Tag: Service

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Sunday 19th July – Service for the Sixth Sunday after Trinity

This week’s service streamed live from St. Andrew’s, Banwell for the first time. Filmed live at 10.30am and streamed live to Facebook. The service is now available to view on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 6th Sunday of Trinity –

2nd Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:

“Lament, Thanksgiving, and Restoration”

  • Part 2 – “Thanksgiving”

Sunday 19th July 2020

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Reading: Psalm 36:7-9

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.”

Refrain:

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!”

Thanksgiving: MORE TH>N

  • Protection – “Shadow of your wings” – Luke 13:34, and Luke 19:41-44

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34)

  • Nourishment – River of Life:
    • Genesis 2:4-25 “The Garden of Eden”

“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.  The name of the first is the Pishon;… The name of the second river is the Gihon;… The name of the third river is the Tigris;… And the fourth river is the Euphrates.” (Gen 2:10-14 abridged)

  • Ezekiel 47:1-12 – “The River of Life flowing out of the Temple”

“Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh.  Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows.”

(Ezekiel 47:6-9)

  • Revelation 22:1-5 – “The Lamb will sit upon the throne”

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2)

  • Perspective: “In your light we see light.”
    • John 8:12 – “I AM the Light of the world”

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

  • Rev 3:20 – “I stand at the door and knock.”

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Rev 3:20)

Video: Bible Project “Holiness” – really good to explain the idea of the River of Life and how it transforms everything it touches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9vn5UvsHvM&t=142s

Set Readings for today:

Isaiah 44:6-8

Romans 8:12-25

Matthew 13:24-30. 36-43

 

Hymns and Songs for 6th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. “O Lord, my God” (How great Thou art) – Songs of Praise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdE_NKyY_o0

 

  1. “There is a Redeemer” – by Keith Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YM_hYzcPo

 

 

  1. “Teach me to Dance” – by Graham Kendrick – 40th Anniversary live at the Royal Albert Hall version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=184&v=FE0TEnBkNiU&feature=emb_title

 

  1. “Fill your hearts with joy and gladness” (Psalm 147) – set to the tune of Ode to Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgsjGx7n3hg

 

 

  1. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – inspired by Psalm 36 – Songs of Praise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCnQNwQG5GI&t=23s

 

Music for Reflection:

  1. Hugh Davies singing, “There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord:” https://youtu.be/Fm7v-qm9ySM

 

Modern:

  1. “Better” by Hezekiah Walker – recommended by Charlotte and Hayley Nottage – great fun, praise song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nrcZQliOGI

 

  1. “No Outsiders” – because of the Cross of Jesus Christ – Rend Collective (Live in Belfast) – a great anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il9jTDycbdw

 

  1. “Learning to be the Light” – by Newworldson – taking the words of Psalm 36:9 “In your light we see light” – this is one of their quieter more thoughtful numbers – great live band (see their “Big Church Day Out sessions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqs24i1RBQo

 

 

 

 

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Live Service for Sunday 12th July – 5th Sunday after Trinity

Click here to view the service that was recorded live during the first service in St. Andrew’s Church, Congresbury since Lockdown.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 5th Sunday of Trinity –
1st Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:
“Lament, Thanksgiving, and Restoration.”

Bible Readings:
Key Bible Reading:
Jeremiah ch 8:18 – 9:1
As part of the Talk:
Howard wants everyone to share in a chorus to a poem:
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There’s power enough in heaven
To heal the sin-sick soul

Set Readings for today:
Isaiah 55:10-13
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Hymns and Songs for 4th Sunday after Trinity:
Traditional:
1. “There is a Redeemer” – by Keith Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YM_hYzcPo

2. Played live as an Introduction to Worship – “Meekness and Majesty” – Graham Kendrick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tK1hQpacs8
– Songs of Praise version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBonpqR7ay0

3. “O the deep, deep love of Jesus” – Hereford Cathedral Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliCy09D3v0
– Great Folk version from three girls in Ireland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaiUT74Vshk
– And the very distinctive version from a Christian Russian Opera singer, Simon Khorolskiy – “very upbeat, modern take ‘Russian’”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliCy09D3v0

