Today Hugh and the
congregation had to overcome a couple of hiccoughs, so the service wasn't quite
as Hugh planned. However, we had a blessed time together. We were not able to
have the usual Call to Worship but I have included it because I think it is one
of the loveliest parts of the service.
Call to Worship
Leader: Shepherding God, lead us through the valley
of the shadow.
People: Lead us into
the way of life.
Leader: Shepherding God, guide us away from greed and
envy.
People: Lead us into
peace and justice.
Leader: Shepherding God, lead us to the table you
have set.
People: Lead us to
the table of forgiveness and grace.
Leader: Shepherding God, you are the gate.
People: Lead us to
you: lead us into eternity. Amen
Hymn AHB 70 "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
became a lesson to ourselves about the world God has given us: not just the
things mentioned in the hymn. This planet is God's great gift to us.
In the Prayer of
Adoration, Hugh gave adoration to God for his love and grace and the works
of his hands, just as we had sung in Hymn 70, and gave thanks as we came to
worship. He asked that our eyes would be opened and that we should respond
accordingly.
Hugh then led us in Confession
of our ingratitude, our spiritual blindness, for our selfishness, our lack of
imagination and for all our sins against God and our fellow people. Hugh then
proclaimed the Assurance that Jesus came to forgive, not condemn and as
a result, our sins are forgiven.
As another type of
worship the Offering was received, returning to God's work a little of his
bounteous blessings to us.
The Bible Readings were
from 1 Peter 2: 19 - 25 and John 10: 1 - 10 and were brought to us by Grahame.
The reading from Peter, told us that there was no credit in suffering when we
did wrong but if we followed Jesus' example, and accepted suffering as a result
of righteousness, then we will have God's approval. The reading from John spoke
of Jesus as the shepherd, our true leader, who opens the gate of life for us.
The Mens Choir
then gave an offering in song, "I Know that my Redeemer Liveth",
another way of bringing God's voice to us.
Reflection Hugh honoured Mothers' Day with a story
about how a mother Mallard Duck will fly away if her family is threatened,
offering herself as a decoy, bringing attention of a mother's willingness to
sacrifice herself for her children.
"Jesus Christ is
the Shepherd, the Gate. He is the way, the truth and the Life - the only way to
new life.
Hymn AHB 451 "Lord Jesus Christ, You have come for
Us" summing up the service so far, of Jesus’ willingness
to be everything for us.
Hugh led the Prayers
for the People approaching God on behalf of the congregation, our
community, our country and the world. He then gave us the opportunity to offer
our own silent prayers: a very special time for all present as we drew close to
God, bringing before him our individual concerns. Hugh offered prayers for
those close to members of the congregation with special needs and we then
joined together in The Lord's Prayer, praying in the way Jesus taught us.
Hymn AHB 399 "Father in Heaven, grant to your
children" a prayer for God's support in all aspects of our lives and in
maintaining our relationship with him.
Benediction Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord by
serving those around you and: May the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit be with you all and your family and your friends, now and forever more.
Amen.
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