(All our songs this morning are from Singing the Faith (StF) numbers will be given where available)
Welcome to our Sunday Service, today shared on paper across our circuit and with the congregation at Bolton Methodist Church led by Rev Lisa Quarmby, our new Circuit Minister.
Click on the blue links to follow them for bible readings and associated links
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4 verse 8)
This is our key verse today as we worship together in church and in our own homes. I shall be worshipping and leading Holy Communion with our church family at Bolton Methodist Church, so please hold our friends there in your prayers now and in the week ahead.
Call to Worship
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115 verse 1)
Song – StF 364 – O for a thousand tongues to sing
Prayers of adoration, confession and the Lord’s Prayer
Let’s take a moment to be quiet and let God speak to us in our hearts and minds…
(Pause for a minute.)
Thank you, loving God, for all the good things we have received from you today – the shelter of our homes, food on our table, fresh water from the tap, family, friends and neighbours we share our lives with, for the freedom to worship in church and at home…
Thank you that no matter where we are – you are with us, gathered together, or at home in our own living rooms…
Thank you most of all today for Jesus – our Saviour, friend and companion through life.
Forgive us the times when we have spoken and hurt others by our words…
When we have failed to do good because we have ignored your call or forgotten – we say sorry and openly repent.
(Take a moment to quietly ask God for forgiveness.)
When we repent and turn back to you, you offer us the grace of your forgiveness and a new beginning today – so we come as one Church Family and pray in the way Jesus taught us, as we say the Lord’s Prayer:
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.
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 – StF 242 – A new commandment I give unto you
Reading
Song – StF 707 – Make me a channel of your peace
Sermon: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” (James 4 verse 8)
This is the key verse for our thinking today – to draw near to God so we know God’s plans for us and can do His will. So here are just a few seed thoughts to start your exploration of the lectionary readings for this Sunday from James and the Gospel of Mark.
Last week, we were considering the careful use of our tongues: like the rudder of a ship, they steer us, and we need to use them to share the love of God, the Gospel of Acceptance and Welcome, rather than to gossip… Grace, not gossip!
Today, we think of how we are to live with each other – conflicts and disputes put aside… easier said than done, I know! We are all different and won’t always agree; and that is okay, but it is how we share our differing views and way of living that is key here.
We are not called to judge, condemn, or exclude another for thinking differently to us – we are a diverse lot, the People of God! But there is unity in our diversity, as the theologian James Dunn has said. The unity comes in our core belief that Jesus lived, loved, and died; and through that death, has given us life eternal. We are new creations, loved and precious to God.
Our differences can be sublimated because we hold this in common. That means in life, and in our meetings together, we might not always see eye to eye – but that’s alright – we listen to each other in love, we share our opinions and we find a way forward in Peace. This is a Peace that sometimes has to live with conflicting stances and understandings; but in God’s grace, is still the Peace of one body, one family. The closer we draw near to God, the more able we will be able to do this – putting aside our own needs sometimes to accommodate others.
James, when he was writing, was aware of the disputes that were present amongst the beliefs of that time; but he tells his readers/listeners to not them distract from the Gospel. I wonder what might distract us today from ‘drawing nearer to God’ as individuals, or as a church?
- Possibly the worry of an old building, or an ageing congregation?
- Maybe the decline in Sunday worship?
- Or how is our church going to pay its next Circuit assessment…?
These are important, of course, and we are right to be concerned and ask God to show us His plans; but – and there is always a But! – do not let these matters distract you from God’s plan to see you, and to see the church truly – good plans to see you succeed, as the prophet Jeremiah tells us.
Disputes and conflicts can stop us from having “friendship with the world” (which is the title given to this chapter of James’s letter). And dare I say, we can all fall prey to that distraction – even the first disciples did, wanting to know who was going to be the most favoured by Jesus!
We are ALL called to each be servants of one another: ready to be last, and to let others have the best seat at the table or in the Kingdom. Are we prepared to come like a child, full of wonder, questions, openness, joy, and simplicity (and yet in that simplicity, depth) – willing to receive and share? If not, why not? “The kingdom belongs to such as these”. We are not called to be childish, but to be childlike – not to be like Peter Pan in our faith journey, never wanting to grow up and let our faith develop deeper; no, we come as children with open hearts and minds, willing to listen and learn – and we are never too old for that!
That open welcome of God that “draws near to us” and gives us the example for us to follow – to “draw near to God” and to each other: disputes put aside, quarrels ceasing, wars ended – Love conquering all! Amen.
Song – StF 661 – Give me the faith
Prayers of intercession:
In the quiet, I invite you to ask God to help you to pray His prayers. What is God wanting you to put on your heart today?
Consider the world and pray for its peace, for all people…
Consider the city of Bradford and pray for the people here…
Think of family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and school friends who need prayer today…
Give thanks for those who have died and for all who mourn the loss of a loved one…
Finally, pray for yourself and ask God to give you what you need today and during the week ahead…
Wonderful and generous God, hear all the prayers we have made; and bring your answer, in your time, in your way – Amen.
Song – StF 323 – I will sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me
Blessing
The Lord bless and keep you today and always in His love; in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Food for the week ahead
When you find yourself at odds with someone else, try to think what would help you to understand the other person’s opinion and feelings; and how you can help them begin to understand your own – calmly, lovingly. God bless you all! Rev Lisa.
