2nd Sunday of Advent, 06 December: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6 ~ make a pathway for joy

aySecond Sunday of Advent

Our time of waiting continues as we prepare a pathway for the Lord.

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

Opening Prayer:

God of our salvation, You straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin. Make our conduct blameless, keep our hearts watchful in holiness, and bring to perfection the good You have begun in us. 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.
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Hymn: “Joy to the World (unspeakable Joy)” – Chris Tomlin

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Baruch 5:1-9 (NRSVCE)
[Baruch looks to the day when God will guide all people, bringing them joy.]

Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting; for God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. For God will give you evermore the name, “Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.”

joy-to-the-world1

Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God’s command. For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 126 (NLT)

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
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“Shir Ha Ma’alot – Song of Ascents (Psalm 126)” – New Messianic Songs

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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 (NLT)
[Paul encourages the people of Philippi, and tells them to prepare inwardly for the ‘Day of Christ Jesus’.]

Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
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God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 3:1-6 (NLT)
[John the Baptist’s words and actions remind the people of Isaiah’s call to repentance.]

RepentancePathwayToJoy

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Isaiah had spoken of 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! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”
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Hymn: “Prepare The Way” – Terry MacAlmon

Prepare the way | Make straight the path for Him | Let the King of Glory enter in | Let the King of Glory enter in

Intercessions:

Lord God: What amazing things You have done for us. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth in humility, may we also prepare for Christ’s return in glory. Lord, hear us.

+ Remember Your people and move with righteous power throughout the world – that all believers may walk safely in the glory of Your presence…. Lord, hear us.
+ Comfort Your people, especially those of us suffering from the death and destruction of terrorism – protect us and deliver us from evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ Raise up those of us who are burdened and weighed down by our troubles – that we may know with certainty that justice and righteousness will prevail when Christ returns…. Lord, hear us.
+ Make straight the twists and turns in our lives, smooth out the rough places – that we may be witnesses to the salvation in Christ that You have already sent us…. Lord, hear us.
+ Fill us with the knowledge and understanding of what really matters – that we live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return…. Lord, hear us.
+ Produce in us the fruit of Your salvation, the righteous character produced in our lives by Jesus Christ — that we may bring You much glory and praise.
+ Give us complete confidence – that You will finish in us the good work You have already begun when Christ Jesus returns…. Lord, hear us.

Everlasting God, Your kindness fills us with expectation. Lead us with joy, in the light of Your glory, with the mercy and righteousness that comes from You. Hear us and help us in our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Everlasting God” (Chris Tomlin)

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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

1st Sunday of Advent, 29 November: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 ~ vigilance!

First Sunday of Advent

Advent begins today. It is a 4-week season for preparing our hearts to behold our Savior, the prophesied Messiah. May this season draw our hearts back to reflect on what has already been done and propel us onward into a new year of expectation and readiness for His next glorious appearing!

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

Opening Prayer:

God our Savior, You utter a word of promise and hope and hasten the day of justice and freedom, yet we live in a world forgetful of Your word, our watchfulness dulled by the cares of life. Keep us alert. Make us attentive to Your word, ready to look on Your Son when He comes with power and great glory. Make us holy and blameless, ready to stand secure when the day of His coming shakes the world with terror. 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.
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Hymn: “”Intro & Prepare Ye The Way”” – Michael W. Smith [A New Hallelujah]

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NLT)
[Jeremiah’s prophecy looks to the day when a son of David will bring salvation. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus.]

“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.

“In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 (NLT)

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
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The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
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The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
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The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
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“Psalm 25” – The Psalm Project

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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 (NLT)
[Grow in love, says Paul; be blameless when the Lord comes in glory.]

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 (NLT)
[Jesus warns his followers to be vigilant.]

vigilance eagle

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
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“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
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Hymn: “Lord I Need You” – Matt Maher

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Intercessions:

Because God is faithful and loving, we can approach Him with confidence.

+ For all believers – that we may be found ready when the Lord comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all people of good will – that we may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families, especially those who suffer – that they may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear – that they may find new courage in this new year…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people burdened by addiction – that the liberation promised by the Lord may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer, in mind or body or spirit – that they may experience God’s healing power…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died – that they may have peace and rest in the Kingdom…. Lord, hear us.

Lord, You are a true friend to those who revere You: be our comfort and support in all our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Light Of The World” – Lauren Daigle

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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

Sunday, 22 November: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37 ~ Jesus is King today, tomorrow and forever

Celebration: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Today we acclaim Jesus Christ as our King, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer Him praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of His Kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.
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Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, You have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away. Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and, as a royal and priestly people, serve You humbly in our brothers and sisters. Grant 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.
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Hymn: “O worship the King”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 7:13-14 (NLT)
[Daniel’s prophetic vision shows Jesus (son of man) becoming king in heaven.]

