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O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi,
Dignare Clemens suplicum laudes preces que sumere.
Qui carne quondam contegi dignatus est pro perditis.
Nos membra confer effici tui beati corporis.
O light born of light, Jesus, redeemer of all ages,
Deign to accept the praises and prayers of your supplicants.
You, who deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost,
Make us to become members of your mystical body.
Thomas Tallis
CCL31580
Remember, Lord, what has happened to us;
look, and see our disgrace.
2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,
our homes to foreigners.
3 We have become fatherless,
our mothers are widows.
4 We must buy the water we drink;
our wood can be had only at a price.
5 Those who pursue us are at our heels;
we are weary and find no rest.
6 We submitted to Egypt and Assyria
to get enough bread.
7 Our ancestors sinned and are no more,
and we bear their punishment.
8 Slaves rule over us,
and there is no one to free us from their hands.
9 We get our bread at the risk of our lives
because of the sword in the desert.
10 Our skin is hot as an oven,
feverish from hunger.
11 Women have been violated in Zion,
and virgins in the towns of Judah.
12 Princes have been hung up by their hands;
elders are shown no respect.
13 Young men toil at the millstones;
boys stagger under loads of wood.
14 The elders are gone from the city gate;
the young men have stopped their music.
15 Joy is gone from our hearts;
our dancing has turned to mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head.
Woe to us, for we have sinned!
17 Because of this our hearts are faint;
because of these things our eyes grow dim
18 for Mount Zion, which lies desolate,
with jackals prowling over it.
19 You, Lord, reign for ever;
your throne endures from generation to generation.
20 Why do you always forget us?
Why do you forsake us so long?
21 Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;
renew our days as of old
22 unless you have utterly rejected us
and are angry with us beyond measure.
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour forth righteousness:
Let the earth be fruitful, and bring forth a Saviour.
Be not very angry, O Lord, neither remember our iniquity for ever:
Thy holy cities are a wilderness Jerusalem a desolation:
Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers prais’d thee.
We have sinn’d, and are as an unclean thing, and we all do fade as a leaf:
Our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away; thou hast hid thy face from us:
And hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. Ye are my witnesses,
saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen;
That ye may know me and believe me: I, even I, am the Lord, And beside me there
is no Saviour: and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
Comfort ye my people, my people shall not tarry:
I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions: fear not, for I will save thee:
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer.
Richard Lloyd
CCL31580
[Choir only v. 1 & 2]
Come, thou Redeemer of the earth,
and manifest thy virgin-birth:
let every age adoring fall;
such birth befits the God of all.
Begotten of no human will,
but of the Spirit, thou art still
the Word of God, in flesh arrayed,
the Saviour, now to us displayed.
[Please stand if you are able. All sing]
The Virgin that the burden gained
with virgin honour all unstained;
The banners there of virtue glow;
God in his temple dwells below.
O equal to thy Father, thou!
Gird on thy fleshly mantle now,
the weakness of our mortal state
with deathless might invigorate.
All laud, eternal Son, to thee,
whose advent sets thy people free,
Whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.
Author: St. Ambrose 340-397
CCL31580
Tonight, in prayer, praise and song do we give voice to the hope set forth in the Scriptures, that God’s kingdom shall come; and as we prepare for that day to dawn upon us from on high, so we commend ourselves and the whole human family to God’s keeping.
May God guide us in the way of peace, give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and kindle in us the fire of divine love.
Amen, come Lord Jesus.
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light,
now in the time of his mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
so that, at the last day, when he shall come again
in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
Adam lay ybounden, bounden in a bond;
four thousand winters though he not too long.
And all was for an apple, an apple that he took,
as clerkes finden, written in their book.
Ne had the apple taken been,
Ne had never our lady abeen heavené queen.
Blessed be the time that apple taken was,
therefore we moun singen, Deo gratias!
Boris Ord
CCL31580
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.’
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord:
Lord, hear my voice.
O let thine ears consider well:
the voice of my complaint.
If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done
amiss: O Lord, who may abide it?
For there is mercy with thee:
therefore shalt thou be feared.
I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him:
in his word is my trust.
My soil fleeth unto the Lord:
before the morning watch,
I say, before the morning watch.
O Israel, trust in the Lord,
for with the Lord there is mercy:
and with him is plenteous redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel: from all his sins.
John Rutter
CCL31580
1 The people that in darkness sat
a glorious light have seen;
the Light has shined on them who long
in shades of death have been.
2 To hail thee, Sun of Righteousness,
the gathering nations come;
they joy as when the reapers bear
their harvest treasures home.
3 For thou their burden dost remove,
and break the tyrant’s rod,
as in the day when Midian fell
before the sword of God.
4 For unto us a child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and on his shoulder ever rests
all power in earth and heaven.
5 His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
the everlasting Lord,
the Wonderful, the Counsellor,
the God by all adored.
6 Lord Jesus, reign in us we pray,
and make us thine alone,
who with the Father ever art
and Holy Spirit one.
John Morison (1750-1798)
CCL31580
Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
‘In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;[a]
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’
He will come like last leaf’s fall.
One night when the November wind
has flayed the trees to the bone, and earth
wakes choking on the mould,
the soft shroud’s folding.
He will come like frost.
One morning when the shrinking earth
opens on mist, to find itself
arrested in the net
of alien, sword-set beauty.
He will come like dark.
One evening when the bursting red
December sun draws up the sheet
and penny-masks its eye to yield
the star-snowed fields of sky.
He will come, will come,
will come like crying in the night,
like blood, like breaking,
as the earth writhes to toss him free.
He will come like child.
Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Behold all things new says the Lord.
I will make way in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert.
To give drink to my chosen people, the people formed by myself
Alleluia! Alleluia! They declare my praise.
(Isaiah 40)
Adrian Boynton
CCL31580
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
G. F. Handel
CCL31580
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Fuit homo missus a Deo cui nomen erat Joannes.
Hic venit in testimonium per hiberet de lumine,
Et pararet Domino pleben perfectam.
Lo, there came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
He came to testify on earth that he might testify and bear witness to the light,
and prepare for God the Lord a perfect people.
G.P. de Palestrina
CCL31580
Hark what a sound, and too divine for hearing,
Stirs on the earth and trembles in the air!
Is it the thunder of the Lord’s appearing?
Is it the music of his people’s prayer?
Surely he cometh, and a thousand voices
Shout to the saints, and to the deaf are dumb;
Surely he cometh, and the earth rejoices,
Glad in his coming who hath sworn: I come!
This hath he done, and shall we not adore him?
This shall he do, and can we still despair?
Come, let us quickly fling ourselves before him,
Cast at his feet the burden of our care.
Yea through life, death, through sorrow and through sinning,
He shall suffice me, for he hath sufficed:
Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning,
Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ
Frederick William Henry Myers 1843-1901
CCL31580
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him –
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord –
3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
A spotless Rose is blowing sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers foreshowing of Jesse promised fruit;
It’s fairest bud unfolds to light amid the cold winter,
And in the dark midnight. The Rose which I am singing,
whereof Isaiah said, is from its sweet root springing in Mary, purest Maid;
For through God’s great love and might,
The Blessed Babe she bare us in a cold winter’s night.
Herbert Howells
CCL31580
30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’
38 ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.
Nothing will ease the pain to come
Though now she sits in ecstasy
And lets it have its way with her.
The angel’s shadow in the room
Is lightly lifted as if he
Had never terrified her there.
The furniture again returns
To its old simple state. She can
Take comfort from the things she knows
Though in her heart new loving burns
Something she never gave to man
Or god before, and this god grows
Most like a man. She wonders how
To pray at all, what thanks to give
And whom to give them to. “Alone
To all men’s eyes I now must go”
She thinks, “And by myself must live
With a strange child that is my own.”
So from her ecstasy she moves
And turns to human things at last
(Announcing angels set aside).
It is a human child she loves
Though a god stirs beneath her breast
And great salvations grip her side.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour.
For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.
He hath shewn strength with his arm: He hath scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat:
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel:
As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: World without end, Amen.
Charles Stanford
CCL31580
1. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free,
To take away transgression, and rule in equity.
2. He comes with succour speedy to those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak strong;
To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light;
Whose souls, condemned and dying, were precious in his sight.
3. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth,
and love, joy, hope like flowers, spring in his path to birth:
before him on the mountains, shall peace the herald, go;
and righteousness in fountains from hill to valley flow.
4. O’er every foe victorious; he on his throne shall rest;
from age to age more glorious, all-blessing and all blest:
the tide of time shall never his covenant remove;
his name shall stand for ever; his changeless name of love.
James Montgomery, 1771-1854
CCL31580
Alleluia. I heard a voice as of strong thunderings, saying Alleluia.
Salvation and glory and honour and power be unto the Lord our God,
and to the Lamb for evermore. Alleluia
Thomas Weelkes
CCL31580
Lo he comes with clouds descending,
once for favoured sinners slain;
Thousand, thousand saints attending,
swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
God appears on earth to reign.
Every eye shall now behold him,
robed in awesome majesty;
Those who set at naught and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree:
Deeply wailing, Deeply wailing, Deeply wailing
shall the true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion,
still his dazzling body bears;
Cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshippers:
With what rapture, With what rapture, With what rapture
gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea amen! Let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Saviour, take the power and glory,
claim the kingdom for thine own;
O come quickly; O come quickly; O come quickly;
Hallelujah! Come, Lord, come.
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
CCL31580
The Lord of light shine in your hearts
The light of Christ fill us with his glory
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name
Make his deeds known in all the world
Sing to him, sing praises to him
Tell of the wonderful things he has done
Glory to his holy name
Let those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Go into all the world, and tell, of his glory
We go in his name: Amen!
As we begin our Advent journey, we come together in hope,
to worship the one who brings hope to the whole world.
We come together to worship the Lord.
God of hope,
as we take our first steps on the Advent journey we take them with you, and for you;
with one another, and for one another;
and with Christians around the world.
We follow the path of those who have gone before us,
refreshing it for those who will come after us,
and trusting you every step of the way, hopefully and joyfully.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here,
until the Son of God appear:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death’s dark shadows put to flight:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of Might,
who to thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
in ancient times didst give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
Latin Advent Antiphons
tr. J.M. Neale (1818–1866)
CCL31580
God of hope,
we light this candle as we prepare for the coming of your Son.
Awaken our hearts to you this Advent season,
so that when Christ arrives, we are ready to receive him with all our hearts,
all our minds, and all our strength.
Amen
God of Advent,
it hurts us to remember the mistakes we have made.
We are sorry for the bad decisions that have ended our hopes and those of others:
forgive us and help us to choose well.
We are sorry when our misreading of situations has spoil our hopes and those of others:
forgive us and help us to act wisely.
We are sorry when resentment and jealously have poisoned our hopes and those of others:
forgive us and help us to think carefully.
[Silence]
Lord Jesus, child of Christmas and Saviour of all the world,
trusting your promise of forgiveness,
we lift our heads and take the next steps;
we let go of old mistakes and embrace new opportunities;
we come out of our darkness into your Advent light,
and begin again, hopefully, and confidently.
In your name.
Amen
Loving God, as we enter this season of Advent, our hearts are conflicted:
Yes, we are joyful in the anticipation of celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
yet we cannot help but feel the weight of the turmoil and uncertainty
that surrounds us in our world today.
