Tag: Service

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Service for Sunday 28th February – Second Sunday of Lent

Bible Readings for 2nd Sunday of Lent:

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 – Genesis 17:1-16 NIVUK – The covenant of circumcision – When – Bible Gateway – One of the things I get frustrated about with the Church of England is how we like to cut out the awkward and difficult bits, as in this case, reading the beginning and end of the chapter but passing over the bit in between.  I know I’m not alone in this.  Many biblical scholars much more learned than I am get equally, if not more frustrated.  The passage we have in the Lectionary is one part of a threefold Covenant God makes with Abraham – in our passage, the promise of descendants.  In verse 8 (not included) is the promise of a physical land, Israel in which to live and the promise to be Abraham and his descendants’ God always.  The reference to a physical ‘land’ for God’s people can be seen as awkward, certainly politically, but removing it causes an even greater concern, that God, on order to be universal and appeal to all, is only interested in the ‘spiritual.’  This suits western Christianity – God is important but distant, whereas to the Hebraic faith, God is passionate and close.  The other part of the section the Cof E passes over is the whole ‘sealing’ of this covenant with Abraham through circumcision.  That’s a whole other topic – but one in which, as a fifty seven year old male, I’m with Paul, “the circumcision of the heart is far more important.” (Romans 2:25-29)        

Romans 4:13-end – Romans 4:13-25 HCSB – The Promise Granted through Faith – For – Bible Gateway – The Letter to the Romans deals with huge issues not just for Paul’s day but which goes to the heart of our understanding of faith too.  Although a densely worded argument, Paul is trying to say, not just to Jewish readers bit to all of us, Abraham didn’t somehow ‘earn’ his righteousness, whether through keeping the Law or in any other act.  Instead, it was simply his willingness to trust his life to God, a free decision but a bold one, this trust, this faith, this is what was credited to Abraham and which set him apart as the Father of the Jewish and indeed the Christian faith.  Sadly, we can swap status, or intellect, or so many other things and hold them to be what is important in the Church.  Paul reminds us simply but powerfully of how ultimately important faith and trust are to God.    

Mark 8:31-38 – This is the passage we have been looking at today in our Livestream service, part of the wider conversation Jesus has with the disciples at Caesarea Philippi.  I love the way Mark just before this passage takes Jesus and the disciples to Caesarea Philippi to have this conversation, way up north in the lee of Mount Hermon on the Syrian and Lebanon border, beyond the Golan.  Here Jesus asks the disciples, “who do you say that I am?”  Peter responds, “you are the Messiah, the Christ.”  Immediately, Jesus turns south, and so begins the long walk and pilgrimage Jesus makes to Jerusalem and to the Cross, mirroring Jesus words here – to understand what and who the Messiah truly is, you have to be willing to have your thinking turned right around, even upside down, and discover for yourself the way of the Cross.   

 

Songs in the Service:

  1. “Take up your cross” by Conduit and Chidiya Ohiagu. Love the way these  lesser known artists are getting some airtime as we look for songs on various themes: (1) “Take Up Your Cross” by Conduit feat. Chidiya Ohiagu (Lyric Video) – YouTube

 

  1. “I, the Lord of sea and sky” by San Schutte:

 

  1. “Wonderful Grace” by Lou Fellingham and Stuart Townend:

 

  1. “Oceans” by Hillsong United:

 

  1. “O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder…:”

 

  1. “The heart of Worship” by Matt Redman:

–         Cover by Laetisia Sembiring: (1) The Heart Of Worship – Matt Redman // Cover by Laetisia Sembiring – YouTube

 

 

Readings, Talks, and Prayers:

  1. “Howard’s Talk – Part 1:” (1) Howard’s First Talk – YouTube

 

  1. “Howard’s Talk with Johnny – Part 2:” (1) Howard’s Second Talk – YouTube

 

Traditional Hymns and Songs:

  1. “Joyful, Joyful, we adore thee.” This traditional hymn captures well the joy Brendan and his fellow travellers must have felt as they first put their foot down on land in the Americas.  It can also be our experience too at certain times and certain moments in prayer:

 

Modern:

  1. “El Shaddai” by Amy Grant. Speaking about the power of God’s grace over the centuries.  Becomes almost the song on the lips of everyone who commits to praying seriously: (1) EL SHADDAI BY AMY GRANT – YouTube

 

Videos/DVD:

  1. “Legends of the Isles: Brendan the Navigator (Documentary)” (2018): (1) Legends of The Isles: Brendan The Navigator (Documentary) – YouTube

 

