WELCOME: –

GATHER AND CALL TO WORSHIP: –

We are called into this place, at this time,

to worship: God who loves us;

Christ who teaches us,

and the Holy Spirit who enables us.

Let’s be ready to respond

to the generosity of God.

Lord, fill us with expectation that:

as we worship, you will meet us;

as we worship, you will speak your words into our hearts;

as we worship, you will challenge us and change us.

Lord, we are here and we worship you.

Generous God, you are the giver of all that is good.

We are thankful that we are surrounded by your blessings.

We worship you with body, mind and spirit.

God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

you have given us far more than we ever could have imagined.

You help us see our purpose in your Creation:

to love and care for the Earth that feeds us,

to cherish the gifts we have and to love those we live alongside,

With joy and with gladness we worship you.

Amen.

You are invited to listen to or join in singing the song TiS 52  (Psalm 95)  ‘Let us sing to the God of salvation’ The words are printed below.

1.  Let us sing to the God of salvation,
   let us sing to the Lord our rock;
   let us come to his house with thanksgiving,
   let us come before the Lord and sing!

Praise our maker, praise our saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting king:
every throne must bow before him
God is Lord of everything!

• In his hand are the earth’s deepest places,
  and the strength of the hills is his;
  all the sea is the Lord’s, for he made it
  by his hand the solid rock was formed.

Praise our Maker, praise our Saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting King:
every throne must bow before him
God is Lord of everything!

• Let us worship the Lord our Maker,
  let us kneel to the Lord our God;
  for we all are the sheep of his pasture
  He will guide us by His powerful hand.

Praise our Maker, praise our Saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting King:
every throne must bow before him
God is Lord of everything!

• Let today be the time when you hear Him!
  May our hearts not be hard or cold,
  lest we stray from the Lord in rebellion
  as His people did in time of old.

Praise our Maker, praise our Saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting King:
every throne must bow before Him
God is Lord of everything!

  After Psalm 95, Venite , Richard Bewes

Responsive reading of Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40  

(from adapted GNT)

I am told…. 

Don’t be worried on account of the wicked;
don’t be jealous of those who do wrong.
They will soon disappear like grass that dries up;
they will die like plants that wither.

What should I do to overcome my worries?

Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe.
Seek your happiness in the Lord,

Give yourself to the Lord and trust in Him,

Be patient and wait for the Lord to act;

How will that help me?

He will help you and He will give you your heart’s desire.

He will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun.

Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land,
The humble will possess hidden riches and enjoy prosperity and peace.

The Lord will save you, protecting you in times of trouble.

Yes!  Because you trust Him and go to Him for protection.

What about all those people who prosper even though they ignore you and speak badly about you? How come?

Don’t be worried about others who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans.

Don’t give in to worry or anger because it only leads to trouble.

God will deal with them.  They will account for nothing and disappear forever.

Thank you, Lord for saving me and protecting me in times of trouble.
Thank you for helping me when I needed it most.

MESSAGE PART 1 

BEING PEOPLE OF GOD ENTAILS REFLECTING GOD’S GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT.

The Genesis reading the story of Joseph comes early on in the Hebrew Bible’s story of the people of God.

One of the great-grandsons of Abraham, and one of the 12 sons of Jacob, Joseph, has been sold into slavery in Egypt.  (We know this story well from our Sunday School days.)  His brothers, who were behind this, believe him to be dead.  Over several years in Egypt, Joseph has become trusted by Pharoah and is now managing the Country’s resources in the face of a severe and prolonged famine.

When his brothers arrive seeking food, they do not recognise him and, over a couple of visits, Joseph manipulates the situation until all the brothers are in his debt.  He then reveals his identity and demonstrates God’s generosity by forgiving their treatment of him.

As well as Joseph seeing his past circumstances as being used by God for good, this story of reconciliation highlights the place of choice above feeling in offering forgiveness.  It also emphasises the importance of time and process in becoming ready to forgive.

In our Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd of diverse people from a wide geographical area, all seeking teaching and healing.

Jesus, speaking directly to his Disciples, draws together the key threads that were repeated through his ministry, providing key elements of what it means to live as the people of God.

At their heart is the generosity that comes from extreme love for all, without boundaries.

From the outset, the intention was that the people of God would live differently and attract others to a relationship with God.  We see this contrast in the comparison between what is being instructed here and the behaviour of antagonists, out of step with God.  An enemy, in this context, is one who rejects or denounces those who follow Jesus.

