Join us in person or live-streamed at 10AM or find our recorded service at your convenience. Details on our Worship page. Service words are below.
Prelude: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach with additional arrangement by Bruce Carlson) – organ, violin and flute
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: 525 CP The Church’s One Foundation
The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord; we are his new creation by water and the word: from heaven he came and sought us to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought us, and for our life he died.
Elect from every nation yet one o'er all the earth, our charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth; one glorious name we hallow, partake one holy food, and to one hope we follow, with every grace endued.
Though we dismay and wonder we see the church oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed:
yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
’Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of our war, we wait the consummation of peace forevermore, till with the vision glorious, our longing eyes are blessed, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
Yet we on earth have union with God the Three-in-One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee.
Gathering Sentences (www.faithandworship.com)
Reveal yourself, Gracious God, within this time of worship.
Speak to us through songs we sing, prayers we speak, words we hear.
Reveal yourself Gracious God, within your family here.
In our speaking and listening, tears and laughter, love that’s shared.
Reveal yourself, Gracious God, within these coming days.
In the places we live, the lives we live, people we meet.
This world and all within it is part of your glorious plan, devised and created in love for your people to enjoy. Such divine mystery; Such wonder; that you should consider humankind so precious and provide for our needs. God of all, our creator, our rock, our refuge, our confidence and hope, our rescuer and deliverer, in whom we can rely, we will praise your name today and all days. Amen.
The Collect of the day (together)
Almighty and ever living God, whose Son Jesus Christ healed the sick and restored them to wholeness of life, look with compassion on the anguish of the world, and by your power make whole all peoples and nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the book, Deuteronomy 30.15–20
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Psalm 119.1–8 Refrain Happy are they who walk in the law of the Lord.
Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Happy are they who observe your decrees and seek you with all their hearts; who never do any wrong, but always walk in your ways.
Happy are they who walk in the law of the Lord.
You laid down your commandments, that we should fully keep them. Oh, that my ways were made so direct that I might keep your statutes!
Happy are they who walk in the law of the Lord.
Then I should not be put to shame, when I regard all your commandments. I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, when I have learned your righteous judgements. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.
Happy are they who walk in the law of the Lord.
A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians 3.1–9
And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, ‘I belong to Paul’, and another, ‘I belong to Apollos’, are you not merely human?
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labour of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Gradual Hymn: 435 CP 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 ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and purposeful for thee. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose. 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.
The Lord be with you And also with you The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 5.21–37
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
An Affirmation of Faith from the Iona Community
We believe that God is present in the darkness before dawn;
in the waiting and uncertainty where fear and courage join hands,
conflict and caring link arms, and the sun rises over barbed wire.
We believe in a with-us God who sits down in our midst to share our humanity.
We affirm a faith that takes us beyond the safe place:
into action, into vulnerability and into the streets.
We commit ourselves to work for change and put ourselves on the line;
to bear responsibility, take risks, live powerfully and face humiliation;
to stand with those on the edge;
to choose life and be used by the Spirit for God's new community of hope.
Amen.
(An Act of Commitment Service - The Iona Abbey Book of Worship))
Prayers of the People (HomeFaith worship Epiphany 6 - HomeFaith)
Drawn by God’s love and abundant faithfulness to us, let us pray.
Righteous and disturbing God, we pray for your world, for your people who are hungry, poor and oppressed. When the earth’s resources and are plundered by the rich, when countries are trapped in poverty and debt, when we take from those who have little and give to those who have much, disturb our minds and turn our hearts to you. May we hear the cries of the dispossessed and learn to share our abundance. Righteous God, hear our prayer.
We pray for Canada, for your people who are outcast, homeless or unemployed. When economic gain is more important than human dignity, when ancient injustices are not addressed, when people are reviled through prejudice and fear, disturb our minds and turn our hearts to you. May we create a society where all are recognised and valued and our diversity is celebrated. Righteous God, hear our prayer.
We pray for your church, for your followers who are persecuted or who live in danger. When we preach a gospel that does not challenge or unsettle, when pomp and possessions mask our dependence on you, when we stray from your path or lead others from your ways, disturb our minds and turn our hearts to you. May we be a community of faith which proclaims your reign of justice and peace. Righteous God, hear our prayer.
