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    • Jun 18, 2021

Holy Communion Service June 20th

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 835 5621 1775

Passcode: 489409

Continuing our Series on Resilience


Today we are looking at Elijah


We meet in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Amen

The Lord be with you.

and also with you.

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.


My brothers and sisters,

as we prepare to celebrate the presence of Christ

in word and sacrament,

let us call to mind and confess our sins.


Father, you come to meet us when we return to you:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, you died on the cross for our sins:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Spirit, you give us life and peace:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Hearing God’s Forgiveness

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 Saviour

Look on this wounded world

In pity and in power;

Hold us fast to your promises of peace

Won for us by your Son,

Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Setting the scene….Elijah www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK48KeTqmgc


1st Reading from 1 Kings Chapter18 read by Gerald

When the people of Israel started to worship idols, the prophet Elijah delivered a message from God to King Ahab. ‘There will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years until I say so.’

For the next three years no rain fell. Harvests failed and there was famine everywhere.

Elijah had hidden in the Kerith ravine and been fed by ravens. When the brook dried up God then told him to travel north out of the country where he was fed by a widow living at Zarephath. In the third year with no rain, the Lord told Elijah to go and present himself to King Ahab.

The people in Samaria where King Ahab lived were desperate for food and water. They had prayed to Baal thinking that this false god controlled the weather and harvests. 5 King Ahab called his palace administrator Obadiah and said, ‘Go to all the springs and valleys in the land. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive.’

As Obadiah was walking along, he suddenly met Elijah. Obadiah bowed to the ground and asked, ‘Is it really you, Elijah?’ ‘Yes,’ Elijah replied. Obadiah rushed to find King Ahab and told him he had found Elijah.

When the King saw Elijah he accused him of being a troublemaker. Elijah replied, ‘I have not made trouble but you and your family have by abandoning the Lord’s commands and worshipping Baal.

King Ahab sent messengers throughout all the land telling everyone to assemble on Mount Carmel. The 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of the false god Asherah were summoned also. Elijah addressed the large crowd on Mount Carmel. ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.’ The people remained silent

Elijah continued, ‘I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one, cut it into pieces and put it on an altar of wood. But they must not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on an altar with wood. But I will not set fire to it.

From morning until noon they danced around the altar shouting, ‘Baal, answer us!’ But there was no answer. 14 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. ‘Shout louder!’ he said. ‘Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and you need to wake him up.’

Mid-day passed and Baal did not send fire. They became more frantic and continued pleading to Baal until evening. But there was no response. Elijah then gathered the people around him and rebuilt an altar of God that had fallen into ruins. Then he sacrificed the bull and placed the meat on the wood. Elijah then gave a strange order, ‘Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood. . Altogether 12 large jars were poured over the altar and the water ran down.

Elijah prayed, ‘Lord let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant doing what you have commanded. Answer me, so these people will know that you are God and will turn back to You again.’ 18 Suddenly the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil. It also licked up the water in the trench.

The people fell face down to the ground and cried, ‘The Lord he is God! The Lord he is God!’ 19 Elijah gave orders for the false prophets of Baal to be seized and taken down to the Kishon Valley.


This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God


Gospel Reading: read by Margaret

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark

Glory to you, O Lord.

Mark 4:35-41 New International Version

Jesus Calms the Storm

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.

38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

This is the Gospel of the Lord

Praise to you O Christ

The Sermon

ELIJAH



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.

Intercessions led by Topi and family

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.


Holy Communion

The Lord is here

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him 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.


Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and God of 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 in the prayer that Jesus taught us… 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 Dear Lord and Father of mankind



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

Sending out

Almighty God,

we thank you for feeding us with

the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to live and work

to your praise and glory.

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 You’re the God who stays



Notices for this week

Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.


























    • Jun 10, 2021

Resilience Part 2 Ruth Sunday June 13th

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Meeting ID: 835 5621 1775

Passcode: 489409


Welcome to our series on Resilience


What is resilience?

Resilience is having the strength to fulfil the call God has given us, even when it will be painful and difficult


Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

and also with you.


Hymn: Be thou my vision https://youtu.be/6CMclLT_Hjg


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.