In the midst of chaos and fear, we turn to you, our Rock and our Redeemer.
We find comfort in your Word, which reminds us that you are our only true source
of hope and peace in the current darkness.
As we light the first candle of hope, we pray that you would ignite a flame of hope in our hearts.
May we be reminded that our hope is not in the stability of our circumstances,
but in the unchanging nature of your character and the promises you have made to us.
Amen
14 ‘”The days are coming,” declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfil the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
15 ‘”In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Saviour.”
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
O Lord, the clouds are gathering,
the fire of judgment burns.
How we have fallen!
O Lord, you stand appalled to see
your laws of love so scorned
and lives so broken.
Have mercy, Lord,
have mercy, Lord.
Forgive us, Lord,
forgive us, Lord.
Restore us, Lord;
revive your church again.
Let justice flow,
let justice flow,
like rivers,
like rivers,
and righteousness like a never-failing stream.
O Lord, over the nations now,
where is the dove of peace?
Her wings are broken,
O Lord, while precious children starve,
the tools of war increase,
their bread is stolen.
Have mercy, Lord, …
O Lord, dark powers are poised to flood
our streets with hate and fear.
We must awaken!
O Lord, let love reclaim the lives
that sin would sweep away,
and let your kingdom come!
Have mercy, Lord, …
Yet, O Lord, your glorious cross shall tower
triumphant in this land,
evil confounding;
through the fire your suffering church display
the glories of her Christ,
praises resounding!
Have mercy, Lord, …
Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
CCL31580
25 ‘There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’
29 He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 ‘Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 ‘Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.’
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
We believe in the Creator:
the maker of all things
We believe in the Son:
the redeemer of our broken world
We believe in the Spirit:
The sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.
We believe on the coming of that day on this day,
when the creation will be made whole once more
and God’s peace and justice will reign on all people
and we will adore the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
Amen
In the tender mercy of our God,
the dayspring from on high shall break upon us,
to give light to those who dwell in darkness
and in the shadow of death
and to guide our feet into the way of peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you!
Let us share with one another a sign of peace
I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship,
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, the know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethl’em’s manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured,
and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.
I cannot tell how silently he suffered,
as with his peace he graced the place of tears,
or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear
and lifts the burden from the heavy laden;
for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.
I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.
I cannot tell how all the lands will worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when every heart with joy and love is filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
and myriad myriad human voices sing’
and earth to heav’n, and heav’n to earth, will answer,
‘at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world is King!’
William Young Fullerton (1857–1952)
CCL31580
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Lord is here.
His 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 give thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Breath of peace, Giver of all life,
Source of love that knows no boundaries.
Your song of wisdom rang out before the world began;
throughout the ages, your song of liberation has
impregnated us with your hope for a world where:
Those considered last and least are first and most;
violence is overcome by the power of your ancient love;
and, all siblings work together for peace.
You bring our longings to birth,
and send prophets to awaken us to your approaching Advent among us.
We thank you for those who, like Mary,
have the strength and courage to give birth to your love in the world;
for those who, like the shepherds, dare to seek out the Child of Bethlehem;
for those who, like the wise ones, actively challenge violent and oppressive powers.
We praise you that your everlasting light is shown to us:
in womb
and tomb
in cradle
and cross
in tenderness
and compassion.
We join in the Advent prayer of all your people,
O come, Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
our King, our Teacher,
our Hope and our Saviour.
Come and save us.
And, as we wait and watch for your coming among us, we proclaim your goodness.
At this time, we also remember all with whom you would have us share your feast.
[Silence]
God of hope, make this bread the means of our rebuilding,
this wine the medium of our transformation,
this table the foundation of our renewal,
and this community the place of our rebirth.
At this time, we remember Jesus, who on the night before he died,
took a loaf of bread, gave you thanks, broke it, and said:
“Take and eat; whenever you do this, remember me.”
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup, saying:
“This is the new covenant; remember me.”
Gracious God, breath of peace, source of love,
we pray for your Spirit.
Make us one.
Make us whole.
Make us alive.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
And so we join with our brothers and sisters around the world in the prayer Jesus taught us:
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
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
Amen
Gracious God, make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Bible readings: Malachai 3:1–4; Luke 3:1–6
We are launching our annual Christmas Charity Appeal this Sunday. The charities we will be supporting this year are Advantage Africa, MK:Act (domestic abuse intervention service), Tools for Self Reliance and MK Christian Foundation’s Urban Farm. A leaflet with details of all the charities and ways to donate will be available at Sunday morning’s service and will also be circulated by e-mail.
Our Christmas Appeal has raised the amazing total of over £133,000 for local and international charities over the past twelve years. Any donations you could make this year would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Cornerstone Appeal Committee
Just a reminder: If you would like to light up our dome for a night this Christmas in memory of someone special or to celebrate a special occasion, please sign up on the poster in Reception.
If you are not able to get into the church but would like to choose a date, please contact our treasurer at petercope26@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Peter Cope
The Bishop of Oxford’s representatives have completed their report on Cornerstone. The Bishop will attend morning worship at Cornerstone on Sunday, 26 January 2025 and will speak to the Congregation afterwards about the report. There will be a bring-and-share lunch.
Let us pray that this Advent prayer will inspire us to prepare the way of the Lord.
Dear God, you have heard our prayers.
Help us to share what we have with others during this holy season.
May we keep our minds and hearts on the coming of your kingdom now and always.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May the light of Christ shine in our lives.
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.
Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
CCL31580
May God himself, the God of peace, make you perfect and holy;
and keep you all safe and blameless, in spirit, soul and body,
for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you always.
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ, we will.
Amen
]]>Amen
]]>Welcome to the house of God
We have come from all the corners of the earth.
Welcome to the hospitality of God
We come as we are; we bring, our life, our stories, our journey.
Welcome brothers and sisters
We are the rainbow people of God
Welcome chosen people
May God our companion bind us in his love.
Silence
Beloved God,
You send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent.
Look kindly on all the candidates as they have come today to renew their baptismal vows and be confirmed.
Deepen their faith in the Gospel and help them to serve you in faith and love, and grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ.
We pray that You will continue to guide them and sustain them in their journey ahead. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Bind us together, Lord,
bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord,
bind us together,
bind us together with love.
There is only one God,
there is only one King.
There is only one Body,
that is why we sing:
Bind us together, Lord, …
Made for the glory of God,
purchased by his precious Son,
born with the right to be free,
for Jesus the victory has won.
Bind us together, Lord, …
You are the family of God,
you are the promise divine,
you are God’s chosen desire,
you are the glorious new wine.
Bind us together, Lord, …
Bob Gillman (b. 1946)
CCL31580
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ that whoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, firmly resolved to keep God’s commandments, and to live in love and peace with all people:
Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy, forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may act justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Cornerstone Choir
The Right Revd Dr Steven Croft
God forgive you;
Christ renew you,
and the Spirit enable you
to grow in love.
Silence
Holy and eternal God,
by the power of your Spirit you continually give to your faithful people new life.
Guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may serve you in faithful love,
and grow to the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Pues si vivimos, para El vivimos
When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus,
y si morimos para El morimos.
And when we’re dying, it is in the Lord.
Sea que vivamos o que muramos,
Both in our living and in our dying,
Somos del Señor, somos del Señor.
We belong to God, we belong to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John:
Glory to you, O Lord.
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our Lord.
… When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need.
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse
… And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
… Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
… And high up above, or down below
When you’re too in love to let it go.
But if you never try, you’ll never know.
Just what you’re worth
… Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
… Tears stream down your face.
When you lose something you cannot replace.
Tears stream down your face, and I
… Tears stream down your face.
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes.
Tears stream down your face, and I
… Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Songwriters: Christopher Anthony John Martin / Guy Rupert Berryman / William Champion / Jonathan Mark Buckland
Fix You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Mgb Ltd.
CCL31580
The candidates stand, along with those wishing to renew their baptismal vows
and the Minister asks to all the candidates on behalf of all the confirming ministers
Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?
I have.
Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ?
I am.
The Minister addresses the whole congregation:
Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
A large candle is lit.
Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered death on the cross and rose again from the dead for our salvation.
Baptism is the outward sign by which we receive for ourselves what he has done for us:
we are united with him in his death;
we are granted the forgiveness of sins;
we are raised with Christ to new life in the Spirit.
Those of you who have come to affirm your baptismal faith or to be confirmed must with your own mouths and from your own heart declare your allegiance to Christ and your rejection of all that is evil.
Therefore, I ask these questions:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth & the life?
I come to Christ.
May God who has given you the desire to follow Christ give you strength to continue in the Way.
Amen.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury your pardon, Lord.
And where there’s doubt true faith in you.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness only light,
and where there’s sadness ever joy.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek …
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving to all that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life
Sebastian Temple (1928–1970)
from a prayer of St Francis of Assisi (c. 1183–1226)
CCL31580
Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe and trust in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust 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,
and 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 and trust 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.
The Bishop stands before the candidates to be confirmed and invite them to stand and says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who has made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and for ever. Amen.
Beloved in Christ,
at your baptism you were received into God’s family, the Church.
You have grown in the knowledge and love of our Lord.
You have heard Christ saying to you, as he said to his first disciples, “Follow me”.
You are now to be confirmed as members of a chosen race,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God’s own people,
sent forth as Christ’s servants and witnesses into the world.
For all this God will strengthen you by the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop extends his hands towards them and says:
Almighty and ever-living God,
you have given these your servants new birth in baptism by water and the Spirit,
and have forgiven them all their sins.
Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them:
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding;
the Spirit of counsel and inward strength;
the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness;
and let their delight be in the fear of the Lord.
Amen.
The Area Dean calls each candidate by name to come forward.
The Bishop addresses each candidate by name:
[Name], God has called you by name and made you his own.
The Confirming Ministers lay their hands on the head of each candidate, saying:
Confirm, O Lord, your servant [Name] with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
When all have been confirmed the whole congregation stands and says together:
Defend, O Lord, these your servants with your heavenly grace,
that they may continue yours for ever,
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more
until they come to your everlasting kingdom.
Amen
The candidates remain at the alter to receive a candle.
The ZMU – Cornerstone Chapter Brings the candles to the candidates while singing:
Jesu ndakapikira. Nechipiko Changu
When all the candidates have received a lit candle, the Minister says:
God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and has given us a place with the saints in light.
You have received the light of Christ;
walk in this light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
Amen
In the name of Christ, we welcome you into full membership of his church,
and in particular to the four participating denominations;
and to the local church in which you have found a home.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.
We welcome you in the fellowship of faith;
We are children of the same heavenly Father.
We welcome you.
God made us one in Christ.
He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come,
has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Follow by the Lord’s Prayer
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.
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Christ be our light! ….
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ be our light! ….
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ be our light! ….
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
helping your kingdom come.
Christ be our light! ….
Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)
CCL31580
Please stand if you are able
It is the calling of all the baptised to worship and serve God. As we continue on this journey of faith, let us go forward together.
Brothers and sisters: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer for the world and its leaders, by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth?
With the help of God I will
May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, hat you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Amen.
O when the saints go marching in,
O when the saints go marching in;
O Lord, I want to be among the number
When the saints go marching in!
O when they crown Him Lord of all,
O when they crown Him Lord of all;
O Lord, I want to be among the number
When they crown Him Lord of all.
