craig Mitchell’s Mountain Masala website.
Read it slowly- read it to yourself or out loud.
Opening of Worship
(inspired by the events in Luke 24:13-35)
Easter is not an event that has occurred
it's an adventure that has begun
not a place that we have visited
but a path on which we stand
a story not complete, but unfolding
characters still breathing
stations still teeming
with the promise of new life
not just for you and me
but for all people,
Easter is the season
of wild hope
of dangerous intent
of potent promise
where the future flaps unfurled
in the spirit’s breeze
where hopes bubble
with uncorked effervescence
where toes tap
to free-form rhythms
where rainbow hues
splash empty canvas
This morning
we continue the journey
we re-enter the story
to explore our questions
to uncover our doubts
to face our nagging need
We walk the path
of two who travelled a dusty road
wrapped in confusion and despair
two who shared the company of a stranger
voicing their pain
airing their fears
and in the listening
heard words of hope and promise
and in the eating
received true bread of life
Today we re-enter the story
with expectation that Christ
will also reveal himself to us
in sights and sounds
in words and symbols
in bread and wine
Let us pray
Risen Christ
walk with us today
be our companion and guide
be our teacher and friend
be our host and servant
bringing your gifts of faith, peace and hope
and deep joy
as always
Amen.
Here’s an introduction, call to worship and opening prayer for Easter 3 , where the story of Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus is explored (Luke 24:13-35). It appears on Craig Mitchell’s Mountain Masala website.
Read it slowly- read it to yourself or out loud.
Opening of Worship
(inspired by the events in Luke 24:13-35)
Easter is not an event that has occurred
it's an adventure that has begun
not a place that we have visited
but a path on which we stand
a story not complete, but unfolding
characters still breathing
stations still teeming
with the promise of new life
not just for you and me
but for all people,
Easter is the season
of wild hope
of dangerous intent
of potent promise
where the future flaps unfurled
in the spirit’s breeze
where hopes bubble
with uncorked effervescence
where toes tap
to free-form rhythms
where rainbow hues
splash empty canvas
This morning
we continue the journey
we re-enter the story
to explore our questions
to uncover our doubts
to face our nagging need
We walk the path
of two who travelled a dusty road
wrapped in confusion and despair
two who shared the company of a stranger
voicing their pain
airing their fears
and in the listening
heard words of hope and promise
and in the eating
received true bread of life
Today we re-enter the story
with expectation that Christ
will also reveal himself to us
in sights and sounds
in words and symbols
in bread and wine
Let us pray
Risen Christ
walk with us today
be our companion and guide
be our teacher and friend
be our host and servant
bringing your gifts of faith, peace and hope
and deep joy
as always
Amen.
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Opening Song of Worship "O the Deep, Deep, love of Jesus" |
Pause for a moment and then watch this "Thought for the Day" video
Bible Reading
On the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24 v13 -35
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
On the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24 v13 -35
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Questions about Luke 24 v13-51
for you to think/talk about
What seems natural about the way Luke begins this particular story of Jesus' appearance?
According to the responses they make what kind of people do the two seem to be in temperament?
Why do you think the two travellers do not recognise Jesus?
How would you describe their faith?
In what ways do you feel you can identify with them?
in v25 Jesus accuses them of being foolish and slow why do you think he doesn’t just tell them who he is?
Why do you think they recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread?
What do you think they thought when they recognised Jesus? Have you ever experienced times in your life where you have not recognised Jesus at the time but in retrospect you see he was there all the time?
Why is the prose “Footprints” so popular?
for you to think/talk about
What seems natural about the way Luke begins this particular story of Jesus' appearance?
According to the responses they make what kind of people do the two seem to be in temperament?
Why do you think the two travellers do not recognise Jesus?
How would you describe their faith?
In what ways do you feel you can identify with them?
in v25 Jesus accuses them of being foolish and slow why do you think he doesn’t just tell them who he is?
Why do you think they recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread?
What do you think they thought when they recognised Jesus? Have you ever experienced times in your life where you have not recognised Jesus at the time but in retrospect you see he was there all the time?
Why is the prose “Footprints” so popular?
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Lord, as we bring to you our prayers of intercession, we ask you to open our ears to hear your voice, open our eyes to behold your glory, open our hearts to receive your grace, open our lips to show forth your praise.
Lord we bring to you our thanks and praise for the beauty of creation as we look around us, we are amazed at the wonder and majesty of all that you have made. Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design. You have given us such beauty in the colours of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields.
