Order of Service – Sunday 31 January 2021 – EPIPHANY 4

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.

You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men”.

For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning – though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.                                   

Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, your splendour to their children.

May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

(Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17)

PRAYER

O God, our Father, who with Your Son and the leaders of the past formed the church, that man might receive this heritage of faith and worship in each generation: grant that we may be aware of our responsibility to You and our fellow Christians; so guide us that we give of ourselves in service through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN:       447       “Lord, Your Almighty Word”

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:       607       “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”

PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

Heavenly Father we ask for Your forgiveness for the sins and neglects of recent days. We have turned our back on You, said careless things and often done as we have pleased. Thank You for the perfect life and saving death of Your Son Jesus. Please forgive our sins, assure our hearts and move us to walk in Your ways. We thank You for Your amazing mercy and grace that is greater than our needs. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Hear the Good News! For the sake of the joy that lay ahead of Him. Jesus endured the cross, making light of its disgrace, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God, where He intercedes for us. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Almighty and everlasting God, by Your Spirit the whole body of Your faithful people is governed and sanctified. Receive our supplication and prayers which we offer before You for all members of Your holy church, that in our vocation and ministry we may truly and devoutly serve You; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

HYMN:       452       “God of Mercy God of Grace”

A PRAYER BEFORE READING THE SCRIPTURES

O Lord, You have given us Your Word for a light to shine upon our path; inspire us to meditate on that Word and to follow its teaching; that we may find its light that shines more and more until the perfect day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                              (Jerome 342-420)

BIBLE READINGS –

Deuteronomy 18:14-22  (Pages 189-190)      Mark 1:21-28  (Pages 990-991)

MESSAGE:      “God Has Spoken – The Power of His Word ”    Krikor

HYMN:       158       “God has Spoken by His Prophets”

OFFERING  –   “According to their ability, they gave”.  Ezra 2:69

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Everything in heaven and earth comes from you, Lord. We give You only what is Yours. Accept our offering, bless and use them for the spread of Your Kingdom. May You be praised forever and ever. Amen.

NOTICES

– Elders’ and Council Meeting, Wednesday 3 February 9:00 am.The meeting will revisit and discuss about the date of reopening the church doors and the possibility of resuming our weekly programs, subject to COVID safety plan.

– Krikor will be on leave from 4 February to 26 February. Bob Minton will take the Services on:  7, 14 and 21 February.

HYMN:     205     “Join All the Glorious Names, of …” (Tune Darwall)

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.

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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