  1. “The Voyage of Brendan” – following the adventures of Tim Severin (historian and sailing entrepreneur) in 1978 who re-enacted the epic journey of St Brendan in a boat constructed as an authentic replica from fourteen hundred years earlier. (Sound – commentary is fine but backing track showing signs of age).  Great though:

 

The Brendan Voyage 2nd movement, the Brendan Theme, Live at Cork City Hall” by Shaun Davey, performed by Liam O’Flynn on Uilleann pipes (like bagpipes).  Incredibly haunting: (1) THE BRENDAN VOYAGE 2nd MOVEMENT, THE BRENDAN THEME, LIVE AT CORK CITY HALL – YouTube

 

  1. “Short documentary about Caesarea Philippi: with Dave Stotts” (1) Peter’s Confession at Caesarea Philippi – YouTube

6.   By contrast, “Anchorite Vows”  of James Twyman – who spent a year as a praying hermit: (1) Anchorite Ceremony ~ James Twyman – YouTube

 

  1. If you are interested in finding out more about a deeper life of Prayer, then a couple of useful resources might be:
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Service for Sunday 21st February – First Sunday of Lent

Bible Readings for 1st Sunday of Lent:

Genesis 9:8-17 – Genesis 9:8-17 NIVUK – Then God said to Noah and to his sons – Bible Gateway – The story of the great covenant between Noah and God signed and sealed by the rainbow.  Not just that God would not cause another great flood, like the one they had just been through, but that there would be an ongoing and lasting relationship between the Creator God and all His Creation.  Something God still holds fast to, to this day even though many human beings have lost sight of it. 

1Peter 3:18-end – – Peter links the death and resurrection of Jesus with the ‘spiritual’ death and resurrection we each go through in baptism.  And then Peter makes this strange reference to Jesus going and making a proclamation to ‘the spirits in prison’ who were from the time before the flood, in the time of Noah and the Ark.  You will each need to make up your own mind whether that ‘proclamation’ was to set these prisoners free from the judgement they had been through at the time of the flood, or that it was a ‘proclamation’ of judgement and such spiritual ‘prisoners’ were found wanting?   

Sort of depends how you see biblical salvation working out?  What is wonderful to see, is the powerful link between Baptism and Easter front and central in the life and practice of the early Church.

Mark 1:9015 – The majority of this passage we looked at last week in relation it all aspects of love being about God and those marvellous lines – “you are my son/you are my daughter, whom I love, and in you I am well pleased.”

So many people, in Church and beyond, need to hear this, not just with their ears but in their hearts and in their soul.  What is great is that, in verses 14 and 15, Jesus says “the time for that fulfilment is now and it is here.”  In Him.

 

Songs in the Service:

  1. “The Wilderness:” by The Isaacs. A country and western approach to this topic that many other singer/songwriters pass over: (20) The Isaacs – The Wilderness (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube

 

  1. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God:”

 

  1. “How can it be” by Lauren Daigle

 

  1. “The Power of the Cross” by Keith and Kirstyn Getty:

 

  1. “Lord, I need you:” popular classic by Matt Maher:

 

  1. “Pride – In the name of Love:” originally by U2 in memory of Rev Dr Martin Luth King Jr – an embodiment of someone who learnt how to tap into his “wilderness” space:

 

Readings, Talks, and Prayers:

  1. “Bible Reading – Matthew 4:1-11” by Ian Stocker: https://youtu.be/pLkDcnDfx2o

 

  1. “Prayers” – by Romany Poppett-Price: https://youtu.be/9lO-_5qucqg

 

Traditional Hymns and Songs:

  1. “Great is Thy faithfulness:” – Songs of Praise version. With Lyrics: (20) Great is thy faithfulness – YouTube

 

  1. “Forty days and Forty nights:” version by the Chet Valley Choir. With Lyrics: (20) Forty Days and Forty Nights [with lyrics for congregations] – YouTube

 

Modern:

  1. “Wilderness” by Gateway. With Lyrics.  You could almost imagine these words being on the mouth of Jesus Himself during His time on the desert.  Great for anyone finding life ‘dry’ at present: (20) Wilderness – by Gateway – YouTube

 

  1. “You are my all in all” With Lyrics: (20) You are My All in All – YouTube

 

Videos/DVD:

  1. “The Desert Blossoms” – beautiful video of just how real this phenomenon is. As if you were really there.  Great encouragement: (20) The Desert blossoms – YouTube
  2. “Ein Gedi and the Waterfall of David:” by Sergio and Rhoda. An oasis and waterfall in the middle of the Judean Desert not far from the Dead Sea.  Will bring back many memories to those who have visited it.  Where King David probably write many of the Psalms not least Psalm 42: (20) Ein Gedi and the Waterfall Of David – YouTube 

