Watchword for the Week
Jesus says,
”I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture.”
(John 10:9)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2017)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(Psalm 23 – The Living Bible translation)
Because the Lord is my Shepherd,
I have everything I need!
He lets me rest in the meadow grass
and leads me beside the quiet streams.
He restores my failing health.
He helps me do what honours him the most.
Even when walking through the dark
valley of death I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me,
guarding, guiding all the way.
You provide delicious food for me in the
presence of my enemies. You have welcomed
me as your guest; blessings overflow!
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be
with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live
with you forever in your home.
Hymn 462 v. 1-3* The King of Love…
(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)
PRAYER (based on Acts 2:42-47)
We read of the early disciples gathering and
doing things with glad and generous hearts.
Yet that is not always the case with us.
I invite you to hear these passages of scripture,
and to reflect on their challenge to how we live.
The believers devoted themselves to the
apostles’ teaching, to the community, to shared
meals, and to prayers. And yet when we
disagree with others’ teachings we put them
down; we think they are wrong; we do not
want to join them in a meal, or pray with
them. (Pause)
A sense of awe came over everyone. And yet
we are too often skeptical, reluctant to see
God’s presence in our everyday lives. (Pause)
The believers were united and shared things.
They would sell property and possessions and
distribute them to those who were in need.
But how can we tell who is really in need?
So many people want to rip us off. They
might say they are in need, but I’m not so
sure. (Pause)
They praised God and demonstrated God’s
goodness to everyone. But sometimes I’m
tired and I don’t want to live in a way that
models God’s goodness. I only want to
focus on me. (Pause)
Forgive us, God, when we are more concerned
with ourselves than with our wider community.
Amen.
WORDS of ASSURANCE
Hear these words from scripture: “Though you
were like straying sheep, you have now returned
to the shepherd and guardian of your lives.”
Friends, know that in the presence of our
Shepherd and Saviour Jesus the Christ, our sins
are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Hymn 462 v. 4-6* In death’s dark vale…
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Acts 2:42-47 NT p. 150
St. John 10:1-10 NT p. 131
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God: Thanks be to God!
Hymn 414 Come, you faithful, join the strain
(Hymn of the Month, May 2017)
SERMON Rev. James Brown
Hymn 685 v. 1-3* A place at the table
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
The APOSTLES’ CREED (No. 628)
PRAYERS for OTHERS
The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not be in want.
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 189 * Be still…
COMMUNION PRAYER
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 God thanks and praise.
…in concert with the church in heaven and earth
we join the song of your unending praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and
might, heaven and earth are full of your
glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name
of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
BREAKING of the BREAD
Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world: grant us peace.
INVITATION
SHARING BREAD and CUP
(please come forward for communion)
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
NOTICES and DISMISSAL
Hymn 543 v. 1-3* Christ, be our light!
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
ORGAN POSTLUDE
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