HUMILTY AND SERVICE

 

Opening song. No. 57. ALL YOU NATIONS.

 

Ant.:    All you nations, sing out your joy to the Lord:

            Alleluia, alleluia:

 

1. Joyful shout, all you on earth,

Give praise to the glory of God;

And with a hymn, sing out his glorious praise: Alleluia!

 

1. Lift up your hearts, sing to your God,

Tremendous his deeds among men!

Vanquished your foes, struck down by power and might: Alleluia

 

1. Let all the earth kneel in his sight,

Extolling his marvelous fame;

Honour his name, in highest heaven give praise: Alleluia

 

1. Come forth and see all the great works

That God has brought forth by his might

Fall on your knees before his glorious throne: Alleluia

 

1. Parting the seas with might and power,

He rescued his people from shame;

Let us give thanks for all his merciful deeds:  Alleluia.

 

Brief Introduction- Clement N

 

READINGS

Readings.       Article 37 and 38 of FIC Constitutions

 

Article 37: Forming a community.

Forming a community means: to be near one another in joy and in sorrow; to be willing to understand one another; to appreciate, encourage and inspire one another; to be ready to forgive one another again and again; ‘seek to do good to one another’.

 

Article 38: As imperfect beings.

As imperfect beings we can only live up to what was said before in an incomplete and inadequate way. However, we keep striving after this ideal. Again and again, we try to see and appreciate the good things in our fellow brothers, despite their human frailties, despite the hurts and disappointments we inflict on each other. Thus the grief we impose on one another may also enable us to grow on a deeper level of humanity and bring us closer together, grateful for the valuable things we can experience together, despite everything.

 

Psalm 22 (23) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.   He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.   You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.   Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all they days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Psalm 135 (136) O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his great love is without end. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his great love is without end. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his great love is without end.   Who alone has wrought marvellous works, for his great love is without end. Whose wisdom it was made the skies, for his great love is without end. Who fixed the earth firmly on the seas, for his great love is without end.   He who has made the great lights, for his great love is without end. The sun to rule in the day, for his great love is without end. The moon and the stars in the night, for his great love is without end.   The first-born of the Egyptian he smote, for his great love is without end. He brought Israel out from their midst, for his great love is without end. Arm outstretched, with power in his hand, for his great love is without end.   He divided the Red sea in two, for his great love is without end. He made Israel pass through the midst, for his great love is without end. He flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea, for his great love is without end.   Through the desert his people he led, for his great love is without end. Nations in their great he struck, for his great love is without end. Kings in their splendour he slew, for his great love is without end.   Sihon, the king of the Amorites, for his great love is without end. Og, the king of Bashan, for his great love is without end.   He let Israel inherit their land, for his great love is without end. On his servant their land he bestowed, for his great love is without end. He remembered us in our distress, for his great love is without end.   And he snatched us away from our foes, for his great love is without end. He give food to all living things, for his great love is without end. To the God of heaven give thanks, for his great love is without end.

 

Gospel Reading.        Mt. 11: 25 – 30

On one occasion Jesus spoke thus: "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to you I offer praise; for what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children. Father, it is true. You have graciously willed it so. Everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son -- and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light."

 

Closing Prayer- Joe

 

Closing song No. 262: FATHER ALMIGHTY, WE GIVE YOU OUR THANKS

 

1. Father almighty, we give you our thanks,

Thanks for the gift of your Son;

Thanks for the friendship you’ve call us to share

Gathered together in one!

Keep us together, all true to your name,

Striving till we’ve overcome;

 

REFR:      Strengthen us, Lord, with the spirit of  your love,

               Send us the spirit of your love.

 

1. Father, we thank you for giving us life,

Life to be lived all for you;

Give us a share in your Godhead divine,

A share in your love through and through

Help us bear witness to your holy Name

In all that we say, think and do;

 

1. Father, please help us to spread the Good News,

Brought by your Son to mankind,

News of your love and concern for all men

The poor and the lame and the blind.

Help us to live all the time, all our lives

The teachings that Christ left behind;