In addition to the Ayr:St Quivox Parish Church actual and online services, you might like to enjoy this weekly service from The Vine at Home
17th January 2021
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
Call to worship
You have called us here, O God,
And we have come, to worship, to pray, to praise and to reflect.
You have called us here, O God,
And you will call us on, into the actions and activities of this week.
Give us your grace, your wisdom, and your strength, to know the tasks that are ours to do, today and in the coming days.
Amen.1
Hymn: 82 STF – O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder - YouTube
Opening Prayers
As we prepare for worship, O Lord, we hold the stillness.
Let us be still, and be here.
Let us be quiet, and be present.
Let go of the past.
Forget about the future.
And just be here. Just for a minute or two. Right now...
[Hold a moment of silence – for at least a minute]
In the stillness, in the silence, in the moments of self-doubt and self-pity, we know you close to us – by some mystery.
Come close, forgiving and accepting God, today – and accept us by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen
We say together the Lord’s Prayer Readings:
1 Samuel 3:1-10 - Click for Reading
John 1:43-51 - Click for Reading
Reflections on the readings
‘How do you know me?’
Nathaniel’s question of Jesus is incredulous. He’s put-out, taken off-guard, disarmed. How do you know me? What do you know about me? What do you want with me?
Nathaniel’s defence mechanisms kick-in, the same way mine do when I realise the person I’ve just opened the front door to is trying to sell me something, or when I discover the Facebook advert I was about to click on was specifically designed to make me do just that... We don’t like it when people invade our personal space, or appear to know something about us that we don’t think they should.
Most of us like to just ‘mind our own business, thank you very much’.
But that’s not really how our relationship with God works, is it? Our human relationships are not great comparisons for what it is like to come to know God more, to be immersed in the way of the divine. Often people have used marriage as a kind of example – but we all know that neither of the parties in a marriage is perfect, so it can’t be a fair reflection of our relationship with God. Sometimes we hear about the ‘love of a Father’ or the ‘all-Parent’. This perhaps helps some of us, but God is so much more loving, so much more generous than our earthly parents could ever be, and knows us more deeply.
God knows so much of us, all of us, ‘every hair on our head’ as is often quoted. But what do we know of the divine? That, I believe, is why God calls us. God is relationship, God is invitation. God desires us to be closer to the divine spirit that flows through all things.
I want to just touch on three ways that God calls us:
1) All callings include that sense of deepening relationship with the divine. God’s calling to us may be specific, but it is also an invitation to be more in tune with the Spirit of God, to be more in line with the love that God has for the whole of creation.
God’s call echoes that of Aslan in the final chapter of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series: ‘come further up and come further in’. As the characters from the series enter heaven – they are invited further and further into the love of God. So are we.
2) Many people experience a sense of calling to a specific task or vocation: this happens in myriad different ways, and there is no blueprint for what a calling has to look like. Some people feel the clear sense of call to pursue ordained ministry, others to follow a particular career path or to lay down a job in order to follow a specific direction. We see something of this kind of call in our Old Testament reading today: God knows Samuel by name, calls him by name, and here – even as a young boy – begins his vocation as one of the leading prophets of the Old Testament.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Might God be calling you to something specific right now? To what extent are you listening for the prompts (like Samuel), or are you assuming that ‘this would never happen to you’ (like Eli appears to assume for the first few verses of today’s reading). Alternatively, perhaps you are actively running away, like Jonah?
3) Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly of all, God calls us to be ‘fully ourselves’. This principal is at the heart of much of the writing and reflection done by Richard Rohr – who leads the Centre for Action and Contemplation in the USA. His work has focused on inviting us all to recognise the Christ within us, and to accept ourselves for who we are. Rohr warns us against the self-destructive, self-critical voices of human nature (they are not ‘of God’) and invites us to see ourselves as ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ as the Psalmist puts it.
Today – perhaps you are just being called to be you.
To be authentically, totally, and divinely you. That doesn’t mean you have to be like anyone else, it just means you have to listen out for the Christ within you.
This is what Nathaniel experiences in the story from the Gospels – Jesus knows him. Jesus knows him even before they met. The Christ-energy within Nathaniel calls out to the Christ-energy that is Jesus, and there is a connection. Nathaniel is offended at first, but within seconds is declaring “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
The God who made the mountains and the stars is calling you. Desiring you.
Hoping for relationship with you.
And has a plan for you – a plan designed just for you.
Are you going to take the next step today towards seeing that plan fulfilled? Are you going to listen for the still small voice, calling your name?
It takes great awareness and an openness to the ways of the Spirit to sense God’s promptings on our lives, but trust me – they are there. Can we still the mindless chatter of our everyday lives, and really listen?
There, listen...the divine is calling your name... Amen
Prayers of intercession
[You may wish to light a candle and place a small mirror beside it, so that it reflects the candle flame.]
Creator God, we bring ourselves into your holy presence and give you our full attention. We praise you for your greatness, your awesome power, your majesty and beauty that we see mirrored in the world around us. We treasure each opportunity to discover more of you in times of prayer.
Jesus, Son of God, you greet us as individuals who are intimately known by you. For you know our name, our personality, our potential for good and for evil. We long to reflect your goodness in our lives. We listen for your word of forgiveness, comfort and challenge.
Holy Spirit of God, you urge us to share our faith with others, through acts of kindness, words of truth and commitment to your call. Please show us where there is particular need in our local community, and help us to respond with love and generosity, sensitivity and wisdom, courage and perseverance.
Loving God, the world is crying out for justice, renewal and peace. We call to mind those parts of the world that are in pain and offer them into your loving care. We long that you will show us how to reflect your message of truth, hope and love in all creation.
In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Hymn: 728 STF – O God, you search me and you know me - YouTube
Blessing
You have called us here, O God,
And now you call us out, you call us on, you call us forwards.
As we go from here, O God,
We know your Spirit goes before us.
Guide us, by that Spirit, to know your voice when you call, to follow in your way, and to bring your Kingdom closer, today.
Amen.
The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
Call to worship
You have called us here, O God,
And we have come, to worship, to pray, to praise and to reflect.
You have called us here, O God,
And you will call us on, into the actions and activities of this week.
Give us your grace, your wisdom, and your strength, to know the tasks that are ours to do, today and in the coming days.
Amen.1
Hymn: 82 STF – O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder - YouTube
Opening Prayers
As we prepare for worship, O Lord, we hold the stillness.
Let us be still, and be here.
Let us be quiet, and be present.
Let go of the past.
Forget about the future.
And just be here. Just for a minute or two. Right now...
[Hold a moment of silence – for at least a minute]
In the stillness, in the silence, in the moments of self-doubt and self-pity, we know you close to us – by some mystery.
Come close, forgiving and accepting God, today – and accept us by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen
We say together the Lord’s Prayer Readings:
1 Samuel 3:1-10 - Click for Reading
John 1:43-51 - Click for Reading
Reflections on the readings
‘How do you know me?’
Nathaniel’s question of Jesus is incredulous. He’s put-out, taken off-guard, disarmed. How do you know me? What do you know about me? What do you want with me?
Nathaniel’s defence mechanisms kick-in, the same way mine do when I realise the person I’ve just opened the front door to is trying to sell me something, or when I discover the Facebook advert I was about to click on was specifically designed to make me do just that... We don’t like it when people invade our personal space, or appear to know something about us that we don’t think they should.
Most of us like to just ‘mind our own business, thank you very much’.
