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.
ENGADINE UNITING CHURCH STATEMENT
The story of God is bigger, wider, more inclusive and welcoming, filled with more love than we could ever imagine.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, wherever you’ve come from, wherever you’re going to, whatever you believe, whatever you do not believe, you are welcome.
There is room here for everyone.
There is room here for you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
As we come into this space to worship God, we acknowledge the First Peoples of this land, the Dharawal people, who have dwelt in this place for thousands of years. In respect, we recall their connection to this land.
We are grateful for their continuing care of Country and the wisdom of elders, past and present.
As we dwell in God’s presence in this place today, may we commit ourselves to ongoing learning and relationship with First Nations people.
CALL TO WORSHIP
In a world divided,
you call us into unity.
In a world of getting,
you call us to be giving.
In a world of brokenness,
you call into healing.
God calls us in this moment,
and in every moment
Let us worship.
SONG: Let the Weak say I am Strong / What the Lord has done in Me
Let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich”
Let the blind say, “I can see”
It’s what the Lord has done in me
Let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich”
Let the blind say, “I can see”
It’s what the Lord has done in me
Hosanna, Hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, Hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Hosanna, Hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, Hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Into the river, I will wade
There our sins are washed away
From the heavens mercy streams
Of the Savior’s love for me
I will rise from waters deep
Into the saving arms of God
I will sing salvation songs
Jesus Christ has set me free (and we will sing)
Hosanna, Hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, Hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Hosanna, Hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, Hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Songwriters: Reuben Timothy Morgan
What the Lord Has Done in Me lyrics © Hillsong Music Publishing Australia
PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Invocation, purpose is to invite God’s presence, guidance, and blessing into the worship experience. This prayer often sets the tone for the service, acknowledging God’s sovereignty, expressing reverence, and asking for the Holy Spirit to move among the congregation
God of all-knowing, you know us each so well.
You know our secret fears.
You know our hidden hurts.
You know the damage we inflict on each other
and on ourselves.
Remind us today, here, in this place,
that you are the great doctor of souls,
the one who binds up the wounded
and restores the damaged.
And may we live whole, renewed lives.
Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God, we know that Jesus was not concerned with rank or privilege.
We know that he lived in the truth that all people are your children.
He knew that everyone he met was created in your image.
We know he welcomed all as you welcomed him.
We know this, and yet, we find it so hard to abandon all the false hierarchies amongst us.
We find it impossible to live without comparing ourselves to others.
And, so very often, we do not see the glory of God shining from the face of another.
Forgive us, God.
Forgive us our little systems of control,
our prejudices, pettiness, and smallness.
And all of this while we live in your world of goodness.
Forgive us. This is our humble prayer.
Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Here this, family of God, community of faith!
Forgiveness is yours!
It comes free, unconstrained and abundant,
on this day and on all days.
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
BIBLE READING
Job 38:1–7, (34–41)
REFLECTIONS on SOULCARE conference – Judy and Leanne
Keynote speaker Jane Leach
Michael Leunig, collection cartoons a common prayer
PRAYER OF ADORATION AND THANKSGIVING
God of all hopefulness, God of all care,
we give thanks that your infinite patience waits for us,
your infinite compassion comforts us,
and your infinite love envelopes us.
We glimpse the life you have for us,
but often so dimly and so infrequently.
We so often live as if we know all that there is to know about each day.
We live as if the smallness of our experience is all there is.
Forgive us for the smallness of our vision,
the greyness of our dreams,
and the meanness of our joy.
Come to us as you always do in great, glad generosity
that we might fully be alive in you.
We thank you that you always offer us a life of joy and hope.
Amen.
READING AND THEME
Mark 10:35–45
Not being served but serving
DISCIPLESHIP THOUGHT
To see the disciple’s foolish certainties brings into stark relief our own.
How can we use this story of tragedy, smallness of vision and shortsightedness to help us be observant, patient, expectant and humble in our decision-making as individuals and as faith communities?
REFLECTION: God in the Whirlwind
Job 38:1–7, 34–41
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The way of the servant is the way of God.
Giving is serving.
Let us give in love.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God, who gives life to all,
who gives the world its life,
who is the life of the whole universe,
we bring our giving to you.
May the giving of ourselves in service to you
and your world be a true giving in joy and humility.
Amen.
SONG: Brother, Sister, Let me Serve You
Brother, sister, let me serve you;
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace tO
let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christlight for you
in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow,
till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together
of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you;
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that l may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
By Richard Gillard
Words by permission of Integrity Music (Aust)
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
SONG: God gives us a future
God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit’s power, we will let God change us, for new life starts now.
We must leave behind us sins of yesterday, for God’s new beginning is a better way. Fear and doubt and habit must not hold us back: God gives hope, and insight, and the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit, teach us how to read the signs, how to meet the challenge of our troubled times. Love us into action, stir us into prayer, till we choose God’s life, and find our future there.
Elizabeth J. Smith 1956 ©
Reproduced with permission #CCLI 31951
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION
God calls us to courage.
God calls us to step into the unknown
with only the trust and hope of God’s presence,
with only the role of the servant to guide us.
So, let us go in courage.
Let us go in hope.
Let us go in trust.
Let us go in God.
Amen.
SONG (to be played as we leave): Pride (in the Name of Love) – U2
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