THE UNITED CHURCH IN
JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS
Convenes
The Thirty-Ninth Synod
“Synod 2015”
Monday, April 20 – Thursday, April 23, 2015
Worship Booklet
Ridgemount United Church
and Kendal Camp and Conference Centre
Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica
Synodical Theme:
“Renewal and Transformation: Discipleship for LIFE”
Motif: “Blessed is the Tree of God’s Church”
A Production of
The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
12 Carlton Crescent, Kingston 10, Jamaica W.I.
Tel: (876) 926 - 6059 Fax: (876) 929 - 0826
Website: www.ucjci.com  E-mail: synod@ucjci.com
A Proclamation of Blessedness:
“Blessed is the Church who does not walk in the counsel of the idle, or stand in the way of the reactionaries, or sit
in the pews of skeptics and cynics.
But her delight is in the law of the Lord – the law of fruitfulness and productivity – and on God’s law she meditates day
and night.
She is like a tree, planted by the river of God’s grace, yielding
fruit in season and out of season. She is a ‘tree of life’ and her
leaves are for the healing of the nations.
Blessed are the fruitful branches gathered here today: your
leaves will never wither and whatever you do will prosper.”
A Restatement of the Ancient Psalm by Ralph A. Hoyte
36
Liturgists/Celebrants
Notes...
The Moderator of Synod
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Yvette Noble-Bloomfield
The Moderator Elect Rev. L. Christopher Mason
The General Secretary
Rev. Norbert D. Stephens
Regional Deputy Secretaries:
Mrs. Rose Wedderburn, SRMC
Rev. Dr. Henroy Samuels, NERMC
Mrs. Mauleen Henry, WRMC
Mr. Bryan Bothwell, CIRMC
Chairpersons of Council:
Rev. Dr. Gordon Cowans, SRMC
Rev. Donald Williams, NERMC
Mr. Carlton Senior, WRMC
Ms.. Angela Martins, CIRMC
Chief Usher:
Rev. Gary Harriott,
Interim Minister, Bryce Charge
Liturgists
Rev. Sadekie Lyttle-Forbes
Rev. Dave Hazle, Elmslie United Church, CIRMC
Bible Bearer:
Mr. Phillip Vassell, Elmslie United Church, CIRMC
Ushers:
Ridgemount and Andrews
United Churches
Choir:
Portmore United Church
Musicians:
Organ:
Keyboard:
Piano:
Mr. Winston Ewart
Ms. Kamla Hamilton
Mrs. Pamella DaCosta-Pinto
Conga :
Rev. Joel Downer
Director of Music:
Rev. Dr. Ralph Hoyte
Cantor:
Ms. Joan Jonas
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35
Benediction: Go with us, spirit of wisdom, as we leave this
place of refreshment;
Baptize us with the waters of peace;
Anoint us with the oil of justice;
Feed us with the manna of solidarity,
For now the service begins! (Peggy L. Halsey)
Order of Celebration
Instrumental Prelude
Drum Call:
Finalé
The Rhythm of Life: the Rhythm of Assent & Agreement
Yes, Lord, yes! To your will and to your way;
Yes, Lord, yes! I will trust you and obey.
When your Spirit speaks to me,
With my whole heart I’ll agree,
And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes!
Words & Music: Lynn Keesecker.
The Beginning!
The Processional:
(Procession of Bible, Delegates, Ministry Students, Interns,
Commissioned Ministers, Lay Pastors, Ministers, Regional
Chairs, RDGSs, Former Moderators, General Secretary and
Moderator)
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart,
I will enter His courts with praise;
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made;”
I will rejoice, for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad;
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Words & Music: Leona van Brethorst
Colour Party: Cadet Corps- Knox College, SRMC
National Anthems: Cayman Islands & Jamaica
The Proclamation of “Blessedness” (see front cover)
Invitation to Worship & Celebration:
Jesus comes! Let all adore Him!
Lord of mercy, love and truth;
Now prepare the way before Him,
Make the rugged places smooth.
