Parish News

Topic: Evening prayer
Time: Apr 7, 2021 07:30 PM Etc/GMT-1

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The service leaflet is available here : Wednesday Compline 07th April 21

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WEDNESDAY 7^th APRIL: COMPLINE

 

PREPARATION

OPENING PRAYER

Stand

The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

 

A SENTENCE OF SCRIPTURE

Brethren, be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith.                                                                      1 Peter 5: 8, 9

 

VERSICLES AND RESPONSES

But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Thanks be to God.

 

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

 

Praise ye the Lord.

The Lord’s Name be praised.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

 

PSALM

Psalm 134

1 Behold now, praise the Lord, ■

all ye servant of the Lord.

2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord ■

even in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary ■

and praise the Lord.

4 The Lord that made heaven and earth ■

give thee blessing out of Zion.

 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

A READING

St. Mark 16:1-9

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterwards Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

ADDRESS

 

RESPONSORY

Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

For thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.

 

HYMN

Before the ending of the day,

creator of the world, we pray

that thou with wonted love wouldst keep

thy watch around us while we sleep.

 

O let no evil dreams be near,

or phantoms of the night appear;

our ghostly enemy restrain,

lest aught of sin our bodies stain.

 

All praise be thine, O risen Lord,

from death to endless life restored;

whom with the Father, we adore,

and Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.

 

 

VERSICLE AND RESPONSE

The following responsory may be said:

Keep me as the apple of an eye.

Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.

Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

 

THE GOSPEL CANTICLE

NUNC DIMITTIS

The Song of Simeon  Luke 2: 29-32    

1 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, ■

according to thy word.

2 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, ■

which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

3 To be a light to lighten the Gentiles ■

and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy                   Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

 

PRAYER

Let us pray.

 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

 

THE 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. Amen.

 

Blessed art thou, Lord God of our fathers,

to be praised and glorified above all for ever;

 

Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let us praise him and magnify him for ever.

 

Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of  heaven

to be praised and glorified above all for ever.

 

The Almighty and most merciful Lord guard us and give us his blessing.

Amen.

 

CONFESSION

 

A prayerful examination of the past day may be undertaken after which the following or other suitable words of penitence may be used

We confess to God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

That we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, Through our own

grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.

Almighty God, have mercy upon us, Forgive us all our sins, Deliver us

from all evil, Confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, And bring us

to life everlasting; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The priest, when present, pronounces the absolution.

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant unto you pardon and remission of all your sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

VERSICLES AND RESPONSES

Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us

that thy people may rejoice in thee?

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us

and grant us thy salvation.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, hear our prayer

and let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

 

THE COLLECTS

Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, our homes,

and drive away all the snares of  the enemy;

Let thy holy angels dwell therein

to  preserve  us  in  peace;

and  may  thy  blessing  be  upon  us  evermore;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Almighty God, through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ you have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord who s alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

THE ENDING

 

DISMISSAL

We will lay us down in peace and take our rest.

For it is thou, Lord, only, that makest us dwell in safety.

 

The Lord be with you

and with thy spirit.

 

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

BLESSING

May Christ, who heals us through his blood, bless us.

May he restore in us whatever is lacking in our faith

and set us at liberty to worship him in freedom

through our words and deeds. Amen.

 

 

Topic: Easter Sunday Holy Communion

Time: Apr 4, 2021 11:00 AM

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The service leaflet is available here: Killiskey HC Easter Sunday – 04-04-21

or below here:

Killiskey Parish

 Sunday 4th April 2021 @ 11.00am

 Easter Sunday 

 The Gathering of God’s People

 GREETING

Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!

 INTRODUCTION

This is the day when our Lord Jesus Christ was raised gloriously from the dead, crushing the power of sin and destroying the sting of death. Throughout the world Christians celebrate the mighty power of God as Christ calls us out of darkness to share in his marvellous light. May we, and all Christ’s people, shine as lights in the world to the glory of God the Father.

The Easter candle is lit, and the minister says:

May the light of Christ, rising in glory

banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.

 

The light of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

 

OPENING HYMN: Thanks & Praise 9 “As we gather at your table”

As we gather at your table,

as we listen to your word,

help us know, O God, your presence;

let our hearts and minds be stirred.

Nourish us with sacred story

till we claim it as our own;

teach us through this holy banquet

how to make Love’s victory known.

 

Turn our worship into witness

in the sacrament of life;

send us forth to love and serve you,

bringing peace where there is strife.

 

 

Give us, Christ, your great compassion

to forgive as you forgave;

may we still behold your image

in the world you died to save.

 

Gracious Spirit, help us summon

other guests to share that feast

where triumphant Love will welcome

those who had been last and least.

There no more will envy blind us

nor will pride our peace destroy,

as we join with saints and angels

to repeat the sounding joy.

Carl P Daw Jr (b. 1944)

 

EASTER PRAISE AND CONFESSION

Living God,

we are here in the name of Christ.

We are here to celebrate once more his resurrection,

To rejoice once more at his victory over evil, hatred and death,

to give thanks once more for his living presence with us now and always.

Lord of life, hear us.

 

Receive our praise, our worship,

ourselves as we come before you.

Fill us with joy and wonder

as we hear again the message of the risen Christ,

and as we recognise his presence among us through his Holy Spirit.

Lord of life, hear us.

 

Living God,

We are here in the name of Christ.

We are here to confess our faults and failings,

to acknowledge our unworthiness of your love,

to seek your mercy and forgiveness,

and to ask for renewal in our lives.

Lord of life, hear us.

 

Receive our confession, our penitence,

ourselves as we come before you.

Cleanse and restore us through the love of Christ,

and strengthen us through the inner power of your Holy Spirit.

Lord of life, hear us.

 

So may we serve you better,

and live to your glory.

Lord of life, hear us

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

 

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father,

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God,

through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
you have overcome death

and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
Grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Ministry of the Word

 

The First Reading:  Acts 10: 34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

 

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

The Psalm: Psalm 118: 1–2, 14–24

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;•
his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let Israel now proclaim,•
‘His mercy endures for ever.’
14 The Lord is my strength and my song,•
and he has become my salvation.
15 Joyful shouts of salvation•
sound from the tents of the righteous:
16 ‘The right hand of the Lord does mighty deeds;
the right hand of the Lord raises up;•
the right hand of the Lord does mighty deeds.’
17 I shall not die, but live•
and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me sorely,•
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,•
that I may enter and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;•
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 will give thanks to you, for you have answered me•
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders rejected•
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing,•
and it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;•
we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.

 

The Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

Gradual Hymn: CH283“The Day of Resurrection”

The day of Resurrection!

earth, tell it out abroad –

the passover of gladness,

the passover of God!

From death to life eternal,

from earth unto the sky,

our Christ hath brought us over,

with hymns of victory.

 

Our hearts be pure from evil,

that we may see aright

the Lord in rays eternal

of resurrection light:

and, listening to his accents,

may hear, so calm and plain,

his own “All hail!” and, hearing,

may raise the victor-strain.

 

Now let the heavens be joyful,

let earth the song begin,

the round world keep high triumph,

and all that is therein;

let all things seen and unseen

their notes in gladness blend,

for Christ the Lord is risen,

our joy that has no end.

John of Damascus (c. 675 – c. 750)

1. John Mason Neale (1818-66) altd.

 

The Gospel Acclamation

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead: Alleluia!

He has defeated the powers of death: Alleluia!

Jesus turns our sorrow into dancing; Alleluia!

He has the words of eternal life; Alleluia!

 

The Gospel: John 20: 1-18

Hear the Gospel of our Saviour Christ, according to St John chapter 20 beginning at verse 1

Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ

 

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

 

This is the Gospel of the risen Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

SERMON

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is,

seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

INTERCESSIONS

In joy and hope let us pray to the Fathe:

That our risen Saviour may fill us

with the joy of his glorious and life-giving resurrection

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That isolated and persecuted churches

may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That you may grant us humility

to be subject to one another in Christian love

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That he may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,

the weak and the dying,

to comfort and strengthen them

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That, according to his promises,

all who have died in the faith of the resurrection

may be raised on the last day

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,

so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,

we pray to the Father.

