Dear friends,
You are all very much in my prayers and thoughts as we have our first Sunday apart. Below is some guidance so we can join together in spirit as we pray and praise together in our homes this Sunday. As ever, please be in touch if I can help in any way, or for a chat.
Church at home for Mothering Sunday
Preparation
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.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
What is essential for life? Who helps provide it for you?
Who looks after you and who do you look after? What can we give thanks for about these people?
Today is Mothering Sunday when Christians have traditionally returned to the church they grew up in (which often meant they visited their Mothers too). Whatever our experience from our own parents, this is a time to give thanks for those who have looked after us over the years, both spiritually and physically. And also to give thanks to our wonderfully gracious Lord and Shepherd who looks after us in green pastures or dark valleys.
Spend some time in prayers of thanks.
Sing: Great is thy faithfulness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTKIqmdfHSk)
Word of God
Read Psalm 23 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+23&version=NIVUK)
(Other readings set for today are Ephesians 5.8-14, John 9.1-41)
Listen (or sing along) to this modern setting of the psalm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXPPzuCJMCs
If we're with the Shepherd we're OK. Many people love this psalm for how comforting it is, and what a comfort it is. It takes us through various scenes and circumstances of life. But it's not about a triumphant super-sheep able to survive in any tough place. This psalm takes us to the perfect shepherd, our LORD. If we are with him, we're ok. The sheep doesn't have to be clever or strong, wise or resilient but just needs to stick with the Shepherd.
in verses 1-3, he provides for all we need
in verse 3, he guides us to a beautiful God-honouring life
in verse 4, he protects us, in hardship, although not from hardship
in verse 5, the honour of a close relationship with the king
in verse 6, the security of a blessed and peaceful future with him.
Jesus is the ultimate good Shepherd. Our confidence in hard times is in the Shepherd who has proved his commitment to us.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
Because he has laid down his life for us, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If we're with the shepherd, we're ok.
Prayers
Include prayers of confession and prayers for those you are concerned for.
Good Shepherd of our souls, we thank you for those you have given to care for us through the years and for your unfailing and tender love through good times and hard. Please keep us safe in your hand and help us to trust you, day by day. Amen.
Merciful Lord, absolve your people from their offences, that through your bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the chains of those sins which by our frailty we have committed; grant this, heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Conclusion
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
Sing: Guide me O my great Redeemer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAN4EojeF0Y)
Families & Lighthouse Sunday School
In place of Lighthouse, we would love you, the parents, to run a short family worship session. You can tell your children that all the other Lighthouse children will be doing the same thing at roughly the same time - to create a sense of togetherness even though we're not together in body.
Here's the plan:
Download the New City Catechism App: http://newcitycatechism.com/mobile-apps/
Don't be put off by the word 'catechism'. It just means a summary of what Christians believe in question and answer form.
Select 'children's mode' (top right hand corner)
Read the question e.g. What is our only hope in life and death? (We're suggesting Question 1 for this Sunday, then one question per week)
If your child is old enough get them to then read the answer, or you read it to them. Perhaps practice memorising the question and answer by hiding the screen and seeing if they can remember it.
Read out the Bible verse or ask your child to do it (icon at bottom left of screen).
Listen to the song (icon at bottom right of screen). Repeat and join in if you would like to.
Read out the prayer - or get your child to read it out (icon at bottom middle right of screen)
You may also like this new song from Keith & Kristyn Getty based on this catechism question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibIi1rz7mw
With very many thanks and warmest prayers and greetings from us,
Steve