Opening Reflection
Greetings and welcome to our service this morning, as we gather from far and wide and draw close to Christ, seeking our hope in Him.
May we step into the rhythm of grace, to the rhythm of God's prayer, opening ourselves up, allowing the power of God to work in and through us, keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Christ, for healing, renewal and hope. God is with us through every situation, and we look forward to our study today hope rooted in God.
Psalm 9:1-4
I will worship you, Yahweh, with extended hands
as my whole heart erupts with praise!
I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works!
2 I will be glad and shout in triumph.
I will sing praise to your exalted name, O Most High.
3 For when you appear, I worship
you while my enemies run in retreat.
They stumble and perish before your presence.
4 For you have stood up for my cause
and vindicated me when I needed you the most.
From your righteous throne you have given me justice.
Let us pray:
Lord, open my heart and mind to hear and receive of you this new day. Lord, each day I need more and more of you, and I pray that as I spend time offering up my prayers and my worship to you, that your presence will fill me beyond my wildest dreams, for we are your people and we want to be filled with faith, as we stand before you. Hear my prayers today, and may my heart be filled with love, joy, peace and hope. This I pray in Jesus precious Name, Amen.
Hymn:
Prayers of Confession:
Let us pray.
And here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You're my God, you're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. As we reflect on these words, we have come to worship, to prayer, to offer up our praise to God, and seek His forgiveness where we have caused hurt, pain, injustice. Lord at times our emotions are running so high, that we don't stop to think and we say things that are hurtful. Lord, may you guide me, direct me, and correct my wrong ways. Lord, may I humble myself before you, and learn from you.
Lord I offer up with a deep and heavy heart, and seek your forgiveness. Let us spend some time and offer up our own prayers as we seek God's forgiveness before closing in the Lords’ prayer to close our prayers of confession
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory
Are yours, now and forever.
Amen
Hymn:
Prayers of Intercession
Lord we continue to ask you to be instrumental in the decisions made by the leadership of our country, especially as they once again discuss the removal of a number of restrictions imposed since COVID first caused such an impact upon our country. We pray they are diligent in their discussions and decisions made and that they take into consideration the medical evidence regarding the possible risks due to relaxing of impositions. Thank you for the continued service of our sovereign, Queen Elizabeth.
All over the world people are slowly coming to terms with a new way of living their lives as COVID vaccine injections make it easier for people to enter into the public life once again. It is not a guarantee that people will not get sick with COVID but is a preventative. We thank you Lord for the discovery of the vaccines and we thank you Lord that you have guided the scientists in this discovery. We also thank you Lord for all whom have worked tirelessly to ensure as many people as is possible have received the vaccines and continue to do so. As in all things Father, you have touched us with your benevolent hands and continue to uphold us all.
We pray that any whom have not been able to work due to COVID that new opportunities will open up soon with the easing of restrictions. Also for the children whom have had another year’s disrupted schooling that they will all manage with the exams and achieve the results they desire.
There is so much illness Lord in mind, body and spirit that people struggle with. Some of it is as a result of our own foolishness, some due to the intervention of somebody else in our lives and yet there are illnesses over which we have no control. We can be assured though that whatever the cause or reason, you are always the unseen constant Lord. You are always there even when we do not see it, even when we are not aware of you or your angels whom you send to fight for us, even if we do not give you thanks or praise. You love us all unreservedly and without measure – thank you Father. Lord, we beseech you to lay your healing hand upon all who need healing and may we know a new freedom. Free us from whatever troubles us and give us new direction.
The leadership of our church are once again looking at how we can meet in person to worship you. We are following the guidelines of the Baptist Union but as we adapt these to our individual church family, please guide us in all our decision making. Lord as we will soon be voting upon the possible appointment of a new minister may your will be done and may our hearts, minds, ears and hearts be open to your will. We live to serve you Father, so help us to do our best for you.
As always we give you thanks for our church elders and those who provide support and contribute in any way to all that happens within this church. Keep us strong and cohesive for as we’ve been separated for so long, it can sometimes be difficult when coming together again. Be the cord that binds us to each other and may we walk in your footsteps by faith. .
Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Hymn
Announcements
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Whilst the church building is closed, our services are on line.
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Coffee morning via zoom: 11am see church email with details on how to join. To gather from the comfort of our homes, and share, Songs, word of encouragement, testimonies, prayer. We look forward to seeing you. If you would like further details on how to join contact office@standrewsbletchley.org.
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Offering
Whilst we appreciate this is a challenging time, we are grateful and give our thanks to God for all His provision, for your word says: 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
We are thankful Lord that you have blessed us with a church building, although whilst we are unable to meet there in person at the moment we know that we still have expenditure that we have to meet.
Lord place on our hearts what we are able to give, ensuring we do not give beyond our means.
Ways to Give - Please click on this link to see our Ways to Give.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings, and love that you show to each of us. Lord your Word encourages us to be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord you God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Lord as we declare over ourselves, may we be strong, courageous, for you are with me. May we spend time and give thanks to God who never fails us or leaves us no matter what kind of difficulty or challenge we face.
Lord, may we have a grateful heart, and give thanks for being safe, happy and healthy with you in our lives. Lord you say come to me, you offer out a hand and encourage us to take hold and walk with you.
Lord thank you for your continued blessing, may we be thankful that the Holy Spirit is alive in us, God's Word be alive and living in each of us.
Thank you, Lord, that you are our Saviour, our redeemer, thank you Lord for just being you, that we have all we need in You for You are or rock our cornerstone.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen.
Hymn:
Reading: Isaiah 41:1-2
do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Reading: Isaiah 43:1-2
43 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
Sermon
Closing Reflection
Thank you, Lord, for your compassion, and that you are with us. Help us Lord to know that each of us are loved by you. Lord fill us with your strength and may we each allow the Holy Spirit to saturate us with HIs presence.
Lord you know each of our situations, and your Word teaches us a message of love and assurance, a hope that our trust and faith in you will see us through, for your promises Lord are a blessing to each of us.
Deborah Anne Poem:
May Christ dwell, in your heart today
may His Life be your Truth and Way.
May Christ make, your heart His home
may you let Him make it His throne.
May Christ abide, in your heart always
may He be the one to walk its hallways.
May Christ’s love be, in your heart rooted
may your love for Him be firmly grounded.
May Christ dwell, in your heart today
may your faith in Him
always be on display!
We give thanks to Sue for sharing God's Word for us today.
We are so thankful for all those who continue to pray and support us during our time of interregnum. for it is our faith, our unity, or diversity which makes church. What a wonderful blessing.
We remember that even if the building is closed, the Church is still present in the people, the living body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and during this time, God has called us into a deeper communion with Him. We are here to encourage, to serve our communities, seeking God's face, His wisdom as we walk together. Not our own wants but aligning our hearts desire to that of God. We look forward to the day the church doors are open wide, and we can celebrate, and we are thankful for all those in the preparation and participation for this to happen God will and purpose.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the son and Holy Spirit
Be among you and remain with you always Amen
Numbers 6:24-25
Closing Hymn:
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