Sunday Service Marsden Road Uniting Church 19 January 2015 Epiphany

Welcome

Jan welcomed us saying, how good it was to see us and how good it was to be together on the Lord's Day. There's something about being together that is hard to analyse or explain. For many of us at MRUC it would be easier, because of medical conditions, to worship individually at home but we don't. We come together on a Sunday to worship together because it is different, it is enriching, it is better than not doing it. We go away ready to live our lives in a better way than if we hadn't been there.

 

Call to worship

O Lord, you have searched us

And you know us.

Even before a word is on our tongues,

O Lord, you know it completely.

You lay your hand upon us,

Such knowledge is too wonderful for us.

Let us worship, in praise and adoration, the God who knows us all.

Hymn TIS 153 “God is love, let heaven adore him” God is love. We are all his beloved. We may not experience the fullness of that love unless we accept it but everything that exists, (living, non- living, plant or animal) shows the beauty of that love in some or many ways.

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving

Jan prayed for us, thanking our loving God for how we could come to him in prayer. She observed that, as we prayed, we were bonded together in love, faith and joy. She spoke of our hearing God call our name and of how we pledge to follow him. For us, she asked that God call us again because we desire to know him better.

Prayer of Confession/Words of Assurance

As we held our confession in our cupped hands, Jan talked of how we shape our lives by the decisions we make and how our memories are built by these decisions and give us our sense of who we are. But in those memories are the mistakes we can't let go. Our Father knows each one and is prepared to forgive each one, so as we open out cupped hands we let go of our mistakes and there is nothing left because God does not hang on to them. Then the words we wait to hear: Our sins are forgiven.

 

Hymn TIS 597 “Master speak, thy servant heareth” Here we are, acknowledging the love we sang of in the first hymn and declaring that we are ready to hear the message of that love and to let it do its work in our hearts and minds. Do its work, that we will be bearers of God's grace to a world in need.

 

Bible Readings- ​Pat brought the readings to us. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 God calls Samuel. Samuel didn't realise it to begin with. It can be the same for us. We have to listen carefully.

​​​John 1:35-51​ Jesus calls his disciples. We need to be taking notice, to be listening. It could happen any time - for any task - large or small.

Sermon- The call of God- are we listening?

With special reference to the bush fires, Jan focused our attention on the natural disasters that often strike in Summer. She reminded us that people often ask "Why?" Without thinking about the part we have to play. We live in a "Sun-burnt" country. We should expect bush-fires and drought as givens. But when these disasters strike,

God uses them for good: he uses them to jolt us out of our dependency on the wrong things. "For too long, Australians have made the pursuit of material things and looking after No. 1 their key goal in life. For many this drives their life and has been done at the expense of their spiritual life, of getting in touch with a loving creator, the one true God..." These disasters, along with others, like the Global Financial downturn make us realise that we can't depend on material things for fulfillment.

The reading shows that once Samuel realised that it was God who was calling, his response was, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening". God had a job for Samuel; he has a job for us. That will being true fulfillment. Fulfillment that will remain. But we need to listen. "How often do we stop and allow the space for God to speak to us and be still and open to listen to God's voice? We all need to do this as individuals, to know what our priorities should be...We also need to do it as God's people together, and seek direction about the form our mission and ministry will take this year." And when we hear God - our response must be, "Yes".

 

Hymn TIS 658 “I, the Lord of sea and sky.” We have heard God's word through the bible reading and Jan's sermon. It will not be the same word to each of us but if we open our hearts to God's message we will know what is needed. Who is to act on that word? Each one of us!

Offering Having acknowledged that all goodness comes from God, Jan blessed the offering, as an expression of our love for others and prayed that the offering will be used for Gods kingdom. We can show love in many ways, sometimes just by paying attention to someone.