We now pray for those people and personal concerns that are on our hearts right now. We hand all of them over to you. Righteous God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Disturb our minds and turn our hearts to you, that with Christ we may live your way here and now, disturbing the comfortable and comforting the disturbed. In the name of Christ, we pray all these things. Amen
The Peace Angels said it to frightened shepherds
Jesus said it to dismayed disciples.
And now these words which come from heaven
are given to reconcile us to God and to each other
Peace be with you
And also with you.
The Offertory Hymn: All Are Welcome
Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions;
Chorus: All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true.
where all God's children dare to seek to dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness and a symbol of God's grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: Chorus
Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us: Chorus
Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger: Chorus
Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: Chorus
Prayer over the Gifts
Eternal God, you are the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers, receive all we offer you this day; turn our sickness into health and our sorrow into joy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer (Iona Abbey Worship Book)
The Invitation
We are here because Jesus has called us –
strangers and friends, locals and visitors, believers and doubters, the certain and the curious.
It is always a mixed company that Jesus gathers and invites to his able where, in bread and wine, he meets us
and through him we, who are different, are joined to each other.
So come, not because you understand, but because you are understood.
Come, not because of how you feel, but because God has food for you.
Come, not because you deserve a place, but because Jesus invites you, just as you are.
The Story
This sacrament began on the night of Jesus’ arrest, when he and his disciples gathered round a table.
Reader: During their meal, Jesus took bread
and when he had blessed it,
he broke it and said,
“This is my body. It is given for you.
Do this to remember me.”
Later he took a cup of wine,
and when he had blessed it he said,
“This cup is the new relationship with God
made possible because of my death.
Drink it, all of you, to remember me.
I shall not share this with you again
until I do so in God’s coming kingdom.”
So now we do as Jesus did and commanded us to do. We take this bread and wine, the ordinary things of the world which Christ, in his own way, will make special, and as he said a prayer before sharing we do so too.
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to God
Let us give thanks to God our Maker
It is right to give our thanks and praise
Praise is yours, holy God…praise beyond all telling.
All that we are, all that we have, all that we know and all that is yet to be comes from your care.
Water and wisdom, light and longing, the stones of the earth and the hope in our hearts are grounded in your graciousness.
The life of the world and all its people, nature and human skill celebrate you as first mover and final destiny.
Therefore, to the unending song of earth, sea and sky we join our praise.
To the anthems of the company of heaven—the angels and archangels, the saints of every age – we join our praise.
And as one with your people on earth, north and south, east and west, we join our praise, singing the song of your eternal greatness.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Because you, gracious God, have been faithful to us, we will be faithful to Jesus.
He promised to be with those who met in his name:
this we believe.
Jesus promised to hear the prayers of faithful people
this we believe.
Jesus said that in the communion of bread and wine he would be present to us as we remembered him:
this we celebrate.
So, now send your Spirit among us and upon this bread and wine, that we ma taste and see your goodness, be embraced by your love, and be engaged in your service. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer (Cameron)
As our Saviour taught us we pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins. As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours. Now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
As Jesus did, so we do. We break this bread. We share this wine.
We believe that he who lived, died and rose again for us will meet us here.
Graciously nourish us, O Christ, so that we who try to follow you may receive food for the journey and be bound in solidarity with all who walk in your way. Amen
Take this bread, share this wine. In these Christ comes to us with love from God.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The Communion
Hymns during distribution: Deep in our Hearts We Will Take What You Offer
Prayer after Communion
Give thanks for all of God’s goodness:
God’s love shall last forever. Generous and faithful God, you have fed us at your table.
May the nourishment we have received enable us to enrich the lives of others wherever we may go from here.
Whether the future be dark or bright, the road be smooth or rough, whether our cares be light or heavy,
our song be strong or weak, keep our hearts warm and our hands open, our lives ever embraced by your love. Amen
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen
The Blessing
May the everlasting God shield you wherever you go.
And the blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Giver of life.
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Christ of love.
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Spirit of peace.
The blessing of the Trinity be upon you, now and evermore.
Amen
Closing Hymn: 486 CP Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.
Come, almighty to deliver; let us all thy grace receive;
suddenly return, and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Dismissal
Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God. Alleluia
Postlude: God Our Protector
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