Hear our prayer.

 

Heavenly Father,

you have delivered us from the power of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:

grant that, as his death has recalled us to life,

so his continual presence in us may raise us to eternal joy;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PEACE

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said,

Peace be with you. Then were they glad when they saw the Lord.

John 20: 19, 20

The peace of the risen Lord be always with you

and also with you.

 

Offertory Hymn: CH328 “Come on and celebrate”(sung twice)

Come on and celebrate!

His gift of love, we will celebrate

The Son of God who loved us

and gave us life.

We’ll shout your praise, O King

you give us joy nothing else can bring;

we’ll give to you our offering

in celebration praise.

 

Come on and celebrate,

celebrate, celebrate and sing,

celebrate and sing to the King.

Come on and celebrate,

Celebrate, celebrate and sing,

celebrate and sing to the King.

 

Celebrating at the Lord’s Table

 

AT THE PREPARATION OF THE TABLE

Be present, be present,

Lord Jesus Christ,our risen high priest;

make yourself known in the breaking of bread. Amen.

 

THE TAKING OF THE BREAD AND WINE

Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us

therefore let us celebrate the feast.

 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING      – Prayer 2 

The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.

 

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

 

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

 

All glory and honour, thanks and praise
be given to you at all times and in all places,
Lord, holy Father, true and living God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

 

For he is your eternal Word
through whom you have created all things
from the beginning
and formed us in your own image.

 

In your great love you gave him
to be made man for us and to share our common life.

 

In obedience to your will
your Son our Saviour offered himself as a perfect sacrifice,
and died on the cross for our redemption.
Through him you have freed us from the slavery of sin
and reconciled us to yourself, our God and Father.

 

For he is the true Passover Lamb

who was offered for us

and has taken away the sin of the world.

By his death he has destroyed death

and by his rising to life

he has restored us to eternal life.

 

He is our great high priest

whom you raised from death

and exalted to your right hand on high

where he ever lives to intercede for us.

 

Through him you have sent upon us
your holy and life-giving Spirit
and made us a royal priesthood
called to serve you for ever.

 

Therefore with angels and archangels
and with all the company of heaven
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for 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.

 

Merciful Father, we thank you
for these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine,
and we pray that we who eat and drink them
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
in obedience to our Saviour Christ
in remembrance of his death and passion
may be partakers of his body and his blood,

who on the night he was betrayed took bread;
and when he had given you thanks
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,

Take, eat. This is my body which is given for you;
Do this in remembrance of me.

After supper, he took the cup,
and again giving you thanks
he gave it to his disciples, saying,

Drink from this, all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

 

Father, with this bread and this cup,
we do as our Saviour has commanded:
we celebrate the redemption he has won for us;
we proclaim his perfect sacrifice,

made once for all upon the cross,
his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension;
and we look for his coming
to fulfil all things according to your will.

Christ has died;

Christ is risen;

Christ will come again.

 

Renew us by your Holy Spirit,
unite us in the body of your Son,
and bring us with all your people
into the joy of your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
with whom and in whom,
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
we worship you, Father almighty,
in songs of never-ending praise:

Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say

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.

 

 

 

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

Jesus says, I am the bread of life,

whoever eats this bread will live for ever:

Lord, our hearts hunger for you;

give us this bread always.

 

THE GREAT SILENCE

 

When the minister has received communion, all keep silence for reflection.

 

The minister says

Let us continue to reflect together.

 

Jesus is the bread of life. Whoever comes to him will never go hungry.

 

Whoever believes in him will never be thirsty.                                                          cf. John 6: 35

 

Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven.

 

Whoever eats this bread will live for ever.                                                                cf. John 6: 51

 

Jesus was alive and rose again through the will of his Father.

 

Those who feed on Jesus will live because of him and he will raise them up on the last day.

1. John 6: 57, 40

 

Going Out as God’s People

 

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Living God,
for our redemption you gave your only-begotten Son
to the death of the cross,
and by his glorious resurrection
you have delivered us from the power of our enemy.
Grant us so to die daily unto sin,
that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Benediction Hymn: “Let the earth rejoice and sing”

Let the earth rejoice and sing, alleluia!

At the triumph of our King, alleluia!

He ascends from mortal sight, alleluia!

Reigns now at our Father’s right, alleluia!

 

He who died upon a tree, alleluia!

Now shall reign eternally, alleluia!

He who saved our fallen race, alleluia!

Takes in heav’n his rightful place, alleluia!

 

 

Jesus, Lord, all hail to thee, alleluia!

On this day of victory, alleluia!

Thou didst shatter Satan’s might, alleluia!

Rising glorious from the fight, alleluia!

 

Jesus, Victor, hear our prayer, alleluia!

In thy triumph let us share, alleluia!

Lift our minds and hearts above, alleluia!

Strengthen all men in thy love, alleluia!

DISMISSAL

God the Father,

by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

Amen.

 

God the Son,

who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

Amen.

 

God the Holy Spirit,

who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord,

empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.

Amen.

 

And the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

be with you and remain with you always.

Amen.

 

Go in the peace of the Risen Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Topic: Maundy Thursday Devotional and Fellowship Meal

Time: Apr 1, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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MAUNDY THURSDAY DEVOTIONAL AND FELLOWSHIP MEAL

The early Christians used to regularly share meals together. In Acts 2 vs 46 and 47 we read: “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.”

The current coronavirus crisis prevents us from gathering in our church communities  as we normally would to mark the events of Holy Week. However, it does not stop us praying in our homes, giving thanks, and preparing spiritually for the great celebration of Easter.

Tonight’s devotional takes place in the context of a  meal shared  ‘virtually’  at  a  distance  between  households. A candle is lit.

The Gathering of God’s People

Greeting

The Lord be with you

and also with you.

God of our days and years, we set this time a part for you.

Form us in the likeness of Christ so that our lives may glorify you. Amen.

Tonight we  recall  Jesus’  final  meal   with  his  disciples  before his  arrest and   crucifixion.  As  we  do  this,  we also recall and honour  the  roots  of our  Christian faith in the  history  of the people  of Israel. Jesus gathered with his friends  to celebrate the Passover, the festival which marked the deliverance of God’s people from  slavery in Egypt.

The Collect for Purity

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Penitence

Lord God,

you sent your Son to reconcile us to yourself and to one another.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus,

you heal the wounds of sin and division.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit,

through you we put to death the sins of the body – and live.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

The Collect of the Day

Almighty God,

at the Last Supper your Son Jesus Christ washed the disciples’ feet

and commanded them to love one another.

Give us humility and obedience to be servants of others as he was the servant of all;

who gave up his life and died for us,

yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH525 “Let there be love shared among us” (sung twice)

Let there be love shared among us, let there be love in our eyes,

may now your love sweep this nation, cause us, O Lord, to arise;

give us a fresh understanding

of brotherly love that is real,

let there be love shared among us, let there be love.

David Mowbray (b. 1938)

Listening to God’s Word

Exodus 12:1-14, 17, The story of the first Passover

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month  shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month  of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that  on  the  tenth  of this month they  are to  take a lamb  for  each family, a lamb  for  each household.  If  a  household  is  too  small  for  a  whole lamb,  it  shall join  its closest neighbour  in obtaining  one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion  to the number of  people  who  eat of  it. Your lamb shall be without  blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from  the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth  day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts  and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs.

You shall let none of it remain until  the morning;  anything that remains until  the morning  you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly.  It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the  land  of  Egypt that  night,  and  I  will  strike down  every firstborn  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance  for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord;  throughout   your generations  you  shall observe  it  as a perpetual   ordinance…  You  shall observe the festival of unleavened bread, for on this very day I brought  your companies out of the  land  of  Egypt: you  shall  observe  this  day  throughout your  generations  as a  perpetual ordinance.