Prayers of Intercession Jan again thanked our loving Lord for his greatness, speaking of those known to us who are suffering in any way, that God will make his living presence known to them, will keep them safe, and will make his nearness known so they will be guided in this time of care. Jan asked for God's help, that we will have the confidence to share with each other what we have received from him and that he will enrich us in hope and love. Jan prayed for those for whom we love and care -  in their individual needs. She prayed that they might be aware that God is listening and that they will be aware of his hand on their lives. Jan brought before God the world with its unrest and division and asked that all people will be able to experience peace and safety. She asked God that we can be the people he wants us to be: she asked for him to strengthen us and our faith in him. For us, Jan asked for God's presence and guidance in drawing those around us into his community. We then joined together in The Lord's Prayer.

 

Hymn TIS 87 “You are before me, Lord, you are behind” Following the thread of today's message. We have made ourselves ready to receive God's message of love to this world. We have heard the command to carry his message to this world and we have committed ourselves to the task. But what if the task seems too much? What if we want to run from it out of fear? What if all we can see are our deficiencies? The answer is in this hymn. God is all around us, knowing all there is to know about us and still hands the task of his work in this world to us,

 

Blessing The Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be        amongst you, and remain with you always.

Blessing Song -TIS 778 “Shalom to you my friends.”

Sunday Service Marsden Road Uniting Church 4th January 2015

This week, in writing the Blog, I will have to rely on my “scratchy” notes - now almost unreadable even by me – but made most enthusiastically during an inspiring New Year Service led by Chris.  It was important for the flow of the service so thoughtfully prepared by Chris that he began by introducing the meaning and significance of the Christian festival of the Epiphany we were celebrating today.  Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi on the Twelfth Day of Christmas. I really liked the dictionary explanation of epiphany as; ”A sudden intuitive leap of understanding, especially through an ordinary but striking occurrence.”   Does this sound like a description of Faith itself at the moment we acknowledge our Christian Faith?  I think it does!

Hymn  AHB 235                                  “Angels from the realms of glory”

“A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’” Luke 2:13-14.  This Bible verse inspired James Montgomery (1771–1854) to write this beautiful hymn, just one of 400 he wrote in his life.  For 32 years he was the Editor of the Sheffield Iris and it was there he first published this hymn on Christmas Eve, 1816.  He was an advocate for foreign missions and the Bible Society and a poet of some repute.  He used his paper to reprint a song in commemoration of the fall of the Bastille and printed an account of a riot in Sheffield.  He went to goal for both of these perceived transgressions, however, in 1833 he was “rewarded” with an annual royal pension of £200 per year.

After we sang the last refrain: “Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.” We were really ready for Worship and felt blessed by the:    

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving   Chris spoke in these prayers of the way our hearts rejoice in God’s presence - as he is the fulfillment of all our dreams – our Father and Mother, who knows every one of us by name and loves us.  God is the source of all that is lovely and all that is good.  He is willing to listen when we tell Him of the ways we have fallen short. 

Prayer of Confession/Words of Assurance  Chris mentioned impatience and particularly the way our impatient explosions can “scald” others and cause tensions for everyone around us.  In asking for God’s forgiveness, we were told we would feel His reassuring hand on our shoulders. 

Bible Reading:                                  Isaiah 60: 1-6     “Jerusalem’s glorious future”

This Old Testament passage is a thrilling prophecy for us to consider and enjoy – Verse 1; “Arise, Jerusalem, rise clothed in light; your light has come and the glory of the Lord shines over you”.

Verse 6; “Camels in droves shall cover the land, dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, all coming from Sheba laden with golden spices and frankincense, heralds of the Lord’s praise.”

Jack also read the Gospel reading     Matthew 2: 1-12   “Visitors from the East”

This is a very familiar annual story which I thought must present a challenge to our preachers. 

Hymn AHB 237                                   “As with gladness men of old”

Following the theme “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Matthew 2:10, this hymn was written in 1860 on the day of the Epiphany by William C. Dix, while he was sick in bed. The first four lines of each verse tell the wonderful story of “the star” and the journey of the Wise Men, but I realized that the final two lines of each verse were centred upon our personal journey in seeking God and singing “Alleluias to our King!”

A Story for all Ages                           “The three wise Camels”

Chris assured us this was the REAL story – from the perspective of the Camels and told to him in Egypt; “straight from the camel’s mouth!”  It was actually the camel’s idea to go in search of baby Jesus, so they had to look for riders to go with them.  It was great fun and really - looking at anything from another point of view is always constructive – even in fun!