O when all knees bow at His name,
O when all knees bow at His name,
O Lord, I want to be among the number
When all knees bow at His name.
O when they sing the Saviour’s praise,
O when they sing the Saviour’s praise,
O Lord, I want to be among the number
When they sing the Saviour’s praise.
O when the saints go marching in,
O when the saints go marching in;
O Lord, I want to be among the number
When the saints go marching in!
CCL31580
When we are together
we will remember what it is like to travel alone
When we are alone
we will remember what it is like to travel together
Wherever we are
we will remember God who always goes with us
Lord, go with us now, this day and always.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you today and always.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen
Loving God, we acknowledge and celebrate the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords,
the one to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given.
We thank you for his perfect life, his atoning death, and his triumphant resurrection.
As we await his return, help us to live as loyal subjects of our King.
Amen
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored’
He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword.
His truth is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah! [×3] His truth is marching on.
I have seen him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps.
They have gilded him an altar in the evening dews and damps.
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps.
His day is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah! …
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never sound retreat.
He is sifting out the hearts of all before his judgement seat.
O, be swift my soul to answer him, be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah! …
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.
As he died to make us holy, let us make all people free
Whilst God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah! …
Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910)
CCL31580
Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon the throne;
hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King
through all eternity.
Crown him the Virgin’s Son,
the God incarnate born,
whose arm those crimson trophies won
which now his brow adorn:
Fruit of the mystic Rose,
as of that Rose the Stem;
the Root whence mercy ever flows,
the Babe of Bethlehem.
Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
those wounds yet visible above
in beauty glorified:
no angel in the sky
can fully bear the sight,
but downward bends his burning eye
at mysteries so bright.
Crown him the Lord of peace,
whose power a sceptre sways
from pole to pole that, wars may cease
and all be prayer and praise;
his reign shall know no end
and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown him the Lord of heaven,
one with the father known,
and the blest Spirit through him given
from yonder triune throne:
all hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.
Matthew Bridges (1800–1894)
Revelation 19: 12)
CCL31580
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed!
Great David’s greater Son!
hail, in the time appointed,
his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
to set the captive free,
to take away transgression,
and rule in equity.
He comes with succour speedy
to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy,
and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing,
their darkness turn to light,
who souls, condemned and dying,
were precious in his sight.
He shall come down like showers,
upon the fruitful earth
and love, joy, hope’ like flowers,
spring in his path to birth:
before him on the mountains
shall peace, the herald, go;
and righteousness in fountains
from hill and valley flow.
Arabia’s desert-ranger
to him shall bow the knee;
the Ethiopian stranger
his glory come to see;
with offerings of devotion
ships from the isles shall meet,
to pour the wealth of ocean
in tribute at his feet.
Kings shall down before him,
and gold and incense bring;
all nations shall adore him,
his praise all people sing:
to him shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing,
a kingdom without end.
O’er every foe victorious,
he on his throne shall rest;
from age to age more glorious,
all-blessing and all-blest:
the tide of time shall never
his covenant remove;
his name shall stand for ever,
that name to us is love.
James Montgomery (1771–1854)
CCL31580
Rejoice! The Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore;
mortals give thanks and sing,
and triumph evermore:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our stains,
he took his seat above:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
His kingdom cannot fail;
he rules o’er earth and heaven;
the keys of death and hell
are to our Jesus given:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
He sits at God’s right hand
till all his foes submit,
and bow to his command,
and fall beneath his feet:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
CCL31580
1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
34 ‘Is that your own idea,’ Jesus asked, ‘or did others talk to you about me?’
35 ‘Am I a Jew?’ Pilate replied. ‘Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?’
36 Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’
37 ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate.
Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
Amen
]]>Link to Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82416017922?pwd=LqMCtFQyyidXJ2bTRDaXM7fdjBhJkB.1
]]>Amen
]]>Father God, whether our hearts are full of songs of joy, or songs of sadness,
we come before you this day, offering you all that we are,
that our whole lives may become a song of praise to you.
Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We have come from all the corners of the earth.
Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We come as we are; we bring our life, our stories, our journey.
Welcome, brothers and sisters.
We are the rainbow people of God.
Welcome, chosen people.
May God our companion bind us in his love.
Amen
O Lord my, God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die – I scarce can take it in:
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home – what joy shall fill my heart!
Then shall I bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …
Russian hymn by Carl Boberg (1850–1940) tr. Stuart K. Hine (1899–1989)
CCL31580
Faithful God, we are sorry for the times when we have deepened the sorrows of others:
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.
We are sorry for trampling on the dreams of others
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.
We are sorry when we have responded negatively to another’s good news:
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace and forgiveness, that frees us to sing a new song,
lifts from us the burdens of the past, opens new windows on our future,
encourages us to follow your way and enables us to serve you in your world today.
Amen
We sing our song of thankfulness
to you, Creator God, for beauty, life and adventure.
We sing our song of praise
to you, Lord Jesus, for Scripture, forgiveness and hope.
We sing our song of appreciation
to you, Holy Spirit, for joy, fellowship and grace.
We sing our song of faith
to you, Holy Trinity,
with all our heart and mind and strength.
Amen
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
14 ‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
© Ateliers et Presses de Taizé
CCL31580
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
We believe in the Creator:
the maker of all things
We believe in the Son:
the redeemer of our broken world
We believe in the Spirit:
The sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.
Creator Father, beloved Son and living Spirit.
Amen
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord.
The peace of God be always with you.
and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
From heaven you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served, but to serve,
and give your life, that we might live.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
There in the garden of tears,
my heavy load he chose to bear;
his heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but yours,’ he said.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
Come see his hands and his feet,
the scars that speak of sacrifice,
hands that flung stars into space
to cruel nails surrendered.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
So let us learn how to serve,
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other’s needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we’re serving.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
CCL31580
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Lord is here.
His 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 give thanks and praise.
Almighty God, good Father to us all, your face is turned towards your world.
In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death.
Your Word goes out to call us home to the city where angels sing your praise.
We join with them in heaven’s song:
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.
We bless the name of Jesus, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,
whose brokenness and suffering makes love real,
who on the night in which he was betrayed took bread,
gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying,
Take, eat. This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup saying,
Drink from this, all of you, this is my blood given for you.
Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.
This is the mystery of our faith.
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
Therefore, as we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we acknowledge brokenness as a path to truth.
We long for the bread of tomorrow: eternally broken and so able to nourish.
We long for the new wine of the kingdom: continuously poured out that thirst may be quenched.
Send your Spirit on us now,
that by these gifts we may feed on Christ with opened eyes and hearts on fire.
May we and all who share this food offer ourselves to live for you
and be welcomed at your feast in heaven, where all creation worships you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
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
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
Amen
We come to this table, not because we must, but because we may,
not because we are strong, but because we are weak.
We come, not because any goodness of our own gives us a right to come,
but because we need mercy and help.
We come, because we love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
We come, because he loved us and gave himself for us.
We come and meet the risen Christ, for we are his Body.
Amen
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Terry and Rosie Boyle represent Insight for Living UK. This is a locally registered charity under the umbrella of Insight for Living, which is the radio Bible teaching ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Starting out in 1979 on a few local stations in the US, Chuck’s teaching is now heard on more than two thousand stations worldwide, and is translated into eight key regional languages, enabling solid Bible teaching to be heard in over eighty countries around the world. Terry is responsible as the ministry pastor, and for hosting the radio programmes for English-speaking Europe. Rosie is our listener contact for people who call in with questions and donations. More information can be found online at www.insightforliving.org.uk.
COP29 is the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan 11–22 November 2024, when governments will have an opportunity to make bold commitments to provide the financing needed to tackle climate change, especially for countries in the global South. The Anglican Communion has delegates attending the conference and has produced a guide, ‘How Christians can get involved from home with UN conferences this autumn’ https://www.churchofengland.org/about/environment-and-climate-change/how-christians-can-get-involved-home-un-conferences-autumn. In addition to praying and writing to our MPs, the Oxford Diocese is encouraging us to support the ‘Faith for the Climate’ calling for action in support of the ‘Make Polluters Pay’ campaign, which is highlighting the unjust impacts of the climate crisis. We are invited to add our voices to this call for climate justice by signing the statement calling on the UK Government to make polluters pay and reminding the UK Government why it needs to make bold commitments to climate finance at COP29. The link to sign the statement is: https://faithfortheclimate.org.uk/sign-our-open-letter-ahead-of-cop29/.
Cornerstone Eco Church Core Group
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone at 6.00 pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Please come to the Confirmation Service to support the candidates from across Milton Keynes, including the candidates from Cornerstone: Alex, Barbrah, Greg, Kelly, Ozaseme, Rebecca, Sandra and Zoe. Please remember them in your prayers as they continue their preparation.
Tuesday evenings at 7.15 pm will be led by Rosemary Kearsey (rosemary.kearsey@btopenworld.com, or by text to 07768 407576). Wednesday will be at 7.00 pm led by Grace Hunting and Revd George Mwaura (contact Pat or Robin Kyd) and Thursdays will be led by Stuart Kean (stuart.kean@gmail.com) All sessions are by Zoom and the weekly email will have login details. There may be some demand for a daytime session. If you feel you could lead one of these, please contact Cheryl Montgomery (07795 237 888) or leave a note at reception.
Week 1 Waiting for the End of Days: Jeremiah 33:14–16; Luke 21:25–36
Week 2 The One who Comes before: Malachai 3:1–4; Luke 3:1–6
Week 3 Waiting in Hope: Zephaniah 3:14–20; Luke 3:7–18
Week 4 Pregnancy – Expectant Waiting: Micah 5:2–5; Luke 1:39-–9
Saturday, 30 November 2024 from 9.00 am until 11.00 am. Help decorate the tree and the Worship Area for Advent and Christmas.
Lord, as we go into this week,
may we be confident that our lives are built on the sure foundation of you, our Rock.
Amen
Rejoice! The Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore;
mortals give thanks and sing,
and triumph evermore:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our stains,
he took his seat above:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
His kingdom cannot fail;
he rules o’er earth and heaven;
the keys of deth and hell
are to our Jesus given:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
He sits at God’s right hand
till all his foes submit,
and bow to his command,
and fall beneath his feet:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
CCL31580
God be in your head, and in your understanding;
God be in your eyes, and in your looking;
God be in your mouth, and in your speaking;
God be in your heart, and in your thinking;
God be at your end, and at your departing.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you today and always
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
]]>On this day of memory, we gather to sing and to pray.
We remember the past and look to the future.
On this day when the guns once fell silent,
we come before you God, seeking your peace.
On this day of hope in the face of terror,
we come before you God, praying with all our hearts:
God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
open our eyes and the eyes of the nations
to find a different path through the disagreements of life in this world.
In this time of story, song, and prayer,
may we be re-committed to being people of peace, true peace.
May we catch a vision of how the world could live together.
And so we echo the old prayers:
Make us channels of your peace.
Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with us!
Amen
Sisters and brothers, we come together today as citizens of earth and of heaven to remember.
To remember with pride and appreciation those who have given their lives in service of others.
To remember with dismay the suffering, destruction and pain caused by human conflict.
To remember with gratitude those whose lives, love and friendship, ours has been the privilege to share.
To remember with sadness those whose death has caused us loneliness and pain.
We come together, not to glorify or celebrate war and conflict, but to recognise its cost
and commit ourselves to be peacemakers and peacekeepers wherever that opportunity presents itself.
