Weoley Hill Order of service 18 May 2025 led by Ann Evans
Welcome and notices given by Elder on duty Gill Hitchin
Call to Worship
The Lord’s name is to be exalted, his glory is above earth and heaven. So, let us come before him now, young and old together and praise his name.
God, who makes all things new, we gather together today to bring you praise. We offer ourselves afresh in your service. We’re sorry for all the ways we have fallen short of your ideal over the last week. Make us new again this morning.
Amen
Hymn 378 Awake my soul and with the sun
Opening prayers
The one seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Lord, sometimes we come to church feeling a little bit jaded, perhaps unsure why we feel the way we do. We need a burst of new life. Today, Lord, we come to you with open hearts and minds. Help us to understand your Word to us. Make us ready to experience and embrace your wonderful newness of life.
Lord God, you know every bone in our body, every ache and pain, every beat of our heart, every emotion. You know us inside out. You know when we are joyful, but also when we struggle. We take a moment now to pause and be aware of you. We breathe out our old life and breathe in the gloriousness of your new life.
Lord, we ask forgiveness for the times when we don’t accept your Word because it seems strange to us.
Lord, forgive us for not seeing the big picture.
For the times when we hang on to the old, doing things as we always did.
Lord, forgive us for not seeing the big picture.
For when we think we are the only ones worthy of your love.
Lord, forgive us for not seeing the big picture.
For when we make judgements on things we have no right to judge.
Lord, forgive us for not seeing the big picture.
Open our eyes to new life in you.
Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness
The Spirit tells Peter to have no hesitation and to go with the men from Caesarea. Lord God, sometimes we are afraid to repent, to give ourselves to you. Today we come to you unafraid, knowing your forgiveness in our hearts and grateful beyond measure for the new life you give us.
Amen.
Sharing Good News
LYCIG 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.
Readings Acts 11:1-18, John 13:31-35 Gill Hitchin
Hymn A new commandment (hymns ancient and modern version)
A new commandment I give unto you
that you love one another as I have loved you,
that you love one another as I have loved you.
1 By this shall all men know you are my disciples
if you have love for one another.
By this shall all men know you are my disciples
if you have love for one another.
Chorus
2 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Without my help you can do nothing.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Without my help you can do nothing.
Chorus
3 I am the true vine, my Father is the gard'ner.
Abide in me: I will be with you.
I am the true vine, my Father is the gard'ner
Abide in me: I will be with you.
Chorus
4 True love is patient, not arrogant nor boastful;
love bears all things, love is eternal.
True love is patient, not arrogant nor boastful;
love bears all things, love is eternal.
Chorus
Verse 1 and refrain Anonymous; Verses 2-4 Aniceto Nazareth (fl. 1984)
© 1984 Kevin Mayhew Ltd Irregular Used By Permission. CCLI Licence No. 591109
Created by HymnQuest.com - HymnQuest ID: 73169
Reflection
Hymn 243 Now the green blade rises
Prayers for the people
Almighty God, Creator, Redeemer, Comforter, we bring our prayers for the world and all of humanity, those near and far, known and unknown.
Almighty God, with violence and quarrels, wars and disputes, fractures and breaks in so much of the world’s society, across so many continents, we pray that more and more people will catch the vison that is yours, to break down the barriers of faith and culture, of race, language and ability. And that leaders of nations will catch the vision to inspire their people to live better, healthier, happier, fairer and more ‘just’ lives.
We pray for the new Pope, Pope Leo, that his vision and vigour for helping the poor and marginalised will spread out to engulf the world and that, together, people of faith and none will grasp the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
We pray for reconciliation for past wars and on-going wars and violence and cruelty. We pray that anger and the desire for more power can be wiped away, making all things new for peace and harmony, acceptance and love.
We pray for those who lurch from one day to the next, uncertain about homes and houses, food and medicine; uncertain about what is there for them and how they can get the help they need and how they can meet bills and pay off debts.
We pray for those who have lost sight of their place in society, lost understanding of how we each need to play our part to help and support each other as best we can, and lost the ability of give and take.
We pray for the ill and those worried about tests and diagnosis and treatment. We pray for those who are near the end of their life alone and afraid. We pray for those who mourn and grieve for love lost and hopes dashed.
May we, in the way we live out our lives, do all we can to make visible God’s love for the world.
In the name of our Almighty God, Creator, Redeemer and Comforter, we offer these prayers and the unspoken prayers of our hearts.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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 90 O lord all the world belongs to you
Blessing
Life-giving God, Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, journey with us as we go from this place into our communities. As we look forward to the time when you will make all things new, enable us, by your Spirit, to bring your kingdom here on earth.
Amen.