Order of Service Sunday 25 April 2021 – ANZAC DAY
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
OPENING SENTENCES
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. (Rev. 7:16-17)
CALL TO WORSHIP
We acknowledge the Cameraygal people, the custodians of this land, on which we meet.
On this day, above all days, we recall those who, in the great tragedy of war, gave their lives for Australia and those who died for the freedom of all people.
We remember those who still sleep amid the ridges of Gallipoli, in our land and unknown resting places in every sea and land. We remember all who have fallen since in the defence of peace, on land, in the air and on the sea. We remember each man, woman and child who has died so that the light of freedom, justice and humanity may continue to shine.
Today, as we remember, we ask God that we and our successors may prove worthy of their sacrifice.
PRAYER
Lord God, as the sun rises this day, as it did on the first Anzac Day, help us to remember the sacrifice of the first Anzacs, and the generations of men, women and children who have died in the cause of liberty and peace. Help us to remember those who still bear the physical and mental scars and disabilities of their service. Help us to remember the widows and widowers, parents and orphans, sisters and brothers and all who waited in vain the return of a loved one. Help us remember the mateship, agony, courage and compassion of war service; but save us from ever glorifying the horror and tragedy of war. As the sun rises on this day, Lord, help us to remember.
We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
HYMN: 76 “I to the Hills will Lift My Eyes”
PRAYER
We thank You, O God, for those who gave themselves with such courage in service and sacrifice for their country. Inspire us to spend ourselves for the common good that we may build up harmony and peace for which they fought and died.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
RESPONSIVE READING Memorial Day
O Lord, our God, on this day we come together to praise Your holy name and to remember those who gave their lives for our country.
We praise You, O God, for the gift of memory.
We remember, also, all our loved ones who have departed from us, and have gone to receive their reward in eternal life.
We thank You, O Lord, for these people who have fought the good fight and entered Your kingdom.
We lift our hearts in gratitude for all who have lived valiantly, and for all who have died for truth, liberty, and righteousness.
We praise You, O Lord, for those who served their country in her hour of need, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Help us, O God, to prize highly and to guard carefully the gifts which through loyalty and devotion have passed on to us.
Grant to us the wisdom, knowledge and grace that, having them always in remembrance, we may emulate their faithfulness and with them inherit the Promised Land.
Confirm our faith in Your promises of eternal life; that “if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built with human hands.”
We thank You, O God, that Jesus Christ our Lord is the resurrection and the life; that those who believe in Him will live, even though they die; and whoever believe in Him will never die.
Praise, glory, and honour be to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit now and always. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: 10 “The Lord is My Shepherd”
SERVICE OF THE WORD Wendy Phelps
Acts 4:5-12 (Page 1080) 1 John 3:16-24 (Page 1209)
John 10:11-18 (Page 1062)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “ANZAC DAY – Path of Life” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 129 “Amazing Grace”
NOTICES: –Working Bee in the garden – Tomorrow from 2:00 pm.
- Elders’ & Council Meetings Wed 28 April 12:00 noon.
- Mother’s Day Munch – Sunday 2 May 2021, after Morning Tea.
THE OFFERING:
LAYING OF WREATH Penny Goodley
Lest we forget. Lest we forget.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Penny Goodley
Loving Father, who gives life to all, we trust to Your keeping those who have died in the service of this country. Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who suffer from the effects of war; grant them Your peace and healing strength; and for those who in sadness recall lives lost; grant them comfort in the hope of resurrection. Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
May we be inspired by the determination of those who have served in the fight for freedom, justice and peace. Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Loving Father, have mercy on our broken and divided world. Give your Spirit of peace to all people and remove from them the spirit that makes for war, that all may live as members of your family. Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN: 47 “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past”
PRAYERS AND BLESSING:
Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted, honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord bless Your people and all who labour in the cause of peace that through them Your Spirit will renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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To contact Krikor call 0418 417 411
Church Website: http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au
Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740