After Pentecost | Monday 25 Sep 2023
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening:
O Lord, you have taught us
that without love, all our deeds are worth nothing:
Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of charity,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you;
grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Help [Phoebe] in whatever she needs,
for she has been helpful to many,
and especially to me.
(Romans 16:2b)
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From Psalms: Psalm 119 – Mem (Poor Bishop Hooper)
oh how i love your law i think about it all day long
your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies
for it’s always ever constantly with me
yes i have oh i have more understanding
than my elders than my teachers for i’ve kept your testimonies
from every evil way i’ll keep my feet
i don’t turn aside from the rules that you have taught me
how sweet oh how sweet
are your words they’re sweeter much sweeter than honey
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OT Reading: Exodus 16:31-35 (NLT)
16:31 The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.
Then Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: Fill a two-quart container with manna to preserve it for your descendants. Then later generations will be able to see the food I gave you in the wilderness when I set you free from Egypt.”
Moses said to Aaron, “Get a jar and fill it with two quarts of manna. Then put it in a sacred place before the Lord to preserve it for all future generations.” Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded Moses. He eventually placed it in the Ark of the Covenant—in front of the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant. So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.
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Family of God – Curtis Grimes
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
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NT Reading: Romans 16:1-16 (NLT)
Paul Greets His Friends
16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
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“Welcome Home” – Walking By Faith (Great American Gospel)
There’s a day just out in front of us
I know will surely come
That eastern sky will open wide
Revealing God’s dear son
And I know from here to Heaven
Is but the twinkling of an eye
And in the midst of all his glory
You’ll hear the sweetest cry
Welcome Home
I knew you’d come
Welcome Home
You’re here for good
Look around
Was it worth the wait?
Welcome Home
Step through the gate
I believe at least for me
I’ll see my mom and dad
My brothers and my sisters there
Everywhere you look are friends
Oh, the greetings will be precious
From those we’ve loved so dear
But no mortal man has ever heard
The likes of when he hears
Welcome Home
I knew you’d come
Welcome Home
You’re here for good
Look around
Was it worth the wait?
Welcome home
Step through the gate
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+ O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen. (Francis Xavier)
+ O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen. (Julian of Norwich)
Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch
Grant us the confidence, Lord
to step out in faith and become
the people we are meant to be.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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