Welcome to worship today as we worship God the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may truly love you
and worthily praise your holy name;
through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Holy holy holy
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to Thee
Holy holy holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons
Blessed Trinity
Holy holy holy
All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns
Around the glassy sea
Cherubim and seraphim
Falling down before Thee
Which wert and art
And evermore shalt be
Holy holy holy
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy
There is none beside Thee
Perfect in power
In love and purity
Holy holy holy
Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name
In earth and sky and sea
Holy holy holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons
Blessed Trinity
CCLI Song # 1156
John Bacchus Dykes | Reginald Heber
CONFESSION PRAYER
Holy, holy, holy.
When our eyes have seen the Lord of hosts,
we echo the words of Isaiah,
‘Woe is me! I am doomed.’
We long for the fire of God’s cleansing
to touch our unclean lips,
for our wrongdoing to be removed and our sins wiped out.
So we meet Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with confession on our lips.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Woe is me, for I am lost: I am a person of unclean lips:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
May the Father forgive us
by the death of his Son
and strengthen us
to live in the power of the Spirit
all our days.
Amen.
GLORY TO GOD (Peruvian)
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory in the highest.
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory in the highest.
To God be glory forever.
To God be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen,
alleluia amen.
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory to Christ Jesus.
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory to Christ Jesus.
To God be glory forever.
To God be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen,
alleluia amen.
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God,
glory to the Spirit.
To God be glory forever.
To God be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen,
alleluia amen.
© Words: Public Domain
Music: Public Domain/Peruvian Melody
SENTENCE
Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,
and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’
John 6.35
COLLECT
Holy God,
faithful and unchanging:
enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,
and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,
that we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The peace of Christ rule in our hearts.
The word of Christ dwell in us richly.
FIRST READING
Daniel 7:9–14
9 As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
11 I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 13 As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
14 To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 29
Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name;
worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King for ever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Come God’s people
Let us worship the Lord.
SECOND READING
Ephesians 4:1-8
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it is said,
“When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
BE STILL FOR THE PRESENCE
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
He burns with holy fire
With splendour He is crowned
How awesome is the sight
Our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal
To minister His grace
No work too hard for Him
In faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place
CCLI Song # 120824
David J. Evans
© 1986 Thankyou Music
GOSPEL READING
John 1:1-5, 10-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
SERMON
The American Bible Society this past week released this statement on their website:
“In this time of pandemic fear and social isolation, in this time of racial injustice and senseless violence, in this time of economic uncertainty and generational pain, we should be careful not to use the Bible as a political symbol, one more prop in a noisy news cycle. Because more than ever we need to hear what is true. “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never ending stream!” (Amos 5:24 NIV).
The statement was made in response to President Trump holding up a Bible for a photo opportunity outside St John’s Church in Washington DC in the midst of national protests against systemic racism in the police force.
The Bible Society’s message was that the Bible is not merely a symbol representing American patriotism or presidential power or conservative values…it is a revelation of God’s character and restorative purpose for the world, and it invites us into a relationship with God and to participate in God’s redeeming love.
Trinity Sunday is a celebration of the fact that God’s character is revealed as a communion between Father, Son and Holy Spirit – that God’s fundamental nature is expressed as life in community. When we actually open and read the Bible we discover God welcoming us, as fallen human beings, to share in God’s community. And when we do, when we come to Jesus and receive the life of the Holy Spirit, we ourselves become a redemptive, restorative community.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump isn’t alone in thinking of the Bible only as a symbol of authority, or that to be Christian and American is the same thing. Many people, including people who claim to have Christian values, haven’t actually realized that God calls us into personal relationship; that we are invited to share in the life of the Trinity.
Jesus described sharing in the life of the Trinity in John’s Gospel when he prayed to the Father, “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (Jn 17:22) That is a message that permeates John’s Gospel, which right from the beginning explains that those who receive Jesus are given “power to become children of God.”
One of the tragedies of Donald Trump holding up the Bible, is that for many people both the Bible and Christianity will now be associated with arrogant authority, egomaniac leadership, systemic racism and the use of military force against citizens. It would have been a far different picture if the President had gone out to meet the protestors and read to them Jesus’ words from Matthew’s Gospel:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt 5:6, 9)
Or from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians which speaks of a shared life in the Spirit:
“Bear with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2–3)
And even more powerful, if either the President or the protesters had ears to hear, Paul’s great declaration of equality for all those who share in the life of Jesus.
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28)
This new way of relating to each other as humankind in relationship with God was lost among the many other lost opportunities for repentance, justice and reconciliation in the past two weeks. But it shouldn’t be lost to us…we are invited by Jesus to be a redemptive community sharing in the life and love of the Trinity.
It has now become a very well-worn phrase that we “live in extraordinary times.” We live in desperate times, chaotic times, a time of international breakdown and uncertainty. Kevin Rudd, former prime minster of Australia and an authority on international relationships has recently warned of a global collapse into anarchy. Saint Paul’s vivid description of “the whole creation” “waiting” and “groaning in labour pain” seems more accurate than ever.
