Only the hungry search for bread.
Only the thirsty look for water.
This is a place for those who are hungry and thirsty in spirit.
Only those who ache for meaning will pursue it.
Only those who yearn for a deeper life will seek it.
This is a place for those who ache and yearn for something more.
So let us come here today with our hunger and thirst,
our unsatisfied longings, our heart-felt yearnings,
and let the God of life satisfy our souls.
Ann Siddall
Prayer
We come believing in our emptiness,
believing that we will never have enough,
believing that what we have is unworthy.
We come fearful of sharing,
fearful of losing our tenuous grip on security,
fearful of touching and knowing the pain of others.
We come overwhelmed by the hunger,
overwhelmed by the suffering of children near and far,
overwhelmed by the endless tales of senseless violence, greed, and death.
We come aching from the weight of the responsibility,
aching from the chilling challenge of knowing our abundance,
aching from the gnawing awareness that we have much to share.
We come clinging to our meagre lunches;
bless them, and us.
break them, and us.
share them, and us.
Katherine Hawker
Song - How Great Thou Art
Chosen by Jenny Cove
One of my favourites is How Great Thou Art. I first learnt this when I was a teenager which we then performed for our Sunday school anniversary. I have loved the words and tune ever since.
Reflection - Out and About
Song - Rivers of life
Chosen by Toby Player
Toby's favourite song is Peter Burke's Rivers of Life. He often has this on his iPad and every time we walk past the river Ching, he sings the chorus to us. No one sings Rivers of Life quite like Toby!
On my walks, I have enjoyed listening to music, thanks to Amazon Prime and the link I am sending is of a song I discovered in a collection by Robin Mark. This album came up by chance one day and I have enjoyed all the worship songs, some of which were new to me. I discovered the song 'The Wonder of Your Cross' around Easter time, so the words were appropriate. However, they are relevant at any time, which is why I chose this song to share. It is an uplifting and challenging worship song, particularly the chorus, and has become a favourite of mine.
Reading - Matthew 14:13-21
Song - My Father's Heart
Chosen by Wendy Slaney
Growing up in a Salvation Army family, music was paramount and has continued to play a big part in my life. I have chosen "My Father's Heart " by Rachael Lampa for the Sunday Supplement because it brings back memories of listening to it time and time again when I was in Romania working as an Aid Worker. It was there volunteering in the orphanages with the extremely disadvantaged and poor and the gypsy communities I drew even closer to God and my faith deepened. Mother Teresa said "It's not how much we give but how much LOVE we put into giving". My love is not my own- the very least I can do is live my life in every part only to please my Father's Heart
Thought for the Week
Song - Purify my heart (Refiner’s fire)
Chosen by Phil Slaney
This song speaks to me of when going through difficult times God is refining us even though at the time we cannot see or understand. It is only by trusting God in all things and when going through the refining fire we know he is building in us strength of character.
Communion
Sharing communion as a church is not possible at present. Use this liturgy to celebrate communion at home either alone or with members of your household.
(We have been unable to get the Matter Transfer Beam working on YouTube so you'll need to provide your own bread and wine!)
Song - When I feel the touch of your hand upon my life.
Chosen by Jharna Saha
Jharna sings this song every morning.
Blessing
As you leave this place
remember that you do not go alone.
God is close at hand.
He hears the cry of all who call on His name.
He honours those who honour Him,
listening to their prayers and coming to their aid.
So go from here with joy and confidence,
to love and serve God and one another.