Hymn AHB 80                                     “Immortal invisible, God only wise”

We sang this Walter Chalmers Smith hymn just last week after the Blessing of young Ella – but it was a joy to sing it again this week.

Reflection:                                        

Chris had given so much contemplation to the preparation of this thought provoking Reflection I am not sure that I can put together my hastily written notes which consist of half finished sentences and ideas, in a way to do it justice.  He noted that Mark and John leave Christmas out of their gospels altogether and therefore Matthew’s Gospel is the only source and it certainly doesn’t mention camels.  Yet just as we travel today by cars or trains, it perhaps seemed obvious to suggest the wise astronomers would have travelled by camel in Biblical times. 

Today, Bethlehem seems to be in the news for unrest and troubles, but Chris reminded us that the East was at the time of the birth of Jesus an enlightened place of culture.  Following the Dark Ages and Medieval times, we have come to accept that Western Culture is the source of all enlightenment.  However he went on to suggest perhaps South America is becoming the new place of Christian enlightenment.  I immediately thought about Pope Francis who was Archbishop of Buenos Aires before he became Pope.

Guided by Chris, we considered the meanings of important words like knowledge and wisdom and the belief that wisdom is usually associated with age.  He floated the idea that knowledge is prominent but wisdom is not.  We explored the Calvinist ideas that suggest we don’t have choices about what we believe – freewill versus predestination – certainly not a concept I could accept.

WOW – so many ideas to challenge our thinking, but so well put to us that I found the challenge quite exciting.

We need to Praise God – God does not need our Praise!  We are dependent on Him!  God is not safe but he is good and God is awesome – ie. He inspires real awe.  God became human – He is a Friend.  God is Our Father. God is Our King. 

God is Love – we need to Praise Him!

Prayers of the People:  Our prayers were led by Ruth, who thanked Our Father for all the love and care we received during 2014 and reminded us that nothing can separate us from Him in the coming year of 2015.  She prayed for the broken and divided world where refugees, homeless people and many who suffer through natural disasters, war or other devastating events in their lives are in need of our help and our prayers.  We also prayed for Australia and for the people we personally know and for whom we care.  Then we joined together in the Lord’s Prayer.

Announcements:  Warwick told us he has been doing some research about the first wooden church in which the first service was held in Marsden Road Carllingford 190 years ago next Wednesday.  I found it exciting to see a copy of the original deeds for the land – now I will always look at that spot and remember our pioneer “saints” each time I drive along Marsden Road.

Offering / Prayer:  The offering was taken by Nerida and Alan and was presented for; “The work of the church here and in the wider world”.  We were also urged to; “Give the gifts of our lives and Worship.”  Amen.

Hymn  AHB 68                       “Praise my Soul the King of Heaven”   

Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)  graduated in 1814 from Trinity College Dublin with the intention of studying Medicine, but he changed this and studied Theology, taking Holy Orders in 1815.  He was a prolific writer of poems and hymns - with perhaps his best known hymn being, “Abide with me”.  His final appointment in 1823 was the position of Perpetual Curate of Lower Brixham, Devon, which he held until his death in November 1847.  All the verses of this hymn are great, but my favourite is the third verse which offers assurance, comfort and mercy!

“Fatherlike he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows.

In his hand he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.

Alleluia, alleluia! Widely yet his mercy flows!”

The Benediction & Blessing    Chris urged us to; “Go now and seek out the Christ wherever he may be found.”  We received a Blessing and were assured; “God will fill us with a sense of what is right if we follow Him.”   Amen.

Retiring hymn:                        “May the feet of God walk with you”                            

Most appropriately, Grahame played “The March of the Magi” on the organ as we left the church - Thanks Grahame.

Sunday Service Marsden Road Uniting Church 28th December 2014

The Call to Worship  Hugh called us to Worship by reading responsively from the beautiful Psalm 147

Leader:  Praise the Lord! It is good to sing praise to our God;

People:  It is pleasant and right to praise him.

Leader:  He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.

