Tanworth-in-Arden Church
St Mary Magdalene is an Anglican church in the diocese of Birmingham. It has been a place of Christian worship since the thirteenth century.
Here is the order of service for tonight's Tanworth in Arden Church's Night Prayer Service with Mandy and Quentin. We look forward to seeing you at 7pm.
_______________________________________
Wednesday 28th October - 7PM
An Order for Night Prayer
Welcome to all, whether you are joining us live or attending later. You are all welcome as a part of this online community.
The Blessing of Light
A candle is lit
Leader The blessing of God’s light be on this place
on all whom I have seen this day
on all who have come to mind for good or ill.
ALL THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES
WITHIN OUR WALLS;
WITHIN OUR HEARTS;
WITHIN US ALL.
THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES.
The Night Prayer Chant
Said
O Lord Almighty
Grant us, grant us
A quiet night, a perfect end.
Amen, amen.
Our help, is in the name
Of the Lord, the Lord who made
Heaven and earth, heaven and earth.
Amen, amen.
The Gift of this Day
Leader For the gift of this day now past
All WE GIVE THANKS.
Leader for what we have gained
for how we have grown
for tasks completed
and hearts held.
Leader We give thanks
for conversation and connection*,
for food, fellowship and fun
For the gift of this day now past
ALL WE GIVE THANKS.
Contemplate in the silence the events of the past day that brought you joy.
………………………..
Leader But not all things bring us joy, so we need to turn our minds to that which has caused us grief or that which we should have done better or avoided.
Leader For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Leader In the ways we have failed;
things not done,
people not seen,
the ways we are lessened, or have lessened others,
by the accidents and chance of this past day.
For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Contemplate in the silence the things of the past day you wish you could undo. Learn to accept that they have been, but are now past.
*****
Leader Grant us healing. Grant us forgiveness. Grant us tomorrow.
ALL AMEN
Leader Let hands fall still.
Let minds quieten.
Let the day's pressing needs pass forever from the earth
-Silence-
Be still, drink deep of comfort
O my soul, drink deep of silence*.
In quietness and rest let your hearts be still.
Trust in the Lord.
O God make speed to save us
O Lord make haste to help us.
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT;
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND SHALL BE FOREVER.
AMEN.
************
Bible Reading- Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a meditative way of reading the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to talk to us. We read the passage through three times, each time asking a more in-depth question. In this first slow read through we look for what jumps out at us in terms of a short phrase or one or two words.
We will pause between sections, asking for divine guidance. Read them slowly, pause for a minute and then read them again.
1st time – Notice words
2nd time – A Divine message for you
3rd time – Personal action or response
Reading
This Sunday is All Saints Day, and we shall also be reflecting on the following reading.
Matthew 5:1-12.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Quiet Meditation
Think about what you have read. Keep a notebook, journal or diary by your side and write down any impressions that come to mind, whatever they may be. Add any questions that rise.
1st read through – look for a few words that jump out to you.
2nd read through – ask what God may be trying to say to you through those words, or others if something else jumps out at you.
3rd read through – seek what God is asking you to do.
Prayers
Intercessory prayers
Personal prayers – invitation to put prayers online
(Leader and ALL)
Leader: Invitation to share prayers:
In silence, or by typing them on to the screens, voice your own prayers now for your needs, for those of your family and friends, for the wider community and the world. Tonight, pray especially for those who feel lost and abandoned.
Silence is Kept
Leader We offer these prayers to the heart of the Father
through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
ALL AMEN.
Closing Prayers for our Dreams
Leader Dream-walk with us this night.
Bring quiet reassurance to troubled minds
and vision and excitement for new creation.
May all our dreams be sacred to you
and be as gifts which you can sow
in the world of your divine vision.
ALL MAY OUR SLEEP BE ENLIVENING,
INVIGORATING US FOR THE TASKS OF ALL OUR TOMORROWS,
THAT WE MAY BE THE BEARERS OF A NEW CREATION.
We keep silence now as we offer our dreams, our hopes and our fears for our own futures, that The Spirit may whisper to us this night and quicken the life and vision wishing to be born within us.
