Order of Service – Sunday 27 April – ANZAC DAY

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Today, we recall those who, in the tragedy of war gave their lives for Australia and those who died for the freedom of all people. We remember those who found rest on the ridges of Gallipoli; those who rest in the cemeteries of the great wars; those who rest in the haze of desert and jungle; those who rest in the depths of the seas. We remember those who have fallen 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 our praise may be worthy of their sacrifice. Amen!

HYMN:       76       “I to the Hills will Lift My Eyes”

PRAYER OF INVOCATION

God of love, our hearts are full of memories as we gather today. Memories of friends and comrades who served under arms in the great wars. We come remembering those who fell in battle and those who offered their bodies, minds, hearts and spirit in fighting for a better world. Lord of love, we ask that You would grace us with Your presence, help us in our pain, hear our prayers and look upon our thoughts this day.

Bless us and bless those who gave the best of themselves for others: we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Let us seek the forgiveness of our sins, the correction of our failings and the cleansing of our souls so that our lives may bring honour to our families, our friends and to God.

God our Father, we have sinned against You in thought, word and deed; we have not loved You with all our heart; we have not loved others as ourselves.

Jesus Christ, we ask You to have mercy on us. Holy Spirit cleanse us from all our sins and help us overcome all our faults.

Almighty God, who promised that all who turn to Him in faith will know forgiveness, set us free and pardon us from all our sins. Strengthen us to do Your will and keep us in eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

PRAYERS OF THANKS

Lord of all the ages, thank You that in times past, men and women stood for righteousness in the presence of evil and aggression. We thank You for those who gave their lives in the service of freedom, for all who in battle suffered, for all who were taken prisoner, for all wounded in body, mind and spirit. We thank You for so many who gave so much in staying behind, all those who worked in factories, offices and on the land. God of eternity, deliver us from the bonds of hatred against the enemy, gives us the strength to discard the power of revenge. Help us make this world a better place, by the example of those who in time past defended and won freedom.

To God the Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we give praise, honour and glory now and always.

Lord of love, we bring our thanks for the peace and security we enjoy, we remember those who in a time of war sacrificed so much. Make us a people who are desperate for peace and hurry the day when people do not lift sword against each other. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who gave His life for the world. Amen. Amen!

PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE

God of Eternity, before You generations fall and rise, may You have mercy upon our foolishness and carelessness. We remember the courage and patriotism of men and women who resisted evil and defended freedom.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

Help us to hold dear the freedom that was won, may we use it wisely so that many may live together in harmony with confidence and hope.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them. We will remember them. In Jesus name. Amen!

THE LAST POST and LAYING OF THE WREATH

HYMN:       129       “Amazing Grace”

PRAYER OF PEACE

In this troubled world we pray for peace. Sovereign Lord, prosper the work of those who preserve human rights, promote the pursuit of those who work for reconciliation and justice. We remember those who in times past, travelled away from home to face those who would oppress. In their example, we see the presence of Jesus Christ. May we learn to break down fear and ignorance, and build up peace, justice and freedom. We eagerly pray for peace, in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen!

BIBLE READINGS –                                                               Penny Goodley

Acts 5:27-32 (Page 1082)                                         John 20:19-34 (Page 1075)

SERMON:                     “We Are Witnesses!”               Krikor Youmshajekian

HYMN:       473       “Community of Christ”

NOTICES –

  • Sunday 4 May Worship – Join Crows Nest UC at 10:00 am.
  • Movie/Pizza Night – Tues 6 May 6:30 pm, movie 7:15 pm.
  • Elders’ & Council Meetings Wednesday 7 May 10:00 am
  • Mother’s Day Munch – Sunday 11 May during Morning Tea.
  • Sunday 25 May 2025 at 11:30 am – Service of Closure.

OFFERING    –    Help us to give willingly as those who gave much more!

HYMN:       429       “Break Now the Bread of Life”

COMMUNION and THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN:       531       “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”

SENDING OUT BENEDICTION

Lord God, help us to remember the sacrifice of the first ANZACs, the generations of men, women and children who have died in the cause of peace. Help us to remember those who bear the scars of their service, physical, mental and spiritual. Help us to remember those who had to say goodbye: widows and widowers, girlfriends and boyfriends, parents and orphans, sisters and brothers, and all who anxiously waited with no reply. Save us from ever glorifying war and its horrors and tragedies. Lord, help us to remember. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen!

As you leave this place remember those who you have never met but sacrificed everything for your freedom. Whoever you meet, wherever you travel, speak words of God’s love and peace.

As pilgrims of reconciliation on the way to the promised end, may the sailors and soldiers and aircrew of the great wars, who sacrificed so much for neighbours and for strangers, be an example. May You be instruments of Christ to work and bear witness to Himself.

God grant grace to the living, rest to the departed. Peace, unity and concord be granted to the Church and to all people. To us and all of Jesus’ disciples be granted life everlasting.

And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you all and remain with you always. Amen!

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