Watchword for the Week

Set your minds on things that are above, not on

things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)

(Moravian Daily Texts 2016)

ORGAN PRELUDE

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP

(Based on verses from Psalm 107)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.

Let those he redeemed from trouble say so,

whom he gathered in from the lands,

from the east and from the west,

from the north and from the south.

Some wandered in desert wastes,

and could not find a city to live in;

they were hungry and thirsty

and had given up all hope.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,

and he saved them from their distress.

He led them by a straight road

to a city where they could live.

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wonderful works to humankind.

For he satisfies the thirsty,

and the hungry he fills with good things.

Hymn 202 # Stand up and bless the Lord

“Forgotten Favourites” are marked with a cross (#)

PRAYER of CONFESSION

Hosea 11:1-11 spoken as a dialogue between the

people (congregation) and God (liturgist)

Punish us O God for the sins we commit,

for the pain we give, for the hurt we share.

Punish us that we might learn,

for it is what we deserve.

I will not do it. My love for you it too strong.

Punish us O God for the division we make,

for the slaves and the free,

for the rich and the poor.

Punish us that we might change,

for it is what we deserve.

I will not do it. My love for you is too strong.

Punish us, O God for the possession we

have, the selfishness we live by,

the greed of what we own.

Punish us that we might let them go,

for it is what we deserve

I will not do it. My love for you is too strong.

Then we will learn from your example;

trust a love that can change the mind of God,

a love more powerful

that it can calm the anger of God;

a love more gracious

that it can renew the grace of God.

Do not abandon us to punishment,

but renew us in love.

This I will do, for I am God and not a human.

Hymn 502 * Take my life, Lord, let it be

People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)

ASSURANCE of FORGIVENESS

Despite a world that prefers violence rather than

discussion, God asks: How can I give you up?

Despite a world that prefers certainty rather than

ambiguity, God asks: How can I abandon you?

Despite a world that prefers wearing masks

rather than telling truth, God asks:

How could I ever destroy you?

Despite a world that prefers power

rather than humility, God says:

I will not punish you in my anger.

Despite a world that prefers uniformity rather

than diversity, God says:

My heart will not let me do it.

Despite a world that prefers prejudice rather

than creative conflict, God says:

My love for you is too strong.

Despite a world that prefers propriety rather than

honesty, God says: I, the Holy One, am with

you. Always. Amen.

CHILDREN’S TIME

SHARING GOD’S PEACE

(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Colossians 3:1-11 NT p. 254 (253)

St. Luke 12:13-21 NT p. 95

People may stand for the Gospel reading.

The word of God: Thanks be to God!

Hymn 720 There is a longing in our hearts

(Hymn of the Month, July 2016)

SERMON Rev. James Brown

Hymn 465 * Be thou my Vision

(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)

DEDICATION PRAYER

Bless us, Lord, in our abundance.

May we value peace over possessions.

Bless us, Lord, in our big ideas.

May we never destroy what others value.

Bless us, Lord, in our worry.

May we never allow fear to control us.

Bless us, Lord, in our humanity.

May we never forget life is precious.

Bless us, Lord, as we seek your kingdom.

May we know the riches and the richness of

your grace. Now and always. Amen.

NOTICES and PRAYERS for OTHERS

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

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 167 * Guide me, O thou great Jehovah

BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)

ORGAN POSTLUDE