In fact, Jesus is not suggesting anything new here.  The Hebrew Bible instructs that God’s people should ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18).  But, as with the telling of the Good Samaritan’s story a few chapters later, Jesus is providing some clarity around this and removing the misplaced perspective that this applies only to those who are ‘like me’.

‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (v.31) means all others, including foreigners and those who don’t follow God.  Being the people of God entails reflecting God’s generosity.  We need to make our own judgements about what this looks like in different situations, but these verses provide some practical examples. This behaviour is not just a nice idea, but an obligation.

When the scripture is read, listen closely to what these readings are saying to you.

We do need to acknowledge God’s generosity towards us, for it is from His love and grace we are able to reflect that spirit of generosity towards those we encounter every day.

            Listen as this modern-day psalm is sung.  In the middle of the song, not only do we acknowledge God’s goodness towards us, we celebrate the fact that He actively pursued us came “running after” us.  

We are reminded that Jesus went out to the people in need.  A good shepherd who pursued the lost sheep until it was found, a kind stranger who stopped to help, and a loving father who hitched up his robes and ran out to welcome back his wayward son.  And so, God does come running after me.

You are invited to listen to this YouTube clip.

I WILL SING OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD 

[This song is being sung by Jen Johnson.]

Don Moen

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

You call all people to respond in faith;

yet we humbly acknowledge our faltering responses:

We have not responded to your love with a full obedience;

Lord in your mercy

Our common worship, witness and service has not always set forth the word of salvation for allpeople;

Christ in your mercy

At times we have been hesitant to go forward together in sole loyalty to Christ,

the living Head of the Church;

Lord in your mercy

We have resisted your call to constant reform under your Word;

Christ in your mercy hear our prayer.  Amen.

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

This is the best of all:

When we are empty, God fills us;

when we are disheartened, God is compassionate;

when we are lost, we are found;

when we open our lives to God, no door is closed.

In Christ, through Christ and because of Christ, our sins are forgiven.

You refill the cup of our life, O God. In Christ, we find refuge, strength and hope.

Thanks be to God.

Let us in prayer prepare to hear God’s word.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Living God, help us so to hear your Word

that we may truly understand;

that, understanding, we may believe;

and believing, we may follow your way in all faithfulness,

seeking your honour and glory in all that we do.  Amen.

BIBLE READINGS

Genesis 45:3-11   

Good News Translation

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph.  Is my father still alive?”  But when his brothers heard this, they were so terrified that they could not answer.

Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.”  They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  Now, do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here.  It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people’s lives.  This is only the second year of famine in the land; there will be five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor reaping.  God sent me ahead of you to rescue you in this amazing way and to make sure that you and your descendants survive.

So, it was not really you who sent me here, but God.  He has made me the King’s highest official.  I am in charge of his whole country; I am the ruler of all Egypt.

“Now hurry back to my father and tell him that this is what his son Joseph says: ‘God has made me ruler of all Egypt; come to me without delay.  You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your sheep, your goats, your cattle, and everything else that you have.  If you are in Goshen, I can take care of you.  There will still be five years of famine; and I do not want you, your family, and your livestock to starve.’”

………..Then, still weeping, he embraced each of his brothers and kissed them.  After that, his brothers began to talk with him.

This is the Word of God.

Praise to you Almighty God.

Luke 6:27-38

Love for Enemies

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.  If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well.  Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back.  Do for others just what you want them to do for you.

“If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them!  And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing?  Even sinners do that!  And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you receive a blessing?  Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount!  No!  Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back.  You will then have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God.  For He is good to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

“Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you.  Give to others, and God will give to you.  Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all that you can hold.  The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”

This is the Gospel of our Lord.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us express thankful hearts as we sing

You are invited to listen to or join in singing the song ‘Now Thank We All Our God ‘

Martin Rinkart

translated by Catherine Winkworth

MESSAGE PART 2

Over the ages many have gone to the psalms for a reference to create new songs and verse.

Sometimes the psalms are rewritten to a new tune and to make the words relevant to the context, culture and the day.

Sometimes a whole psalm is reworded.  When lost for words sickness and bereavement we may draw comfort Psalm 23 which allows us to express our inner most feelings, leading us out of grief to praise and thanksgiving, even while experiencing the worst.

Psalm 23 is a good example.  We no doubt could sing without accompanying music.

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
in pastures green; he leadeth me
the quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again,
and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness,
e’en for His own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale,
yet will I fear no ill;
for thou art with me; and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes;
my head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me;
and in God’s house forever more
my dwelling place shall be.

Scottish Psalter circa 1650

Sometimes a single verse provides the inspiration for something totally new.  The chorus “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days all the days of my life.” is familiar to us all.

