Order of Service 16 February 2020 Epiphany 6

February 16, 2020

WELCOME TO ST ANDREW’S ON THE TERRACE

You are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

 

GATHERING
We come to re-weave the unravelling fabric of community
to re-connect once more with the larger human family.
To find once more that place of calm.
To remind ourselves that we belong.
To remember what it is we belong to.
So, come into this place
which we make special by our presence.
Where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated,
and the compassionate is expected.
Together we make it a holy place with our every act of worship.
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life
in the presence we name God.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘In this place where now we gather’
Words © 2014 Fiona McDougal
Music © 2013 Vivien Chiu
WELCOME
Kia ora tatou.
Kia ora.

OPENING RESPONSES
We come to be opened by visions
that can enlist us in larger causes
and more caring actions.
We come to hear stories that might take us
into a deeper kind of integrity,
and reconnect us with our better selves.
So may the warmer fullness that we seek
fill our hearts, our minds and our spirits.

PRAYER
O God, you are the gathering one
who calls us into community with each other;
to love and work, support and heal.

You are the gathering one
who calls us into community with all people;
to bring justice and hope, freedom and truth.

You are the gathering one
who calls us into community with the whole creation;
to live in harmony, to cherish and renew.

We worship you, the God who makes us one.

For our community gathered here,
for the spirit that called us together
and drew us to this place:
We give thanks.

For moments we have shared with others;
for times we have reached out
across barriers of distance and fear;
for times when others have reached out to us:
We give thanks.

For our weaving together
out of many separate selves
this hour of celebration and reflection;
this community of faith and hope:
We give thanks this day. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

LIGHTING THE RAINBOW ROOM CANDLE

TIME WITH CHILDREN Frank Cook

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
Feel free to pass the peace with those nearby or move to greet others further away. Passing the peace consists of shaking hands and saying “Peace be with you.” The response is “Peace be with you” or just “And with you.” Or, simply saying ‘Hello” is a good idea. Also feel free to simply observe if you wish!

THE WORD IN TEXTS Reader: Gavin Watson
Reflections: Jim Cunningham
Introduction

Hebrew Scriptures: Numbers 13: 25 – 14:4

Reflection The Report of the Spies

New Testament Letter 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27

Reflection One Body with Many Members

Gospel Luke 4: 14-21

Reflection The heart of Jesus’ ministry

RESPONSE
For the Word in scripture,
for the Word among us,
for the Word within us,
we give thanks.

HYMN CH4 729 ‘Who is this man?
Author: Mary Pearson
Music: Londonderry Air (Trad)

OFFERING PRAYER Words: John Murray

To compassion and justice we commit ourselves.
To the care and nurture of the earth we commit ourselves.
To work out your love and purpose we commit ourselves.
Amen.

We recognise and bless the gifts brought to the table, and those which wing
their way electronically from our banks to the church’s account.

LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY OF ST ANDREW’S
People share notices and visitors are welcomed. If you have a notice not already in the order of service, please move to the front row, ready to speak briefly from the lectern.
For the benefit of newcomers, please introduce yourself before you begin.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Sandra Kirby

CIRCLE OF PRAYER
We think today of the people of United Kingdom and the British Overseas Territories and Churches Together in England. We remember the detainees of Manus and Nauru Islands, yearning that their cases be resolved. In New Zealand, we remember those in Parliament, and today we name Jacqui Dean (Waitaki electorate) and Matt Doocey, Waimakariri electorate). Here in the Central Presbytery, we pray for the leaders and people of Upper Hutt Uniting Parish.

PRAYER FOR ST ANDREW’S on card

TIME WITH THE ADULTS

CALL TO SERVICE (STANDING)

Go as far as your courage takes you,
for we cannot go beyond the reach of God.

Give as extravagantly as you may,
for we cannot spend all the riches of God.

Care as lavishly as you are able,
for we cannot exhaust the love of God.

Keep journeying and searching
for God travels with us and blesses us.

HYMN WOV 165ii ‘Called as partners in Christs service’
Words: J.P. Huber; Music: Blaenwern

BLESSING

SUNG AMEN

POSTLUDE "We all believe in one God" ("the Giant fugue")
by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)