Weoley Hill Order of service Sunday 13 September 2026
Led by Ann Evans
Welcome and notices given by Elder on duty
Call to Worship
Are you ready? It’s time to go. It’s time to go with God. We’re going on a journey.
We’re going on a journey with God. Let’s go together. Let’s go together with God today.
God who created the world, we gather here from many places,
be with us here.
God who saves us, we bring our fears and our questions,
guide us and protect us.
Uniting God, we come as pilgrims to journey together.
Let us know you here as we journey with you.
Amen.
Hymn 378 Awake my soul and with the sun
Opening prayers
God of our journey of faith:
Wherever you send us, we will go.
Wherever you lead us, we will follow.
Whenever we stumble, we will reach out to you.
Whenever we are afraid, we will trust you.
Wherever we gather, we will worship you.
Whenever we hear your word, we will embrace you.
All our days, we will honour you.
In ones and twos and in tens and hundreds, we will praise you.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Eternal God, through you all things are possible: seas become dry land; darkness is lit up; oppressors are overcome; the oppressed are saved; fear becomes fortitude; death becomes life; slaves are freed; despair blossoms into hope. We praise you, God, our creator, Jesus, our saviour and Holy Spirit, our comforter. We praise you.
Loving God, forgive us, we pray, when we go against your wishes, when we ignore your presence with us, when we lead others into wrong ways, when we pursue that which is reckless and bad for us. Forgive us and help us to trust that your light is stronger than our darkness, your creativity stronger than our destructiveness, and your faithfulness stronger than our doubt. Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness
God of power and presence, your grace goes ahead of us, drawing us away from the sins that drag us down. Your forgiveness heals us from all that has drawn us away from you and others. Your love is in our midst, giving us courage, leading us on and guiding us to your eternal kingdom.
Amen.
Sharing Good News
LYCIG (Leading your church into growth) Prayer said together
God of Mission,
Who alone brings growth to your Church,
Send your Holy Spirit to give,
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
Joy to our worship
And power to our witness.
Help our church to grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading(s) Exodus 14:19-31; Matthew 18.21-35
Hymn MP 948 Through the night of doubt and sorrow
Reflection
Hymn 543 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
Prayers for the people
Almighty and all-knowing God, your world and all its people are in your hand. You alone see the big picture. You alone know your plans, plans to prosper and not to harm us. And yet it is hard not to feel anxious and uncertain when we look around us and see so much need for prayer.
Yours is a path of generosity, grace and peace, but your children are led astray with greed, intolerance and violence. We ask your blessing on the peace-makers - those seeking to mediate between warring nations and factions and individuals. Encourage and strengthen them, giving them the right words to say. May your Holy Spirit infuse the hearts of those who wield power and influence, that they may prioritise justice, safety and wellbeing for all. May we use our votes prayerfully and our voices wisely, unafraid to speak truth to power.
Help us trust your love and your leading, as we journey on together.
God, who led your people to safety in treacherous times, we pray for those who are in danger at this time; those who make the news such as the victims of the floods in Nepal and China, the volcano in Indonesia or the collapsed building in Delhi, the loss of their homes after the devastating fires in places in Britain, and those whose situation goes unnoticed by others. We pray for those who put their lives at risk to seek sanctuary in another country due to danger at home, not knowing what kind of welcome they will receive. Bless all who work to support those in danger and in need, and may our hearts be filled with compassion and understanding.
Help us trust your love and your leading, as we journey on together.
Creator and carer of all, you see the needs of each individual and long to lead them from all that holds them back from living life in all its fullness. We pray for those whose mental health is affected by their situation, those who are limited by anxiety or lack of understanding of how to navigate the circumstances they find themselves in. We bring before you all whose quality of life is marred by poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and lack of opportunity. We pray for those who are sick or who feel held back by weakness or impairment, and for those who mourn. May your love and comfort envelop them, your strength infuse them, your spirit encourage them. Strengthen and equip those who work amongst them and move us with compassion to help where we can, whether it be practically, emotionally or financially.
Help us trust your love and your leading, as we journey on together.
Amen
We bring all these prayers to you by saying the Lord’s prayer.
Lord’s Prayer
Offertory dedication
To the God of us all; the God who gives, and wills all people freedom; we pray that our daily giving and receiving, may be like this offertory, not tired habit or empty duty alone but prompted and steered by celebration of the love of Christ. Amen
Hymn 560 Glorious things of thee are spoken
Blessing
Let us have courage,
as we know God before us.
Let us have faith,
as we know God beside us.
Let us have joy,
as we know God behind us.
Let us have love,
as we know God goes with us. Amen.