But that’s not really how our relationship with God works, is it? Our human relationships are not great comparisons for what it is like to come to know God more, to be immersed in the way of the divine. Often people have used marriage as a kind of example – but we all know that neither of the parties in a marriage is perfect, so it can’t be a fair reflection of our relationship with God. Sometimes we hear about the ‘love of a Father’ or the ‘all-Parent’. This perhaps helps some of us, but God is so much more loving, so much more generous than our earthly parents could ever be, and knows us more deeply.
God knows so much of us, all of us, ‘every hair on our head’ as is often quoted. But what do we know of the divine? That, I believe, is why God calls us. God is relationship, God is invitation. God desires us to be closer to the divine spirit that flows through all things.
I want to just touch on three ways that God calls us:
1) All callings include that sense of deepening relationship with the divine. God’s calling to us may be specific, but it is also an invitation to be more in tune with the Spirit of God, to be more in line with the love that God has for the whole of creation.
God’s call echoes that of Aslan in the final chapter of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series: ‘come further up and come further in’. As the characters from the series enter heaven – they are invited further and further into the love of God. So are we.
2) Many people experience a sense of calling to a specific task or vocation: this happens in myriad different ways, and there is no blueprint for what a calling has to look like. Some people feel the clear sense of call to pursue ordained ministry, others to follow a particular career path or to lay down a job in order to follow a specific direction. We see something of this kind of call in our Old Testament reading today: God knows Samuel by name, calls him by name, and here – even as a young boy – begins his vocation as one of the leading prophets of the Old Testament.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Might God be calling you to something specific right now? To what extent are you listening for the prompts (like Samuel), or are you assuming that ‘this would never happen to you’ (like Eli appears to assume for the first few verses of today’s reading). Alternatively, perhaps you are actively running away, like Jonah?
3) Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly of all, God calls us to be ‘fully ourselves’. This principal is at the heart of much of the writing and reflection done by Richard Rohr – who leads the Centre for Action and Contemplation in the USA. His work has focused on inviting us all to recognise the Christ within us, and to accept ourselves for who we are. Rohr warns us against the self-destructive, self-critical voices of human nature (they are not ‘of God’) and invites us to see ourselves as ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ as the Psalmist puts it.
Today – perhaps you are just being called to be you.
To be authentically, totally, and divinely you. That doesn’t mean you have to be like anyone else, it just means you have to listen out for the Christ within you.
This is what Nathaniel experiences in the story from the Gospels – Jesus knows him. Jesus knows him even before they met. The Christ-energy within Nathaniel calls out to the Christ-energy that is Jesus, and there is a connection. Nathaniel is offended at first, but within seconds is declaring “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
The God who made the mountains and the stars is calling you. Desiring you.
Hoping for relationship with you.
And has a plan for you – a plan designed just for you.
Are you going to take the next step today towards seeing that plan fulfilled? Are you going to listen for the still small voice, calling your name?
It takes great awareness and an openness to the ways of the Spirit to sense God’s promptings on our lives, but trust me – they are there. Can we still the mindless chatter of our everyday lives, and really listen?
There, listen...the divine is calling your name... Amen
Prayers of intercession
[You may wish to light a candle and place a small mirror beside it, so that it reflects the candle flame.]
Creator God, we bring ourselves into your holy presence and give you our full attention. We praise you for your greatness, your awesome power, your majesty and beauty that we see mirrored in the world around us. We treasure each opportunity to discover more of you in times of prayer.
Jesus, Son of God, you greet us as individuals who are intimately known by you. For you know our name, our personality, our potential for good and for evil. We long to reflect your goodness in our lives. We listen for your word of forgiveness, comfort and challenge.
Holy Spirit of God, you urge us to share our faith with others, through acts of kindness, words of truth and commitment to your call. Please show us where there is particular need in our local community, and help us to respond with love and generosity, sensitivity and wisdom, courage and perseverance.
Loving God, the world is crying out for justice, renewal and peace. We call to mind those parts of the world that are in pain and offer them into your loving care. We long that you will show us how to reflect your message of truth, hope and love in all creation.
In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Hymn: 728 STF – O God, you search me and you know me - YouTube
Blessing
You have called us here, O God,
And now you call us out, you call us on, you call us forwards.
As we go from here, O God,
We know your Spirit goes before us.
Guide us, by that Spirit, to know your voice when you call, to follow in your way, and to bring your Kingdom closer, today.
Amen.
The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets
10th January 2021
The Vine at Home
Call to worship
As we settle into the rhythm of 2021, we gather in your presence.
As a new week begins, we come to worship you.
As a new service starts, we seek to encounter your grace.
As we enter into this moment, we pray for transformation by your Spirit, O Lord.
Amen.1
Hymn: 152 STF This is the day
Opening Prayers
Lord, as we prepare for worship, let your presence come in Jesus name. We meet as a family, welcoming each other with open hearts and minds.
We ask that your Holy Spirit work within us and make yourself known to us today through our worship, prayers and the reading of your word.
Bless our worship today.
May we hear you speaking.
[Pause]
Help us to have you as the focus of all that we are. Amen
We say together the Lord’s Prayer
Readings:
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-17
Mark 1:4-11
Reflections on the readings
Today’s reflection comes from Revd Carla Quenet.
Have you ever noticed how some people’s voices simply seem to be able to command a situation instantly? It is not necessarily the person with the loudest, strongest, most booming voice that does this. Rather, it is often the softly and gently spoken individual whose voice demands greatest attention.
It seems counterintuitive to many but adding a raised voice to an already fractious situation seldom brings resolution.
Have you ever heard people of peace speak? What words did they use? How did their physical voice sound? How did you/others respond?
Today’s readings remind us of the power of the voice and speech (but not necessarily just that of humans):
In Genesis 1:1-4 we hear how God begins to speak creation into being, first separating light and dark. In verse 3 we read:
“Then God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light.”
Notice the creative power of God displayed in the seemingly simple yet profound act of speech. We are then told that God goes on to name the light day, and the dark, night. Fundamental rhythms that we continue to experience as humans and could be defined as the basis of life.
Read Genesis 1:1-4 again and as you do, encourage yourself (and others) to reflect on the passage by asking ‘I wonder’ questions. For example, ‘I wonder if God’s voice was audible?’ or ‘I wonder why God spoke when no other living thing was present?’
In Psalm 29 we hear the voice of God but this time we find it within the context of a storm. The Psalmist raises their praise to God, opening the Psalm with:
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour. Or as The Message writes:
Bravo, God, bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honour him!
Both versions clearly communicate the awesome nature of God and recognise what our response ought to be. Yet enveloped within this text there seems to be the feeling that the voice of God is less to be feared and more to be respected. The voice of God alone can do more than humans ever hope to do even if they used all the resources available to them. The Psalm doesn’t end with a call for people to revere God, but instead we are offered the prayerful and encouraging words:
“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11, NRSV).
We are reminded in the midst of the noise, chaos and drama of the storm that God can and does distil peace.
Have you ever experienced the peace of God within a stormy period of your life? How did it feel? How did you respond?
In Acts 19 we meet a group of disciples in Corinth. They have clearly misunderstood the message which John the Baptist proclaimed as they were living out their faith with an obscured understanding. Paul reminds them of the need to be baptised into Christ and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. When Paul lays hands upon those
gathered they proceed to speak in tongues and prophesised; surely in this act they both praised and were encouraged to point people towards the triune God.
