First Sunday in Lent Worship At Home
You can find a service of Prayer, Praise and Proclamation here to use at home.
First Sunday in Lent
6 March 2022
A Service of Praise, Prayer and Proclamation
Sentence
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him. Luke 4.8
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Gracious God, we humbly thank you for life and health and safety, for freedom to work, leisure to rest, and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life. But, above all, we praise you for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, for his death and resurrection; for the gift of your Spirit; and for the hope of sharing in your glory. Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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O saving God,
who led your people through the wilderness
and brought them to the promised land:
so guide us that, following our Saviour,
we may walk through the wilderness of this world
and be brought to the glory of the world which is to come;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
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1 When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. 3 You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, ‘Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.’ 4 When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, 5 you shall make this response before the Lord your God: ‘A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. 6 When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labour on us, 7 we cried to the Lord , the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; 9 and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord , have given me.’ You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. 11 Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.
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1 Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High: who abide under the shadow of the Almighty,
2 They will say to the Lord ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold: my God in whom I trust.’
9 The Lord himself is your refuge: you have made the Most High your stronghold.
10 Therefore no harm will befall you: nor will any scourge come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels: to keep you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands: lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder: the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 ‘You have set your love upon me,’ says the Lord, ‘and therefore I will deliver you: I will lift you out of danger, because you have known my name.
15 ‘When you call upon me I will answer you: I will be with you in trouble, I will rescue you and bring you to honour.
16 ‘With long life I will satisfy you: and fill you with my salvation.’
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4 For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. 5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart’(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
11 The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
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1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’
4 Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’ 5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
6 And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ 8 Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ 9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”,11 and “On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ 12 Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
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I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen. -
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4.16
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love, but we have broken your holy laws and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins and turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.God desires that none should perish, but that all should turn to Christ, and live. In response to his call we acknowledge our sins. God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel. Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Ministry of Prayer
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Link to Pray Daily from ACSQ
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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 sin
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 for ever. Amen.
The Sending out of God’s People
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Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, feeding us with your word, and encouraging us in our meeting together.
Take us and use us to love and serve you and all people, in the power of your Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing his will, working in you what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Transfiguration - Last Sunday After Epiphany Worship At Home
You can find a service of Prayer, Praise and Proclamation here to use at home.
Transfiguration
27 February 2022
A Service of Praise, Prayer and Proclamation
Sentence
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1.14
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Gracious God, we humbly thank you for life and health and safety, for freedom to work, leisure to rest, and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life. But, above all, we praise you for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, for his death and resurrection; for the gift of your Spirit; and for the hope of sharing in your glory. Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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O God, glorious and faithful,
you reveal the beauty of your face
to those who seek you with a sincere heart:
strengthen us in faith
to embrace the mystery of the cross,
and open our hearts to its transforming power,
so that, clinging in love to your will for us,
we may walk as followers of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
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29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32 Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34 but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
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1 The Lord is king, let the nations tremble:
he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion:
he is high above all nations.
3 Let them praise your great and terrible name:
for holy is the Lord.
4 The Mighty One is king and loves justice:
you have established equity,
you have dealt righteousness and justice in Jacob.
5 O exalt the Lord our God:
and bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his name:
they called to the Lord and he answered.
7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud:
they kept to his teachings and the law that he gave them.
8 You answered them, O Lord our God:
you were a forgiving God to them,
and pardoned their wrongdoing.
9 O exalt the Lord our God:
and bow down towards his holy hill,
for the Lord our God is holy.
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3 12 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 4 1 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
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28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
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I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen. -
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4.16
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love, but we have broken your holy laws and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins and turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.God desires that none should perish, but that all should turn to Christ, and live. In response to his call we acknowledge our sins. God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel. Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Ministry of Prayer
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Link to Pray Daily from ACSQ
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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 sin
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 for ever. Amen.
The Sending out of God’s People
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Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, feeding us with your word, and encouraging us in our meeting together.
Take us and use us to love and serve you and all people, in the power of your Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing his will, working in you what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
News from Charleville - February 2022
News from Charleville
From Irene Frances (Lay Minister in Charleville Parish) edited with permission by The Rev'd Michael. Stalley
I have been very busy on several fronts this year. As Lay Minister at All Saints Anglican Church, I have conducted three more funerals in the past five weeks, the last two on Saturday in Charleville and Monday morning in Augathella, about 90km away. In addition, I organised the combined churches Church service held on Sunday (we have one when there is a fifth Sunday in the month). The Lutheran minister led the service, which had an Australia Day theme. It was well attended, and these services are being described as a blessing to those who attend. On Sunday afternoon, I also had a meeting with key people from the different churches to discuss future events for this year. This includes a combined Alpha course to begin after Easter and a community picnic lunch on Easter Sunday, as well as further combined church services. It’s going to be a full year again.
One of the challenges of rural living is the distances we have to travel for medical services. My doctor recently sent me for tests in Roma. A ten-minute appointment required 6 hrs driving. This was made more please by how green the country side currently is.
