Welcome to the Sunday Online Worship 11/10/2020 of the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. This service includes some pre-recorded videos prepared by the region in addition to some videos for music. Most words are included or links to them are provided.
HYMN: “Gather us in”
Let us worship together, and sing if you are able, to our first hymn, which is “Gather us in”, by Marty Haugen. It is sung by the DisciplesNet Singers. If you you prefer, you can go to the video directly at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f44OvSt26TU
WELCOME & opening prayer
The ‘Welcome & opening prayer’, which are in the video below, are led by Rev. Keith Robinson. The words are underneath the video.
Welcome to the Sunday online worship for 11/10/2020 from the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. Today’s service is based on the Saltbush service for this Sunday.
God of feasting and celebration, invite us from the highways and bye ways to your wedding banquet of life. Feed us with love, so that together with all your people, we might celebrate the coming of the kingdom. Forgive our lack of willingness to celebrate you and fully recognise your presence in the face of others. Amen.
Come, for all is ready & Christ invites us to come & celebrate.
We light the candle as a reminder that the light of Christ is always with us.
Light candle
Acknowledgement of country
As we begin our worship, let us also acknowledge the Wiradjuri people. They are the first inhabitants of our region, and part of God’s good creation. We honour them for their custodianship of the land, on which we live today.
The Peace of the Lord be with you.
You are invited to turn to those around you and offer them a word of greeting and peace.
Musical reflection
The musical reflection for today is, “Come to the banquet, there is a place for you“. The music is from ‘All together whatever/Seasons of the Spirit’ & is by Fay White, © Fay White. If you you prefer, you can go to the video directly at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJSSNqH_5E
Bible readings
Rev. Keith Robinson leads us in the readings from Philippians 4:1-9 & Matthew 22:1-14.
Reflection
The speaker is Rev. Geoff Wellington. There is a video of the message in the window below. Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet that speaks out against the religious leaders of his day. This parable also gives an image of the kingdom of heaven drawn near as an inclusive feast where all are welcomed.
Time of Silence
I wonder what you have heard and thought from the Word today? What do you imagine the Kingdom of Heaven to be like?
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 of the people & Lord’s Prayer
Go to the video below for the ‘Prayer of the people’, which are led by Rev. Keith Robinson. The video includes the Lord’s Prayer & a closing blessing by Keith.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and 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.
Word of mission & blessing
Lord of the wedding banquet you have invited us to celebrate and dance at the celebration of life. Send us now to live as faithful disciples spreading your good news of love and relationship to all who will listen.
Bless us and the people we meet along the way Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN: “ Let us build a house“
The closing hymn is, “Let us build a house”, and it is sung by the Collegiate Church of St. Mary, Warwick. If you you prefer, you can go to the video directly at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKJgcv8SdnQ&feature=emb_logo
POSTLUDE:
Today’s postlude is a Leggo version of “I cannot come to the banquet”. If you you prefer, you can go to the video directly at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC2NgfkfD5c&feature=emb_logo
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
1. Saltbush service for 11/10/2020: https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/pentecost-19-the-wedding-banquet-matthew-22-1-14/
LATEST NEWS POSTS
- Some inspiring Easter hymnsInspiring Easter music for you to have a look at. Check out the first one in particular, which is an inspiring rendition of Wesley’s ‘Christ the Lord is Risen today?’ It is sung by a ‘virtual choir’ all hooked up to sing from their own homes.
- At home with the kids?Some things to do at home with your children during the last week of the Lent Season.
