Theme: ‘Coming, ready or not’

Preparation

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Opening

 

Opening Prayer
We gather here, at the end of one week
and the beginning of another.
O Lord of decades and days,
centuries and seconds,
we stop now, for this moment,
and turn together to you –
who holds all time in your hand.
Make us ready to receive you,
as we gather here today.
Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Where there is a table,
you are always ready to make room.
Where there is a home,
you are always ready to welcome.
Where there is thirst,
you are always ready to quench.
Where there is hunger,
you are always ready to share.
O God, who breaks bread for all,
and who broke your body to show us the way,
we praise you for your unending readiness to welcome.
Amen.

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Readings

The Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11

‘Peace and security’ in this dark world can be hard to find. But those who anticipate the day of the Lord, and already live in the light of the risen Christ, have faith, hope and love as a strong defence against all that seeks to destroy them.

Reflection:

• When have you been completely surprised by something or someone ?
• How do you feel about the idea of something coming ‘like a thief in the night’ ?
• How might we be better prepared to live as children of light ?

Audio reflection:

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Prayer

Prayers of Intercession:

We pray to God, who is always ready –
for those overtaken with demands.
Give rest, O Lord.

For those overburdened with anxieties.
Give rest, O Lord.

For those overcome with debt.
Give relief, O Lord.

For those oppressed by powers that despise them.
Give salvation, O Lord.

For those in situations they cannot see a way out of.
Give freedom, O Lord.

For those in need of hope.
Give hope, O Lord. Amen.

Collect for today:

Heavenly Lord you long for the world’s salvation: stir us from apathy, restrain us from  excess and revive in us a new hope that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The ‘Our Father’
We draw all our prayers together in the words of –
Our Father who art in heaven…
…for ever and ever. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith:

Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life,
the one for whom we exist?
We believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature,
died for us and rose again?
We believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God
and makes Christ known in the world?
We 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.
Amen.

A sending out prayer
O God, you have made us your people,
we who once were not a people.
You have spread your arms wide and welcomed all.
Your invitation is always open, always ready to extend and expand.
Send us out, now, in the joy of your inclusion
and with the mission of your hospitality for all.
Father, Son and Spirit,
you dwell in community and call us to community.
Source, Light and Love, you welcome all.
Amen.

Blessing:

Closing Hymn:

 

Organ Voluntary: