Holy Hermits Online Worship: 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Service Highlights
Welcome
Holy Hermits Online Worship
3
rd
Sunday after Epiphany
Welcome +Jeremy our guest preacher!
Holy HermitsBlessed Eusebius of Esztergom
Christ our Morning Star
that never sets, be with you.
And also in you.
The Greeting
Come and join the body of Christ.
Come whether you feel weak or strong.
Come whether you are suffering or rejoicing.
Come whether you feel oppressed or free.
All are welcome here.
Side by side, hand in hand,
we all stand together in the body of Christ.
All:
Just as we are, Lord, we gather in your presence.
Help us to be the body of Christ in this space;
to stand together with our neighbours;
to bring the good news to the poor;
to help set the oppressed free.
In your strength and in your name, we pray.
Amen
Gathering Invitation and Prayer
Sentence
LA:
Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah: ‘The Spirit of
the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the
poor, to proclaim release to the captives.’
Luke 4.18
All:
T
oday, Lord God, we come before you as is our custom;
as was the custom of Jesus growing up in Nazareth.
We await your Word to us now, just like those who waited
while he spoke in the synagogue after his ministry had begun.
May we hear your call and stand with him and with one
another, to serve freely in the work you have given us.
Amen.
Centering Prayer
God of heaven and earth, we kneel in adoration
before the mystery made manifest in your Son, Jesus,
who stood with us, as one of us.
So, we stand with one another in adoring you
by living the way of love and life he showed us,
setting us free to serve in the fullness of your grace.
Amen.
Prayer of Adoration
Hymn
Where Wide Sky Rolls Down
https://youtu.be/eFX7VBH_2ZQ
Curated by Paul
Lord, we confess that we tend to see our calling as individual.
‘What would you have me do?’ we ask. ‘Where might I be best
used?’ And, of course, that is part of our calling, for you see us
as individuals.
We are also called to stand alongside one another in our
service, and we sometimes forget this.
But you, Father, always see the bigger picture.
Forgive us for being so caught up in our own spheres that we
fail to see the need to stand with our brothers and sisters, to
serve together in the advancement of your kingdom.
Amen.
Preparing for confession
Introduction to confession
Christ the Son of God has been revealed as a light
to the nations.
Silence may be kept.
Let us bring our darkness to his light, confessing
our sins in penitence and faith.
All:
Merciful God, our maker and our judge, we have sinned
against you
in thought, word, and deed,
and in what we have failed to do:
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;
we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Father, forgive us.
Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Absolution
Almighty God who has promised forgiveness to
all who turn to him in faith; pardon you and set
you free from all your sins, strengthen you in
all goodness and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Collect prayer
Life-giving God,
who sent your Son Jesus to proclaim your kingdom
and to teach with authority:
anoint us with your Spirit,
that we too may bring good news to the poor,
bind up the broken-hearted,
and proclaim liberty to the captive;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Kids’ Time
The 1
st
Reading is from the prophet
Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10
1
all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe
Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel.
2
Accordingly, the
priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear
with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.
3
He read from it facing the
square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and
the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the
book of the law.
5
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing
above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6
Then Ezra blessed the
Lord , the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’, lifting up their hands. Then
they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8
So they read
from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people
understood the reading.
9
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your
God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the
law.
10
Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of
them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord ; and do not be
grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
For the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
.
Psalm 19
1
The heavens declare the glory of God:
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork;
2
One day tells it to another:
and night to night communicates knowledge.
3
There is no speech or language: nor are their voices heard;
4
Yet their sound has gone out through all the world:
and their words to the ends of the earth.
5
There he has pitched a tent for the sun: which comes out as a bridegroom
from his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run his course.
6
Its rising is at one end of the heavens,
and its circuit to their farthest bound:
and nothing is hidden from its heat.
7
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul:
the command of the Lord is true, and makes wise the simple.
8
The precepts of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, and gives light to the eyes.
9
The fear of the Lord is clean, and endures for ever:
the judgements of the Lord are unchanging,
and righteous every one.
10
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold: sweeter also than honey,
than the honey that drips from the comb.
11
Moreover, by them is your servant taught:
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12
Who can know their own unwitting sins?:
O cleanse me from my secret faults.
13
Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins,
lest they get the mastery over me:
so I shall be clean, and innocent of great offence.
14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation
of my heart be acceptable in your sight:
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
The 2
nd
Reading is from the
1
st
Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 12.12-31
12
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,
though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
13
For in the one Spirit we were all baptized
into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one
Spirit.
14
Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.
15
If the foot were
to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any
less a part of the body.
16
And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not
belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body.
17
If the whole body
were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would
the sense of smell be?
18
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of
them, as he chose.
19
If all were a single member, where would the body be?
20
As it is,
there are many members, yet one body.
21
The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need
of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’
22
On the contrary, the
members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
23
and those members of
the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less
respectable members are treated with greater respect;
24
whereas our more respectable
members do not need this.
The reading continues...
But
God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member,
25
that
there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for
one another.
26
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is
honoured, all rejoice together with it.
27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually
members of it.
28
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third
teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of
leadership, various kinds of tongues.
29
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Do all work miracles?
30
Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all
interpret?
31
But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way
For the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
All:
Sometimes our vision is limited;
not so much tunnel vision as a warped way of seeing,
wrapped around ourselves and the world as we know it.
Our pictures of Jesus have been formed by rose-tinted paintings
– a man dressed in spotless white, blonde and blue-eyed.
Yet you forgive us our childish and short-sighted understanding, Lord.
Correct our vision, we pray, so that we may see the poor carpenter of
Galilee, Jesus the Jew.
Thank you for forgiving us when we think everybody is like us.
Amen.
Prayer before Gospel
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke, Chapter 4 beginning at the 14
th
verse
All:
Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All:
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
14
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread
through all the surrounding country.
15
He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the
sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
17
and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place
where it was written:
18
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the
oppressed go free,
19
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
20
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the
synagogue were fixed on him.
21
Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
Luke 4, 14 - 21
The Sermon
Curated by Fleur
Hymn
Unchanging
https://youtu.be/u-karYtEqfI
We are the body of Christ
His Spirit is with us
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The Greeting of Peace
Prayer of Thanksgiving before Intercessions
We praise you for the freedom we take for granted, Lord –
the freedom to serve you every day of our lives, openly and seldom challenged.
We give so little thought to this freedom that we sometimes fail to exercise it.
So, we thank you, Lord, for every opportunity that comes our way
to be your hands, your eyes, your heart in this world;
to do your will, to see things as you do, to share your love.
We praise you that in serving, we stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ, in
a ministry stretching down the generations from Jesus himself.
We thank you Lord for the things of this week which have gifted us joy, comfort or
unity; for Bobby’s facility coming out of red to amber status and visitors allowed, and
Bobby is covid free; for Julie’s injection treatment being a success; for all those who
are getting vaccinated and caring for us all; for all the people who make sure we have
food on the table – growers, harvesters and store personnel; for those who serve with
a smile; for all those who have helped flood victims, rural fire brigades and volunteers
helping in small communities; for the body of Christ; for community banding together in
the face of lockdowns and isolation and caring for one another.
All thanks and praise be to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Intercessions
We are members of one body.
We rejoice in our diversity and the gifts that each person in this fellowship
brings to the body of Christ.
Lord God, when one is honoured,
we are all honoured.
We pray for those who lead our nation, our church and our communities. Let
their words be true to your message of love, hope and peace. Give them
wisdom to make decisions based on sound reasoning and for the benefit of
all. Thank you for providing us all with resources enough to share with others
and helping us to reach out to those around us.
When one is in need,
we are all in need.
We pray for those who are working for peace around the world. The
peacemakers who seek new ways to bring communities together across divided
nations. There are many perspectives from which issues can be viewed, let us
all consider and listen more carefully to each other.
When one suffers,
we all suffer.
We pray for those who seek your healing in our community. Let them know
their journey is shared by others and help is close at hand. Guide us all to
reach out our hand of friendship and let those around us feel the comfort of
your love.
When one leaves us,
we are all bereft
27
Dear God, as food prices rise and fuel costs increase, we pray for wisdom in how
we use our resources. Guide us and help us not to overspend. We pray for those
who struggle to pay their bills and those in debt. We ask your blessing on food
banks, debt counselling services and credit unions. Help us all to be generous in
supporting one another and sharing what we have.
May your kingdom come
through our prayers, actions and words.
Dear God, we pray for our justice system, for the police, lawyers, judges,
probation officers and those who work in prisons. May justice be served in the
courts. May all be treated with fairness and equity. Be with those who have been
convicted and those serving prison sentences and support their families and all
whom they love. May your presence bring comfort and hope.
May your kingdom come
through our prayers, actions and words.
28
Dear God, sometimes the way forward is unclear, we hope for easing
of restrictions, but we wonder about the timing or risks. Give insight to
scientists and politicians that we may be led in the right direction and be
encouraged by the hope which your Spirit offers us.
May your kingdom come
through our prayers, actions and words.
Dear God, in these challenging times give wisdom and strength to those who are
trapped in lives of addiction, who feel there is no escape. We pray for Alcoholics
Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Drug Addicts Anonymous and all groups who
seek to show people a path through addiction and offer kindness and support.
May your kingdom come
through our prayers, actions and words.
We remember those who have died in faith, and those who are bereaved…
May grief give way to joy, and memories bring happiness and comfort.
When one rejoices,
we all rejoice.
Amen.
Lord we uplift those we are concerned for to you naming them aloud and in
our hearts:
Douglas; Jemma and Tom and Penny; Lee, Thom and Ben; Margo
and Jim; Neva; Helen; Liam; for Julie preparing for surgery we ask your
presence and strength, and for Jasmine that she will cope and stay calm;
Fleur and Ron and all others affected by flood in Queensland; Those who are
sick or living in fear of illness, especially Lachlan; those with Covid, especially
Paul and Mitchell and Alex; those who are isolating and are missing family and
friends; those who have lost jobs or homes and are in limbo, especially
Jordan; For those returning to school, especially Bronte;
30
Dear God, we thank you for the mission and ministry of Jesus, for the challenge he
offers, the peace with which he fills us and his love which inspires us. We pray that we
may find imaginative ways to share his love and to proclaim his good news. Bless the
church throughout the world. Enable the stronger to support the more vulnerable that
Jesus name may be known and honoured in every place.
May your kingdom come
through our prayers, actions and words.
Hear us for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
Prayers composed by Roots on the Web
Pray Daily Cycle of Prayer
•
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
•
The Diocese of Sydney: †Kanishka Raffel; Assistant Bishops-†Peter
Hayward, †Christopher Edwards, †Peter Lin, †Michael Stead,
†Malcolm Richards, †Gary Siew Leong Koo; Clergy and People
•
The Parish of North Pine: David Ruthven, Bruce Worthington, Dylan
Blocksidge, Sharon Armstrong
•
Anglicare SQ Children & Families Residential (Gympie)
•
St Francis Theological College, Milton: Principal -†Jonathan Holland;
Academic Dean -Peter Kline; staff; sessional lecturers & students
Let us join together in the prayer which Jesus gave us saying:
All:
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 from the time of trial and
deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the
glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
33
All:
Holy God, who created us for and from love, in this
time of social distancing, hold us close in your arms.
Comfort those who are afraid, enliven those who are
bored, give courage to those who are distressed, and warm
those who feel the cold touch of loneliness. Breathe in,
with and through us as we walk through uncertainty into a
new future knowing that you are with us now and await us
there. In the name of Christ the Beloved we pray.
Amen.
By the Rev. Canon Dr. Ellen Clark-King, Vice Dean and Canon for Social Justice at Grace
Cathedral, San Francisco
A Prayer in the Midst of a Crisis
Devotions
35
Eusebius felt called by God to gather a community of hermits
together. This call was recorded as a direct divine instruction in
these words: "Eusebius, summon all the hermits and found a
monastic community. The love present in each will be the bond
that will unite you and enable each to give loving service.”
The rule for living was said to be strict and family members and friends of
those called to the monastic life under Eusebius often tried to dissuade
them from joining up. These words are recorded as Eusebius
response, "Christ loved his mother very much, but with his suffering his
mother was tormented by the pain of his pain. He could have got off the
cross, but he did not do it because he had fulfilled the will of his Heavenly
Father. Likewise, we do not want to get off the cross of penance because
people cry for us."
Eusebius of Esztergom
36
The Fire of Love – Richard Rolle quotes…
“What is love but the transforming of the desire into
the loved thing itself? Every lover is assimilated to his
or her beloved. Love makes the loving one, like what he
or she loves.” Chapter 17.
A Personal
Prayer
for each of us in the Silence
When some of us are sad, we all stand together.
When some of us are hungry, we all stand together.
When some of us are scared, we all stand together.
When some of us are locked up, we all stand together.
When some of us are in pain, we all stand together.
God of love, stand with us.
Amen.
38
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany – A Study or Library
Antiphon: Teach us, Or Lord, where wisdom is to be found, and show us
the place of understanding.
Seek the Lord your God, and you will find him:
Search for her with all your heart and with all your soul.
Let us pray,
O God of Truth, eternal ground of all that is, beyond space and time yet
within them, transcending all things yet pervading them: Show yourself to
us, for we go about in ignorance; reveal yourself to us, for it is you that
we seek, O Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
39
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany – Workroom or Workshop
Antiphon: Many there are who rely upon their hands and are skillful in
their own work.
Prosper, O Lord, the work of our hands: Prosper our handiwork.
Let us pray,
O God, your blessed Son worked with his hands in the carpenter shop in
Nazareth: Be present, we pray, with those who work in this space, that
labouring as workers together with you, we may share the joy of your
creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
40
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany – Blessing
Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home the
grace of your presence, that you may be known to be the
inhabitants of this dwelling, and the defender of this
household; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you
and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and
ever.
Amen.
Song
The Blessing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOt7baaVSbE
Curated by Paul
All
:
God, you call us to be the body of Christ in this space.
Side by side, hand in hand, help us to stand together,
to stand with our neighbours,
to break free from all that holds us back
from making the world as you want it to be.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sending Prayer
The
Blessing
May Christ the Son of God be manifest to you,
that your lives may be a light to the world;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen
.
44
Notices
Thank you, Bishop Jeremy for visiting as guest preacher today!
Open Space today after worship. All welcome to come along for some
holy wondering and respectful listening.
Change the heart 25
th
Jan Online screening via Zoom at 6.30pm -
gathering from 6.15pm.
"A Glorious Whisper" Study group on break this week – back 2nd Feb.
You can offer your gifts online:
https://holyhermits.com.au/give
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
.
Extra seasonal resources developed by Roots on the Web
Image credit:
Celtic Knot 2
By Daisy Barnes
Epiphany Reflections
Join the Holy Hermits Online Worship for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany with guest preacher Jeremy. The service includes prayers, readings, hymns, and reflections centered around the theme of coming together in the body of Christ. Experience moments of adoration, contemplation, and community in this spiritually uplifting service.
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Presentation Transcript
Welcome Holy Hermits Online Worship 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Welcome +Jeremy our guest preacher! Holy Hermits Blessed Eusebius of Esztergom and Richard Rolle De Hampole Leader: Jamee Service Prep: Kristine LA: Jeremy F Preacher: Bp Jeremy Prayer prep: Roots Reader 1: Fleur Proofer: Kristine Tech-support: Reader 2: Julie G Bells curated by Viki: https://youtu.be/QGqVgl0usSY (From 9.02)
The Greeting Christ our Morning Star that never sets, be with you. And also in you.
Gathering Invitation and Prayer Come and join the body of Christ. Come whether you feel weak or strong. Come whether you are suffering or rejoicing. Come whether you feel oppressed or free. All are welcome here. Side by side, hand in hand, we all stand together in the body of Christ. All: Just as we are, Lord, we gather in your presence. Help us to be the body of Christ in this space; to stand together with our neighbours; to bring the good news to the poor; to help set the oppressed free. In your strength and in your name, we pray. Amen
Sentence LA: Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah: The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives. Luke 4.18
Centering Prayer All: Today, Lord God, we come before you as is our custom; as was the custom of Jesus growing up in Nazareth. We await your Word to us now, just like those who waited while he spoke in the synagogue after his ministry had begun. May we hear your call and stand with him and with one another, to serve freely in the work you have given us. Amen.
Prayer of Adoration God of heaven and earth, we kneel in adoration before the mystery made manifest in your Son, Jesus, who stood with us, as one of us. So, we stand with one another in adoring you by living the way of love and life he showed us, setting us free to serve in the fullness of your grace. Amen.
Hymn Where Wide Sky Rolls Down https://youtu.be/eFX7VBH_2ZQ Curated by Paul
Preparing for confession Lord, we confess that we tend to see our calling as individual. What would you have me do? we ask. Where might I be best used? And, of course, that is part of our calling, for you see us as individuals. We are also called to stand alongside one another in our service, and we sometimes forget this. But you, Father, always see the bigger picture. Forgive us for being so caught up in our own spheres that we fail to see the need to stand with our brothers and sisters, to serve together in the advancement of your kingdom. Amen.
Introduction to confession Christ the Son of God has been revealed as a light to the nations. Silence may be kept. Let us bring our darkness to his light, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
All: Merciful God, our maker and our judge, we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have failed to do: we have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves; we repent, and are sorry for all our sins. Father, forgive us. Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Absolution Almighty God who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith; pardon you and set you free from all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect prayer Life-giving God, who sent your Son Jesus to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority: anoint us with your Spirit, that we too may bring good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The 1st Reading is from the prophet Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10 1all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel.2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.3He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.6Then Ezra blessed the Lord , the great God, and all the people answered, Amen, Amen , lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.8So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.10Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord ; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. For the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 19 1The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament proclaims his handiwork; 2One day tells it to another: and night to night communicates knowledge. 3There is no speech or language: nor are their voices heard; 4Yet their sound has gone out through all the world: and their words to the ends of the earth. 5There he has pitched a tent for the sun: which comes out as a bridegroom from his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run his course. 6Its rising is at one end of the heavens, and its circuit to their farthest bound: and nothing is hidden from its heat. 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul: the command of the Lord is true, and makes wise the simple. 8The precepts of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, and gives light to the eyes.
9The fear of the Lord is clean, and endures for ever: the judgements of the Lord are unchanging, and righteous every one. 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold: sweeter also than honey, than the honey that drips from the comb. 11Moreover, by them is your servant taught: and in keeping them there is great reward. 12Who can know their own unwitting sins?: O cleanse me from my secret faults. 13Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they get the mastery over me: so I shall be clean, and innocent of great offence. 14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight: O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
The 2nd Reading is from the 1stLetter of St Paul to the Corinthians 12.12-31 12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.14Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.15If the foot were to say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body , that would not make it any less a part of the body.16And if the ear were to say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body , that would not make it any less a part of the body.17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?18But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.19If all were a single member, where would the body be?20As it is, there are many members, yet one body.21The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you , nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,23and those members of the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect;24whereas our more respectable members do not need this. The reading continues...
But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member,25that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.26If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?31But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way For the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Prayer before Gospel All: Sometimes our vision is limited; not so much tunnel vision as a warped way of seeing, wrapped around ourselves and the world as we know it. Our pictures of Jesus have been formed by rose-tinted paintings a man dressed in spotless white, blonde and blue-eyed. Yet you forgive us our childish and short-sighted understanding, Lord. Correct our vision, we pray, so that we may see the poor carpenter of Galilee, Jesus the Jew. Thank you for forgiving us when we think everybody is like us. Amen.
