1

SPIRIT OF LIFEVU 381

2

Spirit of Life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion. Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand,

3

Giving life the shape of justice. Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

4

It is a sacred time, this. And a sacred place, this. A place for questions more profound than answers; vulnerability more powerful than strength; and a peace that can pass all understanding. It is a sacred time, this. 5

May this flame remind us of the light of wisdom. May the warmth of its glow remind us of the warmth of God's everlasting love. For gathering today in this sacred space, we light the flame.

6

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

VU 220

7

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation; O my soul, praise him, at all times your health and salvation. Come, all who hear: brothers and sisters draw near, joining in glad adoration.

8

Praise to the Lord, above all things so mightily reigning, keeping us safe at his side, and so gently sustaining. Have you not seen how all you needed has been met by God’s gracious ordaining.

9

Praise to the Lord who will prosper our work and defend us; surely his goodness and mercy all daily attend us: ponder anew what the Almighty can do, who out of love will befriend us.

10

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath come now with praises before him! Let the Amen sound from God’s people again: gladly with praise we adore him.

11

God of surprises, startle us with truth we do not see, amaze us with your power and grace, beckon us, and lead us far above restricted hope and narrow faith. May it be so with us. 12

13

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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

14

as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thineis the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

15

16

John said to Jesus, 'We saw someone who is not one of us casting out devils in your name, and because the person was not one of us, we forbad it.'

17

But Jesus said, 'You must not forbid it: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

18

'If any give you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, they will most certainly not lose their reward.

19

'But any who are an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round their neck...

20

'Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.'

21

22

23

24

25

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you.

26

Neighbours are rich and poor, varied in colour and race, neighbours are near and far away.

27

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you.

28

In a world so full of what is wonderful, ever changing, ever surprising us with life’s power and beauty, may we accept with gratitude, all that gladdens us, and with fortitude all that brings us grief. Let there be learning always, from all that we see and do, and from all that happens to us.

29

Walk with MeVU 649

30

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

31

When Moses heard the call of God he said, “Lord, don’t send me.” But God told Moses, “You’re the one to set my people free.”

32

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

33

Now Peter was a most unlikely man to lead the flock, but Jesus knew his holiness and he became the Rock.

34

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

35

Young Mary Magdalene was sure her life could be much more, and by her faith she dared to let God’s love unlock the door.

36

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

37

And when you share your faith with me and work for life made new, the witness of your faithfulness calls me to walk with you.

38

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

39

May God shield you in every steep place, May Christ Jesus steady us on every rough path, and may the Holy Spirit go with us through every dark pass. both now and forevermore. Amen.

40

41