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 Our God who Weeps
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song Be Thou my Vision 505 CP
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art; thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my great Father; thine own may I be, thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor the world’s empty praise, thou mine Inheritance, now and always: thou and thou only, first in my heart, high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of Heaven, when victory is won, may I reach heaven’s joys, bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
The Gathering (Bread for the Journey)
God calls us away from the tumult of the world, that we may focus our thoughts on things that are lasting.
In God’s presence we see our lives more clearly; the broken pieces are put back together.
God calls us out of loneliness into a life of community.
Worshipping together, caring about one another, we find out what it means to be truly human.
But God will send us back into the world’s confusion and busyness, its brokenness and isolation.
We will go with serenity and joy, strengthened to be God’s servants, the bearers of peace.
Gracious God, we thank you for the glimpses of your glory, and the whispered words of your promise, which help us to continue from day to day. Help us to press onward in the journey of faith, trusting your grace for today and tomorrow, accepting the cost and joy of discipleship to Jesus Christ our faithful guide. Amen
Collect of the Day together
Almighty God, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross, give us faith to perceive his glory, that being strengthened by his grace we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Candle Extinguishing for the Second Sunday in Lent
Meditation: On Sunday morning, for a brief space of time, we leave behind the world of home and work and school—the world where we have our lists of things to do, activities to participate in, tasks to complete. We come here this morning seeking something else. We come here seeking a shift—from the ordinary to the sacred, from doing to being. I invite you to close your eyes. Let go of your list. Recall that it is the season of Lent. Remember the parable of the sower. The sower throws the seed . . . and where it lands determines if it will grow or not grow. Think of it this way: think of the season of Lent as the sower, the time when seeds of faith are thrown with special intensity, as a time a time when God calls to us in a low, urgent voice. Listen. Jesus is being drawn to Jerusalem. Where is God calling you to? What is God calling you to do?
(Silent time.)
As we extinguish this light, we acknowledge the darkness and pain of injury done to the Earth and its ecosystems.
(A candle is extinguished.)
Together we pray:
Loving God, as we journey through this holy season of Lent, may we be open to your presence. Give us the strength to make the changes that are needed in our lives and the courage to take on the work of transforming the world. Amen.
Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery (VS 1, 6C)
Tree of life and awesome mystery,
In your death we are reborn,
Though you die in all of history,
still you rise with every morn,
Still you rise with every morn.
In our call to be a blessing,
may we be a blessing true;
may we live and die confessing
Christ as Lord of all we do,
Christ as Lord of all we do.
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the book Genesis (15.1–12, 17–18)
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ But the word of the Lord came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Then he said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.’ But he said, ‘O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?’ He said to him, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.
When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates
Listen for the Leading of the Spirit Thanks be to God
Psalm 27 Refrain Happy are they who fear the Lord.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid; and though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in God.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, beholding the fair beauty of the Lord and seeking God in the temple. For in the day of trouble, O God, you shall keep me safe in your shelter; you shall hide me in the secrecy of your dwelling and set me high upon a rock.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
Even now you lift up my head above my enemies round about me. Therefore I will offer in your dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” Your face, Lord, will I seek.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will sustain me.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
Show me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord * in the land of the living! 14 O tarry and await the pleasure of the Lord; be strong, and God shall comfort your heart; * wait patiently for the Lord.
Happy are they who fear the Lord.
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians (3.17—4.1)
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Listen for the leading of the Spirit Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn Yahweh (is the God of my Salvation)
Yahweh
Refrain
Yahweh is the God of my salvation:
I trust in God and have no fear.
I sing of the joy which God's love gives to me,
and I draw deeply from the springs of God's great kindness.
Open our eyes to the wonder of this moment
the beginning of another day.
Yahweh is the God of my salvation:
I trust in God and have no fear.
I sing of the joy which God's love gives to me,
and I draw deeply from the springs of God's great kindness.
Be with us, Lord, as we break through with each other
to find the truth and beauty of each friend.
Yahweh is the God of my salvation:
I trust in God and have no fear.
I sing of the joy which God's love gives to me,
and I draw deeply from the springs of God's great kindness.
When ev'ning comes and our day of toil is over
gives us rest, O Lord, in the joy of many friends.
Yahweh is the God of my salvation:
I trust in God and have no fear.
I sing of the joy which God's love gives to me,
and I draw deeply from the springs of God's great kindness.
Take us beyond the vision of this day to
the deep and wide ways of your infinite love and life.
Yahweh is the God of my salvation:
I trust in God and have no fear.
I sing of the joy which God's love gives to me,
and I draw deeply from the springs of God's great kindness.
The Lord be with you And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke (13.31–35)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
Affirmation of Faith (Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems)
Hurting they came to him.
Healed, they followed him.
Grateful, they gave to him
what they had and what they were.
Blessed, they became a blessing
and went out to all the world
in his name.
Those who are hurt
and healed
grateful
and blessed
still move among us
in his name. Amen
Prayers of the People
Precious Holy One
A brief look at the news shouts out that there are many dark places in our world. Darkness through mindless violence Darkness through frustration and horror Darkness through grief and distress Darkness through pain and disease Darkness deep in the souls of those we love…
We pray for our world, remembering the areas that are war torn and the people who struggle to survive and live with constant fear of the bombs, shelling, fire of the guns, pillaging. We pray for peace
We pray for our world that is filled with injustice and inequality. Remembering all who struggle daily because of gender, colour, ethnic bias and ask God that you open not just the eyes but the hearts of all people to see beyond the exterior shell to the person of your creation within. Help us to see and value the person irrespective of all of the barriers that we would lock into place
We pray for our church and our congregation as we journey in this Lenten season, concerned with the worries of the world, the struggles of life and the care and concern for so many of our community. We focus our thoughts on the small things that we can accomplish rather than be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. Remind us Lord that together we can do great works from the smallest of beginnings
We pray for those who are sick or suffering, struggling to adapt to new realities because of aging or health issues. Help them to see their continued self worth despite the new reality and increased limitations and help us to show them that they are valued and can exercise ministry in a new way
We pray for those who struggle with anxiety as we slowly resume some of the activities that bring us into larger groups again. Remind us to breathe deeply and to find the calm within ourselves so that we do not succumb to the fears, slowly increasing our comfort levels and returning to community
Holy One into these dark places into those unnamed dark places into the darkness of fear and loneliness pour out your radiance shower down your light break through pure brilliance until the darkness is disspelled and our hearts find peace and the light of hope can shine forth again fresh and new with this new day
hear our prayers we pray, Amen
The Peace .
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The Celebration of the Eucharist
Offertory Hymn Of my Hands
Of my hands I give to you, O Lord,
Of my hands I give to you.
I give to you as you gave to me;
Of my hands I give to you.
You led us out of darkness when we knew not what to do.
You suffered for our sake, dear Lord, that we might live with you.
Of my life I give to you, O Lord,
Of my life I give to you.
I give to you as you gave to me;
Of my life I give to you.
Because we love your work, Lord, take these offerings that we make;
be pleased to use them as your own, we ask for Jesus’ sake.
Of my hands I give to you, O Lord,
Of my hands I give to you.
I give to you as you gave to me;
Of my hands I give to you.
The Prayer over the Gifts (together)
God of wisdom, may the light of the eternal Word, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, guide us to your glory. We ask this in his name. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
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.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; Prefaces 221 we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was tempted in every way, yet did not sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again. Therefore with angels and archangels and all who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
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 the one that comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is the one that come 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.
We give thanks to you, Lord our God,
for the goodness and love
you have made known to us in creation;
in calling Israel to be your people;
in your Word spoken through the prophets;
and above all in the Word made flesh,
Jesus your Son.
For in these last days you sent him
to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil,
and made us worthy to stand before you.
In him, you have brought us
out of error into truth,
out of sin into righteousness,
out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over
to suffering and death,
a death he freely accepted,
our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;
and when he had given thanks to you,
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples,
and said, “ Take, eat:
this is my body which is given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine;
and when he had given thanks,
he gave it to them,
and said, “Drink 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.
Whenever you drink it,
do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice
of praise and thanksgiving
to you, Lord of all;
presenting to you, from your creation,
this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God,
to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,
that they may be the sacrament
of the body of Christ
and his blood of the new covenant.
Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice,
that we, made acceptable in him,
may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time,
reconcile all things in Christ,
and make them new,
and bring us to that city of light
where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
the firstborn of all creation,
the head of the Church,
and the author of our salvation;
by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord`s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us 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 Lent and Holy Week
We break this bread,
Communion in Christ’s body once broken.
Let your Church be the wheat which bears its fruit in dying.
If we have died with him, we shall live with him; if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.
The Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn During Communion Hold On
Prayer after Communion (together)
Creator of heaven and earth, we thank you for these holy mysteries, which bring us now a share in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Doxology
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
Announcements
Closing Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory 577 CP
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power; now fulfil your church's story; bring its bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour. Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn your Christ, assail his ways. Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days, for the living of these days. Cure your children's warring madness. Bend our pride to your control. Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in goods and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom's goal, lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
Set our feet on lofty places; gird our lives that they may be armoured with all Christ like graces in the fight for liberty. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage lest we fail ourselves and thee, lest we fail ourselves and thee.
The Dismissal
Go into the world in faith!
Trusting God to lead us, trusting people to receive us
Go into the world with hope!
With God’s presence before us and human dreams to carry us
Go into the world with love!
Serving with those in whom Christ lives, and labouring for those for whom Jesus died
Go in Faith, Hope and Love!
Postlude My Life Flows on 401 CP
My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation. I hear the real, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It sounds and echoes in my soul; how can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
What though though the tempest round me roar, I hear the truth it liveth. What though the darkness ‘round me close, songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing! All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
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