Hugh welcomed us all in the name of Jesus Christ, reminding
us of our holy purpose in worshipping together this day.
Call to Worship
Hymn "Be still, for the
presence of the Lord" We speak to our own hearts, calling our senses to
order because God is with us. A way of gathering ourselves in reverence,
reminding ourselves that we are on holy ground and of the power and glory of
our Lord at work among us.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
As one, we addressed the "God of all
nations" acknowledging his creative power and expressing our gratitude for
the expanse of creation and the contributions many of our fellow humans have
made to our lives and the lessons they have taught us. We then addressed God
himself, stating our intent, as part of his kingdom, to worship him, blessing
his name and confessing our individual and joint sins which, with those of the
rest of mankind, have created the disasters that horrify us daily. We asked for
forgiveness for our every sin in Jesus' name. Amen
Hugh Jesus was born among us, to
save us, not to condemn us. Our sins are forgiven.
Offering
Hymn TIS 643 " I
want to walk as a child of the light" Our stated intention to "walk
as a child of the light" and then the only way to achieve that: " the
Lamb is the light of the city of God; shine on my heart Lord Jesus"
Bible Readings Psalm 99;
Luke 6: 17 - 26; These were brought to us by Phil who read to us of God's
kingship and power. We forget that he is not going to impose that power on us
but it is available to lift us up and carry us through our hard or even
terrible times - all we have to do is ask. Then in Luke we are reminded of the
Godly way to live and warned that if we have the good opinion of the world, we
may be off on the wrong track.
We do like to have the good opinion of others. It is
so seductive, look out!
Reflection. Hugh
introduced his word for today by referring to the very common occurrence of
suffering that occurs in the lives of most people and the effect it often has
of drawing those people to God. Then with reference to Jesus’ preaching,
he pointed out that during Jesus' lifetime 30% of people were destitute. But
Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor". Which doesn't seem to make sense.
What was he talking about? Here in Australia we are among the 6% most
privileged people in the world but we don't appreciate any of it.
Hugh then stated some statistics about other
countries: life expectancy of 49 and people with only a fifth of the income
they needed to live. But not only are the poor blessed but "woe to the
rich". In this world, that's us. This can be very challenging.
In this world riches are an indication of success and
poverty failure. But Jesus saw it the other way around from the beginning. He
spent a lot of time with the poor and dispossessed. That did not sit well with
the establishment. They were not pleased with Jesus but to the poor he was
their Hero.
God has an intense interest in our circumstances.
Perhaps we should look to where we are poor. God can't do anything with people
who are self satisfied and self centred. We should be carriers of the Good News
to others. We should be letting people know
through our interest in them, that God is totally interested in them. Today we
are invited to join Jesus’ ministry.
Prayers for the People. Laurel
prayed, thanking God for the past week and all the blessings that have been
ours, often with the benefit of modern technology. She prayed on our behalf for the uncertain,
the worried, those whose jobs are under threat, for refugees and those trying
to buy a home. With her we prayed for those who give aid to these people and
also for the people in places torn by conflict. Laurel asked for God's guidance
for the people of MRUC and all our leaders. We then prayed for those known to
the congregation for the Lord's support in their various states of need. In
Jesus’
name, Amen
Communion The peace of
the Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us offer one another the sign of peace.
Hymn TIS 511 "Let us
break bread together with the Lord". The crucial line: "Lord fill all
our living with your life." Without that we are lost.
Preparation of the Table
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through
your goodness we have this bread to set before you, which earth has given and
human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through
your goodness we have this wine to set before you, fruit of the vine and work
of human hands. It will become for us the cup of salvation,
Blessed be God forever.
Hugh then continued with the story that underpins this
service, concluding with:
"Therefore with angels and archangels and all the
company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, forever praising
you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord of power and might, Heaven and
earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed us he who comes in the
name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Hugh continued with the passion story, concluding with
a prayer that God transform the bread and the wine so that we will be
transformed to be God's kingdom people.
The Distribution followed by
The Prayer after Communion
"We thank you, Lord that you have fed us with
this holy bread and wine, the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ our
Saviour. We are now members of his Body, and thus His agents in the world. Lord
our Father, bless
us so we will be a blessing to many people around us. Help us to live your
Kingdom life, so they will get to know you better through us. In Jesus Christ
we pray Amen"
Hymn TIS 627 "Praise
and thanksgiving" vv. 1,3,4 Thanks to God for his goodness in so many
ways. We are inclined to think that things like the water and air, sun and
moon are part of the basic package but every part of creation is a gift from God
as is the wisdom he offers through the bible, through hymns, through other
people. Remember to give thanks.
Benediction
The power of The Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you this day and forever.
Go in peace to serve the Lord by living and serving
your neighbour. Amen
Then we sang to each other:
"May the feet of God walk with you"
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