Welcome to the Sunday Online Worship 27/09/2020 of the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. This service includes some pre-recorded videos prepared by the region in addition to some YouTube videos for music. Most words are included or links to them are provided. You may like to help create a ‘sacred space’ by placing a candle, cross & Bible in front of you.
HYMN: “‘Morning has broken’”
Let us worship together, and sing if you are able, our first hymn, which is “Morning has broken”, and it is sung by Cat Stevens.
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
The ‘Call to Worship’ and ‘Opening Prayers’, which are in the video below, are led by Rev. Keith Robinson. The words are underneath the video.
Welcome to the Eastern Region online worship for 27/09/2020! May God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.
We light the candle as a reminder that the light of Christ is always with us.
[light candle]
Please join with me in the call to worship, by saying the displayed words in bold type:
Another day has dawned, and we are bathed in light.
The earth opens up her wonders to us, and we are blessed by them.
God continues to love us and hold us in grace: we know we are family and welcomed.
Let us worship together: let us worship our God!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
As we begin our worship, let us 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.
Let us pray,
Holy God, we thank you for the simple, humble things that are part of our lives, bringing flashes of light and joy. We thank you for the laughter of children and for small acts of kindness in a shop or on the road. We thank you for a verse from the Bible that comforts us in distress, and everyday blessings that bring forth feelings of love and awe.
Loving God, best of all we thank you for Jesus, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor. He took human form and humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, so that we might live. You raised him to the highest place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
And so, may we do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in all things strive to be like Christ. Forgive us, guide us, and help us to be open to your Spirit, to take your hand and be lifted up and healed. In everything we do, may we be of one mind: encouraging one another with compassion. Thanks and praise be to you for ever and ever! Amen.
MUSICAL REFLECTION
The musical reflection for today is, “Rock of ages“, sung by Chris Rice.
BIBLE READINGS
Rev. Keith Robinson leads us in the readings from Philippians 2:1–13 & Matthew 21:23–32.
REFLECTION
The speaker is Ros Robinson. There is a video of the message in the window below. The text can also be downloaded by selecting the link immediately below.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER
Go to the video below for the ‘Prayer of the people’, which are led by Ros Robinson. The video also 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
In the power of the Holy Spirit we now go forth into the world, to fulfill our calling as the people of God, the body of Christ.
May we open ourselves to the gift of today, holding ourselves and each other in kindness and compassion, knowing that we are held in the unending grace and love of God. Amen.
HYMN: “May the mind of Christ my Saviour“
The closing hymn is, “May the mind of Christ my Saviour”, and it is sung by St. Jude’s at Mapperley, Nottinghamshire, England.
POSTLUDE
Today’s postlude is, ”The solid rock”, sung by a large virtual choir. The music was arranged by David Wesley.
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