All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

FATHER FORGIVE


The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,

FATHER FORGIVE


The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,

FATHER FORGIVE


Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

FATHER FORGIVE


Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,

FATHER FORGIVE


The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,

FATHER FORGIVE


The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

FATHER FORGIVE


Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.


Song: God forgave my sin https://youtu.be/8vhMfCJzXqk


The Collect

Faithful Creator,

whose mercy never fails:

deepen our faithfulness to you

and to your living Word,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen


First Reading Ruth 1:1-13, 16-20


Narrator: 1 1-2 Long ago, in the days before Israel had a king, there was a famine in the land. So a man named Elimelech, who belonged to the clan of Ephrath and who lived in Bethlehem in Judah, went with his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion to live for a while in the country of Moab. While they were living there, 3 Elimelech died, and Naomi was left alone with her two sons, 4 who married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. About ten years later 5 Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left all alone, without husband or sons.

6 Some time later Naomi heard that the Lord had blessed his people by giving them good crops; so she got ready to leave Moab with her daughters-in-law. 7 They started out together to go back to Judah, but on the way 8 she said to them,

Naomi: “Go back home and stay with your mothers. May the Lord be as good to you as you have been to me and to those who have died. 9 And may the Lord make it possible for each of you to marry again and have a home.”

Narrator: So Naomi kissed them good-bye. But they started crying 10 and said to her,

Ruth and Orpah: “No! We will go with you to your people.”

Naomi 11 “You must go back, my daughters,”

“Why do you want to come with me? Do you think I could have sons again for you to marry? 12 Go back home, for I am too old to get married again. Even if I thought there was still hope, and so got married tonight and had sons, 13 would you wait until they had grown up? Would this keep you from marrying someone else? No, my daughters, you know that's impossible. The Lord has turned against me, and I feel very sorry for you.”

Ruth “Don't ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the Lord's worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you!”

Narrator 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

19 They went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town became excited, and the women there exclaimed,

All “Is this really Naomi?”

Naomi 20 “Don't call me Naomi,” “call me Marah, because Almighty God has made my life bitter. 21 When I left here, I had plenty, but the Lord has brought me back without a thing. Why call me Naomi when the Lord Almighty has condemned me and sent me trouble?”



Second Reading: Ruth 4:1-7,13-17

4 Boaz went to the meeting place at the town gate and sat down there. Then Elimelech's nearest relative, the man whom Boaz had mentioned, came by, and Boaz called to him, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. 2 Then Boaz got ten of the leaders of the town and asked them to sit down there too. When they were seated, 3 he said to his relative, “Now that Naomi has come back from Moab, she wants to sell the field that belonged to our relative Elimelech, 4 and I think you ought to know about it. Now then, if you want it, buy it in the presence of these men sitting here. But if you don't want it, say so, because the right to buy it belongs first to you and then to me.”

The man said, “I will buy it.”

5 Boaz said, “Very well, if you buy the field from Naomi, then you are also buying Ruth, the Moabite widow, so that the field will stay in the dead man's family.”

6 The man answered, “In that case I will give up my right to buy the field, because it would mean that my own children would not inherit it. You buy it; I would rather not.”

7 Now in those days, to settle a sale or an exchange of property, it was the custom for the seller to take off his sandal and give it to the buyer. In this way the Israelites showed that the matter was settled.

13 So Boaz took Ruth home as his wife. The Lord blessed her, and she became pregnant and had a son. 14 The women said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord! He has given you a grandson today to take care of you. May the boy become famous in Israel! 15 Your daughter-in-law loves you, and has done more for you than seven sons. And now she has given you a grandson, who will bring new life to you and give you security in your old age.” 16 Naomi took the child, held him close, and took care of him.

17 The women of the neighbourhood named the boy Obed. They told everyone, “A son has been born to Naomi!”

Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David.



Sermon:

Last week we looked at Nehemiah, the dynamic leader who faced a seemingly impossible tasks and much opposition- but he got to work with God’s people and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. He had a clear sense of purpose and call- that gave him resilience; he prayed with patience; he stood up to those who oppose him and God.

This week in contrast we have Ruth.

The book of Ruth is a very beautiful story- a much more personal account of one family’s troubles and two women’s strength in seeing them through.

It’s also a story about crossing barriers…


Ruth’s not even an Israelite but a foreigner from Moab - and the Israelites and Moabites didn’t always get on.

