Ian introduced Annette, who led the service today, beginning with the
Call
to Worship
"'Great
is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; God's greatness is unsearchable' (Psalm 145:3)
Within
this mystery we gather. Before this mystery we bow. Friends of Christ, let us
take renewed courage in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit and through the
ever faithful love of God.
Prayer Author of all that is,
spoken word of all that has been, and will be, and giver of life in all its fullness,
be present to us within this sacred time and space. Be the creativity of our
thoughts. Be the courage and shaper of our words. Be the fire of our
imaginations, all in the service of your love to the world. Amen."
I have
printed these two introductory pieces in full because for me they attempt to
convey God's unfathomable and bounteous fullness of creativity, diffused with
love, and the prayer that all this may be water to our dry souls.
Hymn
TIS 203
"Fairest Lord Jesus" In this song we speak of all God's creative
ability, raising up all that is fresh and beautiful. This same creative Spirit
can refresh our inner being, bringing us back to life - all we have to do is
ask.
Prayer
of Adoration and Confession
This
began with the words of the psalmist, praising God for His glorious splendour,
inspiring us in the knowledge that the purity and goodness of God prevails.
But
then Annette confessed for us that so often we forget that we can have this
firm confidence and succumb to doubt, anxiety and even despair. Through
Annette's words we confessed to relying on a second-hand faith, not relying on
encountering God through prayer. For this Annette asked for forgiveness for us
and asked that through God's Spirit we
might find a better way. We were then assured that "The Lord is gracious
and merciful...Our sin is forgiven, our brokenness made whole." Thanks be
to God.
Hymn
TIS 414
"There's a Spirit in the Air" A lesson to all of us to give God
credit for all those good things we all have and acknowledge that it is His love
that motivates people to get up and get going.
Bible
Reading
Haggai1:15b - 2:9 read by Stephen who was keen for this book to be the shortest
in the OT but it seems Obadiah is - but having looked at both I would say it’s a close thing.
Haggai
gives the people God's message to be strong in the knowledge that God is with
them and will make their people greater than it had been in past glorious days.
A
message many of us need when we have suffered a serious setback.
This
brought out the point that change is a fact of life and as such is a part of
Church life. Some people want to change but don't know how. Others think they
know how but are in disagreement with others who think they have a better way.
Others don't want to change. But if we look around, it is obvious that change
is happening everywhere, all the time and if we don't change we will be left
standing flat-footed.
Annette
made the observation that when the church enters a period of change that people
are inclined to lose courage and wonder if God is truly present in the church.
But this is normal part of life even in OT times.
Haggai
brought a message of courage, hope and unity when the people, released from
captivity, returned to find their city in ruins.
Annette
then challenged us. When we think about the church in its glory days, are we
discouraged by the low attendances now? There are changes ahead. In our own
church we are about to welcome a new minister. Things will be different, maybe
that will make them difficult for some.
DONT
WORRY. From Haggai - '"Be strong, all you people of the land," says
The Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares The Lord
Almighty."'
Or, as
I gave been reminded several times through my life: God knows what he is doing.
Hymn
TIS 474
"Gather us in" A prayer for God to take us in our very human state,
where we don't appear to be capable of carrying out His work, and gather us in.
The
Offering was
then given as another way of worshipping God and followed by
Prayers
for the People Laurel led us, thanking God for the good times and His
presence during stressful times. Special mention was made of the plight of the
people in the Philippines and groups like the Red Cross and World Vision and
their need at this time. We were reminded that it is easy to forget ongoing
crises once they no longer figure in the headlines or on television. However,
millions of innocent people still suffer from food shortages and the
destruction caused by ongoing warfare.
God's guidance was sought for people making decisions in the wake of the bushfires and that this may be a time to show hope and God's love.
Laurel
prayed for those in violent situations - the victims of shootings and
unprovoked assault and the police and Ambos who have to cope with it all.
Laurel held up the school leavers and asked for God's presence for us all in
our everyday situations, mentioning the blessing team effort brings, such as
experienced during the Lamington drive.
Laurel
asked for God's hand to guide all those ministers moving from their present
church to another and in the choosing of a new minister for MRUC.
Prayers
were then offered for those known to us and for all those troubled in mind and
body, leading into the Lord's Prayer.
Hymn
TIS 547
"Be Thou my Vision" A hymn for all occasions, asking God to be in
there at every stage of our journey, initiating, guiding, strengthening,
inspiring. It's really only when we run off on some tangent of our own that we
run into trouble, isn't it?
Benediction
May,
then, the Author of life, the spoken Word of life and the generous Giver of
life be for you and go with you into this new unfolding week. May your faith be
strengthened and your courage be an inspiration to all.
Benediction
Song TIS 779 "May the feet of God walk with you"
I think we know our way round this one. Amen.
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