Welcome and Opening Prayer
Good morning and welcome everyone.
You may like to light a candle as a reminder that Christ is present.
Today is Trinity Sunday, when we celebrate the divine mystery of God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks about himself in relation to the Father and the Spirit in John 16:12-15…
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine…”
May the Lord bless the reading of his word.
Prayer (from the Lectionary)
Blessed Trinity, we know you as a community of love.
Grant us such worship of you that we are transformed after your likeness;
to be creative, caring, life enriching people.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love.
This we ask through Christ our Mediator. Amen
Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – on YouTube or Spotify.
- Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
- The Splendour of the King (How great is our God)
Intercessory Prayer
The following prayer was sourced from Charles Hewlett, the national leader of the Baptist Union, (with a line added by me).
Lord, we pray for our world.
We pray for the horrific event in Minneapolis. Help us to be devoted to one another in love, honouring one another above ourselves (Rom 12:10).
We pray for the millions of children around the world who are exposed to preventable disease because of disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus. Help us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute (Proverbs 31:8).
We pray for Yemen, where scores of coronavirus cases have been recorded across the country in the grip of a civil war. Thank you for being close to the broken hearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
We pray for the state of emergency after 20,000 tonnes of oil leaked into a river within the Arctic Circle. Thank you that you care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly (Psalm 65:9).
We pray for the leaders of our world. May they not only look out for their own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Phil 2:4).
We pray for those we know who are sick or injured. We think especially of [name those on your heart] at this time. Help us to be ardent in spirit, to rejoice in hope, to be patient in suffering and to persevere in prayer. (Rom 12:11-12)
Through Jesus, our Lord and friend, we pray. Amen.
More Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs on YouTube or download on Spotify.
- Prodigal (A Father’s love in arms of graces…) by Edge Kingsland
- Father I adore you, lay my life before you…
Sermon
You can either read the sermon notes found 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 ‘There is a Redeemer’. Google the song on YouTube or Spotify.
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.
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).
The blessing could be something like:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen.”
Prayer of confession
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Take some time now to talk with God about the things that may be troubling your conscience. Perhaps it is something you regret doing. Or maybe some good that you failed to do. Ask for God’s mercy and grace and know that God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.
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 elements, the bread and the wine/juice that all who receive them would be filled afresh with your Spirit of love and truth. May we know your presence now and throughout the week. 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 is 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’.
Closing Song
Listen and/or sing along to ‘Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice’ (Once Again). Google on YouTube or Spotify.
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 