The passage continues, notice, and we are told that Paul goes and speaks boldly in the synagogue for three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. Paul clearly perseveres with this congregation, before he finally leaves when people stubbornly refused to listen; but his act of proclamation, alongside these disciples continued until all of Asia had heard the good news.
Have you ever experienced a situation where people stubbornly refused to listen? What did you do? Why? What would motivate you to continue sharing the Good News?
Today’s readings beautifully and profoundly remind us the wonder of a voice. We are reminded of the awesome nature of God, that he simply spoke creation into being. We are reminded of the power of God in the way his voice is heard in the midst of a mighty storm. We recognise, through the role of John the Baptist, the part we can play in proclaiming God but yet we need to be cautious that we share the message in such a way that those who hear fully comprehend.
Communication goes beyond words alone, we perhaps notice this in the very act of creation.
In what ways has God called you to communicate the Good News and point people to Jesus? How will you respond? 3
Prayers of intercession
Father God, we thank you for your gift of creation. We praise you for the beauty and goodness you have made.
We pray, that we may be filled with a spirit of concern for our environment and resources. Help us to pursue responsible stewardship, protecting and redeeming the habitats of the earth you have created. We pray for those countries in Latin America where extensive deforestation is causing decreasing biodiversity through habitat loss.
We hold in our hearts people involved in agriculture in the UK. Help us continue to provide the best standards of care for our farm animals, advocating for high welfare in our food supply chains even in an uncertain market.
Guide our governments to be key forces in addressing climate change and enabling large companies to be prioritising sustainable methods of production and distribution, leading by example.
Lead our scientists, innovating ways to help reduce our impact on your planet, give
them wisdom and keep encouraging their work to restore the planet. 4
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Hymn: 351 STF In Christ alone
Blessing
The God of all mysterious grace go with you,
The Creator, who became human, and who lives as Spirit, go with you, From the dawning of each new day,
Until the setting of the sun,
May God go with you.
Amen
The Vine at Home
Call to worship
As we settle into the rhythm of 2021, we gather in your presence.
As a new week begins, we come to worship you.
As a new service starts, we seek to encounter your grace.
As we enter into this moment, we pray for transformation by your Spirit, O Lord.
Amen.1
Hymn: 152 STF This is the day
Opening Prayers
Lord, as we prepare for worship, let your presence come in Jesus name. We meet as a family, welcoming each other with open hearts and minds.
We ask that your Holy Spirit work within us and make yourself known to us today through our worship, prayers and the reading of your word.
Bless our worship today.
May we hear you speaking.
[Pause]
Help us to have you as the focus of all that we are. Amen
We say together the Lord’s Prayer
Readings:
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-17
Mark 1:4-11
Reflections on the readings
Today’s reflection comes from Revd Carla Quenet.
Have you ever noticed how some people’s voices simply seem to be able to command a situation instantly? It is not necessarily the person with the loudest, strongest, most booming voice that does this. Rather, it is often the softly and gently spoken individual whose voice demands greatest attention.
It seems counterintuitive to many but adding a raised voice to an already fractious situation seldom brings resolution.
Have you ever heard people of peace speak? What words did they use? How did their physical voice sound? How did you/others respond?
Today’s readings remind us of the power of the voice and speech (but not necessarily just that of humans):
In Genesis 1:1-4 we hear how God begins to speak creation into being, first separating light and dark. In verse 3 we read:
“Then God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light.”
Notice the creative power of God displayed in the seemingly simple yet profound act of speech. We are then told that God goes on to name the light day, and the dark, night. Fundamental rhythms that we continue to experience as humans and could be defined as the basis of life.
Read Genesis 1:1-4 again and as you do, encourage yourself (and others) to reflect on the passage by asking ‘I wonder’ questions. For example, ‘I wonder if God’s voice was audible?’ or ‘I wonder why God spoke when no other living thing was present?’
In Psalm 29 we hear the voice of God but this time we find it within the context of a storm. The Psalmist raises their praise to God, opening the Psalm with:
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour. Or as The Message writes:
Bravo, God, bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honour him!
Both versions clearly communicate the awesome nature of God and recognise what our response ought to be. Yet enveloped within this text there seems to be the feeling that the voice of God is less to be feared and more to be respected. The voice of God alone can do more than humans ever hope to do even if they used all the resources available to them. The Psalm doesn’t end with a call for people to revere God, but instead we are offered the prayerful and encouraging words:
“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11, NRSV).
We are reminded in the midst of the noise, chaos and drama of the storm that God can and does distil peace.
Have you ever experienced the peace of God within a stormy period of your life? How did it feel? How did you respond?
In Acts 19 we meet a group of disciples in Corinth. They have clearly misunderstood the message which John the Baptist proclaimed as they were living out their faith with an obscured understanding. Paul reminds them of the need to be baptised into Christ and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. When Paul lays hands upon those
gathered they proceed to speak in tongues and prophesised; surely in this act they both praised and were encouraged to point people towards the triune God.
The passage continues, notice, and we are told that Paul goes and speaks boldly in the synagogue for three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. Paul clearly perseveres with this congregation, before he finally leaves when people stubbornly refused to listen; but his act of proclamation, alongside these disciples continued until all of Asia had heard the good news.
Have you ever experienced a situation where people stubbornly refused to listen? What did you do? Why? What would motivate you to continue sharing the Good News?
Today’s readings beautifully and profoundly remind us the wonder of a voice. We are reminded of the awesome nature of God, that he simply spoke creation into being. We are reminded of the power of God in the way his voice is heard in the midst of a mighty storm. We recognise, through the role of John the Baptist, the part we can play in proclaiming God but yet we need to be cautious that we share the message in such a way that those who hear fully comprehend.
Communication goes beyond words alone, we perhaps notice this in the very act of creation.
In what ways has God called you to communicate the Good News and point people to Jesus? How will you respond? 3
Prayers of intercession
Father God, we thank you for your gift of creation. We praise you for the beauty and goodness you have made.
We pray, that we may be filled with a spirit of concern for our environment and resources. Help us to pursue responsible stewardship, protecting and redeeming the habitats of the earth you have created. We pray for those countries in Latin America where extensive deforestation is causing decreasing biodiversity through habitat loss.
We hold in our hearts people involved in agriculture in the UK. Help us continue to provide the best standards of care for our farm animals, advocating for high welfare in our food supply chains even in an uncertain market.
Guide our governments to be key forces in addressing climate change and enabling large companies to be prioritising sustainable methods of production and distribution, leading by example.
Lead our scientists, innovating ways to help reduce our impact on your planet, give
them wisdom and keep encouraging their work to restore the planet. 4
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Hymn: 351 STF In Christ alone
Blessing
The God of all mysterious grace go with you,
The Creator, who became human, and who lives as Spirit, go with you, From the dawning of each new day,
Until the setting of the sun,
May God go with you.
Amen
20th December 2020
Call to worship
Advent God, come amongst us.
God of hope, shine your light upon us, Flickering, like a candle flame,
Advent God, we put our hope in you. Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Amen
Hymn: 176 STF – Like a candle flame – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZGVQKjn_V8
Opening Prayers
Most High God,
who left your throne to come down to us, to be one of us... You look us in the eye and understand us.
You have compassion on us and you heal us, and you love us to bits.
[Pause]
You know our failings...
but your forgiving love will not let us go.
[Pause]
Come once again to us...
Give us the heart of a humble servant.
