Sunday Service Marsden Rd Uniting Church May 19

Elaine welcomed everyone and the notices were given out. This was followed by

The Call to Worship, where Margaret led a responsive reading of an adaptation of a poem by Frances Hawkley, called Walking with the Holy Spirit, which spoke of our walk with the Spirit of God, with that Spirit acting as our guide and counsellor and the freedom and passion accompanying such a journey.

Hymn TIS 716 "Father we Adore You"  An affirmation of our devotion to God as He meets our every need.

Prayer of Invocation  (written by Rev. Abi) This was led by Elaine and followed the Call to Worship as a responsive prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to act upon us as it did upon the disciples, so long ago.

Hymn TIS 675 " Shine Jesus Shine" asking for the Light of Jesus to blaze through us, showing His love to the world in which there is so much darkness. Asking that our faces will show His radiance and our lives His love.

Prayer of Confession acknowledging God's Spirit as the spark that lights the flame of God's empowerment within us and confessing that we don't always call on that Spirit as we should.

Words of Assurance  God is present by the Spirit in the world. God is here. We are here. We are loved and we are forgiven.

Hymn TIS 187 "Let all Creation Dance" The work of God's spirit in us does not create burdens; the Spirit energises us and brings joy.

Prayer of Thanksgiving  Thanks to God for His sprightly spirit amongst us, revealing  the new possibilities brought about by the spontaneity of the Creator. Thanks to God for cleansing us and for being the vital alternative to a purposeless world.

Scripture Reading John 14: 8-17

                                Acts 2: 1-21 - Joan Sams

Firstly, Jesus teaches His disciples that if they have seen Him they have seen the Father, and that as His followers, who follow His commandments, they will do greater works than He because they will be sent an Advocate, who will abide in them.

 In the Acts reading there is the familiar story of the Holy Spirit settling on the disciples, changing them forever.

Reflection- "The Beginning of Something New". Margaret delivered this reflection, which is why there are no comments or asides in today's blog. Writing the Reflection and taking part in Elaine's liturgy was enough!

Today we were looking at Pentecost as a celebration and what we have and can have to celebrate.

Along the way we thought about those  bits and pieces of our lives not yet surrendered to the Spirit's guidance and how, if we ask the Spirit to enter our lives, even our committed lives, and take control of previously guarded aspects, we can be mended, approaching day by day, what we are intended to be.

But, looking at the events on the Day of Pentecost, we could see that this wouldn't just be a band-aid job.

The Holy Spirit, as comforter, counsellor, advocate, and teacher can meet our every need and as such, is able to transform us, turning us into the Spirit's agents in this world.

"Bran Nue Day"

The offering was collected and offered to God's work in the community, to further His kingdom.

Prayers for Others and The Lord's Prayer- Elaine

"Spirit of fire,

inflame in us a passion for justice and equality...

Spirit of compassion,
infuse us with your longings for wholeness and happiness...
Spirit of wisdom,
be within us in our journeying, gently guiding us along right paths...

Spirit of gentleness,

Touch us anew, releasing in us all that we are afraid of:

THAT WE MAY KNOW YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF US,

AND FREELY ACCEPT AND EMBRACE OTHERS.

 

After this Elaine prayed for the concerns of the congregation, following with the Lord's Prayer.

Hymn TIS 105 "Let all the World" An anthem to God's greatness which can reach to all corners of the Earth and which no barriers can resist.

Sending Out - Margaret.

God of fire burn brightly in your church

Consume our petty concerns and jealousies
Purify our deeds and intentions
Kindle in our hearts the fire of your love.   Amen.

Benediction - Elaine

Go in the power of God's Spirit to hope and work for the world

that God seeks for us. A place where all are welcomed,

all are understood and all are loved.

 

Threefold Amen.