Order of Service – Sunday 29 2024 – CHRISTMAS 1
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CALL TO WORSHIP – PRAISE THE LORD – Psalm 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights above.
Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.
Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at His command they were created, and He established them for ever and ever.
He issued a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding,
you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and rulers on earth,young men and women, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendour is above the earth and the heavens.
And He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to His heart. Praise the Lord.
INVOCATION
We have come today, O God, seeking Your grace and claiming Your healing power. We have journeyed through another year of life, with both joys and blessings, and its hardships and trials. Wash us with Your Holy Spirit and renew us for our journey of life in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!
HYMN: 93 “Praise the Lord, You Heavens Adore Him”
RESPONSIVE READING
Everlasting God, by whose mercy we have come to the gateway of another year, grant that we may enter the New Year with humble and grateful hearts.
We thank You for the year that is past.
We thank You for every satisfying experience, for victories won, for progress made during the past year.
May we, who are pilgrims, conscious of life’s varying scenes, learn by faith to cling to You.
We know that You will be in the future as You have been in the past. We know that You will lead us on through all the tomorrows as You have led us through the yesterdays.
We know that You will not let us go, even when we try to wander from Your way.
As we set our faces toward the New Year, we know full well that it will bring many changes.
The old must give place to the new.
Give us courage and fortitude enabling us to stand firm upon our faith.
Guide us in worship this day, and may Your spirit be always with us. Through Jesus Christ. Amen!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
With all our heart and mind, let us pray to God saying, “God of grace be with us”.
In this time of confusion, grief, pain and loss.
Let us pray to God. God of grace, be with us.
That those who serve You in all countries and all traditions may remember Your Love, embrace Your forgiveness, and hold fast to Your hope.
Let us pray to God. God of grace, be with us.
That the leaders of this nation and all others in authority, may be guided by Your wisdom, and find strength and courage to know, and accomplish Your purposes in the midst of the evil of these days.
Let us pray to God. God of grace, be with us.
That all peoples of the earth, especially those who suffer loss due to political, religious persecution or terrorism, may have the hope of healing.
Let us pray to God. God of grace, be with us.
God whose vision spans all the ages of the earth, help us to see beyond this moment and to embrace the wider perspective of Your whole creation. Deliver us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge, and lead us into a way of love and justice that makes room for all peoples.
Let us pray to God. God of grace, be with us.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: 106 (i) “Now Thank We All Our God”
BIBLE READING Chris Butters
1 Samuel 2:18-20 and 26 (Page 264) Luke 2:41-52 (Pages 1015-1016)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “In My Father’s House” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 44 “How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place”
NOTICES – Movie/ Pizza Nights will resume onTues 4 Feb 6:30 pm.
- Elders’ & Council Meetings Wed 5 February 10:00 am.
- Time4U will resume on Wed 12 February 10:00 am.
OFFERING – Gove back to the One who first gave, and gave His best.
A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER
May God make your year a happy one! Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, but by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; not by making your path easy, but by making you sturdy to travel any path; not by taking hardships from you, but by taking fear from your heart; not by granting you unbroken sunshine, but by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows; not by making your life always pleasant, but by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead regardless of what lies ahead.
HYMN: 47 “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past”
BLESSING
Lord, you make all things new. You bring hope alive in our hearts and cause our Spirits to be born again. Thank you for this New Year for all the potential it holds. Come and kindle in us a mighty flame so that in our time, many will see the wonders you make and live forever to praise Your glorious name. 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