Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Trinity Sunday – 26 May 2024 – 10am or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
Introit: “Santo, santo” – (TiS 723)
Santo, santo, santo. Mi corazón te adora!
Mi corazón te sabe decir: Santo eres Señor!
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you!
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Candle Lighting:
Our Christian tradition teaches that there is mystery
and wonder in our relationship with God;
a mystery and wonder that opens in our worship
and in our active discipleship.
Equally, the mystery is expressed as we relate
to God as Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
Mystery, yes, at the same time revelation;
one God whose fullness is lived in relationship.
We light the Christ candle
naming Jesus as a life-giving,
gracious presence within our relationship
with the Creator and the Spirit.
Acknowledgement of Country:
As we gather to worship,
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians
of these unceded lands and waters,
the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung Peoples
of the Kulin Nation.
I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present,
and to all future leaders and generations.
As First and Second Peoples walking together,
may we commit ourselves to be people of the covenant,
listening, truth telling and seeking justice for all.
Call to Worship:
God calls, we answer, ‘yes Lord!’
God cleanses, and we are liberated.
God directs us, and we travel forwards in God’s work.
Jesus calls and we follow as his disciples.
He redeems, and we are set free from our sin.
Jesus is risen and we go in Jesus’ name to give hope to the world.
The Holy Spirit gives us her breath of life.
The Holy Spirit shares fuel, and we are never empty.
By the Spirit, we held as one humanity,
united in the bonds of love.
Amazing God,
One in Three, Three in One,
we worship you today, tomorrow and forever.
We Sing: “Praise with joy the world’s Creator” – (TiS 179)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator, God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge, force of greatness without cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory, power to rescue and release.
Praise the Son who feeds the hungry, frees the captive, finds the lost,
heals the sick, upsets religion, fearless of both fate and cost.
Celebrate Christ’s constant presence – Friend and Stranger, Guest and Host.
Praise the Spirit sent among us, liberating truth from pride,
forging bonds where race or gender, age or nation dare divide.
Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure – foolishness none dare deride.
Praise the Maker, Son and Spirit, one God in community,
calling Christians to embody oneness and diversity.
Thus the world shall yet believe, when shown Christ’s vibrant unity.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Holy One, Holy Three,
we gather in this sacred place,
and come humbly before you,
offering you this time of worship.
We hear of your voice
thundering over the waters
in power, glory and splendour,
and yet experience your mercy and love.
Your creative works in the heavens above
and the earth below continue to amaze us,
and allow us space to wonder
at the beauty and mystery of it all.
Your son, Jesus, came among us
and experienced it all for himself;
teaching us the way we should live
and encouraging us to look after all life.
Like Isaiah and Nicodemus you call us to follow you,
to take up our cross and step forward to where you lead.
Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have failed to follow you.
We regret that we have let you down
and we long to be reconciled to you,
cleansed and renewed,
so that we may walk once more in your way.
Lord, give us courage to respond to your call each day,
and wisdom to discern where you are leading us
so that we might follow faithfully and guide others to you.
Gracious and merciful God,
we long to respond to your call
and to bring your kingdom here and now.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
God’s love of the world is so great that God sent Jesus,
that we may truly live lives of peace and hope.
Listen with your hearts as well as your ears.
God’s love is poured out for you
that you may have new life in service and witness.
Praise be to God.
The Peace:
Hear this mystery:
we are all the children and heirs of the Holy One.
Let us welcome one another
with the peace that God has given us
through Christ Jesus.
The peace of Christ be with you …
and also with you.
We Sing: “Father in heaven” – (TiS 465)
Father in heaven, grant to your children
mercy and blessing, songs never ceasing,
love to unite us, grace to redeem us –
Father in heaven, Father our God.
Jesus, Redeemer, may we remember
your gracious passion, your resurrection.
Worship we bring you,
praise we shall sing you –
Jesus, Redeemer, Jesus our Lord.
Spirit descending whose is the blessing,
strength for the weary, help for the needy;
make us your temple, born a new people –
Spirit descending, Spirit adored.
A Time for All: Kids Hope
At Mont Albert Primary School, Kids Hope has played a role in student wellbeing for many years. We currently have three dedicated mentors who are making a difference in the lives of three of our most vulnerable students.
Phil, Chris and Prue give up one hour each week to sow seeds of love and care into these students’ lives. We have an enrolment of around 600 students, so you can imagine that there would be many who miss out. Students who are going through tough times such as a divorce, death of a parent, parents with chronic health issues, or who have arrived from another country not knowing anyone.
We desperately need more mentors.
One of our students who arrived in Year 1 as a frightened, anxious and suspicious student, whose parents were not on the scene, was fortunate to gain a mentor. Initially she couldn’t believe that the mentor came JUST FOR HER. Why would someone want to spend time with me? She must have thought. Five years on and she is a confident, hard-working, smiling student with a lovely group of friends. Having a relationship with her mentor has meant the world to her, and has helped shape her into the person she is today.