Lift up the lowly,
Scatter the proud empires of this world, and bring down the arrogant structures of power.
Your Son, Jesus, has been conceived. Let it be. Amen
Let us now say the Lord’s Prayer
Readings: (Click the links to open)
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Reflections on the readings
In the early 1980s and 90s, as well as classics like Casualty and Noel’s house party, prime time TV would bring you the joys of the World’s strongest man competition where many of us would be routing for Geoff Capes to bring the title to Britain. The tests were brutal and could give many of us a hernia just watching them, they were real tests of strength for the world’s strongest. Nowadays, we can test the strength of nearly everything with scientific experiments putting the stress on any material you choose.
And yet the one thing that we can’t test, is the inner strength that we all draw on day by day, and that in itself is one of the most deceptive things. Sometimes the people we see as strongest bear some incredible burdens and are near breaking and sometimes those who look as though they should be at breaking point actually show an inner resolve that would put Geoff Capes to shame.
The readings before us speak of someone whose “strength” would reach way beyond his generation, someone who was called to give of her strength and the strength that we receive when the incarnate Christ walks alongside us. Political strength, physical strength and personal strength.
As we look first at the political strength of a king we see a character who at times has not actually been that strong. David has had his moments of real weaknesses but his faithfulness to God has battled through and at this point in the story he is well and truly settled in at home and, after sorting out his own comfort, he then turns his mind to the ark of the covenant. In his plans to build the Lord something as wonderful as his own house he finds that the Lord has other ideas, looking way into the future when any temple that may have been built will get destroyed numerous times. For God has plans for a home that will be both as temporary and as permanent as the tent that has sufficed so far.
It would be easy, in a Christmas sermon of incarnation, to speak of that home within us and the world right here in 2020, and at this time in particular, to focus on the need for that Christ incarnate in the darkness that we currently see. Instead though, today we are going to look at that moment, part way between the promise to David and right now, when the prophesy found fulfilment at the birth of the king that would occupy the throne for all eternity.
In fulfilling Nathan’s prophesy, the Gospel reminds us of the line of Jesus reaching back to the kingdom of David, a reminder of the strength of Christ in our lives. For the people of Israel the messiah was to be their saviour from all the tyranny of the world, with a deep expectation he was to come from the line of David. It is against the powers that the world may throw at us today that the strength of the messiah reigns.
If we are thinking of David’s political strength then we may think big – nations seek to build the biggest and best to prove their power and yet we live in an age where we miniaturise everything, and some tiny things can pack quite a punch. All the power of David’s realm rested on a baby, the smallest of humans in the person of Jesus, and not only did this baby contain the strength that Nathan prophesied, he contains the full power of God. Around a thousand years earlier the prophet Nathan spoke over David a promise that would stretch beyond his imagination and way past us into eternity. And yet that was all held in this one moment, the political strength of a king and the immeasurable strength of God in the hands of a baby.
And for a baby, that strength had to come from somewhere. This child holds the might of a kingdom, the power of a God and yet in that moment he is powerless and needs the strength of another, and so enters a mother who would pour all of her physical strength into the heart of God. As the angel descended (with angels carrying their own images of strength) and lit up Mary’s life another message was given. The message of motherhood.
Every mother has to draw on depths of inner strength both in pregnancy and through the life of the child. At this snapshot in our story, Mary could not have known the amount that she would be called to give and nor the inner strength she would have needed some years later kneeling at the foot of a cross. In the moment before us, the angel utters words that would illicit joy and anxiety, wonder and fear and motherhood begins.
Even though this child was to be God incarnate, no baby can survive pregnancy without it’s mother. All that the child needs for life - blood, nutrients and oxygen, the mother pours her strength into the child, giving selflessly for the sake of the one she carries. So this young woman, having not planned for this moment, not yet had those conversations with the one she loves, finds herself giving of herself so that God may live in her and through her. At this moment, God’s strength comes from Mary’s strength, incarnation possible only through the reserves of a young woman.
We rightly applaud Mary as the mother of the most important child to ever be born, and of course in some corners, she is venerated significantly in her role as the “mother of God”. Yet Mary is also just another mother, one woman in a long line of the most extraordinary people who give of themselves to give life. And just like every other mother, she has the right to be proud of who her child would become, and of her role in creating a life that would save so many and change the world. We can sometimes wonder how much of what the angel said actually went in, with such monumental news, did she actually hear the part about him sitting on the throne of David and the Kingdom without end, did she really fathom who he would be come? The reality was that the political strength of a kingdom required the physical strength of a young woman.
If we wanted to critique that last point then we could argue that God’s strength did not come from Mary’s own personal reserves, but from the Holy Spirit as promised by the Angel. Yet the reading from Romans reminds us that this is available for all of us – our third point is that the personal strength that God gives us for each day is there for all to receive and not just a one off outpouring on Mary as she received the presence of God.
Through his incarnate presence, Jesus brings the power of God into our lives. Walking with us, we know his strength in the day to day, and so many can testify to the fact that they would not get by without the Spirit lifting them each and every day. The image of a massive surge of power comes to mind, something that is so often destructive to the things that fall in its path compared with the slow steady release of power through a battery. In Christ we find that power surge, destructive to all that is within us that is damaging to us – sin for example and our former ways of life, and then we also find the slow and constant release of power through the Holy Spirit that gives us the strength to face our new life.
Romans is one of Paul’s more pastoral letters (as opposed to his “telling off” letters) but does still challenge the readers, building them up in their faith. Right at the end, he chooses his closing words to offer them the strength through Christ for this life of faith that he calls them to. He has just done the final greetings, which is usually a good place to stop, but then he returns to a warning about divisions and stumbling blocks, before guiding them back to Christ, “the one who is able to strengthen you”. Sometimes we find ourselves more in need of this strength than at other times.
This is going to be a tough Christmas for many, whether it is the challenge of making the best with so little because of furlough and layoffs, whether it is the inability to be with ones we love so dearly, or the ongoing mental health challenges that come with the current situation, this will be tough and we will draw on the personal strength that comes from Christ so much more. Christ is incarnate in the darkest places, walking with us and taking our hand when we need him most, and still ever present in the times when we don’t notice him, just as the baby relies on that constant flow from the mother, so we rely on Christ each and every day for strength.
As we enter the final approach to what will be a tough Christmas, we are reminded that we are celebrating the birth of a King with all the political strength of a nation upon his shoulders. We remember that we could not celebrate this incarnate presence without the physical strength of a young woman poured out into the Christ child she bore. And we remember that by this birth, God incarnate in the world, we are given the personal strength that enables us to live each day. So, may we go in the strength of the Lord.
Amen
Prayers of intercession
Lord of Refuge and Shelter
We pray for those who have found themselves homeless or fleeing from their homes. We pray that you would protect those people and look after them. We pray that we would have compassion towards those who find themselves without a home.
[Pause]
Lord you are Unfailing and Endless
We pray that you would be with those who find the thought of the future worrying and fearful. We pray that you would comfort them and help them find joy in the day-to- day. We pray for school children and university students who have been impacted by Covid’s uncertainties. Help them to find peace in you.
[Pause]
Holy and Mighty Lord
We pray this Christmas-time, that people would come to know you and the goodness and joy that you bring. We pray that like the shepherds were in awe of Baby Jesus, that we too, would be in awe of your kingdom and your holiness.
