GATHERING TO WORSHIP GOD -...

Eating and Drinking

We are invited to share this meal together, informally. Take pieces of bread and give to someone else, to as many people as you wish, and say: “In the light of your hope I share this with you”. As your receive bread, you may dip it in the honey, the milk or the grape juice. Feel free to do this as many times as you wish.

GOING FORTH

Closing Prayer

Closing Hymn

Blessing and Sending Forth

Postlude

Agape Meal and Worship Service

March 16th, 2016 1:30 p.m.

GATHERING GOD’S PEOPLE

Welcome & Announcements

Territorial Acknowledgement

. . . silence . . .

Hymn: MV 30 “It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker”

Opening Prayer

LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD

Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:4-9Herein is wisdomI .

Thanks be to God.

New Testament: Mark 1:1-11 (in Japanese)

Giving leadership in today’s service: Preaching: Rev. Lauren HodgsonPresiding: Rev. Bronwyn Corlett and Rev. Ruth McDonald

With special thanks to theEmmanuel College Alumni/ae Association

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,     who will prepare your way;the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,    make his paths straight,’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.  And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”This is the Good News of the Gospel.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon “God’s Love Songs” Rev. Lauren Hodgson

. . . silence . . .

Prayers of the People One: God, hear our prayers. All: And in your love, answer

Sung Response: MV 90 “Don’t Be Afraid”:

Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger,my love is stronger than your fear.Don’t be afraid. My love is strongerand I have promised, promised to be always near.

The Lord’s Prayer

SHARING GOD’S LOVE: AN AGAPE MEAL

The Sharing of Peacesigns of peace are shared and we gather around the table

Remembering the Promises

Blessing the Food