There is no gathered worship service at Tawa Baptist this Sunday 20 September 2020, due to the ban on gatherings over 100 people. We encourage you to have church at your place instead. Following is a suggested format for a ‘do it yourself’ worship service at home.
Call to Worship
You may like to light a candle as a reminder that Christ is present and read the following Scripture from Isaiah 43:19-21…
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formedfor myself that they may proclaim my praise.
Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – just google them on YouTube or download on Spotify. Today’s songs were chosen by Ang.
♫ All creation cries to you (God is great)
♫ The greatest day in history (Happy Day)
Prayer
Father God, we thank you for raising Jesus from the dead, transformed like a butterfly, resilient like a living stone. Thank you for the hope that is ours in Christ, certain like the sunrise, sustaining like scroggin. Thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit, close like oxygen, powerful like water. Amen.
Offering
Take this opportunity to make your financial offering to the Lord by on-line banking to your local church &/or a charitable organisation who support the poor.
Scripture Reading
Read aloud the following verses from Exodus 19:3-6…
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord calledto him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt,and how I carried you on eagles’ wingsand brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fullyand keep my covenant,then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priestsand a holy nation.’These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
May the Lord bless the reading of His word.
Intercessory Prayer
This week’s prayer was prepared by Catherine. You may want to take turns reading paragraphs of the prayer out loud or nominate someone with you to lead the prayer…
Our Father,
We thank you that because of what Jesus has done for us we are able to bring our requests to you and that you will hear us. Each one of us has cares and concerns that we want to lay at your feet today.
As much as at times we might like to; we can’t ignore the turmoil around the world caused by Covid-19. Lord we ask that you might quickly bring to an end the expansion of this virus. Grant wisdom and inspiration to those seeking to develop both vaccines as well as treatment regimes, that may help those who become ill. Protect health workers around the world and give them strength for the demands they face and compassion for those in their care.
We ask your guidance for those who govern and hold positions of authority at this time; that they would be people of integrity, seeking the best for those who rely on them. Here in New Zealand help each one of us to prayerfully consider how best to vote in the upcoming elections and referenda.
We ask your mercy for those suffering as the result of natural or manmade disasters. We particularly think of those affected this week by wildfires in Brazil and the west coast of the US, as well as those in the path of Hurricane Sally.
We pray for our community here in Tawa. May you bless the schools and preschools in the last few weeks of term. Where children are unsettled as a result of all that is going on around them we ask for your peace; and for the staff, wisdom and patience. Thank you for the work of 24/7 at Tawa College; grant Fergus, Matt and Katie the skills they need as they come alongside teens at school.
Help us all to be good neighbours to those around us. Each of us knows someone facing difficult challenges right now in their lives. We place them in your presence now.
For those we know who are grieving, we ask the comfort of your Holy Spirit.
For those we know who are sick and in pain, we ask for healing, strength, patience and that they may know your presence with them.
For those who are uncertain of what the future holds for study or work, we ask for your wisdom, guidance and provision.
Father, hear our prayers. Amen.
More Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – just google them on YouTube or download on Spotify.
♫ Man of sorrows, Lamb of God…
♫ Our Father Everlasting… (The Creed)
Sermon
You can either read the sermon notes, found on the ‘2020 Sermons’ page of this website, or listen to an audio recording of the sermon via the following link:
Closing Song
Listen and/or sing along to the following song – just google on YouTube or download on Spotify.
♫ Be Thou my Vision
Benediction
‘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 