Welcome to our service - 18 April
This service sheet can be used individually or with households.
We would encourage you to say (or even sing) hymns and songs out loud.
Prayers, other liturgy or readings can be said out loud or silently, corporately or individually.
If you are able, we would also like invite you to join us for our main Sunday service, 10am, live on Zoom. Even if you have never been to St Gabriel’s before we would love you to join you. Please get in touch with the vicar Alistair (vicar@saintgs.co.uk) and he will send you the Zoom details.
Please join us for public worship in the church building this Sunday, 11:30am, for a service of Holy Communion.
OPENING
SAY:
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.
Alleluia.
He has defeated the powers of death.
Alleluia.
Jesus turns our sorrow into dancing.
Alleluia.
He has the words of eternal life.
Alleluia.
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJRqM45Y8Gk
All creatures of our God and King
lift up your voice and with us sing:
hallelujah, hallelujah!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam:
O praise Him, O praise Him,
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him, hallelujah!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice:
O praise Him…
3. And all ye men of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, hallelujah!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear
praise God and on Him cast your care:
O praise Him…
4. Let all things their Creator bless
and worship Him in humbleness
O praise Him, hallelujah!
Praise, praise the Father,
praise the son,
and praise the Spirit, Three-in-One:
O praise Him…
Words: St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
tr W H Draper (1855-1933)
Music: from Geistliche Kirchengesang c.1623
arr R Vaugn Williams
CONFESSION
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord, we come to you in sorrow for our sins, and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of you resurrection.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived by the light
of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Lord, hear us and help us.
ABSOLUTION
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.
COLLECT
Risen Christ,
you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope:
strengthen us to proclaim your risen life
and fill us with your peace,
to the glory of God the Father. AMEN
SING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhvXOIVsRv4
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Music: trad. arr. Bainbridge, Hogg & Bryant
READINGS
Reading: Acts 2.14a, 36-41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
Luke 24:13-35 New International Version - UK
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him.
He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’
‘What things?’ he asked.
‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’
He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.
This the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
TALK written by Peter Smithers
Last Sunday and this we’re looking at the very real issue of doubt. In Luke’s account we meet Cleopas and another follower of Jesus on their walk to from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. At the same time we see their journey from doubt to faith.
Just three or four days ago they really believed in Jesus. They had faith: ”He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:19). Now the most significant word in that sentence is “was” - Jesus is no more, and all has changed.
As they start their journey they are experiencing things which we too experience:
Disappointment
“We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:41). Their hopes for the future had been dashed. They had learnt so much from this amazing prophet, and seen his incredible power transforming peoples’ lives: sick people healed; dead people brought back to life, a life-threatening weather-event at sea totally reversed, food provided for a huge number of hungry people, exposure of corruption and hypocrisy in political and religious leaders, marching into the capital ready to declare himself the new king. This incredible person was all set to massively transform everything in their own lives and in their whole society.
Then their hopes and dreams were snatched away totally within the space of just one day. They were completely shattered. This man was murdered by the state. To say they were disappointed is a massive understatement.
Have you been there? Are you experiencing disappointment? - Did you have hopes and plans - for health? for happiness? for promotion? for a happy family? for security? So much of it has failed to materialise. Is it your fault? Is it someone else’s fault? Is it bad karma? Whatever it is, you now have to live with the consequences.
Sadness
“their faces downcast” (Luke 24:17)
They were grieving. They had lost someone who had become very precious to them - someone who had helped them in so many ways, someone who could never be replaced. There was a massive hole in their hearts.
Have you been there? Are you experiencing sadness? - Has your other half passed away? Have you lost a friendship? Are you overwhelmed by depression?
Confusion
“Some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” (Luke 24:22-24)
Cleopas and his companion didn’t know what to think. As far as they knew, Jesus’ body had totally disappeared, but there was no indication that he’d somehow revived. Some hysterical women were talking about supernatural beings. What’s on earth was going on? How are they to make sense of it?
Have you been there? Are you experiencing confusion? - What on earth is going on? What should you do in this dilemma? If God’s behind it, what is he playing at?
