Advent worship - waiting for light

“The True light that gives light to everyone”
Service for the Second Week of Advent
Visit of the China Christian Council
Praying through the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle for
Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal
6 December 2010

Musical rehearsal
Words of Welcome
Call to Worship

This is the season of holy waiting.
We wait for the time when the desert will bloom abundantly.
We watch for the day when all God’s people will come together with singing.
We wait while the dawning light appears on the horizon.
Come let us walk in the light of God!

Advent hymn
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh! Viens Jésus, oh! Viens Emmanuel !
Nous dévoiler le monde fraternel,
Où ton amour plus fort que la mort,
Nous régénère au sein d’un même corps.
Chantez, Chantez, il vient à notre appel
Combler nos cœurs Emmanuel. !

Oh! Viens Jésus tracer notre chemin;
Visite-nous étoile du matin.
Au fond de nos regards fais monter
L’éclat soudain du jour d’éternité.
Chantez, Chantez, il vient à notre appel
Combler nos cœurs Emmanuel !

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
and open wide our heav'nly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path of misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Prayer
God of patience and longing may the light of your truth enter our hearts,
that we may see more clearly what promise your coming holds out for us and have the courage to live our lives for you.
Send your Holy Spirit upon us and bless us with your inspiration.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sung Response: Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away
(candles can be lit)
Advent Antiphones
O wisdom, coming forth from the Most High,
filling all creation and reigning to the ends of the earth;
come and teach us the way of truth. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

O Lord of Lords, and ruler of the House of Israel,
you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai:
come with your outstretched arm and ransom us. Amen.
Come Lord Jesus.

O root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations;
kings will keep silence before you for whom the nations long;
come and save us and delay no longer. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

O key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open:
come and free the captives from prison, and break down the walls of death. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

Sung Response: Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away

O morning star, splendour of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness:
come and bring light to those who dwell in darkness and walk in the shadow of death. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

O king of the nations, you alone can fulfil their desires: cornerstone, binding all together: come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust of the earth. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, hope of the nations and their saviour:
come and save us, O Lord our God. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.

Sung Response: Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away

Bible Reading - Genesis 50:15-21
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?’ So they approached Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this instruction before he died, “Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.” Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, ‘We are here as your slaves.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Please rise to sing Hale, Hale hale luya ~Thuma Mina 55
and remain standing for the gospel reading

Gospel Reading - John 1:1-9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Reprise Hale Hale Hale luja

Meditation

Prayers
(Through the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle this week we pray for the peoples and churches of Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal)

For the darkness of waiting
of not knowing what is to come
of staying ready and quiet and attentive,
we praise you, O God:
For the darkness and the light
are both alike to you.

Sung Response: Lumière de Dieu (Thuma Mina 150 - in French)

For the darkness of staying silent
for the terror of having nothing to say
and with a greater terror
of needing to say nothing,
we praise you, O God:
For the darkness and the light
are both alike to you.

Sung Response: Lumière de Dieu (Thuma Mina 150 - in French)

For the darkness of loving
in which it is safe to surrender
to let go of our self-protection
and to stop holding back our desire,
we praise you, O God:
For the darkness and the light
are both alike to you.

Sung Response: Lumière de Dieu (Thuma Mina 150 - in French)

For the darkness of hoping
in a world which longs to you,
for the wrestling and the labouring of all creation
for wholeness and justice and freedom,
we praise you, O God:
For the darkness and the light
are both alike to you.

Sung Response: Lumière de Dieu (Thuma Mina 150 - in French)

Let us pray for the unity of the Church and the unity of creation; for all who work that the world may be one; for the work and witness of the Church throughout the world
In silence and aloud we offer our prayers for the world, for our friends and enemies, for ourselves
Silence or free prayer

Gathered together by the Holy Spirit we say the Lord’s Prayer, each in our own language.

Please rise for the sending
Au commencement était la parole!
In the beginning was the Word
Am Anfang war das Wort
In the beginning was the Word

Follow, where the Spirit of Hope leads us.
Listen, as the Child of Peace cries for us.
Rejoice, as the love of God embraces us
and let us go with Hope, Peace and Love in our hearts
and the blessing of the Triune God
Creator, Child and Spirit for ever within us.
Amen.

Song: Siyahamba ~ we are walking in the light of God ~ Thuma Mina 107;
sung first in Zulu then in English

An order of morning prayer for All Saints Day

Morning Prayers in the Ecumenical Centre
All Saints Day Monday 1 November 2010
Praying with the peoples and churches of
Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Greetings and call to worship

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34)

Sing:
Bless the Lord my soul and bless God’s Holy name
Bless the Lord my soul, who leads me into life

Prayer of confession
Compassionate God, forgive us for the times we do not follow the path of your son Jesus Christ and forget or despise our brothers and sisters.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

God of Forgiveness,
Help us to treat everyone fairly and with dignity. Teach us your way of love.
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy

Loving God, have patience with us even when we make wrong choices.
Clothe us with your righteousness.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

Words of forgiveness
Hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
God is love, and in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen.

Sing: Bless the Lord my soul and bless God’s Holy name
Bless the Lord my soul, who leads me into life

Ephesians 2:19-22
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

Please rise to sing Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona – Thuma Mina 114 –
and remain standing for the gospel reading

Gospel reading Matthew 5: 1.12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sing Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona – Thuma Mina 114

Reflection By Canon John Gibaut

Prayers of remembrance and intercession
God of mercy and compassion
As we gather our hearts and minds in prayer grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may be united in prayer with the peoples of Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As we remember them we pray for healing:
of memories, of injured bodies and minds, of relationships.
O Lord hear our Prayer

God of peace and justice
We pray for all victims of war, for the living and for the dead.
In the face of genocide, of rape, of grinding poverty and outrageous greed
We pray for peace, for transformation and an end to weeping
O Lord hear our prayer

God of eternity
We remember and give thanks for all who have inspired us on the journey of life and faith. For their love and work and witness we give you thanks. In the silence of our hearts and aloud we name them: (names are read – please feel free to add names)

The Lord’s Prayer said in our different languages

Sing: La Paz del Señor – Thuma Mina 187
verse 1 in Spanish, verse 2 in German verse 3 in English verse 4 in French

Closing responses
On our hearts and our houses
The blessing of God
In our coming and our going
The peace of God
In our life and believing
The love of God
At our end and new beginning
The arms of God to welcome us and bring us home. Amen
(From the Iona Community)

Bilingual service of Psalms and music for Haiti

What follows is the order of service for the Psalms for Haiti servicet/concert we were fortunate to attend last night.
The music was amazing.

Le 12 janvier 2010, Haïti, un pays de près de 10 millions d’habitants, a été secoué par un puissant tremblement de terre. Bien qu’il n’ait duré pas plus de 35 secondes, il a tué plus de 300’000 personnes et en a blessé tout autant. Plus de 1,5 million de personnes ont dû être déplacées et, au total, 15 % de la population nationale a été directement affectée. Le cœur économique et administratif du pays, Port-au-Prince, et les villes avoisinantes ont été gravement touchés, les habitations, l’infrastructure, les bâtiments publics et les entreprises ayant subi des dommages considérables. Plus de 1’300 établissements d’enseignement et au moins 50 hôpitaux et centres de santé se sont écroulés ou sont devenus inutilisables. Aujourd’hui encore, environ 1,3 millions de personnes vivent dans 1’300 sites d’hébergement temporaires à Port-au-Prince, dont l’un se trouve dans l’enceinte de la cathédrale épiscopale de la Sainte-Trinité.
Le Plan d’action pour le relèvement et le développement national d’Haïti fixe des orientations pour la reconstruction territoriale, économique, sociale et institutionnelle et met l’accent sur la réhabilitation de l’infrastructure et des institutions étatiques. Cependant, rien n’est prévu pour reconstruire la vie des personnes touchées, ni pour rétablir des institutions privées pourvoyeuses de services indispensables à la population d’Haïti.
La cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité est l’une de ces institutions. Non seulement elle est le cœur de l’Eglise épiscopale d’Haïti, mais son rayonnement va bien au-delà de sa paroisse. Le complexe comprenait autrefois trois écoles et un couvent, ainsi que la cathédrale, dont les murs ornés de scènes bibliques peintes par de célèbres artistes haïtiens du 20e siècle lui avait valu une renommée mondiale. La reconstruction de la cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité et de son complexe est devenue un symbole national de résurrection et de résistance face à l’adversité, d’une façon qu’aucun plan gouvernemental ne saurait rendre.


On 12 January 2010, Haiti, a country of almost 10 million inhabitants, was struck by a massive earthquake. Although it lasted for only 35 seconds, it killed more than 300,000 people and displaced 1.5 million, affecting about 15% of the population. The country’s economic and administrative heart, Port-au-Prince and nearby towns, suffered extensive damage to housing, infrastructure, public buildings and businesses. Over 1,300 educational institutions and more than 50 hospitals and health centres collapsed or became unusable. Today 1.3 million people are still living in some 1,300 temporary shelters in Port-au-Prince, one of which is in the compound of Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
The Action Plan for the national recovery and development of Haiti provides a road map for territorial, economic, social and institutional rebuilding and focuses on the reconstruction of infrastructure and state institutions. But none of this foresees the reconstruction of people’s lives, nor the rebuilding of private institutions that provided key services to the people of Haiti.
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince is an example of such an institution. It is not only the heart of the Episcopal Church of Haiti but has an outreach far beyond the Episcopalian community. The complex once contained three schools and a convent, as well as the cathedral church with its world-renowned murals depicting biblical stories in Haitian motifs, crafted by some of the best-known Haitian painters of the 20th century. Rebuilding the Cathedral and its complex has become a national symbol of resurrection and resilience in the face of adversity in a manner that no governmental plan could ever capture.


Psalms for Haiti



Prelude “Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott” (BWV 651) J.S. Bach (1685-1750)


Welcome / Mot de bienvenue Mme Claudine Haenni-Dale
Anglican UN Office, Geneva


Processional hymn / Hymne d’ouverture (based on Psalm 90)

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home.

En ton amour, comme des fous,
les saints se sont jetés ;
ce même amour, saignant pour tous,
est notre vérité.

Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.

L’espace où s’évanouit le temps
nous mène à notre fin.
Mais tu nous tiens hors du néant,
dans l’éternel matin.

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be thou our guard while life shall last
and our eternal home.

English: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Français: G. de Lioncourt © Centre de Nationale Pastorale Liturgique, Paris


Prière de recueillement / Opening prayer Mme Charlotte Kuffer
Présidente de l’Eglise protestante de Genève
PAST


Psalm 130 “De profundis” Arvo Pärt (1935- )

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.


Testimony The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary, World Council of Churches


Psalm 42:1-3 “Like as the hart” Herbert Howells (1892-1983)

Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul is athirst for God, yea even for the living God.
When shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
My tears have been my meat day and night,
while they daily say unto me, “Where is now thy God?”

Coverdale translation, Book of Common Prayer (1662)


Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
PASSÉ


Psaume 130 « De profundis » Arvo Pärt (1935- )

Des profondeurs je t’appelle, SEIGNEUR: Seigneur, entends ma voix;
que tes oreilles soient attentives à ma voix suppliante !
Si tu retiens les fautes, SEIGNEUR! Seigneur, qui subsistera ?
Mais tu disposes du pardon et l’on te craindra.
J’attends le SEIGNEUR, j’attends de toute mon âme et j’espère en sa parole.
Mon âme désire le Seigneur, plus que la garde ne désire le matin,
plus que la garde le matin.
Israël, mets ton espoir dans le SEIGNEUR, car le SEIGNEUR dispose de la grâce
et, avec largesse, du rachat.
C’est lui qui rachète Israël de toutes ses fautes.


Témoignage Le pasteur Olav Fykse Tveit
Secrétaire général du Conseil œcuménique des Eglises


Psaume 42,2-4 « Like as the hart » Herbert Howells (1892-1983)

Comme une biche se tourne vers les cours d’eau,
ainsi mon âme se tourne vers toi, mon Dieu.
J’ai soif de Dieu, du Dieu vivant : Quand pourrai-je entrer et paraître face à Dieu ?
Jour et nuit, mes larmes sont mon pain,
quand on me dit tous les jours : « Où est ton Dieu ? »


Psaume 46

Dieu est pour nous un refuge et un fort, un secours toujours offert dans la détresse.
Aussi nous ne craignons rien quand la terre bouge,
et quand les montagnes basculent au cœur des mers.
Leurs eaux grondent en écumant, elles se soulèvent et les montagnes tremblent.
Mais il est un fleuve dont les bras réjouissent la ville de Dieu,
la plus sainte des demeures du Très-Haut.
Dieu est au milieu d’elle ; elle n’est pas ébranlée.
Dieu la secourt dès le point du jour :
Des nations ont grondé, des royaumes se sont ébranlés ;
il a donné de la voix et la terre a fondu.
Le SEIGNEUR, le tout-puissant, est avec nous.
Nous avons pour citadelle le Dieu de Jacob.
Allez voir les actes du SEIGNEUR, les ravages qu’il a faits sur la terre.
Il arrête les combats jusqu’au bout de la terre,
il casse l’arc, brise la lance, il incendie les chariots.
Lâchez les armes ! reconnaissez que je suis Dieu !
Je triomphe des nations, je triomphe de la terre.
Le SEIGNEUR, le tout-puissant, est avec nous.
Nous avons pour citadelle le Dieu de Jacob.
Psalm 18:1-3 “Je t’aimerai, Seigneur, d’un amour tendre”
From “Le Roi David” – Arthur Honneger (1892-1955)

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
so I shall be saved from my enemies.


PRESENT


Psalm 127 “Nisi Dominus” Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved.
Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.


Psalm 34:1-8

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD,
and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Psaume 18,1-3 « Je t’aimerai, Seigneur, d’un amour tendre »
Tiré de l’œuvre l’œuvre « Le Roi David » – Arthur Honneger (1892-1955)

Je t’aimerai, Seigneur, d’un amour tendre, Je trouve en lui tout ce que je souhaite.
Toi dont le bras me sut si bien défendre. C’est mon bouclier, mon salut, ma retraite.
Dieu fut toujours mon fort, mon protecteur, Dès qu’au besoin je l’invoque avec foi,
ma tour, ma roche et mon libérateur. des ennemis délivré je me vois.

Tels qu’un torrent ils pensaient me surprendre,
cent fois la mort ses filets me vint tendre
et tous les jours quelque péril nouveau
me conduisait sur le bord du tombeau.