 

The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and  I will  praise him, my father’s  God, and  I will  exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

Exodus 14:13-20, Crossing the Red Sea

…Moses  said  to  the   people,  ‘Do  not   be  afraid,  stand firm, and   see   the   deliverance  that   the  Lord  will accomplish for  you today; for  the  Egyptians whom  you see today you shall never see again.  The Lord will fight for you, and  you have  only to keep  still.’

Then  the  Lord said  to Moses,  ‘Why  do  you  cry out  to  me?  Tell the  Israelites  to  go forward.  But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and  his chariot drivers.’

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind  them; and  the  pillar  of  cloud moved from  in front  of them  and took  its place behind  them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.

 

The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and  I will  praise him, my father’s  God, and  I will  exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

Bible Responsory, Deuteronomy  6:4-9

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie

down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

 

At the  time  of Jesus’  baptism,  his  cousin  John,  a  prophet,  declared  Jesus  to be the Lamb of God who  takes away  the  sin  of the  world  (John 1:29).  Jesus’  identity  as  the  ‘Lamb  of God’  takes   on  a special meaning  in the  context  of  the  Passover festival. Even as they  gather  to  celebrate  the festival, Jesus is aware that the time has come to complete his work of sacrifice and salvation.

Matthew 26:17-19, 26-29, Jesus and his Disciples Celebrate the Passover Meal

On  the   first   day  of  Unleavened  Bread  the  disciples  came  to  Jesus,   saying,

‘Where   do   you   want    us   to   make    the    preparations   for  you  to  eat   the Passover?’  He said,  ‘Go  into  the  city  to  a certain  man,  and   say  to  him,  “The Teacher  says,  My time  is  near;  I  will  keep  the  Passover at  your  house with my  disciples.”   ’          So  the    disciples   did   as  Jesus  had directed  them,  and they prepared the  Passover meal…

While they were eating,  Jesus  took  a loaf of bread,  and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the  disciples, and  said, ‘Take, eat;  this is my body.’ Then  he  took  a cup,  and   after   giving  thanks  he  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  ‘Drink from  it, all of you; for this is my blood  of the covenant, which is poured  out  for  many for  the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit  of the vine until that day when  I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

Worthy is the Lamb,

to receive honour and glory and blessing. (cf Revelation 5:12)

John 13:1-17, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet

Now before the festival of the Passover,  Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world  and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world,  he loved them  to the end. The devil had already put  it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all

things into his hands, and that he had come from  God and was going to God,  got up from  the table, took  off his outer  robe,  and tied  a towel  around  himself. Then he poured water   into  a  basin  and   began to  wash   the disciples’ feet and to  wipe them  with  the towel that  was tied around  him. He came to  Simon  Peter, who said  to him,  ‘Lord,  are   you  going  to  wash  my feet?’  Jesus  answered,  ‘You  do  not  know  now  what  I am doing, but later  you  will understand.’  Peter  said  to  him, ‘You  will never  wash  my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have  no share with me.’ Simon Peter  said  to him, ‘Lord, not  my feet  only but  also my hands and  my head!’ Jesus said  to him, ‘One who has  bathed does not need to wash,  except for the  feet, but  is entirely clean. And you are  clean, though not  all of you.’ For he  knew who was to betray  him; for this reason he  said, ‘Not all of you are  clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned  to the table, he said to  them,  ‘Do  you  know what   I  have   done to  you?  You  call  me  Teacher  and   Lord—and  you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to  wash  one  another’s feet.  For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to  you. Very truly,  I tell  you, servants are  not  greater  than  their master,  nor  are  messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’

Worthy is the Lamb,

to receive honour and glory and blessing. (cf Revelation 5:12)

Hymn: CH530 “Ubi caritas et amor” (vs 1,3 and 6)

1Ubi caritas et amor, Ubi caritas Deus ibi est.

Your love, O Jesus Christ, has gathered us together. Let us love one another as God has loved us.

The love of Jesus Christ will never have an end.

