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Prelude: Children of Eden
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: 465 CP Here in This Place, New Light is Streaming
Here in this place new light is streaming; now is the darkness vanished away. See in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in—the lost and forsaken; gather us in—the blind and the lame; call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name. We are the young—our lives are a mystery; we are the old—who yearn for your face. We have been sung throughout all of history, called to be light to the whole human race. Gather us in—the rich and the haughty; gather us in—the proud and the strong; give us a heart so meek and so lowly; give us the courage to enter the song. Here we will take the wine and the water; here we will take the bread of new birth. Here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth. Give us to drink the wine of compassion; give us to eat the bread that is you; nourish us well, and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true. Not in the dark of buildings confining, Not in some heaven, light years away, but here in this place the new light is shining; Now is the kingdom, now is the day. Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own; gather us in—all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Gathering Sentences (BAS)
Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God, you were before time began and came into the world to save us. Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness; you shine with the Creator’s love, illumine the whole universe and share our humanity.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
Blessed are you, Son of David; born to rule, you received gifts from the wise men, and you were baptized by John, you saved us from ourselves. Teaching and preaching, healing and comforting, you proclaimed the kingdom.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the voices of heaven we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the creatures on earth we sing and dance at his birth.
Praise and honour and glory to you, O Lord most high.
Shema “Hear O Israel” © 2006 The Paulinians Traditional, alt. G. Woodcroft
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
As ourselves, let us love one another; nothing’s greater than this.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Collect of the Day (together)
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the prophet, Isaiah 58.1–12
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practised righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgements, they delight to draw near to God. ‘Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?’ Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Psalm 112.1–10 (http://www.psalmistry.com/) (sung)
Blessed Are Those Who Love You
Blessed are those who love You, and fear You, pursue You. Blessed are those who walk in the light of Your Ways. Wealth and riches will surround them, Your arms are around them. Their children will be blessed throughout their days!
Even in darkness, You are with those who are gracious, kind and true.
Their hearts are fast in the knowledge of their strength and vict’ry through You.
Blessed am I that I love You, and fear You, pursue You. Blessed am I as I walk in the light of Your Ways. All your riches are before me. Your arms are around me. May I be a worthy servant, Lord!
A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians 2.1–12, (13–16)
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Gradual Hymn: 397 CP Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
Praise the one who breaks the darkness with a liberating light. Praise the one who frees the prisoners, turning blindness into sight. Praise the one who preached the gospel, healing every dread disease, calming storms and feeding thousands with the very bread of peace. Praise the one who blessed the children with a strong yet gentle word. Praise the one who drove out demons with a piercing two-edged sword. Praise the one who brings cool water to the desert’s burning sand. From this well comes living water, quenching thirst in every land. Praise the one true love incarnate: Christ who suffered in our place. Jesus died and rose for many that we may know God by grace. Let us sing for joy and gladness, seeing what our God has done. Praise the one redeeming glory, praise the One who makes us one.
The Lord be with you And also with you The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 5.13–20
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
Affirmation of Faith (Based on Ephesians 3)
(Source AFFIRMATIONS OF FAITH SUITABLE FOR THE SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR)
We believe in God the Creator,
from whom every family in heaven
and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God;
Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.
Prayers of the People (Liturgy Links)
God of wonder and mystery, God of the stars and the universe, God of winding ways and straight paths, we gather today with gratitude for the gift of your constant presence, your trustworthy guidance, and your daring risk-taking with us. You dare to love us despite our inability to respond fully. You dare to care for us, despite our challenge in caring for others. You dare to walk with us, despite our fickleness.
On our own journeys toward the stars and guiding points you put before us, you continue to lead us forward, guiding us by the teachings of Jesus to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly in your loving shadow.
As we struggle with the political wrangling of this world, the wars waged for both justice and greed, the violence committed daily against the innocent, let alone the pain of broken relationships and loss, you remain steadfast in your care and devotion for your entire creation throughout the universe. It is almost too much to take in sometimes.
And even in our doubts and disbelief, our struggle to understand and constant misunderstanding, and our flat-out ignorance about your ways, you remain constantly present to us.
We pray for peace in this world, Lord, the kind of peace in which we celebrate diversity,
are joyfully challenged by adversity, and share in the joy that is to be found everywhere.
We pray for those who are lonely, that you might lead us to reach out and be friends. We pray for those who are hungry, that you might lead us to offer sustenance. We pray for those who are lost, that you might lead us to give hope and direction.
