Feeding of the 5,000 - Helen Newham

​Let us bring ourselves to God, whatever our age and gifts. Let us prepare to share in worship, giving thanks for all that God shares with us. Let us open our hearts and minds to know more of God’s unconditional love and care, and be ready to share it with others.

Prayers​Your love, Lord, is greater than all knowledge, greater than all words in any language, greater than any picture a person can paint. We praise you that you so freely share your bountiful love with us. Your power is at work in us and we want more of you in our lives. We praise you, Lord. We give you thanks, Lord, that although, like the first disciples, we feel confused and inadequate, you equip us with the resources to share your abundance with all in need. Help us to trust your promise to uphold and stay close to us, and grant us the courage and the confidence to proclaim the gospel of your truth and your love, in all places and to all people. Amen.
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Gracious God, forgive us when we take for granted all that we have been entrusted and blessed with. When we fail to acknowledge that we have more left over than others have to begin with, forgive us and change our hearts, that we may become people who give generously, share abundantly and live simply to your glory. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen ​

The Lord's PrayerOur Father in heaven, hallowed by your Name
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever
Amen

1st New Testament Reading: Ephesians Chapter 3 verses 14-2114 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,[a] 15 from whom every family[b] in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bible version - New Revised Standard Version copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

2nd New Testament Bible Reading: John Chapter 6 verses 1-21

​Sermon

​Song StF 611 Brother sister let me serve you.

Prayers for othersLord,
We come to pray for your world. A world of hurt and pain.
(Pause and think and pray for those parts of the world that you are concerned about.)

We pray for all those who are in need of our prayers at this time thinking of those in hospital, those struggling for lots of different reasons .
(Pause and think and pray for those you know of.)

We place into your hands those who have died knowing that you welcome them home into your waiting arms.
(Pause and think and pray for those that were close to you.)

We pray for ourselves. You know the challenges that each of us face. We ask that you will give each one of us what we need to face them.
(Pause and think and pray for your personal needs.)

We ask these and all our prayers in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Song StF 489  All I once held dear built my life upon.

BlessingLord, help us to remain thankful for even the simple things.
Keep us focused on your loving, generous nature,
so that we can freely share what we have and who we are.
Let us be cheerful givers and humble receivers,
that all may have enough and be satisfied. Amen

​We are grateful to all the Ministers and Local Preachers from around the Connexion who have contributed to these resources..