Frustration
“Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:18). These two people on the road are trying to make sense of all that has happened. They meet someone who may at least be able to throw a bit of light on things… but they work out that he clearly doesn’t have the foggiest idea. He doesn’t understand the problem… let alone have any answers. This isn’t going to lead anywhere.
Have you been there? Are you experiencing frustration? Does no-one really understands what you’re going through? Are well-meaning friends offering glib and totally irrelevant advice? Is nothing moving forward?
Doubt
“we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel“ (Luke 24:21). Notice the last letter of that word ‘hoped’. It tells us that it’s all in the past. Everything has changed. They can no longer believe what they believed so strongly four days ago. They have lost faith in this Jesus. They will never be able to regain it. This has taken away their simple confidence and their joy.
Have you been there? Are you experiencing doubt? Have you lost your childhood faith? Has God turned out to look more like a cruel tyrant, than a loving father? Is it all a fairy tale? Is it logically and scientifically impossible?
Then everything changes!
Sharing
They tell Jesus what’s in their hearts. They pour it all out. Everything that’s happened; everything that they’re feeling. At that stage, as far as they’re concerned they’re talking to someone who probably won’t understand, let alone have the answers!
You’ve got someone you can share with. It could be Jesus himself - though it may feel that you’re just talking to yourself. It may be a trusted friend.
Listening
They put aside their own feelings for the moment and really listen. They allow their heavy, broken hearts to be touched and warmed by the truth Jesus shares.
You’ve got someone you can listen to. It could be Jesus himself - though it may feel that this is just thoughts in your head. It may be a Christian you respect. It may be a little child.
Thinking
Jesus gently chides his two travelling companions: “How foolish you are” (Luke 24:25). This word “foolish” is not a description of their permanent state. It speaks of “not using your capacity to think; failing to mull things through”. The solution is simple: start using your thinking powers, start mulling through your situation.
You’ve got someone who can help you work things through. We call him the Holy Spirit. Sometimes he helps direct your thoughts from within. Sometimes he uses other people who care for you.
Digging into the Bible
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:27). Because the New Testament hadn’t been written yet, that meant all of the Old Testament. They had memorised bits and were familiar with other parts. As they went over them with Jesus’ help, things began to make sense and fit together. Earlier Jesus had chided them for being “slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). Note that word “all”.
You’ve got something that will help - not just the Old Testament, but also the New. We often get either hung up on the bits of the Bible that seem unhelpful, or all rosey-eyed about the bits we’ve come to love. But Jesus encourages us to look at “all the scriptures”. This is easier now than it ever has been. Printed Bibles come in every shape, size and language imaginable. The Bible is also on web-sites, apps, Kindle. It’s available in mp3 audio. All four gospels are even available as video. Plus there’s all sorts of helps to understanding it. One of them is the course we at St Gabriel’s are going to be studying shortly.
Carrying on
Despite all that they were facing, these two people on the road did not just concentrate on themselves and turn inwards. They invited this stranger to come and eat with them, and even stay the night. They didn’t forget to be hospitable, to show respect, serve him a meal.
You’ve got tasks to be carrying on with - tasks that you know God would want you to do. Don’t let doubt and discouragement stop you. Maybe you can’t do as much, maybe you can’t be enthusiastic, but keep going.
Then, suddenly, Jesus was there! - with them in their home. Well, actually he’d been there all along, but they hadn’t realised it. We don’t know how it was that they recognised him. Was it the way he broke the bread? Was it that they suddenly noticed nail scars in his hands? But in the few seconds before he disappeared, everything changed. Faith was back even more strongly; joy was overwhelming.
So there we are… Doubt is common for people who love God. Cleopas and his friend doubted, Thomas doubted, a bit later more of the disciples doubted. But that’s not the end. In all these ways Jesus can help us through. Don’t give up.
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand
of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen
O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
Come and listen to me.
Jacques Berthier/Taizé.
Copyright © 1982 Ateliers et Presses de Taize (France).
