Song
‘Holy, holy, holy’, courtesy of Emu Music (Alana Glover). If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYgtUW8jvbs
Prayer
Let us pray.
Ever-present Creator, you who have brought all things into being and called them good and invited us to create with you. May we be willing creators with you.
Jesus Christ, you have revealed to us the loving heart of God, the kingdom of God in our present and the call to share in the movement of God. May we follow you and know we belong.
Holy Spirit, you continue to enliven, encourage and nourish our lives, reminding us that we are born from above. May we live as people aware of the ever-present God: Creator, Redeemer and Spirit. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Matthew 28:16-20. There is also a dramatic reading from the Lumo group below the words. The dramatic reading can also be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqZ_9fc2KvY
Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Message
The message is brought to you by Tim Jensen from the Saltbush Community. How does the Trinity expand our understanding of God? Join Tim as he explores the Trinity through a series of images.
How would you describe the Trinity? What is your experience of the Trinity? What do you believe should be the main focus of the church as we explore the nature of the Trinity?
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 ‘The Commission’, by Cody Carnes. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt3fiOJHaSk
Prayers for others
Let us pray,
Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, your ways are higher than our ways, your thoughts greater than our thoughts, so although we acknowledge that we do not always understand your ways, we continue to offer you our prayers.
Dear God, when we watch the news on TV, the world you made seems to be in crisis. We pray for the world you still love: for an end to fighting and greed. Guide our leaders in the ways of peace and how to care for the earth.
Dear God, bless your scattered Church, both here in Australia and throughout the World. May young and old honour you in worship and in service. Give us your Spirit to put into practice what we learn.
Dear Jesus, you healed sick people when their friends brought them to you. Hear our prayers as we pray for those we know who are sick in body, mind or spirit. May they know your healing power and your loving presence.
Let us now spend some time in silence as we lay all our personal concerns before God.
Dear God, as we pray, we know that we must also be part of the answer to our prayers. Help us to be partners with you and to act with your wisdom and love. Oh Father, Son, and Holy Spirit One, hear all our prayers this day.
Blessing
Let us go in peace, and may the love of the Father enfold us, the grace of the Son inspire us, and the fire of the Holy Spirit empower us. Amen.
Song
“God has chosen me’, by Bernadette Farrell. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frm7OAAdmh8
Resources
The sermon and opening prayer are based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/the-trinity-matthew-2816-20/