Hello and Welcome to St John the Baptist. Just So you Know.... The words and hymns will be on the screens at the front of church but can also be followed using this book together with a hymn book if this is your preference Our hymn book also contain the bible readings, so the hymns don’t actually start until have way through the book. If you need a larger print service or hymn book then please ask at the back of church. We also have service books printed on different coloured paper if would find them easier to read. Again if you need one of these ask at the back of church. If you need the toilet then there is one at the back of church
We have a loop system, so if you have a hearing aid please put it to the T-posiition We would love it if you stayed for refreshments. Drinks are served in room on the front right hand side of church after the service. If required, a first aid kit can be found in the kitchen area at the back of church. If there is a need to evacuate the church for any reason, then this will be announced verbally. The assembly point is the War Memorial between the Churchyard and the Car Park. All Images © either FaithClipart.com, Back to Church Sunday or ChurchillClipArt CCL Licence 252297 Calmus License 2239 Liturgy© The Archbishops’ Council 2000-2006 and © Iona Community.
1 !
Prophet voices speaking clear, like a burning flame, making sure our world will never be the same. John the Baptist telling us God wants to forgive, calling us to change the way we work and live.
We meet in the presence of God who knows our needs, hears our cries, feels our pain, and heals our wounds. Come and light the candles on the Advent ring, scattering the darkness till the world shall sing.
Mary, full of courage, echoing God’s yes, going on the journey God will greatly bless. Jesus in the midst of us, filling us with joy, giving us the life which nothing can destroy. © Janet Morley (Tune: Glenfinlas) from Candles and Confiers Wild Goose Publications
We are all God’s people, waiting in this place, hoping that in Jesus we shall see God’s face. 2 !
Reading At the end of the reading the reader will say Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon our path. Lift up your heads to the coming King; Bow before Him and adore Him, sing To His majesty, let your praises be Pure and holy, giving glory To the King of kings. Steven Fry. © 1974 BMG Songs Inc/Birdwing Music/ EMI Christian Music Publishing/ Adm. by CopyCare. Reading Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N. Glory to you, O Lord.
At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon Response Hymn We say together in faith Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. We believe in God the Father, who created all things: for by his will they were created and have their being. We believe in God the Son, who was slain: for with his blood, he purchased us for God, from every tribe and language, from every people and nation. 3 !
We believe in God the Holy Spirit: the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ Even so come, Lord Jesus! Amen. Lift up your heads to the coming King; Bow before Him and adore Him, sing To His majesty, let your praises be Pure and holy, giving glory To the King of kings. When the Lord comes he will bring to light things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.
Lord have Mercy on us, Hear us when we pray; Lord have Mercy on us, Take our sin away. Christ have Mercy on us Hear us when we pray; Christ have Mercy on us Take our sin away. Lord have Mercy on us, Hear us when we pray; Lord have Mercy on us, Take our sin away. Words by Michael Forster Copyright 1995 Kevin Mayhew Ltd The Lord enrich you with his grace, and nourish you with his blessing; the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil; the Lord accept your prayers, and absolve you from your offences, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 4 !
Lift up your heads to the coming King; Bow before Him and adore Him, sing To His majesty, let your praises be Pure and holy, giving glory To the King of kings. In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. Come to your Church as Lord and Judge. We pray for ... Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your Kingdom. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to your world as King of the nations. We pray for ... Before you rulers will stand in silence. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to the suffering as Saviour and Comforter. We pray for ... Break in to our lives where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you for ever. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember‌ Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come from heaven Lord Jesus with power and great glory. Lift us up to meet you, that with (N and) all your saints and angels we may live and reign with you in your new creation. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus Silence 5 !
Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay, give new courage to your people who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. The Collect The Collect is said, and all respond Amen. Lift up your heads to the coming King; Bow before Him and adore Him, sing To His majesty, let your praises be Pure and holy, giving glory To the King of kings.
The Peace Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you. A Collection is taken while we prepare for Holy Communion As the grain once scattered in the fields and the grapes once dispersed on the hillside are now reunited on this table in bread and wine, so, Lord, may your whole Church soon be gathered together from the corners of the earth into your kingdom. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
6 !
The Lord be with you And also with you Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation; in your love you made us for yourself. When we turned away you did not reject us, but came to meet us in your Son. You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you. In Christ you shared our life that we might live in him and he in us. He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.
On the night he was betrayed at upper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his body is the bread of life. At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me. Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all.
7 !
As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory ,send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son. As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord. With your whole Church throughout the world we offer you this sacrifice of praise and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven: Holy, holy, holy the Lord, God of endless power and might, the earth, the heav’ns are full of your love. Sing hosanna! Glory to God!
Blest is he, the one who is sent In the name of God the Most High. O Holy, holy, holy our Lord! Sing hosanna! Glory to God! Words by Michael Forster to tune Scarborough Fair arranged by Colin Hand. Copyright 1995 Kevin Mayhew Ltd Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen 8 !
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
All are invited to receive communion. If you do not wish to receive communion but would like a blessing please bring this book with you so that we know. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Final
Hymn
9 !
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. As we await our coming Saviour, go in peace to love and serve the Lord In the name of Christ. Amen.
CHRISTMAS Opening
Hymn
Christ is the light of the world! Praise to Christ our light Christ has brought us out of darkness; To live in his marvellous light. God shines in our hearts; Praise to Christ our light!
!10
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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. The Advent Candles are lit Blessed are you, Sovereign Lord, King of Peace: to you be praise and glory for ever! The new light of your incarnate word gives gladness in our sorrow, and a presence in our isolation. Fill our lives with your light, until they overflow with gladness and praise. Blessed be God for ever.
Christ the Light of the World Has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts. In his light let us examine ourselves. And confess our sins. Lord of grace and truth, we confess our unworthiness. To stand in your presence as your children. We have sinned. Forgive and heal us Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus. Forgive our disobedience to your will. We have sinned. Forgive and heal us. Your Son our Saviour was born in poverty. Forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. We have sinned. Forgive and heal us. The shepherds left their flocks, to go to Bethlehem. Forgive our self interest and lack of vision. We have sinned. Forgive and heal us. 11 !
The wise men followed the star to find Jesus the King. Forgive our reluctance to seek you. We have sinned. Forgive and heal us. May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw you to himself, That you may behold the glory of his Son, the word made flesh, and be cleansed from all your sins through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Glory be to God in heaven, songs of joy and peace we bring, thankful hearts and voices raising, to creation’s Lord we sing: Lord, we thank you, Lord, we bless you, glory be to God our King. glory be to God our King
Lamb of God who on your shoulders, bore the load of this world’s sin, only Son of God the Father, you have brought us peace within: Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, now your glorious reign begin. now your glorious reign begin. You, O Son of God, are holy, you we praise with one accord; none in heaven or earth is like you, only you are Christ the Lord with the Father, and the Spirit, ever worshipped and adored. ever worshipped and adored. Words by Edwin le Grice to the the tune of Cwm Rhondda 1991 Kevin Mayhew !12
The Collect The Collect is said, and all respond Amen. Readings At the end of the reading the reader will say This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gradual
Hymn
Gospel Reading Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N. Glory to you, O Lord. At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon
Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God. Allthough he was divine, he did not cling to equality with God, but made himself nothing. Taking the form of a slave, he was born in human likeness. He humbled himself and was obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has raised him on high, and given him the name above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. cf Philippians 2.6-11 !13
Christ born for us, Son of God given for us: help us to know you, to worship and to serve you ... Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. Wonderful counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth‌ Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness... Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. Everlasting father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, bless our families and renew our communities... Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Prince of peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give to all who suffer‌ your gift of wholeness and peace. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, full of the Spirit, hear our prayer, receive our praises, fill our lives. Amen. The Peace Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and his name is called the Price of Peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. A Collection is taken while we prepare for Holy Communion
!14
The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. By his mercy we present our whole lives to God as a living sacrifice. The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us. Lift up your hearts We lift them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. Father we give you thanks and praise for Jesus Christ our Lord, He was the word before all creation. Through him all things came to be; Not one thing has its being but through him. Jesus the Light of the World. We worship and adore you.
His life is the light that shines in the dark; A light that darkness cannot overpower. Jesus, Light of the world. We worship and adore you. He came to his own and they did not accept him, But to all who accept him He gives power to become the children of God. Jesus, Light of the world We worship and adore you. The word was made flesh and lives among us, And we have seen his glory, As the only Son of the Father, Full of grace and truth, Jesus, Light of the world. We worship and adore you. To him be all praise and glory. We join with all the heavenly host singing:
!15
Holy, most holy, all holy the Lord, God of all power and might; Heaven and earth with your glory abound, Wrapped in eternal light.
Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Blessed is he, he who has come, Come in the Father’s name, Servant and Lord, Saviour and Judge, Making his royal claim.
Who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
Holy, most holy, all holy the Lord, God of all power and might, Now with hosannas and jubilant praise, Earth and the heavens unite Words by Michael Forster to the tune Skye Boat arranged by Colin Hand. Copyright 1995 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
!16
Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will come again. And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of St John the Baptist and St Katherine and all the saints,
may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
!17
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
All are invited to receive communion. If you do not wish to receive communion but would like a blessing please bring this book with you so that we know.
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace. Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you and his blood which he shed for you. Eat and drink in remembrance that he died for you And feed on him in your hearts By faith with thanksgiving.
Prayer after Communion Silence is kept. God our Father whose word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem; may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen Final
Hymn
!18
The people who walked In darkness have seen the light. For to us a child is born To us a Son is given His name will be called, wonderful, counsellor, might God. The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Glory to God in the highest, And peace to his people on earth. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen
Let everything be said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ. Sing psalms, hymns and sacred songs: let us sing to God with thankful hearts. Open our lips, Lord: and we shall praise your name. Opening
Hymn
Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. !19
God our Father, we come to you in sorrow for our sins. For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for our lives; Father, forgive us: save us and help us. For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you; Father, forgive us: save us and help us. For failing you by what we do, and think and say; Father, forgive us: save us and help us. For letting ourselves be drawn away from you by temptations in the world about us; Father, forgive us: save us and help us. For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son; Father, forgive us: save us and help us.
The almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon and forgiveness of all your sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! To God be glory forever! To God be glory forever! Refrain: Alleluia, Amen! Times four Glory to God, glory to God, glory to Christ Jesus! Glory to God, glory to God, glory to Christ Jesus! To God be glory forever! To God be glory forever! (Refrain) !20
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit! Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit! To God be glory forever! To God be glory forever! (Refrain) Traditional Peruvian Gloria The Collect The Collect is said, and all respond Amen. Readings At the end of each reading the reader will say This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Behold the Lamb of God Behold the Lamb of God Who take away the sins The sins of the World
Gospel Reading Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N. Glory to you, O Lord. At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon We proclaim the Church’s faith in Jesus Christ. We believe and declare that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both divine and human. God, of the being of the Father, the only Son from before time began; human from the being of his mother, born in the world; fully God and fully human; human in both mind !21
and body. As God he is equal to the Father, as human he is less than the Father. Although he is both divine and human he is not two beings but one Christ. One, not by turning God into flesh, but by taking humanity into God; truly one, not by mixing humanity with Godhead, but by being one person. For as mind and body form one human being, so the one Christ is both divine and human. The Word became flesh and lived among us; we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Behold the Lamb of God Behold the Lamb of God
John Bell © 1998 WGRG, Iona Community Let us worship the Saviour with joy and make our prayer to our heavenly Father. The Magi came from the east to worship your Son: Father, grant to Christians everywhere the spirit of adoration … Lord of glory, hear our prayer. The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh: Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds at the beginning of this year ... Lord of glory, hear our prayer. The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ: Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world ... Lord of glory, hear our prayer.
Who take away the sins The sins of the World !22
The Holy Family lived in exile and in the shadow of death: Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless, and all who suffer ... Lord of glory, hear our prayer. Your Son shared the life of his home and family at Nazareth: Father, protect in your love our neighbours, our families and this community of which we are a part ... Lord of glory, hear our prayer. Father, we rejoice in our fellowship with the shepherds, the angels, the Magi, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the faithful departed. In your unfailing love for us and for all people hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Behold the Lamb of God Behold the Lamb of God Who take away the sins The sins of the World
The Peace Christ came and proclaimed the gospel, peace to those who are far off and peace to those who are near. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you. Let us offer one another a sign of peace. A Collection is taken while we prepare for Holy Communion Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation; through your goodness we have this money to offer, the fruit of our labour and of the skills you have given us. Take us and our possessions to do your work in the world. Blessed be God for ever.
!23
The Lord be with you And also with you Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation; in your love you made us for yourself. When we turned away you did not reject us, but came to meet us in your Son. You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you. In Christ you shared our life
 that we might live in him and he in us. He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.
On the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying :Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his body is the bread of life. At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,
 he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me. Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all.
!24
As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory, send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son. As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord. With your whole Church throughout the world we offer you this sacrifice of praise and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:
Holy, holy, holy the Lord, God of endless power and might, the earth, the heav’ns are full of your love. Sing hosanna! Glory to God! Blest is he, the one who is sent In the name of God the Most High. O Holy, holy, holy our Lord! Sing hosanna! Glory to God!
Words by Michael Forster to tune Scarborough Fair arranged by Colin Hand. Copyright 1995 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace. God’s holy gifts For God’s holy people Jesus Christ is holy Jesus Christ is Lord, To the glory of God the Father All are invited to receive communion. If you do not wish to receive communion but would like a blessing please bring this book with you so that we know. !25
Prayer after Communion Silence is kept. You have opened to us the Scriptures, O Christ, and you have made yourself known in the breaking of the bread. Abide with us, we pray, that, blessed by your royal presence, we may walk with you all the days of our life, and at its end behold you in the glory of the eternal Trinity, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Final
Hymn
May God the Father, who led the wise men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you in your pilgrimage to find the Lord. Amen.
May God who has brought us out of darkness give us a place with the saints in light in the kingdom of his Son. Amen. May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shine in your hearts and transform your lives, to bring his light to others. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen Glory to God, whose power, at work among us, can do infinitely more than all we can ask or conceive; to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen
!26
He was despised, he was rejected; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows. ! Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and also with you. Faithful one, whose word is life: come with saving power to free our praise, inspire our prayer and shape our lives for the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows.
He was pierced for our sins, bruised for no fault but ours. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows. His punishment has bought our peace, and by his wounds we are healed. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows. We had all strayed like sheep, but the Lord has laid on him the guilt of us all. Surely he has borne our griefs; he has carried our sorrows. cf Isaiah 53 !27
Opening Hymn Reading At the end of the reading the reader will say This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Lord, where have we left you? Somewhere far away, Remote and in the manger, A stranger, still in hay? J Bell G Maule © 1998 WGRG, Iona Community Gospel Reading Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N. Glory to you, O Lord. At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon
We believe in God the Father, God almighty, by whose plan earth and heaven sprang to being, all created things began. We believe in Christ the Saviour, Son of God in human frame, virgin-born, the child of Mary upon whom the Spirit came. Christ, who on the cross forsaken, like a lamb to slaughter led, suffered under Pontius Pilate, he descended to the dead. We believe in Jesus risen, heaven’s king to rule and reign, to the Father’s side ascended till as judge he comes again. !28
We believe in God the Spirit; in one Church, below, above: saints of God in one communion, one in holiness and love. So by faith, our sins forgiven, Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend, we shall rise with him in glory to the life that knows no end Lord, where have we left you? Somewhere lost to light, Submerged in doubt or dreaming, And seeming out of sight.
'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.' We long for the fire of God's cleansing to touch our unclean lips, for our guilt to be removed and our sin wiped out. So we meet Father, Son and Holy Spirit with repentance in our hearts. cf Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4 Lord, where have we left you? Somewhere all can view, Well polished and presented, Undented and untrue? Lord Jesus Christ, we confess we have failed you as did your first disciples. We ask for your mercy and your help. Our selfishness betrays you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. !29
We fail to share the pain of your suffering: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. We run away from those who abuse you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. We are afraid of being known to belong to you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. The Lord enrich you with his grace, and nourish you with his blessing; the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil; the Lord accept your prayers, and absolve you from your offences, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. Lord, where have we left you? Somewhere out of range? Divorced from thoughts that matter, That shatter, cheat or change?
We pray to the Lord for the courage to give ourselves to him this Lent. Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer. Give us the courage to look beyond ourselves to mission in your world. We pray for our bishops and ….. Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer. Give us the courage to give up war, bitterness and hatred, and to seek peace. We pray for… Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer. Give us the courage to give up quarrels, strife and jealousy in our families, neighbourhoods and communities. We pray for… Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer. !30
Give us the courage to live for others, giving time, care and comfort to the sick and those in need. We pray for… Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer.
The Peace Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us access to his grace. cf Romans 5.1
Give us the courage to give up our fear of death and to rejoice with those who have died in faith. Especially we hold … in our minds.
The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you.
Lord, meet us in the silence. Give us strength and hear our prayer, here and in eternity. Amen.
