Holy Communion with APCM Service Oct 25th 2020

Welcome to our APCM Service.

Join Zoom Meeting

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We meet in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

pour down your Spirit upon us and your whole church.

Grant us a new vision of your glory,

a new experience of your power,

a new faithfulness to your word,

a new consecration to your service,

that through our renewed witness your holy name may be glorified

and your kingdom advanced

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Vestry Meeting

1. Election of Clerk (John)

2. Previous Minutes

3. Appointment of Churchwarden

Song: 10,000 Reasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSxocnIaN0A

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Saying Sorry to God:

Father God you have promised to hear us when we call to you.

Lord, we confess our sins

Keep your promise and forgive us, we pray.

For the times when we have hurt others through the words we have said,

Lord we confess our sins.

Keep your promise and forgive us, we pray.

For the times when our actions have been harmful and not loving,

Lord we confess our sins.

Keep your promise and forgive us, we pray.

For the times when we have forgotten you and ignored your commands,

Lord we confess our sins.

Keep your promise and forgive us, we pray.

May the God of grace,

who loves all that he has made,

and in Christ welcomes home all who come to him,

heal your brokenness,

forgive you your sins

and return you to a life of justice, mercy and simplicity.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song: Bind us together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuhIBLp5aHM

Annual Parish Church Meeting

Apologies

Minutes of APCM April 2019 and matters arising

Reports

Electoral Roll report

Our current electoral roll is 33, up two from the previous year. Of those, 22 live inside the parish and 11 live outside the parish.

Secretary’s report of PCC activities

Finance

(appointment of independent external examiner)

Elections to:

Electoral Roll Officer

PCC: Pauline Machokoto

Welcomers (sidespeople)

Bible Reading Psalm 90

O Lord, you have always been our home. 2 Before you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God, and will be God forever.

3 You tell us to return to what we were; you change us back to dust. 4 A thousand years to you are like one day; they are like yesterday, already gone, like a short hour in the night. 5 You carry us away like a flood; we last no longer than a dream. We are like weeds that sprout in the morning, 6 that grow and burst into bloom, then dry up and die in the evening.

13 How much longer will your anger last? Have pity, O Lord, on your servants! 14 Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life. 15 Give us now as much happiness as the sadness you gave us during all our years of misery. 16 Let us, your servants, see your mighty deeds; let our descendants see your glorious might. 17 Lord our God, may your blessings be with us. Give us success in all we do!

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Song: For I’m building a People of Power https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAVdz4a7s6s

Bible Reading: Matthew 22.34-40

34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together, 35 and one of them, a teacher of the Law, tried to trap him with a question. 36 “Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ 40 The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Minister’s report:

Our vision for the next 5 years is to grow as a multicultural church

where we experience God’s love,

express his love in action

and share his love with the people of

Stoke Aldermoor, New Century Park

and beyond!

Today we have to do some mental gymnastics. We actually looking back on what happened- what God has done for us as a church in 2019. That may well seem a very long time ago.

Firstly we need to look back and say “Thank you”

Thank you to God for everything that we received.

The most obvious thing is our wonderful new building and the fantastic opening service we had in Oct 2019. It is such a great gift to us and to be shared with all our community. And we had great support from the central church, the diocese, John Scouller and our builders Mayway.

Next, we need to remember all that happened in our buildings!

We have heard already about many of the activities that meet week by week which are good things themselves.

We need to say “thank you” to everyone who makes all those things happen.

So there are formal “thank you”s in the report (available on line or in the building) but please let’s just stop and give ourselves a huge round of applause.

We are a team and a family together here and everyone’s contribution is valued.

But these things are all part of our overarching vision- that we grow as a multicultural church where we experience God’s love.

So we’re also remembering how God has met with us as a community here and where we have met with others or on our own at home – in small groups, in our youth events and holidays, in worship throughout the seasons. You might want to post in our whatsapp after the service- what God has done for you in 2019 so we can remember and give thanks together.

We’re challenged, too, to think about the ways we have shared all that we have received with others. I’m particularly proud that St Catherine’s has support IBBA Girls’ School and Pastor Albert in Djembering, the outdoor Nativity celebrations but also the week by week meeting with children, families and young people, our afternoon tea team, and the small group bible studies that have sprung up.

Though this is a service where the focus is on looking back, we also look forward. And that might seem particularly hard at the present time.

Our Bible readings today are the ones set for this week but they seem to be really appropriate. Let’s just glance back to the Psalm.

The first part contrasts God’s eternal nature with how fragile humans are. We might feel that acutely right now. We are tossed about by COVID, politics, the weather and seem to have no control. But God is always, there has always been, will always be.