Through the desert mark His road,
Make a highway for our God.
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Jesus comes! Reward is with Him,
Let the valleys all be raised;
God’s great glory now revealing,
As the mountains are abased.
Lift thy voice and greet the Lord,
Cry to Zion: see thy God!
3
Jesus comes! The Christ is marching
Through the places waste and wild;
He His kingdom is enlarging
Where no verdure ever smiled.
Soon the desert will be glad,
And with beauty shall be clad.
Jesus comes! Where thorns have flourished,
Trees shall now be seen to grow;
Stablished by the Lord and nourished,
Strong and fair and fruitful too.
They shall rise on every side,
Spread their branches far and wide.
Jesus comes! From barren mountains
Rivers shall begin to flow;
There the Lord will open fountains
And supply the plains below.
As He passes, every land
Shall acclaim His powerful hand.
Words: Thomas Kelly, alt. Tune: “Ottawa”
Litany of Renewal and Transformation:
The Prayers of the Church
Liturgist:
Female Voices:
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Lord, our God Almighty, Transformer
and Creator: Your image is seen in the
faces of men and women, gathered
before You with pleas of despair and
with hearts filled with hope.
Gracious God, Your church has
experienced the pangs of birth, and its
infancy on the shores of the Caribbean.
Be with Your church as it continues its
growth across the world and into adulthood and full unity.
– his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
The Manifesto for Renewal
- declared by Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
The Moment of Truth:
The Rhythm of Resolution & Revolution
Hymn of commitment:
Summoned by the God who made us rich in our
diversity;
Gathered in the Name of Jesus, richer still in unity:
Refrain:
Let us bring the gifts that differ, and in
splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, one in faith
and love and praise.
Radiant, risen from the water, robed in holiness and light;
Male and female in God’s image; male and female, God’s
delight:
(Refrain)
Trust the goodness of creation, trust the spirit strong within;
Dare to dream the vision promised, sprung from seed or what
has been:
(Refrain)
Bring the hopes of every nation, bring the art of every race;
Weave a song of peace and justice; let it sound through time
and space:
(Refrain)
Draw together at one table, all the human family;
Shape a circle ever wider, and a people every free:
(Refrain)
Words: Dolores Dufner; Tune: “Nettleton”
Prayer of Consecration
Passing the Peace (Shalom & Fare-well)
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1.
Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Refrain:
2.
3.
O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light,
And where there’s sadness, bring your joy.
Make me a channel of your peace:
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
Words attr. To St. Francis; Music: Sebastian Temple
The Rhythm of Life: Rhythm of Renewal
Our life has its seasons, and God has the reasons
Why spring follows winter, and new leaves
grow,
For there’s a connection with our resurrection
That flowers will bud after frost and snow.
So there’s never a time to stop believing;
There’s never a time for hope to die;
There’s never a time to stop loving:
These three things go on. (Words: Shirley E. Murray)
The Mandate: (“Renewal and Transformation”)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
Transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
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Male Voices:
We pray for Your gift of transformation.
Revive in us a spirit of community.
Mould our thoughts into ones of love.
Instill in us a sense of Your peace and
reconciliation.
Synod Delegates:
Give us the courage and resilience to
accept transformation for ourselves and
for others: for the ones who suffer and
those who inflict suffering; for the
victims and the perpetrators, and for all
Your people.
All Voices:
In a world filled with violence and
hatred, give us the courage to sow love
and harmony; in a world rampant with
discrimination and inequity, grow
among us the seeds of unity and the
foresight to see and resolve our
divisions. Prepare our hearts and minds
to reap Your harvest.
Litany from the World Council of Churches.
The Lord’s Prayer (Spoken)
Invitation to Fellowship and Solidarity
Chorus:
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken;
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together,
O bind us together with love.
We are the family of God, we are the promise divine;
We are God’s chosen desire, we are the glorious new
wine.
Words & Music: Bob Gillman
5
Welcome and Greetings: Rev. Norbert D. Stephens
Musical Ministry
- Knox College “The Tree Song”
The Ministry of the Word
Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will
grow like a cedar in Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord.
They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear
fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming,
“The Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no wickedness
in Him’.”
1. Isaiah 35: 1-10
2. St. Matthew 28: 16-20
Mrs. Evelyn Jones President General, UCWF
Mr. Stanford Davis Secretary General, UCMF
Hymn of Meditation:
The Lord of earth and sky,
The God of ages, praise;
Who reigns enthroned on high
Ancient of endless days.
Who lengthens out our trials here,
And spares us yet another year.
Though storms may dim our view,
The rain makes rainbows too;
In Christ, God gives us hope.
Christ crucified is raised:
Let God be greatly praised!
We do abound in hope!
When lives are turned around,
When one who’s lost is found,
Our hearts leap up in hope.
Good news is here for all,
In measures great and small;
Praise God! Abound in hope!
Words: Jane Parker Huber; Tune: “Laudes Domini”
Barren and withered trees,
We cumbered long the ground;
No fruits of holiness
On our dead souls were found;
Yet He doth us in mercy spare
Another and another year.
Jesus, Thy speaking blood
From God obtained the grace;
Who therefore hath bestowed
On us a longer space.
Thou didst in our behalf appear
And, lo! We see another year.
In Christ, God gives us hope.
For in the midst of dark
Shines love’s redeeming spark,
So we abound in hope.
When evil rules the day,
Can we in conscience say,
“We still abound in hope?”
Yes, pain that’s ours to bear
Is eased when others share,
So we abound in hope.
The Epistle: Philippians 4:4-8
“Finally, brothers and sisters (disciples), 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.” (vs. 8)
The Rebirth of Love:
“We know that we have passed from death to life,
because we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who does not
love remains in death.”
- 1 John 3:14)
6
31
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to
you.
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes
from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the
Lord in the land of the living.
How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift
up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will
fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his
people.
The Rhythm of Life: Rhythm of ReBirth
The Rebirth of Faith:
I believe for ev’ry drop of rain that falls, a flower
grows;
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle
glows;
I believe for ev’ryone who goes astray, someone will
come to show the way – I believe! I believe!
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still
be heard;
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears
ev’ry word;
Ev’rytime I hear a new-born baby cry, or touch a leaf,
or see the sky,
Then I know why I believe!
Words & Music: Ervin Drake; Irvin Graham; Jimmy Shirl; Al Stillman
The Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on
the road and opened the scriptures to us?” (vs. 32)
The Rebirth of Hope:
“Never forget that God is able to lift you from the fatigue
of despair to the buoyancy of hope.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Hymn of Meditation & Reflection:
Though doubt confronts belief,
And fear has no relief;
Then dig about our root,
Break up the fallow ground;
And let our gracious fruit
To Thy great praise abound.
O let us all Thy praise declare,
And fruit unto perfection bear!
Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: “Darwall’s 148th”
Sermon:
Rev. Dr. Yvette Noble-Bloomfield, Moderator
Response:
The Reality of Renewal and Transformation
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.
Chorus:
Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need;
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honour Thy word.
There shall be showers of blessing:
O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
Words: Daniel W. Whittle; Tune: “Showers of Blessing”
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7
Offertory: (Instrumental Interlude)
2.
The right hand of God is pointing in our land,
Pointing the way we must go;
So clouded is the way, so easily we stray,
But we’re guided by the right hand of God.
3.
The right hand of God is striking in our land,
Striking out at envy, hate and greed;
Our selfishness and lust, our pride and deeds unjust
Are destroyed by the right hand of God.
4.
The right hand of God is lifting in our land,
Lifting the fallen one by one;
Each one is known by name, and rescued now from
shame,
By the lifting of the right hand of God.
5.
The right hand of God is healing in our land,
Healing broken bodies, minds and souls;
So wondrous is its touch with love that means so
much,
When we’re healed by the right hand of God.
