This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, Opening Prayers Love comes here, as I turn aside to meet with you, Lord God. Love transforms my heart, Love moves me into action. Lord Jesus, Spirit of love, Show me how to love. Hush. Be still. Listen. Do you hear them? The sounds of the prophets, sharing wisdom through the voices of the children, the downtrodden, the faithful, the thunder of the crowd, whispering to you, today. Hush. Be still. Listen. Can you feel it? The drums of praise, echoing in this space. The ensemble has gathered to bring worship, like the psalmist of old, into this space, here and today. Hush. Be still. Listen. Can you see it? The burdens I have brought here, the anxiety of this past week, the rising joy needing to be shared, the Spirit of God in this place? Hush. Be still. Listen. This house and community welcome you. Amen. StF.18 Be still and know that I am God Reading: Mark 1:21-28 New International Version Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-- the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 615 STF – Let love be real, in giving and receiving Reflections on the reading Today, the New Testament reading from Mark 1:21-28 tells a story from the Bible that reminds us that Jesus had power and authority. Jesus was and is a teacher who could control anything, yet cared for each individual and demonstrated his love through his actions. In the Gospel of Mark, we see him heal someone from an evil spirit. Here is a little bit of that gospel reading: ‘And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.’ Jesus began his earthly ministry by teaching people in the area where he was living and working. Some were sceptical about who he was, but many people noticed how he spoke like someone who knew what he was talking about. He had authority when he taught and instructed people. It wasn't just knowledge; it was a power that made people sit up and take notice. And when confronted with an impure spirit, Jesus didn't negotiate or plead; he commanded the spirit to leave, and it had to obey. This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, "I am in control, and nothing can stand against my power." Even with these amazing stories from the Bible that help to show us who Jesus is, this passage contains a warning not to be too confident in our own ability to discern what God is saying. It is hard to ignore the fact the unclean spirit knew of Jesus’ identity when the disciples and those in the synagogue did not. Those who were most committed to Jesus’ teachings failed to recognise the most important thing about him. It was an unclean spirit, something most in need of transformation, that knew the truth. It is a reminder, if one is needed, that theological authority does not reside solely in the church. Take some time today, or this week, to reflect on these questions and find someone you can trust to discuss them with: - Where does authority come from? For Jesus, and in your life? - Why does it matter where Jesus’ authority comes from? - What does it take for you to recognise someone’s authority? - What does it look like to treat Jesus as our primary authority? - Where might we find and encounter important truth outside of the church? So, as you rise from this space today, may you be encouraged by the authority of Jesus. Whatever challenges you are facing this week, may you remember that he is in control, and his power and love are with us now and wherever we go. Brother, sister, let me serve you (StF 611) prayer Heavenly Father, I thank you that you sent your Son to be your representative on earth, carrying all the same authority as you. Thank you that in the Bible we have the means by which to hear and respond to your authority. Help us to use the access we have to your word, to draw near and listen to your authoritative voice to us. Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. Today, I pray for those who feel overburdened and trapped by something out of their control, those who have worries so large they feel insurmountable. Lord, in your power, rebuke that which is not of you, and make quiet the voices within me that keep me from my own full potential. Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. Today, I am praying to say sorry for the times that I am arrogant and foolish enough to think I have all the answers. Help me to recognise the wisdom and truth that I can find when I venture out into the world to meet with your people, O God. Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. In the stillness, I pray for the situations in the world and this community where I want your love and peace to reign. Leave a moment of silence Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. 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 463 STF – Deep in the shadows of the past - Blessing
Go in peace – seek the opportunities to love. Go in joy and be one of the people who bring hope. Travel well in the world, and be transformed by the Spirit within you. Amen. 28th January 2024 The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets
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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. Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship and prayer and praise. Opening Prayers Lord of Light, Prince of Peace, Almighty Counsellor, Today I come to worship you, and look to you to shine your light into my life. Come Lord Jesus, by your Spirit. If you have a candle, find it and something to light it. Put it somewhere you can see it. If you do not have a candle, use a lamp. As you light the candle, or light the lamp, say these words: “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out”. Sit in silence and notice the light and the shadows in the room. When you are ready, offer this time of worship to God: Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship and prayer and praise. Amen. 545 STF – Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart 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 662 STF – Have you heard God’s voice; has you heart been stirred? - John 1:43-51 New International VersionJesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” Reflections on the reading In today’s gospel reading from John 1, we encounter the story of Philip inviting Nathanael to meet Jesus. Nathanael initially doubts that anything good can come from Nazareth, but Philip responds with a simple, profound invitation: "Come and see." This passage challenges us to consider two important aspects of our faith: 1. Doubt and Prejudice: Just as Nathanael had doubts about Nazareth, we often harbour doubts and prejudices about people, situations, or ideas. These doubts can blind us to the potential for goodness and blessings in unexpected places. The challenge is to recognise and confront our doubts, allowing ourselves to be open to God's work in unexpected ways. 2. Invitation and Encounter: Philip's invitation, "Come and see," is an invitation to encounter Jesus personally. It's an invitation to experience God’s presence, love, and transformative power made incarnate in Jesus. We, too, are called to extend this invitation to ourselves and to others, inviting them to encounter Christ in our words and actions. Consider these questions for your personal devotion: - What doubts or prejudices do I hold that may be hindering my faith or openness to God's work in my life? Am I willing to set aside my doubts and preconceived notions, and, like Nathanael, be open to the possibility of encountering Christ in unexpected ways? - How can I extend the invitation to others to "come and see" Jesus through my life and testimony? - Do I actively seek moments of personal encounter with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and worship? The challenge in John 1:43-51 is to embrace the transformative power of encountering Jesus and to be open to God's work in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. As