Song
‘Jesus calls us here to meet him’, sung by UCPC Upper Clyde Parish Church. You can also find this video directly at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModYoPReYYw&t=3s
Prayer
God is neither shocked or disturbed by our imperfections. God, who is already familiar with our ways, has called us to this place. Let us pray …
Eternal Creator, you embrace our lives with your grace and love. You call us to be in relationship with you through Christ and lead us in the power of your Spirit. We ask that you continue to grow us in wisdom, compassion and love, so that we may be a reflection of you in our daily living. Holy Presence our faith is found in you. In Christ, Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from .Matthew 15:21-28 and tells the story of how Jesus healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman. It is followed by a Lumo video of the same reading.
Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all.
And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Message
The message is brought to you by Rev. Elizabeth Raine and Rev John Squires on behalf of Project Reconnect. Discipleship beckons us to go to an uncertain future, question, consider and change our minds. We’re called to live out our beliefs and put our ideals into practice and travel a ‘Jesus way’ every day.
What did you hear happening in the story as Baruch conversed with Tamar? How might you explore ideas which encourage you to change your mind about faith matters? How does your church show that ‘everyone is welcome’?
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, ‘Kingdom of God’, by Jon Guerra. If you have problems connecting, you can also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMs-BF_5ioU
Prayers for others
Let us pray,
Help us Lord, to look beyond what we now know, to not be afraid of wisdom from outsiders. Let us be overcome by joy at new revelations, to be curious about ways of achieving justice, and to look for the good that we can do. Create in us a will to be kind, to offer a supportive arm, and work for all creation to reach its full potential. Let all your people serve in your mission of reconciliation.
At this time we also open ourselves in prayer for:
your creation …Silence
For others in need that we have heard about throughout our world … Silence
For other people we know and are close to … Silence
For the church and our wider community … Silence
And lastly, for ourselves …Silence
We offer these prayers to you in the name of Christ. Amen.
Blessing
Go in peace, and until we worship God together again, may the love of the Father enfold you, the wisdom of the Son enlighten you, and the fire of the Holy Spirit kindle you. Amen.
Song
‘No Love is Higher’, courtesy of Emu Youth. It can also be found via a direct link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6rjMdSXoHU
Resources
The sermon is from ‘Project Reconnect’ and can be found at:
https://projectreconnect.com.au/2023/07/25/20th-august-2023-year-a-pentecost-12-tamar-and-baruch-talking-about-jesus