[Pause]
Lord, you are Eternal and Wise
We pray for our government, navigating the troubles of this year with Covid, and any other issues that we are facing. We pray that you would give them discernment and wisdom. We thank you that ultimately you reign, and yours is the kingdom, now and forever.
[Pause]
Amen
Hymn: 202 STF – Hark! The herald - https://youtu.be/mEmraZ4X5ws
Blessing
Enter into this Christmas with a fierce hope in your hearts – this world, this neighbourhood, this church, and each of us, can become a better, more hopeful, more peaceful, more loving place, by the grace of the Christmas God.
Go in peace, and build the kingdom.
Amen
13th December 2020
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
A Free resource part funded by,
as well as donations from Individuals, churches and twelvebaskets.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
Call to worship
Advent God, come amongst us.
God of hope, shine your light upon us, Flickering, like a candle flame,
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Amen.
Hymn: 217 STF – Silent Night
Opening Prayers
Gracious God,
“Drop Thy still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings cease...”
[Pause]
“Take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace.”
[Pause]
Take our busyness Take our excitement Take our impatience Take our fears
Take our uncertainties
Take our confessions
and lead us to bring good news to the oppressed; lead us to where broken hearts need binding; lead us to where captives can be liberated;
lead us to where mourners yearn to be comforted; lead us to proclaim the year of your favour.
Amen.
Let us now say the Lord’s Prayer
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 - www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EcqyZEnuMc
John 1:6-8, 19-28 - www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1:6-8,+19-28&version=NRSV
Reflections on the readings
Today’s reflections come from Carolyn Lawrence, the current Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
Well what a year 2020 has been!
When we celebrated last New Year’s Eve none of us could have envisaged the changes that have happened during this year. If someone had told us back in January that we would soon be wearing masks, unable to sing in church, unable to cuddle our grandchildren and conducting all our services and meetings online we would never have believed them! I certainly never expected my year as Vice President to begin with a virtual induction, delivering a speech in an empty room to a camera and then conducting my District Visits on Zoom from my study!
Change is a constant in our lives. Some change is for good and other change can be destructive but like King Canute trying to hold back the tide, we often can’t control the changes happening around us and that can be scary.
The lectionary passages for today all speak to us about change and transformation. As we reflect on the story of John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus, we remember that he was pointing to the light that was to come to transform the darkness in people’s lives.
During Advent we again remember the promise that God is with us in Jesus and that we are never alone if we invite him to be part of our lives. Today more than ever, the world needs to hear that message of hope that is contained in the story of the incarnation. And as individuals, we too need sometimes to be reminded of the great and comforting truth of the presence of Jesus and his promise never to leave us or forsake us.
From these readings, the one that really resonated with me was the passage from Isaiah 61. Interestingly, in my Bible, this section is titled, ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favour’. It made me laugh to begin with as I considered the year that has passed, but on further reflection it really struck a chord with me.
This passage, which Jesus used to proclaim the nature of his ministry, speaks powerfully of the transformation that God can bring to individuals and communities. It declares that the poor will hear good news, the broken hearted will be bound up, the captives will be freed, those who mourn will find comfort and be given a crown of beauty in place of ashes, despair will be turned to praise and ancient ruins will be restored and rebuilt.
What a wonderful message of hope to us, especially after the way our world has been rocked this past year.
This year has been tough for us all and I know that many have experienced confusion, disorientation, loss, despair, grief, isolation and discouragement. Many have told me that they feel that they are living in a strange land and it can sometimes seem that we are now living amongst the ashes of our former way of life.
My husband and I were mission partners for a while in Guyana in South America, and before we moved overseas, we had some cross cultural training. We were taught that moving to a new culture could be like a bereavement process and that it would take time to adjust and adapt to a new way of living with different traditions and expectations. In fact, Psalm 126 was a real comfort to me at that time as we said goodbye to our families and we felt we were like the ones who went out weeping, carrying seed to sow and trusting God to bring good from a difficult season. In fact I can look back now and see God’s hand on our time overseas and also remember the joy as we came home and adapted again to life in the UK.
This past year has been like living through a bereavement in many ways and all of us could have done with some cross cultural training to learn how to adapt to new ways of living and interacting as well as new ways of worshipping and being church.
Whilst walking on the South West Coast Path earlier this year, I came to a part of the cliff that had crumbled away into the sea and the path had had to be diverted further inland. This spoke to me about the current difficulties and I reflected that the path of our lives, which previously seemed secure, has crumbled away from underneath us and we are having to divert the path as we adjust to new ways of living.
I have been encouraged by hearing many stories of the creative and exciting ways that churches have been finding to enable worship to take place, to care for the vulnerable in their communities and to reach out with the love of Jesus in their villages, towns and cities. Despite the difficulties, and the uncertainties, I truly have seen God bringing beauty from ashes.
My prayer for you today is that you will know the transforming power of God despite difficult circumstances, that you will know the comfort of the presence of God with you and that you will be given the garment of praise in place of a spirit of despair and walk forward in hope, faith and trust, safe in God’s hands.
Amen
Prayers of intercession
Heavenly Father, Saviour of all people
We pray you would bring comfort to those who are struggling and to those that mourn. We pray that you would bring healing to those suffering. Please give us compassion towards those that are hurting.
Loving Father, our Restorer
We pray that you would fill us with your love, so that we would long to share it and that others would come to know you. Bring transformation in people’s hearts so they would have eyes to see and ears to hear what we have to share.
[Pause]
Faithful Father, Promise Keeper
We pray for thankful hearts, where we are able to rejoice and delight in life and in you. Give us the peace that comes only from you so we would be people of contentment. Help us to bring your peace into our families, into our country and into this world.
[Pause]
Father of all creation, our Shepherd,
We pray for our world and for breakthrough. We pray for those that are being persecuted. Help us to stand up for injustice and speak out.
[Pause]
Amen
Hymn: 169 STF – Come thou long expected Jesus
Blessing
May the promise and the hope of the Advent season fill our hearts and minds with the true spirit of giving and send us out to live and work for the good of all people. Amen.5
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
A Free resource part funded by,
as well as donations from Individuals, churches and twelvebaskets.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
Call to worship
Advent God, come amongst us.
God of hope, shine your light upon us, Flickering, like a candle flame,
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Amen.
Hymn: 217 STF – Silent Night
Opening Prayers
Gracious God,
“Drop Thy still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings cease...”
[Pause]
“Take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace.”
[Pause]
Take our busyness Take our excitement Take our impatience Take our fears
Take our uncertainties
Take our confessions
and lead us to bring good news to the oppressed; lead us to where broken hearts need binding; lead us to where captives can be liberated;
lead us to where mourners yearn to be comforted; lead us to proclaim the year of your favour.
Amen.
Let us now say the Lord’s Prayer
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 - www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EcqyZEnuMc
John 1:6-8, 19-28 - www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1:6-8,+19-28&version=NRSV
Reflections on the readings
Today’s reflections come from Carolyn Lawrence, the current Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
Well what a year 2020 has been!
When we celebrated last New Year’s Eve none of us could have envisaged the changes that have happened during this year. If someone had told us back in January that we would soon be wearing masks, unable to sing in church, unable to cuddle our grandchildren and conducting all our services and meetings online we would never have believed them! I certainly never expected my year as Vice President to begin with a virtual induction, delivering a speech in an empty room to a camera and then conducting my District Visits on Zoom from my study!
Change is a constant in our lives. Some change is for good and other change can be destructive but like King Canute trying to hold back the tide, we often can’t control the changes happening around us and that can be scary.