Taizé Community

Reflection

Affirmation of Faith

We have  listened  again  this  night  to  the  story  of God’s  love  for his people and his gift to us in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God,  who takes away the sins of the world,  and so we re-affirm  our faith:

Do you believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world?

I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind?

I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God?

I believe and trust in him.

This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.

We believe and trust in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

1 Translation: Where charity (i.e., ‘loving-kindness’) and love are found, God himself is there.

Prayers

Loving Father, we give you thanks, for you are our rescuer.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks for the gift of Christ, whose body was given for us and whose blood was shed for us.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks that we may know the empowering presence of the Spirit this night and always.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks for the example of Christ as servant and who leads us in the way of servanthood.

Blessed be God for ever.

In silence or aloud we offer prayers for the needs of the world, for our community  and our loved ones…

The Lord’s Prayer

Gathering our prayers and praises into one, we are bold to pray:

 

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. Amen.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever.        Amen.

God of compassion,

through your Son Jesus Christ

you have reconciled your people to yourself.

As we follow his example, may we obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy love,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fellowship Meal

Hymn: CH428 “Let us break bread together”

Let us break bread together, we are one;

let us break bread together, we are one.

We are one as we stand

with our face to the rising Son, O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together, we are one;

let us drink wine together, we are one.

Let us praise God together, we are one;

let us praise God together, we are one.

based on a North American traditional folk hymn

Grace

Generous God, we give you thanks for the gifts of food and fellowship we are about to share.

Blessed be God for ever. Amen.

Topic: Wednesday in Holy Week
Time: Mar 31, 2021 07:30 PM London

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WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH

 SERVICE OF WHOLENESS AND HEALING

 The Gathering of God’s People

In the name of Christ, we welcome you. We have been called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. Grace and peace be with you.

And also with you.

 The love of God has been poured into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us: we dwell in God and God lives in us.

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon God’s name:

make known God’s deeds among the peoples.

Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name:

and speak of all God’s marvellous works.

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God almighty:

who was and is and is to come.

 

THE COLLECT

Heavenly Father, you anointed your Son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit and with power to bring us the blessings of your kingdom. Anoint your Church with the same Holy Spirit, that we who share in his suffering and victory may bear witness to the gospel of salvation; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Proclaiming and receiving the word

THE GOSPEL

St. John: 13:21-32

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

ADDRESS

ANTHEM

Crucifixus a 8

Crucifixus etiam pro nobis; sub Pontio Pilato passus et sepultus est.

He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried.

Antonio Lotti

 

Prayer and Penitence

 

God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it more abundantly.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured or disabled, that they may be made whole.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering, wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Mend broken relationships, and restore to those in distress soundness of mind and serenity of spirit.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Sustain and support those who seek your guidance and lift up all who are brought low by the trials of this life.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Gant peace and a holy death to those who are dying, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

You are the Lord, you perform mighty wonders.

You have declared your power among the peoples.

 

With you, Lord, is the well of life

and in your light do we see light.

 

Hear us, Lord of life,

heal us, and make us whole.

 

Let us be silent before God.

 

A period of silence follows

 

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion upon us and all who turn to your for help; for your are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF PENITENCE

The gospel calls us to turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ. As we offer ourselves to him in penitence and faith, we renew our confidence and trust in his mercy.

 

Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. Ps. 55:22

 

In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15

 

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

You bring pardon and peace to the sinner:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

 

You bring light to those in darkness:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

God, the Father of mercies, has reconciled the world to himself through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, not holding our sins against us, but sending his Holy Spirit to shed abroad his love among us. By the ministry of reconciliation entrusted by Christ to his Church, receive his pardon and peace to stand before him in his strength along this day and evermore. Amen.

 

Prayer for healing

Our help is in the name of the Lord

who has made heaven and earth.

 

Blessed be the name of the Lord:

now and for ever. Amen.

