Sunday 2nd July

God is here, with us – we know this because he came to earth in human form in Jesus, who lived our life and
died our death and rose again from the dead and lives now, by his Spirit,

God is here, with us – we know this because he came to
earth in human form in Jesus, who lived our life and died our death and
rose again from the dead and lives now, by his Spirit, within all who love
him… we praise him singing

Stf 363 My Jesus,

Introduction to the theme…
Today we are thinking about how we can gather more people to Jesus - sometimes Jesus talked
about drawing people to God being like bringing in the harvest. But maybe it’s helpful for us, to think
how we became aware of Jesus - What was it that connected you to Jesus?

Reading – Matthew 10:40-42 The Message
40-42 “We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One
who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God
is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a
large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of
water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true
apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”

Maybe you were drawn to Jesus by accepting one of his friends, and what they offered to you. One of the main ways that people will meet Jesus is by receiving what you offer them out of your love for God. And then they
may want to know who it is that inspires you to show that love. Jesus promised to us that he would always be
with us -we sing in gratitude for that promise which he gives to us before we promise to serve him in return

StF 563 O Jesus I have promised

StF 687 One human family

​Talk
That last verse sums up what we are doing here as church:
As partners of the living Christ who risk the path he trod, with
wondering love we find we share the timeless joy of God.
For me it has been a joy to share with you in that timeless joy as we have
walked together Christ’s path these last ten years.
And it is when you have offered acceptance to all and anyone, and when
what you have offered to all and anyone has been accepted, that Christ’s
church has been built up in this place. For the church is made up of those
who accept help and those who offer it, and Jesus says that both are
equally important.
As we have explored how we can live in a way that draws others to Jesus,
some of us have looked at commands of Jesus in the Bible – which range
from doing to being – giving to receiving.

Others have worked together to build using Knex – working together and
not against each other, supporting not getting in each other’s way; and as
we accept what each different person offers in the building, we share the
joy, as we step back and see what we have built together.
Some of you looked at how plans that were made a few years ago for a
new welcoming space at the Heart of the church building have been
fulfilled and enabled us to receive more people and be received by them.
And this inspires us, not to say ‘our work is done’ but to embrace new
opportunities to live in a way that draws other to Jesus.
And last but not least we have prayed for our world –placing hearts to
symbolize the love of God for different countries whose people’s needs we
bring to Jesus in prayer.
It has been a joy and a privilege to work with you and God, here, for this
time. I know that as you accept and are accepted by your new Minister and
by many more people in this community, you and they will continue to be
drawn to Jesus, building his church on earth.
Amen

StF 706 Longing for light we wait in darkness

Prayers for others
Holy God, we bring our prayers for others, feeling the pains and burdens of the
world, with confused minds and uncertain steps but knowing that you are our God
and you do hear our prayers. And so, for the world we pray:
Holy, Holy, Holy God we pray.
Hear our prayer.
The world is full of uncertainty, people’s lives are full of uncertainty, many do not
know where they are from and where they belong and where they are going and who
they are, may they in their uncertainty find a grounding and an anchor and a
welcome through the words and the deeds of people they encounter.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
For ordinary citizens in Ukraine and Russia who struggle to comprehend what the
war between the nations is all about, where it is going, what is the truth and what is
false. For those fearful for their lives, for their families, for their well-being and their
future. For those who simply want to live in peace and harmony, with food enough
and a home secure with friends and neighbours. For those who have no choice but
to fight and those who have to decide the next actions and work out their
consequences.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are fleeing their homes, their countries, their cultures, due to
poverty, persecution, greed, war and neglect. Those who see no future for their
homeland, no peace, no comfort, no welcome, no hope, no joy, no love. For those
who trek and sail with no belongings or support, crossing borders and cultures in
uncertainty and desperation. We pray that those peaceful folk who travel and journey
may find hospitality and welcome and space to build secure and safe lives and
livelihoods.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who cannot flee their homes, who continue to live in poverty and
fear with war, treachery and starvation knocking at their doors. We pray for them,
hope, kindness and love when so often they are alone and bereft.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who seek to make money, wealth and fortune at the hands of
others, dragging them into despair and pain. For those who sell addictive and illegal
drugs with little or no thought of the damage and harm and devastation they will
cause. We pray for those who are addicted, whose lives have been damaged, often
beyond repair, who are on a perpetual cycle of need and dependence driving them
into violence, poverty and violence.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
We pray for governments and leaders worldwide who share the responsibility for the
climate and its changes, its health and its future, its wellbeing and its survival. For
areas where deforestation is happening at an alarming rate against all sensible
advice. For those nations dealing with flood and drought and consequent poverty
and need.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those we meet day by day, at home, at school, at work, when shopping,
when walking, when talking, friends, family neighbours. May they all see and know in
us the presence of a loving God, the welcome that as Christians we are called to
give, a smile, a listening ear, a hand to guide, a touch of comfort, a word of prayer.
loving God we pray;
Hear our prayer.
And all the prayers of our hearts, spoken and unspoken.
Amen.​

The lords prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be 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.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

StF 707 make me a channel of your peace

Blessing
May the boldness of the Spirit transform you, may the gentleness of the Spirit
lead you, may the gifts of the Spirit equip you to serve and worship God; and
the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
among you and remain with you always. Amen