4. Played live at the end of the Service: “There is a Hope” – by Stuart Townend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_yv5yGZnBc

Song for Refection:
Hugh Davies, Liz Chappell’s grandson sings Psalm 121 – beautiful just to close your eyes to and let these timeless words speak to you and over the Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3OapRQg4P8&feature=youtu.be

By contrast:
The African American Spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead” was a rallying cry that there was a hope, even a hope against all odds – and that was, and is, Jesus. Two versions:
The deep soulful voice of Paul Robeson from 1958 in Carnegie Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okl2XbTM7xM
And, from 1987 – Nina Simone’s more upbeat version, recorded at Vine Street Studios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3KF3zUFDzI

Prayers of Intercession:
Kay’s Prayers during the Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY1sJZTslTw&feature=youtu.be

Music during Communion:
“Pie Jesu” by Gabriel Fauré. Two versions:
– One, a traditional version from Winchester Cathedral: https://youtu.be/s6ePmrZDTfw
– The other sung by an eight piece adult harmony – VOCES8 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9al6HNOgSo

Modern Music:
5. “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams – recommended by the Youth Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U&feature=youtu.be

6. “My feet are on the Rock” – I am They (an American band with a sound a bit like Rend Collective): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYiHiJTN6Y

7. “Every Praise” – Hezekiah Walker – hard not to make your feet tap and put a smile on your face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuuZMg6NVeA

8. I’ve fallen in love with this song – Kirk Franklin at his best, and so appropriate for today, “Love Theory” (so no apology for playing it again): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aD8OK07iIY

Videos:
9. What does the “Balm of Gilead” look like? This is quite a remarkable video – has to be seen and heard to be believed -brought me to tears, tears of joy. Not only a “MUST SEE” but also a prayer for us all. Good on Christopher Duffley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_W_zl61bI

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Live service for Sunday 5th July – 4th Sunday after Trinity

Click here to view the service streamed live at 10.30am on Sunday 5th July

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 4th Sunday of Trinity –

“A New Church for a New Age (Part 4):

The work of the Spirit to inspire and provide a ‘Blueprint’ for the Church in Mark ch1 – part of the focus for “40 Days on the Life and work of the Spirit” – by Jack Levison

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Reading:

Mark ch1: 1 – 45 – Mark is unique in beginning his Gospel account of Jesus from the point of Jesus’ baptism rather than from the point of Jesus’ birth.  In doing so, Mark is trying to tell us something, something about the sort of person Jesus is and also the people we are called to be, to offer love and compassion for a broken world and to do so through the guidance and sustenance of the Holy Spirit.  We are going to explore this further in our service today. (See also the Bible text itself and notes below for download with highlighted passages)

Bible-Reading-for-Today-Mark-1Download

Supporting Text:

The following are the two parts of Jesus’ great commission – King and Servant, taken from the words God spoke over Him at His  baptism in the river Jordan, “You are my Son, who I love, in you I am well pleased.” (Mark ch1:11).

The first part of this famous saying comes from,

Psalm 2 – from which we get the lines, “You are my son [my daughter], who I love” (Psalm 2:7) and which points us to the anointing and the responsibility of a monarch, a King or a Queen for his/her people.

And the second part of the saying comes from,

Isaiah chs 42-53 – where Isaiah reveals a strange but hugely significant character known as “The Servant,” or as Isaiah 53 records “the Suffering Servant.” From Isaiah 42:1 we get the lines, “with you I am well pleased” but maybe read especially Isaiah ch53.  It is both unique and incredibly insightful and prophetic.

Set Readings for today:

Zachariah 9:9-12 – this passage from Zachariah is the famous prophecy that “when the King comes, he will come riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey.”  Words, of course, Jesus fulfilled when He rode into Jerusalem hundreds of years later.

