Welcome and Opening Prayer
Good morning and welcome everyone
You may like to light a candle as a reminder that Christ is present
Sung Worship
In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.”
Let us worship Jesus now.
(Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – on YouTube or Spotify.)
- Shine Jesus shine
- You are the first and the last
Pray: ‘We thank you Jesus for the light you shed on God. We thank you too for the light you shed on being human, made in God’s image. Help us to walk in the light of your love and truth. Amen.’
Reading
As you make your offering, stand and read the following Scripture out loud…
Romans 11:33-12:1
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counsellor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Prayer
God, you are all knowing. Nothing is too difficult for you. We thank you for your provision, both the good we know of and the good that is hidden. Give us eyes to see your hand of providence and hearts to delight in you. Through Jesus we pray. Amen.
More Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs on YouTube or Spotify…
- Cornerstone (My hope is built on nothing less)
- Be still and know that I am God
Sermon
You can either read the sermon notes on the sermons page of this website. Or, listen to an audio recording of the sermon via the following link:
Song
Listen and/or sing along to ‘God Defend New Zealand’ – either on YouTube or Spotify.
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau tō atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country’s spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom’s ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations’ van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
Prayer to put on the Armour of God
God, you are wise. We pray that you would equip us with the helmet of salvation, to protect our mind
- Help us to think true and keep a right perspective
God, you are just. We pray that you would equip us with the breastplate of righteousness to protect our heart
- Help us to love you and desire your will above all else
God, you are one. We pray that you would equip us with the belt of truth to hold everything together
- Help us to live our lives with integrity
God, you are faithful. We pray that you would equip us with the shoes of peace to follow in the footsteps of Christ
- Help us on our journey through this life
God, you are merciful. We pray that you would equip us with the shield of faith to protect us from our inner critic
- Help us to walk in the confidence of knowing there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
God, you are careful. We pray that you would equip us with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
- Help us to have the right word in season for those you put across our path
We pray these things in the strong name of Jesus, our Lord and friend. Amen.
Communion
On the first Sunday of each month we normally share communion together. We celebrate communion to remember Jesus. We remember Jesus’ death, his resurrection and his presence with us now. We also remember that Jesus will return in glory one day. Communion reminds us we are not alone.
At Tawa Baptist we wouldn’t normally serve communion to children under 12 years. If you have small children with you then I suggest either having communion later, when they are asleep, or let them watch you without partaking themselves. If they are going to watch you, then include them by explaining what you are doing and why. Instead of bread & juice, give the children with you a spoken blessing (with tender laying on of hands).
Song
Listen and/or sing along to the following song as you prepare for communion
- How deep the Father’s love (on YouTube or Spotify)
Prayer
Get your church directory and pray for the people in two other households on the same page as you. Take a few moments to put yourself in their shoes, consider their needs and ask God’s blessing and provision for them. If you don’t have a directory, then you could pray for anyone else in your congregation or street who comes to mind.
Prayer of Blessing for elements
Father God we thank you for your Son Jesus who we remember now in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup. May you bless these element, the bread and the wine/juice that all who receive them would be filled afresh with your Spirit of love and truth. We ask this is in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Words of Institution
On the night when he was betrayed the Lord Jesus took a piece of bread and broke it. After he had given thanks he gave it to his disciples and said, ‘Take. Eat. This is my body which given for you. Do this to remember me.’
Eat the bread.
In the same way the Lord Jesus took the cup after supper saying. ‘This cup is God’s new covenant, sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you.’
Drink some grape juice (or red wine).
To conclude someone might like to say: ‘The Lord is risen’
With the response: ‘He is risen indeed’.
Benediction / Blessing
Proclaim the following blessing…
‘The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you his peace. Amen.’
Tawa Baptist 