Watchword for the Week

Paul wrote: For while I was with you, I made up my

mind to forget everything except Jesus Christ and

especially his death on the cross. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

(Moravian Daily Texts 2017)

ORGAN PRELUDE

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP

God, we have come to worship.

We may be here often, or this experience

may be unusual, but you are here, and we

need your Spirit to make this time special.

God, we have come together to worship.

We may be in our own group, we may be by

ourselves, but we gather with angels and

archangels, we gather with people of every

colour and every nation, we gather as those

who went before us gathered – to worship, to

reflect, to receive, though Jesus Christ.

God, we have come together to worship.

To declare your greatness and your

goodness. To feel the wonder of your

presence. To listen to what you have to say.

To resolve afresh to live as your people,

with the help of your Spirit. Amen.

Hymn 111 * Holy, holy, holy, Lord God

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

(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)

PRAYER of CONFESSION

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all

desires known, and from whom no secrets are

hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by

the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may

perfectly magnify your holy name; through Christ

our Lord. Amen.

Lord God, Holy and Immortal, we confess

that we have broken your commandments;

we have sinned by selfishness, unbelief, and

pride; we have not acted justly, loved mercy

nor walked humbly with you.

In the fullness of your mercy, blot out our

misdeeds; in your loving-kindness, wash away

our sin. Give us a willing spirit and the

chastened heart you do not despise; and

help us to forgive others as you forgive us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn 97 Oh God, you search me

(Hymn of the Month, February 2017)

WORDS of ASSURANCE

Almighty God have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn 762 * Glory to God

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 58:1-9a OT p. 722 (723)

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 NT p. 206

Chorus * The most Excellency is Jesus

The most Excellency is Jesus:

Shout Hallelujah! Amen!

St. Matthew 5:13-20 NT p. 7

The word of God: Thanks be to God!

SERMON Rev. James Brown

Hymn 336 Christ is our light!

(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)

APOSTLES’ CREED (No. 628)

INSTITUTION and THANKSGIVING

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.

…we proclaim your greatness and sing your

praise in the angels’ song:

Hymn 769 * Holy, holy, holy

… to be a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for

your acceptance; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him, with him, in him,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honour and glory are yours, almighty

Father, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS for OTHERS

The LORD’S PRAYER (Spanish)

English words: Hymn 652, Second Form (b)

Padre nuestro, que estás en los cielos,

santificado sea tu Nombre; venga tu reino;

hágase tu voluntad, así en la tierra como en

el cielo. El pan nuestro da cada día, dánosle

hoy, y perdónanos nuestras deudas, como

también nosotros perdonamos a nuestros

deudores, y no nos dejes caer en la

tentación, mas líbranos del mal.

Porque tuyo es el reino y el poder

y la gloria por todos los siglos. Amén.

BREAKING of 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.

COMMUNION (please come forward to share)

Chorus * He’s a miracle working God

He’s a miracle-working God. (2x)

He’s the Alpha and Omega.

He’s a miracle-working God.

SHARING GOD’S PEACE

NOTICES and THANKSGIVING PRAYER

Hymn 706 For the healing of the nations

(Tune: Regent Square, CH4 110)

BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)

ORGAN POSTLUDE