Anglican Parish of Mornington/Mt Martha

12 October 2014

PENTECOST 18

ORDER OF SERVICE

LOCUM VICAR – ARCHDEACON PHILIP NEWMAN, OAM

Today’s services St Peter’s 7.45am and 10.30am

Eastman Johnson: The Lord’s my ShepherdHymn: TIS 474

Here in this place new light is streaming,now is the darkness vanished away,see, in this space, our fears and our dreamings,brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in, the lost and forsakengather us in, the blind and the lame;call to us now, and we shall awaken,we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young, our lives are a mystery;we are the old, who yearn for your face;we have been sung throughout all of history,called to be light to the whole human race.

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,gather us in, the proud and the strong;give us a heart so meek and so lowly,

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give us the courage to enter the song.

Here we will take of the wine and the water,here we will take the bread of new birth,here you shall call your sons and your daughters,call us anew to be salt of the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion,give us to eat the bread that is you;nourish us well and teach us to fashionlives that are holy and hearts that are true.

Not in the dark of buildings confining,not in some heaven light years away,but here in this space, the new light is shining,now is the kingdom, now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us for ever;gather us in and make us your own;gather us in, all peoples together,fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

SentenceThis is our God for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25.9)

Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 23):Since God is our shepherd,

we have everything we need.God brings us into stillness in green pastures,

and fills us with living water beside still streams.God restores our souls, and we are filled.Even the darkest places of lurking death are not fearsome to us,

for God walks with us.Goodness and mercy pursue us and catch us up,

so we dwell in God's bounty forever.

Prayer of ConfessionLoving Father, we come before you with humble and penitent hearts.

We are conscious of how we have offended you. Our sins are ever before us.Forgive us for our carelessness with the gospel of Jesus Christ, for our assumption that the neglect of your holy word does not matter.

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Where we have overlooked the needs of others and where we have proven insensitive to the feelings of those around us, we ask your pardon.

Forgive us for dwelling on the things that are wrong in this world and overlooking the good that is being done all around us.

Where we have been negative, and destroyed the hopes of others, and where we have forgotten the comfort and strength of your arms, we ask your pardon.

Merciful God, hear our prayer. ......... (silent prayer of confession) .........Lord, forgive us.

Touch us and make us whole. Amen.

Prayer of the daySaving and healing God, you have promisedthat those who have died with Christ shall live with him:grant us grace to be continually thankful for all you have done for us,and in that thankfulness to be eager to serve and live for others,so that we and all your children may rejoice in your salvation;through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Prophecy of Isaiah (25.1-9)LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-matured wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death for ever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all

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the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

For the Word of the Lord, Thanks be to God.

For the Psalm – TIS 10The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not wantHe makes me down to liein pastures green, he leadeth methe quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, ev'n for his own name's sake.

Yea, though I walk in death's dark valeyet will I fear no ill:for thou art with me; and thy rodand staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnishéd in presence of my foes;my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my lifeshall surely follow me:and in God's house for evermoremy dwelling-place shall be.

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians (ch 4)Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.Let your

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gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The friends who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

For the Word of the Lord, Thanks be to God.

Hymn: TIS 510My God, your table now is spread,your cup with love will overflow; be all your children to it led,and let them all its sweetness know.

A sacred feast which Jesus makes,

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rich banquet of his flesh and blood!How happy those who here partakethat sacred stream, that heavenly food.

Still let your table honoured be,and furnished well with joyful guests;and may each soul salvation seethat here its sacred pledges tastes.

Alleluia, alleluiaRejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Alleluia

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew, (22.1-14),Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. ‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

The Gospel of the Lord, praise to you. Lord Jesus Christ

The Sermon

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The Statement of our FaithWe believe in one God, who made and loves all that isWe believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,who was born, lived, died and rose againand is coming to call all to accountWe believe in the Holy Spirit, who calls, equips and sends out God’s people and brings all things to their true end.This is our faith, the faith of the ChurchWe believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The PrayersIt is a good and necessary that we turn the eyes outwards to the world around us, with its teeming millions.

Let us pray for some of those people.

Holy Friend please give us a measure of the Spirit of Christ, that we may exhibit more of his courage and compassion for all who share this small planet with us.

May your new world come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray for the church: our own denomination, and the many others spread across the world. Strengthen those that are tested by persecution, embolden those who are tolerated but ignored, humble those that wield considerable power, shake up those that have become apathetic, and encourage those that retain the optimism of the Spirit even though their numbers are few.

