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Sixth Sunday of Easter Theme: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. COLLECT Eternal Father, your reign extends beyond space and time: grant that in this world of changing things we may hold fast to your promises that endure for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. READING from Acts 16: 9-15 14 One of those who heard us was Lydia from Thyatira, who was a dealer in purple cloth. She was a woman who worshiped God, and the Lord opened her mind to pay attention to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and the people of her house had been baptized, she invited us, “Come and stay in my house if you have decided that I am a true believer in the Lord.” And she persuaded us to go. GOSPEL according to John 14: 23-29 23 Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 25 "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. BENEDICTION Go now and walk in the light of God’s glory. Love Christ and keep his word. Do not let your hearts be troubled, but lead others to the waters of life. COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Easter Theme: The meaning of love revealed COLLECT Gracious God, your Son revealed the meaning of love: increase in us that same love, that all may know we are your disciples; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Acts 11: 1-18 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that people who were not Jewish had accepted God’s word. 2 However, when Peter went to Jerusalem, the believers who insisted on circumcision began to argue with him. 3 They said, “You went to visit men who were uncircumcised, and you even ate with them.” 4 Then Peter began to explain to them point by point what had happened. He said, 5 “I was praying in the city of Joppa when I fell into a trance. I saw something like a large linen sheet being lowered by its four corners from the sky. The sheet came near me. 6 I looked into the sheet very closely and saw tame animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 I also heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter! Kill these animals, and eat them.’ 8 “But I answered, ‘I can’t do that, Lord! I’ve never put anything impure or unclean  into my mouth.’ 9 “A voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Don’t say that the things which God has made clean  are impure.’ 10 This happened three times. Then everything was pulled back into the sky again. GOSPEL according to John 13: 31-35 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." BENEDICTION Go now, wherever the Spirit of God leads you. Do not reject anything that God has accepted. Show all people that you are Christ’s disciples by loving one another just as he has loved you. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter Theme: God will wipe every tear from their eyes COLLECT Good Shepherd, you assure us that no one will ever snatch us out of your hand: grant that all who hear your voice may know you who calls us each by name, and follow where you lead; for you live and reign in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Acts 9: 36-43 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. 38 Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. READING Revelation 7: 9-17 17 The lamb in the centre near the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs filled with the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” GOSPEL according to John 10: 22-30 22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. BENEDICTION Go now, following the voice of the shepherd. Fear no evil, for God is by your side. Devote yourselves to the works of God, to words of mercy, to good deeds and to acts of love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter Theme: O Love that wilt not let me go COLLECT Merciful God whose love will not let us go: Restore in us the power of our calling that we may boldly fulfil the tasks you set before us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit is worthy of blessing and honour, glory and power, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Acts 9: 1-6 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats to murder the Lord’s disciples, went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he was going along, approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” GOSPEL according to John 21: 1-19 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. BENEDICTION Go now and follow the risen Christ. Love God and nourish the faith of God’s little ones. Make Christ known to all people for God has chosen you as an instrument to lead others into the way of mercy and love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter/St George’s Day COLLECT God of mission, you raised Jesus Christ as the first born of the dead: by your Holy Spirit, empower us to witness to him so that those who have not yet seen may come to believe in him who was and is and is to come, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen. COLLECT for St George Gracious Lord you have built up your Church through the love and devotion of your saints: help us to follow in the steps of your servant George and fill our hearts with love for you and others for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen READING from Acts 5: 27-32 30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” GOSPEL according to John 20: 19-31 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." BENEDICTION Go now to love and forgive, for as God sent Christ, so now Christ is sending you. Obey God above any other authority and bear witness to Christ’s resurrection life. And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.

Easter Sunday COLLECT Lord Jesus Christ, you transformed the tomb of death into the womb of new life: make us joyful witnesses of this good news, that all creation may be redeemed, restored and reconciled; for you live and reign, in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen COLLECT for Baptism Almighty and merciful Father Giver of life and power: Fill your faithful people with the abundance of your grace That all who are born again by water and the Spirit May grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ; who is alive, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit One God, now and for ever. Amen READING from Romans 6: 3-11 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. GOSPEL according to John 20: 1-18 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Luke 24 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. BENEDICTION Go now, glad and rejoicing, for this is the day that the Lord has made, and Christ is risen, that all may be made alive in him. Put your hope in the risen Christ, and testify that he is the one ordained by God to be Lord of all. In his name, preach peach, do good, and proclaim the forgiveness of sins without partiality; And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia, alleluia. In the name of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.

THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION COLLECT Eternal Father, Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ fulfilled your will by taking our nature and giving his life for us: help us to follow the example of his humility by walking in the way of the cross; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen READING from Luke 19: 28-40 28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’” 32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?” 34 They said, “His Master needs him.” GOSPEL according to Luke 23: 1-49 So Pilate began his interrogation by asking Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” “They are your words,” answered Jesus. Pilate turned back to the chief priests and the mob, and said, “I can’t see that he has broken any laws. You have got nothing on him that will stick.” Priest: But they dug their heels in and kept insisting, “He is trouble. He stirs up the people with his teaching, and not just around here. He started up in Galilee. He has worked his way all around Judea, and now he is at it here.” BENEDICTION Go now and follow Christ in obedience. Have the same mind as was in Christ Jesus; Keep your ears open to God’s teaching; Be humble, even in the face of hostility and do not turn back. The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

The Lenten journey COLLECT God of mercy, Jesus found a sure defense in your word: strengthen us to persevere faithfully as we confront the temptations of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen READING from Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 6 The Egyptians treated us harshly and forced us to work as slaves. 7 Then we cried out for help to the Lord, the God of our ancestors. He heard us and saw our suffering, hardship, and misery. 8 By his great power and strength he rescued us from Egypt. He worked miracles and wonders and caused terrifying things to happen. 9 He brought us here and gave us this rich and fertile land. READING from Romans 10: 8b-13 10 For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved. 11 The scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” 12 This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him. GOSPEL according to Luke 4: 1-13 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. BENEDICTION Go now, confessing Christ as Lord, in word and deed. Worship and serve the Lord your God and no other. Stand firm in the time of trial; tell the story of God’s goodness, and trust in the Lord whose saving word is always with you. COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Transfiguration Sunday COLLECT Holy God, on the Mount of Transfiguration you revealed your Son as the Christ: transform our lives in his image, write your law of love on our hearts, and make us prophets of your shining splendour; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in glory everlasting. Amen Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING from Acts 2: 44-47 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. READING from Ephesians 6 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honour your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. GOSPEL according to Luke 9: 28-36 28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" Hymn – Happy Our Home When God Is There Happy our home when God is there, Binding our hearts in love, Blessing each day with moments shared, Drawing our thoughts above. Happy our home when daily prayer Bears every daily need; When parents share God's Holy Word And daily let Him lead. Happy our home when children praise, Lifting our Saviour’s name; When parents speak and show His love, Faithful each day the same. Father of all, our God of Peace, We look to You alone; Come with Your precious gift of love And make our house Your home. BENEDICTION Go now and live your faith boldly as an open statement of God’s truth. Keep nothing hidden, and refuse anything deceitful or manipulative. By God’s mercy, engage in the ministry to which you have been called, and let the light of God’s word shine brightly in you. COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany COLLECT Merciful Lord, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law: grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING from Proverbs 31 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” READING from Romans 12 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. 9 Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. GOSPEL according to Luke 6: 27-38 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Prayer for Protection Visit our homes and families, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Go now and give your life to the Lord. Trust in God and do good. Love and bless everyone, even your enemies. Do not judge others, but be merciful and generous to all. Treat others and you would have them treat you. The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany COLLECT Holy and righteous God, you set before us life and death: grant us grace in the face of many temptations to seek the mind of Christ and choose eternal life for Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING the Holy scriptures Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame GOSPEL according to Luke 6: 17-26 20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." Prayer for Protection Visit our homes and families, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Go now, with your trust in the Lord. Do not be influenced by the ways of sinners and cynics, but delight in the Lord’s teaching and study it night and day. Rejoice in your union with Christ even when people reject you for it. The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Theme: Back to basic - rebuilding the family COLLECT Holy God, your glory astounds us: take us as we are, claim us for your purposes and make us what you would have us be; for Jesus Christ’s sake, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING from 2 Samuel 13 1 Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her. 2 And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. 