We pray for the countries of the world, that we might find a way to work together to lift one another up. We pray for our leaders in our municipalities, provinces and nation, that your Spirit might guide them set an example for our country and the world to work together rather than against one another. We pray for our denomination, that we may seek to build up this body and seek to repair the theological divisions that are tearing us apart. We pray for our corporation and parish council members, both those returning and those newly elected or appointed, that they may continually seek your Spirit in their lives and their daily decisions as they lead this congregation. And we pray for ourselves, that we might continue on this journey, learning the lessons you offer, seeking the fullness of your perfection, and live as you would have us live.
These prayers and hopes we offer in confidence and gratitude of your love and presence.
Confession and Assurance
God of the upside down kingdom, reorient us; for we seek to hide what you would have shine. From our fall in Eden, we have been embarrassed by the fullness of our humanity, and in our shame and fear have hidden ourselves from you.
Forgive us, Lord, for it is truly our kingdoms which are upside down, and yours which is right side up. We need your help if we are to see the goodness of your creation, that we may rightly reflect Your goodness to the world.
Oh God of light, make us to be Your light, for the sake of Your salvation …
… continue in silent prayer and meditation …
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news! The God of creation is a proud and merciful creator. We who bear God’s image may also expect to receive God’s grace. Though we have sought to recreate ourselves according to our shame and fear, we may be assured of this: If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation! The old has gone, and the new has come. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace!
Thanks be to God!
The Peace
Offertory Hymn: 548 Eyes Has Not Seen, Ear Has Not Heard
Refrain:
Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what you have ready for those who love you.
Spirit of love, come, give us the mind of Jesus; teach us your wisdom, O Lord.
When pain and sorrow weigh us down, be near to us, O Lord;
forgive the weakness of our faith and bear us up within your peaceful word. Refrain
Our lives are but a single breath; we flower and we fade.
Yet all our days are in your hands, so we return in love what love has made. Refrain
To those who see with eyes of faith, you, Lord, are ever near,
reflected in the faces of all the poor and lowly of the world. Refrain
We sing a mystery from the past in halls where saints have trod,
yet ever new the music rings to Jesus, Living Song of God. Refrain
Prayer over the Gifts
God of compassion and forgiveness, receive our offering this day, and make us one with him who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer 4 (BAS)
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right to give you thanks and praise, O Lord, our God, sustainer of the universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home; by your will they were created and have their being.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill; you made us the stewards of creation.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
But we turn against you, and betray your trust; and we turn against one another. Again and again you call us to return. Through the prophets and sages you reveal your righteous law. In the fullness of time you sent your Son, born of a woman, to be our Saviour. He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. By his death he opened to us the way of freedom and peace.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
Therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, for sending us Jesus, the Christ, who on the night he was handed over to suffering and death, took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, gave it to his friends, and said, “Take this, and eat it: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper, he took the cup of wine; he gave you thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Glory to you for ever and ever.
Gracious God, we recall the death of your Son Jesus Christ, we proclaim his resurrection and ascension, and we look with expectation for his coming as Lord of all the nations. We who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring you these gifts. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this offering of your Church, that we who eat and drink at this holy table may share the divine life of Christ our Lord.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
Pour out your Spirit upon the whole earth and make it your new creation. Gather your Church together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, where peace and justice are revealed, that we, with all your people, of every language, race, and nation, may share the banquet you have promised; through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, all honour and glory are yours, creator of all.
Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (Cameron)
As our Saviour taught us we pray
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 and forgive us our sins. As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours. Now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here amongst us, Light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The Communion
Music during communion: Whatsoever You Do May the Peace of Christ Be With You
Prayer after Communion (together)
Eternal God, in you we find peace beyond all telling. May we who share in this heavenly banquet be instruments of your peace on earth, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Blessing
Announcements
Closing Hymn: Go Make a Diff’rence
Chorus:
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are salt of the earth, called to let the people see
the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Chorus
We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need,
the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Chorus
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the Spirit of Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Chorus
Dismissal (posted on Liturgy Alive. http://www.bibleclaret.org/liturgy/CycleA/
Go now, and let the light of Christ shine on all those who live around you.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia
Postlude: City of God
Some material in this service is copyright
Book of Alternative Services © 1985 The Anglican Church of Canada
Permission to reprint, podcast and stream copyright music through ONE LICENSE A-605236
Online resources
© 1995-2021 Stephen J. Pearson http://www.psalmistry.com/