Leader: The Blessing
Leader
ALL
We say together:
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
And the love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us all, evermore, Amen
_______________________________________
Wednesday 28th October - 7PM
An Order for Night Prayer
Welcome to all, whether you are joining us live or attending later. You are all welcome as a part of this online community.
The Blessing of Light
A candle is lit
Leader The blessing of God’s light be on this place
on all whom I have seen this day
on all who have come to mind for good or ill.
ALL THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES
WITHIN OUR WALLS;
WITHIN OUR HEARTS;
WITHIN US ALL.
THE BLESSING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN ALL OUR HOMES.
The Night Prayer Chant
Said
O Lord Almighty
Grant us, grant us
A quiet night, a perfect end.
Amen, amen.
Our help, is in the name
Of the Lord, the Lord who made
Heaven and earth, heaven and earth.
Amen, amen.
The Gift of this Day
Leader For the gift of this day now past
All WE GIVE THANKS.
Leader for what we have gained
for how we have grown
for tasks completed
and hearts held.
Leader We give thanks
for conversation and connection*,
for food, fellowship and fun
For the gift of this day now past
ALL WE GIVE THANKS.
Contemplate in the silence the events of the past day that brought you joy.
………………………..
Leader But not all things bring us joy, so we need to turn our minds to that which has caused us grief or that which we should have done better or avoided.
Leader For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Leader In the ways we have failed;
things not done,
people not seen,
the ways we are lessened, or have lessened others,
by the accidents and chance of this past day.
For the pain of this day now past
ALL WE SEEK HOPE.
Contemplate in the silence the things of the past day you wish you could undo. Learn to accept that they have been, but are now past.
*****
Leader Grant us healing. Grant us forgiveness. Grant us tomorrow.
ALL AMEN
Leader Let hands fall still.
Let minds quieten.
Let the day's pressing needs pass forever from the earth
-Silence-
Be still, drink deep of comfort
O my soul, drink deep of silence*.
In quietness and rest let your hearts be still.
Trust in the Lord.
O God make speed to save us
O Lord make haste to help us.
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT;
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND SHALL BE FOREVER.
AMEN.
************
Bible Reading- Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a meditative way of reading the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to talk to us. We read the passage through three times, each time asking a more in-depth question. In this first slow read through we look for what jumps out at us in terms of a short phrase or one or two words.
We will pause between sections, asking for divine guidance. Read them slowly, pause for a minute and then read them again.
1st time – Notice words
2nd time – A Divine message for you
3rd time – Personal action or response
Reading
This Sunday is All Saints Day, and we shall also be reflecting on the following reading.
Matthew 5:1-12.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Quiet Meditation
Think about what you have read. Keep a notebook, journal or diary by your side and write down any impressions that come to mind, whatever they may be. Add any questions that rise.
1st read through – look for a few words that jump out to you.
2nd read through – ask what God may be trying to say to you through those words, or others if something else jumps out at you.
3rd read through – seek what God is asking you to do.
Prayers
Intercessory prayers
Personal prayers – invitation to put prayers online
(Leader and ALL)
Leader: Invitation to share prayers:
In silence, or by typing them on to the screens, voice your own prayers now for your needs, for those of your family and friends, for the wider community and the world. Tonight, pray especially for those who feel lost and abandoned.
Silence is Kept
Leader We offer these prayers to the heart of the Father
through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
ALL AMEN.
Closing Prayers for our Dreams
Leader Dream-walk with us this night.
Bring quiet reassurance to troubled minds
and vision and excitement for new creation.
May all our dreams be sacred to you
and be as gifts which you can sow
in the world of your divine vision.
ALL MAY OUR SLEEP BE ENLIVENING,
INVIGORATING US FOR THE TASKS OF ALL OUR TOMORROWS,
THAT WE MAY BE THE BEARERS OF A NEW CREATION.
We keep silence now as we offer our dreams, our hopes and our fears for our own futures, that The Spirit may whisper to us this night and quicken the life and vision wishing to be born within us.
Leader: The Blessing
Leader
ALL
We say together:
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
And the love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us all, evermore, Amen
Good morning all
A reminder that there is a 9am communion with the choir tomorrow morning. Its best to book a place in advance as social distancing limits us to 13 'bubbles'.
For those who are joining us online, here's the liturgy for the 10.30 service.
Bible Sunday
The Bible and the Church
A Gathering Prayer
Leader Send out your light and your truth:
let them lead us;
ALL LET THEM BRING US TO YOUR HOLY HILL
AND TO YOUR DWELLING.
THEN WE WILL GO TO THE ALTAR OF GOD,
TO THE GOD OF OUR EXCEEDING JOY
(Psalm 43.3-4A).
Leader Gather us together in your presence and the presence of one another
ALL THAT WE MAY BE CHALLENGED AND FIND HOPE.
AMEN
Hymn:
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You
We turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You
We long for You
‘Cause when we see You
We find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears
Are washed away, washed away
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You
We turn to You
In Your kingdom broken lives are made new
You make all things new
Benton Brown and Paul Baloche Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music/Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/Integrity Music Europe
Collect Prayer
Leader Merciful God,
teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty,
that trusting in your word and obeying your will
we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
Readings
Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Luke 4:16-19
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
Address Part 1
Song
Brothers, let us come together,
Walking in the Spirit;
There’s much to be done.
We will come reaching out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love.
Sisters, we were made for kindness,
We can pierce the darkness
As he shines through us.
We will come reaching with a song of healing,
And they will know us by our love.
The time is now, come church arise.
Love with his hands, see with his eyes.
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love.
Children, you are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the truth now,
Set your hearts above.
You will be reaching long after we’re gone,
And they will know us by our love.
The time is now…
Christy Nockels © Copyright 2009 worshiptogether . com Songs/sixsteps Music
Address Part 2
We believe:
Leader We are not alone, we live in God's world.
Leader We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
ALL TO RECONCILE AND MAKE NEW,
WHO WORKS IN US AND OTHERS BY THE SPIRIT.
Leader We trust in God.
Leader We are called to be the Church:
ALL TO CELEBRATE GOD'S PRESENCE,
Leader to live with respect in Creation,
ALL TO LOVE AND SERVE OTHERS,
Leader to seek justice and resist evil,
ALL TO PROCLAIM JESUS, CRUCIFIED AND RISEN,
OUR JUDGE AND OUR HOPE.
Leader In life, in death, in life beyond death,
ALL GOD IS WITH US.
WE ARE NOT ALONE.
Leader Thanks be to God.
ALL AMEN.
From The United Church of Canada
To lead us into our confession and our prayers we’re going to sing
Hymn:
Come down, O love divine, seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardour glowing;
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
and kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
and lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
and o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
Nor can we guess its grace, till we become the place
wherein the Holy Spirit finds a dwelling.
Bianco da Siena (d.1434)
Confession: (inspired by Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, compiled by Anon.)
Leader Holy God,
Open our eyes to the presence of your Spirit
ALL UPON US, WITHIN US, AMONG US.
Leader For our apathy in the presence of oppression,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader If we have contributed to the brokenheartedness of anyone,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader For our participation in systems that enslave,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader When we are deaf to your good news,
ALL HAVE MERCY AND OPEN OUR EARS.
Leader When our mouths remain too tightly closed,
ALL LOOSEN OUR LIPS WITH SONGS OF PRAISE.
Leader Hear our prayer, O God, and forgive our sins.
ALL HOLD US IN YOUR MERCY, NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Leader May the Father forgive us
by the death of his Son,
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days.
AMEN
Intercessory Prayers
Leader In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ
let us pray to the Father.
Leader Loving God, we pray that we may know you:
ALL LOVING GOD, WE PRAY THAT WE MAY KNOW YOU
NOT ONLY IN OUR HEADS BUT IN OUR HEARTS.
Leader We pray that we may meet with you not only in our church,
ALL BUT ALSO IN OUR HOMES, OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS,
AT WORK AND AT SCHOOL.
Leader We pray that we may hear you speaking to us not only through the Bible,
ALL BUT ALSO THROUGH THE VOICES OF THOSE
WHO LOVE AND CHALLENGE US.
Leader We pray that we may turn to you not only in the times of joy and wonder,
ALL BUT ALSO IN DARK AND PAINFUL EXPERIENCES.
Leader Lead us in our journey of faith a step at a time,
ALL SO THAT AS WE LOOK BACK
WE MAY DISCERN YOUR GUIDING HAND,
AND AS WE LOOK AHEAD WE MAY TRUST YOU
FOR ALL THAT IS TO COME.
