Organ Prelude: Voluntary in G – 1st Movement – William Walond
CALL TO WORSHIP
The glory of God shines like a consuming fire.
We have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The voice of God thunders like a mighty storm.
Out of the cloud, God speaks: This is my beloved Son; listen to him!
PRAYER OF CAEDMON
Now we must honour the guardian of heaven, the might of the architect,
and his purpose, the work of the father of glory, as he, the eternal lord,
established the beginning of wonders;
he first created for the children of earth, heaven as a roof, the holy creator.
Then the guardian of humankind, the eternal lord,
afterwards appointed the middle earth,
the lands for us all, the Lord almighty.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God alone is righteous; God alone is perfect; God alone is judge.
Yet this holy, righteous God comes to us in love, to save us.
Rejoicing in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
God of all glory, beauty, and grace, we have tried to hide from you,
to hide our faces, to hide our sin, yet you have never hidden your love for us.
We have tried to search for you, in temples, in clouds, on mountaintops –
yet you have already revealed yourself to us in the face of Jesus Christ.
Forgive us, and transform us so that our lives
may shine with your glory, beauty, and grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Our God comes and does not keep silence;
God speaks to us with grace and love,
saying: You are my beloved child.
This is the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
READING: Matthew 21: 1-11
READING: 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31
SERMON: THE WAY OF THE CROSS
(A video of Kevin’s sermon can be seen here)
HYMN
Text: Robert Bridges after J Neander (RS 586)
Tune: Michael by Herbert Howells
All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.
Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.
God’s great goodness aye endureth,
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th’ Almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.
Still from earth to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.
PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD
Mighty and merciful one, you have come to us in glory;
now we come to you in prayer, saying,
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
Holy and mighty God, gather us among your faithful ones,
the people of your covenant,to stand in the light of your glory
and listen for the word of the Lord, Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
Speak to us, O Lord our God, and let the fire of your Spirit
burn brightly in our hearts. Open our minds to receive
the wisdom of the law, the hope of the prophets,
and the life of the gospel: Jesus Christ, your living Word.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
We pray for your glorious creation. . . .
Stamp out fires of destruction, drive away clouds of pollution,
and restore the beauty of this world.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
We pray for the body of Christ. . . .
Open our hearts in faith, enlighten our minds with knowledge,
and strengthen us to proclaim the gospel.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
We pray for the people of all nations. . . .
Show the nations your vision of justice,
offer the leaders your mantle of wisdom,
and give the people your blessing of peace.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
We pray for those who are perishing. . . .
Feed those who are starving,
comfort those who are suffering,
and receive the dying into your arms.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
We pray for those whom we love. . . .
Bless our families, friends, and neighbours,
help them in times of trouble,
and be near when they are afraid.
Lord, by your Spirit, grant what we ask.
Holy One, make us ready for the day
when this world is transfigured,
transformed, made new— when all things will shine
in the dazzling light of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHARGE and BLESSING
Now go and tell the good news:
the Lord of life and light is with us;
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Amen.
The very face of God shines upon you,
with beauty, blessing, and peace. Alleluia!
WE SAY THE GRACE TOGETHER
Organ Voluntary: Allegro – John Stanley, arr. Patrick Williams