The lectionary passages for today all speak to us about change and transformation. As we reflect on the story of John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus, we remember that he was pointing to the light that was to come to transform the darkness in people’s lives.
During Advent we again remember the promise that God is with us in Jesus and that we are never alone if we invite him to be part of our lives. Today more than ever, the world needs to hear that message of hope that is contained in the story of the incarnation. And as individuals, we too need sometimes to be reminded of the great and comforting truth of the presence of Jesus and his promise never to leave us or forsake us.
From these readings, the one that really resonated with me was the passage from Isaiah 61. Interestingly, in my Bible, this section is titled, ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favour’. It made me laugh to begin with as I considered the year that has passed, but on further reflection it really struck a chord with me.
This passage, which Jesus used to proclaim the nature of his ministry, speaks powerfully of the transformation that God can bring to individuals and communities. It declares that the poor will hear good news, the broken hearted will be bound up, the captives will be freed, those who mourn will find comfort and be given a crown of beauty in place of ashes, despair will be turned to praise and ancient ruins will be restored and rebuilt.
What a wonderful message of hope to us, especially after the way our world has been rocked this past year.
This year has been tough for us all and I know that many have experienced confusion, disorientation, loss, despair, grief, isolation and discouragement. Many have told me that they feel that they are living in a strange land and it can sometimes seem that we are now living amongst the ashes of our former way of life.
My husband and I were mission partners for a while in Guyana in South America, and before we moved overseas, we had some cross cultural training. We were taught that moving to a new culture could be like a bereavement process and that it would take time to adjust and adapt to a new way of living with different traditions and expectations. In fact, Psalm 126 was a real comfort to me at that time as we said goodbye to our families and we felt we were like the ones who went out weeping, carrying seed to sow and trusting God to bring good from a difficult season. In fact I can look back now and see God’s hand on our time overseas and also remember the joy as we came home and adapted again to life in the UK.
This past year has been like living through a bereavement in many ways and all of us could have done with some cross cultural training to learn how to adapt to new ways of living and interacting as well as new ways of worshipping and being church.
Whilst walking on the South West Coast Path earlier this year, I came to a part of the cliff that had crumbled away into the sea and the path had had to be diverted further inland. This spoke to me about the current difficulties and I reflected that the path of our lives, which previously seemed secure, has crumbled away from underneath us and we are having to divert the path as we adjust to new ways of living.
I have been encouraged by hearing many stories of the creative and exciting ways that churches have been finding to enable worship to take place, to care for the vulnerable in their communities and to reach out with the love of Jesus in their villages, towns and cities. Despite the difficulties, and the uncertainties, I truly have seen God bringing beauty from ashes.
My prayer for you today is that you will know the transforming power of God despite difficult circumstances, that you will know the comfort of the presence of God with you and that you will be given the garment of praise in place of a spirit of despair and walk forward in hope, faith and trust, safe in God’s hands.
Amen
Prayers of intercession
Heavenly Father, Saviour of all people
We pray you would bring comfort to those who are struggling and to those that mourn. We pray that you would bring healing to those suffering. Please give us compassion towards those that are hurting.
Loving Father, our Restorer
We pray that you would fill us with your love, so that we would long to share it and that others would come to know you. Bring transformation in people’s hearts so they would have eyes to see and ears to hear what we have to share.
[Pause]
Faithful Father, Promise Keeper
We pray for thankful hearts, where we are able to rejoice and delight in life and in you. Give us the peace that comes only from you so we would be people of contentment. Help us to bring your peace into our families, into our country and into this world.
[Pause]
Father of all creation, our Shepherd,
We pray for our world and for breakthrough. We pray for those that are being persecuted. Help us to stand up for injustice and speak out.
[Pause]
Amen
Hymn: 169 STF – Come thou long expected Jesus
Blessing
May the promise and the hope of the Advent season fill our hearts and minds with the true spirit of giving and send us out to live and work for the good of all people. Amen.5
6th December 2020
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
A Free resource part funded by
as well as donations from Individuals, churches and twelvebaskets.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
at home
Call to worship
The Vine at Home Advent
Advent God, come amongst us.
God of hope, shine your light upon us,
Flickering, like a candle flame,
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Advent God, we put our hope in you.
Hymn:212StF–O come, all ye faithful- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GSOpW4vLHI
Opening Prayers
Holy God,
Quieten our minds from their ceaseless chatter, Still us now as you calmed the storm...
[Pause]
We come before you today in awe and wonder
Knowing our words can never be enough,
but aware that they will be acceptable in your sight.
[Pause]
We approach you with thankful hearts
for reminding us that you are coming,
that we are not forgotten...
that despite the worst we can throw at you, you still come.
[Pause]
Our penalty is paid.
Straighten our highways,
raise up our valleys,
and make our rough places smooth.
[Pause]
Help us to prepare a place for you... in our hearts, in our street,
in our school, in our workplace,
in our nation, in our world. Amen
We say together the Lord’s Prayer
Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 - Click for Reading
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 - click for reading
Mark 1:1-8 - Click for Reading
Reflections on the readings
Much like many of us might be at this time of year, this week’s readings are full of anticipation. Each passage feels like it’s teetering on the edge of a big arrival, anticipating a change to come. But, perhaps frustratingly, each passage leaves us just short. We are left waiting for the ‘big moment’ to arrive.
For many, this is the feeling we place ourselves in each year as we arrive at advent. A time of awaiting. This anticipation can be hard. Sometimes, instead of being able to fix our eyes on the change to come, we can get lost in the waiting. Anticipation without a sense of the destination is an anxious feeling.
But, as this week’s passages encounter this same anticipation, they offer with it a reminder of the goal on which we fix our eyes.
Each passage talks about the arrival of God’s kingdom. Isaiah 40 hears a voice say ‘prepare a way for the Lord’, and Psalm 85 believes that the Lord will ‘give what is good’. In 1 Mark, we meet John the Baptist, a messenger tasked with going before Jesus, calling on people to anticipate his arrival.
In each of these circumstances, the writer speaks of what it looks like when God arrives. They paint a picture of the Kingdom of God that they are waiting for. What does this Kingdom look like?
In Isaiah 40, each challenge on the unstable path ahead is dealt with as it needs to be: ‘every valley shall be raised up, every mountain shall be made low, the rough ground shall become level, and the rugged places a plain’.
In Psalm 85, we read that when God dwells in the land, righteousness is at the centre. That instead of instability, ‘steadfast love and faithfulness will meet’. As a consequence, goodness will come, and the land will produce more and more. This is a picture of a world set right with itself, and abundance blooming as a consequence.
And, in Isaiah we read both at the beginning and end of the passage that all of this will be held in comfort. That God will meet us tenderly, and lead us gently towards this coming Kingdom. All of this is a picture of hope – that the land in which we dwell might be met and transformed by God into a land where in peace, love, faithfulness and righteousness might be at the forefront.
This advent, we might be finding it hard to anticipate a world that looks like this. After a year of so many changes, of fear and worry, it might feel as if we have become untethered from this hopeful vision of God’s kingdom come. As we head into 2021, how might we anticipate this ‘good news’ for the world we live in?
Once again, we can look to the passages to explore this. In each of these passages, as people wait for the coming Kingdom they’re anticipating, they do so not passively but actively. In each, they are living out and declaring the good news upon which they are fixing their eyes.