People:  He has decided the number of the stars and calls each one by name.

Leader:  Great and mighty is our Lord; his wisdom cannot be measured.

People: He raises the humble but crushes the wicked to the ground.

Leader: Sing hymns of praise to the Lord. Play music on the harp to our God.

People: His pleasure is not in strong horses, nor his delight in brave soldiers;

Leader: but he takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love.

All: Praise the Lord!  It is good to sing praise to our God.

Hymn  TiS 156 – AHB 91                   “Morning has broken”

This beautiful hymn with words by the English author, Eleanor Farjeon and sung to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune is often sung at services for children.  As we reached the last verse I thought about what a difference we could make to our lives if we could indeed embrace every day with elation and praise and “own” God’s daily re-creation!  Perhaps a life changing thought for 2015?

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning       Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning       God’s recreation of the new day

Announcements:  We were invited to stay for a special farewell morning tea for Hugh and Yoonhee; who we have come to love and appreciate during their time with us at Marsden Road Church.  We have been truly blessed by the ministries of our caring and generous “fill-in” leaders.

Prayer of Adoration and Confession:  “Creative God, breath of all life; all things are created through you.” This beautiful prayer went on to declare that God who walked this earth as a child and lived through laughter and sorrow as we do, sustains us and deserves our Praise and Worship.

Offering / Prayer:  “As God brought his son as a gift to us, so let us bring our own offerings to God.” “O God. You have blessed us beyond measure; bless now these gifts from our hands and hearts; that we might join you in your ministry and be your light to all who sit in darkness.  Amen.”

Men’s Quartet:                                  “Just a Little Talk with Jesus”

Our quartet singers have enjoyed Hugh’s enthusiasm as one of the group and today they sang a Gospel song with suggestions that could also form a worthwhile “habit” for a better 2015.  Will we always remember that “A little talk with Jesus” will make things right, and wash away our “fears and doubts” as our souls are filled with “A little light from heaven”?

Blessing for Ella:  Ella is Susan & Stephen’s one year old granddaughter (child of Sarah), who was born in Wales and will soon return to be baptised there.  This was a beautiful moment for the church family which has loved and nurtured all of Susan and Stephen’s children since their birth.

Hugh reminded us that Jesus said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."  “Let us therefore ask for God's blessing for Ella, so she will continue to grow in wisdom, age, and grace in the eyes of God and of all who know her.”

Hugh prayed; “When Ella is reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, bring her into your own spiritual family, the Church, there to become a sharer in your kingdom and bless your name for ever.  Lord our Father, Bless Ella and her parents and her grandparents and all her extended family, so she and all others in her family will bring many blessings to many people around them.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Hymn TiS 143                                    “Immortal, Invisible, God only wise”

This hymn was inspired by the words in 1 Timothy - 1:17; “To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.” The hymn, which is sung to a Welsh melody, was written by Walter Chalmers Smith, who was ordained on Christmas Day 1850.  In 1893 he was elected Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland.

Bible Reading:                                  John 1:1-18   (page 809)

Stephen read the Bible passage – the essence of the message being that God himself came to us in the birth of Jesus Christ, and brought us the opportunity for abundant life and healing. 

Reflection:                                         “The Word became Flesh”

Hugh reminded us that we can always live our life with confidence that; “We will always be known to God through his Son, our friend, Jesus Christ. It gives us an assurance that we will be welcomed and accepted by God always... all because of His Son, our friend, Jesus Christ.”

He asked how we can remember Christ in the rush and bustle of the modern secular Christmas? He reminded us that the Christmas message has come to us in the form of human flesh. God has come to dwell with humanity.   Put quite literally; “The Word became flesh and pitched his tent with us.” And the best part is that is: as His tent is a moveable dwelling place, “God’s presence will always follow us wherever we go or move. … even in the moments of the most shadowy darkness in our life.”

Hugh noted that the Bible reading says in verse 9 that “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world”.   He went on: “Friends, please be reminded again that the Word brings light into the darkness, so we can see and know the way.  What a promise! What an assurance!   No longer do we need grope along an uncertain path. No longer do we need flounder in the shadow of the darkness because - the Word became flesh and pitched his tent with us.”

