Dear friends,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3–4)
I hope you find the resources below an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord. This week you are also invited to join us for a mingle and virtual coffee after church. The details are below.
My very many thanks to Alan Reynolds and Mikey for putting together last weeks service resources. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch. (My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)
With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve
Church Coffee on Zoom
We miss not meeting in person so after church this week you are invited to join us to mingle and meet on 'Zoom' this Sunday at 12 noon. You can join us on a computer or by dialling in on any phone line. Please contact us if you would like to be sent the link.
Welcome & Preparation
Hymn
Jesus shall reign
Confession
Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart. (1 Cor 5:7-8)
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Word of God
Our first reading is from Acts 2:36-41, and is read to us by Betty from St. Mary's.
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Reflection
Please turn to 1 Peter 1:13-2:2.
Hymn
Our next hymn rejoices "blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah".
Prayers
Today's prayers are led by Barbara from All Saints' in the video below.
Today's Collect
Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:12–13)
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hymn
Our final hymn lifts our eyes to our great hope that leads to holiness. All my hope on God is founded.