you reflect on this passage, may you be inspired to invite others to "come and see" the incredible journey of faith and the life-changing encounter with the Son of God. 552 STF – Here am I, Lord - Responding through action When was the last time you told someone your ‘testimony’? Testimony is a way of talking about our lives and stories that shows we are able to recognise God is at work in and through us. It might involve a ‘conversion’ moment, or it might involve dozens of ‘conversion moments’, it might grapple with your own doubts and prejudice and show how God is working through you despite your failings. Could you make some time today to write out, or draw, or say aloud some of your testimony? Is there a story you can tell that demonstrates God at work in your life? These stories can be a source of encouragement for others – people who have faith and those who have none – not necessarily because we are trying to convert them to our way of thinking, but because we can open up the possibility for people to reflect on their own lives and see God at work. Could you swap stories/testimonies with someone this week? 673 STF – Will you come and follow me? - Blessing
So, people of God, I go from this place, hearing words of encouragement from the Creator, I go from this place, inspired to follow in the ways of the Christ, I go from this place, transformed by the power of the Spirit, Travel with me, triune God, that I may come to know you more each day. Amen. Today to arrive in Bethlehem you have to navigate a checkpoint. The birthplace of Jesus is occupied, as it was when Jesus was born, Opening prayer Visiting, travelling, God of migration, As I begin my journey through 2024, And celebrate the journey of the Magi to meet the Christ-child, I ask that you will travel with me, Today and every day. Show me, show this whole world, the starlight of your grace, I pray, Amen. StF 57 Let all the world in every corner sing 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 476 One more step along the world I go . Matthew 2:1-12 New International Version The Magi Visit the Messiah After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. StF 727 God in his love for us lent us this planet Today’s reflection comes from David Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem, part of the Methodist Church in Britain’s Connexional Team and a mission partner on behalf of the Church. This reflection was originally written for The Vine resources, and this is a slightly abridged version, but we felt it was worth sharing so that people can hear some of David’s thoughts and challenge for us in the midst of conflict in the Middle East. Today to arrive in Bethlehem you have to navigate a checkpoint. The birthplace of Jesus is occupied, as it was when Jesus was born, not by the Roman Empire but by Israel. Across the West Bank, of which Bethlehem is a part, there are numerous checkpoints set up by Israel to control and restrict the movement of Palestinians. The security barrier which in most parts is a 30ft high concrete wall runs for 450 miles across the occupied West Bank and was built by Israel for security reasons, it has been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice. If the Magi were searching for Jesus today, they would encounter this wall and would have to find a checkpoint to continue their journey. You may well have seen the cartoons of the wise men on their camels scratching their heads as they look at the wall and try to figure out how they might complete the final leg of their journey! In fact, I have a nativity set from the West Bank in beautiful olive wood that includes a wall. Each year I set up my nativity and place the Magi on the outside of the wall! Each year I pray that the next time I set up my nativity I will not use the wall because it will have been dismantled and that Palestinians will be enjoying their human rights and political self-determination. As symbolic as it is to draw or place the Magi on one side of the wall and the traditional nativity scene on the other, there is a question as to whether it would actually happen? The truth is in my role as the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem I can travel much more freely than my Palestinian friends and colleagues, simply because of my UK passport. I suspect that the wise men, in all their finery and obvious wealth, would have had little or no trouble getting through a checkpoint! Privilege opens checkpoints as well as doors. It certainly opened royal doors for the Magi arrive as they seek an audience with King Herod. Following a star they had observed in the East they are looking for the child ‘born king of the Jews’. The Palace seems an obvious place to start but Herod is unaware and has to enquire as to where such a child would be born before he sends the Magi off on the final leg of their journey to Bethlehem. If you are searching for a royal baby then it seems wise to visit a King but as with so much of the nativity story, and in fact the life of Jesus, we see the conventions of the world turned upside down. Jesus, born to be king, is found in an ordinary home. The Magi soon learnt, after being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they return home by another road. They have gone on a real journey, not just a physical but a spiritual one too. After witnessing the rising of the star in the east and visiting the halls power they realise that Jesus’ birth ushers in God’s kingdom in which the powerful predator lies down with the prey in peace (Isaiah 11). As a theologian friend of mine says: in God’s kingdom the lion becomes a vegetarian! It is the powerful and the privileged who give up their power and are ‘brought down’ just as ‘the lowly are lifted up’. Authority in God’s kingdom is not in the hands of rulers, the rich and those in positions of power, it is in the hands of the young unmarried pregnant mother, the bunch of misfits called to be disciples and in Jesus, a nomadic preacher. As followers of Christ and citizens of God’s kingdom we too are invited to go on this journey. A journey that leads from always trusting those with power in this world to recognising that we look to God in Jesus for our inspiration and our guidance. The Magi assumed, wrongly, that Christ would be born to the political King, they found him in the little town of Bethlehem. Yet, their journey took them home on a different road, a road that led them away from the places of power. A road that led them to a different understanding of Kingship. A road that allowed them a glimpse of how God’s kingdom differs from the human power structures that elevate the wealthy, the privileged and the self-serving to positions of authority and influence. As we start this New Year, it’s a perfect time to challenge ourselves again in our discipleship. Are we prepared to journey on another road and confess that too often we have listen to the voices of this world over and above the voice of God? If so we pledge ourselves to listen to God’s voice and to live as ‘fully signed up’ citizens of God’s kingdom. StF 251 Jesus Christ is waiting prayer The worldly wise found you, incarnate God, away from the corridors of power and in the loving arms of a young mum. Hear us now, as we pray for the world you created and the people you lived among. In the stillness, we pray for all those who exercise power and influence... May they work tirelessly for justice and peace. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in conflicts across the world... May they know your eternal love surrounding them. We pray for those who are desperately searching for sanctuary... May they find an unconditional welcome. We pray for creation as it groans under weight of our greed... May we give up our domination of this planet and work with creation for renewal. We pray for those we know and love (and those we ought to love) who are in need of prayer today... May they know your love, and ours, in their difficult time. In the name of the son of a teenage girl, we pray to the incarnate deity that God’s kingdom may come, God’s will be done, Amen. StF 67 This, this is the God we adore. Blessing
