1 May 2022
Salisbury United Reformed Church
Celebration of Communion
Church Notices
- Children are upstairs for the first part of the service. They will be meeting with Ruth White during the latter part of the service.
- Church Meeting 15 May directly following the service to consider those being nominated for Lay Presidency, for a 3-year term: Joan Smith & Peter White
- Today’s special communion offering supports our church’s Benevolence Fund which enables our church to tangibly share Christ’s love in areas of need. Please give generously in the collection tray at the back of the sanctuary or on line.
- Today 3pm Prayers for Ukraine here. These prayer hours are open to the community. You may stay for the entire hour or drop in for part of the hour. You may pray silently or you may share a prayer aloud.
Order of Service
Prelude
Church Notices Duty Elder
Song Happy Birthday – for everyone celebrating a May birthday
Lighting the Peace Candle – a prayer for Ukraine
Call to Worship Inspired by Psalm 30:4-5
Sing praises to the Eternal One.
Today we praise the sacred with enthusiasm.
Rejoice in the morning light.
We rejoice in the never-ending love of God.
Sadness and anger have darkened our paths.
In the light of hope we celebrate a new day.
Gathering words
Opening Hymn RS 74 Praise to the Lord
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Reading Luke 2:22-38
Children’s Message Sharing something special
Blessing of Charlotte Emilia Rose Plummer
Congregational Covenant
Charlotte, Claire & Alexander, we promise to surround you with our love, and to be for you a family in Christ. Charlotte, we welcome you into God’s family. With God’s help, we will share the Spirit’s all-embracing welcome, help you learn Christ’s way of peace, and model for you love of God, neighbour, and self. Amen.
Scripture: John 21:1-19 Fai family
Hymn I have decided to follow Jesus – anon; music – Indian Folk Tune words and music PD
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Presentation of URC Memorial Lundie Medal & Award Ruth White
Ryan & Ashley Fai have been awarded this honour which spotlights and celebrates children and youth using their God-given skills, time and talents to good effect within their church and community. Ashley & Ryan were nominated to acknowledge their enthusiasm for mission (raising funds for Alabare through The Big Sleep at Home in 2020 & 2021), their commitment to a Christian life of discipleship, and their steadfastness as part of our worshipping church during the extraordinary period of united worship on line. The award includes a prize of £100.
Collection & Dedication of Offering
Children & Ruth White proceed to hall for Jr Church.
Hymn RS 652 God! When human bonds are broken
Prayers for our world
Sermon Come rain or shine…
Communion Hymn RS 452 Let us break bread together
Communion Prayer
God of mercy, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name.
God of Grace, thank you for welcoming us all at your table,
Thank you for offering new life and new hope.
God of love, nurture us through this meal and unite us as the living body of Christ.
Empower us to truly be your family in this world. Amen.
Sharing the Remember Meal
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Communion
Loving God, we praise you for revealing your love in Jesus. Thank you for uniting us through this holy meal. Thank you for the new life and new hope we have received today. Amen.
Closing Hymn SP 108 Lord, the light of your love is shining
Sending forth & the Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and forever. Amen.
Postlude