5 Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’” 6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him.” 11 But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing. 13 As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” GOSPEL according to Luke 5: 1-11 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 10 Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Prayer for Protection Visit our homes and families, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Go now, and forsaking everything else, follow Christ. By the grace of God, be all you have been called to be, especially within you families, and cast wide the net of God’s love. Address the brokenness and dysfunction in honesty and with mercy for healing and wholeness. Remind one another of the good news, and hold firmly to faith that is saving you The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Theme: Stand with us in the conflict, strengthen our resolve to bear with joy the cost of our discipleship COLLECT O God, the strength and refuge of all who serve you: when we are brought to the time of trial, stand with us in the conflict and strengthen our resolve to bear with joy the cost of our discipleship; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen. READING from 1 Corinthians 13 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. GOSPEL according to Luke 4: 21-30 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" 23 He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" 24 And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. 25 But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26 yet Elijah was sent to noneof them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27 There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. BENEDICTION Go now to all to whom God sends you, and speak whatever words God gives you. Rejoice in the truth and do not be afraid. Let all that you do and all that you say be filled with love, for love never ends. The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Theme: For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. COLLECT Holy Spirit, Jesus began his ministry in your power: descend on us today, that we who are Christ’s body will accept our calling as he did; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And 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 above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the meaning, 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 as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” GOSPEL according to Luke 4: 14-21 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." BENEDICTION Go now, and live as one body in Christ. Be at peace, and care for one another; Suffer with one another and rejoice with one another. Give your attention to the Word of God and proclaim the good news of freedom to all. The Blessing And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Theme: ‘Use us to tell the story of his love to the world’ COLLECT Loving God, your light shone in the stable of Bethlehem: draw us to worship the Child in the manger, and use us to tell the story of his love to the world; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen READING from Isaiah 9: 2-7 2 The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. The light will shine on those who live in the land of death’s shadow. 3 You will expand the nation and increase its happiness. It will be happy in your presence like those who celebrate the harvest or rejoice when dividing loot. 4 You will break the yoke  that burdens them, the bar that is across their shoulders, and the stick used by their oppressor, as you did in the battle against Midian. 6 A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and peace will have unlimited growth. He will establish David’s throne and kingdom. He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The Lord of Armies is determined to do this! READING from Titus 2: 11-14 13 At the same time we can expect what we hope for—the appearance of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. GOSPEL according to Luke 2: 1-14 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. BENEDICTION Go now, glorifying and praising God for all you have heard and seen. Renounce ungodly living and unworthy desires, and take control of your life with godliness and honour. The Blessing And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with hope, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. Music playlist: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT7ju0ZD7mVAoeG_RTzrZOoITZM2lO3-r&feature=share The Chosen: https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosenChristmas

Love candle HERALDED MESSAGE O God of every nation, of every race and land, Redeem the whole creation with your almighty hand; Where hate and fear divide us and bitter threats are hurled, In love and mercy guide us and heal our strife-torn world. COLLECT God of Elizabeth and Mary: Make our hearts leap with joy, Fill our mouths with songs of praise And make us ready to welcome the Christ in our midst; Who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in God in glory everlasting. Amen READING from Micah 5: 2-5a 2 The Lord says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.” 3 So the Lord will abandon his people to their enemies until the woman who is to give birth has her son. Then those Israelites who are in exile will be reunited with their own people. READING from Hebrews 10: 5-10 5 For this reason, when Christ was about to come into the world, he said to God: “You do not want sacrifices and offerings, but you have prepared a body for me. 6 You are not pleased with animals burned whole on the altar or with sacrifices to take away sins. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am, to do your will, O God, just as it is written of me in the book of the Law.’” THE GOSPEL according to Luke 1: 39-45 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." Magnificat Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy, because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me. God’s name is holy; from one generation to another, he shows mercy to those who honour him. He has stretched out his mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans. He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever!” BENEDICTION Go now, with your hope in God’s mercy for all God has promised you will be fulfilled. Trust God’s strength for your safety, walk in the ways of peace, and be ready to greet the coming Lord. And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Joy candle HERALDED MESSAGE We give thanks to you Lord God almighty ever present and eternal for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. COLLECT God of hope and joy, you sent John the Baptist to announce the coming of your Son: inspire all who serve in your Church to prepare for his coming again by turning us from disobedience to your loving service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen READING from Zephaniah 3: 14-20 14 Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel! Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has stopped your punishment; he has removed all your enemies. The Lord, the king of Israel, is with you; there is no reason now to be afraid. 19 "The time is coming! I will punish your oppressors; I will rescue all the lame and bring the exiles home. I will turn their shame to honour, and all the world will praise them. 20 The time is coming! I will bring your scattered people home; I will make you famous throughout the world and make you prosperous once again.” THE GOSPEL according to Luke 3: 7-18 7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen BENEDICTION Go now and rejoice in the Lord always. Do not be afraid or worried about anything, but in everything trust God and pray. Bear fruits worthy of repentance, sharing what you have and being gentle with all. And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Preparation candle HERALDED MESSAGE Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour, born of the house of his servant David. COLLECT God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation: make us ready for the message that prepares the way so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen READING from Baruch 5: 1-9 Jerusalem, take off the clothes you have worn in your mourning and distress, and put on the eternal splendour of God's glory. 2 Put around you the cloak of God's righteousness. Place on your head the crown of the glory of the Eternal God. 3 God will show your splendour to every nation on earth. 4 Forever he will say to you: Your security comes from your righteousness, and your splendour from your devotion to me. READING from Philippians 1: 3-11 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. THE GOSPEL according to Luke 3: 1-6 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen • We pray for victims and survivors of Gender based Violence. We link hands with each other as a sign of our solidarity with all who are affected by gender-based violence. We reach out our hands as a sign of our unity with all who campaign for justice across the world. We stretch up our hands as a sign of our prayers for an end to all forms of violence and abuse. BENEDICTION Go now and prepare the way for the Lord. Share in the gospel of God’s grace; Proclaim salvation and the forgiveness of sins; Make straight paths for justice and mercy. And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

HERALDED MESSAGE Come, O long-expected Jesus, Born to set your people free; From our fears and sins release us By your death on Calvary. COLLECT Almighty Father, your Son came to us in humility as our Saviour and at the last day he will come again in glory as our judge: give us grace to turn away from darkness to the light of Christ that we will be ready to welcome him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen READING from Jeremiah 33: 14-16 14 The Lord said, “The time is coming when I will fulfill the promise that I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 At that time I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will do what is right and just throughout the land. 16 The people of Judah and of Jerusalem will be rescued and will live in safety. The city will be called ‘The Lord Our Salvation.’ READING from 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 10 Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith. 11 May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you! THE GOSPEL according to Luke 21: 25-36 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen BENEDICTION You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. Salvation is nearer now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ; And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Theme: Jesus, "Are you the king?" COLLECT Most High God, majestic and mighty, our beginning and our end: rule in our hearts and guide us to be faithful, worshipping the One who comes as Saviour and Sovereign; and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen READING from 2 Samuel 23: 1-7 These are David's last words: 2 The spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his message is on my lips. 3 The God of Israel has spoken; the protector of Israel said to me: “The king who rules with justice, who rules in obedience to God, 4 is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn, the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain.” 5 And that is how God will bless my descendants, because he has made an eternal covenant with me, an agreement that will not be broken, a promise that will not be changed. That is all I desire; that will be my victory, and God will surely bring it about. 6 But godless people are like thorns that are thrown away; no one can touch them barehanded. 7 You must use an iron tool or a spear; they will be burned completely. THE GOSPEL according to John 18: 33-37 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen BENEDICTION Go out as faithful witnesses to the one who reigns forever. Look to Christ as your shepherd and your ruler, and listen for his voice. Clothe yourselves in righteousness and make every place a place to worship God. And the blessing of God almighty, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Life-giving Comforter. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.