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke, Chapter 4 beginning at the 14thverse All: Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ 14Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4, 14 - 21 This is the Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Hymn Unchanging https://youtu.be/u-karYtEqfI Curated by Fleur
The Greeting of Peace We are the body of Christ His Spirit is with us The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
Prayer of Thanksgiving before Intercessions We praise you for the freedom we take for granted, Lord the freedom to serve you every day of our lives, openly and seldom challenged. We give so little thought to this freedom that we sometimes fail to exercise it. So, we thank you, Lord, for every opportunity that comes our way to be your hands, your eyes, your heart in this world; to do your will, to see things as you do, to share your love. We praise you that in serving, we stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ, in a ministry stretching down the generations from Jesus himself. We thank you Lord for the things of this week which have gifted us joy, comfort or unity; for Bobby s facility coming out of red to amber status and visitors allowed, and Bobby is covid free; for Julie s injection treatment being a success; for all those who are getting vaccinated and caring for us all; for all the people who make sure we have food on the table growers, harvesters and store personnel; for those who serve with a smile; for all those who have helped flood victims, rural fire brigades and volunteers helping in small communities; for the body of Christ; for community banding together in the face of lockdowns and isolation and caring for one another. All thanks and praise be to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Intercessions We are members of one body. We rejoice in our diversity and the gifts that each person in this fellowship brings to the body of Christ. Lord God, when one is honoured, we are all honoured. We pray for those who lead our nation, our church and our communities. Let their words be true to your message of love, hope and peace. Give them wisdom to make decisions based on sound reasoning and for the benefit of all. Thank you for providing us all with resources enough to share with others and helping us to reach out to those around us. When one is in need, we are all in need.
We pray for those who are working for peace around the world. The peacemakers who seek new ways to bring communities together across divided nations. There are many perspectives from which issues can be viewed, let us all consider and listen more carefully to each other. When one suffers, we all suffer. We pray for those who seek your healing in our community. Let them know their journey is shared by others and help is close at hand. Guide us all to reach out our hand of friendship and let those around us feel the comfort of your love. When one leaves us, we are all bereft
Dear God, as food prices rise and fuel costs increase, we pray for wisdom in how we use our resources. Guide us and help us not to overspend. We pray for those who struggle to pay their bills and those in debt. We ask your blessing on food banks, debt counselling services and credit unions. Help us all to be generous in supporting one another and sharing what we have. May your kingdom come through our prayers, actions and words. Dear God, we pray for our justice system, for the police, lawyers, judges, probation officers and those who work in prisons. May justice be served in the courts. May all be treated with fairness and equity. Be with those who have been convicted and those serving prison sentences and support their families and all whom they love. May your presence bring comfort and hope. May your kingdom come through our prayers, actions and words. 27
Dear God, sometimes the way forward is unclear, we hope for easing of restrictions, but we wonder about the timing or risks. Give insight to scientists and politicians that we may be led in the right direction and be encouraged by the hope which your Spirit offers us. May your kingdom come through our prayers, actions and words. Dear God, in these challenging times give wisdom and strength to those who are trapped in lives of addiction, who feel there is no escape. We pray for Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Drug Addicts Anonymous and all groups who seek to show people a path through addiction and offer kindness and support. May your kingdom come through our prayers, actions and words. 28
Lord we uplift those we are concerned for to you naming them aloud and in our hearts: Douglas; Jemma and Tom and Penny; Lee, Thom and Ben; Margo and Jim; Neva; Helen; Liam; for Julie preparing for surgery we ask your presence and strength, and for Jasmine that she will cope and stay calm; Fleur and Ron and all others affected by flood in Queensland; Those who are sick or living in fear of illness, especially Lachlan; those with Covid, especially Paul and Mitchell and Alex; those who are isolating and are missing family and friends; those who have lost jobs or homes and are in limbo, especially Jordan; For those returning to school, especially Bronte; We remember those who have died in faith, and those who are bereaved May grief give way to joy, and memories bring happiness and comfort. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. Amen.
Dear God, we thank you for the mission and ministry of Jesus, for the challenge he offers, the peace with which he fills us and his love which inspires us. We pray that we may find imaginative ways to share his love and to proclaim his good news. Bless the church throughout the world. Enable the stronger to support the more vulnerable that Jesus name may be known and honoured in every place. May your kingdom come through our prayers, actions and words. Hear us for Jesus sake. Amen. Prayers composed by Roots on the Web 30
Pray Daily Cycle of Prayer Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui The Diocese of Sydney: Kanishka Raffel; Assistant Bishops- Peter Hayward, Christopher Edwards, Peter Lin, Michael Stead, Malcolm Richards, Gary Siew Leong Koo; Clergy and People The Parish of North Pine: David Ruthven, Bruce Worthington, Dylan Blocksidge, Sharon Armstrong Anglicare SQ Children & Families Residential (Gympie) St Francis Theological College, Milton: Principal - Jonathan Holland; Academic Dean -Peter Kline; staff; sessional lecturers & students
Let us join together in the prayer which Jesus gave us saying: All: 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 from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
A Prayer in the Midst of a Crisis All: Holy God, who created us for and from love, in this time of social distancing, hold us close in your arms. Comfort those who are afraid, enliven those who are bored, give courage to those who are distressed, and warm those who feel the cold touch of loneliness. Breathe in, with and through us as we walk through uncertainty into a new future knowing that you are with us now and await us there. In the name of Christ the Beloved we pray. Amen. By the Rev. Canon Dr. Ellen Clark-King, Vice Dean and Canon for Social Justice at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco 33
Eusebius of Esztergom Eusebius felt called by God to gather a community of hermits together. This call was recorded as a direct divine instruction in these words: "Eusebius, summon all the hermits and found a monastic community. The love present in each will be the bond that will unite you and enable each to give loving service. The rule for living was said to be strict and family members and friends of those called to the monastic life under Eusebius often tried to dissuade them from joining up. These words are recorded as Eusebius response, "Christ loved his mother very much, but with his suffering his mother was tormented by the pain of his pain. He could have got off the cross, but he did not do it because he had fulfilled the will of his Heavenly Father. Likewise, we do not want to get off the cross of penance because people cry for us." 35
The Fire of Love Richard Rolle quotes What is love but the transforming of the desire into the loved thing itself? Every lover is assimilated to his or her beloved. Love makes the loving one, like what he or she loves. Chapter 17. 36
A Personal Prayer for each of us in the Silence When some of us are sad, we all stand together. When some of us are hungry, we all stand together. When some of us are scared, we all stand together. When some of us are locked up, we all stand together. When some of us are in pain, we all stand together. God of love, stand with us. Amen.
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany A Study or Library Antiphon: Teach us, Or Lord, where wisdom is to be found, and show us the place of understanding. Seek the Lord your God, and you will find him: Search for her with all your heart and with all your soul. Let us pray, O God of Truth, eternal ground of all that is, beyond space and time yet within them, transcending all things yet pervading them: Show yourself to us, for we go about in ignorance; reveal yourself to us, for it is you that we seek, O Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 38
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany Workroom or Workshop Antiphon: Many there are who rely upon their hands and are skillful in their own work. Prosper, O Lord, the work of our hands: Prosper our handiwork. Let us pray, O God, your blessed Son worked with his hands in the carpenter shop in Nazareth: Be present, we pray, with those who work in this space, that labouring as workers together with you, we may share the joy of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 39
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany Blessing Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home the grace of your presence, that you may be known to be the inhabitants of this dwelling, and the defender of this household; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 40
Song The Blessing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOt7baaVSbE Curated by Paul
Sending Prayer All: God, you call us to be the body of Christ in this space. Side by side, hand in hand, help us to stand together, to stand with our neighbours, to break free from all that holds us back from making the world as you want it to be. In Jesus name. Amen.
The Blessing May Christ the Son of God be manifest to you, that your lives may be a light to the world; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Notices Thank you, Bishop Jeremy for visiting as guest preacher today! Open Space today after worship. All welcome to come along for some holy wondering and respectful listening. Change the heart 25th Jan Online screening via Zoom at 6.30pm - gathering from 6.15pm. "A Glorious Whisper" Study group on break this week back 2nd Feb. You can offer your gifts online: https://holyhermits.com.au/give 44
Dismissal Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Image credit: Celtic Knot 2 By Daisy Barnes Epiphany Reflections Extra seasonal resources developed by Roots on the Web
