Watchword for the Week
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:3)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2017)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(Psalm 29:1-9)
Praise the LORD, you heavenly beings;
praise his glory and power.
Praise the LORD’s glorious name; bow down
before the Holy One when he appears.
The voice of the LORD is heard on the seas;
the glorious God thunders,
and his voice echoes over the ocean.
The voice of the LORD is heard
in all its might and majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
even the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes the mountains jump like calves
and Mount Hermon leap like a young bull.
The voice of the LORD makes the lightning flash;
his voice makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
The LORD’s voice shakes the oaks and strips
the leaves from the trees while everyone in
his Temple shouts, “Glory to God!”
Hymn 283 * The voice of God goes out
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
(Tune: Woodlands, Hymn 622)
OPENING PRAYER
We give thanks to you almighty God, for in the
life of Jesus you show us a new way to live.
When you could have caused
earthquakes and thunder,
you walked by lakes, and calmed seas.
When you could have proved your power
over your cousin John, you trusted him to
lower you into the waters of baptism.
When you could have incited violence and
revenge, you searched out those seeking
light in shadowed places.
When you could have had it easy, making
angels carry you, and turning stones to bread,
you prayed, you worked, you made friends,
you spoke, you walked.
When you could have dined with royalty and
power, you shared food, you washed the feet
of your friends, you ate, you drank.
We give thank to you, almighty God, for in the
life of Jesus you show us the powerful
pathways of the gentle servant.
God of the Universe, God of the Earth,
God of the Nations, God of this House of Prayer,
we come before you today knowing
that we can sometimes admire loud power
and ignore humble power.
We commit and do not follow through.
We offer and do not hand over.
We speak but do not follow with action.
Give us the wisdom to live in ways that create
life not demean it, and help us to live powerfully
with and for the outsider, the ignored, the
demeaned, the forgotten. For you see all, and
you take delight in the lives of welcome.
Hymn 522 1-2* The Church is wherever…
WORDS of ASSURANCE (Psalm 29:10-11)
The LORD rules over the deep waters;
he rules as king for ever.
The LORD gives strength to his people
and blesses them with peace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
Hymn 522 3-4* The Church is wherever…
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 42:1-9 OT p. 705
St. Matthew 3:13-17 NT p. 5
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God: Thanks be to God!
Hymn 336 Christ is our light!
(Hymn of the Month, January 2017)
SERMON Rev. James Brown
Hymn 326 * As with gladness men of old
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
DEDICATION PRAYER
God our Maker, your voice echoes through all
Creation. Articulate your Gospel through us,
we pray, that we may live your Word.
Christ our Saviour, you are light for the world.
Shine in our lives, that we might reflect
your love, your compassion, and your glory.
Moving Spirit, you guided wise men and women
of old. Descend upon us and lead us in paths
of justice, peace and reconciliation.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
NOTICES and PRAYERS for OTHERS
(♫ Sung response: Hymn 620)
Spirit of God, descend upon us:
Spirit of the living God,
move among us all;
make us one in heart and mind,
make us one in love:
humble, caring, selfless, sharing.
Spirit of the living God,
fill our lives with love.
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, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn 112 God, whose almighty word
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
ORGAN POSTLUDE
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