SONG
The opening song is, “Christ our hope in life and death”, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibIi1rz7mw
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. Let us also acknowledge those Aboriginal peoples who are the first inhabitants of the regions in which we dwell, and honour them for their care of the land.
Prayer
Let’s pray.
If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the furthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me fast.
(Ps 139: 9-10)
Be still and aware of God’s presence within and all around.
Holy God, whose presence is known in the structures we build, and also in their collapse; establish in us a community of hope, not to contain your mystery, but to be led beyond security into your scared space, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Luke 21:5-19. The words of the reading is below. There is also a video of a dramatic re-enactment of the Gospel reading underneath.
Luke 21:5-19
The destruction of the temple foretold
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
Signs and persecutions
They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify.
Not a hair on your head will perish
So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Dramatic readings from Lumo
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of the Gospel reading by the Lumo group. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09j-IgF2VGw&t=2s
Message
Today’s message is from Geoff Wellington from the Saltbush Community. Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem to the shock of the Disciples. The Disciples want to know when, what and which signs will come before such destruction. In our own time we experience the tearing down and changing of many things. Even with such changes and chaos happening in the world where do you find hope and endurance of faith?
What did you hear in the Word today? Where do you find hope and endurance in your faith in these changing times? How could your Christian Community respond to faithful living and supporting those impacted by current events?
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
“Be still my soul”, courtesy of Emu Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOl4g5hzdg0
Prayers for Others
Let us pray.
In hope and endurance Lord, we offer you all we are, all we have, all we do, and all whom we shall meet this day that you will be given the glory.
We offer you our homes and work, our schools and leisure, and everyone in our community today; may all be done as unto you.
We offer you the broken and hungry …
May the wealth and work of the world be available to all and for the exploitation of none.
Silence
May your presence be known to all. Circle us, Lord. Keep strife without and peace within. Keep fear without and hope within. And keep pride without, trust within, evil out and good within.
May we walk in the hope of your kingdom. Fill us with your light and love. Be with us all through this day Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessing
Send us out God of hope and love. Restore our endurance to faithfully follow the Christ, who shows us the way even in troubled and changing times.
Bless us and the people we meet along the way Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Song
The closing song is, “Love divine, all loves excelling”, at Royal Prince Albert Hall. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3jmXn6HTQ
Postlude
“God, give us peace that lasts”, by John Bell. If you have trouble connecting, go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK0eqMMQkck
Fun Activities
Messy Family Fun Psalm 23
There are many fun activities at HomeFaith based on the theme of the ‘Good Shepherd’ at:
https://homefaith.net/resources/messy-family-fun-psalm-23-2022/
Pentecost Flames Salad Spinner Art and Prayer Ideas
Get a cheap salad spinner and use it to create some spinner art! It’s brilliant: quick, clean (because the spinner sits in its own bowl) and each piece is unique! The process of making the art really lends itself to Pentecost themes so here’s an idea to help celebrate the occasion. Go to the following link:
http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2014/04/pentecost-flames-salad-spinner-art-and.html
Resources
The prayers & blessing are based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/pentecost-23-hope-endurance-luke-21-5-19/
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