The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré, ca. 1868 [Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.] The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002. Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario. — The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism
Gustave Doré, ca. 1868
[Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.]
The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002.
Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 93:1-2, 5 (NLT)

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.

Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past.
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Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.
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“Psalm 93: Lord is King, He is Robed in Majesty!” Bill Monaghan

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A Reading from the Letters: Revelation 1:5-8 (NLT)
[Jesus, ruler of the kings of the earth, will come in glory.]

He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him — even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!

Jesus alpha omega Jerusalem

“I am the Alpha and the Omega — the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come — the Almighty One.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 18:33-37 (NLT)
[Jesus debates his kingship with Pilate, and commits his followers to stand on the side of truth.]

“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked him.

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
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Hymn: “Jesus is King”

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Intercessions:

King Jesus: hear our prayers –

+ For all believers – that we may endeavor to make the justice, truth, love and peace of the Kingdom of God a reality…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who lead nations – that people in positions of power may seek truth and justice for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For citizens of all the countries on earth – that we may work together for justice and peace for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that our lives may show that You, King Jesus, rule our hearts…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and sorrowful – that in our friendship and love they may experience Your healing mercies…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those injured and bereaved in the Paris and Mali attacks – that You, King Jesus, may be close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, those whose lives were so cruelly taken in Paris and Mali, and all the dead whom we remember in our hearts – that they may share Your glory, King Jesus…. Lord, hear us.

O God, You rule Your people with love and compassion: hear our prayers and give us the help we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Thou, Oh Lord” – Parkway Worship Ministry

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Benediction:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

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

Sunday, 15 November: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32 ~ God, my guard and my guide on the path of life

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer:

Your creation, O God, runs its appointed course, as from the ends of the earth You gather a people You call Your own. Confirm us in the strength of Your abiding word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may without fear rejoice to behold His appearing. 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.
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Hymn: “God You are my God” – Desperation Band

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3 (NLT)
[Daniel gives a prophecy of the end of time, when the virtuous will be rewarded.]

Andrei Rublev Archangel Michael early XV century, ie 1410 From the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

“At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 16:5, 8-11 (NLT)

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
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I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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“Psalm 16 – The Path of Life” – Diocese of St. Benedict

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 (NLT)
[What many priests did in former times, Christ does now: he has achieved our perfection.]

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
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And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:24-32 (NLT)
[Jesus repeats Daniel’s prophecy, adding that only the Father knows when the end will come.]

“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume this weekend, Chile's Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber. — Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume, Chile’s Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
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Hymn: “Jesus is Coming Again”

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Intercessions:

The Lord is at our side to support us, let us approach His throne of grace with confidence.

+ For all Christians – that we may be found ready, when the Savior comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear of death – that Your consoling Word may be their support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, and their families – that they may put their trust in You, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prison officers and all who maintain our jails – that they may show sensitivity and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer, in body, mind or spirit – that Your powerful presence may help them to stand firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the bereaved – that in this season of remembrance they find healing and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, and for all the victims of terrorism in Paris – that they and all our beloved dead may awake to everlasting life…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord, You are our portion and cup, You support us all our days: hear our prayers for all your people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark

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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

Sunday, 08 November: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146:7-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 ~ simple gifts and expectations

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshiping hearts and voices.
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God, our provider, You are the orphan’s hope and the widow’s bread. Strengthen our faith, that with simplicity of heart we may come to trust in You alone and hold back nothing in serving You. Grant 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.
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Hymn: “We Come Rejoicing” – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Kings 17:10-16 (NLT)
[A poor widow’s hospitality to Elijah the prophet is rewarded.]

So [Elijah] went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10 (NLT)

He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly.

The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord!
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“What Joy (Psalm 146)” – Sarah Emerson

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 9:24-28 (NLT)
[Christ offers his sacrifice once and for all. When he comes in glory, he will reward those who wait for him.]

For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 12:38-44 (NLT)
[Unlike the showy religious leaders, the poor widow gives with generosity of heart.]

Widows Mite james c christensen art — Widows Mite
james c christensen art

Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
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Hymn: “Even So” – Terry MacAlmon

Even so / Come Lord Jesus come / Even so / Take your bride away / How my soul / Longs to be with you my Lord / Even so / Even so / Come Lord Jesus come
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Intercessions:

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down, so let us come before Him with confidence. Lord, hear our prayers:

+ For all Christian leaders – that their faith may be genuine and sincere…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians everywhere – that we may be generous to the poor…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that we may be open to conversation with people whose convictions are different from ours…. Lord, hear us.
+ For church pastors – that they may help their congregations to have hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those with little to call their own – that their trust in You may bring many blessings…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in Syria, and for divine protection for the Syrian refugees who seek a temporary home in Europe…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, particularly those who have lost their lives through war or violence – that they, and all we have lost to death, may enjoy eternal salvation…. Lord, hear us.

Loving God, You support those in sorrow or pain: help us in all our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “He Reigns” Newsboys

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Benediction:

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

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

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