Weoley Hill Order of service with communion
Sunday 4 May 2025 led by Ann Evans
Welcome and notices given by Elder on duty Sue Beeby
Introduction/ Call to Worship
The Lord hears our cries. He has restored us to life and turned our mourning into dancing.
So let us come, sing praises to the Lord and give thanks to his holy name.
Ever-loving God, as we gather together in worship, may we glorify your name. Help us to make the most of this time together, sharing honestly with one another as we participate in this story of faith. May we offer you our all and be glad when you lovingly change our perspectives.
Amen.
Hymn 377 This is the day the Lord has made
Opening prayers
Lord God, you met Saul on the way to Damascus, totally out of the blue! He had no thought of you in his head – but it was your time for him – and things were never the same again!
We pray that today it will be our time to meet with you, to experience your blinding light, to have our eyes opened to your glory. Please, Lord, meet us where we need to be met.
Lord, you are indeed the God of miracles. You reveal yourself in so many different and amazing ways. You can be there in a blinding flash from heaven, but also in the gradual breaking of dawn
when our souls are in darkness. We come before you now, rejoicing in your power to light up our lives, and to change our perspective. We are waiting, Lord.
A prayer of confession
Lord God, we ask your forgiveness for the times when we have hurt or denied you by hurting or denying one of your children. We pray that whether you come to us in a loud, clear voice, or as a tiny whisper, we will hear and gladly obey. Bless us with your forgiveness and love.
Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness
You alone, mighty Lord, have the power to forgive and to help us see the error of our ways.
Thank you for the new perspective we have when we realise we are truly forgiven.
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 9.1-20, John 21.1-19 Sue Beeby
Hymn 558 Will you come and follow me
Reflection
Hymn 355 Jesus call us! O’er the tumult
Prayers for the people
Almighty God, we recognise that you are the fire, the spark, the vision, the calling, that brings us to our knees to pray for those near and far and so we pray this day for those people and situations that are on our minds and in our hearts.
For those who lead the nations, the good ones and the bad ones, those prepared to apologise for mistakes made and those who plough on regardless of the chaos and mess they cause. For those who are prepared to change their minds for the greater good of humanity and creation.
For the peoples of the nations, those who support their leaders and those who despair of decisions made, supposedly in their name. For those who decide, whatever the risk to themselves, to speak out against injustice and unfairness. For those who risk their lives for the well-being and the good of neighbours near and far.
For those countries at war, those whose countries want the war and the countries who don’t but who are unceremoniously dragged into violence and revenge trying to protect peoples and lands, heritage and borders.
For the homeless, the hungry, the dispossessed, for those who face discrimination and injustice, those who feel isolated, lonely and alone, unloved, unwanted and fearful.
For the ill and those who treat them, who bind their wounds and care for body, mind and soul. For those who are nearing the end of earthly life that they may find comfort, strength and peace. For those who mourn the loss of loved ones, who feel the emptiness and loss, who live with guilt and regret of things not said and deeds not done.
And finally we pray for ourselves, that we may follow in the steps of Christ and in so doing find peace, love and contentment, healing, hope and joy.
And hear all the prayers of our hearts, spoken and unspoken.
In the name of the risen Christ, we pray.
Amen
Offertory prayer (Plate is brought up during the first hymn)
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
Invitation to Communion
Sharing the peace
Communion Hymn 453 Let us talents and tongues employ
Celebration of Communion including the Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 373 Lord Jesus Christ
Blessing
We go from this place with perspectives changed. May we have eyes to see you at work in our lives and community. May we have words of love to offer to people society often shuns. May we trust and obey your call on our lives.
Amen.