Order of Service Sunday 12 November 2023 – PENTECOST 24

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CALL TO WORSHIP

We draw strength from the Living God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. We draw strength from one another. We are not alone. Let us worship the God of power and might.

PRAYER – Seeking the Lord

O gracious holy God, give us diligence to seek You, wisdom to perceive You and patience to wait for You.

Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on You; eyes to behold You; ears to listen for Your word; a heart to love You; and a life to proclaim You; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!  St. Benedict (480-543)

HYMN:       47       “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past”

RESPONSIVE READING

Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have revealed Your continual love to humankind through the Bible.

We thank You, Lord, for the faithful service of those followers who wrote the original manuscripts of the Bible, directed by the Holy Spirit.

We thank You Lord, for the tireless efforts of those who copied the Holy Book by hand, verse by verse and page by page.

We thank You Lord, for the tedious labour of those who translated the words into different languages.

We thank You, Lord, for the scholarly devotion of those teachers who seek to interpret the biblical truths for our use in life today.

Grant that we may hear, read and learn these truths for our spiritual edification.

Help us to commit ourselves to study Your word that we may grow in the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Redirect our lives that we may find the truth You intended for us to learn.

(Together) O Lord, grant that by the inspiration of Your Holy Word, we may find strength for living and eternal hope for dying; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen!

HYMN:       590     “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Lord, we thank You for the love, power and mercy that have brought us to this moment in our lives and our life together.

We confess that we have not always wanted the best for each other or for those around us.

Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.

We confess that we have too often and too easily pleased ourselves and put our own wants and needs before those of others.

Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.

We confess that we have memories of the past that still hurt us, that we do not always find it easy to cope with what is happening today, and that tomorrow’s uncertainty sometimes makes us afraid.

Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.

Lord, we ask not only for forgiveness, but for the desire and strength to begin again.

Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us. Amen!

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

God is gracious and merciful. Even in our failures, God provides the resources we need to overcome sin and to resist temptation. In the name of Jesus Christ, and in his strength, you are being forgiven. Amen!

DOXOLOGY   (to be sung with the tune of 768i)

Praise God, the Source of life and birth;

Praise God, the Word, who came to earth;

Praise God, the Spirit, holy flame;

All glory, honour, to God’s name.

A PRAYER OF PRAISE

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship You, we give You thanks, we praise You for Your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us: You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen!

BIBLE READING                                                                       Chris Butters

Joshua 24:14-27 (Pages 231-232)                           Psalm 78:1-8 (Page 579)

MUSICAL REFLECTION:

MESSAGE:               “Serving the Lord!”                     Krikor Youmshajekian

HYMN:       687       “God Gives Us a Future”

NOTICES – Bus Trip – To Ettalong Wednesday 15 Nov 9:30 am. Still we have some seats available. Please put your names down.

  • Funeral Service – Soo-Tee Cheong – Friday 17 November 10:00 am, Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Followed by wake at 12:30 pm, Wallamatta Function Centre.
  • St. Andrew’s Day Luncheon – Sunday 26 Nov 12:00 noon. Please reserve your tickets.
  • Congregational Meeting – Sunday 10 Dec after the Service.

Please remember in your Prayers

– The sick, those who are in recovery, the poor and the needy.

– The Middle East region, Palestine and Israel.

– The Artsakh refugees in Armenia.

– Cheong family and especially Mary, as they mourn the loss of their dear Soo-Tee.

OFFERING  –   In enthusiasm and hope, in humility and community, in

                              trust and expectation, we make our offering to God.

HYMN:       216       “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BLESSING

Do not be confronted to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Know that God goes with you, to strengthen you, to protect you, to give you peace. Amen!

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To contact Krikor call 9453 0787 or 0418 417 411

Church Website:  http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au

Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au

Church Office phone: 9427 4740