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