May your new world come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray for our nation, for its internal well being and its international relations. Bless our parliaments, Premiers and Prime Minister. Give them insight, wisdom, courage and compassion, that is much larger than their natural capacity, so that guided and overruled by your Spirit, this land may become a place of justice, mercy and peace.

May your new world come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray for the many places and people around the world where there is disaster and suffering. We long for the end of injustice and false

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imprisonment, terrorism and torture, hatred and warfare, hunger and homelessness, disease and despair. May the U.N. be revitalised, and the aid programmes be applied to those who need them most.

May your new world come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray for friends, neighbours and fellows church members who are going through hard times. For the unemployed and their families, the sick and their nurses, the handicapped and their helpers, the bereaved and their comforters, the terminally ill and their loved ones, the renegades and the parents who pray each day for their recovery.

May your new world come,your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

God our merciful Friend, please encircle us all with your saving love, that no person may be seen as useless and no situation irredeemable. Fill us with the quiet optimism of Christ Jesus, that in all things and at all times we may trust your providence and play our small part in supplying the signs of your love to those whose fears outweigh their hope.

May your new world come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

We are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us.The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

Offertory Hymn: TIS 544Since the world was young there's a song that's been sung of a promise coming true: hungry folk will eatand long-lost friends will meetand the Lord will make all things new.

God has a tablewhere he calls his friends to a feast that never ends; God has a tableand one day we'll meet him there.

Jesus saw a crowdwho were hungry, and vowed that they didn't have much food.

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So he fed that bunchwith a little boy's lunchas a sign that God is good. Refrain

Jesus told a taleof how rich people failto accept God's summons to dine. Then before their eyes those without earthly ties share heaven's finest food and wine. Refrain

Till we hear that word from the mouth of the Lord saying, `Join me at my table',for the world we'll careand its good things we will share as long as we are able. Refrain

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of your kingdom.

Blessed be God for ever.

The Lord be with you. And also with you.Let us lift up our hearts. We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God, for you are the Lord of lasting love, and you invite good and bad alike to feast with you. With great power and a mighty hand you created the universe and filled it with life. You freed your people from slavery, and even when they offered to a statue of gold the worship due to you alone,you listened to the fervent prayer of your servant Moses and turned from your fierce anger. Even now, when your anger is inflamed by those who say “Yes” to your call but refuse to robe themselves in righteousness, you accept the prayers of your anointed child, Jesus,who, though shunned and killed by his own wedding guests, was raised to life by you and now intercedes for the world without ceasing,winning for us your peace that passes all understanding.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.

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Hosanna in the highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

And now we thank you for these gifts of bread and wine; may we who receive them, as Jesus said, share his body and his blood. On the night he was betrayed, he took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread and gave it to his friends, and said, 'Take and eat. This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'

After supper he took the cup and gave you thanks. He shared the cup with them and said, 'This is my blood poured out so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in remembrance of me.' Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

You have gathered us together to feed on Christ and to remember all he has done for us: Fill us with your Spirit, that we may follow Jesus in all we do and say, working for justice and bringing your peace to this world that you have made. Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing and honour and glory and powerare yours for ever and ever. Amen.

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray,Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yoursnow and for ever. Amen.

The priest breaks the bread. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us

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Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us your peace.

The gifts of God for the people of God. Come

WEDDING FEAST - Matthew 22: 1-14He is off

the planet again!This Jesus

who tells folk storieswhich upend

normality and ourcredulity suspend!

Where on earthis royalty ignored?

Sincewhen does the guest

stay awayfrom the wedding feast

of a prince?

Where’s any kingwho would open his table

to the street?To garbage collectors,back packers, buskers,

homeless kidsand the dead beat?

One thing’s sure:Christ’s quirky kingdom

cannot beof this world’s making.

Here kings swankand royal halls are crammed

with pomposity.© B.D. Prewer 1995

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After Communion

God of the nations, we thank you for nourishing us with this holy sacrament. Guide us by your presence, that we may bring light to those who dwell in darkness, and establish justice in the earth.Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

Final Hymn: TIS 216Rejoice, the Lord is King;your Lord and King adore;let all give thanks, and sing,and triumph evermore:

Lift up your heart, lift up your voice.Rejoice. Again I say, rejoice!

Jesus the Saviour reigns,the God of truth and love;when he had purged our stains,he took his seat above: Refrain

His kingdom cannot fail,he rules o’er earth and heaven;the keys of death and hellare to our Jesus given: Refrain

He sits at God’s right hand,till all his foes submit,and bow to his command,and fall beneath his feet: Refrain

Rejoice in glorious hope;Jesus the judge shall come,and take his servants upto their eternal home:

We soon shall hear the archangel’s voice;the trump of God shall sound, Rejoice!