PRÉSENT


Psaume 127 « Nisi Dominus » Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

Si le SEIGNEUR ne bâtit la maison, ses bâtisseurs travaillent pour rien.
Si le SEIGNEUR ne garde la ville, la garde veille pour rien.
Rien ne sert de vous lever tôt, de retarder votre repos, de manger un pain pétri de peines !
À son ami qui dort, il donnera tout autant.
Mais oui ! des fils sont la part que donne le SEIGNEUR, et la progéniture un salaire.
Telles des flèches aux mains d’un guerrier, tels sont les fils de votre jeunesse.
Heureux l’homme qui en a rempli son carquois !
Il ne perdra pas la face s’il doit affronter l’adversaire aux portes de la ville.

Gloire soit au Père, et au Fils, et au Saint-Esprit,
comme il était au commencement, maintenant, et toujours, et aux siècles des siècles. Amen.


Psaume 34,2-9

Je bénirai le SEIGNEUR en tout temps,
sa louange sans cesse à la bouche.
Je suis fier du SEIGNEUR ;
que les humbles se réjouissent en m’écoutant :
Magnifiez avec moi le SEIGNEUR,
exaltons ensemble son nom.
J’ai cherché le SEIGNEUR, et il m’a répondu,
il m’a délivré de toutes mes terreurs.
Ceux qui ont regardé vers lui sont radieux,
et leur visage n’a plus à rougir.
Un malheureux a appelé : le SEIGNEUR a entendu
et l’a sauvé de toutes ses détresses.
L’ange du SEIGNEUR campe autour de ceux qui le craignent, et il les délivre.
Voyez et appréciez combien le SEIGNEUR est bon.
Heureux l’homme dont il est le refuge !
Testimony Mme Yasmina Tippenhauer
Director, Centre culturel Tierra Incógnita / Pou Ayiti (‘For Haiti’)


Psalm 84:1-2,4 “Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen”
From “Ein deutsches Requiem”, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

How lovely is your dwelling-place,
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.


FUTURE


Testimony The Rev. Canon Ogé Beauvoir
Dean, Episcopal Theological Seminary, Port-au-Prince


Musical reflection “Offrande au Saint-Sacrement” Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)


A collection will be taken towards the rebuilding of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Port-au-Prince, and its adjacent educational and cultural complex. Envelopes are provided for cash contributions; if you wish to be sent a receipt, please mark your name and address clearly on the envelope. Such contributions are tax-deductible for tax-paying residents of the canton of Geneva. Should you wish to donate through ARCH’s postal account, please see the related information at the back of this programme.


Psalm 23:1-4 “The Lord is my shepherd” Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989)

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

King James Version (1611)

Témoignage Mme Yasmina Tippenhauer
Directrice du Centre culturel Tierra Incógnita / Pou Ayiti (« Pour Haïti »)


Psaume 84,2-3.5 « Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen »
Tiré de l’œuvre « Ein deutsches Requiem », Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Comme elles sont aimées tes demeures,
SEIGNEUR tout-puissant !
Je languis à rendre l’âme après les parvis du SEIGNEUR.
Mon cœur et ma chair crient vers le Dieu vivant.
Heureux les habitants de ta maison :
ils te louent sans cesse !


AVENIR


Témoignage Le Révérend Chanoine Ogé Beauvoir
Doyen du Séminaire de théologie, Eglise épiscopale d’Haïti, Port-au-Prince


Interlude musicale « Offrande au Saint-Sacrement » Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)


Une collecte sera faite au profit de la reconstruction de la cathédrale épiscopale de la Sainte-Trinité et de son complexe scolaire et culturel. Pour ceux qui souhaiteraient recevoir une quittance, des enveloppes sont mises à votre disposition. Veuillez y noter lisiblement vos nom et adresse. Ces contributions sont déductibles pour les personnes imposables dans le canton de Genève. Si vous désirez faire une donation par virement sur le compte postal d’ARCH, veuillez vous référer aux informations y relatives au dos de ce programme.


Psaume 23.1-4 « The Lord is my shepherd » Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989)

Le SEIGNEUR est mon berger,
je ne manque de rien.
Sur de frais herbages il me fait coucher ;
près des eaux de repos il me mène, il me ranime.
Il me conduit par les bons sentiers,
pour l’honneur de son nom.
Même si je marche dans un ravin d’ombre et de mort,
je ne crains aucun mal, car tu es avec moi ;
ton bâton, ton appui, voilà qui me rassure.

Intercessions

Sung response: O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

Taizé Community, Jacques Berthier (1923-1994)

O God, our help in ages past: We thank you for bringing us together in this place, gathered in this Cathedral house of prayer. We bring before you, in song, in silence and in solidarity, all that is within us, especially our cares and concerns for those in Haiti whose Cathedral house of prayer – a place of healing and hope – has been lost. May your love sustain them through faith and community care even while structures are being rebuilt. In thanksgiving and trust we pray
O Lord, hear my prayer…

O God, our hope for years to come: We ask for continuing strength, that we and the people of Haiti may look with hope towards the future. We give you thanks for life and for those working for the well-being and rebuilding of lives – governments, aid organizations, communities of faith, citizens of Haiti and Haitians throughout the world. Inspire in them and in us the desire to share, to listen to one another and to truly care. In gratitude we pray
Entends ma prière…

O God, shelter from the stormy blast: We bring before you the cries and whispers of those still desperately in need and those who are still experiencing all forms of violence, especially women and children. May your healing touch be mightily felt in the midst of families torn apart and those who have lost home or livelihood. We recommit ourselves to prayer and action for the reconstruction of a country, schools, hospitals, churches, and a Cathedral that will again become shelter for physical and material, emotional and spiritual needs. In sisterhood and brotherhood we pray
O Lord, hear my prayer…

O God, eternal home: We pray that your spirit of justice, peace and joy may be the solid foundation upon which homes, businesses, government agencies, places of worship and places of re-creation are built. For all those who find their true home in your justice and mercy, and for those who may through tragedy yet find a sense of your presence and peace, we pray
Entends ma prière…

O God, our help in ages past: We remember this season all the saints and souls in all times and places who have looked to you in hope, but here today, those whose lives were lost or changed forever when the earth shook. In thanksgiving for all who have come before, and claiming your promise for those yet to come, we bring all that is in us and in the people of Haiti and place it before you. Hear us, heal us, make yourself known to us in the sanctuaries of our lives, that we and they might make your love known in the world.

In renewed commitment we pray, in the words our Lord taught us, each in our own language:
Intercessions

Répons chanté : Entends ma prière, entends ma prière : Seigneur viens, écoute-moi.
Entends ma prière, entends ma prière : quand j’appelle, réponds-moi.

Communauté de Taizé, Jacques Berthier (1923-1994)

O Dieu, notre secours dans les temps passés : nous te remercions de nous avoir rassemblés ici dans cette cathédrale lieu de prière. Nous t’apportons en chant, en silence et en solidarité, tout ce qui est en nous, surtout la sollicitude et l’inquiétude que nous avons pour les Haïtiens dont la cathédrale – lieu de prière, lieu de guérison et lieu d’espoir – a été détruite. Que ton amour les maintienne par la foi et la bienveillance de la communauté tout au long de la reconstruction. Nous te prions avec reconnaissance et confiance.

O Lord, hear my prayer…

O Dieu, notre espoir pour les années à venir : nous te demandons de nous donner la force, afin que nous et le peuple d’Haïti puissions regarder vers l’avenir avec espoir. Nous te rendons grâce pour la vie et pour ceux qui œuvrent pour le bien-être et la reconstruction des vies – les gouvernements, les organisations d’entraide, les communautés religieuses, les citoyens d’Haïti et la diaspora haïtienne à travers le monde. Diffuse en eux et en nous le désir de partager, d’être à l’écoute et de véritablement se soucier les uns des autres. Nous te prions avec reconnaissance.

Entends ma prière…

O Dieu, refuge contre la tempête : nous t’amenons les cris et chuchotements de ceux qui sont encore dans le besoin et de ceux qui souffrent de toutes formes de violence, notamment les femmes et les enfants. Que ta main de guérison soit ressentie avec puissance par les familles déchirées et les personnes qui ont perdu leur maison ou leurs moyens de subsistance. Nous renouvelons notre attachement à la prière et à l’action pour la reconstruction d’un pays, des écoles, des hôpitaux, des églises et d’une cathédrale, qui sera à nouveau un refuge pour les besoins physiques, matériels, émotionnels et spirituels. En communion fraternelle nous te prions.

O Lord, hear my prayer…

O Dieu, foyer éternel : nous prions pour que ton esprit de justice, de paix et de joie soit la fondation solide sur laquelle les maisons, les entreprises, les agences gouvernementales, les lieux de culte et les lieux de re-création soient édifiés. Pour tous ceux qui trouvent dans ta justice et ta miséricorde un véritable foyer, et pour tous ceux qui, dans la tragédie, peuvent encore ressentir ta présence et ta paix, nous te prions.

Entends ma prière…

O Dieu, notre secours dans les temps passés : nous pensons en cette saison à tous les saints et les âmes de tous temps et lieux qui ont regardé vers toi avec espoir. Et ici aujourd’hui nous pensons à ceux qui ont disparu ou ceux dont la vie a à tout jamais changé quand la terre a tremblé. En te rendant grâce pour tous ceux qui nous ont précédés et en annonçant tes promesses pour ceux à venir, nous t’amenons tout ce que nous et le peuple haïtien avons en nous et nous le plaçons devant toi. Ecoute-nous, guéris-nous, dévoile-toi à nous dans le sanctuaire de nos vies, qu’ensemble nous fassions connaître ton amour dans le monde.

Avec un engagement renouvelé nous prions, par les paroles que notre Seigneur nous a enseignés, chacun(e) dans sa langue :
The Lord’s Prayer (each in our own language)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.


Song “Sa pòv ginyin” Traditional Haitian religious song (sung in Creole)
arr. Shauna Beesley
The poor bring what they have to the market;
a mother gives her child what she has.
We put our lives into your hands, Almighty,
with the strength to love which you put into our hearts.

We come to give you thanks for all the friends you give us,
for the brothers and sisters who surround us.
It’s the most beautiful gift you could give your children.
Thank you today and forever!


Psalm 100 (Read in Creole)

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.


Psalm 100 “Urah, hanevel!” From “Chichester Psalms”, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

(see text above)


Blessing Curé Jean-Claude Mokry, Episcopal Vicar, Old-Catholic Church of Switzerland


Postlude “Variations sur ‘Nous chanterons pour toi, Seigneur’ (‘Old Hundredth’)”
Denis Bédard (1950- )



All are invited to stay for refreshments in the Cathedral courtyard
Notre Père (chacun(e) dans sa langue)

Notre Père, qui es aux cieux, que ton nom soit sanctifié. Que ton règne vienne. Que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel. Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain de ce jour. Pardonne-nous nos offenses, comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offensés. Et ne nous soumets pas à la tentation, mais délivre-nous du mal. Car c’est à toi qu’appartiennent le règne, la puissance et la gloire, aux siècles des siècles. Amen.


Chant « Sa pòv ginyin » Chant religieux traditionnel d’Haïti (chanté en créole)
Arrangement : Shauna Beesley
Les pauvres amènent ce qu’ils ont au marché ;
une mère donne à son enfant ce qu’elle a.
Nous remettons nos vies entre tes mains, Grand Maître,
avec la force d’aimer ce que tu mets dans nos cœurs.

Nous venons te remercier pour tous les amis qui tu nous donnes,
pour les frères et sœurs qui nous entourent.
C’est le plus beau cadeau que tu pourrais donner à tes enfants.
Merci aujourd’hui et pour tous les temps !


Psaume 100 (Lu en créole)

Acclamez le SEIGNEUR, terre entière ;
servez le SEIGNEUR avec joie ; entrez devant lui avec allégresse.
Reconnaissez que le SEIGNEUR est Dieu.
Il nous a faits et nous sommes à lui,
son peuple et le troupeau de son pâturage.
Entrez par ses portes en rendant grâce, dans ses parvis en le louant ;
célébrez-le, bénissez son nom.
Car le SEIGNEUR est bon :
sa fidélité est pour toujours, et sa loyauté s’étend d’âge en âge.


Psaume 100 « Urah, hanevel ! »
Tiré de l’œuvre « Chichester Psalms », Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
(voir ci-dessus)


Bénédiction Curé Jean-Claude Mokry, vicaire épiscopal, Eglise catholique-chrétienne de la Suisse


Postlude « Variations sur ‘Nous chanterons pour toi, Seigneur’ (‘Old Hundredth’) »
Denis Bédard (1950- )


Des rafraîchissements seront servis dans la cour de la cathédrale


Acknowledgements



This event was organised with the support of members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Anglican churches of Holy Trinity and La Côte, as well as the Protestant Church of Geneva and Church of Scotland Geneva. For this, the organisers are most grateful.



We also wish to thank the following:

Readers: Jeya Wilson, Jean-Claude Humbert, Nady Khanya Chalmers
Intercession leaders: Marie-Claude Julsaint, Richard Hawkings
Collection: Rev. John Beach (Emmanuel Episcopal Church), Rev. Roy Taylor (Holy Trinity Anglican Church)

Soloists: Lindy Carmalt, Holly Smith-Dinbergs, Shannon Keith, Roger Gaborell, Andrew Close
Percussion: William Carmalt

Photographs: Alison Wright (www.alisonwright.com), Lutheran World Federation, ACT Alliance, Trinity Wall Street, Eddy Alcindor, Jois Goursse Celestin, Rob Devlin, Helena Mbele-Mbong, Mary Frances Schjonberg, Lauren Stanley, Harvey Wang and others
Audio-visuals: Edgar Wilson

Graphics: Cyril Chapuisat
Printing: Imprimerie Minute, Voie-Creuse 7, 1202 Genève

Language Service, World Council of Churches



Where not indicated otherwise, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Anglicized Version, copyright © 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved.


Remerciements



Cet évènement a été organisé avec le soutien des membres de la congrégation des églises anglicanes de Holy Trinity et de La Côte, et de l’église épiscopale d’Emmanuel Church, ainsi qu’avec l’Eglise protestante de Genève et l’Eglise d’Ecosse à Genève. Les organisateurs les remercient pour tous leurs efforts.