“The true light that gives light to everyone, including you and your families, came into the world.  That was what really happened on the very first Christmas day.”

Having just “lived through” the secular and Christian rituals of yet another Christmas, surrounded by family and friends from all parts of my life, I really appreciated the thoughts Hugh presented about how; “Christians need always to be Christianizing Christmas. Sometimes Santa Claus has loomed so high that he has hidden the manger. In the bars and gambling dens hang “Merry Christmas” signs. In homes, churches and schools Christians need always to be Christianizing Christmas. The tinsel should not be allowed to eclipse the Word of God.”  I think we could all think about that carefully as we approach another year in our lives!

“No matter how extreme are the worldly Christmas celebrations that go on around us, we should never forget that Christmas is all about a heavenly gift, the true, one gift, that God has given to us and to all humanity...!  In Christ, God became clothed in human flesh. People now see God with their eyes. God has put on skin. God is down to earth in Jesus Christ.  In other words, in Christ, God was now available to humans physically.”

Finally Hugh reminded us: “The world's memorable people are not only talented, but down-to-earth and approachable.  In Christ, God has made Himself approachable.  In Christ, God came... down to earth, becoming accessible to all.”  How enlightening it was to spend time after Christmas to consider that; “Christmas is about that gift – a gift God did not give just for fun or celebration.  God sent us the gift because we were people who were struggling in the darkness. Dear friends in Christ.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our friend forever, the true light of the world will continue to show us the way to go, and we will always know that we are going to be alright.   Amen.”

Prayers of the People:  Our prayers were led by Mae who reminded us that even as we move into a new year we have the assurance that we are living always in the presence of God. As Mae addressed the prayers from the church family, she asked for Blessings on Hugh and Yoonhee and expressed our thanks for Hugh’s loving care for us and for his special ministry of music.  

Then we shared the comfort of the Lord’s Prayer.

Hymn  TiS 256:                      “From Heaven You came, helpless babe”   

                                                 Grahame Kendrick

As always, this hymn presents an invitation to us all; “To bring our lives as a daily offering of worship to the Servant King.”

The Benediction & Blessing    Hugh invoked the Benediction and Blessing and asked that we carry the light of Peace with us and live within the light of God’s Love in the coming year and work through Him to continue in His Ministry to our last breath.  Amen.

Retiring hymn TiS 720:                     “Hale, hale, hale”

I suspect I was not the only person who shed a tear or two as dear Hugh enthusiastically conducted and clapped us through his favourite retiring hymn for the last time.  

Sunday Service Marsden Road Uniting Church 14 December 2014

Call to worship

Shout with joy to the Lord

His faithfulness endures forever

Sing with joy to the Lord

We celebrate His promise to set captives free

The Lord our God is faithful

Let us be joyful and give thanks always.

Hymn- TIS 210 “O for a thousand tongues to sing” The triumphs of his grace are life and health and peace: you would wonder why we hang back and refuse to grasp the promise of such a life. We really are pretty thick sometimes, thinking we have a better way.

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving. Jan thanked the God of Wisdom for the relief being able to celebrate the reality of his being. A being far beyond us in majesty and whose love surpasses anything that exists. You would wonder at the time and resources we give to other things that look real when we know this.

Prayer of Confession/Words of Assurance Jan confessed for all of us, the times that we fail our Lord and God and the times we fail our own expectations. She thanked God for his unchanging nature and that Jesus came to show us another way. She confessed how we hesitate to act and even though we hear the message of hope and healing: how we live with uncaring attitudes, basing our assessments of others on materialistic values rather than seeing people as being made in God's image. Jan asked for forgiveness, placing our hope in Jesus and message. She asked for healing restoration and blessing. Then she told us to hear Christ's word of Grace. "Our sins are forgiven". Confessing is easy compared with accepting forgiveness but the process isn't complete until we do.

Lighting the Advent candles- Candle of joy was lit by Max. At this time was born: our Mighty Counsellor; our Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. Joy to the world.

