Sunday 14th June
We open this time of worship today with a prayer taken from
the URC Common Prayers prayer handbook.
Loving Lord,
We think we know best!
As though human reason is enough,
as though what we see is all there is,
as though we had no need of you!
We try (and fail) to act in our own strength,
As though we could go it alone,
as though our own plans could succeed,
as though we are not your covenant people.
We think we know best, but we are wrong!
Forgive our arrogance, our stupidity and our pride. When we would act alone
and from our own resources,
remind us that you are here
and that we are not alone.
We think we know best, but you know better still.
Amen
Kids Zone
Giving
Thank you for all your support of Wrington Chapel and its work in the past.
We realise that many people are hard-pressed at the moment, and church may be the last thing on your mind. However, we are looking to the future when we can reopen and support each other in our usual way. Unfortunately, being closed does not mean our expenses are substantially less. If you already have a standing order set up, then thank you. But if you haven't, please consider getting in touch with Steve Osman and setting one up. If that is impossible, please continue to save up your collection money, and we will collect it all together when we reopen. Please note that the rules do not allow us to claim any Gift Aid on collections that are not taken up in church. So do NOT drop collection money off at Steve's house. Simply take out a standing order, or save it up for that great and glorious reopening day.
'Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances'
We pray for all on our prayer list who are receiving or waiting
for hospital treatment at the moment.
Take away any fears and anxieties they may be experiencing.
We pray for the medical teams attending them
that they will be guided by you in all that they do.
We pray for our elderly folk and those nearing the end of their lives here on earth.
We ask your help for all who are old and wearied with the burden of life.
In your strength may they find courage and peace;
and in their advancing years may they learn more of your love
As we read in Galatians 3 v 28
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.
For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Pray that communities around the world would recognise this truth and work to bring peace and harmony between different groups.
God our Creator, you created humankind in your image, and blessed us with your love.
Help us to show that love to one another as we work for equality for all races in
education, housing, public services, and employment opportunity.
Give us strength and courage to speak out against injustice, and to work for the
transformation of unjust systems that keep some in bondage: that we may more fully
live out your kingdom here on earth; through Jesus Christ your son, who came to set us
free.
Our Prayer focus is Romans 1.11.Give thanks that those we support in Uganda have remained well but they are experiencing increased food costs and in many cases extra mouths to feed as youngsters have been forced to stay at boarding school due to lockdown. Give thanks that many are learning to trust and rely on God.
TITLE: Compassion, part 1 - God's Kingdom
Today we begin a short series looking at compassion.
We are told to have compassion. But why? And how?
How is that part of God's kingdom? And do I have to change to follow that kingdom way?
Click the microphone above to go to this weeks recording.
Luke 13 v 10 to 21
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."
15 The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"
17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
18 Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches."
20 Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough."
We also share communion together at the end of the service,
so find some bread and drink.
Amen