If you love children and have ONE hour a week to spare, you too could make a valuable difference. Kids Hope changes lives.
You can be a child’s champion. Imagine the impact when a child realizes they matter to you. Through one-to-one mentoring, kids experience love and belonging and in turn find new confidence. Their learning improves, they develop positive relationships and hope for a better future is ignited.
One Mentor. One child. One hour a week. The impact… immeasurable!
If you would like to find out more about Kids Hope please speak to the coordinator Phil Carrington.
Let us pray:
God of love and community,
we thank you for the things in life that make us curious,
and for the opportunity to learn and grow in nurturing communities.
We know that some children have difficult situations to contend with,
and need that little bit more support to settle in and know that they matter.
We bring these children before you now,
naming those from Mont Albert Primary,
while knowing that there are many more.
We thank you for those who step in to build relationships with these children,
particularly those who participate in the Kids Hope program.
May you give them wisdom, love and grace,
as they become a safe space for those entrusted into their care.
Help us hear your voice as we discern whether this might be the place
to which you are calling us.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8
– A Vision of God in the Temple
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another and said,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
4 The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. 5 And I said, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 The seraph touched my mouth with it and said, “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”
Bible Reading: John 3:1-17
– Nicodemus Visits Jesus
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Reflection:
Presbyterian minister, liberal theologian, and activist. Brown was an international leader in civil rights, ecumenical and social justice causes and is known for campaigning actively against US involvement in the Vietnam War. He authored 29 books and was a Protestant observer at the Second Vatican Council.
Brown is famously quoted for saying ‘Where we stand determines what we see’, however, this quote only comes into its fullest understanding when read within the context of the whole thought Brown offered. ‘Who we listen to determines what we hear. Where we stand determines what we see. What we do determines who we are.’
This expression resonates with us today as we wrestle with what it is to celebrate the God we love as Trinitarian – Holy One, Holy Three. We can easily be tempted to become distracted in trying to understand how three beings can truly be one, all equal in their standing, yet each one unique and dynamic as they relate to one another in the elaborate dance of holy community. Please know that I’m not suggesting that we don’t do the work of trying to dive into the mystery of God, but, a little like the Pentecost story we had last week, we can miss things when all our focus is on explanation. In fact, what we miss when we don’t focus on the complex mystery of God, is the very thing that God desires for us to see – the Divine Nurturer continuing to make ways for the love they have for all humanity to be made known. This is the expression of the Godhead in relationship with thine own self and with us. This is the full communion between God and humanity restored in right relationship.
‘Who we listen to determines what we hear.’
There is so much noise in our world today that it is challenging to focus our thoughts. News reports, social media, advertising, well-meaning friends, historical understandings, political agendas, lobbyists and more all bombard us, dividing our attention and distracting us from deeply listening to what God is speaking into the world.
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Isaiah not only hears the angels call God holy, but also describe him as being freed from guilt and sin. He then hears God’s question of who will go and who can be sent. Isaiah responds by saying ‘Here I am, send me!’, but he is only able to respond because he has been in the place where he can hear the voice of God.
In the opening of the gospel passage, Nicodemus approaches Jesus under the cover of darkness. Some suggest that this is symbolic of his spiritual blindness and limited understanding, but Nicodemus is not a person of no faith – he sees and understands that Jesus is sent from God. I wonder if we might consider that Nicodemus came to Jesus when it was dark not because he was afraid or trying to fly under the radar, but because the quietness of the evening offered a moment when he could engage deeply with Jesus in conversation.
Nicodemus sought out Jesus who he knew God was with, and in doing so was listening to the One he needed to hear from. Nicodemus had to put aside all the ‘noise’ he was hearing, so that he could deeply listen and shift his understandings about a relationship with God. In this encounter his understanding and faith are deepened, he is challenged to step into a new way and to see the kingdom of God not as a place, but as a relationship – a relationship founded in love.
‘Where we stand determines what we see.’
Today is National Sorry Day, officially the National Day of Healing, and it would be remiss not to acknowledge the depth and gravity of all that means. As the Uniting Church we are continually being confronted with the noise of society, whether that is the overwhelming wrestle we have with recognition for our first nations brothers and sisters; or the evolving membership of the LGBTIQA+ people in our midst; those who have come to our shores seeking refuge; or the many others we encounter each and every day as we seek to be co-workers with God in the reconciliation of the whole creation through Christ.
In the passage from the Hebrew Scriptures we witness Isaiah of Jerusalem enter the temple and see a vision of God in all of God’s glory. This vision is so overwhelming that Isaiah not only sees the glory of God, but also sees his own capabilities as he becomes aware of who he is. This is part of the discernment for all of us, as we come to understand who we are in relation to God, and realise that while we can hide our secrets from one another, we cannot hide them from God. Yet, just like Nicodemus, Isaiah is able to more forward into a new understanding.
The psalmist emphasises that God reveals God-self through the wonder of nature and it is in this we can see God’s glory. I wonder if you saw the recent Aurora or the images of that event. I wasn’t lucky enough to see anything but a faint tinge of colour, but I have seen the Aurora Borealis in Alaska and to me this truly shows the glory of God. It is outside our normal experience and yet evokes something of the wonder and majesty of the Creator. In this vision of the night sky, I am reminded that the God who in love created all of this is the same God whose deep desire is that all creation will be reconciled in right relationship, and I wonder how I might be part of making this a reality.
‘What we do determines who we are.’
Both Isaiah and Nicodemus experience an internal shift as they are invited to start a new way of life. Isaiah responds to God’s call to go, even though he doesn’t know what accepting the call will lead to or the repercussions that might come his way. Nicodemus is invited to walk away from his position of power and join a cause of justice and liberation in God’s kingdom of relationship. For both it is about living out their understandings of the Triune God because of what they have seen and heard.
I wonder what our sense of being deeply beloved by the Holy Trinity means for us? How might we live into, and life out, that understanding of God?
If we say that God is holy, and that we are children of God, then we need to live lives that exhibit that belief. God is just and loving and so these qualities need to be a part of us too. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.’ This is part of an ongoing movement of love set in motion by God, a movement that we are invited to participate in. When the Holy One in Three, Three in One says ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’, I pray that we are able to respond ‘Here I am, send me!’
Amen.
We Sing: “Here I Am, Lord” – (TiS 658)
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord; is it I, Lord.
I have heard you calling in the night;
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain;
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord …
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts are satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord …
Prayer for Others (prepared by Rhonwen Pierce)Let us pray.
Lord God,
Today vas we worship your triune self we know it is beyond our full understanding but know it is of your own creation. We believe in the Power and by this Power prayers are answered. May we hold this thought as we bring our individual and collective prayers.
We remember the displaced people around the world. Those who are homeless as a result of war and those forced out of homes because of religious beliefs or sexual orientation. The love that you Jesus wanted displayed in the world still fails to come to pass. We remember the homeless here in our country and pray more workers are able to build more housing and that it is done properly so that it is safe and affordable.
As climate change continues to cause changes in the weather patterns we pray that countries agree on best possible solutions. We pray for emergency workers as they are faced with more and greater challenges as change continues. Be with all who suffer loss and hardship.
We pray for all the religious entities that are working in situations I have just mentioned . May they grow closer to each other and so achieve greater outcomes . We all have to look outside ourselves to be better stewards of all the resources you have given us.
Let us hold the Uniting Church and all its agencies in our prayers. We remember all the ministers serving their communities or holding important management roles. May the work reach out into the community to put a positive light on Christian ethics and raise awareness. We pray for Rev. Heather and the work she does with our Presbytery.
We pray for all the families grieving loved ones – be they members here or our friends. May they find comfort and feel your love surround them. We hold up to you all who are unable to attend here and reach out to all who are watching on line. May the love of God fill you and all you see and meet. We remember too all who are unwell that we know. You Lord know their needs and we place them all with you.
We will say together the Lord’s Prayer written be Sherri Weinberg:
God, heart of the world: revealed through every aspect of creation:
understood through our awareness.
May we honour the holiness of creation and act accordingly
so that your love is reflected in the way we live.
May we always be thankful for the food we eat and the friends we have.
May we forgive those who transgress against us and be forgiven for our own.
In the freedom of love may we live as your heartbeat
and not be compromised by hesitation.
Through our freedom may your justice be seen and heard and experienced
for ever and ever.
Amen.
We Sing: “God of Creation” – (Tune TiS 156)
God of creation, gentle life-giver,
present at birth and all through our days,
author of sunrise, song in the night sky,
here in this place, we offer our praise.
Jesus, Companion – teacher and healer,
friend of the grieving, suffering, the poor,
stand with your people, whisper among us
promise of mercy, goodness for all.
Spirit of Comfort blow through Creation,
stir up new life, breathe peace through our world.
Healer of hearts, and hope for tomorrow,
weave all our sorrows into new dawn.
Here we give thanks for life in its fullness,
blessings received, your gifts to us all.
Make us a people filled with compassion,
selflessly giving, serving your world.
© Craig Mithcell, 2010.
Closing Response:
Holy, holy, holy. Maker, Story-teller, Spirit.
Holy, holy, holy. Today, tomorrow, forever.
Holy, holy, holy. The earth is full of God’s glory.
Holy, holy, holy. God is alive in us.
Blessing:
May the God of majesty and mystery,
fill you with awe and wonder.
May the God whom even seraphs worshipped,
guide you in the ways of holiness.
May the God who asks “who will go?”,
inspire you to cry, like the prophet:
“Here am I; send me!”
And, may the God who calls,
send you to live into your calling,
and bless you on your way,
now, and forever.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. I have also utilised the following resources: Fig Tree Worship Resources, Ministry Matters, Spill the Beans and By The Well podcast.