7.   “Oasis in the Desert:” by Sergio and Rhoda.  Visiting one of the oldest monasteries in the world. St Gerasimos: (20) Oasis in the Judean Desert in Israel – YouTube

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Service for Sunday 7th February – Second Sunday before Lent

Bible Readings for 2nd Sunday before Lent:

Click the links that take you straight to the text (CTRL and “Left Click”) if that helps:

Proverbs 8:1, 22-31 – Proverbs 8.1,22-31 NIVUK – Wisdom’s call – Does not wisdom call – Bible Gateway – this is a most beautiful passage.  When people say the Old Testament is full of wars and violence and an angry God of Judgment we need to be reminded of passages like this one.  The Wisdom of God, which some would later see to encapsulate the heart and person of Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit, “delights” in Creation and in humanity and is instrumental in both their creation existing, as she does, before the beginning of time.  The playfulness and delight of Wisdom certainly comes through. How much different our faith would be if we had but listened to her over the years.

Colossians 1:15-20 – Colossians 1:15-20 NIVUK – The supremacy of the Son of God – The – Bible Gateway – This is the ‘Colossians’ equivalent of the ‘big picture’ story we find famously captured in John 1:1-14. Colossians sees Jesus as the common bridge between the old Creation and the new, between heaven and earth, between Old and New Testaments.  Jesus’ death being the absolute pivot point to it all.  

John 1:1-14 – Probably one of the most famous and most loved passages of the Bible.  Read every Christmas.  In the context of our theme today – that of St Brigid of Kildare and the idea of “Soul friendship“– John’s Gospel provides us with a very real and practical example of how “soul friendship” can be put into practice. 

John begins his passage about who Jesus is by referring to abstract ideas , not least from Greek philosophy, that Jesus is “the Word” not only from God but also for all of creation and humanity.  But , by the time he gets to verse 14, that which is, in the beginning abstract, suddenly bursts forth into the real, the here and now and now of life experience, when Jesus so famously says, “Thy Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Suddenly salvation has dawned for the whole earth, whether not the Church or the rest of humanity can see it. 

 

Songs in the Service:

  1. “My Lighthouse:” by Rend Collective: (10) Rend Collective – My Lighthouse (Official Video) – YouTube

 

  1. “O, the deep, deep love of Jesus:”

 

  1. “We will meet” by John Bell (Iona Community): (11) ‘We Will Meet’ – YouTube

 

  1. “Brother, sister let me serve you:”

 

  1. “Simplicity” by Rend Collective: (11) Rend Collective – Simplicity – YouTube

 

Readings, Talks, and Prayers:

  1. “Bible Reading – John 1:1-14” by Romany Poppet-Price: (11) Romaney’s Bible Reading for Sunday 7th February – YouTube

 

  1. “Prayers” – Part 1 – by Howard: (11) Howard’s Prayer – Part 1 – YouTube
  2. “Prayers” – Part 2 – by Howard: (11) Howard’s Prayers – Part 2 – YouTube

 

Traditional Hymns and Songs:

  1. “God is love, let heaven adore him:”

 

  1. “It is well, with my soul:” cover version of this well known Spafford/Sankey hymn. Written originally in the face of huge adversity. Holding out for hope and faith come what may: (11) It Is Well With My Soul | Anthem Lights – YouTube

 

Modern:

  1. “Fix You” cover version of the ‘classic’ from Cold Play by Fearless Soul. One can almost imagine the Soul speaking to the Self.  Shows how intentionally, or unintentionally, wider society cries out with the same voice: (11) Try not to cry when you listen to this cover of FIX YOU by Coldplay – YouTube

 

  1. “What a friend”– Matt Maher – modern take on this traditional hymn: (11) Matt Maher – What a Friend (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube

 

Videos/DVD:

  1. “Talk by John O’Donohue – Anam Cara (Soul Friendship) – given at Greenbelt: (11) John O’Donohue at Greenbelt – YouTube

 

6.   “Anam Cara (Soul Friendship)”: reflective video set to Celtic  beautifully inspired music: (11) ANAM CARA ~ Aeone – YouTube

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Service for Sunday 10th January – The Baptism of Jesus

Bible Readings for Epiphany 1: The Baptism of Jesus:

Click the links that take you straight to the text (CTRL and “Left Click”) if that helps:

Genesis 1:1-5 – Genesis 1:1-5 NIVUK – The beginning – In the beginning God – Bible Gateway  – the very beginning of the Bible indicating how Baptism is symbolic not just of individual “new birth” but in Jesus’ case a “new birth” of all Creation.

