Watchword for the Week

Jesus says, “If any want to become my followers,

let them deny themselves and take up their cross

and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

(Moravian Daily Texts 2017)

CHOIR PRELUDE Siyahamba! (Hymn 516)

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP

(from the Iona Abbey Communion Service)

With nature in its power and beauty,

with rain and wind and sunshine,

with ancient rocks and budding flowers,

we gather in praise of God.

With believers and seekers the whole world

wide, with people in every land,

and speakers of every language,

we gather in praise of God.

With the angels and saints in heaven,

with those who first built community here,

and all who have worshipped in this place,

we gather in praise of God.

With Jesus who promised his presence,

and the Spirit who showers her blessings,

we gather in praise of God.

Here let heaven and earth embrace;

here may God’s people find home.

Hymn 176 Let’s sing unto the Lord

(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)

(Hymn of the Month, September 2017)

PRAYER of APPROACH

(from the Iona Abbey Communion Service)

Eternal God, Maker of the skies above,

lowly Christ, Lover of the earth and its people,

unfettered Spirit, Giver of gracious gifts,

you are present among us.

O hidden mystery, sun behind all suns,

soul within all souls, in all we touch,

in all we meet, you are present among us.

As bearers of your image, we come to be

reshaped; dependent on your mercy,

we ask to be made new.

… God by your grace, forgive us. (2x)

… God, in your love, renew us.

… God, in your love, prepare us.

… God, in your love, commit us.

Hymn 776 * Kyrie eleison

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

ASSURANCE of PARDON

Glory to the Creator who gives us life,

Glory to Jesus whose love remakes us,

Glory to the Spirit, companion on our journey.

Glory be to God. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Exodus 3:1-15 OT p. 58

CHOIR ANTHEM Sing unto the Lord

St. Matthew 16:21-28 NT p. 25

People may stand for the Gospel reading.

The word of God: Thanks be to God!

SERMON Rev. James Brown

Hymn 251 * I, the Lord of sea and sky

(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)

AFFIRMATION of FAITH

We believe in God above us,

Maker and Sustainer of all life,

of sun and moon, of water and earth,

of male and female.

We believe in God beside us,

Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,

born of a woman, servant of the poor,

tortured and nailed to a tree.

A man of compassion, he died forsaken;

he descended into the earth

to the place of death.

On the third day he rose from the tomb;

he ascended into heaven

to be everywhere present;

and his kingdom will come on earth.

We believe in God within us,

the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire,

life-giving breath of the church,

spirit of healing and forgiveness,

source of resurrection and eternal life.

Amen.

PRAYERS for OTHERS

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The LORD’S PRAYER (Lithuanian)

English words at: Hymn 652, Second Form (b)

(Please pray in your own preferred language / version.)

Téve musu esi danguje’. Teesie šventas

tavo Vardas. Teateinie tavo karalysté.

Teesie tavo valia, kaip danguje, taip ir ant

`z´emés. Kasdienés musu duonos duok

mums šiandien. Ir atleisk mums musu kaltes,

kaip ir mes atleid`z´iame savo kaltininkams.

Ir nevesk mus i pagunda, bet gelbék mus

nuo pikto. Amen.

Hymn 673 * Let us talents and tongues employ

COMMUNION PRAYER

The Lord be with you, and also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.

Let us give thanks to God our Maker.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

…east and west, we join our praise, singing the

song of your eternal greatness:

Hymn 769 * Holy, holy, holy

BREAKING of the BREAD

…We believe that he who lived, died and rose

again for us will meet us here. Graciously

nourish us, O Christ, so that we who try to

follow you may receive food for the journey

and be bound in solidarity with all who walk

in your way. Amen.

Hymn 778 Lamb of God, you take away

The COMMUNION (please come forward)

The PEACE (all share a sign of peace)

PRAYER and BLESSING / NOTICES

CHOIR POSTLUDE Amen, siyakudumisa!