Help us to safeguard your world and may we show our love for you by showing reverence and care for all you have created for us and for future generations.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our Prayer.
Loving Lord in your Son, Jesus Christ, you call all people to yourself.
We pray for all those who already know of your love, those who are at the beginning of their journey with you and those that wait to hear your voice. We pray that you will lead them all and keep them safe in your hands always.
Lord we bring you our prayers for our families, for those that are growing up that they may increase in wisdom and love, for those facing changes, that they may meet them with hope, for those that are weak that they may find strength, for those with heavy burdens that they, may carry them lightly.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray to God, who alone makes us dwell in safety:
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill and the dying,
that they may know your comfort and peace:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
We keep silence for a few moments for our own prayers and intercession
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Lord, as we bring to you our prayers of intercession, we ask you to open our ears to hear your voice, open our eyes to behold your glory, open our hearts to receive your grace, open our lips to show forth your praise.
Lord we bring to you our thanks and praise for the beauty of creation as we look around us, we are amazed at the wonder and majesty of all that you have made. Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design. You have given us such beauty in the colours of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields.
Help us to safeguard your world and may we show our love for you by showing reverence and care for all you have created for us and for future generations.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our Prayer.
Loving Lord in your Son, Jesus Christ, you call all people to yourself.
We pray for all those who already know of your love, those who are at the beginning of their journey with you and those that wait to hear your voice. We pray that you will lead them all and keep them safe in your hands always.
Lord we bring you our prayers for our families, for those that are growing up that they may increase in wisdom and love, for those facing changes, that they may meet them with hope, for those that are weak that they may find strength, for those with heavy burdens that they, may carry them lightly.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray to God, who alone makes us dwell in safety:
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill and the dying,
that they may know your comfort and peace:
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
We keep silence for a few moments for our own prayers and intercession
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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Closing Hymn
Low in the Grave - Christ arose! |
Here are closing words of commission and benediction from Ann Siddall.
They were posted on the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre website.
Words of Benediction
(inspired by Luke 24:13-35)
Go now as those who have met with Christ
in the morning of this day.
Go now as those who hearts have burned within them,
as the Scriptures were explained.
Go now as those
who have been touched by resurrection.
And may the blessing of God
be upon you, body, mind and spirit,
as you leave this place,
Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen
He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
They were posted on the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre website.
Words of Benediction
(inspired by Luke 24:13-35)
Go now as those who have met with Christ
in the morning of this day.
Go now as those who hearts have burned within them,
as the Scriptures were explained.
Go now as those
who have been touched by resurrection.
And may the blessing of God
be upon you, body, mind and spirit,
as you leave this place,
Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen
He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
Holy Communion
for the first Sunday after Easter
19th April 2020
for the first Sunday after Easter
19th April 2020
Holy Communion for Easter Sunday
12th April 2020
12th April 2020
Worship for Palm Sunday
5th April 2020
Start by making a Palm Cross see below for instructions
The worship follows a simple pattern
There is a song of worship (recorded in Christ Church)
a prayer for the day-Palm Sunday
A Bible Reading - Read it slowly. There are some questions to think about at the end of you wish.
A "sort of " Sermon on video
after you may read the Passion of Jesus
The traditional Prayers for Palm Sunday - say slowly
A Closing Song
Finally May God richly bless you as we meet jn together in Spirit.
REAL PALM CROSSES WILL BE AVAILABLE NEXT TIME WE MEET
Michael
5th April 2020
Start by making a Palm Cross see below for instructions
The worship follows a simple pattern
There is a song of worship (recorded in Christ Church)
a prayer for the day-Palm Sunday
A Bible Reading - Read it slowly. There are some questions to think about at the end of you wish.
A "sort of " Sermon on video
after you may read the Passion of Jesus
The traditional Prayers for Palm Sunday - say slowly
A Closing Song
Finally May God richly bless you as we meet jn together in Spirit.
REAL PALM CROSSES WILL BE AVAILABLE NEXT TIME WE MEET
Michael
Opening Song - THE SPLENDOR OF A KING (How great is our God)
Chris Tomlin / Ed Cash / Jesse Reeves
The splendour of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
You're the name above all names
You are worthy of our praise
And my heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
Chris Tomlin / Ed Cash / Jesse Reeves
The splendour of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
You're the name above all names
You are worthy of our praise
And my heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
Collect Prayer for Palm Sunday
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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.