Acts 19:1-7 –  Acts 19:1-7 NIVUK – Paul in Ephesus – While Apollos was at – Bible Gateway – Paul in this passage clearly makes a distinction between “the baptism of John” and “the baptism of Jesus:” one for repentance and knowledge about God, the other to enter into relationship and to share in His life.

Mark 1:4-11 – Mark 1:4-11 NIVUK – And so John the Baptist appeared in the – Bible Gateway – this short passage is full of imagery and symbolism linking together so many Old Testament passages of hopes and dreams.  At its hear however, is the idea that because “the one who will come after me” (words John himself uses) was the foretold Messiah – the link is that the word “Messiah” technically means “the Anointed One,” the Priest, the one who stands as a ‘bridge’ between the people and God.  Therefore, because Jesus is received into sonship and has the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Him by God, so too have we.

Remarkable.  And we will be looking into what this means today in our worship.

Traditional Hymns and Songs:

  1. “Spirit of God” (The Skye Boat Song):

–   cover version by Spatz auf dem Dach (simple clean female folk solo) with Lyrics: (137) Spirit of God (The Skye Boat Hymn) – Lyric-Video | Spatz auf dem Dach – YouTube

  1. “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name” (The Summons): by John Bell (Iona Community)

–   Cover version by St Michael’s Church, Verwood in Dorset with lyrics: (137) Will you come and follow me – YouTube

3.    “Guide me O Thou great Jehovah” (Cwm Rhondda – Guide me O Thou great Redeemer):

– cover version by the Morriston Orpheus Welsh Male Voice Choir,  very moving and powerful: (137) Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah) – Côr OrpheusTreforys/ Morriston Orpheus Choir – YouTube

  1. “Come let us sing of a wonderful love”:
  1. “All over the world the Spirit is moving” – cover by Squirrel 24 – version with lyrics. As Dinah says, “Impossible not to feel cheered up by doing a jig, sing, clap along with – singing accompanied by jaunty brass band, great rhythm.”  Link: (137) All Over The World The Spirit Is Moving – YouTube
  2. “It is well with my soul” – great version of this good old Sankey hymn, speaking of accepting God’s love into my life. Fits very well as a musical accompaniment with making the “Covenant Promise.” With lyrics: (137) It Is Well With My Soul – YouTube

Modern:

  1. “You Say” by Lauren Daigle – now over 190M views – one of the most successful songs not only of the Christian world but of YouTube itself:
  1. “Who am I” originally by Cast Crowns. Speaks of trusting in God’s promise of His love and our willingness then to submit:
  1. “Fix You” originally by Cold Play. Amazing cover by “Fearless Soul” – as good, if not better than the original: (137) Try not to cry when you listen to this cover of FIX YOU by Coldplay – YouTube
  1. “Baptized” Zach Williams, the earthy Country Gospel singer and worship leader, describes what it was like for him to reflect on his experience of baptism: (137) Zach Williams – “Baptized” Rescue Story Tour Live Session – YouTube
  1. “Something in the water” – by Carrie Underwood singing about the change that she went through by discovering a new life in Christ. Lyrics version: (137) Something in the Water- Carrie Underwood (lyrics) – YouTube

 

Videos/DVD:

  1. There are two good “Sergio and Rhoda” videos about Baptism from a Jewish perspective:
  • The first is from “Yardenit,” the “official Baptism site” for Israel, and gives an indication of how personal and powerful a person’s Baptism can be. Link: (137) Baptized in the Jordan River – YouTube
  • The second is from “Qasr el Yahud,” the most likely historical site of where Jesus was baptised, only recently re-opened after the clearing of mines. Speaks of the layers of Old Testament meaning of why the Baptism of Jesus needed to take place here:  (137) Baptism of Jesus in Jordan River – YouTube

13.           Tabernacle: A third very good video that helps to explain how these two videos and their meaning go together – see “Sergio and Rhoda Tabernacle of Moses Replica in Timna Park,” way down south where Solomon had his copper mines.  Jesus is the High Priest who not only enters the Holy of Holies (beyond the curtain) but who tears the curtain in two so we all can enter the Holy of Holies with Him and so receive sonship and daughtership from God.  See Link: (137) Tabernacle of Moses Replica in Timna Park – YouTube 

  1. “Melody Joy Cloud – her experience with American Idol” remarkable young lady and witness to her faith: (137) MY AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE (w/pictures) – YouTube
  1. “The Chosen” – Episode “The Shepherds” is the Christmas Special that started this worldwide phenomenon. “The Chosen” can be obtained for free, either via YouTube (simply type in “The Chosen” or via an App, which can be downloaded to your Smartphone or Tablet.

Its all very exciting.  Details of how to find “The Shepherds” on YouTube: (127) The Chosen: The Shepherd (Pilot Episode) – YouTube