Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Trinity Sunday – 31 May, 2026 – 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: Trinity – (TiS 716)
Father, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Jesus, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Spirit, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Creator, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Emmanuel, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Breath of God, we adore you; lay our lives before you; how we love you.
Candle Lighting:
In the beginning,
God created the heavens and the earth.
In the fullness of time,
God sent Jesus to show us how to live and love.
In our own time,
God’s Spirit is poured out to guide us.
As we light this Christ candle,
we remember Jesus Christ,
the Light of the World,
who asks us to share God’s love
with all of creation.
May the light of the Creator,
the Christ, and the Holy Spirit
shine in our hearts today.
Acknowledgement of Country:
Here is the land, here is the sky,
here are my friends and here am I.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people
who have cared for the land well before us,
and connection to country
can help us continue to care for country.
Hands up, hands down,
we are on Wurundjeri country.
Call to Worship:
Come, let us worship God –
Creator, Saviour and Spirit.
We come to praise the God who breathed life into all creation.
Come, let us walk in the light of Jesus,
who promises to be with us always.
We come to follow Christ, whose love knows no boundaries.
Come, let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit,
who gathers us together as one.
Let us worship the Triune God with our whole lives!
Amen.
We Sing: Praise with joy – (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 both of fate and cost.
Celebrate Chris’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.
Opening Prayer:
Our faith calls us to much more than just believing in God, or praying or worshipping. God calls us to work in this world, to be agents of the Divine. In the midst of many choices, we need to discern God’s will, trusting that God gives us all that we need for this task. And we need to act, for to do nothing is to refuse God’s invitation of cooperation.
Let us hold a moment of silence before we pray …
Blessed are you, God of action.
You have placed us in this world, and we love to work with you.
We are the people called to put on Christ,
to be Christ’s presence, to be light where there is darkness.
You have given us knowledge and skill, vision and creativity,
the will and passion to work for a world in which
your presence shines through all creation, and all can flourish.
May we live and act to the glory of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen
Words of Assurance:
Sometimes, God, we get it wrong –
we make mistakes, forget what you want us to do and put ourselves first.
Most of all, loving God, we forget that you love us always.
No matter what we do, or don’t do,
you always love us, forgive us and invite us to try again.
Thank you God!
Passing the Peace:
Peace from God our heavenly Father,
peace from the Son Jesus Christ who is our peace,
and peace from the Holy Spirit, the life-giver.
The peace of the Triune God be always with you
and also with you.
A Time for All:
I have always loved nature; with my love of photography I have explored further and wider nature. On a recent trip to the Daintree Rainforest, I came across a bug on a lolly wrapper, loving nature I wanted the bug on a natural setting, but then a photographer friend and I decided it told a story.
During a family’s event, some of the children were talking about bugs. When we came across this picture, there was some discussion about why the cockroach was on a lolly wrapper. Before I knew it the discussion turned to why the lolly wrapper was there and that the person who left it there should be in jail. Children have a unique way of looking at nature, and a natural curiosity for the world.
Why not have a chat with a friend or engage in some creative time.
Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1-26
– Days of Creation
To listen to the reading about the Days of Creation, and see some wonderful images taken by Clare,
Prayer :
Loving God,
You remember your promise to all living beings.
Teach us to be faithful and to live as loving carers of our home here on Earth.
Amen.
Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
– The Commissioning of the Disciples
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection:
Today is Trinity Sunday, the day when the church celebrates God as Three in One – One in Three. We might name God as Father, Son and Spirit; Creator, Redeemer and Companion; or Holy One Holy Three. You may have another favourite way of naming the Triune God.
It can be hard to understand how three beings can truly be one, all equal, and yet each unique and dynamic as they relate to one another in the dance of holy community. If we spend too much time trying to understand it, we can miss something of the complex mystery of God – the Divine Nurturer continuing to make ways for the love they have for all humanity to be made known. This is the full communion between God and humanity restored in right relationship.
In the gospel reading for today we have heard the names ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit’ used to describe God, as Jesus commissions the disciples to go and continue to share the story of God’s love with people of ‘all nations’. We are here, gathered in Church this Sunday morning, because they were faithful in doing what Jesus asked them to. When we heard the reading from Genesis earlier, I wonder whether you could hear or see the Trinity present within the story of the Days of Creation?
Back in 2019, when I was about to be Ordained, a lady from Glen Waverley Uniting Church offered to make me a stole. It’s the one I am wearing today. She said that it would be up to me to decide what I would like on the stole. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted, but I did know that I wanted something that wasn’t overly ‘religious’ – a stole that had an Australian flavour and one that I could wear outside the church worship context, but a stole that would give me a way to talk about God.
I decided to ask for some stars, an eagle and some wildflowers. I didn’t think of it as being particularly Trinitarian back then, but the more I have worn it and been asked about it, I think these images reflect that nature of God. Can you see it?
The eagle is like Bunjil, the great creator. According to the Kulin creation stories, Bunjil shaped the mountains, rivers and animals. Bunjil is also said to have created the first humans by breathing life into figures moulded from clay and bark. It’s hard not to see the parallels with our creation story in Genesis.
The stars form the Southern Cross, the most famous constellation in the southern night sky and one that is a crucial compass for navigation. I am reminded of the cross of Christ, the One who sacrificed much for justice, all the while sharing God’s love. Jesus is a compass for my life, the One who lights the path I am to follow.
The wildflowers remind me of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because wildflowers are flowering plants that grow and reproduce naturally without human intervention or cultivation. They are highly resilient and not tamed. They do not need us, but we need them, a little like we need the Spirit to journey with us. Just like the Spirit that blows where it will, sometimes as a wild wind and sometimes as a gentle breeze, wildflowers bring light and hope and colour as they appear. They are not always obvious, but they are always there if we stop long enough and really look.
Eagles, stars and flowers are all part of the amazing creation of God. And God’s creation continues to show God-self to us. I hope that you might find ways to be awakened again to the Triune God who is ever present with us in so many ways. May we never be too busy to notice.
A Creative Moment:
Today we’ve heard about creation — a world God called good.
Not just useful.
Not just interesting.
But good.
And when we stop and really notice creation — bugs, trees, rivers, skies, people — we begin to understand that caring for the earth is not separate from our faith. It is part of loving what God loves.
Sometimes climate change and caring for creation can feel very big and overwhelming.
Too huge for one person.
Too huge for one family.
Too huge even for one church.
But today, instead of beginning with something huge, we’re beginning with something small.
A single piece of paper.
A few folds.
A quiet moment.
A reminder that every small action still matters.
And it is our faith that reminds us: we were not alone.
“One heart on its own is beautiful.
But when hearts are linked together, they become stronger.
Longer.
Connected.
A little like the kingdom of God.”
Fold your strip in half and curve the top into a heart,
then staple and pass it to the next person to attach theirs to.
If you are working from home, you can watch this on the link below:-
https://onelittleproject.com/stapled-paper-heart-wreath/
As you fold … listen to these words you can reflect on.
God saw all that was made, and it was very good.
Creation is not just a resource; it is a gift.
Every creature has value.
Small acts of care grow into larger acts of hope.
Loving our neighbour includes caring for the world we share.
Hope is something we practice together.
When we finish folding, these hearts can remind us that creation care begins in the heart.
Not guilt.
Not fear.
But love.
Because when we love something, we protect it.
Let us pray:
Creator God,
thank you for this beautiful world,
for oceans and trees, for creatures and people, for colour and life and breath.
Help us to care for creation with wisdom, gentleness, and courage.
May these small folded hearts remind us
that even small acts of love can help shape your world.
Amen.
We Sing: Touch the earth lightly – (TiS 668)
Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently,
nourish the life of the world in our care:
gift of great wonder, ours to surrender,
trust for the children tomorrow will bear.
We who endanger, who create hunger,
agents of death for all creatures that live,
we who would foster, clouds of disaster,
God of our planet, forestall and forgive!
Let there be greening, birth from the burning,
water that blesses and air that is sweet,
health in God’s garden, hope in God’s children
regeneration that peace will complete
God of all living, God of all loving,
God of the seedling, the snow and the sun,
teach us, deflect us, Christ reconnect us,
using us gently, Spirit make us one.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Ray Michelle):
Loving God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we come together today as your people,
young and old, families, friends
and those who come alone,
all welcomed into your love.
No matter how much or little we have,
or the times we have tripped up,
your love remains unconditional.
Jesus our Saviour, we thank you that you came to walk among us,
to teach us how to love, forgive and serve.
Help us to hear again your words to “go and make disciples,”
not just with big actions, but through kindness, compassion and courage each day.
Help us to share your love wherever we go,
at school, at work, at home and in our community.
May people understand that we are Christians by our actions and our love
and may we remain humble.
Holy Spirit, be with us and guide us.
When we are uncertain, give us wisdom.
When we are tired, give us strength.
When we are afraid, remind us that we are never alone.
We give thanks for us claiming each of these feelings.
God of Trinity, three in one and one in three,
help us to live in unity with one another.
Teach us to encourage each other, to live in peace,
and to greet one another with grace and love,
just as Paul encouraged the early church.
We pray for those who are hurting today,
those who are lonely, grieving, unwell or anxious.
Surround them with your comfort and care.
We pray for our families, our church, our community and our world,
that your peace may grow where there is division,
and hope may rise where there is despair.
We pray for us as a Congregation on a journey,
acknowledging our feelings of changing our Minister.
In amongst our feelings may we look for the hope this brings us also,
and trust you in the steps ahead.
We pray for Heather and her family in this final week
and honour all her emotions and pray she can be gentle on herself.
Let us Celebrate saying the prayer you taught us …
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
We Sing: They’ll know we are Christians by our love – (Songs of Praise 239)
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
and we pray that our unity may one day be restored:
and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
we will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
and together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
and they’ll know …
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
we will work with each other, we will work side by side,
and we’ll guard each other’s dignity and each other’s pride:
and they’ll know …
All praise to the Father from whom all things come,
and all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only Son,
and all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one:
and they’ll know …
Blessing and Sending:
The love of the faithful Creator,
the peace of the wounded Healer,
the joy of the challenging Spirit,
the hope of the Three-in-One
surround and encourage us today and forever.
May the blessing of God –
the Creator, the Healer and the Spirit,
be with us and remain with us always.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. Particular thanks to the Children and Families Team who have crafted much of this service. I have also utilised the following resources:
Fig Tree Worship, Ministry Matters and UCA World Environment Day 2026.
Opening Prayer from Russell Rollason, Climate for Change (2020), p. 20
Blessing from The Pattern of our Days, Iona Community.