Sunday Holy Communion

Sun 29th January 2023
10:45 am

Welcome

If you are a visitor here today we hope you feel at home. The stewards wearing rainbow lanyards, will be happy to help you. Please introduce yourself. If you receive communion in any church you are welcome to receive the bread and wine here. If you need a gluten free wafer or wish to receive communion in your seat please let one of the stewards know.

Our services are often live streamed, so those at home can worship with us. If you wish to ensure you are not seen on camera please sit on the right hand side of the church as you enter, please ask a steward if you are unsure. The cameras do not film people coming up for communion.

Children are always welcome in church and we understand that they do not always find it easy to be quiet! Please move around as you need to with them and if toddlers need a wander that is fine as long as they remain under your supervision. Church buildings are great places to explore but please be mindful of uneven floors, sharp edges and candles. Most weeks during term time Children’s Church takes place in Fearon Hall and families re-join us in the church building in time for communion.

We are part of the Inclusive Church network and as such we seek to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality. We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ. We are a work in progress and welcome anyone who wishes to journey with us.

Before the service begins there is an informal welcome. Once the service starts please join in with the words in bold type. The parts in italics are instructions or an indication of what is happening. You will find throughout the service there are notes to stand, sit or kneel. These are invitations not commands, so please do whatever helps you to worship.

The Gathering

Processional Hymn 721 Love Divine

All stand to sing as the hymn as the music begins and the servers and minsters process

The Greeting

In my head

In my heart

And all around

Jesus is here

In my head

In my heart

And all around

Jesus is here

We sit as the theme of the service is introduced

Song Praise

We sing the ancient hymn of praise using this Peruvian setting .

Glory to God, glory to God,

glory to the Father.

Glory to God, glory to God,

glory to the Father.

To God be glory for ever.

To him be glory for ever.

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen

Glory to God, glory to God,

Son of the Father.

Glory to God, glory to God,

Son of the Father.

To God be glory for ever.

To God be glory for ever.

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen

Glory to God, glory to God,

glory to the Spirit.

Glory to God, glory to God,

glory to the Spirit.

To God be glory for ever.

To him be glory for ever.

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen,

Alleluia, amen

The Collect

Let us pray.

Almighty and ever-living God,

clothed in majesty,

whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,

in substance of our flesh:

grant that we may be presented to you

with pure and clean hearts,

by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy SPiirt,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

The text of the bible readings can be found on the notice sheet.

First Reading

At the end of the reading we say:

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

First Reading: Malachi 3.1-5

3 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.[a] 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

5 Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Second Reading: Hebrews 2.14-end

14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters[n] in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Gospel Reading

We stand and sing together in readiness to hear the words of Jesus.:

Alleluia! Your words, O Lord are spirit and life.

Alleluia! Open our hearts to your word.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel Reading: Luke 2.22-40

22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon;[a] this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[b] 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon[c] came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon[d] took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant[e] in peace,

according to your word;

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.’

33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon[f] blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

36 There was also a prophet, Anna[g] the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child[h] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

At the end we say:

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

We sing the Alleluia refrain again as the gospel is carried back.

Sermon

During the sermon children along with their parents and carers are invited to make Christingles which we shall be lighting at the end of the service.

Anthem sung by the Youth Choir

A setting of the Nunc Dimittis by George Dyson

Prayers of Intercession and Penitence

These prayers are led by Children’s Church

Lord Jesus, Hope for the world,

We hold these Christingle as a sign of your hope.

May we share your light in the darkness.

The candle, planted deep within the world, as a sign that you made your home among us, and lived with the poor and neglected.

May we share your light in the darkness.

The ribbon, wrapped around the earth, a sign of your love shown on the cross, enfolding the whole world with your saving love.

May we share your light in the darkness.

The fruits and sweets, signs of all the good things you have made, given to us that we might share them fairly so everyone can have enough.

May we share your light in the darkness

As we hold these Christingles please hold Revd Emily in your hands.

Thank you for the ways she has shown us your love. Thank you for the gifts she has shared with us.

Go with her so she may shine your light in the darkness

Hear the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ:

‘I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me shall never walk in darkness

but shall have the light of life.’

In that light let’s think about things we are sorry for and ask God for a new start. Let’s sing our sorry song together:

We remain seated to sing.

For things we have thought

that we wished we’d not thought

we’re sorry, we’re sorry

we need a new start

For the things we have said

that we wished we’d not said

we’re sorry, we’re sorry

we need a new start

For the things we have done

that we wished we’d not done

we’re sorry, we’re sorry

We need a new start

The Good News is God always wants to give us a new start.

Let’s turn to the person next to us and show them God gives them a new start. Let’s take our finger and draw a smile on their forehead to show that God is very happy with them. Let’s say “God gives you a new start!” Then let them give you a new start too”.

When we have said those words to one another the priest says a formal prayer of forgiveness:

Almighty God,

Who forgives all who truly repent,

Have mercy upon you,

Pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

Confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

And keep you in life eternal

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

In the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on high has broken upon us, to give light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way if peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Members of the congregation turn to one another and greet their neighbours by saying ‘peace be with you’ and making a sign of peace.

Offertory Hymn 719 Lord the light of your love is shining

During this hymn bread and wine are brought forward and the altar-table is prepared. The offertory plate is presented, symbolic of the gifts of the people. The president gives thanks for the gifts of time, talent and finance that are offered while the deacon or lay assistant is laying up the altar-table.

Taking of the Bread and Wine

Father, in Christ there has sprung up a light for the righteous;

accept the gifts we bring before you

and grant that Christ may shine in us

to the praise and glory of your name.

Amen.

The priest washes their hands symbolising our desire to come together at the Lord’s table with pure hearts and minds.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

The priest praises God for His mighty acts and all respond by singing

‘Holy, holy, holy, holy,’

Sang the angels in the skies.

‘Holy, holy, holy, holy,’

All creation now replies.

Blessed is the infant Saviour,

Blessed is the world’s redeemer.

Sing Hosanna to the king.

The priest recalls the Last Supper and the prayer continues leading into the final words of praise

…and now with all your saints we give you glory,

through Jesus Christ in the strength of the Spirit,

today and for ever.

Amen.

We kneel or sit and observe a moment of silence

The Lord’s Prayer

We say this prayer together, each in whichever language is closest to our hearts. It may be led by a member of the congregation using one of the global languages that make up our intercultural community.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life,

and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us,

light in the midst of us,

bring us to light and life.

We sing together while the president breaks the remaining consecrated bread and the communion assistants come to the front.

‘Holy, holy, holy, holy,’

Sang the angels in the skies.

‘Holy, holy, holy, holy,’

All creation now replies.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy

Grant us peace Emmanuel

Giving of Communion

God’s holy gifts

for God’s holy people

Jesus Christ is holy

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Please come forward when directed by the stewards. Christians of any church tradition are welcome to receive the bread and wine including children who have been admitted to communion, here or at another church. Alternatively you can come forward for a prayer of blessing, please indicate if this is your wish by crossing your arms across your chest.

As we share communion the music group will sing How great is our God and then we join in singing the following song:

Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days Oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

So here I am to worship…

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
(4x)

So here I am to worship…

Prayer after Communion

A brief silence is kept.

Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,

who lived to welcome the Messiah:

may we, who have received these gifts beyond words,

prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes

to bring us to eternal life;

for his is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

Amen.

Presentation to Revd Emily

The Dismissal

Notices

Hymn 113 When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day

The choir will lead this hymn and we shall join in with the chorus:

A glory dawns in every dark place,

The light of Christ, the fullness of grace

As the hymn is sung we light our Christingles and candles sharing the light of Christ with one another. PLEASE SUPERVISE YOUNG CHILDREN.

Blessed are you, Lord our God,

King of the universe.

Your light shines on us

and all peoples shall see your glory.

You gave us Jesus to be the light of the world;

he makes our darkness to be light.

Through the Holy Spirit your love burns within us,

bearing witness to your truth.

As we bear your light,

may our lips never cease to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

As we sing the rest of the hymn the ministers and any children who wish lead us to the font please either turn to face the font or move out of your pew to join them.

Longing for light, we wait in darkness.

Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people,

light for the world to see.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.

Longing for hope, many despair.

Your word alone has power to save us.

Make us your living voice.

Longing for food, many are hungry.

Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others,

shared until all are fed.

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others,

walls made of living stone.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Many the gifts, many the people,

many the hearts that yearn to belong.

Let us be servants to one another,

making your kingdom come.

Final Response and Conclusion

Father, we have sung your praise with shepherds and angels:

may Christ be born in our hearts today.