Ils souhaiteraient aussi remercier:

Lecteurs : Jeya Wilson, Jean-Claude Humbert, Nady Khanya Chalmers
Pour les intercessions : Marie-Claude Julsaint, Richard Hawkings
Collecte : le Rév. John Beach (Emmanuel Episcopal Church), le Rév. Roy Taylor (Holy Trinity Anglican Church)

Solistes : Lindy Carmalt, Holly Smith-Dinbergs, Shannon Keith, Roger Gaborell, Andrew Close
Percussions : William Carmalt

Photographes : Alison Wright (www.alisonwright.com), Fédération luthérienne mondiale, Alliance ACT, Trinity Wall Street, Eddy Alcindor, Jois Goursse Celestin, Rob Devlin, Helena Mbele-Mbong, Mary Frances Schjonberg, Lauren Stanley, Harvey Wang et bien d’autres encore
Présentation visuelle et enregistrement audio : Edgar Wilson

Graphiste : Cyril Chapuisat
Imprimeur : Imprimerie Minute, Voie-Creuse 7, 1202 Genève

Service linguistique, Conseil œcuménique des Eglises



Les citations de la Bible sont tirées de la Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, © Les Editions du Cerf et Société Biblique Française, 1988.





Additional contributions towards the rebuilding of
the Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Port-au-Prince,
and its educational and cultural complex,
may be sent through

Toute contribution à la reconstruction de la
Cathédrale épiscopalienne de la Sainte-Trinité, Port-au-Prince,
et de son complexe scolaire et culturel
peut être adressée à








ARCH is an association under Swiss law, set up on 5 August 2010. Its purpose is to raise funds towards the reconstruction of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Port-au-Prince, and its educational and cultural complex. Membership (CHF 20) is open to all interested parties.

L'ARCH est une association de droit suisse créée le 5 août 2010. Elle a pour objectif de collecter des fonds en vue de la reconstruction de la cathédrale épiscopale de la Sainte-Trinité, à Port-au-Prince, ainsi que de son complexe scolaire et culturel. Toute personne intéressée peut adhérer à l'association (20.- CHF).

Order of service praying for Pakistan, India and Srilanka

Morning Worship, Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, October 18, 2010
This order of service was prepared by Deenabhandu Manchala


Rebuilding lives, rekindling hopes

Invocation (sung in Sinhala) Repeat line by line after the leader
Namo, namo, mavumkarun We worship you, Creator
Namo, namo, midumkarun We worship you, Redeemer
Namo, namo, sudath(n)gurun We worship you, Holy Spirit
Namo, namo, tiyek(n)murun We worship you, Triune God

Vandagena bathi pem pamen We kneel in love and devotion
Devinduta passasum deemen to praise and thank God,
Devi saranaya, dan path(n)men to seek refuge, and
Karamuwa arayum samen God’s presence among us.

Praise and thanksgiving
God be praised at all times.
Our adoration we proclaim.
We seek God’s presence, and discover holy ground everywhere.
We long for God’s guidance, and find the Spirit in each other.
We know that God is good.
God’s goodness is our refuge and our hope.

In the vastness of your purposes, O God,
We celebrate the risky smallness of our part.
In the holiness of your touch,
We celebrate the fragile fingerprints of human hands.
In the greatness of your salvation,
We celebrate the fumbling of our ideas.
In the light and knowledge of all you are and all you do,
We wait, we wonder and we rejoice.

In the stillness and the moment,
We build a bridge of adoration.
In the glory of our diversity,
We forge a bond of hospitality.
In the work we do this day,
We weave with God’s splendid tapestry
Amen.

Hymn: Bless and keep us Lord in your love united in Thuma Mina 195

Readings : II Timothy 3: 14 – 4:4 (Read in Sinhalese)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.

Reflection by Shanta Premawardhana

Prayers
Gracious God, as we come together in thanksgiving and prayer before you, we pray for the sub-continent. We pray for Sri Lanka – a nation that has bled for several decades, and continues to bleed which we come to know through the pain and agony of millions of silenced and displaced people, whose lives are constantly threatened, abused and destroyed. We pray for Pakistan which is facing fragmentation at multiple levels and which seems to have become a home for terrorism, even as millions of its people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. We pray for the nearly 400 million hungry people in India that we often hear about as a rising economic power. Grant peace and life to the people of these nations and to all us.

Khuda ya Rahem kar (to be sung after each prayer - No: 45 Thuma Mina)

Compassionate God, we live in a world that is constantly under the spell of something tragic and shocking, which distracts our attention and response quickly from one to the other, we remember today the forgotten victims of the tragic natural disasters that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds and thousands of people – of the floods in Pakistan and India. We pray for the vulnerable – the rural and urban poor, the destitute children and the aged. Grant help, strength and hope that they may see the light of your salvation.

Khuda ya Rahem kar

Loving God, who wants us to reciprocate your love for us by loving one another, we thank you for giving us the capacity to celebrate our differences. We recognise amidst us the causes and forces of division, hatred, suspicion and selfishness that operate through the phenomena of religious fundamentalism, political manoeuvrings and economic injustice. Grant wisdom to the people of these nations and everywhere that they may realise that in your love and wisdom you have made us all, the way we are.

Khuda ya Rahem kar

Merciful God, we remember millions of hungry, homeless and malnourished people of these nations and everywhere even as their governments strive hard for place in the world market. Have mercy on these millions today. Rekindle love and justice in the hearts of people. Grant wisdom to the leaders to realise that their fulfillment is possible only in their ability to protect the vulnerable and not in making the powerful invulnerable.

Khuda ya Rahem kar

God of life, we pray for the churches and Christian communities in these countries which exist and seek to witness as fragmented minority communities, often in extremely hostile situations. We thank you for their courage and commitment. We also pray that you inspire them to seek unity among themselves and with all people of goodwill, with people of other faiths, and with people’s initiatives for peace, justice, human rights, environmental protection so that the world may believe that you have ordained life, life for all in love and human togetherness. Amen

Hymn: Help us accept each other in Thuma Mina 224

Benediction
In the light of the resurrection despair is always premature.
God has a project in today’s events.
In paths we have not known, God leads, turning gloom into hope.
May the triune God accompany us in this journey of hope today and the days to come, Amen.

Worship for food security and food justice

THE CHURCHES’ WEEK OF ACTION ON FOOD
Ecumenical Centre
10 October, 2010
Prepared by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

Week of Churches Action on Food

Musical Preparation

Greeting

We gather hungry.
Blessed are those who are hungry now,
hungry for rice and beans,
hungry for righteousness,
hungry for a world where children do not die of hunger.
Blessed are those who are hungry now, for they will be satisfied.
We praise a prodigal God,
creating an abundant world with enough so no one needs to be hungry.
We worship the maker of new heavens and a new earth,
the Blessed Trinity, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn We come to the hungry feast

Prayer

Hungry God,
hungry for justice,
hungry for a world spending on hungry children as it spends on football games,
hungry that your promise of blessing the hungry be fulfilled,
draw us into your hunger
so we discover the life you offer when we give ourselves away,
and others do not have their lives taken away by the greedy and corrupt.
Give us the courage to risk a new hunger to do your will through Jesus Christ. Amen.

“For hunger is a curious thing: at first it is with you all the time, walking and sleeping and in your
dreams, and your belly cries out insistently, and there is a gnawing and a pain as if your very vitals were being devoured, and you must stop it at any cost and you buy a moment’s respite even when you know and fear the sequel. Then the pain is no longer sharp but dull, and this too is with you always, so that you think of food many times a day and each time a terrible sickness assails you, and because you know this you try to avoid the thought, but you cannot for it is with you. Then that too is gone, all pain, all desire, only a great emptiness is left, like the sky, like a well in drought and it is now that the strength drains from your limbs and you try to rise and find you cannot, or to swallow water your throat is powerless, and both the swallow and the effort of retaining the liquid tax you to the uttermost.” (Kamala Markandaya)

Sung Response Khudaayaa raeham kar

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 65:17-25
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Reflections Dr.Fulata Mbano & John Baxter Brown

Hymn Cielos nuevos, tierra nueva

Prayers
With the ecumenical prayer cycle we pray for the people and churches
of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the people along the Danube, threatened by toxic waste.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those whose traditional lands and livelihoods are threatened.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

During this week of action on food we pray for the hungry.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer (in our many languages)

Invitation to sign the petition to the Chair of the Food and Agriculture Organization Committee on Food Security in Rome

Hymn Un camino se abre hacia la luz

Benediction

Live love laugh ...

This service was put together in memory of colleague Suzanne Tomaiuoli who took her own life in a moment of despair just a year ago ...

Worship in the Ecumenical Centre 6 September 2010
Live Love Laugh
Carrying hope forwards

In the beginning was the word
Am Anfang war das Wort
Au commencement était la parole
Musical Prelude

Words of welcome and call to worship

We rise to praise God and sing "Shine Jesus shine"
Lord, the light of Your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness, shining;
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me, shine on me.

Chorus
Shine, Jesus, shine,
Fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze,
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow,
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your word,
Lord, and let there be light.

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.

Chorus

Prayer

A lament sung in Maori

From Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
O hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice!
Sing "Come Holy Spirit"

Litany of Repentance and Assurance of Pardon

While we live, we are always being given up to death.
Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Almighty God: Your love never fails,
and you can turn the shadow of death into daybreak.
We confess that we are slow to accept your promises,
and we are easily overcome by mourning.
We do not love as we ought to love, nor do we succeed in living as you command.
Lord God, have mercy upon us. Forgive us our sin and raise us to new life.
Grant that we may be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that we may live to serve you.
Help us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and to enter into the joy of your presence.

Sing Come Holy Spirit

Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us,
Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.
Hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
God is love, and in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen.

Sing: Hale Hale Hale luja

Reading Numbers 11:10-15
Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, ‘Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favour in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, “Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child”, to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, “Give us meat to eat!” I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favour in your sight—and do not let me see my misery.’

Sing: Hale Hale Hale luja

Reading 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, 11as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted to us through the prayers of many.

Sing Here I am Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Sermon

Musical interlude

Prayers of the people
When Suzanne died she had been knitting with this beautiful threed shot through with gold. the note she left was found underneath the knitting. Somehow even in her despair she had picked up the thread again. As we pray for her family and loved ones, as we pray for ourselves and the world, we also try to pick up the thread of life and meaning.
During these prayers and the singing those who wish to may light a candle and take some barley seeds to plant as signs of hope and new life.

Sing: Mayenziwe

God of life we thank you for all you give us;
We thank you for all that we have to eat and drink,
for the work of our hands and the work of our minds
for creative thought and caring action.
We thank you for those whose unseen toil contributes to the fabric of our society.

Sing: Mayenziwe

God of consolation,
Today we give thanks for our families, friends and colleagues
Remembering all who have died and giving especial thanks for the life of Suzanne, her work and witness in this place and beyond.
We pray for all who grieve her - remembering her mother, sisters and daughters;
praying also for ourselves.
May we learn to listen to those who grieve and are in pain.
Help us to share what we have to fulfil your command to love others
as we love ourselves.

Sing: Mayenziwe

God of justice, we pray for those who are facing an uncertain future
because of floods or drought
because of war and natural disaster
because of trade restrictions, corruption and lack of resources.
We pray for the people of Pakistan,
for the people and churches in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia

Sing: Mayenziwe

Time for silent prayer

Sing: Mayenziwe

The Lord's Prayer said in our different languages

Musical interlude

Et maintenant ces trois choses demeurent: la foi, l'espérance et l'amour

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
and the greatest of these is love.

Live love laugh …

The Blessing

Sing: Siyahamba

A liturgy for a reflection on justice and greed ...

Worship in the Ecumenical Centre
Monday, 30 August 2010
Praying for the People and Churches of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia

~ Heal our times ~ Sauve notre temps ~ Heile die Zeiten ~ Redime los tiempos ~

Welcome

In the name of God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Amen

God of life and light and joy
We rejoice in your glorious creation
God of hope and love
We praise you for your love and faithfulness in Jesus Christ
God of compassion and justice
Send your Holy Spirit of discernment upon us
Alleluia!

Sing Thuma Mina 20 Lobe den Herrn, Praise to the Lord
verse 1 German, verse 2 English verse 3 in the language of your choice

Psalm 12
1 Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
2 They utter lies to each other;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
the tongue that makes great boasts,
4 those who say, ‘With our tongues we will prevail;
our lips are our own—who is our master?’
5 ‘Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
I will now rise up,’ says the Lord; ‘I will place them in the safety for which they long.’
6 The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
7 You, O Lord, will protect us;
you will guard us from this generation for ever.
8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind.

Prayer
Graceful God
You are not hidden in silence.
You have spoken and you speak to us even today.
We thank you and we ask you:
Let us preserve your word and may it bear fruit in our lives. Amen

Sing Thuma Mina 56 Gloria a Dios

Reading from Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.

Sing Thuma Mina 56 Gloria a Dios

Reading from Romans 8:18-25
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Sing Thuma Mina 56 Gloria a Dios

Meditation – Dr Rogate Mshana

Sing Thuma Mina 253 Jesus Christ is waiting

Prayers of the people
We pray for all people everywhere working for justice and peace in the world,
send your Spirit to renew and refresh their commitment.

When war and violence threaten lives and destroy communities
May your Spirit of peace teach us:
Blessed are the peacemakers

Sung response Thuma Mina 46
Ore poriaju vereko Ñandejara Ore proiaju vereko Ñandejara

We pray for all seeking to bring practical
and humanitarian aid to people in need throughout the world.
We pray particularly for the people of Pakistan,
for all who have lost everything, for those facing a desperate and uncertain future.
May your Spirit of love fuel practical solidarity between human beings
Your kingdom come

Sung response Thuma Mina 46
Ore poriaju vereko Ñandejara Ore proiaju vereko Ñandejara

We pray this week for people of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia,
for the witness to unity of the churches
and for all leaders in political life and civil society.
We pray for all facing illness in body mind or spirit.
As we hear the call for justice and against greed
We pray for all who struggle on a daily basis to find enough water or food.
We unite our voice with theirs saying:
Give us this day our daily bread

Sung response Thuma Mina 46
Ore poriaju vereko Ñandejara Ore proiaju vereko Ñandejara

We pray for ourselves, our friends, colleagues and families.
For those facing illness and grief grant solace and balm.
In our lives and in our work grant us your Spirit’s steadfast support
Lift us up when we are discouraged
Comfort us when we are downhearted
Celebrate with us when we rejoice.
At all times
Your will be done

Sung response Thuma Mina 46
Ore poriaju vereko Ñandejara Ore proiaju vereko Ñandejara

Lord’s prayer
We rise to say the Lord’s Prayer each in our own language

Closing responses and blessing

Look at your hands
See and touch the tenderness
God’s own for the world

Look at you feet
See the path and the direction
God’s own for the world

Look at your heart
See the fire and the love
God’s own for the world

Look at the cross
See God’s Son and our saviour
God’s own for the world

This is God’s world
We will serve God in it

The love of the faithful Creator
The peace of the wounded Healer
The joy of the challenging Spirit
The hope of the Three in One
Surround and encourage you
Today, tonight and forever.