Dedication of Offering: Mr. Alex Hayden, President UCYPF
Prayers of Thanksgiving & Intercession:
Rev. Dr. Gordon Evans, Retired Minister
Selection:
Portmore United Church Choir
Synod Constitutes
Roll call
Tabling of Moderator’s Response
The Call of the New Moderator
The Ceremony of Induction
Prayer of Consecration/The Aaronic Blessing
The Moderator’s Response:
The Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
6. The right hand of God is planting in our land,
Planting seeds of freedom, hope, and love.
In these Caribbean lands, let His people all join hands,
And be one with the right hand of God.
Greetings to the Synod:
Mr. Lyden D. Trevor Heaven,
Acting Custos of Manchester
Words: Patrick Prescod; Music: Noel Dexter
Announcements/Instructions: Mrs. Rose Wedderburn
Finalé
“You will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the
mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all
the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thorns of decadence, there will grow the tree of
life (the “Lignum Vitae”); instead of the briers of monotony
and boredom, the tree of Renewal and Transformation will
flourish.”
- cf Isaiah 55:12, 13
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A Psalm of Celebration: Psalm 116:1-14
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; he heard my cry for
mercy.
Because He turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long
as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of
the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and
sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord,
save me!”
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of
compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted;
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Musician
Cantor:
Mrs. Mauleen Henry
Mrs. Pamela Dacosta-Pinto
Mrs. Esther Mighty
Order of Celebration
Prologue/Proclamation:
Because You live, O Christ, the garden of the world has
come to flower;
The shadows of the tomb are flooded with Your
resurrection power.
Lord I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Know my help is coming from you.
Your peace You give me in time of the storm;
You are the source of my strength;
You are the strength of my life;
I lift my hands in total praise to you.
Amen, etc.
Words & Music: Richard Smallwood
Benediction: Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
Recessional (Instrumental Postlude)
Because You live, O Christ, the spirit bird of hope is
freed for flying;
Our cages of despair no longer keep us closed and
life-denying.
Because You love, O Christ, the rainbow of Your peace
will span creation;
The colors of Your love will draw all humankind to
adoration!
(Words: Shirley Erena Murray)
Introit:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
Words: Gloria Gaither
The Rhythm of Life: The Rhythm of Praise!
“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)
Hymn of Celebration:
1.
The right hand of God is writing in our land,
Writing with power and with love;
Our conflicts and our fears; our triumphs and our tears
Are recorded by the right hand of God.
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THE UNITED CHURCH IN
JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS
THE THIRTY-NINTH SYNOD
“SYNOD 2015”
THE UNITED CHURCH IN
JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS
THE THIRTY-NINTH SYNOD
“SYNOD 2015”
CELEBRATION OF LIFE & WITNESS
MONDAY, APRIL 20 – THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015
Tuesday April 21, 2015
8:00 a.m.
Kendal Camp and Conference Centre
CLOSING SERVICE: THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015
Kendal Camp and Conference Centre
A Disciple’s Prayer
Since the Evening of Life will soon close, while I live, may I
justly incline
To diffuse peace of heart among those, Whose lives may be
guided by mine!
To Christ may I lead them to own the charms of His tender
control, and with gratitude gaze on His throne; whom to serve is
the joy of the soul!
- William Hayley
Synodical Theme:
“Renewal and Transformation: Discipleship for LIFE”
Today’s Motif:
“The Rhythm of Life: Rebirth and Renewal”
For our Reflection:
“…This belief that God is on the side of truth and justice comes
down to us from the long tradition of our Christian faith.
There is something at the very center of our faith which reminds us that Good Friday may reign for a day, but ultimately
it must give way to the triumphant beat of the Easter
drums…”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Liturgists:
Rev. Nigel Pusey [NERMC]
Rev. Tara Tyme-Campbell, John Gray
Memorial [CIRMC]
Musician:
Mrs. Pamela DaCosta-Pinto
Cantor:
Mrs. Esther Mighty
Moderator of Synod:
Moderator:
Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
General Secretary: Rev. Norbert D. Stephens
General Secretary: Rev. Norbert D. Stephens
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Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
Liturgists/Celebrants: Rev. Dr. Ralph Hoyte
Rev. Astor Carlyle
27
Musical Prelude
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.