 Blessed are you, sovereign God, gentle and merciful, creator of heaven and earth. Your Word brought light out of darkness, and daily your Spirit renews the face of the earth. When we turned away from you in sin, your anointed Son took our nature and entered our suffering to bring your healing to those in weakness and distress. He broke the power of evil and set us free from sin and death that we might become partakers of his glory. His apostles anointed the sick in your name, bringing wholeness and joy to a broken world. By your grace renewed each day you continue the gifts of healing in your Church that your people may praise your name for ever.

 

Hear the prayer we offer for all your people. Remember in your mercy those for whom we pray: heal the sick, raise the fallen, strengthen the fainthearted and enfold in your love the fearful and those who have no hope. In the fullness of time complete your gracious work. Reconcile all things in Christ and make them new. Restore us in your image, renew us in your love, that we may serve you as sons and daughters in your kingdom; through your anointed Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit we lift our voices of thanks and praise:

Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Prayer is offered for healing and reconciliation

 

May Christ bring you wholeness of body, mind, and spirit, deliver you from evil, and give you peace. Amen.

 

The almighty Lord, who is a strong tower for all who put their trust in him, whom all things in heaven, on earth and under the earth obey, be now and evermore your defence. May you believe and trust that the only name under heaven given for health and salvation is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Going out as God’s people

 

God has made us one in Christ, and has set a seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come, has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts.

 

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

 

Let us go in the joy and peace of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

Spring burst today,

For Christ is risen and all the earth’s at play.

 

Flash forth, thou Sun,

The rain is over and gone, its work is done.

 

Winter is past,

Sweet Spring is come at last, is come at last.

 

Bud, Fig and Vine,

Bud, Olive, fat with fruit and oil and wine.

 

Break forth this morn

In roses, thou but yesterday a Thorn.

 

Uplift thy head,

O pure white Lily thro’ the Winter dead.

 

Beside your dams

Leap and rejoice, you merry-making Lambs.

 

All Herds and Flocks

Rejoice, all Beasts of thickets and of rocks.

 

Sing, Creatures, sing,

Angels and Men and Birds and everything.

 

All notes of Doves

Fill all our world; this is the time of loves.

 

Christina Rosetti (1830-94)

 

Commentary by Philip Comfort and Daniel Partner:

This poem ties in various images from Song of Solomon, especially the passage below where the beloved asks his lover to join him in celebrating spring’s arrival after a long winter. Again, Christ’s resurrection can be seen in a similar way. When Christ arose from the grave, sin’s long, cold dominion over humanity ended, and new life burst forth in the hearts of the followers. As we enter this season of new life, let us not only be glad winter is past, but let us rejoice that Christ is risen!

 

My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; now the winter is past, rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, come away.

 

Song of Solomon 2: 10-13

 

 

Many people are getting busy in their gardens at this time of year, which often entails a trip to a garden centre to buy potting compost. Traditionally, peat moss was favoured. However, peat is an exceptional carbon sink and is best left untouched in the bogs. A ban on its use is being introduced to Ireland, but some peat moss for nurseries is being imported from other countries in Europe. This does nothing to help our carbon neutrality. It is important to buy peat-free compost alternatives. For those with a large garden, excellent potting compost can be made from decomposed leaves, raked up in the autumn. Garden compost made from vegetable scraps, lawn clippings, weeds etc. is ideal to feed soil for both vegetables and fruit bushes, and indeed for flowers. As the world’s carbon emissions soar once again, following a dip in the earlier months of the pandemic, we need to examine ways to reduce our carbon footprint. This can be achieved by modifying our everyday actions, including not buying peat. If we use our own compost, we save a trip to the garden centre and buying a product wrapped in plastic. Every positive step we take helps.

 

The Easter Vestry (Annual  General Meeting of the Parish) takes place on Sunday, 25th April after the morning service. This is your chance to hear more about the parish’s activities and finances, to have your say on the future direction of the parish and to vote for an incoming select vestry.

Topic: Monday in Holy Week Service

Time: Mar 29, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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Monday 29 March 2021: Holy Week Service

 Preparation

 GREETING

May the grace, healing and forgiveness of the Lord

be with you this Holy Week
and also with you.

 O Saviour of the world,
by your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed us:
save us and help us, we humbly pray. Amen.