Sing Thuma Mina 108 – Reamo Leboga

How heavy is the yoke ...

Worship in the Ecumenical Centre
Monday, 23 August 2010

This service was put together by Manoj Kurian

Words of Welcome

Opening Prayer (stand)
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Heavenly Lord, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth,
Who are present everywhere filling all things,
Treasury of good things and Giver of life,
Come and dwell in us.
Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, Gracious Lord.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
Now and forever and to the ages of the ages. Amen


Psalm 139 (1-18, 23, 24)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.

If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.

If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night’,
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.

How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
I come to the end—I am still with you.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting

Song: Here I am, Lord

Reading -Isaiah 58:9–14
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.

If you refrain from trampling the sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day;
if you call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honourable; if you honour it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Matthew 11: 28-30
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Message: Whose yoke?
Prayers of intercession

Song: Someone’s crying Lord Kumbaya

Someone’s crying Lord!
Crying, in Pakistan and China
Crying, hungry, homeless and dispossessed
Crying, oppressed and exploited
Crying of shame and exclusion
Crying in the streets, homes, fields and factories
Crying, abused and violated
Hear their cries Lord
Help us to hear their cries too and share the pain
Help us to respond and accompany our sisters and brothers
Someone’s crying Lord, Kumbaya!

Song: Someone’s dying Lord, Kumbaya

Someone’s dying Lord!
Dying because of neglect and callousness
Dying because of greed and selfishness
Dying because girls and women are taken for granted
Dying of preventable diseases
Dying of unhealthy lifestyles
Dying as lives are cut short by natural and man made disasters
Lord, save humanity from untimely death
Lord, help us to save lives
Someone’s dying Lord, Kumbaya!

Song: Someone’s walking Lord, Kumbaya

Someone’s walking Lord!
Walking the talk of justice and equity
Walking to uphold dignity and respect
Walking the path your Son chose
Walking with and living the joy of people
Walking with and sharing the burdens of communities
Walking the path to unity, in faith hope and love
Help us to walk this journey Lord!
Walk with us Lord!
Someone’s walking Lord, Kumbaya!

Song: Someone’s praying Lord, Kumbaya

Someone's praying Lord!
Praying in tears and anger
Praying in frustration and weakness
Praying for strength and endurance
Praying for wisdom and discernment
Praying for good health and peace of mind
Praying for churches and the people of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
Praying to heal the divisions among people and to ease the burden of history
Praying for the recovery of livelihoods, resurgence of hope and peace in communities
Lord we pray , guide each step we take today
Someone’s praying Lord, Kumbaya! Manoj Kurian

Lord’s prayer
We stand to say the Lord’s Payer each in our own language

Song: I will give you rest

Blessing (stand)
May the blessing of the God of peace and justice be with us;
May the blessing of the Son who weeps the tears of the world’s suffering be with us;
May the blessing of God who calls us to share the burden of the world be with us;
May the blessing of the Spirit who inspires us to reconciliation and hope be with us;
From now into eternity. Amen.

An Easter service on the promise of peace

This order of service was prepared by the WCC's general secretariat for the beginning of the WCC's staff planning days. The service was led by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit who also preached.
Morning Prayer, Monday, 26 April 2010 – Chapel, Ecumenical Centre

(This week in the ecumenical prayer cycle we prayer for the people and churches in Eritrea and Ethiopia.)

Prelude

Welcome

(L) Christ is risen!
(All) Indeed, he is risen!

Hymn: Cantai ao Senhor (Thuma Mina 3; verses 1-3 in Portuguese) (stand)

Invocation
(L) Eternal God, as you created humankind in your image,
women and men, male and female, renew us in that image:

(All) God the Holy Spirit, by your strength and love
comfort us as those whom a mother comforts:

(L) Lord Jesus Christ, by your death and resurrection,
give us the joy of those for whom pain and suffering become,
in hope, the fruitful agony of travail:

(All) God the Holy Trinity, grant that we may together
enter into new life, your promised rest of achievement
and fulfilment -- world without end. Amen.

Hymn: Cantai ao Senhor (Thuma Mina 3; verses 4-5 in English)

(L) The risen Lord is our peace; those who are divided he has made one.
He has broken down the barriers of separation by his death and his resurrection
and he has built us up into one body, with God.

(All) To all of us who repent and believe God promises forgiveness and reconciliation.
(L) Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all that the Lord has done for you.

(All) The Lord forgives all our iniquities, heals all our infirmities,
redeems our life from corruption, crowns us with mercy and compassion,
satisfies our desire with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

(L) The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and justice for all who are wronged.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

(All) The Lord will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever.
The Lord has not dealt with us according to our iniquities,
nor has he rewarded us according to our sins.
For as heavens are high above the earth,
so great is the Lord’s mercy toward those who fear him.

(L) Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
In all places of his dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.

Hymn: Let us praise the Lord our God (Thuma Mina 2) (stand)

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you". After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained".

Hymn: Hallelujah (Thuma Mina 55)

Meditation (sit)

Intercessions
(L) We give praise to Christ, our risen Lord, the radiant light of the world. He guides our steps in a path of light and we no longer live in darkness. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson









(L) Christ, our Saviour, may your word take flesh in our lives and your truth shine forth in our actions. May your love burn brightly within us. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson

(L) Teach us to work for the good of all, whether the time is right or not; make your Church a welcome light for the human family. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson

(L) Bless the work of our effort, bring together those you have called into unity, and give us the grace to be faithful to your calling. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson

(L) We pray for unity among the Christian churches and genuine dialogue with people who confess other faiths. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson

(L) We pray for churches and people in Eritrea and Ethiopia. We pray for peace in the region, for harmony between its peoples, for genuine ecumenical relations among churches. Let us pray to the Lord.
(All) Kiria alayson

(L) O Christ, our God, author of life and giver of peace, guide us so that we may walk in your ways of righteousness. For you are our helper and our deliverer and to you is fitting glory, dominion and honour, now and for ever and unto the ages of ages.
(All) Amen.

Lord's Prayer (stand)
(L) Let us, in fellowship with Christian people of all nations join in united petition to the one God and Parent of all humankind, after the manner of the prayer which our Lord himself has taught us.
(All) Our Father in heaven.

(L) We are weak and blind and selfish; but you are wisdom and love and life, and give us wisdom, love and life in its fullness to those who trust in you:
(All) Our Father in heaven.

(L) Through the continued search for fullness of life for all people, regardless of race and ideology:
(All) Hallowed be your name.

(L) Through the persistent desire in all people to seek fellowship with one another in your one family:
(All) Hallowed be your name.

(L) By the faithfulness of your people in seeking first your kingdom and your righteousness:
(All) Your kingdom come.

(L) By the new dedication of churches in all lands to the establishment of justice in all the earth:
(All) Your kingdom come.

(L) In the struggle against all that diminishes life in our world:
(All) Your will be done.

(L) In the determination among all to work for secure peace in a world order that is fair to the generations yet to be:
(All) Your will be done.

(L) By the establishment of peace and the unremitting search for justice:
(All) Give us today our daily bread.

(L) By passionate caring and committed sharing:
(All) Give us today our daily bread.

(L) Because by our self-interest and self-concern we have increased the bitterness between peoples and nations:
(All) Forgive us our sins.

(L) Because we have been arrogant, seeking to exalt ourselves rather than to find your will for us and do it:
(All) Forgive us our sins.