BIBLE READING Matthew 21 v1-11
1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”
11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”
11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
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A Thought for the Day about Palm Sunday and kings. |
QUESTIONS
1. Describe your own expectations and feelings about Palm Sunday? What should take place on Palm Sunday for it to be the kind of Palm Sunday you have always appreciated?
2. What do you think did Jesus have in his mind as He approached Palm Sunday.
3. What would the image of "a King... riding a donkey" instead of a horse have conjured up in the eyes of those who saw Jesus
4. (Verses 7-11) From what they said and sang, who did the crowds think that Jesus was? What reaction did the crowds' reaction to Jesus have on the rest of the city? Why did the crowd change so quickly?
5. As we enter Holy Week, reflect on the importance of Palm Sunday. Why does it matter that Christ is and should be adored as King? How will you respond to His kingship in your life this week? What will you lay before Him, what will you bring to Him, and what will you praise Him for because you could neither surrender it nor win it for Him?
1. Describe your own expectations and feelings about Palm Sunday? What should take place on Palm Sunday for it to be the kind of Palm Sunday you have always appreciated?
2. What do you think did Jesus have in his mind as He approached Palm Sunday.
3. What would the image of "a King... riding a donkey" instead of a horse have conjured up in the eyes of those who saw Jesus
4. (Verses 7-11) From what they said and sang, who did the crowds think that Jesus was? What reaction did the crowds' reaction to Jesus have on the rest of the city? Why did the crowd change so quickly?
5. As we enter Holy Week, reflect on the importance of Palm Sunday. Why does it matter that Christ is and should be adored as King? How will you respond to His kingship in your life this week? What will you lay before Him, what will you bring to Him, and what will you praise Him for because you could neither surrender it nor win it for Him?
PASSION GOSPEL
It is a tradition on Palm Sunday to read the whole Passion story as we enter into Holy week.
This year it is Matthew's Gospel.
Read as a meditation Matthew Chapter 26 to Matthew Chapter 28 (You could start with the entry into Jerusalem at chapter 21)
It is a tradition on Palm Sunday to read the whole Passion story as we enter into Holy week.
This year it is Matthew's Gospel.
Read as a meditation Matthew Chapter 26 to Matthew Chapter 28 (You could start with the entry into Jerusalem at chapter 21)
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
We stand with Christ in his suffering.
For forgiveness for the many times we have denied Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For grace to seek out those habits of sin which mean spiritual death, and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For Christian people, that through the suffering of disunity there may grow a rich union in Christ, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them, that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who still make Jerusalem a battle-ground, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
the courage and honesty to work openly for justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
he darkness and agony of isolation, that they may find support and encouragement, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those, weighed down with hardship, failure, or sorrow, feel that God is far from them,let us pray to the Lord.Lord, have mercy.
For those who are tempted to give up the way of the cross, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
That we, with those who have died in faith, may find mercy in the day of Christ, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.
A prayer about the Coronavirus outbreak
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
For those in isolation
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.
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father...……….
Closing Song - KING OF KINGS Jarrod Cooper
King of kings, Majesty
God of Heaven living in me
Gentle Saviour, closest friend
Strong Deliverer, beginning and end
All within me falls at Your throne
Your Majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
Earth and Heaven worship You
Love eternal, Faithful and True
Who bought the nations, ransomed souls
Brought this sinner near to Your throne
All within me cries out in praise.
Your majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
King of kings, Majesty
God of Heaven living in me
Gentle Saviour, closest friend
Strong Deliverer, beginning and end
All within me falls at Your throne
Your Majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
Earth and Heaven worship You
Love eternal, Faithful and True
Who bought the nations, ransomed souls
Brought this sinner near to Your throne
All within me cries out in praise.
Your majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
Worship for Sunday 29th March 2020- Passion Sunday
It is a very simple pattern
There is a song of worship (recorded on Monday in Christ Church)
a prayer for the day- Passion Sunday
A Bible Reading - Read it slowly. There are some questions to think about at the end of you wish.
A Prayer exercise - watch the 4 minute video and then take your time to do it!
A Closing Song
Finally May God richly bless you as we jn together in Spirit.
Michael
It is a very simple pattern
There is a song of worship (recorded on Monday in Christ Church)
a prayer for the day- Passion Sunday
A Bible Reading - Read it slowly. There are some questions to think about at the end of you wish.
A Prayer exercise - watch the 4 minute video and then take your time to do it!
