Father, all powerful and ever living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks for all our blessings. We gratefully remember that you gave your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who died and rose again. In him a new age has dawned, a broken world is made new, and humanity is again made whole. Therefore, we join our praises with all your people in heaven and on earth to proclaim your glory.
Approach:
Hymn 197 : As we are Gathered
Hymn 14 ‘The Lord’s my shepherd.’
Offering forward – Hymn 505 v1
Min: Let us pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd’
All: Almighty and eternal Lord God, we rejoice that Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the Shepherd who makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us by still waters – in him we are restored and guided in right paths – even though we walk in the valley of darkness we will fear no evil for he is always with us – attune our minds to the sound of his voice, lead our steps in the path he has shown, that we may know his strength and enjoy the light of his presence forever. For we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever. Amen.
(Silence).
Min: Let us confess our sins to God. Let us pray.
All: 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, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Most merciful Lord God, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, through our own fault and in common with others. We are truly sorry and turn humbly from our sins. Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(Silence)
Min: May Almighty God have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen. The Lord’s Prayer.
Word:
R: Acts 9: 36 – end.
Hymn 782 ‘Lord of life, we come to you‘.’
R: St. John 10: 22-30.
Sermon: ‘Hearing and following the Shepherd.’
Response:
Hymn 551 ‘In heavenly love abiding.
‘Please remain standing.
Affirmation of Faith from the Church of North India.
All: We believe in the God of Life who creates and loves people, who acts in history, and who never leaves us alone. We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is Lord and Redeemer, who wants, not to be idolised, but to be followed. We believe that we live in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without whom we are nothing: but filled with the Holy Spirit we are able to become creative, lively and free. We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, a community where we can grow in understanding of our faith, through worship, fellowship and action. We believe that God has a purpose for us in this time and this place. We believe in living, hoping, laughing and enjoying the good earth. We believe that people can change, that attitudes can change, and that God keeps leading us towards life, and to a new world of justice and joy. Amen
Prayers of Thanksgiving & Intercession
Holy Communion:
Hymn 510 ‘Jesus calls us here to meet him.’
Invitation: This is the Table, not of the Church, but of the Lord. It is made ready for those who love him a little but want to love him more. So come, whether you have much faith or only a little. Come, if you have been here often or have not been for a long time. Come if you have tried to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and have failed. Come, because you are invited by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is his will that all those who want to know and serve him better should meet him here.
Institution: Hear the words of the Institution of the Lord’s Supper as they are recorded for us by Saint Paul, who wrote, ‘On the night on which our Lord was arrested he took bread and, after giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way after the supper, he took the cup and said, “This cup is the New Covenant sealed in my blood. Whenever you drink it do it remembering me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’
The Great Prayer:
Min: The Lord be with you.
Cong: And also with you.
Min: Lift up your hearts.
Cong: We lift them up to the Lord.
Min: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Cong: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Min: Father, all powerful and ever living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks for all our blessings. We gratefully remember that you gave your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who died and rose again. In him a new age has dawned, a broken world is made new, and humanity is again made whole. Therefore, we join our praises with all your people in heaven and on earth to proclaim your glory saying:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Min: Now we celebrate the feast of our redemption……… … that with the faithful of all ages, we may with one voice and one heart glorify your most holy name.
All: And here we offer and present to you our very selves, to be a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for your acceptance through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour are yours, Almighty Father, now and forevermore. Amen.
Breaking of Bread:
Min:Jesus, Lamb of God.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Min: Jesus, bearer of our sins.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Min:Jesus, Redeemer of the world.
All: Grant us your peace.
Communion Shared.
Prayer
Hymn 646 ‘Forth in the peace of Christ we go.’
Blessing:
Benediction/ Threefold Amen.
Hymn 786: May the God of peace go with us
Mortlach and Rothes Church 