Call to Worship
"Look up and see
the heavens open to us;
Sense the mystery of God's presence with us.
It is our custom to gather, that
God may uplift us:
God is our refuge, in whom we
trust.
Do
not let your hearts be troubled or afraid;
Celebrate the good news: Christ is risen.
We will not fear losses or
suffering;
We are raised with Christ to new
life.
Come to Christ, the living stone, rejected by
many.
Come to Christ, chosen by God, and precious to
us.
We rejoice in God's steadfast
love.
We are glad for God's faithfulness
that redeems us."
Psalm Reading Ps 31: 1-5
A plea for God to hold us close and a declaration that God is our only
help.
Hymn TIS 626 "Lord of Creation" A reiteration
of the Psalm praising God for his mighty power and a declaration that we have
thrown in our lot with him, to be all that he wants us to be, and to do what he
wants done.
Prayer of
Thanksgiving and Confession
A prayer, praising
Jesus for his steadfastness and commitment to us, acknowledging that we are
sometimes like stones, hard and sharp and sometimes flinty, fragile and
brittle. Confessing that sometimes we throw stones to cause pain and that
sometimes our sin is of default rather than intent. Andrew asked for God's
healing touch and then reminded us that once we were not people at all and that
now we are people of God. And that as such: Our sins are forgiven.
Offering
Our response to God's
great gift. Live in the light. These offerings are a means whereby more of
God's precious children will know his liberating light.
Hymn TIS 602 "O Love that will not let me go."
I rest, I give thee back. I yield, I trace and feel, - I lay in dust life's
glory dead. It's all about God.
Scripture Reading: John 14: 1-14; 1 Peter 2: 2-10. In John we
are assured a place with the Father. We are also told that Jesus is the Way,
the Truth and the Life. We are also told that if we know Jesus, we know the
Father. Apply any theology you like to that, it will not matter. It places us
on firm ground.
Peter tells us,
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk"... Because "To
you then who believe, he is precious;" Position, popularity, style,
wealth, houses, cars etc won't do it, only the real thing.
Reflection
Andrew began by
pointing out that with the news this week, we could easily be distracted from
pondering the more important things of life. As important as the issues of the
day are, where do we stand as followers of Christ? Where is this taking
us? To the text from Peter, the person, Christ chose to lead the Christian
movement once our Lord was no longer visible.
Peter wrote or dictated
this letter to be read by people with a memory of Jesus during his Earthly
ministry but who had left Palestine because of persecution. These people had
nowhere to worship so Peter presents new images - images which can centre us
today.
In v.9 Peter says we are a Chosen Race, a royal priesthood
and a holy nation - breathtaking descriptions - what does he mean? He means
that we are the People of God, regardless of nationality and as such we are
chosen for the privilege of fellowship with God. We are chosen for obedience
and we are chosen for service.
Peter also says we are
a priesthood but not one that rules, we are to be one that serves. And finally
we are to be holy, as in being a 'whole' person - a person who has high regard
for God - getting our priorities right - trusting God - being obedient to the
truth - ridding ourselves of malice - honouring everyone in genuine love. Mind
- blowing!
Prayers of the
People and The Lord's Prayer
Andrew led us in
praying for support for all human endeavours that support God's work. We prayed
for those people living in Turkey suffering from the mining tragedy - for the
families and nations in conflict - may peace prevail. We asked for help in
Ukraine, Syria and Egypt, especially for Peter Greste and his family. We prayed
for all those connected with the ferry disaster in S Korea; with the missing
Malaysian plane and for Australian leaders of all our various departments. We
prayed that all employees will be treated fairly and that we, each one of us
will act with justice, compassion, fairness and kindness. To God, Andrew prayed
for us: Teach us your ways, may we be guided by your truths.
Hymn TIS 207 "Jesus shall reign" We know it
well and that it all comes down to: Let every creature rise and bring the
highest honours to our King, angels descend with songs again and earth repeats
the long amen.
Commissioning and
Blessing
"God has prepared
a place for you:
Go out to live as citizens of God's realm.
Into God's hands, we commit our
spirits.
In God's work, we would spend our days.
You
are a chosen people, gifted by God's grace;
Through you, the family of faith may grow.
We are believers, and thus priests of
God;
Others will know they are God's own
through us.
Be
empowered as you examine the scriptures;
Declare the wonderful deeds of God in your
life.
We are ready to live for Christ
Jesus.
We will share the steadfast love we
have received.
Benediction
May the raindrops fall
lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds
freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine
brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the
day rest lightly upon you,
And may God enfold you
in the mantle of his love.
Retiring Hymn
"May the feet of
God walk with you"
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