As you go from this place, go with the Spirit of the God of the Magi in your hearts, Go inspired to share the blessings of the Christmas season and the love you have encountered at the manger-side. Amen. As we prepare to welcome 2024, perhaps it’s time to pause and take stock. In the beginning was the Word. Let your presence be known to be me now, dear God, by the grace of the words, the music, the silence and the reflection of this time of worship. As you were made known to us in the presence of Christ, May I know your presence amongst me this day, In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen 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 Glory be to God on high Stf 199 Luke 2:22-40 New International VersionJesus Presented in the Temple 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. stf 330 joy to the world. Reflections on the reading Simeon and Anna are similarly blessed by their encounter with the infant Jesus – ‘newness’ reaches them, in their old age. As we stand on the cusp of a new year, today’s Gospel story bring to mind a line from Psalm 85: I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Do you start the year with the best intentions, and set yourself the loftiest of goals? Are you going to lose half your body weight by May? Or start a punishing gym routine? Are you going to start keeping a journal, committing to at least five full pages per day? In the vast majority of cases, it’s not too long before we “return to our foolish ways,” and settle back into old habits. No doubt, we all have improvements we can make to the way we live, and it’s good to use the beginning of the year as an opportunity to do just that; we have a ‘clean slate’, and a duty to begin a new year on the right footing. However, how many of us set the bar far too high? In today’s reading, Simeon and Anna encounter a radical change in their lives very late – but it doesn’t motivate a ‘fad diet’ in them, rather a deep contentment with who they are and their ministry coming to an end. I can’t help but feel that our shame takes the wheel at this time of year. We use the notion of, ‘New Year, New Me’ to pick ourselves apart and jab at the aspects we’re ashamed of. These things become sticks we can beat ourselves with, driving our self-esteem into the ground as we bemoan our apparent lack of willpower. As we prepare to welcome 2024, perhaps it’s time to pause and take stock. Let’s take a moment to hear this verse from the psalmist again: I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. The Lord speaks peace to his faithful people. Peace. Peace be with you. My peace I leave with you. May the Lord look upon you with favour, and grant you peace. Let us learn to be at peace with ourselves. Let us learn to be at peace with one another. Amen. 190 STF – Angels, from the realms of glory - Blessing
As you go out into this new year, may you be encouraged and inspired by your encounter with the Spirit of God, As you face difficult times and joyful moments in 2024, may God be your guide and your companion And may you know the miracle of Immanuel, God with us. Amen. We are all a little Christmas story, “Be born in us today”. God lives in each of us; each birth is a new incarnation. Every encounter with a person can be an encounter with God. Opening Prayer Here we are, Jesus, on this Christmas Day Here you are, Lord Jesus, always ready for us. Here I am God, ready for you Here you are Emmanuel, always with us Grant us your Spirit of joy and peace. stf 166 christmas is coming Four candles have been lit along our Advent way and now our final candle reveals to all the world God is with us, God is in us. Emmanuel, God is with us, God is in us. New life is celebrated this day, Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, Saviour, the babe in a manger, Redeemer of the world light and life and love for the world. Emmanuel, God is with us, God is in us. Jesus born for us, each and every one of us. Not just for shepherds and for wise men, not just for those he knew then, oh yes, for them and us and evermore. Emmanuel, God is with us, God is in us. The extraordinary transforming the ordinary. The extraordinary making sense of the ordinary. The extraordinary giving purpose and meaning. The extraordinary making me and making you. Emmanuel, God is with us, God is in us. Christmas God, you have led us through Advent and brought us to the dawning of this Christmas Day. You have transformed us and remade us, changed us, repurposed us, enlightened and envisioned us. Our ordinary selves made new in you. We marvel, overwhelmed and speechless, at the gift of a child who transformed the world, who offered and offers such love, such joy, such goodness, such purpose and such life. Christmas God, we can’t now or ever thank you enough for all you have been, all you are and all you will be; transforming your people, making all things new, redeeming and blessing each one of us. Amen. StF 330 - Joy to the World Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Born in the night, Mary’s child (StF 193) Luke 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room. Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” O little town of Bethlehem (StF 213)* “I’d like to invite you now to watch a short film called ‘Far From Home’. This film has been made by Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that supports refugees, to show the link between the Christmas story and the lived experience of the 100 million people around the world who have been displaced. You may well recognise the family in this story!” “Did you recognise the family in this story? Who do you think the baby was? “It is easy to forget that Jesus was a refugee, born far from home in rather unsuitable temporary accommodation. But this is the story we celebrate at Christmas. Let’s spend a moment praying for those who are far from home this Christmas, those who have lost their homes for whatever reason, and those who are currently homeless.” Prayer: Lord Jesus Thank you for the hope of Christmas. Even though the world can be a difficult place, Thank you that you understand our struggles. You know what it is like to live far from home, You know what it is like to be vulnerable, You know what it is like to rely on others, Thank you that you were born to become the Saviour of the World Who now offers love, compassion and welcome to all. Help us, Lord Jesus, to be welcoming to those around us And especially to those who are far from home, or don’t have a home. Help us to open our hearts and homes to those who need it. Amen Holy Jesus, by being born one of us, and lying humbly in a manger, you show how much God loves the world. Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, until we reach our home in heaven, and see you on your throne of glory. 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 Love came down at Christmas (StF 210) Thank you God for sending Your Son on one glorious night to be born a virgin, to live a perfect life and to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that he rose from the dead three days later and that this Christmas and every Christmas we can celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. StF 166 Christmas is coming Advent Liturgy: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you I am the Lord your God, who saves you. The third candle is lit Jesus, light of the world, prepare us Come Lord Jesus, come. Praise – Advent Loving and gracious God, Creator and Sustainer of life, Mother and Father of all that is, Christmas is coming, and we are waiting. Waiting for: Your Son, the saviour of the world. Your Holy Spirit who brings her life to the whole world, brings your life to us. Help us to use this time to prepare, to prepare to meet you. Meet you on Christmas Day. Meet you today, and every day. Meet you in each other. We praise you for all the wonderful things you have done for us We praise you for all the wonderful things you are still doing for us. We praise you for all the wonderful things you will do for us. You created each one of us, and a universe for us to live in. What a wonderful creation, full of love. We praise you for all you have made. You show your love for us every day and give us so much. We praise you especially for the gift of your Son. For his life, his death, his resurrection and exaltation. We wait and look. To see the baby Jesus. To see you at work in the world. To see your kingdom come. We praise you for all you are. Amen. Lords Prayer - Modern 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. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. StF 330 Joy to the world. Advent. Advent Hope. To trust in, and act on, the promises of this week’s Scriptures is a radical act of hope and defiant faithfulness in the face of devastating reality and superficial, saccharine seasonal wishes. Good news for the oppressed; Comfort for those who mourn; The repair of ruined cities; That the earth will again bring forth its shoots and that what has been sown will spring up; That peace is possible. These are a radical act of hope and defiant faithfulness despite what the news overwhelms us with every day. Our readings this week remind us that preparing for Christmas is not simply preparing for our private reflections on Jesus come to earth for me, Not our personal memories of Christmases past when life was easier or sweeter - although I too remember with nostalgia when my child was small and so easily excited. Advent, our preparing for the coming of God, is holding a sacred space for hope and change even in the broken and jaundiced parts of our personal and shared life; Advent is being awake to all that is and giving ourselves over to the shaking apart of the known world so what is promised might come; and Advent is about courage, hope and desire for peace and restoration even when we are wearied and worried. We have 2 readings: From John’s gospel and the prophet Isaiah both followed by a short talk. We start with John. John 1:6-8, 19-28 John 1:6-8 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:19-28 19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ 21 They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ 22 Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’ 24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptise if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ 26 ‘I baptise with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptising. Talk 1 Who are you? Who are you? How would you answer that question? Mother, father? Child? Brother, sister? OR by your job? Or ex job? By your allegiance to a football team? Maybe by your faith? 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’ So, how did John “Make straight the way for the Lord.”? How do we “Make straight the way for the Lord.”? John pointed away from himself and towards Jesus, the coming Messiah. With his words and his actions. With his humility. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. Christmas is a wonderful time for children, for families. For getting together, having fun. For joy, rejuvenation and relaxation. At least is is for some, maybe most. But all that misses the deeper point. The coming of Jesus. Not just as a baby in a manger, but his whole life. And his death, resurrection and ascension. That is what we must witness to. Not just “Mary and Joseph in stable bear watching over the child beloved and fair, sleeping in heavenly rest.” But also verse 2 “Christ the Redeemer is here”. Our Christmas carols are packed with meaning: “Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new-born King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Listen as you sing this Christmas, listen for the message we are called to share. Point to Jesus. Get ready for his coming. And the challenge that brings. Confession – Christmas & Epiphany (Based on Methodist Worship Book p 129). In the silence and stillness let us open our hearts and lives to God, and welcome Jesus coming as Light and Word. Ready for him coming into our lives and the life of the world. Loving God, you have searched us and know us. You know our blindness and our frailties, our fears and our selfishness. In sorrow we confess that we have failed to follow fully your command to love. Forgive us for the sake of your Son, Jesus the Christ, who lived like us that we might become like him. The true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world, and into our lives. To all who receive him, he gives the gift of knowing we are children of God. This is God;s gracious word: & We are forgiven, loved and free. Thanks be to God. Amen. StF 182 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The year of the LORD’s favour 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. 8 ‘For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.’ 10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the young plant come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Talk 2 Radical Hope Note: Much of this talk is based on Companions on the Way Why are you here? Here today, here in this life? What is your purpose in this broken world? Advent is a time of Radical Hope Radical hope is to both deeply acknowledge the reality of our present world – the hunger and the harm, the devastation and the despair – and to hold in our hearts and imaginations the world that the prophet Isaiah speaks of. It is not one or the other but both truths. And maybe even more importantly it is to see the shoots of the promised world in this one even now. When we have lamented the way it is. When we have raised our clenched fists heavenward and sighed or screamed “Why” then our radically defiant hope stirs us into action. To make our way to the ruins of our time and fall to our knees to search the rubble for life, to comfort those who mourn, and to do what can be done for the wounded. This is our call at every level – physically for some, financially for those of us who can, spiritually for all who pray, and using our imagination for all who have the courage to do so. True hope and faith require that we not look away but hold the image of what is and the vision of what is meant to be and with the prophet’s gaze see the emergence of the kingdom even now. Our readings this week also remind us that we are preparing not simply for survival, for getting by, but we are making way for justice and joy. Not the artificial joy of decorated shop windows and homes (even though these can be delightful) but for the mercy of God in every part of life and of the world. We are called to prepare for justice even as we see new atrocities being added to the horrifying ledger of human activity as children and health workers are bombed; as people and creatures starve or drown in the face of our struggling planet; and as too many leaders avoid eye contact with the real challenges of our time. We are called to prepare for the coming of God’s justice for all even at this time when it seems to recede from us for it is now that it is most desperately needed. We the faithful must hold the hope now when it is most needed and others are weary. And most radical of all we are called to practice joy in the midst of all that is happening and not happening. We are not to wait until a good time or a convenient time to know joy but, crazy with hope and love, we are called to experience joy now in whatever measure we can and to assert the right of all humanity and creatures to know joy. Joy is not simply the reward of a happy life or some would never get to experience it. Joy is a response of wonder, gratitude, pleasure and delight in the moment. It is a response of faith to allow joy even in