She’d married into an Israelite family because, as there was a famine in Israel, they had moved into Moab and settled there.

Naomi and Elimelech who were from God’s people, had moved to another country as they were in need and made a new life there. They were in a sense, economic migrants, refugees, looking to survive and build a better life. Sadly, it didn’t work out well for them.

Though Naomi and her husband Elimelech, did have 2 sons, who settled and married in Moab, Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion all died. So their new life was marred by tragedy. As a widow, Naomi was particularly vulnerable- she was totally dependent on her husband to provide for her. If he died, then she relied on her sons. As they were gone too- there was no-one! There were no jobs for women on their own- and she had little choice but to try and go back to her original home. There are rumours that the famine is now over- there is food again in Israel.


Naomi would have been expected to make journey alone. Her two daughters in law could have stayed in their own country and found new husbands to take care of them. Orpah decides to stay. But Ruth insists on going with her grieving mother-in-law and friend.

Ruth has crossed a barrier.

Ruth makes this great proclamation.

Wherever you go, I’ll go. Your people shall be my people, your God my God.


Ruth is leaving her country, her people and her previous religion- she risks exploitation (she hasn’t got a man to protect her), hardship (she’s got no money) and prejudice (she’s a foreigner).

Ruth’s name means friendship- she has committed herself to Naomi- they are bound together in their tragedy and loss.

And it doesn’t sound like Naomi was that easy to love either.

When she gets back to Bethlehem, she tells her people not to call her Naomi any more- it meant pleasant but to call her Marah which means bitter. God has made my life bitter. Naomi is sad and depressed.


So far our story is difficult- going from one set of hard circumstances to another.

There is a thread of hope here too. It’s in the word Hebrew word is Hesed meaning love and faithfulness.

Naomi, sad though she is, prays for Ruth and Orpah - may God be good to you or deal kindly with you as you have done with me. She asks for God’s love and faithfulness to continue to them.

Once back in Israel, Naomi regains some hope too - she praises God for his faithfulness once she sees that Boaz may help them.

And Ruth stands out like a shining light. Ruth’s love and commitment are extraordinary - it’s been recognised though she’s a foreigner in Israel, that she, Ruth, has shown hesed, love and faithfulness to Naomi.

If we are thinking about resilience, then Ruth and Naomi’s story shows us what difference love and support make. Naomi, even in the height of her grief, prays for God’s love and faithfulness; she wants the best for Ruth and Orpah.

Ruth can’t change her circumstances or Naomi’s sorrow, but she can support Naomi. Her action reflects back to Naomi that love which Naomi has shown her and Ruth continues with her, even when it might have been easier to abandon Naomi.

And through it all, God’s love and faithfulness is here in the midst of the tragedy and pain and uncertainty. It so happens that Ruth goes to pick grain from Boaz’s fields and only once she returns at night does Naomi recognise that this man is a close relative of her dead husband - someone who could help them.

It’s because of Ruth’s character- her actions towards Naomi, that makes Boaz notice her and want to marry her.

Love wins the day!

When we are thinking about what makes us strong or resilient to withstand difficulty, tragedy or ongoing struggles- love and support are key.

Perhaps we’re the people who are doing OK at the moment- who are those we can keep an eye on, be in touch with, pray for or provide practical help?

We are sharing the love and faithfulness that God gives us.

Perhaps we’re the ones who are carrying heavy burdens, struggling and needing support ourselves. Who are we connected to?

Can we ask for that help?

We’ve got some great examples of that ongoing support going on here at St Catherine’s. But it reminds us that we need to build those relationships, make those connections now. It’s so much easier to ask for help or to give support to those we’re already connected to.


So let’s keep connected to the God who loves us throughout all the ups and downs of life. Let’s keep connected to each other- all of the time.


And a final surprising thing. Here again we find the boundless grace of God. This faithful foreign woman, born into the people who were seen as God’s enemies not only becomes one of God’s people but is someone really important.

Ruth marries Boaz, whose son is Obed, whose son is Jesse whose son is David- that’s right, King David. And David is the ancestor of Jesus.


God uses the faithful love of this foreign woman and she becomes an intrinsic part of his plan. Both Naomi and Ruth cross actual land barriers but also barriers of language and culture and religion. Ruth is welcomed back into the fellowship of God’s people and because they do this, they gain someone who becomes an ancestor of David.