In Isaiah, the writer invites the bearer of ‘good news’ to ‘go up on a high mountain’ and ‘lift up your voice with a shout’! Those who see the vision of God’s kingdom come are invited to make it known to everyone, that the ‘glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together’. They are called to have a prophetic voice, to speak God’s Good News to others.
Finally, in Mark 1, John the Baptist declares the Good News in his actions. He goes before Jesus, baptising people with water and declaring that soon, one will come who will offer so much more.
In each of these ways, we are shown how to live in Holy anticipation. To wait for the coming of God’s Kingdom not anxiously, but by actively seeking to fix our eyes on the Good News God offers us.
How might we, as the Church, seek to live in Holy anticipation this Christmas? In today’s world, where the future is uncertain, Isaiah 40 and Psalm 85 offer a vision of things set right that is Good News in uncertainty. And, churches around the country have been offering this vision to those around them practically. As churches have engaged in mutual aid, food provision, mental health support, provision for those who are homeless, they have helped people to see a reality of faithfulness and love. As the Methodist Church, together with others, has called on the Government to ‘Reset The Debt’ of those trapped by Covid-19 related household debt, we have offered a picture of a different reality, where each challenge is met with the response it needs, and all things are set right for all people.
By declaring the good news, living differently and acting for change, we are called to fix our own eyes on God’s Kingdom. And, in doing so, we might be able to offer this vision to others, offering hope in anticipation this advent.
[Nativity - As part of The Big Church Sing, All We Can has produced ‘An Extraordinary Christmas Nativity’ – you might like to use this nativity in your church and community in the coming weeks, as a way of spreading the ‘good news’ of Christmas that we were just reflecting on. In these times of lockdown, tier systems and uncertainty, we hope this resource will be a blessing to you – it is completely copyright free and can be streamed or hosted online as well as played in churches. You could even play it at this point in the service.
You can download and share it here –www.allwecan.org.uk/na3vity]
Prayers of intercession
Leader: Gracious God,
Response: Speak peace to us today.
God, You have been favourable to your people
In your grace pardoning us for the times we have neglected you, Ourselves and one another.
In your endless love for us you have promised to speak peace over us, That we might turn to you in our hearts and seek to be faithful.
Gracious God,
All: Speak peace to us today.
In your Kingdom, steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
As you seek to set all things right,
Might we seek to fix our eyes on this vision of your Kingdom, Trusting in your promise that you will give all people what is good.
Gracious God,
All: Speak peace to us today.
God, Sometimes we struggle to see your vision for the world.
In the midst of change and challenge,
It can be hard to see where you are working for our good.
During this advent season,
Might we come together as a community
To support one another to catch glimpses of your kingdom,
That our faithfulness might spring up from the ground in abundance.
Gracious God,
All: Speak peace to us today.
God, We pray for those for whom the waiting is too hard.
For so many, poverty, debt and hardship has made this year unbearable. For those families unsupported by our social care system.
For those whose mental health makes it hard for to see your goodness. For those who need a reminder of your steadfast love and faithfulness.
May your righteousness go before them,
Making a path for their steps so they will not stumble.
Gracious God,
All: Speak peace to us today.
God, May we hear your voice of peace,
And know that in your kingdom is abundance of life for all.
Amen.
Hymn: 203 StF – I had a dream that I was standing on a hillside - YouTube
Blessing
We go from this moment, into a week of many moments, Hoping for an encounter with your grace, with your Spirit.
Come amongst us, Advent God,
Amen.
29th November 2020
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
A Free resource part funded by
as well as donations from Individuals, churches and twelvebaskets.
For more information https://theworshipcloud.com/terms/free-weekly-resource
at home
Call to worship
The Vine at Home Advent
The waiting begins, again.
The breathing in, the holding on.
Can you be patient, this advent season?
Can you make space for Jesus be born again, here, today? Amen.
Hymn: 176 STF – Like a candle flame, flickering small in our darkness
Opening Prayers
[Based on Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -
‘Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel’
- As we come to you in prayer this morning, Holy God, we ask you to listen to us – and we give thanks that you have said that you will.
‘You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth!’
- Although you are full of majesty and power, yet you humble yourself and draw near to us; shine your light on our worship today we pray.
‘Stir up your might and come to save us!’
- In our weakness and brokenness at this time we know how much we need you; knowing that we cannot save ourselves, we call upon your strength today.
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
- In our uncertainty we wonder what restoration might look like in these days, but we trust ourselves to you and ask again that you will shine on us and give us hope in the shadows.
O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
- And with thankfulness we receive your forgiveness.
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
It’s all reminiscent of the messages we have been hearing day after day from our political leaders; Stay alert! Whilst politicians and scientific advisers are alerting us to good hygiene, to physical distancing, to protective equipment and to closed doors, why do we need to be vigilant in the Advent season?
Isaiah speaks of a context where people have stopped calling on the name of God, where ‘no one attempts to take hold of you’ (v7).
- At its heart this is a passage about distancing.
- In Isaiah’s time, and surely in ours too, people have distanced themselves from God by doing their own thing.
- We have distanced ourselves from God by doing our own thing;
- I have distanced myself from God by doing my own thing.
- Whenever I put myself first, disregard the needs of others, fail to pay attention to the voice of God, I am inevitably putting distance between me and God, and as a result, distance between me and other people.
A sixth century monk, Dorotheos of Gaza, suggested that we are all like the spokes of a wheel of which God is the hub. As we draw closer to God, we draw closer to each other too and become community in a real sense.
It is interesting that at a time when generally we are not allowed to take hold of one another, we hear this call to take a firmer grip on God and thus come closer to one another.
That has been the way lockdown has worked for some people; with fewer distractions many have discovered that God is present, God is not distancing from us, God is real.
Meeting on Zoom or WhatsApp or Facetime or Facebook or the phone we have found we can share our own stories, our own testimonies, our day by day experience of how to be a disciple. We have grown closer to one another too.
Has that been your experience? Might that become your experience during these weeks of Advent as we prepare ourselves for God coming even closer, for God breaking into human life, not just once, two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, but again and again and again. For whilst the season of Advent is in part a season of preparation for Christmas, it has a much broader meaning in our church calendar. Advent calls upon us to be ready for Christ to come into our lives today, tomorrow, the next day AND to be on the lookout for the day when Christ will return to the world in glory and what God started, God will also finish. We don’t know when that might happen, hence the message to stay awake, to be alert.
Advent is disruptive, but alongside that disruption we hold onto the grace of God of which Paul speaks in his first letter to the Corinthian church. Paul makes a promise to which we too can hold as we look for God to tear open the heavens and come to us afresh; ‘God is faithful’ and ‘will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Stay alert to that – these are exciting times.
Prayers of intercession
Advent God, you heard the cry of your people and came to the world in Jesus Christ; come near to us now as we pray:
We pray for all affected by sickness around the world; for those who will die today of malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, Covid-19... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who work to bring healing to those who are suffering in body, mind or spirit; for the NHS, for counsellors, for all who support others... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who are grieving the loss of family and friends; for those who feel helpless, powerless, guilty, distraught... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who are caught up in situations of violence; for those in lands where war is raging, for those in homes where abuse takes place... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who have lost their way in life; for those contemplating suicide, for those who don’t know which way to turn, for young people confused by these strange times... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for governments and local authorities; for all who have to make difficult decisions, for teachers struggling to make schools safe places... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for the church here in ..., across these islands, and throughout the world; may we be alert to your presence in the world and draw others closer to your love... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for ourselves; we too suffer, we too grieve, we too struggle with abuse and confusion, with anxiety and selfishness... we cling to your promise to come into our lives and we open ourselves to your coming. Faithful God, give your strength.
