MORNING WORSHIP
on the occasion of the
CIVIC VISIT
of Cllr Russell & Mrs Christine FORSYTH,
Mayor & Mayoress of the
Borough of Wyre
1st Sunday after EPIPHANY
From left to right: Mr Tom Birch, Mrs Christine Forsyth, mayoress, and Cllr Russell Forsyth, mayor, Mrs Joanne Leadbetter & County Cllr Stan Leadbetter, a past-mayoress & mayor of the Borough of Wyre
It was with genuine joy that we welcomed the Mayor & Mayoress, Cllr & Mrs Russell Forsyth. The welcomers were Maggie Howarth & Wendy Slattery along with Rene Stevenson & Ann Shadbolt. The duty elders were Jean Roby & Rene. Our morning prayers were led by Ann & Wendy. And the scriptures were read by County Cllr Stan Leadbetter and the Mayor, Cllr Russell Forsyth. John Gibson was the organist and the service was led by Tom Birch. Terrific thanks go to those who did a brilliant job with the after-service refreshments. (We really must get through the mince–pies which must be ‘maturing’ extraordinarily well by now!)
The morning’s service was built on the two readings: Isaiah, with its message of not despairing, giving up because to change society seems a hopeless, frustrating, futile task; and, Matthew, pointing to each individual being commissioned and assigned to bring about a more just society and liberty enabling those who are trapped to break out into the light of truth. And, all because each individual serves, using the gifts and talents with which they have been endowed, wherever God in Christ has placed them.
WORDS ON WHICH TO MEDITATE AS WE PREPARED FOR WORSHIP
When I reach rock-bottom,
God you are the only one who listens.
I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord.
I carry so much guilt, God.
Only you can deal with it.
I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord.
My soul longs for you to ease my trouble and to lighten my darkness.
I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord.
Only you can save me, God.
Only you can save the world.
And you will!
I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord.
(Based on Psalm 130)
THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
THE CALL TO WORSHIP
The Lord’s love is surely not exhausted,
nor has his compassion failed,
they are new every morning,
so great is his constancy.
HYMN: Lord of all being, throned afar, your glory flames from sun and star (Tune: Ombersley. Music: WH Gladstone. Words: OW Holmes.)
PRAYERS OF ADORATION AND CONFESSION
HYMN: Think of a world without any flowers, think of a wood without any trees (Tune: Genesis. Music: Graham Westcott. Words: Bunty Newport and children from Emmanuel Junior Church, Cambridge.)
NOTICES FOR THE COMING WEEK AND WE OFFER OUR MORNING GIFTS
OFFERING PRAYER
You give us so much, Father:
life itself,
our time,
talents and resources;
our families and friends;
and you have given your Son to serve and save the world.
In gratitude for your many gifts,
we offer our lives to you that we may serve you and others to the glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
AMEN
THE WORD OF GOD
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah, Chapter 42, Verses 1 to 9
Bench ‘Good News Bible’ Old Testament page 705: This text is an announcement from God of his powerful resolve to do “new things” through the Servant who is the means whereby God’s newness will be implemented. There are those who are too bruised and have had a light crushed out of them. Now hope shapes life in the midst of a long, long history of hopelessness.
HYMN: The Church of Christ, in every age beset by change but Spirit led (Tune: Herongate. Music: English Traditional melody arranged by R Vaughan Williams. Words: F Pratt Green.)
GOSPEL: Matthew, Chapter 3, Verses 13 to 17
Bench ‘Good News Bible’ New Testament page 5: Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism says something about the nature of Christian baptism – a marking out. Those who receive it are not only given distinctive names, but by the Spirit are commissioned to obedient, faithful service, to follow the path blazed by the unique Son of God. Their task, like his, has to do with establishing justice in the earth.
- · A WORD IN SEASON
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
HYMN: Servant of all, to toil for man you didst not, Lord, refuse (Tune St Agnes (Dykes). Music: John Bacchus Dykes. Words: Charles Wesley.)
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING, INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: Your hand, O God, has guided your flock, from age to age (Tune: Thornbury. Music: Basil Harwood. Words: Edward Hayes Plumptre.)
THE DISMISSAL AND BLESSING
Come,
Spirit of God,
breathe life into our tired minds,
strength to weakened limbs,
sight to clouded eyes,
warmth into hearts that are cold and loveless.
Come,
Spirit of God,
bring power into ineffective lives,
turn apathy to passion for your cause,
renew,
refresh,
illuminate our soul,
and send us out,
to glorify your name.