(Richard Bewes from Psalm 95)
Morning Prayer [responsive]
Leader: O Love that encircles us, that calls us to prayer, and that
invites us to discipleship be ever with us and guide our paths
People: O love that wearies not when we fail that rejoices
when one life is changed, receive our thoughts and prayers
this day
Leader: Nourish us, we pray, with the strength of your love,
enrich our lives with deeds done for others, and revive us from an
impoverished prayer life.
All: We give you thanks for this morning as we call upon You
in the name of Jesus. Amen
Community Prayer
You are gardener, God, we are the soil. Make us of new earth.
Cultivate the rows of the field and plant in us seeds of LIFE.
Rise up early to spade and hoe, to mulch and weed. Rain on us
in the morning and shine the sun in the afternoon. Send your
roots deep beside the living water, and nurture the new life—
the tender shoots of faithfulness, the spreading vines of
community, the budding sprouts of goodness and kindness,
patience and generosity.
We hear your promise: a tree of life will rise up from us, and
beneath its branches we will find common ground. The leaves
of the tree will not wither in the heat nor dry up in times of
drought. The fruits of the Spirit will ripen and hand heavy. A
harvest will come, the people will be fed by love and by joy,
and the produce will yield enough to share. Amen.
[Christina Braudaway-Bauman, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA]
Scripture Reading: Pastor Emeralla Forde
Seaton/Mt. Regale, NERMC
Lighting of Community Candle
Chorus: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet”
Call to Worship
Leader:
Who will revere Yahweh and who will tell what
God has done?
All:
Here am I, God, send me!
Leader:
Who will pray for integrity and the liberty of
our spirits?
All:
Here am I, God, send me! Who will praise the
Holy name of God and who will promise to put
God first?
All:
Here am I, God, send me!
Bible Study: Rev. Donovan Myers, Savannah United Church
CIRMC
Closing Prayer & Benediction: Moderator
All:
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You have heard our vows, O Holy God, to serve
and to honour you everyday, mindful and
thankful for the blessings you reserve for those
who praise your name.
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Opening Hymn: “Together we gather united in Praise”
BIBLE STUDY
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015
[Tune: “To God be the Glory”]
Together we gather, united in praise.
We’re children of promise and sealed by God’s grace.
Transformed by the Spirit, renewed in our minds,
To God, our Sustainer, our voices combine.
Liturgist:
Musician:
Cantor:
Sing aloud, let’s proclaim, we’re the people of God!
We believe; we are free; we are cleansed by His blood!
Good news of salvation’s the theme of our song:
“There’s LIFE in Christ Jesus, God’s only true Son.”
Rev. Louis Sully [CIMC]
Mrs. Pamela DaCosta-Pinto
Rev. Gary Harriott
Gathering Song: “This is the day”
Call to Worship
Leader:
We gather on a day like any other day.
All:
We gather on a day unlike any other day.
Leader:
Come, brothers and sisters in Christ, touch and feel
and taste and smell the sacred in this day.
All:
For this is the day which our Creator God has
made; Let us rejoice and be oh, so glad, in it!
Consider the kindness and mercy of God
Who sent us His Son through the gift of the Word.
For all who believe Him, new life they receive;
This message, go tell it, that others will live!
Speak up! Speak for LIBERTY - Christ paid the price.
Let all of creation in Him find a voice.
Break the cords of oppression, of hatred, and blight.
Through deeds of INTEGRITY, shine forth your light.
Morning Hymn: Let us sing to the God of Salvation
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!
Our FAITH and dependence on God is our shield
Our paths He will trace, and our way He will lead.
Go guard our ENVIRONMENT; stewards are we.
As new LIFE unfolds, it will be Jubilee.
Chorus: Praise our Maker, praise our Saviour,
Praise the Lord our everlasting King.
Every throne must bow before Him
God is Lord of everything!
We dare not be daunted; we dare not turn back
With Christ as our Banner, what then do we lack?