PRAYERS - written by Linda Chambers
The travellers on the road to Emmaus talked together as they walked. Lord Jesus, thank you for friends and family members with whom we can discuss and share ideas and knowledge. We pray for those who are missing friends or family in the UK or further afield because of Covid restrictions. Thank you for the technology which enables us to keep in touch.
We pray for those with little or no family, relationships where there is tension, abuse or misunderstanding, family members estranged from one another. We lift to you those coping with illness, bereavement, loneliness … Grant strength and a listening ear to those offering support and encouragement. And we especially remember at this time the Queen and royal family in their loss and sadness, as they adjust to life without Prince Philip.
We pray for children, young people and staff returning to school and college this week. Help them as they settle back into their routines and renew contact with friends and colleagues.
Jesus, stand among us, In thy risen power.
Jesus explained the Scriptures to them Lord Jesus, thank you for the availability of the Scriptures in this country and in our own language. Grant patience and perseverance to those who translate the Scriptures, often in challenging circumstances. We pray for wisdom for the Bible Society in their distribution of Bibles around the world and in their preparation of resources like the ‘Bible Course’ from which we can all benefit.
We pray for all who teach and preach here at St. Gabriel’s and across our Deanery and Diocese. Please raise up and equip leaders where churches may be struggling on their own. Bless the staff of Tearfund as they work alongside local partners to share the Gospel in word and deed.
Jesus, stand among us, In thy risen power.
The travellers invited Jesus to stay with them. Lord Jesus, thank you for our homes and the hospitality we can offer others, though limited at the present time. We pray for the homeless and disadvantaged in our city. Bless those who support them in different ways, those who volunteer at foodbanks or deliver meals and other essentials.
We pray for the safety and protection of children and young people in the Care system and ask for people to respond to the urgent need for foster carers to provide secure and loving homes.
We pray for the Prime Minister and his government. May they be determined to fulfil their promise to ‘build back better’ after the pandemic. Grant them wisdom and compassion as they address the huge number of social issues which have become more apparent this past year.
Jesus, stand among us, In thy risen power.
Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him Lord Jesus, thank you for those who have guided us on our journey of faith. Thank you for those church members who recently shared their testimonies to inform and inspire us.
We pray for those in our parish or neighbourhood who struggle with doubt or unbelief, those who’ve turned their back on you, those who don’t yet know you. Open their eyes to recognise you as the risen Lord who offers new life and hope to all.
We pray for those who feel they have lost their first love for you. Excite and renew them again with the truths of your gospel and the wonder of your resurrection.
Jesus, stand among us, In thy risen power. AMEN
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACHPwx7EGQA
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
slain for us, and we remember
the promise made that all who come in faith
find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this Bread of Life
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of peace
around the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
torn for you; eat and remember
the wounds that heal,
the death that brings us life
paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this Bread of Life
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of love
around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
shed for you; drink and remember
He drained death's cup
that all may enter in
to receive the life of God.
So we share in this Bread of Life
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of grace
around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
to respond, and to remember
our call to follow in the steps of Christ
as His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering
we proclaim Christ will come again
and we'll join in the feast of heaven
around the table of the King.
Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend
© 2007 Thankyou Music
CCLI Song # 5003372
OFFERTORY - Take a moment to consider how you are going to continue to give to the life of the church and support other aid agencies and mission organisations.
SAY:
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the splendour, and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you,
and of your own do we give you.
SING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPbD2G3i-7Y
Love divine all loves excelling
Joy of heaven to earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling
All Thy faithful mercies crown
Jesus Thou art all compassion
Pure unbounded love Thou art
Visit us with Thy salvation
Enter every trembling heart
Breathe O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast
Let us all in Thee inherit
Let us find Thy promised rest
Take away the love of sinning
Alpha and Omega be
End of faith as its beginning
Set our hearts at liberty
Come Almighty to deliver
Let us all Thy grace receive
Suddenly return and never
Never more Thy temples leave
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing
Glory in Thy perfect love
Finish then Thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee
Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder love and praise
© Public Domain
CCLI Song # 1461324
CCLI Licence No. 5119
BLESSING
God, who through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us the victory, give you joy and peace in your faith; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen