You can watch the bible readings and sermon here, or scroll down to read the rest of the Sunday prayers and content, and watch this video at the point it occurs during worship.
Welcome to all who are here today in church, via zoom or at a later time. We come to this place of worship, each with our unique reason. As we gather and join together in prayer, song, confession, and listening to the words of scripture, we declare in Jesus’ name that this is a safe physical, emotional and spiritual environment.
Acknowledgement of Country:
We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Dharawal people. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and commit to working towards reconciliation together.
Lighting the Christ Candle:
This candle is lit to remind us that Christ is the light of the world, showing us the way to life, and exposing the dark.
Hymn: Be thou my vision: Together in Song 547.
Prayer of Adoration: (The words in bold for the congregation to say)
You are my God and I crave you;
.all that I am thirsts for you;
God, you are strong,
Help us to strengthen our confidence in helping other and living out your
good news.
God you are a refuge for the oppressed
Help us to renounce our complacency and apathy when we see the
widening gap between rich and poor.
God you are compassionate
Help us to foster acceptance and compassion for others and develop
meaningful friendships within my community.
God, you are faithful and trustworthy
Help us to relinquish our uncertainties, anxieties and worries and trust you.
God you are a mighty rock
Help us to be brave to speak out against slurs, racism and ignorance and
when we see injustice.
God, your love drives away all fear
Help us to surrender our fears: fear of ageing, fear of the future, fear of
others who are different.
God you are gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
Help us to cultivate patience, love and forgiveness.
God you will never forsake those who seek you
Help us to encourage others to find you and know your gospel and to
engage with your Word.
We turn away from all that is wrong and unrighteous,
from all that causes pain and suffering to others and to God,
and from all that is not loving and caring.
We turn to you, O God, in your mercy.
We seek your abundant pardon.
We joyfully receive your forgiveness.
Amen.
Words of Grace:
The good news is that God loves and accepts us just as we are. Leave your burdens here, and let us move forward in love together. Amen.
Hymn 2: You are my hiding place
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say
I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in you.
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You
Bible readings Jennie and Melanie
2 Kings 2:1-12
Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.
The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Mark 9:2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Sermon. John McK
Prayers for the People: Sue, followed by this prayer for peace presented in song:https://youtu.be/mhARJvTB5pI?si=nkLxYWmeXow7eHXE
Benediction and Final Hymn:
May God bless you and keep you, May God’s face shine upon you, May God look with favour upon you and give you peace, Amen.
Song: What Does the Lord Require of you? Together in Song 751.
What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God
To seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God
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