Whatever our view and whatever part we may have had to play in the theatre of war and conflict,
we express our common humanity by pausing to recognise the value and worth of every life lost
and so express the mystery that to be human is to be both marred by our common failings,
yet fashioned in the image of our Creator.
And in our remembrance, we give God thanks for memory itself,
through which we are forever warned by the mistakes of the past
and enriched by experiences that can no longer be known in the present.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence every passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy Cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee:
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847)
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Almighty God – we seek your presence as we come together in this act of remembrance.
Help us not to hide from you our sorrow and our pain, as you also inhabit our joy and thanksgiving.
May all our acts be open to your scrutiny, that we might indeed strive upon this earth
to embrace the values of Heaven.
By your Holy Spirit enfold us afresh in your love and healing,
and through the sacrifice of Christ, inspire us again with the promise of eternal life,
and that great example of self-giving.
You have called us to take up the cross and to follow you,
yet too often we prefer the tools of war and words of conflict.
We acknowledge our failure to live as true children of one Creator.
Forgive us that which cannot be undone;
comfort us as we live with its consequences
and empower us to build a better world in service and obedience to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
As one family, we reflect today on the horrors of the past
that continue to haunt humanity and darken our world.
Lord, where pain still overwhelms,
bring healing.
Where hearts are still breaking,
bring comfort.
Where peoples are still oppressed,
bring liberation.
Where communities are still victimised,
bring justice.
Where children are still brutalised,
bring compassion.
Where lives are still crushed,
bring hope.
Where evil is perpetrated,
bring repentance.
Where war still devastates,
bring peace.
But most of all, Lord, wherever a single voice cries out in the darkness,
bring us to one another, in the name of the love you bear in your heart
for all people, all nations and all creation.
God of all nations; we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war.
For those who have lost homes and security through conflict;
for those who have lost loved relatives in wars;
for those who face danger and take risks for peace.
We pray for all those, especially children, caught up in current conflicts;
for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.
God of encouragement and Saviour of the despairing,
Comfort those who remember past sacrifices
and guide us in building a just and peaceful community for all.
Amen
God of peace, as we remember those who have given their lives in service to their country.
We pray for peace in our world and an end to conflict.
Grant that all people and nations may work together in harmony,
and that the sacrifices of those we remember today may not be in vain.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
2 In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.’
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above
entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:
the love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test,
that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
the love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
the love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,
most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
we may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
and her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.
Cecil Spring-Rice (1859–1918)
CCL31580
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
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
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury your pardon, Lord.
And where there’s doubt true faith in you.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness only light,
and where there’s sadness ever joy.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek …
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving to all that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life (
Sebastian Temple (1928–1970)
from a prayer of St Francis of Assisi (c. 1183–1226)
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A huge thank you to everyone who responded to the recent Gaza Appeal. We received £230 in donations in the envelopes returned to church and we know that others donated directly to the appeal on line. Your generosity is much appreciated – and your prayers are requested for all involved, including the aid workers in this terrible situation.
If you missed the first appeal, but would still like to donate, there is now a Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for the Middle East, which can be accessed through the Christian Aid website or directly at: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/middle-east-humanitarian-appeal.
David Chapman
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone at 6.00 pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Confirmation evening classes are available at St Mary’s Wavendon and Watling Valley churches.
Please come to the Confirmation Service to support our candidates: Alex, Barbrah, Greg, Kelly, Ozaseme, Rebecca, Sandra and Zoe. Please remember them in your prayers as they continue their preparation.
Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga
Three cards designed by our volunteer Yvonne Bell are now available in the Cornerstone shop. All proceeds towards church funds.
Bob Collard
Let us remember with gratitude those who, in the cause of peace
and the service of others, died in time of war.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Ever-living God,
we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war
into the peace of your presence;
may that same peace calm our fears,
bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.
Will you strive for all that makes for peace?
We will.
Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?
We will.
Will you work for a just future for all humanity?
We will.
Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out by love:
May we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people,
and live lives of justice, courage and mercy;
through Jesus Christ our risen Redeemer.
Amen
Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
and hushed their raging at thy word,
who walkedst on the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm did sleep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Holy Spirit, who didst brood
upon the waters dark and rude,
and bid their angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and power,
our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect the wheresoe’er they go:
then evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
William Whitting (1825–1878)
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God grant to the living: grace;
to the departed: rest;
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people: unity, peace and concord;
and to us and all God’s servants: life everlasting.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen
Church, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ, we will.
Amen
]]>Amen
]]>It’s a joy to be back here today. I realise that I’ve mostly come back in recent years for funerals of people we’ve known and loved for many years. We’ve celebrated All Saints Day this week, and I’ve been remembering many people who have died. In particular I give thanks for the lives of Revd David Goldie (CofE) and Sr Maureen Farrell (Roman Catholic), who were such beloved ministerial colleagues in the time I worked here, and who sadly passed at a time that seemed far too early.
I remember with gladness and thanksgiving the time that I worked here, at first in the library, where the church initially met, and then in the new building. The Dedication Service will always stay with me. We were honoured by the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and by the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury and the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster.
Those early days were a time of hope and possibility, as we built a new church in the developing community of Milton Keynes, a church which gathered together people of different traditions and backgrounds, to offer a common witness to the one God in whom we place our trust.
The time here equipped me to move on to senior roles within the United Reformed Church, including as a synod moderator (the nearest the URC gets to a bishop!) and as the first ordained woman to be the Moderator of the URC General Assembly. I also benefitted from the ecumenical experience here when I was invited, in more recent years, to be co-chair of IRAD, the International Reformed Anglican Dialogue. My fellow co-chair (Howard Gregory) became the Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies.
As I grew closer to retirement, I became aware of God’s call to engage in further study. So I went to work half time and undertook a PhD on the Holy Spirit and Worship, which was, somewhat to my surprised, published, soon after I finished it. It was good to take time to step back and reflect on where God is leading us today, based on where the Spirit has been present over the centuries, and the significant role of worship in the life of the church.
I’m aware that in recent years the church in the West has been facing challenging issues, including that of decline, and of fewer and fewer people feeling that faith is significant for the living of life. The ecumenical agenda is not as strong a driving force as it used to be, as churches look more inward to the struggles they are each going through.
However, I believe that if we can’t be more united as different Christian traditions, sharing together God’s call, it’s hard to see how we will grow and have more of an impact on this increasingly depressing world in which we live.
There are so many challenges in the world today: the neglect of God’s created world and the abuse of creation; the pressures on the NHS in this country, especially in a time of rising ill-health among both young people and the elderly; the wars in the Middle East around Israel and Gaza; the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; the misuse of social media; the growing level of political strife in public life.
We live in a post-Enlightenment period when the turn to the self, rather than the turn to the other or the turn to God, lies at the heart of many people’s lives. What matters is ‘what I can get’ not what I can give, ‘what I can buy’ rather than what I can offer to other people.
Today we celebrate the renewal of the covenant, God’s Covenant that has shaped the life of this church.
I believe that the Covenant is God’s gift and call to live as God’s people for all of God’s world.
I want to draw out three elements with regard to the nature of God’s Covenant, as seen in our readings today: creation, reconciliation and love.
The idea of covenant goes back to the beginning of time, to the early years of humanity, as we see in the story of Noah [Genesis 9: 8–17], and the promise of God’s gift, embracing all of creation, as symbolised by the end of flooding. We know today that the reality is that flooding has not come to an end, as we’ve been seeing so sadly in Spain. And as I’ve reflected on this, I’ve felt that, in some ways, it’s not been surprising, when creation is something that is seen today to be exploited rather than cared for.
If we stop believing in God the Creator, it means we stop nurturing God’s precious gifts of animals and plants, of land and sea, of all the joys of this natural created world.
Participating in God’s covenant in the church means setting an example to the world of the way in which creation needs to be nurtured and cherished, rather than sat lightly to or destroyed.
The Psalmist reminds us [Psalm 105: 1–10] that we are here to give thanks to God as we remember his wonderful works, and it takes us to the idea of the covenant as one that is made with particular people.
The second area of covenant that is significant today, is reconciliation, as we see in the words from Corinthians, which combine creation and reconciliation:
Therefore, If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: … All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ….
2 Corinthians 9: 17–18
Paul, in writing to the Corinthian church about reconciliation, knew what he was talking about. In the early part of his letter, he looks at the church and sees people divided and supporting different factions. Some are saying they are followers of Paul, others that they are with Apollos, still others that they are in Peter’s camp. Paul doesn’t write to them and say ‘in the midst of all this, actually I’m the one who’s got it right, follow me’. Instead, he points them to Christ, as the foundation upon which each one’s work will be built.
In today’s passage, he continues this theme, by pointing the people to Christ and Christ’s reconciliation. It’s not that people in the church shouldn’t have different views and different strengths and weaknesses. It’s a question of what undergirds these views, these strengths and weaknesses. Have the differences become primary and has Christ become secondary, instead of Christ being primary and the differences being secondary?
I remember the different views between different traditions when I worked here, and how hard we worked to bring views and people together, and to reflect on our differences and what we need to live with and celebrate that we receive from each other.
One example is the first time I preached at the Catholic Mass. I asked the priest ‘how long should I preach for?’ and he said, ‘Eight minutes.’ I have to confess I was a bit taken aback, seeing twenty minutes as the norm. I thought, ‘should I have an argument with the priest with regard to what preaching is about?’ But I accepted the challenge and preached for eight minutes. And I reflected on the nature of preaching and of the Mass, and how we have the conversation about the ways in which we are different, through which we can learn from one another.
The road to reconciliation can be a rocky one.
It can be much easier to be separated, to think, ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ and to go our own way. Reconciliation takes a radical reappraisal of ourselves and who we are and what we think and say in relation to others around us. It can be hard to walk this road.
But then it took Christ to die for us in order to achieve reconciliation. God’s love was revealed in the journey to the cross, and then overcoming of death in the new life of Resurrection.
Reconciliation is not easy, simple or straightforward – for us as individual persons, as different traditions of the church, as countries across the world. It doesn’t mean all being the same, but it does mean that, in our faith, we are visibly rooted in our common Christian origin, and that that origin takes priority over our differences.
God’s covenant is about how we hold together and share our differences and diversity across different traditions, in order that we can proclaim the same message of reconciliation to our troubled and suffering world. This is what I believe we’re celebrating today in the renewal of God’s Covenant in this place.
The third aspect of covenant that I want to share today is about love – God as loving, and God’s gift of love that we receive and share.
I’m struck by the number of news reports I’ve read recently about the rise of loneliness in our country – amongst people of all ages. But at one level, I’m not surprised about this. If the church is declining, and people don’t have a community that they are embraced in by a loving relationship, what replaces this? There are groups and organisations that are addressing this issue, but for me, it’s about a call to grow God’s loving community, the church, in all our diversity. In this diversity, we can embrace and give hope to people.
I’m also struck by the arguments about social media, and how it seems possible to say anything, whether it’s true or untrue, whether it’s loving or full of hatred, whether it’s praising or condemning others. At times it feels like the negative and judgemental side of social media can take over.
There’s an imperative for us as Christians towards reconciliation; and that imperative lies in the way in which we are already loved by God in Christ.