(L) If other countries while pursuing their own interests have hindered ours and impoverished the life of our people:
(All) We forgive those who sin against us.

(L) If any have injured us by exploiting our ignorance and weakness:
(All) We forgive those who sin against us.

(L) When opportunity comes to secure better living standards for ourselves at the cost of increased poverty to others:
(All) Save us from the time of trial.

(L) When fear distracts the mind or security lulls the conscience, and we are in danger of forgetting you:
(All) Save us from the time of trial.

(L) At times of self-satisfaction, self-seeking and self-confidence:
(All) Deliver us from evil.

(L) When we fear the designs of others, and desire to gain security or advantage by unjust means:
(All) Deliver us from evil.

(L) For over all races and nations you rule as sovereign; your parental love embraces all; and in your will is our peace and in your life our life.
(All) For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn: La paz del Senor (Thuma Mina 187) (stand)

(L) O Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you:
grant us that peace and unity which is agreeable to your will.
(All) Amen.

(L) Brothers and sisters, in the love of Christ, let us offer each other a sign of peace.

(L) May the Lord of peace give us peace in all ways at all times.
(All) Amen.

Postlude

An Easter order for morning worship

The following order for prayers at the beginning of the week was prepared by the wonderful Yvette Milosevic

Ecumenical Centre Geneva, Monday morning prayers, 6 April 2010

Christ is risen
Christ is risen indeed!

Christus ist auferstanden
Christus ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!

Christ est résuscité
Christ est vraiment rescuscité

Cristo ha resucitado
Verdaderamente, ha resucitado!

Hristos a înviat!
Adevărat a înviat!

Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη!
(Christos Anesti! Aleithos Anesti!)

Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
(Khristos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese!)

Kristus er oppstanden!
Han er sannelig oppstanden!

Words of welcome

Opening Prayer
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ,
Let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one.
We venerate your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection.
You are our God. We know no other than you, and we call upon your name.
Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ.
For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world.
Blessing the Lord always, let us praise his resurrection.
For enduring the cross for us, he destroyed death by death.
Amen

Hymn “Now the green blade riseth”
Liebe ist wie Weizen und sein Halm ist grün
Verse 1 in English, verse 2 in German and verse 3 and 4 English.

Psalm 118:19-24
19Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
20This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes.
24This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.*

Sung acclamation of the gospel: Alleluia!

Luke 24:13-35
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles* from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ 19He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah* should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us* while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Halle, Halle, Halleluia

Sermon Rev. Theodore Gill

Sing: Ubi Caritas

Intercessions

The Lord’s prayer (each in their own language)

Closing Prayer

Christ is risen from the dead:
trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Though you went down into the grave, O Immortal One, yet you put down the power of Hades and rose a conqueror, O Christ our God: you spoke clearly to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice; upon the apostles you bestowed peace, and to the fallen you brought resurrection.
Amen

Blessing

Final hymn: A toi la Gloire

Liturgy for World Water Day

A liturgy for World Water Day
This service was put together by Maike Gorsboth of the Ecumenical Water Network

22 March 2010
Worship in the Ecumenical Centre

Welcome

Call to Worship

Holy Spirit, Life-Giver,
Who moved over the waters of creation,
who led your people through the waters of the Red Sea to liberation,
who descended like a dove above the waters of Jesus’ baptism,
draw us together as we gather in your name, seeking replenishment
for your task of repairing the world.


Creator God,
We thank you for your love in all creation,
Especially for your gift of water
to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.
We ask your blessing on this gathering
as we come together as your people,
bringing our many stories and traditions,
mingling the waters of our experience and our faith.
May we find strength and refreshment in those waters.
Amen

Hymn: A Agua (Simei Monteiro)

Walkerton Water Litany

Creating God, how magnificent are the works of your hands. We remember how
you created the waters of the earth and out of these waters you created life.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

We remember how you sent rains upon the earth to cleanse it. We remember how you sent the rainbow as a sign of promise each time it rains.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

We remember how you created a new people by having them pass through the sea with a “wall of water on the right and on their left”. We remember how you provided water that was sweet for forty years in the desert.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

We remember how the Psalmist called the sheep of his flock to find pasture beside the still waters. We remember how the Prophets announced a time when the wilderness would blossom forth with new life and justice would flow like a mighty river.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

We remember how Jesus calmed the waters of Galilee. We remember how he
invited all to come and drink from a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

We also remember how the waters of our lands were once pure and clean. We
remember how the lakes and rivers and streams sustained the people. We remember how our ancestors settled along the waterways gaining livelihood from the water.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

But we did forget. We took Your water for granted. We polluted it. We wasted it.
In many places people become sick of it and even die from it.
ALL: Creating God, help us never to forget.

Many years will pass and considerable resources will be needed if the waters are to run clean again in our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.
ALL: Help us, Creating God, to never forget the sacred gift that is water.
Amen.

Prayer of Confession
Let us pray:
Creator of the waters, source of life,
We confess our incapacity to face
the many distortions of our world,
including the misuse of water.
We also confess our tendency
To establish limits to your free gift
Of love for everyone.
Forgive us when we become a disruption
To your kindness and justice.

Silence

Words of Forgiveness
Isaiah 41,17-20
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

New Testament reading:
Luke 4,14-21
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Reflection on the Word

Hymn: You are the spring of water (Trisha Watts, Australia)

Prayers of Intercession

We pray for those who do not have access to safe water and sanitation, who suffer from illness that prevents them from caring for their families, from going to school. We pray for those who cannot afford medical treatment and those who feel that their illness is a burden to their families.
O God, restore the dignity of the oppressed.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the women who care for the ill. Who risk being raped as they go to fetch water or while looking for a place to relieve themselves. We pray for the girls who drop out of school upon reaching puberty because of the lack of toilets to protect their privacy and dignity. We pray for the mothers and fathers who lose their children to preventable diseases caused by too little water or polluted water.
O God, heal the sick and bring comfort to those in need.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

O God our Creator, you formed the earth and saw that it was good. You led your people through the waters of the Red Sea to liberation. Today our rivers are being polluted and are drying up. Your gift of water is unequally shared between the rich and the poor. This makes your people thirst.
O God, renew and refresh your people and make all things new.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for those who live “upstream”: Those who have access to water and other comforts, those who control the earth’s resources, those who wield economic and political power. Grant them wisdom and insight to use your gifts responsibly and to share them freely.
O God of mercy and grace, you make the last to be the first and the first be the last.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of all nations, through the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle we pray this week for China, Hong Kong and Macao. We pray for their councils of churches and their efforts towards unity. We pray for the growing numbers of people in China who are resisting the pollution of their water, air, and land for the sake of economic growth.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for this community. God of all peoples you have brought us together to fellowship in this place, may we make great your name.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Sending forth & Benediction

Go now from this service of worship to the service of God’s people near and far, marked by the water of your baptism and refreshed by the living water that Jesus offers to you.
Listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water, gushing up to eternal life.
And as you go, may the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace be upon you this day and forevermore.
Amen

Closing hymn: Healing River (by Fred Hellerman, USA)


Make a stand for water and sanitation!

Today, 22nd March, 12:00
in the entrance hall of the ecumenical center

Join the global Guinness World Record to form the World’s Longest Toilet Queue – in order to raise awareness and show solidarity with the 2.5 billion people who lack of access to clean water and basic sanitation.

Please come, we need a minimum of 25 people to queue for 10 minutes to join in with the record!