So, life here is challenging, enjoyable, rich in so many ways and seldom mundane. It would be wonderful to have a minister to lead us, but Lindy and I do enjoy managing to guide our little flock. We have about 8 to 10 people each week and we are all learning to care for one another in practical ways.
I have begun visiting people in our aged care facility again and will begin our monthly services there tomorrow. These will primarily be song services as this seems to be what residents prefer. I’ll be using YouTube and Bluetooth to play older hymns, which they may recall from their younger days.
I am blessed to have contact with Rev’d Mark Vincent, St Paul’s Anglican Church, East Brisbane, who often phones to see how I’m going and has become something of a mentor for me. He’s teaching me how to say “no” to those things I am expected to do but which I do not have time or energy to follow up on. It surprises me how much is expected of me in this role when I am not ordained and I am well over the age of priests to continue in this work. It can be quite lonely in this role, hence why I appreciate Mark’s input and of course, Lindy’s care and support.
Lindy never ceases to amaze me with how much she does for our church and the community. Lindy and her husband have a property about 100km out of town as well as their town house, and she works for Anglicare as well as being a music teacher and very involved in organising the annual Charleville Performing Arts Festival, as well as being involved in the Charleville Show. Lindy has a rich Anglican heritage and her understanding of the Anglican scene is very helpful; she puts me straight when I get a bit lost in it. I think we are a good team – she is also the church Treasurer, and is preparing for the AGM to be held on Sunday.
That’s about it for now.
Many blessings to you and the St Bart’s family.
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany Worship At Home
You can find a service of Prayer, Praise and Proclamation here to use at home.
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
20 February 2022
A Service of Praise, Prayer and Proclamation
Sentence
Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. You will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Luke 6.35
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Gracious God, we humbly thank you for life and health and safety, for freedom to work, leisure to rest, and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life. But, above all, we praise you for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, for his death and resurrection; for the gift of your Spirit; and for the hope of sharing in your glory. Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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God of compassion,
keep before us the love you have revealed in your Son,
who prayed even for his enemies.
In our words and deeds help us to be like him,
through whom we pray,
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
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3 Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. 10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.” 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
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1 Do not vie with the wicked: or envy those that do wrong;
2 For they will soon wither like the grass: and fade away like the green leaf.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good: and you shall dwell in the land and feed in safe pastures.
4 Let the Lord be your delight: and he will grant you your heart’s desire.
5 Commit your way to the Lord: trust him, and he will act.
6 He will make your righteousness shine as clear as the light: and your innocence as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him: do not be vexed when someone prospers, when they put their evil purposes to work.
8 Let go of anger and abandon wrath: let not envy move you to do evil.
9 For the wicked shall be cut down: but those who wait for the Lord shall possess the land.
10 In a little while the ungodly shall be no more: you will look for them in their place, but they will not be found.
11 But the meek shall possess the land: and enjoy the abundance of peace.
40 Deliverance for the righteous shall come from the Lord: he is their strength in time of trouble.
41 The Lord will help them and deliver them: he will save them from the ungodly and deliver them, because they come to him for refuge.
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35 But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?’ 36 Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 Not all flesh is alike, but there is one flesh for human beings, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are both heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one thing, and that of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; indeed, star differs from star in glory. 42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living being’; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven. 50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
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27 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’
The Sermon will be posted here.
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I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen. -
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4.16
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love, but we have broken your holy laws and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins and turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.God desires that none should perish, but that all should turn to Christ, and live. In response to his call we acknowledge our sins. God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel. Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Ministry of Prayer
-
Link to Pray Daily from ACSQ
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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 sin
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 for ever. Amen.
The Sending out of God’s People
-
Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, feeding us with your word, and encouraging us in our meeting together.
Take us and use us to love and serve you and all people, in the power of your Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing his will, working in you what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
News for Sunday 20 February - 125th Anniversary Celebrations
Today we celebrate 125 years since the first Anglican service was held in a newly built church in Mt Gravatt. In reading the history of the first 100 years, I had a strong sense of the effort and sacrifice of clergy and laypeople to establish this faith community through difficult years. There are also stories of flourishing and growth, particularly in the second half of the 20th Century. It is great to remember and put together this church's story as it has sort to be the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt.
I find it very helpful to reflect on the ways faithful people have partnered with God and each other to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The early years have stories of profound dedication to the provision of worship here and the surrounding districts. After the establishment of the Mt Gravatt parish in the late '60s there was a proliferation of active groups such as CEB's and GFS, Mother's Union, and activities for the retired and elderly. Many of you will have memories of other activities and events that have formed the character and life of this church. The parish has played a vital role in supporting community initiatives such as Mens' Shed and Nathaniel House in more recent times.
Today's celebrations are not as grand as 25 years ago, but they are no less important. Our community and lives are very different even after this short period. Much of what we fondly remember is no longer, and we can wonder why.
I think we can draw hope from the faithfulness of those who have come before us, particularly how they responded to God's calling for the church and community at that time. It is our turn to ask the same question, how is God calling us now? It is timely to remember that the Gospel of love we have to share is dynamic. Once again, it can speak hope and love into our lives and the community around us. I invite you to join with others in our church to ask once more how God calls us to know Christ and make Christ known.
