WATCH:

REFLECTION:

For reflecting in your Circle, online group or on your own

How do you feel about losing the physical proximity of being with people at the moment?
In what ways have you noticed yourself being drawn to be for the people in our community and our city? Have you noticed the Holy Spirit speaking to you about others and what to offer them?
As we start walking past this first storm and into the change of season (a new normal reality of life in Covid-19 limitations), what community-life things are you sad to leave behind from a few weeks ago, and what are you excited about getting to in the future?
This time will take resilience. Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 again slowly for yourself and sit with the encouragement of patient endurance to rely on God.

LITURGY AND WORSHIP:

If you’re doing this in a group online or within your home:

First of all please refer to and follow all instructions for gathering in a heathy way in this time
Prepare communion in an appropriately safe manner prior to commencing, preferably some bread and juice/wine
Find one or two people who are willing to read aloud. Or perhaps give each person a section.
If you have someone who is willing to facilitate musical worship have them prepare. use this Spotify playlist

Suggested songs: Kia kaha; It is well with my soul (chorus); I exalt thee

If you’re doing this by yourself:

Prepare yourself some communion to take, preferably some bread and juice/wine
Still say these prayers aloud as an expression of trust that God really is in the room with you, not just ‘up there’
Prepare yourself for the readings with your Bible.

Some final preparation:

Liturgy is best practiced slowly
Light a candle if you struggle to concentrate, this is to come back to when your mind wanders as a symbol of Jesus who is the light of the world
Embrace the silence and stillness that is in new abundance in our lives
Allow for space between prayers, between lines

Be blessed as you gather and place yourself before our God

OPENING SENTENCES

(Said aloud by leader)

Almighty God,
we praise you for all you have done.
Help us with all that you want us to do.

Come Holy Creator,
and rebuild the city of Auckland
so that we do not labour in vain without you.

Come Holy Saviour,
and heal all that is broken
in our lives and in our streets.

Come, Holy Spirit,
and strengthen our essential workers with the energy and willingness
to serve our city to your honour and glory.

Amen

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

(Said aloud by leader, and together for last line of each sentence)

Lord, You have always given
bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always given
peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always kept
me safe in trials;
and now, tried as I am,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always marked
the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightened
this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always spoken
when time was ripe;
and though you be silent now,
today I believe.

WORSHIP/SCRIPTURE READINGS

(Read aloud, and if you have someone who is willing to facilitate musical worship in your home feel free to substitute the Psalm for a time of sung worship)

Old Testament - Exodus 15:13-18

Psalm 133

New Testament – 1 John 4:7-21

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS

(A free time for group intersession and prayer for our community, our land and our world)

COMMUNION

(Distribute the elements so that everyone has them in hand, then leader reads aloud)

This is the table,
not of the Church but
of Jesus Christ.

It is made ready for
those who love God
and who want to love
God more.

So come, you who
have much faith and
you who have little,

You who have been
here often and you
who have not been for
a long time or ever
before,

You who have tried to
follow and all of us
who have failed.

These are the gifts
of God for the People
of God.

Come, not because the
Church invites you;

It is Christ who
invites you to be
known and fed here.

(Take and be still)

BLESSING / BENEDICTION

(Declared aloud by leader)

May the peace of the Lord be with you,

Wherever he may have you.

May he guide you through the wilderness,

protect you through the storm.

May he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you.