Order of Service – Sunday 28 April 2024 – EASTER 5 – ANZAC DAY
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP
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)
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’s name. Amen!
THE LAST POST and LAYING OF THE WREATH Ian Butters
Lest we forget. Lest we forget!
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 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!
HYMN: 129 “Amazing Grace”
A PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we remember with thanksgiving those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in time of war.
We pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain.
Give us the wisdom and strength to build a better world.
May Your grace enable us this day to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace.
Eternal God, before whom generations rise and fall, have mercy upon human folly and failure. We acknowledge the power of human greed, fear and jealousy; we acknowledge the aggression and pretence of nations. Forgive those sins that lead to war.
Almighty God, today we remember the Anzacs and all those who were willing to be sacrificed. We remember the courage and the patriotism of men and women who resisted evil and defended freedom. Help us to value the freedom eventually won that we may use it wisely so that people and nations may live together in harmony and freedom and face the future with confidence and hope.
We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
BIBLE READINGS – Penny Goodley
Psalm 22:25-3 (Page 544) Hebrews 11:1-16, 32-39 (Pages 1191-1193)
ANZAC DAY MESSAGE: “The End of a Great War!” by David Cook
Our Daily Bread Ministries
HYMN: 594 “Fight the Good Fight with All Your Might”
NOTICES –
- Senior Lifesaving Skills Refresher – Friday 3 May 1:30 pm.
- Movie/ Pizza Nights – Tuesday 7 May 6:30 pm.
- Mother’s Day Fellowship Meal – Sun 5 May 12:00 noon.
- Pentecost Service – Sunday 19 May 10:00 am, St. Aidan’s.
OFFERING – “Freely we have received; let us freely give!”.
HYMN: 47 “Our God, Oue Help in Ages Past”
THE LORD’S PRAYER and BENEDICTION
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 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