A Closing Song
Finally May God richly bless you as we jn together in Spirit.
Michael
Opening Song - "Come, Now is the time to Worship" Brian Doerkson
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God
Come
One day ev'ry tongue will confess You are God
One day ev'ry knee will bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose you now
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God
Come
One day ev'ry tongue will confess You are God
One day ev'ry knee will bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose you now
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
Collect Prayer for Passion Sunday
Gracious Father, you gave up your Son out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion, that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gracious Father, you gave up your Son out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion, that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bible Reading John 11:1-45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Death of Lazarus
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Jesus Weeps
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life
38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
The Death of Lazarus
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Jesus Weeps
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life
38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
QUESTIONS TO HELP THINK ABOUT THE BIBLE READING
vv1-16
1. Obviously Lazarus' illness is serious, or Mary and Martha would not send for Jesus. What do you think they expected Jesus to do?
2. Why do you think Jesus takes his time when he knows Lazarus is so ill? Why does he let Mary and Martha suffer in this way? How can those verse help us when we feel abandoned by God in a time of need?
In verse 7-16 what do you think is the disciples' great concern? What is Jesus' great concern?
vv17-38
3. Put yourself in Martha and Mary's place. How must they have felt when Jesus did not come straight away?
How would you describe Martha? How would you describe Mary?
4. Watch Jesus as he responds to the sisters' distress. What details highlight his sensitivity?
vv20-27
5. Take a closer look at these few verses. What progress do you notice as Jesus counsels Martha? What is the difference between Martha's general belief in the resurrection (v24) and the specific belief of vv25-27?
vv38-44
6. Imagine the scene at the tomb. What mixed emotions might the onlookers have had? Do you think Martha's reaction is justifiable?
7. (vv41-42) Why do you think Jesus prays this prayer?
8. How does this event illustrate what Jesus has said to Martha in vv25-26?
9 what is the difference between this story and the Resurrection of Jesus?
for Further Thought.
1. Think back to the death of a family member or friend. Did that death cause you to question God’s love? Explain?
2. Spend some time thinking about your feelings about death- perhaps reactions and emotions you experienced because of the death of a close relative. Talk over your fears and questions about death and life after death.
3. Think about how your own faith has held up (or not) in a time of bereavement.
vv1-16
1. Obviously Lazarus' illness is serious, or Mary and Martha would not send for Jesus. What do you think they expected Jesus to do?
2. Why do you think Jesus takes his time when he knows Lazarus is so ill? Why does he let Mary and Martha suffer in this way? How can those verse help us when we feel abandoned by God in a time of need?
In verse 7-16 what do you think is the disciples' great concern? What is Jesus' great concern?
vv17-38
3. Put yourself in Martha and Mary's place. How must they have felt when Jesus did not come straight away?
How would you describe Martha? How would you describe Mary?
4. Watch Jesus as he responds to the sisters' distress. What details highlight his sensitivity?
vv20-27
5. Take a closer look at these few verses. What progress do you notice as Jesus counsels Martha? What is the difference between Martha's general belief in the resurrection (v24) and the specific belief of vv25-27?
vv38-44
6. Imagine the scene at the tomb. What mixed emotions might the onlookers have had? Do you think Martha's reaction is justifiable?
7. (vv41-42) Why do you think Jesus prays this prayer?
8. How does this event illustrate what Jesus has said to Martha in vv25-26?
9 what is the difference between this story and the Resurrection of Jesus?
for Further Thought.
1. Think back to the death of a family member or friend. Did that death cause you to question God’s love? Explain?
2. Spend some time thinking about your feelings about death- perhaps reactions and emotions you experienced because of the death of a close relative. Talk over your fears and questions about death and life after death.
3. Think about how your own faith has held up (or not) in a time of bereavement.
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A Prayer of Julian of Norwich
click to watch the video |
Closing Song - "Before the Throne of God above"
VERSE 1
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
VERSE 2
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
VERSE 3
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Saviour and my God
With Christ my Saviour and my God
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
VERSE 1
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
VERSE 2
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
VERSE 3
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Saviour and my God
With Christ my Saviour and my God
Church Copyright Licence 1231389 30 Apr 2021 Streaming Licence 317112 30 Apr 2021 PPL Church Licence 1590484 PRS for Music Church Licence 1231406 30 Apr 2021
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Carole 07931858563 Links Church of England Diocese of London Parish of St . Mary and St. Peter Staines |