And the psalmist cries out to God- give us the blessings we had before!

Psalm both speak to us – telling us things we need to know about God but also speak for us- we can use their words to shout out to God our anger or distress, confusion or pain, knowing that he will hear us.

But I wonder what God would say to us in these uncertain times. It’s important to look back to last year, as we can see just how good God has been to us.

However our gospel reading also gives us a framework for moving forward. When we really don’t know what’s coming next; when nothing we’re had before feels like this, then we focus on our central vision and message. Our vision…

Our vision for the next 5 years is to grow as a multicultural church

where we experience God’s love,

express his love in action

and share his love with the people of

Stoke Aldermoor, New Century Park

and beyond!

…expresses it one way. The gospel reading reminds us too:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’

Looking back encourages, helps us be thankful, gives us perspective- it won’t always be like this.

Looking forward, we focus on the main task. And leave the worrying to God.

The Creed:

Let us declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father,

from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith,

and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us

with power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Prayers Led by Julie

Our Prayers are based on the 5 marks of mission- the 5 ‘T’s.

Tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure…

1. Tell

Lord you have called us to proclaim your gospel throughout the world. We pray for our own outreach- we pray for the work of Keith and Ally and their partners in Christ at WEC….and also the girls and all who work at Ibba Girls school in South Sudan….

Lord in Your mercy

Hear our prayer

2. Teach

Loving Father you have given us your story in the bible- it is a story we too are a part of. Bless all those who teach from your word- that they may be blessed with the gift of listening to your Holy Spirit and discerning what may be your message for your people of today. We pray for our ministers and all who teach here at St Catherine’s. We ask your blessing on Keith and Pauline’s Bible study group, that they may hear your word afresh in their hearts and help others to find their part in your story.

Lord in Your mercy

Hear our prayer

3. Tend

c/o Molly

c/o Alice

Lord you called your church to serve her community- to look for ways in which we can bring in the good news of the kingdom. We pray for all our efforts in bringing community together especially thinking of our Afternoon Tea group. We thank you for the blessing of friendship- for new relationships formed and growing. Lord, let us show your love by being the heart that beats in this community.

Lord in Your mercy

Hear our prayer

4. Transform

Lord, you came into our world- born into poverty, born in a stable. We pray that this church will always be proactive in responding to those in need. We pray for all who give their time to helping at our Foodbank here on a Monday. We give you thanks for all the initiatives that have been followed through during this time of pandemic, for the opportunities to come together as a community and help those in need. We continue to pray for the work of S.A.S.A.P-the Stoke Aldermoor Social Action Partnership and our own relationships with the school and the Life Centre.

Lord in Your mercy

Hear our prayer

5. Treasure

Creator God we pray for our planet. We thank you that during the lockdown, many people started to re-engage with nature again- to see the wonders of your creation as the world stopped to look and listen. We pray that we may use the earth’s resources wisely, re-cycling where we can. We continue to pray for those who work hard to conserve all that is precious in your sight.

Lord Jesus we pray for the greatest treasure of all, for our children and for all the work the church is involved in to help nurture and grow them in love of you. We pray for our Youth café that our young people will once again enjoy and thrive in their friendships with one another. We pray for our children’s groups- for GLU and the Toy Library we have just started. In these ever changing troubling times keep our young ones safe Lord.

Merciful Father

Accept these prayers

For the sake of your Son

Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Song: Lord I lift your name on high https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COQ6cni_TG8

Holy Communion

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.

Almighty God, good Father to us all,

your face is turned towards your world.

In love you gave us Jesus your Son

to rescue us from sin and death.

Your Word goes out to call us home

to the city where angels sing your praise.

We join with them in heaven's song

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might

Heaven and earth are full of your glory

Hosanna in the highest

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

Father of all, we give you thanks

for every gift that comes from heaven.

To the darkness Jesus came as your light.

With signs of faith and words of hope

he touched untouchables with love and washed the guilty clean.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

The crowds came out to see your Son,

yet at the end they turned on him.

On the night he was betrayed

he came to table with his friends

to celebrate the freedom of your people.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Jesus blessed you, Father, for the food;

he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said:

This is my body, given for you all.

Jesus then gave thanks for the wine;

he took the cup, gave it and said:

This is my blood, shed for you all

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this in remembrance of me.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup

we celebrate the cross

on which he died to set us free.

Defying death he rose again

and is alive with you to plead for us and all the world.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Send your Spirit on us now

that by these gifts we may feed on Christ

with opened eyes and hearts on fire.