In the reading from John’s Gospel for today, we heard a part of Jesus’s prayer for his disciples, that they may be one, addressed to his heavenly father, which ends with the words ‘so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’ And in the lead up to these words, he’s prayed about how his disciples might be one., as Jesus is one with the Father.
I am struck by the way in which there is a twofold meaning of the ‘love of Christ’.
The first meaning is of Christ’s love for us. Whoever we are, whatever we might have done, God comes to us in love. Whatever our stresses and anxieties, our fears and doubts, God looks on us and raises us up out of our difficult times. It’s not that the difficulties just disappear. It’s that we’re given the strength of God to face up to whatever comes our way, and the power of the Spirit to have confidence that we can cope with difficult times.
The imperative for us as Christians, the imperative which drives us forward in the road to reconciliation is none other than Christ’s love for each one of us.
The second meaning is about our love of Christ – our responding to the love that has been offered for us. When we know the love of Christ for ourselves, then we are given strength to live in this love, for Christ and for all God’s people, this love which overcomes fear.
We can be fearful of all kinds of things, even of being reconciled, because it might mean giving up something we love, we might be afraid of ‘being taken over by others’.
But when we live in Christ’s love, our fears for our own lives, our fears of the stranger, our fears for this world, are overcome. We are enabled to live our lives for others. And it’s not that we’re meant to be worn out with our hard work. It’s that we’re each meant, in our different personal lives, and across our different churches, to discover what it is that God is calling us to both be and do at any one particular time.
So let us celebrate today the covenant that has shaped the church in this place, and pray God’s leading and guidance for all that lies ahead, as this covenant is renewed.
To our loving God, Creator, Reconciler, and Empowerer, be the glory, now and for ever.
Amen
]]>Link to Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82175941360?pwd=yrOYqbAOGr7XxblMs8o1cNWa9afJIb.1
]]>Lord Jesus Christ, you call us together in faith and love.
Breathe again the new life of your Holy Spirit among us that we may hear your holy word,
pray in your name, seek unity among Christians (and harmony with all men and women)
and live more fully the faith we profess.
All glory and honour be yours with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
Amen
We confess to you, living God,
our failure to live as brothers and sisters.
We confess to you, loving God,
that we have not loved you as you have loved us.
We confess to you, gracious God,
that we have doubted your word and failed to obey its teaching.
We confess to you, merciful God,
our desire to own you and contain you within our doctrines and theologies.
We confess to you, almighty God
that we do not acknowledge you as Lord of all the earth.
Jesus said:
‘Let me give you a new commandment: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples when they see the love you have for each other.’
Gracious God, thank you for your assurance of forgiveness, now and always.
Amen
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and corner-stone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one,
holy Sion’s help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody,
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.
To this temple where we call you
come, O Lord of Hosts today;
with you wonted loving kindness
hear your people as they pray,
and your fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.
Here vouchsafe to all your servants
what they ask of you to gain,
what they gain of you fir ever
with the blessed to retain,
and hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.
Praise and honour to the Father,
praise and honour to the Son,
praise and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run.
tr. J.M.Neale (1818–1866)
CCL31580
Holy God, generations know your promises, your covenant of love.
Lord of all, every promise made, you remain faithful to fulfil,
for your ways are holy and your name is holly; all honour and glory belong to you.
So hold us and let your love surround us.
Draw us to your side, and as we wait, we will rise up like an eagle,
and we will soar with you as your spirt leads us on in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
20 ‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – 23 I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 ‘Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 ‘Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.’
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
We believe in the Creator,
the maker of all things.
We believe in the Son,
the redeemer of our broken world.
We believe in the Spirit,
the sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.
Creator Father, beloved Son and living Spirit.
Amen
Peace to you from God, who is our Father.
Peace from Jesus Christ, who is our peace.
Peace from the Holy Spirit, who gives us life.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Brothers and sisters as we gather, to worship God and to renew our covenant,
let us pray, that the vision of unity will one day one day be fulfilled in all its richness in God’s own time,
in its own pace, in its own way as the Spirit leads the Church into the future.
God our Father, you are the source of all unity and love.
Help us to grow that we may pray, live and work together
to manifest clearly the unity of your Church in Jesus,
that filled with your Spirit, we may accomplish here the mission of your Church.
Amen
The ministers: Having committed ourselves to serve God as a family at Cornerstone,
we remember the covenant that makes us one Christian community
here in Central Milton Keynes, and we renew it together.
Believing that the unity of the Church is the will of God:
We, the members and ministers of the congregations
at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, hereby covenant
upon the foundation of the recognition that we have one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
for we share a Gospel which effects reconciliation between God and humankind
and between nations and peoples.
Travelling as pilgrims on a journey that has already started
and which will lead, we know not where,
we are pleased to place our trust in God,
in whose hands the future lies, and to be led forward by him.
In order to proclaim the Gospel by common witness and service
in the community and the world,
and in obedience to God’s call, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
we therefore joyfully covenant with one another:
To work together in love to pray and care for one another and for our neighbours,
to serve together the community based in the City Centre
and to live together in fellowship to the greater glory of God.
Amen
Jesus calls us here to meet him
as, through word and song and prayer,
we affirm God’s promised presence
where his people live and care.
Praise the God who keeps his promise;
praise the Son who calls us friends;
praise the Spirit who, among us,
to our hopes and fears attends.
Jesus calls us to confess him
Word of life and Lord of all,
sharer of our flesh and frailness,
saving all who fail or fall.
Tell his holy human story;
tell his tales that all may hear;
tell the world that Christ in glory
came to earth to meet us here.
Jesus calls us to each other,
vastly different though we are;
creed and colour, class and gender
neither limit nor debar.
Join the hand of friend and stranger;
join the hands of age and youth;
join the faithful and the doubter
in their common search for truth.
Jesus calls us to his table
rooted firm in time and space,
where the Church in earth and heaven
finds a common meeting place.
Share the bread and wine, his body;
share the love of which we sing;
share the feast for saints and sinners
hosted by our Lord and King.
John l. Bell (b. 1949) and Graham Maule (b. 1958) Iona Community
CCL31580
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become for us the cup of salvation.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Lord is here.
His 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 give thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation; in your love you made us for yourself.
When we turned away you did not reject us, but came to meet us in your Son.
You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.
In Christ you shared our life that we might live in him and he in us.
He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.
On the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to them, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his body is the bread of life.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said:
Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him: his blood is shed for all.
As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory, send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son.
As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.
With your whole Church throughout the world, we offer you this sacrifice of praise
and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
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.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
We take this bread and remember:
[Sung by the Choir] The bread we share is a gift from God. The bread we break is the body of Christ.We take this cup and remember:
[Sung by the Choir] The cup we share is a gift from God. The wine we take is the blood of Christ.Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Our congregations renew the Covenant promises between them. We will share the celebration with Cake and Coffee!
From 2025, we will return to having Covenant Renewal the third Sunday in September.
The Advent Wreath will be prepared on Friday, 29 November by Iraida and Katherine. The Christmas Tree will be put up between 9.00 and 11.00 am on Saturday, 30 November 2024. Helpers are welcome to decorate but we must be prompt because there is a wedding rehearsal at 11am that day.
The charities chosen for this year’s appeal are: Advantage Africa, MK ACT (helps people to escape from domestic abuse), Tools for Self Reliance (MK) and the Christian Foundation Urb Farm, Wolverton. Information will be available in early December.
MK Deanery is looking to support projects aimed at young people. Revd George agreed to talk with Sunday School Leaders and our young adults to find out what they may be interested in doing together.
It was agreed to defer establishing a new Education & Worship Group until we have received the result of the Bishop’s visitation.
It was agreed to invite Jay Kaur (Cancer Support Outreach Worker) and Hanna Kara (Adult Social Care Support Worker) to speak for five minutes each between Sunday Worship and the Congregational Meeting on 12 January 2025.
The next Church Council meeting is on Tuesday,19 November 2024
Cheryl Montgomery, Chair
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Confirmation evening classes are available at St Mary’s Wavendon and Watling Valley churches If you may be interested in confirmation, please contact one of our ministers.
Three cards designed by our volunteer Yvonne Bell are now available in the Cornerstone shop. All proceeds towards church funds.
Bob Collard
Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things hath done,
in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mother’s arms
hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessèd peace to cheer us;
and keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
in this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son, and him who reigns
with them in highest heaven,
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
Martin Rinkart (1586–1649)
tr. Catherine Winkworth
CCL31580
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
may the Lord’s face shine on you, and be gracious to you;
may the Lord’s face turn towards you and give you peace.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you today and always
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
]]>Amen
]]>Loving God this morning we gather before you with grateful hearts, as we celebrate your harvest blessings. Prepare our hearts and minds to receive your word that will nourish us spiritually.
Amen
On this Harvest Sunday, we gather to give thanks for the abundance of the earth. If you happen to wander the fields right now, the scent of ripe fruits and freshly cut grain fills the air, reminding us of the cycles of nature that sustain us. Yet, as we reap what we have sown, our minds are heavy with the knowledge that our actions are reshaping the very climate that sustains us. In the face of this crisis, how can we honour the biblical call to be good stewards of creation? Psalm 65 paints a breathtaking picture of God’s abundance. The hills are clothed with joy, the valleys decked with grain. The pastures overflow, the flocks frolic and the valleys burst forth with song. This is the world as God intended it, teeming with life, overflowing with blessings. It is a vision of harmony, where every creature thrives in its place.
Yet, we know that human actions threaten to undo this beautiful tapestry of creation. Rising sea temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events – the signs of climate change are as clear as day. The very abundance we celebrate today is under threat. The hills that once sang with joy, now wither under drought. The valleys that burst with grain now lie under the waters of hurricanes like Catrina, Helene, Milton, Ashley, and others.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. These words, written in the context of financial giving, take on a profound new meaning when applied to our care of the earth. We are called to sow seeds of care, of conservation, of restraint. We must till the soil of our own hearts, uprooting the weeds of greed and neglect that have led to this crisis. We must confront the ways in which our usage, our waste, our relentless pursuit of growth has poisoned the very streams from which we drink.
But Paul also reminds us that: God loves a cheerful giver. Our response to climate change cannot be one of despair or guilt, no, no; for that only leads to paralysis. Instead, we are called to a joyful, hopeful action. We plant trees, knowing we may never see their full bloom. We reduce, reuse, recycle, aware that our single actions are just a drop in the ocean. Yet, in faith, every drop matters. Every seed we plant is a vote for a future where the hills still sing with joy, the valleys still burst with grain. It is a vote for a world where my granddaughter Zippy and her children can still know the beauty of an unpolluted sunset, the taste of fresh water and the delight of a snowball fight.
This Harvest, let us renew our covenant with the earth. Let us remember that we are not owners, but tenants of this land. Let us give thanks, not just with our words, but with our lives. Let us plant in faith, in hope, in love. Let us tend the garden of creation with the knowledge that we reap not just for ourselves, but for generations yet to come. Let us harvest the wisdom to care for the earth, as the earth cares for us.
In the shadow of this crisis, we must find reason for hope. Because we’ve had a hand in messing this earth, we must take part in mending it. We can still transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, still restore the forests, still protect the endangered species; still choose simplicity and love. This is the promise of harvest – that even in decay, new life awaits. That even in the darkest season, the light will return. It is the promise of resurrection, of a creation renewed and restored.