Responding to the tragic loss of his family, in his grief Horatio Spafford wrote  “It is well with my soul.”

The memorable words of Jesus on the cross from Psalm 22 tells us we are not alone.

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
² My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.  (Matthew 27: 46) 

We will no doubt experience difficult times for we are not immune from suffering, but God’s strength and encouragement will help us through.

Psalm 91:5 says,

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”.

This verse uses the imagery of arrows to represent threats and dangers, assuring believers that God’s protection will shield them from harm.

My mother, Desley, was in hospital diagnosed with inoperable ovarian cancer when a young woman sharing the ward for a short while read this psalm to her.  They were words of comfort when her own words could not be found. 

Sometimes the psalms express remorse providing words for when our words won’t come.

In psalm 51 we find the words ,

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

And, as a final example of many, Psalm 139 points out that most intimate relationship we have with God.

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting

God has come “running” after me and I take courage and comfort that I am always “in the palm of his hand”.  I know he has protected me.

There have been times when I have been lost and alone and God has sorted me out.  I believe that my best beloved, Liz, is a gift from God.

There have been times when I have been given the confidence when I doubted in my own ability. 

How do we express our thanks and praise?

How do we respond to God’s care and keeping?

We Aussies, on the whole, are not really good at expressing ourselves

enthusiastically in a demonstrative way.  We would have difficulty dancing before the Lord as did David.  Maybe we have difficulty in putting our thoughts on paper.  Maybe we should try.

Something to try ….

In a handout at the end of this post, is the basic structure for a psalm, verse or song.  The opening and closing lines come from the psalms.  Using the prompts fill in the missing lines and turn your psalm into a personal expression by you.  There are no wrong answers, and the notes only have to give meaning to yourself.  There is no pressure to share what you have written, but maybe you’d like the opportunity.

If you would rather not write, then turn over the sheet and read the excerpts verses from Psalm 139 and try committing those words to memory.

Not all of us respond to God’s love and calling in this way, but as we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, we can respond according to our gifts, talents, nature and personality.

The words of psalms maybe an encouragement or source of comfort, but Jesus calls us to be his people wherever we may be.

We love because God first loved us.  (1 John 4: 19) 

OFFERTORY 

Our freewill offering will now be received.

DEDICATION OF OFFERING

For the wondrous gift of life, we are thankful, O God.  Your generous outpouring of grace reminds us of the fruitful life we are called to bear.  May these gifts of time and labour, therefore, embody our desire to share and contribute to your coming reign among us.

As we offer our treasure and hearts to you, O God, may they be used to pass on the promise of hope, of peace, of life, of community to all in need of your gifts and presence in their lives.  Amen.

INTERCESSION PRAYER FROM THE HEART

Loving Lord, you bid us love one another; the good and the bad.  Joseph did not seek revenge on his brothers but forgave them for doing him wrong.  We pray for those who have wronged us.  May we measure with love not judgement.  Lord, fill all with the measure of your love.  Amen.

(In place of our normal responsive prayer, you are invited to join in the song in this YouTube clip).

 Leaning In

by Christopher Grundy

Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your Kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

for the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and forever.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to or join in singing the song  TIS 147  ‘To God be the glory’

To God Be the Glory is a hymn with lyrics by Francis Jane van Alstyne and a tune by William Howard Doane, first published in 1875.

Francis Jane van Alstyne

SENDING OUT       

Paul writes at the end of his letter to the Philippians,

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.”

BENEDICTION

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  May this divine presence of his grace love and fellowship, reform, renew and release us to live lives in which people see and experience grace love and fellowship.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to or join in singing the Benediction Song

Now unto Him who is able to keep.

Able to keep you from falling

And present you faultless in the presence of his glory

With exceeding joy.

To the only wise God our Saviour

Be glory and majesty.

Dominion and power both now and forever.  Amen.

Olive Wood

GOING OUT MUSIC  

WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR – “Dancing to the beat of your love.”

MY PSALM FOR TODAY

Make this psalm personal by filling in the blank spaces

I shout for joy to the Lord

I worship the Lord with gladness

And come before him with joyful songs

I know the Lord showed me how to trust him as …..

I know the Lord comforted me when ….

I know the Lord kept me safe when ….

I know the Lord richly blessed me with …..

I know the Lord will help me to ….

I know that the Lord gives me wisdom to ….

Yes! I know the Lord is good

And his love endures forever.

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

PSALM 139

Here are a few verses.  Find the whole psalm in your Bible and read it through carefully.

1. You have searched me, Lord,
       and you know me.
   ² You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.
   ³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.
   
   

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.