+++
Introduction

Rev Sydney Maitland
Once more we’re unable to worship in church so we hope that this Liturgy of the Word will help with your personal devotions, this week supported by music from New York, Lincoln, Chester, Sheffield … and Kalamazoo.
+++
Hymn 58
The sinless one to Jordan came (words and music) | All Saints Episcopal Church, Fulton, New York
+++
Collect
Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit, keep your children, born of water and the Spirit, faithful to their calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
+++
First Reading
Click Bible links on this page to read the text at Bible Gateway. Once there, click to hear the full chapter read by David Suchet.
+++
Psalm
Psalm 29 (words) Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye mighty | Choir of Lincoln Cathedral
+++
Second Reading
+++
Hymn 52
O worship the lord in the beauty of holiness (words and music) | Congregation of Chester Cathedral
+++
Gospel
+++
Sermon by Rev Sydney Maitland
We may find ourselves being surprised!
Click link for full text.
+++
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation hecame down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
+++
Intercessions
• Pray for the world and its people, for those who suffer and those in need …
• Pray for Church and its members, especially Jenny M, Douglas N, Catriona M, Jessie B, Margaret R, Isa L, Jessie M …
• Pray for the departed, especially those whose year’s mind falls this month: Alec Colvin, Arthur Babister, Gwen Johnston, Tom Morgan, Mary Sneddon, Nigel Harris, Jean Harris, Jeanie Goudie.
• The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‘
And so let us each bring our own prayers, petitions and thanksgivings to the Lord …
+++
O God, whose will it is that all should find salvation and come to know the truth: receive the prayers and petitions which we offer in faith and love; through him who gave proof of your purpose, and who sacrificed himself to win freedom for all mankind, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
+++
Blessing
Christ the Son of God gladden our hearts with the good news of his kingdom; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen.
+++
Hymn 425
O love, how deep, how broad, how wide (words and music) | Choir of Sheffield Cathedral
+++
Voluntary
WS Lloyd Webber: Prelude ‘Interlude on the Coventry Carol’ | Played by Kory Heitzig at First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan
+++