the good news

​May my faith be a fire that brings comfort,
one that radiates love and care to those around me;
Rekindle and fuel me, O God,

​Opening Prayers
Here I am, Lord God, ready for you.
Here I am, coming in worship and silence.
Hold a period of quiet, you might like to read these words several times over.
I wait in the stillness, my soul is like water,
Pushed and pulled by the gravity of life’s commitments.
I pour myself out, bend myself,
and distort myself for others,
muddying myself into something that isn’t authentic.
Refresh and refill me, O God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
I wait in the stillness, keeping my faith alight, sometimes only barely.
May my faith be a fire that brings comfort,
one that radiates love and care to those around me;
Rekindle and fuel me, O God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
I wait in the stillness, the silence amongst the chaos.
The sounds of the traffic, the appliances, the crowds,
the all-encompassing dirge of life.
May I be aware of the still, quiet voice,
Speaking words of wisdom.
My hope is in you God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
Amen.

440 STF – Amazing grace - how sweet the sound –

Mark 1:14-20 New International Version Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time
has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus Calls His First Disciples16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother
Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you
out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing
their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men
​and followed him.

255 STF – The kingdom of God is justice and joy

Today’s Gospel reading – from Mark’s gospel – starts with a bang!
We find Jesus saying "The time has come! God's special kingdom is here! Believe in this
good news and turn back to God."
Wow, now, that might sound a bit fancy, but it's like Jesus is saying, "Something amazing
is happening, and God's love is here for all of us!" How awesome is that?
Right after saying this, Jesus walked by a lake, and he saw some fishermen. Their names
were Simon, Andrew, James, and John. They were busy fishing, trying to catch some fish
to feed their families and make a living. Fishing was a hard job to do, it was long hours
and tough work, and not always great pay – that depended on what you could catch. In
society, those that were fisherman would be looked down on in society unfortunately.
​We have similar roles that can often be looked at in negative ways. Those that are known
as dustbin men or women, and other similar roles. This role can sadly be looked down
upon. However, without their important role we wouldn’t have our rubbish and more
importantly our recycling taken.
So back to our story. Despite their place in society, Jesus says to these fisherman "Come
and follow me! I'll teach you how to fish for people instead of fish." Now, that might sound
a bit funny – people aren't fish, are they? But what Jesus meant is that he wanted these
guys to help him tell everyone about God's love.
And guess what happened next? Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets
right there and followed Jesus. They became Jesus' special friends, His first helpers, and
they went on incredible adventures with him.
Jesus is like our best friend, and he invites us to follow him on an amazing adventure. We
might have to leave behind some of our "nets," like the things we're used to, but it's
because Jesus has something incredible for us to do.
Looking at this story today, towards the start of a New Year, do we find it exciting, or
scary? Or perhaps a bit of both? How might God be calling us today? What are the things
we are already good at, as the disciples were good at fishing, which Jesus might use in
the way he calls us to particular tasks?
As you consider how you might respond to Jesus’ invitation to be a part of his team, let’s
return to where we started and ponder for a moment what might have happened had the
disciples replied to Jesus, ‘Catching people? No, sorry, that’s not really my thing – this is
the sort of person I am and I can’t really change now. Sorry.’
Is that you, or have you got a different answer for Jesus today? Will you play your part in
the story of love, unfolding around us.

407 STF – Hear the call of the kingdom

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

404 STF – God’s spirit is in my heart –

Blessing
Source of all love,
God of peace,
Divine energy of justice,
Accept my life today, I pray,
And put me, my skills, my hopes, my dreams, my desires to work to build your kingdom
here on earth,
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.