Welcome and Intimations
-
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
-
CH4 113 God the Father of Creation
-
God the Father of Creation,
source of light and energy,
your creative love so shapes us
That we share your liberty.
Teach us how to use this freedom,
loving children all to be.
-
Jesus Christ our Lord and brother,
in your cross we see the way
to be servants for each other,
caring, suffering every day.
Teach us patience and obedience
never from your path to stray.
-
Holy Spirit, love that binds us
to the Father and the Son,
giver of the joy that fills us,
yours the peace that makes us one,
teach our hearts to be more open
as we pray ’God’s will be done.’
-
Members of our Saviour’s body,
here on earth his life to be,
though we stand as different people,
may we share the unity
of the Father, Son and Spirit,
perfect love in Trinity.
© Iain D. Cunningham
-
-
- Romans 5:1-5
- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Children’s Message
-
CH4 5 O Lord, Our Lord, Throughout the Earth
-
O Lord, our Lord, throughout the earth
how glorious is your name,
and glorious too where unseen heavens
your majesty proclaim.
On infant lips, in children’s song
a strong defence you raise
to counter enemy and threat,
and foil the rebel’s ways.
-
When I look up and see the stars
which your own fingers made,
and wonder at the moon and stars,
each perfectly displayed;
then I must ask, ‘Why do you care?
Why love humanity?
And why keep every mortal name
in your memory?’
-
Yet such as us you made and meant
just less than gods to be;
with honour and with glory, Lord,
you crowned humanity.
And then dominion you bestowed
for all made by your hand,
all sheep and cattle, birds and fish
that move through sea or land.
Coda:
O Lord, our Lord, throughout the earth
how glorious is your name!
© John L. Bell
-
Meditation
-
CH4 593 She Sits Like a Bird, Brooding on the Waters
-
She sits like a bird, brooding on the waters,
Hovering on the chaos of the world’s first day;
She sighs and she sings, mothering creation,
Waiting to give birth to all the Word will say.
-
She wings over earth, resting where she wishes,
Lighting close at hand or soaring through the skies;
She nests in the womb, welcoming each wonder,
Nourishing potential hidden to our eyes.
-
She dances in fire, startling her spectators,
Waking tongues of ecstasy where dumbness reigned;
She weans and inspires all whose hearts are open,
Nor can she be captured, silenced or restrained.
-
For she is the Spirit, one with God in essence,
Gifted by the Saviour in eternal love;
She is the key opening the scriptures,
Enemy of apathy and heavenly dove.
© John L Bell & Graham Maule
-
Offering
Prayer of Intercession
-
CH4 604 Holy Wisdom, Lamp of Learning
-
Holy wisdom, lamp of learning,
bless the light that reason lends.
Teach us judgment as we kindle
sparks of thought your Spirit sends.
Sanctify our search for knowledge
and the truth that sets us free.
Come, illumine mind and spirit
joined in deepest unity.
-
Vine of truth, in you we flourish;
by your grace we learn and grow.
May the word of Christ among us
shape our life, your will to know.
Joined to Christ in living, dying,
may we help the Church convey
witness to the saving gospel,
bearing fruit of faith today.
-
Holy God, the hope of nations,
tune us to your righteous will,
as the symphony of ages
claims our best, our finest skill.
Shape our search for peace and justice
through prophetic deed and word.
Christ, conduct us, set our rhythm,
that God’s praise be ever heard.
© Ruth C. Duck
-
Blessing