Category: Life around the World

3rd Sunday in Advent, 15 Dec 2019, Matthew 11:2-11 ~ Report what you have seen and heard!

3rd Sunday in Advent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God of glory and compassion, at your touch the wilderness blossoms,
broken lives are made whole, and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.

Open our eyes to your presence and awaken our hearts to sing your praise.
To all who long for your Son’s return grant perseverance and patience,
that we may announce in word and deed the good news of the kingdom.

We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen
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“Isaiah 35: Streams In The Desert” – Terry Devine-King

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11 (NLT)

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!
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“What Joy (Psalm 146)” – Sarah Emerson

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Intercession:

Mighty and Everlasting God: You have sent Your Son to save us.Prepare and hearts to receive Him. And reveal the presence of your Kingdom as it advances around us. We pray –

+ That the blind may see, and the deaf hear…
+ That the sick may be healed, and the dead raised to life….
+ That the tired may be strengthened, and the weak encouraged….
+ That the poor may receive the Good News of your loving-kindness….
+ That sorrow and sadness may be replaced with gladness and joy….
+ That all who trust in Your Name may be filled with everlasting joy….

Mighty and Everlasting God: You have sent Your Son to save us. Prepare our hearts to celebrate His humble birth, and welcome His glorious return. We ask this in His powerful name, the name of Jesus! Amen.
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“Gaudete” – Steeleye Span

Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary – Rejoice!

The time of grace has come—What we have wished for;
Songs of joy Let us give back faithfully.

God has become man, With nature marveling,
The world has been renewed By the reigning Christ.

The closed gate of Ezekiel Is passed through,
Whence the light is risen; Salvation has been found.

Therefore, let our assembly Now sing in brightness
Let it bless the Lord: Salvation to our King.
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Closing: (Isaiah 35:3-4)

Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2nd Sunday in Advent, 08 Dec 2019, Matthew 3:1-12 ~ Prepare: repent and turn to God!

2nd Sunday in Advent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Your kingdom is at hand, O God of justice and peace; you made John the Baptist its herald to announce the coming of your Christ, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Give us a spirit of repentance to make us worthy of the kingdom. Let complacency yield to conviction, that in our day justice will flourish and conflict give way to the peace you bestow in Christ.

Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” – Red Mountain Music

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 (NLT)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

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Prepare The Way” – Simply Taizé

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Intercession:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

And now Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for the church and for the world as we prepare for the return of Christ Jesus in glory. We pray especially –

+ For the peace of the whole world, especially in the Middle East,
that all may repent and turn to you….

+ For the well-being and unity of your people, throughout the world,
that all may repent and turn to you….

+ For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad,
that all may repent and turn to you….

+ For all who teach and disciple others at home and abroad,
that all may repent and turn to you….

+ For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service,
that all may repent and turn to you….

For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith,
that all may repent and turn to you….

+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity,
that all may repent and turn to you….

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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“Isaiah 11:1-10 Lo A Rose E’re Blooming” – Sting

https://youtu.be/GbcBXYP4AlE?rel=0
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Closing: (Romans 15:13)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

1st Sunday in Advent, 01 Dec 2019, Matthew 24:37-44 ~ You must be ready all the time.

1st Sunday in Advent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God of majesty and power, amid the clamor of our violence your Word of truth resounds;
upon a world made dark by sin the Sun of Justice casts his dawning rays.

Keep your household watchful and aware of the hour in which we live. Hasten the advent of that day when the sounds of war will be for ever stilled, the darkness of evil scattered, and all your children gathered into one.

We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Sing to the King” – The Dills

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44 (NLT)

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

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“Wait For The Lord” – Taizé

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Intercession:

Almighty God: we await the coming of Your Son in glory to judge the living and the dead. Hear us now, and prepare us to welcome Him. We pray especially –

+ For the protection of those who are suffering dislocation and dispossession from war in Syria…. Lord, save them.
+ For the healing of those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit, feeling hopeless and alone….. Lord, comfort them.
+ For peace within the walls of Jerusalem, that all who love this city may prosper…. Lord, bless us.
+ For believers around the world, that we may be ready to meet Jesus when He returns…. Lord, awaken us.
+ For believers around the world, that we may love You, and love our neighbors…. Lord, help us….

Almighty God: You want what is best for Your people, hear our prayers and help us , through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Wake, Awake for Night is Flying” – Wartburg Choir

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Closing: (Romans 13:11.13)

“Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.
So… clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Christ the King Sunday, 24 Nov 2019, Luke 23:35-43 ~ Jesus, remember me…

Christ the King Sunday

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us your Son, the beloved one who was rejected, the Savior who appeared defeated. Yet the mystery of his kingship illumines our lives. Show us in his death the victory that crowns the ages, and in his broken body the love that unites heaven and earth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

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“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (Crown Him) -Michael W. Smith

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Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35-43 (NLT)

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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“Jesus Remember Me” – Taizé

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Intercession:

Lord our God, King of the universe: we come to you with the certain hope of our victory in Jesus. Remember us, and hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders worldwide, that they may be true servants, like Christ our King….
+ For the Jewish people, that they may continue to grow in the love of God’s name….
+ For world leaders, that they may work for the well-being of all peoples….
+ For displaced persons and refugees, that they may receive protection and provision….
+ For all who serve the community, that they may not give in to discouragement….
+ For people who suffer in mind or body, that the suffering king of Calvary may be their strength….

Lord our God, King of the universe, you are the source of your people’s joy! Hear our prayers we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Victory In Jesus” – The Band Steele

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Closing: (Colossians 1:11-20)

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

  • He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.
  • He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
  • Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
  • Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.
  • He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.
  • For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself.
  • He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

23rd Sunday after Pentecost, 17 Nov 2019, Luke 21:5-19 ~ expect a time of great persecution

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Lord God of all the ages, the One who is, who was, and who is to come, stir up within us a longing for your kingdom, steady our hearts in time of trial, and grant us patient endurance until the sun of justice dawns. We pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“God Of Our Fathers Whose Almighty Hand” -Men’s Choir with Brass band

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Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19(NLT)

Jesus Speaks about the Future

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
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“Stand Firm” – Grace Stewart and Crystal Harris.

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Intercession:

Faithful God, Ruler of heaven and earth, hear the cries of Your people living under great distress and persecution. We pray especially –

+ For the poor people of the world – that those of us who are rich may never forget them….

+ For the victims of human trafficking – that they may receive justice and their dignity be respected….

+ For homeless families and children of the world – that they may receive Your protection and provision….

+ For those who live in fear of the end of the world – that they may know You and receive comfort….

+ For those in need in our own community – that we may show them Your compassion, kindness and love….

+ For those who are sick in body, mind, and spirit – that they may receive the healing offered through Your Son….

Faithful God, You rule the world with grace and truth: show us Your mercy and help us we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“But For You Who Fear My Name” – The Welcome Wagon

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Closing: (Malachi 4:2-3)

On the Day of Judgement: You who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen