July 24, 2022

WELCOME TO ST ANDREW’S ON THE TERRACE

PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP Out of nothingness we came from birth into life: with the Spirit of God within us. From the life of God the universe unfolded into being: with the Spirit of God within it. From the heart of God creation goes on until the end of time: with the Spirit of God within it and our spirit within it. Let us embrace the God who enfolds us. We delight in the sacred within and around us. SILENCE PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘Seek ye first the heart of God’ Words: Luke 11:1-13 Music © 1972 Karen Lafferty, © 1972 CCCM Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) 3 verses 1. Seek ye first the heart of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, Alleluia 2. Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you. Allelu, alleluia. 3. You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, alleluia. GATHERING In the peace, in the presence, in the power, let us sense the sacred. Let us celebrate life. WELCOME E te whānau a Te Karaiti ngā mihi aroha ki a tātou katoa. Kia ora tātou. Talofa lava. Talofa PRAYER Gracious God, we may only see our small corner of this earth. You will see the whole expanse of countless universes, yet we are called to bring our prayers not only for ourselves, but for those around us. In a world fraught with fear and violence and greed, we pray that darkness is driven out by the light of compassion, of open-handedness, and of peace. Let these not be mere words we pray, but words we put into action through our support of causes and charities and individuals who make it their mission to be the light-bearers in every darksome place. We pray today for the healers who practise their gentleness in every hurt place of heart and soul and body. Where the encouraging word, and the unflinching compassion brings hope like a cleansing flame into every wound. Amen

JESUS’ PRAYER Jim Cotter paraphrase

Eternal Spirit
Life-Giver, Pain-Bearer, Love-Maker,
source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
loving God, in whom is heaven:
the hallowing of your name
echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done
by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test,
strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory
of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
LIGHTING THE RAINBOW CANDLE
The rainbow candle represents the inclusive nature of our church where all are welcome, and also celebrates our children.
TIME WITH CHILDREN Graham Howell
BLESSING THE CHILDREN (All stand)
We send you to the Rainbow Room to hear stories, ask questions
and have fun together.
We bless you. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
Traditionally we shake hands to pass the peace and say “peace be with you.” Now that COVID-19 is here we ask that you pass the peace without shaking hands.
THE WORD IN TEXTS Anna Smith
Hebrew Bible Hosea 1:2-10
Gospel/New Testament Luke 11:1-13
Contemporary reading “The Lord” Wellsprings by Anthony De Mello
I think of the impact Jesus Christ has had on human history…And on my life…
Then I conduct a dialogue with him:
I tell him what it is about him that appeals to me the most… and listen to what he says in reply…
I tell him which of his words have had the greatest impact on me… and how those words have influenced my life…
His disciples sometimes speak of his presence in their lives. I ponder on the meaning that word “presence” has for me… In what way, if at all, has he been present in my past…and in my life today?...
He indicated he was sent to teach us how to love.
What kind of love has Jesus taught me?... If I am a loving person, to what extent is he responsible?...
He also claimed he was sent to bring liberation to the lives of people.
Has this been my experience?... Or have I, on the contrary, felt constricted and oppressed by his demands… and teachings?... Or have I experienced both, oppression and liberation simultaneously?... In what specific areas?...
Before I end my dialogue I ask myself, what impact Jesus had on yesterday…
And I tell him what I think his influence will be on what I think and say and do today…
RESPONSE
For the Word in scripture,
for the Word among us,
for the Word within us,
we give thanks.