JOYOUS ADDITIONS
It was bitterly cold morning, and as a consequence there were absentees, but it was with real joy that we were able to receive into membership Jennifer Norris and Barbara Ward. This reception was a by a decision of the church meeting. It recognised the tremendous contribution to the life and work of our fellowship here at Agnew Road. The service was led by Tom Birch and the organist was Jonathan Davies.
The order of service for this extraordinarily special day was as shown below.
WORDS ON WHICH TO MEDITATE AS WE PREPARED FOR WORSHIP
Fill us, O Lord,
with your Holy Spirit that we may see all heaven before our eyes,
rejoice in the glory of your kingdom and set forth in our praise the wonders of your redeeming love;
and this we ask through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
(Jacob Boehme)
THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
An elder carried in an open Bible and placed it on or near the communion table.
In true Reformed tradition this simple act is a reminder that our authority is God’s Word revealed to us in Scripture open before us.
WE ALL STOOD AS THE BIBLE WAS BROUGHT INTO CHURCH AND PLACED BEFORE THE CONGREGATION AND REMAINED STANDING FOR THE CALL TO WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP
Lord Jesus Christ,
Word of God,
Saviour of the world and King of saints;
accept the worship of your church and through its ministry speak to us,
save us,
and bring us to eternal life:
for your name’s sake.
AMEN
(CNR Wallwork)
HYMN 34: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty (Tune: Nicaea. Music: JB Dykes. Words: John Marriott.)
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
- RECEPTION OF MEMBERS
The Introduction
The Affirmation
THE PROMISE OF THE CONGREGATION: When invited to the congregation responded with the words: We do, and with God’s help we will
The Welcome: The elders present greet the new members with the right hand of fellowship as a sign of welcome.
HYMN 74: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! (Tune: Lobe den Herren. Music: Later form of melody in Stralsund Gesanbuch as given in The Chorale Book of England. Words: Joachim Neander translated by Catherine Winkworth and other based on Psalm 103: 1-5; Psalm 150; etc.)
A TALK ABOUT FOR ALL THE CHURCH FAMILY
HYMN 95: God is love: let heaven adore him (Tune: Blaenwern. Music: WP Rowlands. Words: Timothy Rees.)
NOTICES FOR THE COMING WEEK AND THE ELDERS WAITED ON US FOR OUR MORNING GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Living Lord,
it is because you give to us generously every day that we have these gifts to offer.
As we bring them in thankfulness,
and offer them in love,
may we grow in the grace of giving,
now and always.
AMEN
MINISTRY OF THE WORD
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah, Chapter 40, Verses 21 to 31
Bench ‘Good News Bible’ Old Testament page 703: Who has not sometimes felt overwhelmed by a sense of their own insignificance, that God has forgotten them, is too great to be bothered with them. This magnificent passage stresses the incomparable majesty and glory of God who is, literally, beyond compare. God’s immense reservoir of power and strength is available to those who consider that they are weary and powerless.
HYMN 197: Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all (Tune: Au clair de la lune. Music: French traditional melody arranged by Paul Bateman. Words: Margaret Cropper.)
GOSPEL: Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 29 to 39
Bench ‘Good News Bible’ New Testament page 46: God’s reign in human life is not an optional extra but the whole purpose of God in Christ’s coming. Note the demons are not allowed to speak because they know who Jesus really is. So, of course, does the reader of the Gospel! Help those around us to know who Jesus really is, the living Lord and not a figure from the past.
A WORD IN SEASON
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE
HYMN 452: Let us break bread together in the Lord (Tune: Let us break bread together. Music: Afro-American folk-song harmonised by Gerre Hancock. Words: based on an Afro-American Spiritual.)
THE INVITATION TO THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Come to this sacred table,
not because you must but because you may;
come, not to declare that you are righteous,
but that you desire to be true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ:
come, not because you are strong,
but because you are weak;
not because you have any claim on heaven’s rewards,
but because in your frailty you stand in constant need of heaven’s mercy and help.
At this point in the service, none needed feel they had to leave. In this Church all are invited to share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. However, if you cannot, for whatever reason, accept the bread and wine when it is offered to you then, simply, make an indication to the elder. There is no obligation to accept, and no offence not to take. But please stay and share in the rich fellowship of the Sacrament. In our Reformed tradition, you may see people move forward to gather round the Table of the Lord. They occupy alternate rows starting from the front benches. You can join them. However, you can remain where you are sat and the elders will come to you with the bread and wine.
THE APPROACH TO COMMUNION
THE INSTITUTION
- THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD AND WINE
It is our usual practice to wait until all have received the bread and we eat together, and then similarly with the wine, waiting until all have received a glass and drinking together. If you cannot, for whatever reason, accept the bread or wine when it is offered to you then simply, make an indication to the elder. There is no obligation to accept, and no offence not to take.
A TIME OF QUIET REFLECTION
We live in a world of grief and tears,
but you promise us the consolation of heaven.
We live in a world of bereavement and death,
but you promise us the comfort of new life of heaven.
We live in a society ruined by crime and greed,
but you promise us a heaven of sharing and equality.
We live in a society filled with hate,
but you promise us a place in heaven surrounded by love.
Lord of heaven and earth,
we give thanks for our being one with you.
Enable us to play our part in creating heaven on earth,
knowing that we are already living in your kingdom,
under your authority and you love.
May your kingdom come,
your will be done,
for ever and ever.
AMEN
- PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING, INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
- HYMN 613: Lord, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of thy tone (Tune: Fulda. Music: Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies harmonised by Eric H Thiman. Words: Frances Ridley Havergal.)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
THE BLESSING
Go in the peace of God,
to receive each day as a gift from his hands,
to live each day by the values of Jesus,
and to find his Spirit with you in all times and places.
And the blessing of God,
Father,
Son and Holy Spirit,
be with you always.
AMEN