GATHERING: (from the rear of the church)
We gather here in your presence, God,
in our need, and bringing with us the needs of the world.
We come to you, for you come to us in Jesus,
and know by experience what human life is like.
We come with our hopes and with our fears.
We come as we are, because you invite us to come.
HYMN: 109 Tell Out My Soul
OPENING PRAYERS
THE LORD’S PRAYER – SUNG
STORY TIME
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Genesis 32:22-31 Fern Wakefield
Mark 5.21-43 John McKean
SUNG RESPONSE (seated)
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord who saves and heals.
I am the Lord who saves and heals.
I am the Lord who saves and heals.
In you, Lord God, I put my trust.
In you, Lord God, I put my trust.
In you, Lord God, I put my trust. © Arrangement CH Trust (CH4)
SERMON: Dare to Touch
A TIME OF QUIET
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God who called the world into being, who created men and women and set them free to live in love, obedience and community.
We believe in God, who because of love for his creation, entered the world in Jesus, to share our humanity: to rejoice and to despair;
to set before us the way of life and wholeness;
to be rejected, to die, but to finally conquer death.
We believe in God who invites us into the community of the church,
that through a journey of faith we may experience God’s sustaining grace; that we may fulfil our human responsibility and reach out to our neighbour; that we may work to bring healing and wholeness to an uncertain world; that we may rejoice in God’s faithfulness and in the joy of life itself.
We believe in God, who through his Spirit, is present and working in the world. We see God’s purposes in a spark of light here and there; as we watch children at play and know hope born anew in each generation…perhaps to continue to burn brightly.
For that hope we give thanks. AMEN.
THE OFFERING
In faith, we dare to venture forth. In faith, we dare to claim God’s promises. In faith, we dare to give.
God, as you have been with us on our journeys, as you have gifted us with healing beyond our dreams, as you have transformed us into new people, so we give back to you. Bless these offerings, bless our discipleship, and commission us afresh to your work in your world; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
INVITATION TO COMMUNION AND THE PEACE
HYMN: Now To Your Table Spread
Now to your table spread we come, each one, in faith
that you alone provide the words of life and death:
in wine and bread, in promised food
we find your loving heart, O God.
Hands of the world stretch out, your mystery to touch
in longing to believe a truth beyond our reach,
to sing in joy, to cry in grief,
to know your meaning for our life.
Here is our common wealth in sharing what is good,
as though all humankind around one table stood,
this bread to break, this wine to taste –
one people in the name of Christ. © Shirley Murray (AA)
A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord is here God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Creator God … we praise you saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might;
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name,
Hosanna in the highest.
Then, God, you sent yourself to us…
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
We who are many are one body
for we all share the one bread.
COMMUNION
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: Songbook 30 These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
THE BLESSING
NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:
following the service next Sunday 8th July. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.
CUPPA & CHAT Mondays 6.30 – 8.00pm with FREE soup and rolls; Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525. All welcome.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 4th July: Carpool 9.10am at church for a walk around St Albans. Coffee at Ris’tretto, Barbadoes Street. Allison 332 0554.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.
MEN’S GROUP meets in the Lounge this Thursday 5th July at 6pm for a shared tea. The speaker for the evening will be Anne Johns, who will talk about the Adventures of a Photographer and some of the amazing places she has visited. All Welcome. Tony 332 0554.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Thursday 2nd August. Lyndsey 388 1264.
MARMALADE FOR MISSIONS & BOOK EXCHANGE: Please support these fundraisers!
ST MARTINS THEATRE GROUP: re “The Motor Camp”, now playing at Court Theatre. Madg and I have previewed this show. On this occasion we ask those interested to make their own arrangements. It is very funny, and was well received by a largely elderly audience, but the language and some content will offend many. As one critic said, it strays into the risque, rude and even obscene. We are happy to talk about the play with anyone who is concerned, and will keep in touch about further theatre options. Lyn and Madg.
FIRESIDE FUNDRAISER: Fresh Cheese Rolls for Sale. $5 per dozen or $13 for 3 dozen. Order forms are available in the foyer. Pick up Sunday 29th July. Queries to Judith 332 1577 please.