May we and all who share this food

offer ourselves to live for you

and be welcomed at your feast in heaven

where all creation worships you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many we are one body because we all share in one bread.

Jesus, Lamb of God

have mercy on us.

Jesus bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Draw near with faith.

Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ

which he gave for you,

and his blood which he shed for you.

Eat and drink

in remembrance that he died for you,

and feed on him in your hearts

by faith with thanksgiving.

Song during Communion

O Praise the Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdGxKkAwlM Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

The Blessing

The peace of God,

which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Final Song: My God is able https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2MoUW78Auk

Notices

Birthdays

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

Holy Communion Sunday Oct 18th Moses and the Glory of God

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 835 5621 1775

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We meet in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Hymn: Immortal Invisible God only Wise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8EGY-WAkrg

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We Say Sorry to God

God our Father,

we come to you in sorrow for our sins.

For turning away from you,

and ignoring your will for our lives;

Father, forgive us:

save us and help us.

For behaving just as we wish,

without thinking of you;

Father, forgive us:

save us and help us.

For failing you by what we do,

and think and say;

Father, forgive us:

save us and help us.

For letting ourselves be drawn away from you

by temptations in the world about us;

Father, forgive us:

save us and help us.

For living as if we were ashamed

to belong to your Son;

Father, forgive us:

save us and help us.

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 Collect

Faithful Lord,

whose steadfast love never ceases

and whose mercies never come to an end:

grant us the grace to trust you

and to receive the gifts of your love,

new every morning,

in Jesus Christ our Lord..

Amen

Song: O Happy Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWPGWfIvwU

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 33.12-23 read by Ally https://youtu.be/brzPDd3sg9A

12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

Song: Be Exalted O God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSyt6uOGyA

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22.15-22 read by John C https://youtu.be/l6oUvqZinbQ

15 The Pharisees went off and made a plan to trap Jesus with questions. 16 Then they sent to him some of their disciples and some members of Herod's party.

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you tell the truth. You teach the truth about God's will for people, without worrying about what others think, because you pay no attention to anyone's status. 17 Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?”

18 Jesus, however, was aware of their evil plan, and so he said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin for paying the tax!”

They brought him the coin, 20 and he asked them, “Whose face and name are these?”

21 “The Emperor's,” they answered.

So Jesus said to them, “Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God.”

22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

Sermon by Keith https://youtu.be/_MN5e0NUFx8

The Creed

Let us declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father,

from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith,

and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us

with power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

This time tomorrow: John F

Our prayers lead by Moji

Father, We give you all the glory and praise that is due to your great name, you are so faithful. Thank you Lord for answered prayers and for granting us the desires of our hearts.

Guide the leaders of the nations

into the ways of peace and justice.

Hear us, good Lord.

Give our Prime Minister, Parliament and all in authority in our country

with wisdom and understanding. Help them take the right decisions in the COVID crisis

Hear us, good Lord.

Bless those who administer the law,

that they may uphold justice, honesty and truth.

Hear us, good Lord.

Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory,

and for the good of all creation.

Hear us, good Lord.

Bring your joy into all families;

watch over children and guide the young,

bring peace to those in stress.

Hear us, good Lord.

Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed.

Lord, have mercy.

Keep in safety those who travel, and all who are in danger.

Lord, have mercy.

Heal the sick in body and mind,

and provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.

Lord, have mercy.

Show your pity on prisoners and refugees,

and all who are in trouble.

Lord, have mercy.

Forgive our enemies, and those who speak against us

and turn their hearts to you.

Lord, have mercy.

Hear us as we remember

those who have died in the peace of Christ,

both those who have confessed the faith

and those whose faith is known to you alone,

and grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.

Merciful Father

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son

Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Song: Manna from Heaven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQyXPcTI2nI

Holy Communion

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.

Almighty God, good Father to us all,

your face is turned towards your world.

In love you gave us Jesus your Son

to rescue us from sin and death.

Your Word goes out to call us home

to the city where angels sing your praise.

We join with them in heaven's song

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might

Heaven and earth are full of your glory

Hosanna in the highest

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

Father of all, we give you thanks

for every gift that comes from heaven.

To the darkness Jesus came as your light.

With signs of faith and words of hope

he touched untouchables with love and washed the guilty clean.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

The crowds came out to see your Son,

yet at the end they turned on him.

On the night he was betrayed

he came to table with his friends

to celebrate the freedom of your people.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Jesus blessed you, Father, for the food;

he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said:

This is my body, given for you all.

Jesus then gave thanks for the wine;

he took the cup, gave it and said:

This is my blood, shed for you all

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this in remembrance of me.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup

we celebrate the cross

on which he died to set us free.

Defying death he rose again

and is alive with you to plead for us and all the world.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Send your Spirit on us now

that by these gifts we may feed on Christ

with opened eyes and hearts on fire.

May we and all who share this food

offer ourselves to live for you

and be welcomed at your feast in heaven

where all creation worships you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many we are one body because we all share in one bread.

Jesus, Lamb of God

have mercy on us.

Jesus bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Draw near with faith.

Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ

which he gave for you,

and his blood which he shed for you.

Eat and drink

in remembrance that he died for you,

and feed on him in your hearts

by faith with thanksgiving.

Song during Communion

O Praise the Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdGxKkAwlM

Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

The Blessing

The peace of God,

which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Final Song: To God be the Glory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_9P9DB4pw

Notices

Birthdays

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

Moses and the Golden Calf

Welcome to our Service of Holy Communion

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83556211775?pwd=dXp6NE9nMW1lTTNVUmdYa2dBVElHQT09

Meeting ID: 835 5621 1775

Passcode: 489409

We meet in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Song: How Great is our God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDgmJFw6F64

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We Say Sorry to God

God our Father,

we come to you in sorrow for our sins.

For turning away from you,

and ignoring your will for our lives;

Father, forgive us:

All save us and help us.

For behaving just as we wish,

without thinking of you;

Father, forgive us:

All save us and help us.

For failing you by what we do,

and think and say;

Father, forgive us:

All save us and help us.

For letting ourselves be drawn away from you

by temptations in the world about us;

Father, forgive us:

All save us and help us.

For living as if we were ashamed

to belong to your Son;

Father, forgive us:

All save us and help us.

The Absolution

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 Collect

God our judge and Saviour

teach us to be open to your truth

and to trust in your love,

that we may live each day

with confidence in the salvation

which is given

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Song Guide me O thou Great Redeemer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFqX9J7HNdM

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 32: 1-14 read by Leonard

The Golden Calf

32 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,[b] Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Song: Faithful One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxviwvjyg1w

Gospel Reading Matthew 22:1-14 read by Lin

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

22 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Sermon: The Golden Calf

God's Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX28nAB4S7A

How often have we been given a set of instructions and tried to find some kind of loophole or a way of getting round following them. We have a very real and current example of this

And

These instructions are given to us to keep us and those around us safe.

The problem with this is when some follow these and some blatantly do not.

The result is as we all know- a pandemic of Covid-19 which has taken over our very way of life. No longer are we free to socialise as we once did, to work as we once did, to do church like we once did!

And much as this had brought out the creativity in some folk and a newly urgent sense of community and survival, it has also taken many many innocent lives. The cost of this pandemic to our NHS, is not in monetary terms, but in the lives of those dedicated to saving the lives of others and in doing so, have sacrificed their own.

The Israelites were in a similar pickle. They had a two-way promise with God- called a covenant. This promise was first made by God to Abraham, that as long as he followed God, his descendants’ would be a great nation- as numerous as the stars in the heavens. God restates this promise to his chosen people and promises to bless and care for them as long as the people promise to obey him.

The people were as a consequence, consecrated by Moses in order to set themselves apart from ordinary everyday life and dedicate themselves to God. In re-prioritising then they would now live their lives under and with God. However, this promise on the peoples’ side was already in danger as they soon forgot who had brought them out of Egypt.

So where are the Israelites now?

The Israelites had left Egypt 3 months ago and travelled through the desert- having been fed by quails and manna and watered by God, to God’s holy mountain- Mount Sinai. It is onto this mountain that God called Moses to meet with him and he made this promise to Israel…

“If you obey my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19.

Moses went back down the mountain and told the people this and re-consecrated them. Three days after this, Moses was summoned up the mountain again to talk with God and it was here- along with Aaron that Moses was given the 10 commandments.

At some point which is not quite clear, Aaron returned to the people, but Moses continued to stay up on the mountain as God was going through all the small print with him.

The giving of the 10 commandments is the first 17 verses of Exodus 20, the small print is from the end of chapter 20 up to the end of chapter 31- so it took a while.

The first and 2nd commandment are central to this Old Testament reading…of just how Israel got it so wrong.

1st Commandment- “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”

2nd “You shall not make yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” Ex. 20: 1-4

And still God elaborated further

“You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: Do not make any gods to be alongside me, do not make gods of silver or gods of gold”. Ex. 20:22-23.

These two commandments are very clear- so why did the Israelites break them?

Their excuse was that they had waited a long time for Moses to come back down the mountain- he was there for 40 days and they needed “gods to go before them.”