Leader We bring before you the needs of a lost world,
ALL WHERE PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY, AND HOMELESS,
Leader where some families are separated
ALL AND SOME SUFFER FROM THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS
OF THIS PANDEMIC
Leader We bring before you the needs of this local community
ALL MAY YOUR LIGHT SHINE THROUGH US.
Leader We bring into the presence of your light this church family
as we reflect on this last year.
ALL BRING HEALING AND HOPE.
In this space, we remember by first name those known to us in need of God’s help. If it seems appropriate, speak their names out loud now or type them on to the screen.
Especially we pray today for those who doubt that God loves them and those who are reluctant to be changed by the Spirit.
The Lord’s Prayer
Leader As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
ALL OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME
YOUR KINGDOM COME
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN
GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD
FORGIVE US OUR SINS
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
FOR THE KINDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS
NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Final Song:
From the sun's rising unto the sun's setting,
Jesus our Lord shall be great in the earth;
and all earth's kingdom shall be his dominion,
all of creation shall sing of his worth
Let every heart, every voice, every tongue join with spirit ablaze;
One in his love, we will circle the world with the song of his praise.
Oh let all his people rejoice,
and let all the earth hear his voice!
To every tongue, tribe and nation he sends us,
to make disciples, to teach and baptise.
For all authority to him is given;
now as his witnesses we shall arise
Come let us join with the church from all nations,
cross every border, throw wide every door;
Workers with Him as He gathers His harvest,
Till earth’s far corners our saviour adore.
Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music
Blessing
Leader May the Father
from whom every family in earth and heaven receives its name
strengthen you with his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith,
and that knowing his love,
broad and long, deep and high beyond our knowledge,
you may be filled with all the fullness of God;
and the blessing…
(1 Thessalonians 5:13-22)
ALL AMEN
Dismissal
Leader Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST! AMEN.
A reminder that there is a 9am communion with the choir tomorrow morning. Its best to book a place in advance as social distancing limits us to 13 'bubbles'.
For those who are joining us online, here's the liturgy for the 10.30 service.
Bible Sunday
The Bible and the Church
A Gathering Prayer
Leader Send out your light and your truth:
let them lead us;
ALL LET THEM BRING US TO YOUR HOLY HILL
AND TO YOUR DWELLING.
THEN WE WILL GO TO THE ALTAR OF GOD,
TO THE GOD OF OUR EXCEEDING JOY
(Psalm 43.3-4A).
Leader Gather us together in your presence and the presence of one another
ALL THAT WE MAY BE CHALLENGED AND FIND HOPE.
AMEN
Hymn:
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You
We turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You
We long for You
‘Cause when we see You
We find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears
Are washed away, washed away
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You
We turn to You
In Your kingdom broken lives are made new
You make all things new
Benton Brown and Paul Baloche Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music/Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/Integrity Music Europe
Collect Prayer
Leader Merciful God,
teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty,
that trusting in your word and obeying your will
we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
Readings
Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Luke 4:16-19
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
Address Part 1
Song
Brothers, let us come together,
Walking in the Spirit;
There’s much to be done.
We will come reaching out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love.
Sisters, we were made for kindness,
We can pierce the darkness
As he shines through us.
We will come reaching with a song of healing,
And they will know us by our love.
The time is now, come church arise.
Love with his hands, see with his eyes.
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love.
Children, you are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the truth now,
Set your hearts above.
You will be reaching long after we’re gone,
And they will know us by our love.
The time is now…
Christy Nockels © Copyright 2009 worshiptogether . com Songs/sixsteps Music
Address Part 2
We believe:
Leader We are not alone, we live in God's world.
Leader We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
ALL TO RECONCILE AND MAKE NEW,
WHO WORKS IN US AND OTHERS BY THE SPIRIT.
Leader We trust in God.
Leader We are called to be the Church:
ALL TO CELEBRATE GOD'S PRESENCE,
Leader to live with respect in Creation,
ALL TO LOVE AND SERVE OTHERS,
Leader to seek justice and resist evil,
ALL TO PROCLAIM JESUS, CRUCIFIED AND RISEN,
OUR JUDGE AND OUR HOPE.
Leader In life, in death, in life beyond death,
ALL GOD IS WITH US.
WE ARE NOT ALONE.
Leader Thanks be to God.
ALL AMEN.
From The United Church of Canada
To lead us into our confession and our prayers we’re going to sing
Hymn:
Come down, O love divine, seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardour glowing;
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
and kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
and lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
and o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
Nor can we guess its grace, till we become the place
wherein the Holy Spirit finds a dwelling.
Bianco da Siena (d.1434)
Confession: (inspired by Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, compiled by Anon.)
Leader Holy God,
Open our eyes to the presence of your Spirit
ALL UPON US, WITHIN US, AMONG US.
Leader For our apathy in the presence of oppression,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader If we have contributed to the brokenheartedness of anyone,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader For our participation in systems that enslave,
ALL FORGIVE US.
Leader When we are deaf to your good news,
ALL HAVE MERCY AND OPEN OUR EARS.
Leader When our mouths remain too tightly closed,
ALL LOOSEN OUR LIPS WITH SONGS OF PRAISE.
Leader Hear our prayer, O God, and forgive our sins.
ALL HOLD US IN YOUR MERCY, NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Leader May the Father forgive us
by the death of his Son,
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days.
AMEN
Intercessory Prayers
Leader In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ
let us pray to the Father.
Leader Loving God, we pray that we may know you:
ALL LOVING GOD, WE PRAY THAT WE MAY KNOW YOU
NOT ONLY IN OUR HEADS BUT IN OUR HEARTS.
Leader We pray that we may meet with you not only in our church,
ALL BUT ALSO IN OUR HOMES, OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS,
AT WORK AND AT SCHOOL.
Leader We pray that we may hear you speaking to us not only through the Bible,
ALL BUT ALSO THROUGH THE VOICES OF THOSE
WHO LOVE AND CHALLENGE US.
Leader We pray that we may turn to you not only in the times of joy and wonder,
ALL BUT ALSO IN DARK AND PAINFUL EXPERIENCES.
Leader Lead us in our journey of faith a step at a time,
ALL SO THAT AS WE LOOK BACK
WE MAY DISCERN YOUR GUIDING HAND,
AND AS WE LOOK AHEAD WE MAY TRUST YOU
FOR ALL THAT IS TO COME.
Leader We bring before you the needs of a lost world,
ALL WHERE PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY, AND HOMELESS,
Leader where some families are separated
ALL AND SOME SUFFER FROM THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS
OF THIS PANDEMIC
Leader We bring before you the needs of this local community
ALL MAY YOUR LIGHT SHINE THROUGH US.
Leader We bring into the presence of your light this church family
as we reflect on this last year.
ALL BRING HEALING AND HOPE.
In this space, we remember by first name those known to us in need of God’s help. If it seems appropriate, speak their names out loud now or type them on to the screen.
Especially we pray today for those who doubt that God loves them and those who are reluctant to be changed by the Spirit.
The Lord’s Prayer
Leader As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
ALL OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME
YOUR KINGDOM COME
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN
GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD
FORGIVE US OUR SINS
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
FOR THE KINDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS
NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
Final Song:
From the sun's rising unto the sun's setting,
Jesus our Lord shall be great in the earth;
and all earth's kingdom shall be his dominion,
all of creation shall sing of his worth
Let every heart, every voice, every tongue join with spirit ablaze;
One in his love, we will circle the world with the song of his praise.
Oh let all his people rejoice,
and let all the earth hear his voice!
To every tongue, tribe and nation he sends us,
to make disciples, to teach and baptise.
For all authority to him is given;
now as his witnesses we shall arise
Come let us join with the church from all nations,
cross every border, throw wide every door;
Workers with Him as He gathers His harvest,
Till earth’s far corners our saviour adore.
Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music
Blessing
Leader May the Father
from whom every family in earth and heaven receives its name
strengthen you with his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith,
and that knowing his love,
broad and long, deep and high beyond our knowledge,
you may be filled with all the fullness of God;
and the blessing…
(1 Thessalonians 5:13-22)
ALL AMEN
Dismissal
Leader Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST! AMEN.
Many of you will remember with gratitude the time Paul had with us as associate priest a few years ago. So here's some absolutely fabulous news. Congratulations Paul.
