Each Sunday, you will find opportunities to worship individually, with your family, or with small groups. Although we are physically separated from one another, we are united in prayer and praise.
Gathering
Welcome
In Jesus’ name, welcome!
First-time participant or one who’s been here many days; child or elder or somewhere in-between; stewards, caretakers, disciples of Jesus, children of God— neighbours all, loved and loving. Welcome. Welcome in Christ’s name!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Introit “When you shepherd me”
Opening Prayer
Day by day, God leads us:
to the deep, deep pools of peace,
to the green, lush lawns of grace.
Day by day, Jesus calls us:
to pour out ourselves in service,
to anoint the stranger with hope.
Day by day, the Holy Spirit shows us:
the community we could be,
the family we are called to become. Hallelujah!
Hymn “I have called you by your name”
Scripture readings



Hymn “The King of love”
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
and on His should gently laid,
And, home, rejoicing, brought me.
Sermon
Responsive Hymn “He leadeth me” – two versions.
One from a Hawaiian beach; one from bluegrass country.
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
by his own hand he leadeth me:
his faithful follower I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,
by waters still, o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain
And when my task on earth is done,
when, by that grace, the victory’s won,
e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me. Refrain
Prayers of the People
Prayer for Each of us (inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)
Loving Shepherd,
You lead and guide,
You walk alongside,
You prepare, you feed, you call,
all of your sheep,
even those of us who are lost,
those of us who stray constantly,
those of us who stay close to your comforting staff.
We are grateful for the lush green pastures of our lives,
and we pause now to offer our thanksgivings for the blessingss in our lives …
(a time of silent prayer)
There are so many who walk in the shadows of fear and suffering and despair, and we pause now, to offer our prayers
for the broken and bleeding places in this world…
(a time of silent prayer)
We also offer our prayers for the sheep of our own flocks, in our families and friends, in this our church and our community, and in those communities around the world to which we are linked.
(a time of silent prayer)
O Loving Shepherd, we have all we need, as we live in You. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith (inspired by Psalm 23)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
We believe in the goodness of God.
We believe God hears and responds to our needs.
We believe God responds to all children everywhere.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside still waters. God restores my soul.
We are grateful that we’ve been blessed with enough water. But we know that many do not have enough. Not enough water, not enough food, not enough peace.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Too many children do not see God’s righteousness. Too many children watch violence, taste hunger, feel fear. Too many children cry from the unspeakable horror of war.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
To become involved is risky. Pain is often contagious. Our hearts may be broken and our lives may be threatened. Yet we hear God calling and we can no longer hide.
Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies; thou annointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Our steps may be small and timid. We may read a book, write a letter, or make a gift. But each tiny step is blessed by God and multiplies.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
God is more relentless than war. God is more pervasive than hatred. God is more insistent than despair.
Blessing
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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