Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Led by Rev Dr Paul Tonson
27 July – Pentecost 7
For those watching online: You may like to light a candle during your time of worship. Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
WE GATHER AS PEOPLE OF FAITH
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made
We will rejoice, we will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made
This is the place, this is the place
Where we share our faith, where we share our faith
This is the place, this is the place
Where we share our love, where we share our love
This is the place where we share our faith,
This is the place where we share our love,
This is the place, this is the day
That the Lord has made.
We light the Christ candle
To focus our thoughts
…….
Anthem Come to us, creative Spirit TiS 652,
- Come to us, creative Spirit, in our Father’s house;
every human talent hallow, hidden skills arouse,
that within your earthly temple wise and simple may- rejoice. - Poet, painter, music-maker, all your treasures bring;
florist, actor, graceful dancer, make your offering;
join your hands in celebration: let creation shout- and sing! - Word from God eternal springing, fill our minds, we pray;
and in all artistic vision give integrity;
may the flame within us burning kindle yearning day- by day. - In all places and for ever glory be expressed
to the Son, with God the Father and the Spirit blest:
in our worship and our living keep us striving for- the best.
David Mowbray 1938–
Together in a Spirit of Prayer
….
May our mindfulness here today sustain our faith, and inspire us to use our creative gifts to transform our world and the lives of those around us. SO BE IT
Song: God sends us the Spirit
- God sends us the Spirit to befriend and help us,
recreate and guide us, Spirit friend:
Spirit who enlivens, sanctifies, enlightens,
sets us free, is now our Spirit friend.
Spirit of our Father, Spirit friend,
Spirit of our Jesus, Spirit friend,
Spirit of God’s people, Spirit friend.
2. Darkened roads are clearer, heavy burdens lighter
when we’re walking with our Spirit friend:
now we need not fear the powers of the darkness:
none can overcome our Spirit friend.
3. Now we are God’s people, bonded by his presence,
agents of his purpose, Spirit friend:
lead us forward ever, slipping backward never,
to your remade world, our Spirit friend.
Tom Colvin 1925 and people of Ghana
Words & Music: Tom Colvin. Harmony: Lawrence Francis Bartlett
The Peace
WE LISTEN WITH THE EARS OF FAITH
Reading: “Filled with the Spirit of God”
A conversation based on Exodus 31:1-11– Peter Sharples and Beth Coote
Responsive reading: for Men and Women
“A Tree and Its Fruit” from Luke 6:43-45
Reflection: Filled with the Spirit of God
Song: If I were a butterfly
Song by Debby Kerner & Ernie Rettino ‧ Kid’s Praise, 1980
If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you, Lord, for giving me wings
And if I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you, Lord, that I could sing
And if I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail, and I’d giggle with glee
But I’d just thank you Father for making me me
‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me me
If I were an elephant
I’d thank you, Lord, by raising my trunk
And if I were a kangaroo
I’d just hop right up to you
And if I were an octopus
I’d thank you, Lord, for my good looks
But I’d just thank you Father for making me me
‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me me
If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you, Lord, that I could squirm
And if I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my big smile
And if I were a fuzzy wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy wuzzy hair
But I just thank you Father for making me me
‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me me
WE RESPOND WITH A HEART OF LOVE
The Joys and Concerns of the Congregation
Offering and Prayers for Others
“Lord Jesus we belong to you” – (TiS 686)
Lord Jesus, we belong to you, you live in us, we live in you;
we live and work for you — because we bear your name.
Keep us from missing out on life; give hands that help, and single sight,
and feet that walk your way — because we bear your name.
© John Wilfred Kleinig – 1942-
Prayers prepared by Wendy and Graham Ray.
As we bring these offerings before You, we thank you for the many blessings in our lives.
Bless these gifts, bless our creative abilities, and may they be used to further Your work in the world, and bring hope to those in need.
We pray for the world.
There are many countries in the world experiencing conflict and unrest. Be with them in their time of need. Continue to inspire those who are using their gifts of leadership to bring peace, and to those who bring the much-needed aid.
And we pray for those affected by the ravages of climate change. May there be government and individual action to help preserve, and enhance your creation.
In a moment of silence, we pray for our world …
We pray for our country.
In this multi-cultural, multi-faith country, may we eliminate suspicion, hatred and hostility.
May there be peace and harmony, and respect for different points of view.
Let us love one another, as You have loved us.
And may this love extend to those who face difficult personal circumstances such as
unemployment or homelessness. May responsible authorities prioritise these pressing social issues, and may we be supportive, in any way we can.
In a moment of silence, we pray for our country …
We pray for our community.
Thank you, Lord, for this vibrant, caring, gifted and active community. May we continue to support each other, here in this place, and the wider community.
We pray for our minister the Rev. Heather Hon. May she feel uplifted and encouraged by our support, as she ministers to us, and the Presbytery of Yarra Yarra.
We pray for those in our community or family, who are facing difficult personal
circumstances at this time. Be with them, and may they feel a sense of Your reassuring
presence.
In a moment of silence, we pray for our community and what is on our hearts this morning ..
Thank You for this prayerful time, and we now join together, saying the Lord’s Prayer
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.
Save us in the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
Now and forever, Amen
Song: I sing a song of the saints (AHB 551) Lesbia Scott (1898-1986)
I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.
They loved their Lord so very dear,
and His love made them strong,
and they followed the right for Jesus’ sake,
the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
and there’s not any reason, no, not the least,
why I shouldn’t be one too.
They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is bright with the joyous saints
who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
in church, by the sea, in the house next door,
they are saints of God whether rich or poor,
and I mean to be one too.
Blessing:
May the shaping work of the Spirit of God within us continue to make our lives a true reflection of our Lord.
May holy imagination bring us new vision and set free all our giftedness to make us a blessing
Benediction: Father bless us as we go.
Father bless us as we go,
Jesus walk beside us,
Holy Spirit guide us