Sometimes when joy is offered to us, we would rather complain about some insignificant negative than welcome the joy. We are really a weird mob.

Bible words for today for children Oliver read Psalm 18 v.24: This is the day the Lord has made. And every day and every thing!

Offering Oliver and Callie gathered the offering which were offered for God's work with thanks and praise for all the good things we have received. We are so good at thinking we have earned things or that something is just there and don't recognize the wonderful gifts we have been given.

Hymn TIS 447 “Lord your almighty word.” God's Word, God's Grace. With them comes light but not if we don't  listen; not if we don't humbly bow to change; not if we don't open our hearts and minds to anything God's work in our lives.

Bible Readings- ​Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. An uplifting word of promise to all of us. In public we can always put in a good show and a brave face but what are we in private (which is never private from God). Are we broken-hearted and mourning because of unfulfilled promise or loss? Have we given up on what we believed could have been? Good news is at hand. It's still ours to believe and act on.

​​​Luke 1:39-55 The words given to Mary "Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed." Why? Because he has filled the hungry with good things, things that satisfy like nothing from this world can.

Sermon- “Waiting with expectation and Joy”  At the beginning of Jan's sermon a saying was posted in the screen: "The worst part of life is waiting. The best part of life is having someone worth waiting for" Think on that awhile.

Jan began by speaking about the gifts of creation we enjoy in Australia and, as a result of overseas travel, how it is clear to her what security and stability we enjoy here. This led to a reflection on how comforting it would have been for the people of Judah to hear that God was going to provide a way home for them from exile. The effect of the return was freedom and the chance to worship as they had previously and rebuild their nation. So. Rejoice! We, here, are reminded that God is faithful and will bring joy out of pain and suffering and that he also brings unexpected blessings, as he did to Mary and Elizabeth who shared their amazing news with each other.

The stories of Mary and Elizabeth point us to the sorts of attitudes we should have - trusting in God; rejoicing in his plan for us even if it looks as though the way ahead will be difficult.

Jan then challenged us: "What are the things that you are waiting for in life?

Are you waiting with joy and expectation for what God is doing in your life at the present? Is the waiting hard, lonely, faithful or a struggle? It may be risky or costly, but as we are[1]  reminded both in Isaiah and Luke, we keep faith and trust alive and growing." Amen.  It is all very well when we see God's plan unfold before us but when we don't know what is happening or if anything is happening it can be very difficult.

Hymn- TIS 268   “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” "Let every heart prepare him room" or it's been for nothing.

Prayers of Intercession- Jan prayed to our loving God as we came with our hearts looking outward to others in the community, that all will experience his healing touch and know his presence and peace. For us, Jan prayed for individuals known to us, that God will be near them, gathering them close, so that they will know his presence. She prayed for those with mental health problems, that they will, with patience, experience acceptance. She prayed for the lonely that they should have a deep sense of God's presence and that the local community will be open to the Good News and be given hope and purpose through God's message. Jan prayed for the church at its various levels, for wisdom and faithfulness in its decision making. She then turned her attention to places of war and strife and to the refugees and asylum seekers who look for new homes as a result of the conflict around the world, asking that world leaders will make wise decisions and instigate prompt processes, respecting the basic human rights of these people. We then joined in The Lord's Prayer.

 

Hymn TIS 272 "Come thou long expected Jesus" Our affirmation that we receive the gifts that Jesus' birth brought to us and our confession that without those gifts we are nought.

Blessing May the peace that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his son our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and amongst you always. Amen

Blessing Song TIS 778 “Shalom to you now, shalom my friends”

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Sunday Service Marsden Road Uniting Church 7 December 2014

 

Call to worship

L. Lord prepare us for your coming

P. And tune our ears to your call.

L. Lord prepare the hearts of your people,

P. For your righteousness goes before us and prepares a way.

L. Lord prepare us to receive and bear witness to your righteousness,

P. Holy Spirit, we welcome you into our lives.

Hymn- TIS 442 “All praise to our redeeming Lord” Praise to the "Other" who by grace, freely given to us, transforms us into people who are motivated by his love for us to work together to grow his love and peace throughout the world.