So, let us celebrate this Harvest, not just with feasting, but with committing. Let us honour the commitments we made as a church early in the year, not just with words on the Coat of Responsibilities, but with lives that reflect our gratitude. This Harvest Sunday, let us remember – we are the hands of God, the gardeners of the earth, the singers of its song and the sowers of its future. So let us cultivate a world where the hills still sing with joy, and the valleys still burst with grain. For this is the harvest of our God. Church, say with me:
Amen, Amen, thanks be to God! Amen.
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You may follow us with the prayers below or use them for your own prayer time.
Come, bring your praises and your pains.
Come, bring your joys and your sorrows.
Come, bring your thanks and your regrets.
Come, bring your hopes and your fears.
Come, bring all you are to God, and find blessing.
Silence
Lord Jesus, ‘man of sorrows’,
you know what it is to be full of sadness.
Lord Jesus, friend of sinners,
you love us in all our brokenness.
Lord Jesus, like a mother,
you care for us and soothe our pain.
As we worship you today, touch us in our need,
and help us to love and care for one another.
Amen.
Merciful God, we have:
heard your Word, but not obeyed it;
seen your works, but not appreciated them;
received your grace, but not shared it;
known your love, but not shared it.
We have been blind to your presence, and deaf to your call.
We have been selfish in our desires, and careless in our actions.
Forgive us, O God, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Restore us, O God, and renew us in your image.
Silence
Loving God, thank you that you do not treat us
as our sins deserve, but as your children whom you love.
We thank you that you sent your Son Jesus Christ
to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification.
Thank you that you have opened our eyes to see your grace,
and our ears to hear your voice.
Amen.
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’
49 Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’
So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’ 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’
52 ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.
Silence
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,
and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 forever.
Amen.
We play a Hymn…
In peace we will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning,
so do we look for you, O Christ.
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace.
Silence
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand;
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine,
and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above,
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.
He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star.
The wind and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us his children,
he gives our daily bread.
All good gifts around us …
We thank thee then, O Father,
for all things bright and good:
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food.
No gifts have we to offer
for all thy love imparts,
but that which thou desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us …
Matthias Claudius (1740–1815)
tr. Jane Montgomery Campbell (1817–1878)
CCL31580
Gracious God, in the changing seasons of life, you remain faithful.
Even as the leaves turn golden and the harvest is gathered in,
we know that your steadfast love endures for ever.
Thank you for your constant care, from seedtime to harvest.
May our lives bear fruit that glorifies you, just as this abundant harvest testifies to your goodness.
We pray with thanksgiving, giving all glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
1 Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
2 You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
4 Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.
5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Saviour,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
6 who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
9 You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it.
10 You drench its furrows and level its ridges;
you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
11 You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
12 The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;
the hills are clothed with gladness.
13 The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves,
bringing in the sheaves,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
bringing in the sheaves,
bringing in the sheaves,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
by and by the harvest, and the labour ended,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, …
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
when our weeping’s over, he will bid us welcome,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, …
Knowles Shaw (1834–1878)
CCL31580
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures for ever.’
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
NIV®
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
as thou hast been thou for ever wilt be:
Great is the faithfulness! Great is the faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand has provided,
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love:
Great is the faithfulness! …
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is the faithfulness! …
Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)
CCL31580
We shall go out with hope of resurrection,
we shall go out, from strength to strength go on,
we shall go out and tell our stories boldly,
tales of a love that will not let us go.
We’ll sing our songs of wrongs that can be righted,
we’ll dream our dream of hurts that can be healed,
we’ll weave a cloth of all the world united
within the vision of a Christ who sets us free.
We’ll give a voice to those who have not spoken,
we’ll find the words for those whose lips are sealed,
we’ll make the tunes for those who sing no longer,
vibrating love alive in every heart.
We’ll share our joy with those who are still weeping,
chant hymns of strength for hearts that break in grief,
we’ll leap and dance the resurrection story
including all within the circles of our love.
June Tillman (b. 1943)
CCL31580
]]>
Amen
]]>There is no longer Jew or Greek; no longer slave or free; no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians. 3:2 8
I want to begin our conversation for Black History Month reflecting on 1 John 4: 16: God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God live in them. [By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13: 35)] All the creeds, doctrines, theologies are manifested in a single act: love.
Notwithstanding the simplicity of the message, humanity continually fails to live out the Great Command, as told in Galatians 5:14, the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Why is this? Galatians 5:17 tells us, ‘what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh…’’.
Humanity remains locked in a battle between our preoccupation with earthly things that give a sense of power, control, and security, rather than heavenly things that ensure a place in eternity; and in our failings, we perpetuate things that divide rather than unite us. [And we knew better. The Revd Morgan Godwyn, who had served in Virginia and Barbados, disappeared after publishing in 1685 Trade preferred before Religion in which he condemned the Crown for slavery, stating: ‘We have exceeded the worst of infidels by our first enslaving and then murdering men’s souls. For how can it be endured that a Nation once so famous for zeal and piety…should prostrate herself to that foul idol mammon, and worship trade.’]
In ancient times, disability was considered a punishment for sin. Lefties were once treated with suspicion. The Latin words for lefthanded is ‘sinister’. Today, in some places albinism is a still discriminated against. Too often, we reject what is different.
Similarly, consider the popular hymn ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’; what many are unaware of is the redacted third verse: The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate, He made them, high or lowly, and ordered their estate.
Consider how the hymnist, the wife of the Primate Archbishop of Ireland, produced this hymn during the Irish potato famine (1848) and notwithstanding her deep faith, the horror of millions dying of starvation, and despite the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19), she couldn’t fathom that God did not ordain for some to be rich and many others poor.
As we commemorate Black History Month, we need to accept that England’s social and economic history is in part written in African blood, particularly due to transatlantic African chattel enslavement.
This is important as modern racism – the binary of Black and White that underscores social discord today – was born out of transatlantic slavery. In the words of Eric Williams, in Capitalism and Slavery, ‘slavery was not born of racism: rather, racism was the consequence of slavery,’ specifically labour needed to develop the so-called ‘New World’, after the Native Americans were decimated. [Capitalism and slavery worked hand-in-hand, with the slave trade and the plantation system creating the capital for the industrial revolution. The plantation system even helped develop and inspire new industrial techniques for later capitalists. The proponents of capitalism held that free markets in goods and labour and the ability to invest money for profit would make the world a better place, but this period also saw the development of a widespread system of African chattel enslavement. Capitalism cannot be conceptually or historically separated from the institution of slavery.]
There was no greater corruption of the Gospel that the odious comingling of religion, politics, and wealth accumulation to the institutionalisation of transatlantic slavery. This great crime against humanity that enriched nations and individuals alike and provided the financial and organisational means to develop our modern world, was devised politically, constructed legally, justified scripturally, and accepted socially. [The colonialised version of Christianity was a series of papal bulls issued by Pope Nicolas V between 1452 and 1455 that granted Spain and Portugal (and later other European powers) the right to enslave sub-Saharan Africans.] [When Europeans first visited the African continent, the cradle of humankind and civilisation, they encountered empires and cities as advanced as their own. However, with the so-called ‘discovery’ of the exploitation of these new colonial possessions required a workforce that neither European nor could supply. The roots of modern Western racism are located in greed and a Eurocentric narcissism that conveyed a sense of dominion over all things. Through pseudoscience, social theory, and a colonialised version of Christianity, humanity was dichotomised between the ‘civilised’ and the ‘savages.’]
This system of racial bias, instituted hundreds of years ago, manifests today in the current disparities in wealth, education, health and criminal justice outcomes, among others.
The recent Race Riots that further rent England’s social landscape, highlights that notwithstanding King Charles III’s proclamation that our nation’s ‘diversity is our greatest strength’, this power is yet to be realised as our kingdom remains disunited ethnically.
This racism is fermented not only by far-right politicians and extremist social media influencers, but the dominant zero-sum paradigm that perpetrates the myth that progress by one group comes at the expense of the other. Notwithstanding the net financial benefits of migration, Black and brown people, refugees and asylum seekers, are still portrayed as ‘takers’.[For centuries England has lied to her white offspring, satiating them on tales of Empire and colonial benevolence instead of liberating them with the incontrovertible truth of exploitation, oppression, marginalisation, and genocide. The largely white working-class men who recently embraced racist violence, are part of a long, sad history of white masculinity that has often been defined and reinforced through the subjugation of racialised, and gendered others.]
Nonetheless, I was reassured by the thousands of anti-racism protesters of all races, ethnicities, religions, and background who took to the streets across England during the race riots; for change begins with us.
But too often, God-fearing people dismiss ongoing racism: the innate mistrusts, the microaggressions, the inequities at work, the disproportionate police stops, the lower-quality healthcare and educational outcomes, as aberrations, rather than inherent structural biases that are an endemic part of the system.
But we are called to act. There is an the indelible link between our faith and public life as reinforced at confirmation with our vow to defend the weak, and to seek peace and justice. However, while we readily proclaim these words, it is challenging to live out this promise.
In one of his most famous sermons, ‘Loving Your Enemies’, Martin Luther King, Jr. preached: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Through the God of Abraham as manifested in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, there is a consistent message of love of neighbour.
The Church’s commitment to racial justice isn’t to reflect demographic trends, or to be socially responsive pursuing equality, diversity and inclusion, both admirable pursuits; rather, we choose to stand against the evil and pernicious sin of racism.
Addressing institutional racism and racial sin is not a theological addendum. Confronting the evils in society and embracing the marginalised is essential to our identity in Christ (Luke 4: 16–21). This is a missional imperative as set out in the Anglican Communion’s fourth Mark of Mission, ‘to transform unjust structures of society’ and our Bold Outcome to ‘fully represent the communities we serve’.
The racial justice mandate flows not from identity politics but from our primary identity in Christ, for it is in the character and being of Christ that we find the reason and motivation to combat racism. In Christ, our differences are not erased but rather embraced, valuing the unique ways we each reflect the imago Dei. Every neighbour, regardless of colour, class or creed, or any other protected characteristic, is an image-bearer of God, and as such a sister or brother.
Our differences and protected characteristics are not a la carte options where we can choose those things we are comfortable with. God calls us to love each another unconditionally and through this be united in him.
Our shared identity as new creations in Christ (Galatians 3: 28) centres the theology of racial justice. We are called to be a ‘household of God’ with ‘Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone’, ‘built together as a spiritual house’ (Ephesians 2: 19–22, 1 Peter 2: 5); and not just a household, but a single body (1 Corinthians 12: 13).
As such, when fellow Christians are told that the body has no need of them, as happened with the Windrush generation, or as with refugees or asylum-seekers nowadays, the whole body is diminished. When there are persistent calls from some brothers and sisters, stating that their voices are not being heard, that their contributions not recognised, and that their full participation not welcomed, we are called to respond.
Revelation 7: 9 paints an enthusiastic picture of the multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages worshiping together; a gathering of God’s family. This is not an eternal hope but for the Kingdom to be realised in the here and now.
It’s critical to recognise that, to be unified in God, this multitude of worshipers aren’t required to lose their distinctiveness or other protected characteristics. God is glorified in the things that make us different from one another.
