Worshipping at Home 11th September 2022
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Trinity 13 - 11th September 2022 

The First Hymn
Welcome!

When we enter a church for a Service we naturally look around to see who else has turned up. What we don’t always remember is that when we worship we are in the company of angels, archangels and the whole host of heaven. So, welcome, and let’s enjoy the fellowship!


Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.

Acclamation

Eternal Father, the Fountain of Life,
Risen Son, the Prince of Life;
Spirit of freedom, Giver of Life.
Truth, Wisdom and Power,
Lover, Beloved and Friend,
Hope without end; Joy beyond words.
All glory to God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Collect Prayer

Almighty God, 
who called your Church to bear witness 
that you were in Christ 
reconciling the world to yourself: 
help us to proclaim
 the good news of your love, 
that all who hear it may be drawn to you; 
through him who was lifted up 
on the cross, and reigns with you 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sharing the Peace

We are the Family of God;
In the one Spirit we were all baptised
into one body.
Let us then pursue all that makes for peace
and builds up our common life.

(At this point please think of others
and in your heart send them
the message: Peace be with you.)

Bible Reading

Luke 15: 1-10 (The price and prize of repentance.)

 

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. ‘Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’


Thought for the Day

When we hear that something is exclusive, we imagine something that is high value and out of reach of some. ‘Exclusive’ is seen as a positive attribute. At the same time we like the sound of something being ‘inclusive’; it gives the feel of something that is accessible and welcoming. Now let us apply these two words to our lives: What kind of life would we want to live? 

Exclusive or inclusive? ‘Inclusive’ sounds like a friendly way to live, whilst exclusive gives the impression of success. Maybe some would aim to be inclusive in their outlook while they live in an exclusive area. There’s a thought! Can we live a life that is both inclusive and exclusive, or is there a time when the two ways of life clash? Looking at Jesus’ life, it’s hard to find anything in it that could be described as exclusive. Jesus was an inclusive person, and it seems that his teaching says being inclusive is a quality that should affect all aspects of our life. 

Of course, in reality, there are people to whom we pay exclusive attention, and there are times and places that we may well earmark as exclusively for ourselves. But Jesus’ challenge remains: Do we recognize the attraction of being inclusive, and is this reflected in the down-to-earth decisions in our lives? When Jesus sat and ate with so-called sinners, and with the unpopular, he was demonstrating what being inclusive meant. And I get the impression that Jesus wasn’t out to convert them. He was simply happy to be with them, aware that, in turn, they also had included him at their table.

Let us Pray

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, creator of all, to you be glory and praise forever. You founded the earth in the beginning and the heavens are the work of your hands. In the fullness of time you made us in your image, and in these days you have spoken to us in your Son Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, your Spirit ever renew our lives and your praises ever be on our lips. Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

We pray for the world, Lord, that it might be embraced by your forgiveness and compassion. We pray for our new government and for all who serve the nation through times of change. May our leaders arise each day relying on your wisdom to guide them in their work. We pray for politicians across the world as they seek to resolve the enormous challenges of man-made and natural disasters. And we pray for ourselves, that we might recognise and understand the needs of those around us, responding with a faith that is fulfilled through action. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

And now, for ourselves and those whom we love we pray: God to enfold us, God to surround us, God in our speaking, God in our thinking. God in our sleeping, God in our waking, God in our watching, God in our hoping. God in all things, and in all of us. Amen.

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.

(Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.)
The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen

 The Second Hymn

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent/priest in charge John Ganjavi
telephone 01564 792570 or email Incumbent / Priest in charge

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I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.
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