Romans 7:15-25 – Paul wrestles with one of the great problems we can have as human beings, let alone as Christians, in that why is it we can know what is good for us, we can know what is the ‘right’ thing to do, yet we choose to do different, sometimes even the opposite.  Paul wrestles with himself and his inner conscience in and through this passage – isn’t great therefore to discover we’re not alone? We too can struggle to live out our internal desire to follow Christ even when it is tough and full of self-doubt. 

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-end – Jesus describes to His audience how fickle people can be – some complaining about John the Baptist and his ministry, others criticising and contrasting him for “not being more like John the Baptist,” almost the day after.  And yet, in amongst our blindness, hardness of heart, and our easy judgementalism, Jesus speaks out these words, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I shall give them rest.”

Jesus lifts people out of the situations they are in, even if they are of their own making, and seeks to set them out on the road in the sure and certain knowledge they are a ‘forgiven people.’

Against all odds, Jesus chooses this moment to reveal His true identity to the world and the enormity of what these words would truly cost Him.

Hymns and Songs for 4th Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. TRY AND LISTEN TO THIS – the well-known classic, that captures so well King and Servant from Graham Kendrick “From heaven you came, helpless babe”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rh4xEvMVQQ
  • See also a live version by Graham Kendrick himself at a “Songs of Praise” concert from the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey (1996):
  • Graham Kendrick talking himself about what inspired him to write this song – fascinating insight into the work of the Spirit in and through one of this country’s most popular singer/songwriters:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuCNzWvmycE
  • “We are marching in the light of God” (Siyahamba) – here is a very colourful medley version.  Hard for anyone not to smile and even to start tapping or dancing to the beat.  We all need to have our spirits lifted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi-zd2k8wgQ

Song for Refection:

Thank you again to Liz Chappell and her grandsons, Hugh and Toby who have kindly recorded their version of John Stainer “I saw the Lord” (based on Isaiah 6)  – https://youtu.be/P0fMtJl3uqU

Modern Music:

  • The calling and life story of Taya Smith – one of the lead singers and worship leaders of “Hillsong” (an international if not a worldwide worship phenomenon) – her remarkable story of humble inspiration and servant ministry –-   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfgW9gUyiRs
  1. “King of Kings” – Hillsong (Acoustic Version) – recorded Mar this year (2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl7ckz0iPoU
  1. And from our young people a film clip and song called “Touched by an Angel – Psalm 151” – a power testimony to song, love and prayer.  Thank you for this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmpiWLiQkxo&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR27km4KL1WQ3OWOGc2U-qGzrm_uYpz_LeY8nQECQxOomIPGYNgYQZiLkaw
  1. Lastly, “I will follow” – Chris Tomlin – https://youtu.be/R3NRyV9vKl0

Videos:

  1.  Thinking of the role of Kingship – probably the closest we know to such a spectacle is the Coronation.  In a rare interview the Queen revealed something of what it was like to be her on such a great occasion:
  2. A short piece about wearing the Crown – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPyNxoVJsr4
  3. An American news piece which talks to the English commentator who interviewed the Queen and describes her qualities (recorded in 2018 when Harry and Megan were based in the UK):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX8S_Y3ZiZM
  • And my personal favourite, which captures the Queens spirit of both servanthood and fun was the epic arrival and opening the Queen gave to the Olympics in 2012.  Interestingly, the helicopter used on this memorable occasion was flown by Peter Hall of Iwood Manor in Congresbury.  Enjoy:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AS-dCdYZbo
  1. Isaiah ch53 – the “Suffering Servant” – Here are two separate interviews given by Jewish people for an organisation called “One for Israel,” and each explains how Isaiah ch53 (the Suffering Servant) is central to them and to their story as Jewish people who became believers in Yeshua (Jesus).  Amazing and humbling testimonies:
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCodbesGNBg
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Live Stream Church for Sunday: “Continuing the story of being a new Church for a New Age – “the inspiration and ‘blueprint’ of Mark ch1” plus an AGAPE CELEBRATION – part of the journey of walking for 40 days with the Holy Spirit – 10.30am

Last week, we looked at the rich story that lies behind the image of Hope “the Tree of Jesse” offers us in Isaiah ch11 and 12.  This week, we are going to explore how Mark, in his opening chapter about the life and ministry of Jesus, Mark ch1, gives us both inspiration and a bit of a ‘blueprint’ as to what some of the key qualities a Church could include as we emerge from Lockdown.  This follows from the fact that two of our readings this week in our “Daily Blog,” looking at the life and work of the Holy Spirit, have also come from Mark ch1.

PLUS

An Opportunity to “Share an AGAPE CELEBRATION together” as part of our Livestream Service.  All you will need is:

  • Some Bread – this can be an ordinary bread from around the house, or you may wish to make some; maybe some pitta bread, a bread roll, something gluten free? – This can be a great activity to do with others.
  • Some grapes or fruit of some kind – which can be for you ‘the Fruit of the Earth,’ whatever you have to hand.
  • And a glass of water or whatever is your favourite drink.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

And afterwards, join us for the ‘Virtual’ Coffee Morning and catch up.  Afterwards, why not join us for the next of our ‘virtual’ Coffee and catch up?  See the “New Creation Facebook Page” for details of how to join.

Matt

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Live Service for Sunday 28th June – 3rd Sunday after Trinity

Click here to watch the service streamed live at 10.30am on Sunday 28th June – the 3rd Sunday after Trinity.

Click here to watch a special musical performance from Liz, Toby and Hugh.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 3rd Sunday of Trinity –

“A New Church for a New Age (Part 3):

the story of the work of the Spirit in “The Shoot out of the Stump of Jesse” in Isaiah ch 11 and ch 12 – part of the focus for

“40 Days on the Life and work of the Spirit” – by Jack Levison

Bible Readings:

Key Bible Reading:

Isaiah ch 11 and 12 – the beginning of this passage is well-known because it is often read at Carol Services, but today we are going to look at the whole text.

It is made up of four parts:

  • “The Shoot that will come out of the stump of Jesse” (vs 1-5) – upon whom the Spirit of the Lord will rest – this part of the passage has always been seen as referring to Jesus.
  • The impact this ‘shoot’ has upon the world will be to bring healing and hope to the world (see vs 11-16) and is symbolised by the images of the hoped for ‘harmony of Creation’ (vs 6-9).
  • Key as to how this will all come about is vs 10, “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious.”  What is this root? The true Tree of Jesse – The Cross.
  • The song of joy and praise on the lips of those who understand the implication of this mystery and victory – the means of salvation the world and the Devil will never understand or overcome.  Such is the wisdom, the power and the glory of our God (Ch 12 vs 1-6)

All this because “the Spirit of the Lord rested upon Him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of inward strength, the Spirit of the knowledge of the Lord and of true godliness – and He will delight in the love of the Lord.” (Isaiah ch 11:2-3).

Supporting Text:

Ephesians 6:10-13 – Putting on the whole armour of God and to stand – this is a well-known passage and can so easily inspire strength and protection, whereas in fact, it is meant to be a call to walk the way of vulnerability and to hold fast to the person and character of Christ.

In that sense Eph ch6 is for forerunner to the adage – “WWJD” – “What would Jesus do?”  And it is the Holy Spirit that can help us to reach out and indeed hold fast for this.

Set Readings for today:

Jeremiah 28:5-9 – Jeremiah speaks out not just of events to come but of a “Prophet” who will bring true peace – that prophet has come in the person of Jesus.

Romans 6:12-end – Paul’s contrasts very starkly the choices we make – towards a life lived by sin and death or towards a life lived by grace and eternal life.  We are called from one to the other.

Matthew 10:40-end – continuing on from last week, Jesus teaches all worldly honour and honour systems are nothing in comparison the reward those who show Acts Kindness will receive from the Lord who sees all, including the intentions of the human heart.

