This service is based on the Saltbush service for Epiphany 1 2020.
Carol: “As with gladness men of old”
The video for the hymn is in the window below. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp52sx2_GYs
Call to worship & prayer
Come down to the waters of life and open ourselves to the Spirit. Let us be aware of the unfolding presence of God – disturbing – inviting – changing – challenging – announcing!
Let us come as we are and gather. Let us pray.
Lord, help us to still ourselves in this time together, to listen, to watch, to be open to you.
Lord, as we come today, so you come to us.
Lord, help us to be open to new things, even things we don’t understand, that we will be open to wonders and signs.
Lord, as we come today, so you come to us.
Lord, let us be open to your ways amongst us. Forgiveness – light and life – Spirit – community – hope – peace – leading – love.
Lord, as we come today, so you come to us. Amen.
Passing the Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
You are invited to turn to those around you and offer them a word of greeting and peace.
Music for reflection: “Christ is the World’s light”
The video for the hymn is in the window below. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkmod9AW99s
The Word around the Bush
Mark 1: 4-11
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The Message
Rev. Mark Faulkner from the Saltbush Community speaks to us about the baptism of Jesus.
Questions for conversation
If you feel willing you might like to talk about your experiences of God? Remember people all have different times and experiences.
● Try and recall some ‘God moments’ in your life, where you saw, knew, realised, or felt the nearness of God within your life.
● I wonder what you heard in the Word for our church?
● What one action can you or your church take in response to the Word today?
Silence in Two Ways
Spend some time in silence sitting still (suggested 5 minutes). Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert.
● You may like to say the prayer phrase “Mar-an- ath-a” (which means come Lord). Say this as four syllables. Do not try to think or imagine anything. If thoughts or distractions come simply return to saying the word.
● Or you may like “sitting with God” — a silent time in which we focus all our mind, heart and soul on the presence of God without trying to create it. Simply be still and open to God.
Prayers for Others
Eternal God, where there is hope, you are there. Where there is compassion and the desire for wholeness, you are there. Where there is the struggle for peace, you are there. Where the hungry are fed, and the poor empowered, you are there. Where there is delight in the trees of the land, or the depths of the seas, you are there. Wherever love is announced, you are there.
In you is such longing for your creation, and for humanity, and we thank you for that presence of you, in Spirit, in people, renewing, calling, and saving. In that knowledge, and in our simple faith, we bring our prayers for your creation and for the people of this world.
·O Christ we open ourselves in prayer for: [Silence for personal prayer or invite others to open prayer in between each]
Your creation …
Silence
Lord reveal your presence and Spirit.
For others we have heard about throughout our world …
Silence
Lord reveal your presence and Spirit.
For other people we know and are close to …
Silence
Lord reveal your presence and Spirit.
For our church and our wider community …
Silence
Lord reveal your presence and Spirit.
For ourselves …
Silence
Lord reveal your presence and Spirit.
Closing Responses & Blessing
Where the ordinary and everyday meet our God, there is unfolding wonder. Lord lead us from here into places of wonder enabling us to announce your yearning and nearness to others.
Bless us and the people we meet along the way. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN: “Shine, Jesus shine”
The video for the hymn is in the window below. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4hXJ9ax2FY
Postlude: “Go tell it on a mountain”
Warning: This is a bluegrass version! The video for the hymn is in the window below. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_GgZsUyzHA
Unless otherwise indicated liturgies © 2020 Saltbush Community Ministers