The whole creation waiting for world leaders who demonstrate wisdom, sacrifice, compassion and genuine authority. The whole creation waiting for everyday citizens who at the level of local community are willing to reach out to overcome division, to heal wounds, to eliminate violence. But the whole creation should not need to wait any longer, because God has already given glory and authority to Jesus, and Jesus has invited us to share in the communion of life that flows from the very heart of God.
The question is, are we going to embrace the invitation of Jesus with an openness and willingness to be changed by him? Or will the Bible remain a closed book, clenched in a fist, amidst trailing clouds of tear gas and the groaning of creation?
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
- Have you had any experiences of the Holy Spirit that have made God’s Kingdom a reality for you in the everyday of life?
- Can you recognise some of ways in which your relationship with God or understanding of God has been shaped by who Jesus is?
- Occasionally we come across people who have already formed freindships and are not interested in welcoming others into their circle of friendship…God is so not like that! You can share in the friendship and communion that Jesus shared with the Father and Holy Spirit. How does that make you feel? What does it change or influence in your way of doing life?
- Can you allow yourself to simply enjoy sharing in the love of the Trinity? Close your eyes and imagine yourself being swept up in the great love that flows back and forth between God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
- In what ways might sharing in the life of God the Trinity shape our conversations and responses to injustice and racism?
- What are some of the ways in which we can all take part in the ongoing mission of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
- Are you able to describe how intimacy with God can empower our social action?
THE CREED
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
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.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
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.
FOR PRAYING TOGETHER
That the Christian Community would be refreshed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
For the justice of God to shape the life of our nation, our parliament and government.
For our community and social networks to characterised by the presence of Jesus.
For the reconciliation and healing of racial divisions.
What other areas of concern would you like to pray for?
THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
Brothers and sisters, we are the body of Christ.
By one Spirit we were baptised into one body.
Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Amen. We are bound by the love of Christ.
LOVE DIVINE
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 life 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
Charles Wesley | William P. Rowlands
© Words: Public Domain
Music: Public Domain
Offering Prayer:
Blessed are you, God of all creation;
through your goodness we have these gifts to share.
Accept and use our offerings for your glory
and for the service of your kingdom.
Blessed be God for ever.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
The Lord is here.
God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
For with your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit
you are one God, one Lord.
All that you reveal of your glory,
the same we believe of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, without any difference or inequality.
We, your holy Church, acclaim you,
Father of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
Three Persons we adore,
one in being and equal in majesty.
And so with angels and archangels,
with cherubim and seraphim,
we sing for ever of your glory:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth
are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
All glory and thanksgiving to you, holy Father;
on the night before he died your Son,
Jesus Christ, took bread;
when he had given you thanks,
he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said:
Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you;
do this to remember me.
After supper he took the cup
when he had given you thanks,
he gave it to them and said:
Drink this, all of you,
for this is my blood of the new covenant
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins;
do this as often as you drink it,
to remember me.
Glory to you, Lord Christ;
your death we show forth;
your resurrection we proclaim;
your coming we await;
Amen! Come Lord Jesus.
Therefore loving God,
recalling your great goodness to us in Christ,
his suffering and death,
his resurrection and ascension,
and looking for his coming in glory,
we celebrate our redemption
with this bread of life and this cup of salvation.
Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving
which we offer through Christ
our great high priest.
Send your Holy Spirit
that these gifts of bread and wine which we receive
may be to us the body and blood of Christ,
and that we, filled with the Spirit’s grace and power,
may be renewed for the service of your kingdom.
United in Christ with all who stand before you in earth and heaven,
we worship you, O God, in songs of everlasting praise:
Blessing, honour and glory
be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever. Amen.
As Christ teaches us we pray:
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.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
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.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world,
give us your peace.
Draw near and receive the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ in remembrance that he died for us.
Let us feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
Communion will be shared with bread only.
Almighty and eternal God,
you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
and live and reign in the perfect unity of love:
hold us firm in this faith,
that we may know you in all your ways
and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory,
who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the Father,
who fed his children with manna in the wilderness,
strengthen you in your pilgrimage to the Promised Land.
Amen.
May the Son,
who gave his flesh for food and his blood for drink,
keep you in eternal life and raise you up on on the last day.
Amen.
May the Holy Spirit,
who leads us into all truth,
help you discern the Lord’s body and empower you to proclaim his death
until he comes.
Amen.
And the blessing …
PSALM 23
The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want
He makes me lie in pastures green
He leads me by the still still waters
His goodness restores my soul
And I will trust in You alone
And I will trust in You alone
For Your endless mercy follows me
Your goodness will lead me home
He guides my ways in righteousness
And He anoints my head with oil
And my cup it overflows with joy
I feast on His pure delights
And though I walk the darkest path
I will not fear the evil one
For You are with me
And Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know
CCLI Song # 1585970
Stuart Townend
Go now, to love and serve the Lord, go in peace.
Amen! We go in the name of Christ.