We need to consider the essential ingredient to bring an end to racial injustice is through the Love Command. Notwithstanding the will or intent, I do not believe that any politician, policy-directive, legislation, march or protest, or any amount of anti-racism training or conscientisation can alone eradicate racism; for racism is sin and a world enslaved to sin cannot alone overcome sin.vii
The only way to truly end racism is through faith, specifically through the countercultural revolution of love. Love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4: 8); there is no prejudice in divine love. [Racism, and the ethnocultural biases that are a legacy of our failed humanity, are not social stains to be washed away, but a gaping wound in the body politic that needs to be cleansed by truth-telling, restorative justice, and other meaningful acts in order to heal.]
My multiple heritages – African, Asian and Mediterranean – make me aware that the quest for racial justice cannot be achieved unless we are all committed, and that this isn’t a struggle between race groups, but finding unity across them.
As a society, we need to redefine who we are: no longer ‘multicultural’ – comprising multiple cultural and ethnic groups – but rather ‘intercultural’ characterised by understanding, respect and engagement of each other.
If, as members of the body of Christ, our identity is intertwined with others, how are we not humiliated before the Cross, knowing that we have failed to adequately protect the dignity of all our sisters and brothers?
As members of the body of Christ, our task, enabled by the Spirit of the living God, is to humbly but fearlessly engage in the work of racial justice and other forms of social inclusion. [As we are at the ten-year countdown to the bicentenary of the Emancipation Act, which came into force on 1 August 1834 to abolish slavery, let us work for Emancipation Day to be commemorated in the UK, as done in the US, Canada, South Africa, and across the Caribbean.
Let us include Emancipation Day as a day of significance, alongside Holocaust Memorial Day, Windrush Day, and Remembrance Day, honouring the past the past, strengthening social cohesion across Britain by using the next decade to attend to the challenges from the superdiversity of Britain’s social landscape, and writing a new narrative of unity, love, and peace for the future.]
Imagine if we, the body of Christ, made up of every nation, tribe, people and language, took the lead in showing a hurting, divided world what real love looks like. If we can imagine it, Christ can do it.
Ending, through God’s grace and love, racism, ethnicism, and all forms of discrimination liberates us all, victim, allies, and perpetrator, transforming us into God’s image.
In this journey to find unity in Christ, let’s keep faith and focus knowing (Micah 6: 8) that what God requires of us is to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with him. This is a Kairos moment that I pray we embrace with all of our strength of mind, body and soul.
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]]>The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
And also with you.
God our Creator, we thank you for the wonder of new life and for the mystery of human love.
We give thanks for all whose support and skill surround and sustain the beginning of life.
As Jesus knew love and discipline within a human family,
may these children grow in strength and wisdom.
As Mary knew the joys and pains of motherhood, give these parents your sustaining grace and love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.
God’s great goodness aye endureth
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th’Almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.
Still from man to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.
Robert Bridges (1844–1930)
CCL31580
For all the ways we have failed you,
Lord, have mercy.
For all the ways we will fail you again,
Lord, have mercy.
For all the ways we have failed our neighbour,
Lord, have mercy.
For all the ways we have failed our loved ones,
Lord, have mercy.
For all the ways we have failed your Church,
Lord, have mercy.
For all the ways we have failed ourselves,
Lord, have mercy.
We have no claim, Lord, on your goodness, no reason to expect forgiveness,
for in so many ways we let you down, but we come, trusting in your unfailing love, and asking:
Lord, have mercy. Amen
Lord, thank you for the precious gift of baptism,
that we can publicly declare our love and passion for you.
Lord, we ask for your goodness and blessings to be poured out on this faithful servant.
We pray that you would work deeply within their heart and soul to renew and refresh them each day.
Amen
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing right. 9 But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’
36 ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.
37 They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.’
38 ‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said. ‘Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with?’
39 ‘We can,’ they answered.
Jesus said to them, ‘You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.’
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
Grace, do you wish to be baptised?
I do.
Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore, I ask:
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?
I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil?
I renounce evil.
Grace, Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of his cross.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil,
and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness,
restore in you the image of his glory,
and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ.
Amen
Praise God who made heaven and earth,
who keeps his promise for ever.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
We praise you, loving Father, for the gift of your Son Jesus.
He was baptised in the River Jordan,
where your Spirit came upon him and revealed him as the Son you love.
He sent his followers to baptise all who turn to him.
Now, Father, we ask you to bless this water,
that those who are baptised in it may be cleansed in the water of life,
and, filled with your Spirit, may know that they are loved as your children, safe in Christ for ever.
Amen
Let us affirm, together with these who are being baptised, our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world?
I believe and trust in him.
This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Grace, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
You have been clothed with Christ.
As many as are baptised into Christ have put on Christ.
May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace,
that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people
you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.
Amen
God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light.
You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
Amen
Those who are baptised are called to worship and serve God.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society,
by prayer for the world and its leaders, by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice?
With the help of God, I will.
May Christ dwell in your heart through faith
that you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Amen
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism:
Grace, by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body.
We welcome you into the fellowship of faith;
we are children of the same heavenly Father;
we welcome you.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
We belong to him through faith, heirs of the promise of the Spirit of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
and also with you.
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.
David J. Evans (b. 1957)
CCL31580
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become for us the cup of salvation.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Lord is here.
His 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 give thanks and praise.
Almighty God, good Father to us all, your face is turned towards your world.
In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death.
Your Word goes out to call us home to the city where angels sing your praise.
We join with them in heaven’s song:
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.
We bless the name of Jesus, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,
whose brokenness and suffering makes love real,
who on the night in which he was betrayed took bread,
gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying,
Take, eat. This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup saying,
Drink from this, all of you, this is my blood given for you.
Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.
This is the mystery of our faith.
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
Therefore, as we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we acknowledge brokenness as a path to truth.
We long for the bread of tomorrow: eternally broken and so able to nourish.
We long for the new wine of the kingdom: continuously poured out that thirst may be quenched.
Send your Spirit on us now,
that by these gifts we may feed on Christ with opened eyes and hearts on fire.
May we and all who share this food offer ourselves to live for you
and be welcomed at your feast in heaven, where all creation worships you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
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.
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.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
Amen
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Trustees Church Council meets on Tuesday. We will be looking at planning for the future plus Advent, Covenant Renewal and Christmas. If there is an issue you would like to raise, please contact Pat or Cheryl or leave a note at Reception.
Cheryl Montgomery
Our Harvest Celebration this year will have a Food Bank focus. You are invited to make donations in the special orange envelopes that will be provided a week beforehand, to put in a basket in front of the Altar table, or to make donations of tins, packs, cartons of items urgently needed by the Foodbank. There is a list of items that the Food Bank needs on the Foodbank website at Food Donations | Milton Keynes Food Bank (mkfoodbank.org.uk) mkfoodbank.org.uk. Everything will be donated to Milton Keynes Food Bank. You can also donate online to Milton Keynes Foodbank at Welcome to the MK Food Bank | Milton Keynes.
Pat Kyd
Grace Hunting will be admitted and licensed as a Licensed Lay Minister on Saturday, 2 November 2024 at 11.00 am – at the Annual Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
A group of people from Milton Keynes will be travelling to Oxford to attend the service and support Grace. If you would like to join the travelling group you may find more details from Grace.
Please keep Grace, Michael, and her family in your prayers.
Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Confirmation evening classes are available at St Mary’s Wavendon and Watling Valley churches If you may be interested in confirmation, please contact one of our ministers.
Immediately after the Sunday Morning service over coffee in the Guildhall we are going to have a chat with all those who have already filled in the Confirmation forms and those who may be interested to explore Confirmation. Please feel free to join us.
Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga
We are looking for people who could help plan the Learning for our Congregation and support the people who plan Worship. This would involve meeting to discuss Advent and Lent Bible studies, regular learning in All Age Worship and opportunities for enhancing Worship. We will raise this at the Congregational Meeting, but if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Cheryl, Revd George or Cathy Hampton.
Cheryl Montgomery
Three cards designed by our volunteer Yvonne Bell are now available in the Cornerstone shop. All proceeds towards church funds.
Bob Collard
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
hold me with thy powerful hand;
bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more. (×2)
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield. (×2)
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside,
death of death, and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side;
songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee. (×2)
Welsh, Willian Williams (1717–1791) tr. Peter and Willian Williams
CCL31580
When we are together
we will remember what it is like to travel alone.
When we are alone
we will remember what it is like to travel together.
Wherever we are
we will remember God who always goes with us.
Lord, go with us now, this day and always.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you today and always.
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
]]>Amen
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]]>Beloved God,
Today we bring ourselves into your presence, to celebrate Black History Sunday.
Today we remember the legacy of those who came before us –
who not only paved the way but carried the bricks on broken backs that then built that road.
Today we celebrate the myriad contributions
that Black Britons have made to this country over the centuries.
Today we consider these stories of struggle, suffering, and success,
and thank you for giving those brave individuals the courage, strength, and faith
both to survive and then to thrive,
even though they encountered discrimination and prejudices just because the colour of their skin.
Today we also praise you for the histories that are still being made,
and think of the next generation of young people who stand on the shoulders of giants.
Today we affirm together:
Black History is our history.
Swing low, sweet chariot,
coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot,
coming for to carry he home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
Coming for to carry he home;
a band of angels coming after me,
coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot …
If you get there before I do,
coming for to carry me home,
tell all my friends I’m a-coming too,
coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot …
Spiritual
CCL31580
Welcome to the house of God.
We have come from all the corners of the earth.
Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We come as we are; we bring our life, our stories, our journey.
Welcome, brothers and sisters.
We are the rainbow people of God.
Welcome, chosen people.
May God our companion bind us in his love.
Amen
We confess our sin in penitence and faith.
Lord God, our maker and our redeemer, this is your world and we are your people:
come among us and save us.
We have wilfully misused your gifts of creation.
Lord, be merciful:
forgive us our sin.
We have seen the ill-treatment of others and have not gone to their aid.
Lord, be merciful:
forgive us our sin.
We have condoned evil and dishonesty and failed to strive for justice.
Lord, be merciful:
forgive us our sin.
We have heard the good news of Christ, but have failed to share it with others.
Lord, be merciful:
forgive us our sin.
We have not loved you with all our heart, nor our neighbours as ourselves.
Lord, be merciful:
forgive us our sin.
May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from your sins,
heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer of the Week
Loving Lord, you know us better than we know ourselves.
As we come together to worship you and celebrate Black History Sunday,
help us to explore our relationship with you and one another.
May your words and challenges strengthen and affirm us. May your love sustain us and guide us.
May our worship be acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name.
Amen
Ministry of the Word
34 Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah,
kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah,
kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah,
O Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone’s singing Lord, kum ba yah, …
Someone’s crying Lord, kum ba yah, …
Someone’s praying Lord, kum ba yah, …
Spiritual
CCL31580
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
NIV®
Songwriters: U2 – Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson
Let us confess the faith of the Church.
We believe in God the Father:
who made the world.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his Son:
who redeemed humankind.
We believe in the Holy Spirit:
who gives life to the people of God.
Amen
God of all peoples, whose Son reached across the ethnic boundaries
between Samaritan, Roman and Jew, help us to break down the barriers in our communities,
enable us to see the reality of racism and bigotry, and free us to challenge and uproot it from ourselves,
our society and our world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for all victims of racial hatred and discrimination, and we seek your protection for those affected in our churches, our schools, our places of work and our communities.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for all in our world, of whatever race, who suffer the horrors of modern slavery. Your Son came to bring good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. We pray for all working to combat modern slavery and to end human trafficking: for governments and agencies, for Church and other faith leaders, for businesses, charities and individuals.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves. May we be voices against oppression and channels of the transforming power of the gospel. Open our hearts to all who suffer in our midst but out of sight. Help us to work for a world where human beings are valued, where no one is enslaved, and no one used against their will for another’s pleasure or need.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray that we may know the power of reconciliation. Wherever there is division between us and others, because of our race or ethnicity, we pray that we may all be led to reconciliation. We pray for all who work to bring communities together in ways that are just and equal for all.
We pray for peace in the Holy Land.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
As we pray for reconciliation, we pray also for restoration. We pray for those whose spirits and communities have been weighed down by racism. Guide us as we strive to ensure everyone has equal dignity.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Baba yetu, yetu uliye
Mbinguni yetu, yetu amina!
Baba yetu yetu uliye
Jina lako e litukuzwe.
Utupe leo chakula chetu
Tunachohitaji, utusamehe
Makosa yetu, hey!
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe
Waliotukosea usitutie
Katika majaribu, lakini
Utuokoe, na yule, muovu e milele!
Ufalme wako ufike utakalo
Lifanyike duniani kama mbinguni.
(Amina)
Our Father,
who art in Heaven. Amen!
Our Father,
hallowed be thy name,
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us of our trespasses
as we forgive others who respass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one for ever.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen
Peace to you from God who is our Father.
Peace from Jesus Christ who is our peace.
Peace from the Holy Spirit who gives us life
and desires we live reconciled lives with the earth and its inhabitants.
May the peace of God be always with you.
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Join us for Lunch or Afternoon Tea. Truby’s Garden Tea Room is an inter-faith community café run by British Moslem women who live in Milton Keynes. For more information contact trubysgardentearoom@gmail.com.
Grace Hunting will be admitted and licensed as a Licensed Lay Minister on Saturday, 2 November 2024 at 11.00 am – at the Annual Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
A group of people from Milton Keynes will be travelling to Oxford to attend the service and support Grace. If you would like to join the travelling group you may find more details from Grace.
Please keep Grace, Michael, and her family in your prayers.
Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Confirmation evening classes are available at St Mary’s Wavendon and Watling Valley churches If you may be interested in confirmation, please contact one of our ministers.
We are looking for people who could help plan the Learning for our Congregation and support the people who plan Worship. This would involve meeting to discuss Advent and Lent Bible studies, regular learning in All Age Worship and opportunities for enhancing Worship. We will raise this at the Congregational Meeting, but if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Cheryl, Revd George or Cathy Hampton.
Cheryl Montgomery
Three cards designed by our volunteer Yvonne Bell are now available in Cornerstone shop. All proceeds towards church funds.
Bob Collard
Our Harvest Celebration this year will have a Food Bank focus. You are invited to make donations in the special orange envelopes that will be provided a week beforehand, to put in a basket in front of the Altar table, or to make donations of tins, packs, cartons of items urgently needed by the Foodbank. There is a list of items that the Food Bank needs here on page 3. Everything will be donated to Milton Keynes Food Bank. You can also donate online to Milton Keynes Foodbank at mkfoodbank.org.uk.
Pat Kyd
Lord, go with us into our everyday lives, to honour you in all that we do and say.
May our being and doing reflect your love and your grace.
And when we next meet, may we recognise with thanks the prompting of the Holy Spiri
Amen
Going to lay down my sword and shield,
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to lay down my sword and shield,
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more.
Ain’t going t’study war no more. [×5]
Going to lay down my burden,
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to lay down my burden;
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more. …
Going to try on my starry crown,
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to try on my starry crown,
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more. …
Going to meet my dear old father
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to meet my dear old father
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more. …
Down by the riverside, Going to study war no more.
Going to meet my dear old mother,
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to meet my dear old mother,
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more. …
Going to meet my loving Jesus,
down by the riverside; [×3]
Going to meet my loving Jesus,
down by the riverside.
Going to study war no more.
I ain’t going t’study war no more. …
Spiritual
CCL31580
Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour everyone;
love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit,
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be amongst you and remain with you always
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
As the Bible, the basket of prayers and the ministers depart, the Choir will sing:
Amen siyakudumisa (Masithi)
Amen, Bawo [×2]
Amen siyakudumisa (Masithi)
Amen, we praise your name, O God. (O sing now!)
Amen, amen. [×2]
Amen, we praise your name, O God. (O sing now!)
Amen
]]>When we don’t have all the answers,
we can still be faithful.
When everything is going wrong,
we can still be faithful.
When we have no words to express our pain,
we can still be faithful.
When others let us down,
we can still be faithful,
for God remains faithful to us.
Amen
[Silence]Welcome to the house of God.
We have come from all the corners of the earth.
Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We come as we are; we bring our life, our stories, our journey.
Welcome, brothers and sisters.
We are the rainbow people of God.
Welcome, chosen people.
May God our companion bind us in his love.
Amen
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.
Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy grace receive;
suddenly return, and never,
never more thy temples leave.
There 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 (1707–1788)
CCL31580
Merciful God, we confess that we have questioned
your goodness, power, or justice when we face suffering or evil.
We have doubted your promises, which are sure and true.
We have neglected the praise that is due to your name.
We confess that we have not followed the example of Job,
who remained faithful to you despite his trials.
We have failed to trust in you or seek your will in all circumstances.
Forgive us, O God, for our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation, help us to hold fast to our integrity,
and to worship you in spirit and truth.
Loving God, your forgiveness heals hurts and restores relationships.
Give us a spirit of compassion and kindness, that we may do likewise.
Amen
Living God, like the psalmist, we come before you, seeking vindication and examination.
We pray that our hearts and minds are pure before you. That we may walk in integrity and faithfulness.
Search us O Lord, and know us, testing our thoughts and intentions.
We long to be in your presence, to sing songs of thanksgiving and tell of your wondrous deeds.
In our relationships, may we reflect Christ’s love for the church – unbreakable and enduring.
In your never-ending mercies, redeem us and be gracious to us in Jesus’ mighty name.
Amen
1 Vindicate me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.
2 Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with the deceitful,
nor do I associate with hypocrites.
5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,
7proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8 Lord, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 I lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise the Lord/
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God,
and his righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you;
allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
allelu, alleluia.
Ask and it shall be given unto you,
seek and ye shall find.;
knock and itshall be opened unto you;
allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
allelu, alleluia.
We shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God;
allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
allelu, alleluia.
Karen Lafferty (1948–2013)
CCL31580
2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’
3 ‘What did Moses command you?’ he replied.
4 They said, ‘Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.’
5 ‘It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,’ Jesus replied. 6 ‘But at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female.” 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.’
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
We believe in the Creator:
the maker of all things
We believe in the Son:
the redeemer of our broken world
We believe in the Spirit:
The sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.
Creator Father, beloved Son and living Spirit.
Amen
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord.
The peace of God be always with you.
and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Bind us together, Lord,
bind us together with cords
that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord,
bind us together,
bind us together with love.
There is only one God,
there is only one King.
There is only one Body,
that is why we sing:
Bind us together, Lord, …
Made for the glory of God,
purchased by his precious Son,
born with the right to be free,
for Jesus the victory has won.
Bind us together, Lord, …
You are the family of God,
you are the promise divine,
you are God’s chosen desire,
you are the glorious new wine.
Bind us together, Lord, …
Bob Gillman (b. 1946)
CCL31580
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Lord is here.
His 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 give thanks and praise.
Almighty God, good Father to us all, your face is turned towards your world.
In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death.
Your Word goes out to call us home to the city where angels sing your praise.
We join with them in heaven’s song:
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.
We bless the name of Jesus, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,
whose brokenness and suffering makes love real,
who on the night in which he was betrayed took bread,
gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying,
Take, eat. This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup saying,
Drink from this, all of you, this is my blood given for you.
Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.
This is the mystery of our faith.
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
Therefore, as we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we acknowledge brokenness as a path to truth.
We long for the bread of tomorrow: eternally broken and so able to nourish.
We long for the new wine of the kingdom: continuously poured out that thirst may be quenched.
Send your Spirit on us now,
that by these gifts we may feed on Christ with opened eyes and hearts on fire.
May we and all who share this food offer ourselves to live for you
and be welcomed at your feast in heaven, where all creation worships you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
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
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.
Amen
We come to this table, not because we must, but because we may,
not because we are strong, but because we are weak.
We come, not because any goodness of our own gives us a right to come,
but because we need mercy and help.
We come, because we love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
We come, because he loved us and gave himself for us.
We come and meet the risen Christ, for we are his Body.
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Join Christian Aid one year on from 7 October 2023, to pause, pray and stand in solidarity for peace.
Sign up at: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/gaza-appeal-vigil.
To help understand what led to the terrible events of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians, Christian Aid is encouraging everyone to watch The Tinderbox, a rare and thought-provoking documentary made in 2022 which examines both sides of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, from its catalyst to why it still rages, to what needs to happen for it to stop.
Christian Aid is encouraging churches to show this film in association with their Gaza Appeal, and the screening will be followed by a question and answer session with Phil Evans, the Christian Aid Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer for the Home Counties. All are welcome.
David Chapman
Christian Aid is working with its long-term partners in Gaza to deliver urgent humanitarian aid. If you would like to support relief for the people of Gaza, we have envelopes available over the next few weeks. On-line giving can be made at https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/gaza-appeal.
The guest speaker at the morning Service next Sunday will be Revd Guy Hewitt, Head of the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit. Unfortunately, the bring and share lunch will not take place as the Guildhall is not available. Coffee after the Service will be served in the Guildhall as usual.
This year, donations of food and/or money will go to the Milton Keynes Foodbank. There will be opportunity to present gifts during the Service on the Sunday.
There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. Confirmation evening classes are available at St Mary’s Wavendon and Watling Valley churches If you may be interested in confirmation, please contact one of our ministers.
We are looking for people who could help plan the Learning for our Congregation and support the people who plan Worship. This would involve meeting to discuss Advent and Lent Bible studies, regular learning in All Age Worship and opportunities for enhancing Worship. We will raise this at the Congregational Meeting, but if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Cheryl, Revd George or Cathy Hampton.
Cheryl Montgomery
Go in the name of the Lord to your homes, your neighbours, your communities.
Go and make a difference.
Raise up those who are disheartened.
Tell others about the risen Christ.
Visit those who are lonely,
and may your heart and mind be open to receive all that God gives to you and asks of you.
Amen
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
o’er the world’s tempestuous sea;<\span>
guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
for we have no help but thee;<\span>
yet possessing every blessing,
if our God our Father be.<\span>
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o’er us:
all our weakness thou dost know;<\span>
thou didst tread this earth before us,
thou didst feel kits keenest woe;<\span>
lone and dreary, faint and weary,
through the desert thou didst go.<\span>
Spirit of our God, descending,
fill our hearts with heavenly joy,<\span>
love with every passion blending,
pleasure that can never cloy:<\span>
thus provided, pardoned, guided,
nothing can our peace destroy.<\span>
James Edmeston (1791–1867)
CCL31580
God be in your head, and in your understanding;
God be in your eyes, and in your looking;
God be in your mouth, and in your speaking;
God be in your heart, and in your thinking;
God be at your end, and at your departing.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you today and always
Amen
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,
Amen
]]>Amen
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