For us that may seem just a little strange…

But Israel was surrounded by nations who did worship a variety of gods- a god for every occasion. We even have mention of this in the NT when Paul was in Athens when he addressed them

“22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you….” Acts 17.

And these so- called gods had idols made of them- so there was a solid object to see when worshipping. Although the Israelites had been called away- been chosen, by their God who was invisible, it must have been still difficult to be so counter-cultural.

Aaron was a more pliable leader than Moses and gave in to their demands. It was he who gathered all the gold and had it made it into the golden calf statue. He prepared an altar in front of it and proclaimed a festival of the Lord so that the people could make sacrifices to it.

God was furious with the people seeing how short their memories were in remembering all his good deeds and rescue from Egypt and how weak and flimsy their faith was.

The only thing the people had on their side- was Moses. And Moses was really a great leader.

Because Moses was quite clever as he argued for their survival- not so much for God’s love of his people, but instead turned the argument round to what others would think of God, if he were to destroy his chosen nation. What of his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? And so God relented and disaster was averted.

So, what does this tell us about God in this reading?

It tells us that God wants our love and worship to be pure and whole-hearted. We must not let other things get in the way of worship to him.

It tells us that God listens and God can change his mind-even when all seems lost.

It tells us that God has a lot of patience.

It tells us that God is a forgiving God.

What does it tell us about the people in the story?

Even with the extraordinary events of the Exodus, it didn’t take much to wobble their faith. Moses had only been gone 40 days and nights and already they were turning away from God.

They could be easily influenced by the cultures around them and found it hard to be counter-cultural.

That although Moses thought himself to be less eloquent than Aaron, it turned out that it was Moses who was the better spokesperson on behalf of Israel. Through experience and courage at speaking up to Pharoah, Moses found the courage to speak up to God on the peoples’ behalf.

It is easy to criticise these folk who seem to turn so quickly away from God, but the practice of faith- communicating with God was different to how we do it today. God spoke to his prophet and the prophet spoke to the people. The people moaned about God to the prophet and the prophet took these moans back to God.

Their prophet was Moses. Perhaps with him gone so long they felt isolated from God -they couldn’t speak with him.

What does it tell us about ourselves?

We too can be bad at following rules even when they are made for our own good

That we too can be influenced by other socially controlling factors- like money, status, and power. Do we make these gods that we work for, for the benefits they bring?

That we must consider how we worship God and why. Do we try to make him fit into our ideal of a God rather than who he really is? Worship and in fact love of God must be based on the right perspective of God.

So how did this story end…What Moses did next!

And then it got much much worse…which you can read for yourselves in

Exodus 32 :25-end. Amen

The Creed

Let us declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father,

from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith,

and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us

with power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Prayers: Led by Margaret

Merciful Father

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Song: On no you never let go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b61wsBdqrKM

Holy Communion

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.

Almighty God, good Father to us all,

your face is turned towards your world.

In love you gave us Jesus your Son

to rescue us from sin and death.

Your Word goes out to call us home

to the city where angels sing your praise.

We join with them in heaven's song

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might

Heaven and earth are full of your glory

Hosanna in the highest

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

Father of all, we give you thanks

for every gift that comes from heaven.

To the darkness Jesus came as your light.

With signs of faith and words of hope

he touched untouchables with love and washed the guilty clean.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

The crowds came out to see your Son,

yet at the end they turned on him.

On the night he was betrayed

he came to table with his friends

to celebrate the freedom of your people.

This is his story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Jesus blessed you, Father, for the food;

he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said:

This is my body, given for you all.

Jesus then gave thanks for the wine;

he took the cup, gave it and said:

This is my blood, shed for you all

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this in remembrance of me.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup

we celebrate the cross

on which he died to set us free.

Defying death he rose again

and is alive with you to plead for us and all the world.

This is our story.

This is our song:

Hosanna in the highest.

Send your Spirit on us now

that by these gifts we may feed on Christ

with opened eyes and hearts on fire.

May we and all who share this food

offer ourselves to live for you

and be welcomed at your feast in heaven

where all creation worships you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

We continue with 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.

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.

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many we are one body because we all share in one bread.

Jesus, Lamb of God

have mercy on us.

Jesus bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Draw near with faith.

Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ

which he gave for you,

and his blood which he shed for you.

Eat and drink

in remembrance that he died for you,

and feed on him in your hearts

by faith with thanksgiving.

Song during Communion

What a beautiful name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUBBIddm_rM

Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

The Blessing

The peace of God,

which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Song: My Lighthouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaW_4MWSE6I

Notices

Birthdays

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.