SONG
The opening song is, “This is the One”, courtesy of Emu Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Ym9_Mv26U
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
Gracious God, anoint us with your mercy and compassion and the beauty of your love. Speak into our lives your hope and justice. Touch our hearts with your eternal grace. Fill our senses with the abundance of your presence.
May your love for us be returned in the way we show our love towards others and to all you have created. In the name of Christ. Amen.
From the Bible
Today we will be looking at the John 12:1-8, The words are below, and there is a video of it underneath (plus a bit extra).
John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of this reading, starting towards the end of the previous chapter. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYBNsaX_7RA
Message
The message today is brought to us by Tim Jensen of the Saltbush Community, who is speaking on ‘A Beautiful Thing’ (John 12:1-8).
What are your thought or feelings around Mary’s lavish expression of love? In what ways does your church show ‘this beautiful thing’?
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, “Rescue”, by Lauren Daigle. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PugD11k3JU
Prayers for Others
Gracious God, may we look at each other with your eyes of love and understanding, gently affirming the gifts of each person and open to receive new ideas.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
We pray that we will see people as your beloved children and listen to your guidance on how best to be in relationship for the enhancing of all lives.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
May we discern your ways in the communities in which we find ourselves. Seeking to walk alongside those who do your will for the sake of justice and compassion.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
Invite us into the sacred spaces of your creation that we may know how to restore, nurture and protect all you have called ‘good’.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
In this time of silence, we bring you the prayers of hearts.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
In Christ, Amen
Blessing
Let us go with open hearts and minds, knowing the Spirit of God is with us.
And may we be voices of wisdom, our actions standing for justice and peace as we point to the God of Beauty, Grace, Abundance and Love. In the name of Christ.
Bless us and the people we meet along the way Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
SONG
The closing song is “Amazing grace (my chains are gone), by Chris Tomlin and sung by Holly Halliwell. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr_A0HcvSOI
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-5-a-beautiful-thing-john-121-8/
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