So as we think about refugee week, who might we be welcoming here who becomes someone significant in our story, in our land?



The Creed


Do you believe and trust in God the Father,

source of all being and life,

the one for whom we exist?

We believe and trust in him.


Do you believe and trust in God the Son,

who took our human nature,

died for us and rose again?

We believe and trust in him.


Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,

who gives life to the people of God

and makes Christ known in the world?

We believe and trust in him.


This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.

We believe and trust in one God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.


Our Prayers


The Peace

The peace of God be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace


Song: I the Lord of Sea and Sky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zr9SMm1glI


Holy Communion


The Lord is here

His Spirit is with us.


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.


It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation;

in your love you made us for yourself.

When we turned away

you did not reject us,

but came to meet us in your Son.

You embraced us as your children

and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.


In Christ you shared our life

that we might live in him and he in us.


He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.


On the night he was betrayed,

at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks;

he broke it and gave it to them, saying:

Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.


Father, we do this in remembrance of him:

his body is the bread of life.


At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,

he gave you thanks, and said:

Drink this, all of you;

this is my blood of the new covenant,

which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.


Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all.


As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory,

send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be

to us the body and blood of your dear Son.

As we eat and drink these holy gifts

make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.


With your whole Church throughout the world, we offer you this sacrifice of praise

and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.


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.



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




Almighty God,

we thank you for feeding us

with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through him we offer you our souls and bodies, to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to live and work to your praise and glory.

Amen.



The Blessing


God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,

defend you on every side,

and guide you in truth and peace;

and the blessing of God Almighty,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

be with you now and remain with you always

Amen



Dismissal


Go in pe

ace to love and serve the Lord

In the name of Christ. Amen


    • Jun 2, 2021

Sunday June 6th Holy Communion- Resilience in Nehemiah

Updated: Jun 4, 2021


Join Zoom Meeting

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


Meeting ID: 835 5621 1775

Passcode: 489409


Welcome to our series on Resilience


What is resilience?

Resilience is having the strength to fulfil the call God has given us, even when it will be painful and difficult


Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

and also with you.



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.


Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.

We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love:

fill us with your Spirit.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.


We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith:

fill us with your Spirit.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust:

fill us with your Spirit.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.


May the God of all healing and forgiveness

draw you to himself,

and cleanse you from all your sins

that you may behold the glory of his Son,

the Word made flesh,

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Song: Exalt the Lord our God https://youtu.be/kCYgkqbX-fQ


The Collect

God of truth,

help us to keep your law of love

and to walk in ways of wisdom,

that we may find true life

in Jesus Christ your Son. Amen


First Reading Nehemiah 1:1-9


1 This is the account of what Nehemiah son of Hacaliah accomplished.

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was emperor of Persia, I, Nehemiah, was in Susa, the capital city. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived from Judah with another group, and I asked them about Jerusalem and about the other Jews who had returned from exile in Babylonia. 3 They told me that those who had survived and were back in the homeland were in great difficulty and that the foreigners who lived nearby looked down on them. They also told me that the walls of Jerusalem were still broken down and that the gates had not been restored since the time they were burned. 4 When I heard all this, I sat down and wept.

For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God, 5 “Lord God of Heaven! You are great, and we stand in fear of you. You faithfully keep your covenant with those who love you and do what you command. 6 Look at me, Lord, and hear my prayer, as I pray day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess that we, the people of Israel, have sinned. My ancestors and I have sinned. 7 We have acted wickedly against you and have not done what you commanded. We have not kept the laws which you gave us through Moses, your servant. 8 Remember now what you told Moses: ‘If you people of Israel are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the other nations. 9 But then if you turn back to me and do what I have commanded you, I will bring you back to the place where I have chosen to be worshiped, even though you are scattered to the ends of the earth.’



Second Reading: Nehemiah 6:1-9

6 Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and the rest of our enemies heard that we had finished building the wall and that there were no gaps left in it, although we still had not set up the gates in the gateways. 2 So Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message, suggesting that I meet with them in one of the villages in the Plain of Ono. This was a trick of theirs to try to harm me. 3 I sent messengers to say to them, “I am doing important work and can't go down there. I am not going to let the work stop just to go and see you.”

