Watchword for the Week

Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Revelation 7:10)

(Moravian Daily Texts 2016)

ORGAN PRELUDE

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP (Psalm 23)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. The LORD makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

You restore my soul, O LORD, and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Hymn 14 * The Lord’s my Shepherd People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)

PRAYER of APPROACH

Risen Lord Jesus, present in your risen power today, may we see you transforming our daily life and worship, glimpsing you in unexpected places, in unexpected people.

May we be inspired to share the life that you bring. May that life invade our worship and infuse our praise as we gather to celebrate your love.

And here, in the light of the resurrection, reveal to us where we fall short in proclaiming your glory:

Those times we choose to live in darkness

Those places we fail to see your light

Those opportunities we miss to breathe life into our communities

Reveal to us our failings along with the possibility of forgiveness

And lead us back into your incredible light as we worship you here. Amen.

Hymn 493 * It’s me, it’s me, O Lord

WORDS of ASSURANCE

God’s goodness and mercy is with us always, for all the days of our lives. God is close to us, loves us, protects and forgives us. Thanks be to God! Amen!

CHILDREN’S TIME

SHARING GOD’S PEACE

(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)

SCRIPTURE READINGS &

Acts 9:36-43 NT p. 160

St. John 10:22-30 NT p. 132

People may stand for the Gospel reading.

The word of God: Thanks be to God!

Hymn 424 Blest be the everlasting God

(Hymn of the Month, April 2016)

SERMON Rev. James Brown

Hymn 544 * When I needed a neighbour

(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)

DEDICATION PRAYER

Generous God, your gifts are so many we cannot count them all. You lead us, guide us, and restore us when we need it most. May we recall this generosity now and remember the examples of Tabitha and others in the early church who shared what they had, and gave to those in need. We offer these gifts to you and pray that you bless them for the work of ministry. Amen.

NOTICES and PRAYERS for OTHERS

Response: Fill us with your life, O Lord Ubi caritas et amor (Hymn 801 *)

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 739 * The Church’s one foundation

BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)

ORGAN POSTLUDE