Hymns and Songs for 3rd Sunday after Trinity:

Traditional:

  1. TRY AND LISTEN TO THIS – “Gwahoddiad – I hear Thy Welcome Voice” – Songs of Praise – this less well-known hymn outside of Wales captures so clearly the mystery and yet the deep meaning of the true Tree of Jesse – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbPZW446Cc
  • “Only Boys Aloud” came to popular acclaim through their appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” – they embody the spirit of our reading today, finding hope and purpose out of adversity – here is the recording that shot them to fame -“Calon Lan,” this song that they sing was originally composed as a hymn in the 1890’s but has become part of Welsh identity – I detail below the beauty of their poetry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AARrVAHnkdY

Calon Lân English Translation

I don’t ask for a luxurious life
the world’s gold or its fine pearls,
I ask for a happy heart,
an honest heart, a pure heart.

A pure heart full of goodness
Is fairer than the pretty lily,
None but a pure heart can sing,
Sing in the day and sing in the night.

If I wished for worldly wealth,
It would swiftly go to seed;
The riches of a virtuous, pure heart
Will bear eternal profit.

(Chorus)

Evening and morning, my wish
Rising to heaven on the wing of song
For God, for the sake of my Saviour,
To give me a pure heart.

Song for Refection:

  • A shorter version with lyrics

Modern Music:

Really been getting into Kirk Franklin following recommending two of his songs from last week.  This week two more:

  • “Strong God” – this was just released on 1st June and speaks into the #Black Lives Matter campaign in America and around the world.  WARNING: language is ok, but the video does contain some strong images – not suitable for younger children.

Adults/Parents PLEASE check you are happy first before showing to your young people.  At the same time, video is how many Black Young People see things, so good to be informed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnl9ZvrM_yQ

  1. “Lean on Me” – I wasn’t going to include this because it’s another song by Kirk Franklin, so wanted to find something different.  But each time came back to it – such an inspiring version and video, finding the God of Hope in amongst the trials and pain of it all.  No wonder 64M hits –   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXBKaOkmQhw

Videos:

  1. “Sergio and Rhoda – Nazareth Village” – although this short video doesn’t show an actual Olive Tree with the new growth coming from its stump (although we saw one for ourselves when we were there ourselves in 2018), this whole project embodies the spirit of Isaiah ch 11 and 12 – refusing to lie down and born to bring hope that is distinctive and a wonderful authentic witness not just to Israel, but to the whole Christian world – there’s nowhere quite like it – and I think Kirsty would quite literally love to be a tour guide here –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyDyIyn-yRE

Films:

  1. “Brassed Off” – At first this does not seem a particularly ‘Christian’ film, there is no mention of God or of a person who is a Christian character within it.  But like the Book of Ruth it is full of God’s Spirit, especially in the way is gives a practical example and demonstration to all that we have been talking about today.

Set in the coal mining villages of North Yorkshire during the mining shutdown of the 80’s and 90’s, it follows the life of the Grimley Colliery Band and of some of the characters within it as they discover “what really matters.”

PLEASE NOTE: To PARENTS – It is a 15Cert – it does deal with some strong scenes, and does have some strong language in places.  At the same time it is both endearing and a wonderful caricature of both mining life and of the humour and pain of these times.   

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Service for the Second Sunday of Trinity

Click here to see the video of the service that was live streamed at 10.30 am on Sunday 21st June.

Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 2nd Sunday of Trinity –

“A New Church for a New Age (Part 2):

the story of The Tabernacle/the Tent of Meeting in Exodus ch40 and the story of Jesus in John’s Gospel – the links and the re-interpretation all by the power of the Spirit – part of the focus for “40 Days on the Life and work of the Spirit” – by Jack Levison

Key Bible Reading:

Exodus ch 40 – the detailed description of the Tabernacle – The Tent of Meeting that the Israelites constructed in accordance to God’s word and then carried with them throughout their time in the wilderness wherever they were sent to go.

Made up of the three parts:

  • God’s instruction to Moses (vs 1-16)
  • Moses fulfilling what God had said to him (vs 17-33)
  • God’s glory, in the form of a cloud, (vs 34-38) hovers over the Tent, day and night just as the Spirit hovered over the face of Creation in the beginning of time (Genesis ch1: vs2). 

I AM Sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel (and where to look them up):

I AM the Bread of Life – John 6:35

I AM the Light of the World – John 8:12

I AM the gate [door] for the Sheep – John 10:7 (repeated John 10:9)

I AM the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the Sheep –   John 10:11

I AM the Resurrection and the Life [Baptism] – John 11:25 and 26

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me – John 14:6

I AM the true Vine. My Father is the Gardener – John 15:1 and 15:6 – I AM the Vine. You are the branches.

The importance of I AM sayings of God: See Exodus ch3 vs 14 – Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-14)

“I AM who I AM” -(‘Elohiym) or Elohiem within Hebrew tradition.

As there is no present tense as such in Hebrew grammar, a literal translation of this short but vitally important phrase is: “I am, I was, and I will be.”

Another aspect of the translation would be to say, “I AM, without equal.”

The Veil: At the very moment when Jesus died, according to Matthew’s Gospel, writing to a Jewish community possibly in Jerusalem, he says, “At that very moment the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.” (Matt ch27 vs 51-52 – the Story of the Cross)

Hymns and Songs for 2nd Sunday after Trinity:

The key theme today is about God’s faithfulness to us, in Jesus and by the power of the Spirit, willing to meet with us wherever we are, and willing and longing to transform our lives, if we will but see.

Please see:

  1. “Be Thou my Vision” – a tune and arrangement I haven’t heard before – sung by Hugh, Toby, and Ollie Davis (all three of Liz Chappell’s grandchildren in St Andrew’s Church, Congresbury yesterday) –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXy2rBSZrU0&feature=youtu.be

These three versions of the same song capture very much what we are looking at today as a working out of God’s Spirit.  We can say, “we like this one,” or “that one.”  But can we see how God loves all of them and blesses all His people through the same words over the centuries.  Difference and diversity are something to be celebrated not constrained.

Traditional:

  1. “Before the Throne of God above” – although we had this last week, it perfectly describes this meeting place with the great Creator God –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsvV2AAfTz0

For Reflection or Meditation:

  • “Pachebel’s Canon in D” – the Cello part in this well-known and much loved piece of music demonstrates the “Cantus Firmus” – the deep undertow and work of the Spirit in every generation – something we have looked at before and which lies at the heart not only of today’s passage, but can be seen in our world today – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es_3F3TLJS0
  • “My Song is love unknown” – this is one of those hymns which it is worth pausing and letting the words speak to the heart and the soul of such love as this – the centre of Prayer and Praise – thinking of our Church Buildings opening up for Private Prayer again – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv7OZSoA22w

Modern Music:

  • “He still loves me” – Beyonce and Walter Williams – wonderful video telling us and the world that even when we don’t thin k we are good enough “He [God] still loves me” – just what the world needs to here at the moment – Thanks to Hayley and Charlotte Nottage in Banwell for this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o1GCF5Xthc
  1. “The Lion and the Lamb” – Big Daddy Weave – picking up the theme of bending the knee – we kneel before the One who takes the pain and pride of the world to Himself out of love (Philippians 2:10) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xeLgkpcpM0
  1. “Lord I need you” – Chris Tomlin (65M views) a modern classic – speaking of our dependence upon God (our Tent) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE
  1. And to finish, Kirk Franklin is an amazing performer, singer, songwriter and arranger.  Two songs from him:
  2. “Our God is an Awesome God. He reigns” – Rare footage from a live concert – amazing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTN21C0py3M

Videos:

  1. “Sergio and Rhoda go to The Tabernacle in the Timna Park” – a re-enactment of the Tabernacle built deep in the south of Israel, part of the Timna National Park – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fcUVe6S4vg&t=2s
  1. “Exodus 40:1-16” (Seven I AMs) – Charlie (Pastor) from the Superior Word Church (approx. an hour) – for those who are really interested in this, Charlie is a font of Hebrew and Christian knowledge.  He is so informed and with so much to say, sometimes you have to just put your hat on, hold on, and just go for the ride – there’s a lot in this video –   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51t1YzXgjpU