Order of Service – Sunday 21 January 2021 – EPIPHANY 3

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CALL TO WORSHIP

“Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8)

May all the barriers between God and ourselves be removed. Let us open our spirits to the Spirit of God and discover the power and peace of God surging within us.

 “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 48:1a)

Therefore, let us joyously unite together as we sing, pray, listen to God’s word and share with God and one another.

God is faithful and compassionate. God provides peace in the midst of life’s storms. It is God who guides us and creates new paths.

INVOCATION

O Lord we enter this place today aware of Your great gifts. We thank You for the gift of Your creation and presence. We are thankful for Your forgiveness and redemption. We are thankful for Your willingness to meet us wherever we are. We thank You especially for the gift of Your Son who personified all of Your love for us. Accept this gift of our worship on this day. Anoint us with Your presence. Amen!

HYMN:       59       “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”

RESPONSIVE READING

Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

With You, O Lord, is the well of life.

In Your light we see light.

God Most High, Your glory continues to surprise our expectations beyond our imagination. Breathe new life into our traditions and familiar practices, to prepare Your people for Your Kingdom.

Bless and guide Your bride, the Church, as it seeks to live Your good news.

Spirit of God, come upon Your Church. Fill it with Your life and grace.

May we be good news to the poor in spirit and wealth.

God Most High, You are with us in times of struggle and peace. Strengthen the hands who defend the weak and vulnerable.

Give courage to those who dare to establish just peace.

Spirit of God, come upon the nations. Challenge them with Your justice and equity.

May we work for the liberty of all.

God Most High, You bring people together in love and fidelity. Bless all who covenant their relationships before You.

In all that we are and all that we have we share in Your love.

Spirit of God, come weighed down by oppression and violence. Inspire all who work for fair working conditions and levels of pay.

May our trading be a source of blessing.

God Most High, You take our anxiety and rescue us from the pit of despondency. Give hope to all weighed down by concerns and fear.

Bring to troubled hearts the light and refreshment of Your peace.

Spirit of God, come upon all who have to overcome disabilities of mind or body. Send Your healing presence upon all in need.

May earth and heaven resound with Your praise.

HYMN:       452       “God of Mercy, God of Grace”

TIME TO PRAY

In silence please offer your prayers to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

     creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

     who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

     born of the Virgin Mary,

     suffered under Pontius Pilate,

     was crucified, died, and was buried;

     He descended to the dead.

     On the third day He rose again;

     He ascended into heaven,

     He is seated at the right hand of the Father,

     and He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

     the holy catholic Church,

     the communion of saints,

     the forgiveness of sins,

     the resurrection of the body,

     and the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN:       598       “Dear Father, Lord of Humankind”

A PRAYER BEFORE READING THE SCRIPTURES

O Lord our God, You have given Your word to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  Grant us grace to receive Your truth in faith and love, that we may be obedient to Your will and live always for Your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

BIBLE READINGS –                                                                  Robyn Irwin

Jonah 1:1-17 (Page 918)                                                                 Mark 1:14-20 (Page 990)

MUSICAL REFLECTION

MESSAGE:         “Jonah – The Reluctant Prophet”     Krikor Youmshajekian

HYMN:       658       “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”

NOTICES –

  • Centenary Worship Service – Sunday 4 Feb 2024 9:30 am.
  • Movie/ Pizza Nights will resume on Tues 6 Feb 6:30 pm.
  • Time4U will resume on Wed 7 Feb 10:00 am.
  • Elders’ & Council Meetings Wed 14 February 12:30 pm.

Please remember in your Prayers:

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

– The refugees who are still struggling with uncertainties.

– Our future plans.

– World peace.

OFFERING  –   “Men will praise God for your generosity”. (2 Cor. 9:13)

HYMN:       611       “God of Grace and God of Glory” (Tune 569)

BLESSING

We have heard Your word, O Lord. It is a powerful word and has changed our lives. In Your spirit we go forth to live and work that life might be renewed and people redeemed. Be with us now and always. 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