Lectionary Easter 6 Year C

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Acts 16:9-15 Paul responds to a call for help in Macedonia
Psalm 67 May God be gracious to us bless us
Revelation 21:10,22 to 22:5 The glory of God in the new Jerusalem
John 14:23-29 The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will teach you everything

Possible Hymns
(Numbers refer to the Australian Hymn Book and its supplement Sing Alleluia.)
58 Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him
72 Souls of men why do you scatter
117 Our God, be gracious unto us [Psalm 67]
310 Come down, O love divine
327 Holy Spirit come confirm us
331 Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire
352 Blessed Jesus, at your word
379 God of mercy, God of grace [Psalm 67]
402 Peace with the Father, peace with Christ his Son
455 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
SA 93 When Christ was lifted from the earth

Sermon summary Easter 6 Year C
[click here for complete sermon]

My peace I give to you

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. -- John 14:27

What kind of peace? It is a gift of wholeness, being made well, reconciled, saved and knowing God. Peace and wholeness are brought together in the healing miracles of Jesus [Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50]. From Old Testament times peace was understood as a general state of well being [Ezekiel 34:23-27]. Peace was a result of being in a good relationship with God [Numbers 6:24-26; Isaiah 54:9-10]. Peacemakers are children of God [Matthew 5:9]. But peace is not always with us. There is evil in the world to be overcome and the way of peace is not always recognized [Jeremiah 6:14; Isaiah 48:22; Luke 19:42; John 1:10]. Stress and conflict occur when there is renewal of life and evil is confronted [1 Thessalonians 5:3; Matthew 10:34]. Jesus paid the price of suffering to win a victory bringing peace [Isaiah 53:5; John 14:29-31; John 12:27; John 16:33]. The promise is fulfilled [Isaiah 9:5-7; Isaiah 11:2,5-6; Luke 2:13-14]. A new covenant of peace is established [Ezekiel 34:20-25; Ephesians 2:14-16; John 20:19-23; Acts 10:36].

Order of Service Easter 6 Year C

The Gathering of the People of God

CALL TO WORSHIP
May God be gracious to us and bless
us and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you. -- Psalms 67:1-3

HYMN 379 God of mercy, God of grace [Psalm 67]

PRAYER OF ADORATION
CONFESSION
For our foolish or careless use of the gifts of your creation, Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
For our indifference to the needs of others, our brothers and sisters for whom you died, Christ have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
For our neglect of fellowship and the means of grace in worship and private prayer, Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -- 1 John 1:9
Hear then Christ's word of grace to us: Your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

DOXOLOGY: Hymn 58 Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him [verses 1 and 4]

WELCOME AND GREETING EACH OTHER

Service of the Word

INTRODUCTION OF THEME: My peace I give to you
A word to the children

FIRST READING Acts 16:9-15 Paul responds to a call for help in Macedonia
PSALM 67 May God be gracious to us bless us
EPISTLE Revelation 21:10,22 to 22:5 The glory of God in the new Jerusalem
GOSPEL John 14:23-29 The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will teach you everything

HYMN SA 93 When Christ was lifted from the earth

SERMON

HYMN 310 Come down, O love divine

OFFERING AND DEDICATION
SHARING TIME [Notices, celebrations, requests for intercessions]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
for our families, friends and neighbours, and for those who are alone.
For this community, our country, and the world;
for all who work for justice, freedom and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
for those who minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
for all who proclaim the gospel, and for all seek the truth.

For the Uniting Church in Australia;
for ... , president of the Assembly,
for ... , Moderator of the Synod,
and for .... the chairperson of presbytery, and ... the presbytery minister,
for elders and members of the parish council,
and for all who hold office in this congregation;
for all who serve God in the church.

For the work of the Bible Society, the Gideons and all engaged in the distribution of the Scriptures.
For our own needs, and for others for whom you have called us to pray.
[Silence. -- The people may offer their own petition, either silently or aloud.]

Hear us, Lord
for your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of life, and especially for the gift of peace within and amongst us.
[Silence. -- The people may offer their own thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.]

We exalt you, O God our king;
and praise your name for ever and ever.

We give thanks for all those who have died in the peace of Christ, and for the promise of your eternal kingdom.
[Silence]

In Christ you have called us to eternal glory;
to you be praise for ever and ever. Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY
THE LORD'S PRAYER

The Sending Forth of the People of God

HYMN 331 Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire

WORD OF MISSION
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth -- Acts 1:8

BLESSING
DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen.

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