 Opening Hymn: 226 “It is a thing most wonderful” (vs 1-5, 7)

It is a thing most wonderful,

almost too wonderful to be,

that God’s own Son should come from heaven,

and die to save a child like me.

And yet I know that it is true;

he chose a poor and humble lot,

and wept and toiled and mourned and died

for love of those who loved Him not.

I cannot tell how He could love

a child so weak and full of sin;

his love must be most wonderful

if He could die my love to win.

I sometimes think about the cross,

and shut my eyes, and try to see

the cruel nails and crown of thorns,

and Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see Him die,

I could but see a little part

of that great love which, like a fire,

is always burning in His heart.

And yet I want to love thee, Lord;

O light the flame within my heart,

and I will love thee more and more,

until I see thee as thou art.

W Walsham How (1823-97)

 INTRODUCTION

We gather together this evening to continue our journey with the Lord through this Holy Week of our salvation. The Monday in Holy Week is the day on which we remember that Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus feet while Judas objected. We are reminded to love the Lord our God will all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. So we ask God to give us pure hearts, devoted to him, that his voice may be clearly heard, and that our priorities this week would be the priorities of Jesus Christ.

Silence

 PENITENCE

Lord God, you sent your Son to reconcile us to yourself and one another.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

 Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division.
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy

 Holy Spirit, through you we put to death the sins of the body- and live.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

 Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us,
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us,
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, grant us peace.

 THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy,
but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of his cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Ministry of the Word

 The Psalm: Psalm 36: 5-11

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep:
you, Lord, shall save both man and beast.

How precious is your loving mercy, O God:
all mortal flesh shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

They shall be satisfied with the abundance of your house:
they shall drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the well of life:
and in your light shall we see light.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you:
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.

Let not the foot of pride come against me:
nor the hand of the ungodly thrust me away.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

 Canticle: The Song of Christ’s Glory
Christ Jesus was in the form of God:
but he did not cling to equality with God.
He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant:
and was born in our human likeness.
And being found in human form he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him:
and bestowed on him the name above every name.
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow:
in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord:
to the glory of God the Father. Amen

 The Bible Reading: John 12: 1-11

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

ADDRESS

 Response

 SCRIPTURAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that we should follow in his steps.
He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips,
when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn.
when he suffered, he did not threaten,
but he trusted himself to God, who judges justly.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,
that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
By his wounds we have been healed,

for we were straying like sheep,
but have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of our souls.

1 Peter 2: 21b-25

 INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray to the Father through the Son

who suffered on the cross for the world’s redemption.

Fill with your Spirit Christ’s broken body, the Church…

Give to Christian people everywhere a deep longing

to take up the cross and to understand its mysterious glory.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Bless those who lead the Church’s worship at this solemn time…

In the preaching of the word and the celebration of the sacraments

draw your people close to you.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Strengthen those who are preparing for baptism,

together with their teachers, sponsors and families…

Teach them what it means to die and rise with Christ

and prepare them to receive the breath of his Spirit.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

Look in your mercy on the world you loved so much

that you sent your Son to suffer and to die…

Strengthen those who work to share

the reconciliation won at such cost upon the cross.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Bring healing by the wounds of Christ

to all who are weighed down by pain and injustice…

Help the lonely and the betrayed, the suffering and the dying,

to find strength in the companionship of Jesus,

and in his passion to know their salvation.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Welcome us into paradise when we leave this world in your friendship.

According to your promises bring us with all your saints

to share in all the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Holy God,

holy and strong,

holy and immortal,

have mercy on us. Amen.

 THE LORD’S PRAYER

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

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.

 Closing Hymn: 597 “Take my life and let it be”

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee;

take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise.

 

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of thy love;

take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee.

 

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only, for my king;

take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from thee.

 

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine;

take my heart it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne.

 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store;

take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)

Dismissal

 BLESSING

Christ draw you to himself
and grant that you find in his cross
a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope,
and the assurance of sins forgiven;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and remain with you always.  Amen.