We offer all our prayers in the name of Jesus, who came, who comes, who will come.
Amen.
Hymn: 169 STF – Come thou long expected Jesus -
Blessing
May we go out disrupt all that is wrong, unjust and hateful in this world. May we nurture and plant seeds of love.
May we celebrate your coming amongst us, Immanuel.
Amen
A short act of worship for use in peoples homes while churches are closed.
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at home
Call to worship
The Vine at Home Advent
The waiting begins, again.
The breathing in, the holding on.
Can you be patient, this advent season?
Can you make space for Jesus be born again, here, today? Amen.
Hymn: 176 STF – Like a candle flame, flickering small in our darkness
Opening Prayers
[Based on Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -
‘Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel’
- As we come to you in prayer this morning, Holy God, we ask you to listen to us – and we give thanks that you have said that you will.
‘You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth!’
- Although you are full of majesty and power, yet you humble yourself and draw near to us; shine your light on our worship today we pray.
‘Stir up your might and come to save us!’
- In our weakness and brokenness at this time we know how much we need you; knowing that we cannot save ourselves, we call upon your strength today.
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
- In our uncertainty we wonder what restoration might look like in these days, but we trust ourselves to you and ask again that you will shine on us and give us hope in the shadows.
O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
- - Amidst our worship we recognize that too often our lives let you down, our prayers are selfish, our compassion is cold, our witness is laughable....
- - In a moment of silence we say sorry...
- And with thankfulness we receive your forgiveness.
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
- - As we call on your name this day, we pledge ourselves once more to you, O Lord God of hosts, you who have your hand upon us, you who makes us strong for yourself.
- - We will never turn back from you who gives us life.
- - Thanks be to God. Amen.
-
Let us now say the Lord’s Prayer
Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; -
1 Corinthians 1:3-9; -
Mark 13:24-37 -
- Reflections on the readings
- With the dawn of Advent, many of us turn our attention to our Christmas shopping list and begin thinking about buying gifts for people we love (and sometimes for people we don’t!) In my experience friends and family have different approaches to this and whilst some enjoy surprises, others issue ‘hints’ around now, making sure I choose something they really want – indeed some have been known to send precise descriptions, including make and model number!
If I’m honest I’m not sure that approach captures the essence of this time of year. This is a time of year for surprises – even shocks! Although the annual rituals - such as Advent calendars and candles – can make it all feel familiar and cosy, it is really quite the opposite. Advent is a disruptive season!
Looking at today’s readings, we can’t escape that message. Isaiah appeals to God to ‘tear open the heavens’ (as we have already noted). He envisages the coming of God as something which makes mountains quake, brushwood burst into flame, water boil, nations tremble! God is seen to be doing ‘awesome deeds that we did not expect’.
The words of Jesus recorded in Mark are even more dramatic and, yes, disruptive... the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will be falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken...-
- - Are you up for that this Advent?
- - Isn’t it all going just a little too far?
- - Haven’t we all been shaken up enough this year by the Covid-19 pandemic and all its miserable effects on our health, our lives, our relationships, our economy?
- - Aren’t we longing for a soothing message of peace and hope instead of all this drama and disruption?
Amongst the many lessons we are learning from the disruption of living with a pandemic, perhaps we are realising that, whatever we do, we cannot bury our heads in the sand and hope things which we don’t like will go away. Tempting as duvet days are, we have to wake up to reality sometime. In fact, that is exactly what Jesus is telling us in Mark 13. See how many different calls to action there are in these few verses: - - ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson’
- - ‘Beware, keep alert for you do not know when the time will come’
- - ‘Keep awake’
- - A man going on a journey ‘commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch’
- - ‘And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake’
It’s all reminiscent of the messages we have been hearing day after day from our political leaders; Stay alert! Whilst politicians and scientific advisers are alerting us to good hygiene, to physical distancing, to protective equipment and to closed doors, why do we need to be vigilant in the Advent season?
Isaiah speaks of a context where people have stopped calling on the name of God, where ‘no one attempts to take hold of you’ (v7).
- At its heart this is a passage about distancing.
- In Isaiah’s time, and surely in ours too, people have distanced themselves from God by doing their own thing.
- We have distanced ourselves from God by doing our own thing;
- I have distanced myself from God by doing my own thing.
- Whenever I put myself first, disregard the needs of others, fail to pay attention to the voice of God, I am inevitably putting distance between me and God, and as a result, distance between me and other people.
A sixth century monk, Dorotheos of Gaza, suggested that we are all like the spokes of a wheel of which God is the hub. As we draw closer to God, we draw closer to each other too and become community in a real sense.
It is interesting that at a time when generally we are not allowed to take hold of one another, we hear this call to take a firmer grip on God and thus come closer to one another.
That has been the way lockdown has worked for some people; with fewer distractions many have discovered that God is present, God is not distancing from us, God is real.
Meeting on Zoom or WhatsApp or Facetime or Facebook or the phone we have found we can share our own stories, our own testimonies, our day by day experience of how to be a disciple. We have grown closer to one another too.
Has that been your experience? Might that become your experience during these weeks of Advent as we prepare ourselves for God coming even closer, for God breaking into human life, not just once, two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, but again and again and again. For whilst the season of Advent is in part a season of preparation for Christmas, it has a much broader meaning in our church calendar. Advent calls upon us to be ready for Christ to come into our lives today, tomorrow, the next day AND to be on the lookout for the day when Christ will return to the world in glory and what God started, God will also finish. We don’t know when that might happen, hence the message to stay awake, to be alert.
Advent is disruptive, but alongside that disruption we hold onto the grace of God of which Paul speaks in his first letter to the Corinthian church. Paul makes a promise to which we too can hold as we look for God to tear open the heavens and come to us afresh; ‘God is faithful’ and ‘will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Stay alert to that – these are exciting times.
Prayers of intercession
Advent God, you heard the cry of your people and came to the world in Jesus Christ; come near to us now as we pray:
We pray for all affected by sickness around the world; for those who will die today of malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, Covid-19... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who work to bring healing to those who are suffering in body, mind or spirit; for the NHS, for counsellors, for all who support others... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who are grieving the loss of family and friends; for those who feel helpless, powerless, guilty, distraught... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who are caught up in situations of violence; for those in lands where war is raging, for those in homes where abuse takes place... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for all who have lost their way in life; for those contemplating suicide, for those who don’t know which way to turn, for young people confused by these strange times... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for governments and local authorities; for all who have to make difficult decisions, for teachers struggling to make schools safe places... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for the church here in ..., across these islands, and throughout the world; may we be alert to your presence in the world and draw others closer to your love... Faithful God, give your strength.
We pray for ourselves; we too suffer, we too grieve, we too struggle with abuse and confusion, with anxiety and selfishness... we cling to your promise to come into our lives and we open ourselves to your coming. Faithful God, give your strength.
We offer all our prayers in the name of Jesus, who came, who comes, who will come.
Amen.
Hymn: 169 STF – Come thou long expected Jesus -
Blessing
May we go out disrupt all that is wrong, unjust and hateful in this world. May we nurture and plant seeds of love.
May we celebrate your coming amongst us, Immanuel.
Amen