the presence of loss and fear and weariness. We can and must choose to practice joy so that the world remembers it is possible. Joy in the angle of sunlight at certain times of the day. Joy in being remembered and remembering. Joy in hearing of a neighbour’s good news. Joy in an overheard refrain. Joy in a shared meal. Joy that the image of the universal child in a manger still speaks of hope, peace, and love as possible. So let us be radical claimers of hope, of peace, and of joy so that we are ready for the season of love. Even so, come Lord Jesus Christ, come awaken us to the joy that is now. I Thessalonians 5:16-24 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. StF 404 God’s spirit is in my heart. Prayers for people and situations. Year B 3rd in Advent David Adam, Radiance of his glory. Holy Lord, you come to us, you inspire us, you enable us; grant that we may proclaim your loving presence and show your saving power. Let your church be seen to be working for justice and righteousness, for liberty and peace; Lord, that we may live at peace and oppress no one. Make us instruments of peace within our communities and within our homes. Lord of freedom, hear us. We remember before you all who are seeking freedom: we pray for nations burdened with great debt, for families who have lost their homes, peoples denied justice. We pray for all who are suffering from violence or tyranny. We pay for the work of Amnesty International, we remember all who care for prisoners We pray for any who are hostages at this time. Lord of freedom, hear us. Lord teach us to appreciate what we have and to be aware of all that is done for us. Let us not take each other for granted. Let us hold fast to all that is good and abstain from every form of evil. May our homes be homes of holiness and hospitality, of grace and goodness. Lord of freedom, hear us. We remember in your holy presence, God of liberty, all whose lives have been diminished by poverty or neglect, all whose confidence has been lost through harsh treatment or scorn. We pray for those who have been betrayed, especially those betrayed by loved ones. We remember all who have suffered through robbery or slander We pray for all who have lost their dignity through illness. We remember friends and loved ones in their troubles, especially …… We pray that all who are bereaved at this time may be strengthened. Lord of freedom, hear us. Lord, you have done great things for us already, and yet, greater things are to come. We ask you to guide and strengthen all who make major decisions that affect others. Give them wisdom to make the right choices fo rus and future generations on such issues as: Climate change; Economic fairness/fair trade; poverty – lack of food, water, shelter; Struggle with cost of living; War/civil war/unrest; Refugees; Disadvantaged – ethnicity, gender, sexuality/LGBTQ+, class/upbringing. We pray for all who have departed from us, especially …... May they be numbered with your saints and know the glorious liberty of the children of God. Lord of freedom, hear us. Come, Holy Spirit of God, come upon us, that you may send us out in your power, Fill us with your grace and goodness, that we may be able to bring the good news to the oppressed, to comfort the broken-hearted, and to bring liberty and freedom to your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Out of the Father;s glorious riches may he strengthen us with power through his Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that, being rooted and established in love, we may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Stf 169 Come, thou long expected Jesus. Prayer of Offering, Dedication & Thanks Loving God, Father & Mother of all that is. Thank you for the many good gifts you grant us, esp. your love shown in Jesus. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us day by day. Thank you that we are called to be your children - to grow more like you every day. We bring our offerings to you and ask that you bless them. We bring our gifts and talents to you and ask that you bless them. We bring our lives to you and ask that you bless them. Thank you for your grace today and every day. Amen. Blessing The God of peace sanctify you entirely; may your body, soul and spirit be kept sound and blameless. Rejoice in the Lord: pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. Do not quench the Spirit. Hold fast to what is good, abstain from all evil. And the blessing of the Holy One be with you today and forever. Christmas message from President and Vice President of the Methodist Church We are all familiar with the place of prophets in the Old Testament. They held positions of status in royal courts, and in the temples. Light of the world, This Advent season comes to us as an annual reminder that you are not a God of distance, of high-heavens and of power, Rather, you are a God of presence, of earthly-ordinariness and of poverty. If you have a candle, find it and something to light it. Put it somewhere you can see it. If you do not have a candle, use a lamp. As you light the candle, or light the lamp, say these words: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out. Sit in silence and notice the light and the shadows in the room. When you are ready, offer this time of worship to God: Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship and prayer and praise. Amen. StF 530 to be in your presence Isaiah 40:1-11 New International Version Comfort for God’s People 40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. StF 264 Make way! Mark 1:1-8 New International VersionJohn the Baptist Prepares the Way 1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit Message We are all familiar with the place of prophets in the Old Testament. They held positions of status in royal courts, and in the temples. In the book of Isaiah – we have the Lord directing Isaiah’s actions, and even what he will say to the people. On this occasion there are no harsh words – just word of comfort and tenderness. However, in the wilderness Isaiah is to cry out, because the Lord is going to do something amazing and personal. He will be like a shepherd to them. Compare that with the New Testament – there are not many prophets in the gospels – Anna, Simeon, and John. In the urgency of Mark’s Gospel, we have the Messiah announced, and John the Baptizer doing his thing in the wilderness. In other gospels, he is confused with the Prophets of old, with his message of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. And today? Who are the prophets in 2023? I think we’re more likely to have consultants than prophets. They give us forecasts, risk assessments, and the like. We would not use the language of prophets (other than when talking about ‘prophets of doom’). As a society we are suspicious of people speaking confidently about God and their relationship with God. People who say ‘God says’; ‘The word of the Lord came to me and told me …’, or ‘This is the will of God …’. Gone are the days when God’s messengers could speak out. Today, messengers come in many forms – Vicars, priests, lay leaders, and ministers; World leaders, community leaders/politicians; kings and queens, the poor and the ordinary. These people no longer have the status they had. They are no longer listened to by right – they must earn the right to be listened to. WHY? Because today everyone has their own direct access/channel to God. And so it should be. The result is that anyone brave enough to stand up and be prophetic – speak out against something or for something in the name of God, need to be prepared to have their message challenged and tested. Unfortunately, today, the message will not be tested on its community-building impact, but on ‘what’s in it for me?’ So, for some - the thought that God might want those of us who are working, and earning above a certain amount to contribute more in tax so that more nurses or teachers can be trained and employed - this can’t be the will of God, ‘because there is nothing directly in it for me’!! Also, we’re not a single community anymore – with one community leader (like the communities Jesus and John were born into). The last time we saw anything like united communities was during the covid pandemic, when we caught glimpses of communities sharing the same experiences and goals (unless, that is, you worked at Downing Street). For us as Christians of different traditions, we need to acknowledge that people are confused by dis-unity, and don’t know what to believe. No wonder Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers – that we all may be one – so that the world might believe. So, unlike John, who said it clear and plain, we are often reduced to a series of well-rehearsed, well tried & tested platitudes, quotes and sayings that we can all agree on, in our attempt to avoid upsetting anyone. As a result, we agree ‘God is love’. We agree that God’s will is that we live in peace? We agree God’s will is that we repent and turn back to him and his ways? But we can’t agree on how to work these things out in our daily lives. Yet we can firmly believe that God’s will is that we drastically change the way we live (maybe by adapting our structures and moving Justice issues further up our agendas?) in order that we set an example for the rest of the community. People are very selective about which prophetic voices they listen to. It has always been so. But if we are restricted to the well tested platitudes, let them be words of thanks to God for his faithfulness in and through them – his love, and his promises to love us and be generous to us, (as we regularly do in the sharing of bread and wine). I thank God for his promises fulfilled. I thank God for the promises of Advent and Christmas – Emmanuel – God with us, in our neighbourhoods, in his messengers, in our hearts, always. Amen. 255 STF – The kingdom of God is justice and joy - 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 157 God has spoken Blessing
Go out and meet a God who is already out there, Step forward and find a Christ who is already at work in your community, Be bold and discover a Spirit who is willing to take risks. As you prepare, may the Christ-child make himself known to you in the extraordinary ordinariness of each day. Amen. At Advent we can reflect and wait on God’s promises In truth, December is not a good time to find quiet. Everywhere we go is hustle & bustle Call to Worship As the adventure of Advent begins, let us prepare to meet with God. Let us bring our hopes and expectations. Let us prepare ourselves for what God wants of us. Let God find us ready and waiting. Come and worship. Our Advent ring stands waiting ,for candle light to lead us on. We’ll open up traditions, with challenge and with change. Advent God, challenge us today. Our box of decorations stands ready to be explored. We reassess the treasures in this bulging cardboard box. Let’s sort the treasure from the trash the needed from the not. Advent God, challenge us today. Our living is refocused with preparations underway. Our ordinary and everyday will be challenged along the way. Letting go of stuff to do God’s will, is here to stay. Advent God, challenge us today. In the mundane and ordinary, stars will start to fall, challenging and changing us with holy goodness breaking through. Advent God, challenge us today. Prayer Advent God, as we light this, our first Advent candle may we let go of what swamps us and serves no purpose for us, so that we can meet the challenges that lie ahead of us. May our ordinary lives be enriched by your extraordinary love for us. Amen. StF 166 Christmas is coming Prayer of Adoration Advent God, you prepared your people for your coming, you gave your Word to us through prophets and priests, through stories told and retold, through the history of time, through the written word, through the spoken word, but always your word. As Christmas lights begin to dazzle us, we know that your glory is way beyond their transfixing power. Advent God, we adore you, and we bring ourselves before you just as we are. Amen. Prayer of Confession God of all the world, our world is lost without you. We make war with each other. Some have too much while others have little. Our differences confuse us, and we lack understanding. Come amongst us, God, and help us. God of the Church, we have lost the excitement of pilgrimage. We avoid adventure and sharing in challenging service. We shrink from mission and evangelism. Come amongst us, God, and help us. God of our life, you have called us and we have not heard well. You have real things for us to do, and we have not always done them. You call us to a life of Christian love and discipleship and we have fallen from your ways. Come amongst us, God, and help us. For the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. StF 706 – Longing for light Prayer of Thanksgiving We thank you, God, for your richness. We thank you for the way your light lets us see the world and its people. We thank you for diversity and difference in people and places. We thank you for signs and symbols and glimpses of your kingdom. We thank you for bolts out of the blue that reveal you to us and for the tiny flame that offers us assurance. We thank you for your care through the hands of others, hands of family, hands of friends and hands of strangers. We thank you that in others we see you and that through seeing you we see them in different ways. We thank you that in the hustle and bustle of this season that you come to us, in word & deed, in touch & gift, in noise & in the quiet. We are all your people, all your children, all your flock, and for us all you care – to you we give our thanks and praise. Amen. Isaiah 64:1-9 New International Version ]Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! 2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? 6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. 7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. 8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people. StF 161 – Speak, O Lord, as we come to you Luke 1:5-25 New International Version The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Advent 1 – What are we waiting for? So, the Season of Advent begins today but for many the truth of Advent is easily overwhelmed by Christmas – in buying presents, stocking up on food, parties etc; and that process seemed to start earlier and earlier each year. It’s all too easy for us to forget what the Season of Advent should really be about – I’m as guilty as the next person. That we should be preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus – firstly as a baby (which we all enjoy), and then the more challenging return of Jesus in glory. Thankfully, our Advent lectionary readings can help us to take time out of the madness that December becomes & help us to reflect on what we celebrate. Today we’re thinking about the place of Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist who will feature in coming Sundays. Luke begins his account of the life of Jesus by describing some of the circumstances around his birth that will underline for his listeners the significance of who Jesus is. Firstly, a little background. Zechariah was a priest and in Jewish tradition priesthood was passed down family lines. Priests were leaders of worship, and they offered sacrifices on behalf of the Jewish people. There were 24 priestly families and each family offered a sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem twice a year. When it was their family’s turn many family members would go to Jerusalem to do their priestly duty. Once at the Temple lots would be cast to decide who would burn incense in the sanctuary at the heart of the Temple. This was a privilege that could be performed only once, and many priests never got chosen. Now Zechariah was an old man. We are told that he carried to Jerusalem the disappointment that they had no child to pass on the family’s priestly inheritance. Zechariah is chosen by lots to burn incense which would have been a moment of mixed emotions for him - the joy of his being chosen & the sorrow because he had no heir. He enters the sanctuary alone and puts the grains of incense into the fire. And as the incense rises, we presume that Zechariah would have rested in the presence of God. And in that moment an angel appears to him. Unsurprisingly Zechariah is gripped with fear. The angel calms him and tells him that God has heard their prayer and that Elizabeth will bear a son. They are to call him John (gift from the Lord), and he will make the people ready to receive the Messiah. Zechariah’s response to this astonishing new is, to us, a statement of the blindingly obvious. ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well on in years’. His human response elicits no sympathy from the angel. His lack of trust provokes the angel to silence him so when he emerges from the sanctuary to bless the people, he couldn’t speak. The crowd at least realise that something serious had happened; Zechariah remains silent until John is born. This is an extraordinary story with points for reflection as we enter this Advent. 1. God fulfils his promises in his good time Zechariah learns that God fulfils his promises in his own good time - and not ours. It was not unusual for God to promise a child to an elderly couple (Abraham & Sarah). These births, point us to God’s rule where the flow of the story is controlled by God - not us. The coming of Jesus had been long promised in the Old Testament. God’s people had been waiting but God’s promises are fulfilled in his good time. 2. God can bring life from the most unpromising material The second lesson is that God can use even the most unpromising situations to draw life - even when to us it seems impossible. T Let’s be honest, we are all unpromising material - as human beings, as a church even. We can be self-obsessed & anxious; desperate to make the Kingdom of God in our own image, determined to be in control of events. Like Zechariah we look for guarantees and signs that God is with us in our actions. Reassuringly, we can also see that God chooses such unpromising people as his own – like Zechariah & Elizabeth, and like us perhaps? This is a hopeful sign. 3. At Advent we can reflect and wait on God’s promises In truth, December is not a good time to find quiet. Everywhere we go is hustle & bustle. Our conversations even reflect this – are we ready for Christmas? But just stop for a moment and think about what that question means? ‘Are you ready for Christmas?’ Does it mean have we bought the presents, organised the food, invited the guests etc. etc.? Or does it mean that we have taken time to prepare ourselves, to be ready to welcome the Son of God when he comes? Maybe Zechariah’s punishment (if that is what it was) was actually a blessing? Maybe, being silenced for 9 months meant that he must contemplate what he had discovered; what his son would be called to. His silence means that he cannot respond to the angel’s message in any active way; he must watch and wait on the unfolding promise of God – which came to pass, as promised. Watching & waiting is not something that we find easy. In some respects, we might consider it to be a waste of time when we could be active & achieving. So, maybe during Advent we need to be reminded that it is God who calls us into being, and that we need to watch and wait; to learn to listen and not to talk over it. God’s promises are fulfilled in God’s good time, even with the most unpromising of material, because God is merciful and caring and wise. And in this Season of Advent, if we need to find some for silence & reflection, so that we can comprehend this wonder, and say that we are ready. Thanks be to God. Amen StF 176 – Like a candle flame 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 167 – Colours of Day Blessing
Lord, we begin our Advent, waiting for you with love and patience. Help us to remember that you will return for us and for those yet to know you. Help us to be patient and alert, but help us also to be doing and serving and building your kingdom. Your kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen. I was a prisoner because of my faith and you wrote to me and kept me going; I was a street child in Brazil and a hungry down-and-out in Nottingham and you fed me and found another way for me to live; I was displaced from............ A prayer of approach You, Lord, are our shepherd, our care is your concern. When we are lost, you look for us, when we are hurt and afraid, you reach out to us. When we go astray and hurt each other through selfishness, greed and thoughtlessness, you pull us up short and remind us we are part of your flock. And as our care is your concern, so care for others is our calling. In the security of that love we come to learn from you, to let your compassion flood our hearts and renew our commitment to serve. We come to prepare ourselves for all the demands of love that await us in the world, and to pray that you will work in us to reveal the presence of your kingdom. Amen. StF331 King of Kings, Majesty PRAISE & CONFESSION Creator God, we come in worship and praise to be refreshed and renewed and to offer our lives once again to you. May the knowledge of your presence fill our hearts with joy. Generous God, we thank you for the gift of this day, and the opportunities it brings to make your love known. May the sweetness of your love fill our hearts with compassion. Discerning God, in our searching and our questioning, in our thirst for you, in our need to know you more deeply. May the depth of your knowledge fill our hearts with peace. Redeeming God, in our sadness, in our shame when we have fallen short, when we have failed to respond to the needs of others, when we have refused to recognise your face in our sister or brother, May the strength of your forgiveness fill our hearts with healing, God of all joy, compassion, peace and healing, give us a fresh sense of your vision for all humanity. Fulfil your purpose in us that we might understand your need of us in the need of the world. Ezekiel 34:11-16 New International Version 11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Matthew 25:31-46 New International Version The Sheep and the Goats 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Sermon There was a man who had a dream – He dreamt a parable. He dreamt he was a ‘Billy-goat. He knew Goats to be special. Sometimes people confuse them with sheep. But sheep, he thought, are really stupid. Goats are more intelligent. Sheep produce wool, but goat hair is far stronger. Goats produce a much better milk, than sheep. Goats can run faster than sheep and can climb higher One day Billy Goat was climbing up a high mountain with his family, higher than he had ever climbed before, so high that he could look out and see the future. There on a cloud he saw lots of human beings. Some were wearing red clothes; some were wearing blue. In front of them was another human being, shining white. He said to the blue people who were on his left: ‘Come and live with me in my father’s city. For I was victim of famine in Africa and you helped care for me; I was a prisoner because of my faith and you wrote to me and kept me going; I was a street child in Brazil and a hungry down-and-out in Nottingham and you fed me and found another way for me to live; I was displaced from the land of my birth and you welcomed me and gave me refuge; I was trying to bring peace to the world through political change and you supported me.’ They all said, ‘When did we know you were sick or imprisoned or a hungry street-child or down-and-out, asylum seeker, or a peace seeking politician and come to your aid?’ He said, ‘When you did it to for them; it was like you did it to me.’ Then he turned to the people in Red who also called him, ‘Lord’, but the situation was much less happy. They had kept themselves pure and had not helped the sick, the down-and-outs, the people imprisoned, the children on the street, or anyone else for that matter. There was no room for them in the city. Just then it started to rain and the vision went away. Billy goat and his family were left to ponder what they had seen. Nanny, who was standing beside Billy, said, ‘I know. If I am a human being in my next life, I shall pretend I see the shining one in everyone I see. I shall help all those needy people like I’m helping him. That way he will reward me with a place in his father’s city.’ Billy was thinking about that when from the other side Nanny’s sister – they always used to argue – said, ‘No, no, no! Don’t you see it was all a surprise. They didn’t pretend to care for people because they saw the shining one in them. They cared for people because they were people. They did it naturally. It was their way. Only later were they surprised to learn that they had also cared for him.’ That made Billy think still further. He spent so much time thinking that when the others skipped off down the mountain – as only goats can do – He made his way slowly. As he passed one of the ridges covered with bushes, he heard a cry. As he got closer, he saw a sheep, a ram caught in the thicket. ‘Stupid sheep!’ he thought. He was about to walk on past when something made him stop. He had strong horns, he thought. He could free that poor sheep. He climbed to the ridge and began to push and pull and finally the ram was free. Off the freed sheep trotted into the setting sun. Then something strange occurred. As Billy watched the ram make its way across the valley, it seemed to change into a small child. It then began to grow up and by the time it reached the stream at the bottom of the valley was fully-grown. It stumbled across the stream. At one point it was fully submerged. Then it climbed up into the sun, just a silhouette, until finally all Billy could see was the figure of a fully-grown man standing out against the red sky, shaped like a cross on the horizon. Billy turned to move on, to return to the pastures below. As he reached a resting-place, he looked out. There were goats; there were sheep. He lay down with his head on a great stone. His body was filled with light and he knew that he knew. He knew that he knew the truth. The man who had dreamt the dream opened his eyes. Someone had come into HIS room, into His LIFE, someone had turned on the light. It was time to get up. It was time to begin a new day and live and share the truth. The same truth has been given to us and part of living out that truth involves each of us seeking to ensure that this church is indeed a place of welcome, a place where justice for the least is sought and practiced - A place where the captives are freed; where the tears of those who weep are understood; where those who are hurting encounter the love and care of God’s people; where human spirits can take wing and fly - Where those who seek meaning to their lives can discover it in us. No pressure there then! But let me simplify it. The American sociologist, pastor and author, Tony Campolo, tells about the time his mother called and told him that Mrs. Kilpatrick had died. He says, I’m 50 years old, but when you’re Italian and your mother calls and tells you to do something, you do it. Mom called me up & said, `Tony, Mrs. Kilpatrick died & you need to go to her funeral.’He says, Mrs. Kilpatrick lived just down the street from me when I was a little boy growing up in the streets of Philadelphia. So on the day of her funeral he went to the funeral home. Arriving a few minutes late, he rushed through the door, sat down & then saw that he was the only one there, except for one little woman in front of him. Then he looked at the coffin & suddenly realized that the man inside the coffin was not Mrs. Kilpatrick. He was in the wrong chapel. He said that just as he was about to stand up and leave, the woman turned around, touched him on the hand and asked, Did you know him? Tony Campolo asks, What would you do if you were in a situation like that? If you were the only one who came to the funeral of this grieving woman’s husband, what would you say? He said, I stayed there for the whole funeral service. Then, since I was the only one there, I even felt compelled to go to the graveside service and stand there with the widow. When that was over & we were riding back together, I turned to her and said, ’Mrs. King, I want to be your friend, but I must be honest with you, I really didn’t know your husband.’ Tony Campolo said, She reached out for my hand and gripped it tightly and speaking softly and slowly, said, ’That doesn’t matter. You’ll never know what your being here has meant to me.’ All of us here today absolutely know that there are people all over this world who are hurting. Maybe not quite in the same way, but many are waiting for someone to reach out to them and to touch their lives. I am reminded this morning that in the ordination service of its ministers the Methodist church urges those ministers to remember their call. But here’s the thing. The Methodist Church believes in the priesthood of all believers. So people like Liz and I are merely representatives of this priesthood of believers Therefore, in the light of this gospel passage, let’s be reminded this morning that each of us, in being a follower of Jesus, is called, in the lives we live to: Declare the Good news. Serve the needy. Care for the sick Welcome the stranger Seek the lost. Be encouraged that in the working out of our call, we do indeed meet Jesus! And God’s mercy, God’s justice and God’ love is made known in the world and Christ is praised. Halleluah, Praise the Lord, Amen StF481 The Lords my Shepherd, I shall not want Intercessions Lord Jesus, your justice embraces all people and calls us into a mutual fellowship of love and care. Challenge your church to live out this concern in acts of compassion and liberation… As we do to and for others, so we serve you. Christ our King, give to governments and all who rule a deep concern for the needs of their people. Give us an openness to welcome the stranger in peace and hospitality…. May we share of our wealth and our poverty. Lord Jesus, in you the thirsty find refreshment, the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed and the prisoners are visited. Leave no one ignored and abandoned…. Extend the boundaries of our concern beyond the those who are easy to love. Christ our King, the sick, the lame and the infirm hold a special place in your concern. Give us grace to ensure that the care that is needed is provided. As your faithfulness endures from age to age bless with the strength and determination to care for others all our days. Lord Jesus, you wept at the tomb of Lazarus and restored a little girl to life. Bring all the faithful departed to eternity with you. May we with them come to be with you in Paradise. In your precious name we pray. Amen.. StF337 There is a higher throne 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 StF323 I will sing the wondrous story Blessing
Christ awaits us in the world, hungry, homeless, lonely and afraid. So, let us go to love, cherish, tend and care for him, in all whom we meet. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us this day and always. Amen. |
ServicesThese are the Worship at Home versions of the In Person Services, led by our Minister :- Each Service has the videos of the songs and a transcript of the Sermon or reflection.
The Song references (StF) are from the Singing the Faith song book.
The videos of the songs are linked to YouTube or vimeo which may have advertising which Kingswood Methodist Church does not endorse.
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January 2024
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