Prayers of Praise, Thanksgiving and Confession

Jan prayed on our behalf. She gave thanks for God's grace in our lives: for the comfort we receive that grows our trust in him, that inspires us, that gives us hope that our world can be transformed and renews our will to do his work. For us, she confessed the times we fail and the times our unjust words or behaviour are the seeds that lead to the suffering of another or to this beautiful planet in which we live. She then asked that instead, we will seek to proclaim God's presence in Jesus name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

L. In God through Jesus Christ, the harvest always holds love and grace for all people.

We are now forgiven and offered a new beginning. P. Thanks be to Go

Lighting the Advent Candles- Candle of Peace In lighting the candle which was lit last week and in lighting a new candle for today Alexis represented us as we confirmed our hope for the events which are to unfold and the peace which we will seek for the threatened planet, for fractured societies and for suffering souls.

The Bible Words for Today were introduced by Elaine and read by Alexis: Isaiah 41: 10 "Do not be frightened for I am with you." Do not be frightened, anxious, worried, alarmed, apprehensive, distressed, spooked or cowed - just relax into the arms of God and let the Lord of all direct operations.

Offering  Alexis and Alissa gathered the offering which was offered to the work of God for his blessing and use. Just a small part of his infinite blessings to us. Another way God's love can flow through us to this fractured world.

Jan spoke to the children asking them about a number of items used in preparation for Christmas celebrations, such as tinsel, holly and Christmas pudding. Then she directed the attention of the children and the adults to the real significance of Christmas.

Bible Reading Isaiah 40: 1 - 11 and Mark 1:1 - 8 were read to us by Jack. Isaiah: Our God understands our need and a cry for our comfort is sent out. The response is another cry to prepare the way and make straight a highway in the wilderness and in the desert. If anything is a wilderness and a desert in regard to the real, the essential, the meaningful, the uplifting, the enlightening, the healing, the restoring - it is this world we live in and perhaps to a larger or smaller extent - the world that lives inside us. But we are promised that this will all be turned upside down. Read v.11 if you want true comfort. Mark: The fulfillment. John the Baptist comes telling us the time has arrived. Not if we turn our backs or close our ears.

Sermon- “Preparing the way for Christ to come" Jan brought us a thought provoking and spirit challenging word but because today's service includes a communion service I am unable to do it justice. However what I can say is that through reference to the readings and their significance in proclaiming the coming of Jesus and the reason for his coming, Jan was able to challenge us as to our approach to the coming weeks.

Rather than running ourselves ragged buying and preparing food and presents (although those things do have a place at Christmas) we should direct our thinking into preparing ourselves for this most important time and perhaps changing our speech and our actions to reflect the purpose of Christmas. Our gifts should be of love and justice to all. "How can we share the gifts of hope, peace, love or joy?

Hymn- TIS 647 “Comfort, comfort, all my people” A retelling of today's message.

Regardless of our state - the way will be made straight to a place of hope and joy.

Prayers of Intercession- Ruth thanked God for our many blessings and ask for God's hand on Jan and all of us at Marsden Road as we work for God's kingdom. Ruth then prayed for all those in need at home and in other countries. She then asked for God's comfort for those in distress because of health problems and for those who work to alleviate those problems. She asked for strength for those looking for jobs and for those known to us with any need. We then joined in the Lord's prayer.

Hymn TIS 514 “Be known to us in breaking bread” A prayer that God will make himself known to us in the communion service.

Holy Communion - We turned to our neighbours and offered our hand in the sign of peace.

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you./And also with you. Lift up you hearts. /We lift them up to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God./ It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Jan then prayed as Christians have down through the ages and in every place, acknowledging the life and death of Jesus as our path to a new life.

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

The Story of the Lord’s  Supper Jan retold the origin of the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup and its significance in remembering Jesus' broken body and spilled blood. The bread we break and the cup we take are gifts of God to us.

The Distribution We shared the bread and wine in memory of the sacrifice made for us.

Hymn TIS 607 ‘Make me a channel of your peace.’ As Jesus showed us the way and died as a result, so we must show that way to others through our words and the way we live.

Blessing. The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Amen.