4 They sent me the same message four times, and each time I sent them the same reply.

5 Then Sanballat sent one of his servants to me with a fifth message, this one in the form of an unsealed letter. 6 It read:

“Geshem tells me that a rumour is going around among the neighbouring peoples that you and the Jewish people intend to revolt and that this is why you are rebuilding the wall. He also says you plan to make yourself king 7 and that you have arranged for some prophets to proclaim in Jerusalem that you are the king of Judah. His Majesty is certain to hear about this, so I suggest that you and I meet to talk the situation over.”

8 I sent a reply to him: “Nothing of what you are saying is true. You have made it all up yourself.”

9 They were trying to frighten us into stopping work. I prayed, “But now, God, make me strong!”



Sermon:

So through June, we’re going to be looking at people and situations in the bible that help us think about resilience.

Why? I think one of the things that we heard a lot in the early days of COVID was-

“when this is all over; or by September- or by Christmas…”


We kept thinking that suddenly everything would be back to normal. Whatever that might mean.

But I think we’ve learnt that any change is slow and gradual; that normal isn’t what it once was. We are in a huge process of change and it’s going to continue.

Adapting to change is exhausting and frustrating but people have had to do it all throughout the ages. Resilience is the characteristic that enables us to do that.

So what help do we find in the history of God’s people?


I wonder if focussing on Nehemiah all seems a bit familiar- I checked. We looked at this story on St Catherine’s Day- November last year.

But it’s such a good story and speaks to our situation right now. Where do we start?

Resilience is having the strength to fulfil the call God has given us, even when it will be painful and difficult


So if we start with Nehemiah, what was going on?


God’s people were sent into exile, having been defeated in war; they had turned from God’s ways, not listened to the prophets and reaped the consequences. Some of them would have been responsible for the actions that led to this disaster, but some would have been just carried along- it wasn’t their fault at all but they were all in the same mess.

A few had been left behind in their city Jerusalem and some restoration had already happened but there was still much to do.

So Nehemiah, in the Persian court got the news that all was not well- in fact there was trouble and shame. The people left behind were in great difficulty and the walls of the city were still broken. Their enemies were laughing at them. I bet they didn’t feel safe at all.


So what does Nehemiah do?

He weeps; he cries and he prays. He admits that he and his people have been in the wrong but he also reminds God of his covenant and promise to God’s people. God had promised to rescue his people when they turned back to him.

Nehemiah hangs onto that promise.

So what happens?


Nothing happens- for at least 4 months! Nehemiah was stuck in a foreign land, he couldn’t leave and he couldn’t even ask for help- speaking to the King before the King spoke to you was out of the question. But the king did notice how sad Nehemiah looked and asked him- which gave Nehemiah courage.

He asks the king boldly for the things he needs and the king says yes.

This is the sign that Nehemiah needs. He understands what he has to do- and the king’s favour towards him is like a sign- God is with him!


There is a pathway here: Reality. Grief. Prayer. Patience. God’s answer. Action


Nehemiah wasn’t helpless, he had a purpose, a sense of calling.

This is part of our wellbeing. When we know what we’re doing and can keep going at it, we feel much better in ourselves.

Part of our resilience is knowing what God has called us to do and getting on with it.

We can endure all sorts of other things when we understand our call.

This might not be the spectacular call of Nehemiah. Mostly, it’s much more ordinary. We might be: -


Called to be a person in a family or with friends. Called to be loving and faithful.

Called to have a job to do in church, called to be reliable and useful.

Called to have a job or volunteer in the world- called make a difference.


So Nehemiah got on with the job of rebuilding the walls. He didn’t do it alone but organised the others living Jerusalem. He encouraged and inspired them- telling them what God had already done for them in sending the resources they needed.

They worked together and protected each other. Everyone was involved and no-one was too important or too insignificant to join in. As one group worked on the wall, others, stood by with their weapons to protect them.

So a big part of our resilience is being called into action with others.


Just as well as they had opposition.


Their enemies ridiculed them- you’ll never do it. So Nehemiah prayed and encouraged his people.

Their enemies threatened them - so the people worked together - tools in one hand, weapons in the other.

And trouble at home too- some people were exploiting others- but Nehemiah sorted it out and acted as a great example of fairness to them all.


Whatever we do, there will be issues, problems and challenges. Actually knowing that we all have difficulties is the first step to overcoming them. Being a Christian is not an easy life. But knowing that we’re called to something- we have a sense of purpose helps. Knowing that obstacles arise helps us. And knowing that God is with us in it all makes the biggest difference of all.


The enemies didn’t give up - they tried to distract Nehemiah with meetings and frighten him into stopping.

We might not have physical people who try and stop us doing what God is calling us to. But we do have an unseen but no less real foe. Satan is against the purposes of God. He’s against us fulfilling our calling- being the people God wants us to be.

We could get downhearted, intimidated, distracted or exhausted.


Just as Nehemiah did, we can focus back on what God has called us to do.

Work with other people - praying for our friends in church, heling each other out.

And knowing that when doubts difficulties or obstacles come our way, it’s no surprise. God has not disappeared. Just as God continued to be with Nehemiah, he is also still with us in our situations.


And the wall got built. God will see us through whatever we are facing now.


The Creed


Do you believe and trust in God the Father,

source of all being and life,

the one for whom we exist?

We believe and trust in him.


Do you believe and trust in God the Son,

who took our human nature,

died for us and rose again?

We believe and trust in him.


Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,

who gives life to the people of God

and makes Christ known in the world?

We believe and trust in him.


This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.

We believe and trust in one God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.


Our Prayers

There will be a short period of silence between sections of our prayers to allow for private prayer and thoughts

The lines in bold will be said by all.

Let us pray.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Thank you, Father, for your boundless mercy and love.

We give you thanks that we can now meet in your presence in your house but pray for those who still meet you in their own homes.

Bless your Church here on the Aldermoor so that we can rebuild our family, after Covid has changed our lives, but in different ways.

We pray That this day may be holy, good, and joyful.

We pray to you, O Lord.

Silence

Father you Blessed your Servant Nehamiah.

Through prayer you gave him the courage and resilience not only to approach his king to ask him for relief from his duties but also to help him rebuild Jerusalem.

We pray that you will give us the courage and resilience to proclaim your Gospel here on the Aldermoor and in our daily lives. To rebuild our lives in your Love

That we may offer to you our worship and our work:

We pray to you, O Lord.

Silence

Help us Father to protect our world. A place that has so much beauty and wonder that we are slowly strangling with our misuse and uncaring attitudes We pray that we can slow down the warming of our planet by reducing harmful emissions.

We pray that we may strive for the well-being of all creation.

We pray to you, O Lord.

Silence

We pray for all those who are in pain, in body, mind and spirit. Please send down the Holy Spirit to comfort and heal them.

We pray for all those who care for people, we bring before you those we know, bless them in the work they do. We pray for all those who care for the needy and those who feed the hungry.

We pray for those who have lost friends and family, especially those who have died from Covid, comfort them in their hour of need.

Give us that resilience to cope with the pleasures and pains of life, that we may know the love of Christ and be thankful.

We pray to you, O Lord.

Silence

This week we pray that we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with St. Catherine all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ.

We pray to you, O Lord.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Peace

The peace of God be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace


Song: Father I place into your hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuaemMmOrU s


Holy Communion


The Lord is here

His Spirit is with us.


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.


It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation;

in your love you made us for yourself.

When we turned away

you did not reject us,

but came to meet us in your Son.

You embraced us as your children

and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.


In Christ you shared our life

that we might live in him and he in us.


He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.


On the night he was betrayed,

at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks;

he broke it and gave it to them, saying:

Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.


Father, we do this in remembrance of him:

his body is the bread of life.


At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,

he gave you thanks, and said:

Drink this, all of you;

this is my blood of the new covenant,

which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.


Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all.


As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory,

send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be

to us the body and blood of your dear Son.

As we eat and drink these holy gifts

make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.


With your whole Church throughout the world, we offer you this sacrifice of praise

and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.


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.



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


Song: Great is the darkness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ8qe3CggWo



Almighty God,

we thank you for feeding us

with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through him we offer you our souls and bodies, to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to live and work to your praise and glory.

Amen.



The Blessing


God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,

defend you on every side,

and guide you in truth and peace;

and the blessing of God Almighty,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

be with you now and remain with you always

Amen



Notices


Dismissal


Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

In the name of Christ. Amen

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