Worship at home Sunday 29 March 2020

You are very welcome to this electronic based service specially created because we are not currently able to physically meet together. As indicated, please connect to the relevant song and sermon links. All the song links are to versions with lyrics so that you are able to join in.

Opening sentence: A reminder of God’s promise to us: James 4:8 says “Come near to God and he will come near to you”.

A prayer: As I come to you today Lord help me to give you praise, listen to what you wish me to hear and experience afresh your love as you come close to me. Amen.

An opening hymn: “Come let us join our cheerful songs”. Here is a link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ZqQcVlMTE

A confession (based on Psalm 51): Think of times you have failed God. Consider the need we all have of the forgiveness Jesus alone makes possible.

Lord God,

I have sinned against you;

I have done evil in your sight.

I am sorry and repent.

Have mercy on me according to your love.

Wash away my wrongdoing and cleanse me from my sin.

Renew a right spirit within me

and restore me to the joy of your salvation,

through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

An assurance of forgiveness: 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.

A Psalm: The Psalm set for today is Psalm 130. Which is a known as a song of ascents and would have been sung as pilgrims made their way towards Jerusalem.

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

A song of worship: “If faith can move the mountains”. This song picks up the theme of waiting. At the moment we await the passing of the pandemic but ultimately our waiting is for the Lord and the hope he brings. Here is a link.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF5i3Z7M5Vo

Lectionary Readings: Please read these in your bible. Romans 8:6-11 and John 11:17-45

A message by Rev. Mark Williams on the theme of "If only". Here is the link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcNXnaco480

A song: “O precious sight”. Today is also known as Passion Sunday as it is the start of what is known as Passiontide when we particularly think of the journey of Jesus to cross. “May I never lose the wonder, the wonder of the cross” is the refrain in this song. Here is the link.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yzx8QUQRS8

Prayers: Take a moment now to pray. Think of those caught up in the Coronavirus, medical and support staff in our hospitals, those at home, perhaps afraid – isolation can be particularly difficult for those living alone. Think of the world leaders seeking to make wise decisions in the light of the crisis. Think of those who you know to be unwell and those who grieve. Think of your family and friends.

Here is a prayer from the Church of England website you may wish to use in your prayers:

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

At this point you may wish to pray also the Lord’s Prayer.

Today’s set collect (or special prayer) is as follows:

Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
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. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “When I survey the wondrous cross” Here is the link.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhvXOIVsRv4

Closing prayer:

May the Love of Christ surround you
The Light of Christ lead you
The Peace of Christ fill you
The Joy of Christ thrill you
The Presence of Christ be with you always. Amen.

(David Adam)

Message for the week by Rev. Mark Williams. Here is the link