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Happy & Blessed Readings: Micah 6:1-18 Matthew 5:1-12 Blessèd are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessèd are the sorrowful: for they shall find consolation. Blessèd are those of a gentle spirit: for they shall have the earth for their possession. Blessèd are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail: for they shall be satisfied. Blessèd are those who show mercy: for mercy shall be shown to them. Blessèd are those whose hearts are pure: for they shall see God. Blessèd are the peacemakers: for they shall be called God’s children. Blessèd are those who have suffered persecution for the cause of right: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. The recoded sermon – Happy & Blessed – can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/sSq4twW06tA In 2016, Pope Francis introduced six ‘Beatitudes for Modern Christians’. How do these compare to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5? How do you find yourself responding to them?
https://www.caritas.org.au/resources/library/the-beatitudes-for-modern-christians
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Called together Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 The invitation is given to every person by Jesus Christ: "Come to me! Follow me! Be my disciples!" We come to this place, to this time, at the invitation of Jesus Christ. In the name of Christ, we accept the invitation to discipleship. In the name of Christ, as his disciples, we worship and praise God. In the midst of a world where cruelty abounds, we proclaim the God of Compassion. In the midst of despair that threatens to swallow up whole lives, whole peoples, we proclaim the God of Hope. In the midst of indifference and apathy, we proclaim the God of Love. You can access our printed service sheet here: Bulletin 22 January 2023, and the recording of the sermon can be watched here: https://youtu.be/aQLeGQdZjd0 May this holy season be for each of us
a time of moving beyond what is “reasonable” and toward the star of wonder; moving beyond grasping tight to what we have to unclenching our hands and letting go, following the Light where it leads; moving beyond competition toward cooperation, seeing that all humans are sisters and brothers; moving beyond the anxiety of small concerns towards the joys of justice and peace. May we respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow him with willingness and gratitude, now and in the days ahead. Look, See, Focus Text: John 1:35-51 We don’t know what the first words Jesus uttered were but, in this passage we have the first recorded words that Jesus speaks in John’s Gospel. This is significant because this gospel was written by an eyewitness, but late in his life after years of reflecting on what he saw in Jesus. It is a crafted gospel, filled with meaning and no wastage of words. His first recorded words of Jesus, I believe, are important, significant and pointed. “What are you looking for?” View the recorded sermon here: https://youtu.be/w5UmvgbdLD4 Epiphany 1: the Baptism of our Lord Readings: Acts 10: 34-43: Listen closely to what Peter is saying and we discover that there is always an action to take. We are not simply receivers of the Good News-we are also doers and tellers of the Good News. Matthew 3:13-17: Jesus is baptized in the Jordan and, rising up out of the water, the Spirit descends upon him and a voice declares, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Today’s sermon - Claimed by Jesus Christ – can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Mjv8BGMbw0I God, who is wind and breath and whisper,
we are drawn to the sound of your voice: The wind in the trees; our breath, in and out; the kind word – in these we know your gracious, constant presence. We recognise your voice in the words of the prophets and all who speak for justice. Your voice claims us. Let us hear you, here and now, loving God. Readings: Isaiah 63:7-19 Matthew 2:13-23 When Herod realized that the visitors from the East had tricked him, he was furious. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighborhood who were two years old and younger—this was done in accordance with what he had learned from the visitors about the time when the star had appeared. (Matthew 2: 16) Our recorded sermon explores a bit more about King Herod. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/KNXpXY0To_w Almighty and merciful God,
Whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; Look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; Inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Worship ResourcesWorship Services are held at 10am every Sunday. For those unable to join us in person, a recorded version will be available from 9am each week. Archives
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