SONG
The opening song is, “All people that on earth”, courtesy of Emu Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRklkCklycU
Call to worship
We come to hear the Good News, to embody the love of God in Christ as we share our lives with others.
You may like to light a candle at this time.
God’s truth is revealed in Jesus Christ the light of the world. May the light shine for the hope of the world.
Acknowledgment of country
As we begin, it is appropriate to recognise that this great land has been home to our first nations peoples for many thousands of years. Therefore, let us also acknowledge those Aboriginal peoples who are the first habitants of the regions in which we dwell and honour them for their care of the land.
Prayer
Let us pray.
God of every blessing, you invite us into a life of deep meaning and purpose, a life of loving goodness and faithfulness. You nurture in us wisdom and hope, to be a reflection of your kingdom.
Yet at times we are distracted by things that do not satisfy and waste our energy and purpose. Renew your call within us- your call to be open to your transformational life-giving presence.
Let us draw ourselves into silent prayer and confession. silence
Let us hear that we are forgiven in Christ. Lord, touch us once more with your peace and presence we pray. Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible readings for today are from Isaiah 55:1-9 and Luke 4:31-35, and the words are included below. There is also an optional video of the Gospel reading by the Lumo group underneath the words.
Isaiah 55:1-9
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Luke 4:31-35
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Jesus asked them,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them–do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Then he told this parable:
“A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'”
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of the reading by the Lumo group. It includes the story of the crippled woman at the end. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ0p7MzA0Sw
Message
The message today is brought to us by Tim Jensen, from the Saltbush Community, who is speaking on Luke 13:1-9. He speaks to us about repentance. He says that repentance is a journey of freedom and transformation. It helps us to live meaningful, purposeful lives in the chaos..
Where is Jesus leading you this day? Where is Jesus leading the church today?
Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.
Optional reflective music
The reflective music is, ‘Dear Lord and Father of mankind”. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAxiN0egN-I
Prayers for Others
Drawn by God’s love and abundant faithfulness to us, let us pray.
Holy God, whose Spirit moved over the waters at the dawn of creation, hear our prayers for all who thirst today. We pray for those who are spiritually thirsty, who long to know your presence, but don’t know where to find you. Be with those who are alone and without hope, those who long to feel needed and loved, those who are searching for meaning and purpose.
We pray for those who are thirsty for justice, who long for an equal sharing of resources among peoples and nations;and we pray for all those who have been harmed by those who are vengeful and who prefer to destroy rather than build up, we particularly pray for Ukraine, and all the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured in the war. Bring wisdom to the leaders of all nations involved.
Be with all those today who need your company in the dark moments of their lives. We pray for:
our country and the places in which we live ……
for all people of faith …..
those people we know …..
and lastly, we pray for ourselves …..
God, we ask that you would open our hearts to the needs of all who thirst. Give us courage to work together for justice, to stand alongside those who are in need, so that all people, everywhere, may live without want or fear, and may discover the abundant life you promise to each one.In the name of Jesus Christ—the source of living water—we pray
Blessing
Let us journey with the One who walks with us and calls us to a deeper truth. Let us go with open hearts and minds, knowing the Spirit of God is with us, and the breath of God upon us.
And may each of us be voice of wisdom, our actions standing for justice, peace, grace and welcome. In the name of Christ.
SONG
The closing song is “In Christ alone”, sung by Kristin Getty. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9VzJmtmSFI
Fun Activities
Lenten Candles
This Lenten Candles Family Activity is a simple, yet profound way to walk through Lent as a family and prepare your hearts for the hope of Easter. For details go to the following web site:
http://thelittlesandme.com/lenten-candles-family-activity/
Make a labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient way of prayer. Walking a labyrinth is like taking a tiny Pilgrimage that we walk alone with God. It can be an intensely relaxing and releasing experience. It can also be challenging. If you have a small space, such as a patio, the following video shows you how to make a labyrinth. It is surprisingly simple, all you need is some chalk! If you have trouble connecting, the video can also be found at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVLA0nLsAek
Finger labyrinth
See below for how to make a finger labyrinth! Walk the labyrinth with a finger. If you want you can download and print the file.
Take time to rest and refresh
Song
Follow the sun (Xavier Rudd) on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E1bNmyPWww
Resources
The call to worship, opening prayer and blessing for today were based on the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/lent-3c-living-in-the-chaos-luke-131-9/
One Comment
XMC.pl
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