Thought for the Week by Rev Gayle Taylor
Today, as the world’s eyes are on the exit of one President and the entrance of another, we pray for the USA and all the other nations of our world. In his victory speech following his election, Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, quoted from Ecclesiates chapter 3 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” The world hopes that his words about his Presidency being a “time for healing” will come to fruition from this inauguration day forward. After 4 of the most divisive and destructive years in relation to economics, race, climate change and the pandemic, the USA and it’s partners throughout the world surely pray together for healing and peace.
This week’s prayer :
Prayer for the Nations (from Thy Kingdom Come) As we continue to pray for the nations of the world, we particularly want to pray for our leaders and those in government responsible for making hard decisions. We pray for peace, wisdom and understanding and a deep commitment to serve all. At this time, we pray especially for the USA as their nation makes the transition from Trump to Biden’s presidency this week. Amen At this difficult time, we are aware of the many opportunities and challenges placed on the Church and pray for it’s leaders and congregations too. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Did you know that from 18th-25th January is the week of Prayer for Christian Unity? To find out more, including prayer resources visit their website |
This week’s music:
Sunday Worship – 17th January 2021 by Rev Gayle Taylor
Sitting in different chairs, joining in at different times throughout the day, God’s people still gather for worship on this, the Lord’s day. Welcome, to Sunday worship.
Call to worship:
Welcome to church:
not a place, but an invitation;
not a building, but a way of engaging;
not a service, but a way of serving;
not an institution, but a path to adventure.
In this new year,
let us gather,
and welcome each other:
make space for all,
decide to love more,
and break the rules of the world
with the generosity of the kingdom.
And if anyone asks “why?”
or “how?” or “what does it all mean?”
simply use Jesus’ own words:
“Come and see!”
HYMN – Lord, you have come to the Seashore (sing aloud at home)
All-Age Prayer (using gestures as well as words)
Loving God
may we pray
less with statements
and more with questions.
Draw a large question mark in the air with your hands.
May we pray
less with sounds
and more with silence.
Put a finger to your lips.
May we pray
less with words
and more with acts.
Clench fists and place one on top of the other repeatedly
like you are building up .
So we may see
and feel
and know
there is something new,
indescribable,
here for us all
new every day:
your love
for us all
Place your hands over your heart, crossed over.
Amen.
Reading: John 1 v 43 – 51 read by Tracy Teasdale
Dramatised Reading:
Reflection:
HYMN – When Jesus Saw the Fishermen
Prayers for Others and Ourselves
Loving God
our simple prayer
and our deep hope
is for your kingdom
to be found
between our neighbours
in the love we share
between our nations,
in the compassion we offer
between all people,
in the peace we make.
There
may we all see
your kingdom
grow.
And so we bring our words
and our longings
and shape them into
the relationships we build this year
and affirm the truth
that in our relationships
is where your kingdom will be found.
We pray for those in conflict,
for refugees and the displaced,
for so many who suffer in so many ways
from disease, hunger, fear, and division.
This is not of your kingdom
and it does not need to be the story of our world.
We pray for our governments,
for Westminster and Edinburgh
for Brussels and Washington,
Moscow and Beijing,
and the longing to find stability and a future
that is balanced and fair,
equally shared,
and Kingdom-shaped.
We pray for our congregation and parish,
for our neighbours around us
and the way we live and speak together
of love and grace and truth.
And we pray for our families and friends,
for those ill and those recovering,
for those grieving and hurting,
those anxious and worried,
fearful and afraid
and for the love that directs us
and calls us
and challenges us
to be your people,
to see your kingdom
between us,
among us,
through us.
So be it.
Amen.
HYMN – Behold I make all things new
Offering – in addition to the physical offerings we usually make in church, you can now donate online via the donate button on the main page of the website. We also offer our time and talents for the work of the Kingdom.
Prayer of Dedication
Creator God,
here is the invitation
to possibility,
that we open up,
that those who are hungry,
hurt,
longing,
unwelcome,
may come and see
where the kingdom is made,
in the sharing of gifts,
the finding of the lost,
and the welcoming of the stranger.
May this be done
through our own response
to come and see
the possibilities
of the kingdom.
Amen.
HYMN – Will You Come and Follow Me
Sending
Today, we came and saw.
Today, tomorrow and always
may we renew our invitation to others to come and see
Jesus for themselves.
And as we do,
may we go in peace to love and to serve
with the blessing of God almighty… Amen