A Collection is taken while we prepare for Holy Communion
Lord, you never leave us, Though you're left behind, To where you call and need us, Now lead us and our kind.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.
!31
The Lord be with you and also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise. It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation; in your love you made us for yourself. When we turned away you did not reject us, but came to meet us in your Son. You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you. In Christ you shared our life that we might live in him and he in us. He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.
On the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his body is the bread of life. At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all. As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory ,send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son.
As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord. !32
With your whole Church throughout the world we offer you this sacrifice of praise and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:
Holy, most holy, all holy the Lord, In power and wisdom, forever adored. The earth and the heavens are full of your love, Our joyful hosannas reecho above. Blessed, most blessed, all blessed is he, Whose life makes us whole, and whose death sets us free. Who comes in the name of the father of light, Let endless hosannas resound in the height. Tune of be thou my Vision Michael Forster, Kevin Mayhew 1993
Breaking Bread and Sharing in communion Jesus taught us to call God our Father, so we have the courage to say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. !33
O lamb of God come cleanse our hearts and take our sins away. O lamb of God your grace impart, and let our guilty fear depart, Have mercy, lord we pray, Have mercy lord we pray. O lamb of God, our lives restore, Our guilty souls release, Into our lives your spirit pour And let us live for ever more, In perfect heavenly peace, In perfect heavenly peace.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed. All are invited to receive communion. If you do not wish to receive communion but would like a blessing please bring this book with you so that we know.
Tune of Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Michael Forster, Kevin Mayhew 1999
!34
Prayer after Communion Silence is kept. Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Final
Hymn
May God the Father, who does not despise the broken spirit, give to you a contrite heart.Amen. May Christ, who bore our sins in his body on the tree, heal you by his wounds. Amen. May the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth, speak to you words of pardon and peace. Amen. cf Psalm 51; Isaiah 53 And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. !35
Funeral Prayers & Psalms GREETING We meet in the name of Jesus Christ who died and was raised to the glory of God the Father. Grace and mercy be with you. We have come here today to remember before God ….…. to give thanks for their life, to commend them to God our merciful redeemer and judge; to commit their body to be cremated/buried and to comfort one another in our grief.
OPENING SENTENCES Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 “I am the resurrection and the life” says the Lord. “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives in me shall never die”. John 11:25,26 We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be God for ever. 1 Timothy 6.7 ;Job 1.21 Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
!36
PSALM 23
PSALM 121
The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing.
I lift my eyes to the hills where does my help come from?
He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me, you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full. Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep. The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
!37
A SONG OF THE REDEEMER
Proclaim the time of the Lord's favour, and comfort all who grieve. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to announce release from darkness for the prisoners, To give them oil of gladness instead of mourners' tears, a garment of splendour for the heavy heart. They will be called trees of righteousness, planted by the Lord for his praise. For God shall make his righteousness and praise blossom before all the nations.
Buildings long in ruins will be rebuilt and the desolate cities restored. And you shall be called the Redeemed of the Lord, a city no longer forsaken. To proclaim the time of the Lord's favour, and comfort all who grieve. Isaiah 61.1-3,11b,4; 62.12 THE LORDS PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
!38
NUNC DIMITTIS
HOLY BAPTISM
Lord now you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all and also with you.
My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now: and shall be forever. Amen
Will you support ……… as he begins his journey of faith? We will. Will you help ……… to live and grow within God’s family? We will. The president then addresses the parents and godparents God knows each of us by name and we are his. Parents and godparents, you speak for ……… today. Will you pray for ……, and help ……….. to follow Christ? We will. We all wander far from God and lose our way: Christ comes to find us and welcomes us home. In baptism we respond to his call. !39
Therefore I ask: Do you turn away from sin? I do. Do you reject evil? I do. Do you turn to Christ as Saviour? I do. Do you trust in him as Lord? I do. Do not be ashamed of Christ. You are his for ever. Stand bravely with him against all the powers of evil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life. Praise God who made heaven and earth. Who keeps his promise for ever. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise. Do you believe and trust in God the Father, who made all things? I believe and trust in him. Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed the world? I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in his Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God? I believe and trust in him. This is the faith of the church. This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ………………. You have received the light of Christ walk in this light all the days of your life Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father ……………………. And the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen Go in the light and peace of Christ. Thanks be to God.
!40