We’ll work for the kingdom; we’ll work hand in hand
Christ Jesus has called us, United we stand.
(Rachel Ellis, 2013)
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Rev. Delroy Johnson, Discovery Bay Charge, WRMC
Lord’s Prayer: “Kum By Yah“ Version
12
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 hands the dry land was formed.
Let us worship the Lord our Maker,
Let us worship the Lord our God;
For we all are the sheep of His pasture,
He will guide us by His powerful hand.
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Corporate Morning Prayer:
For all that is new, tender, growing in our lives, Amazing Creator,
provide nourishment. Give us courage as we stretch toward that
which you are creating new in our lives. Walk with us as we learn
to live in the unexpected places you are preparing for us. Light in
us the fire of your love and help us to answer your call to serve
your people. We pray for all that is new, tender, growing in your
people gathered here this day.
Scripture Reading: Rev. Richard Lealofi, Askenish Charge,
WRMC
Father God in heaven, Lord Most High:
Hear Your children’s prayer, Lord Most High:
Hallowed be Your name, Lord Most High
O Lord hear our prayer.
May Your kingdom come Here on earth;
May Your will be done Here on earth,
As it is in heaven So on earth
O Lord, hear our prayer.
Give us daily bread Day by day,
And forgive our sins Day by day
As we too forgive Day by day
O Lord, hear our prayer.
Chorus: Open our eyes Lord
Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch him and say that we love him
Open our ears Lord and help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord, we want to see Jesus.
Lead us in Your way, Make us strong;
When temptations come Make us strong;
Save us from all sin, Keep us strong
O Lord, hear our prayer.
Bible Study: Rev. Donovan Myers, Savannah United Church,
CIRMC
Hymn: “Always Rejoicing, Ceaselessly Praying” [verses 2 & 4]
This is God’s purpose, faith’s expectation
Promised in Jesus, sealed by the cross:
Joy that surpasses grief and elation:
Hope that outreaches sorrow and loss
Holy, Eternal, Love that creates us;
Holy in Jesus, Love crucified;
Holy as Spirit, Love that perfects us:
Lord, we adore you, love glorified.
Closing Prayer & Benediction: Moderator
All things come from You, All are Yours:
Kingdom, glory, power, All are Yours;
Take our lives and gifts, All are Yours
O Lord, hear our prayer.
Assurance of Pardon
The good news is that Christ the Gardener calls us to a new life of
fruitfulness, and enables us to bear again and again and again and
again.
Leader:
Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
People:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Welcome and Greeting: Rev. Norbert D. Stephens,
General Secretary, UCJCI
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Song: “Ancient Words” (verse 1)
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
BIBLE STUDY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015
Liturgist:
Musician:
Cantor:
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
Gathering Chorus: “I will enter His Gates”
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Scripture Readings:
(But) blessed is the man (woman) who trusts in the Lord, whose
confidence is in Him. He/she will be like a tree planted by the
water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when
heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a
year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17: 7, 8
1. 1 Kings 19: 15-23 Pastor Grace Lyttle-Gordon,
Lay Pastor, Mt Zion Charge, WRMC
2. 1 Peter 4: 7-11
Mr. Dudley Spencer,
Elder, Mt. Olivet United Church, SRMC
Song cont’d: “Ancient words” (verse 2)
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Miss Claire Trueman
Mrs. Pamela Dacosta-Pinto
Rev. Nigel Pusey
Call to Worship
Leader:
Here we are Lord, Your creatures standing before
You.
All:
Gathered together to praise You and worship You.
Leader:
This is Your day Father and we thank you for
giving this day to all of us.
All:
Help us to always remember that each day is a
blessing and a gift from You for we are not owed
anything from You.
Leader:
Be with us in our midst and let us feel Your breath
upon our faces.
All:
And hold us close to You each day of our lives.
Amen.
Hymn: “Always Rejoicing, Ceaselessly Praying”
[Tune: Morning has broken”]
Always rejoicing, ceaselessly praying,
Constantly thankful, voicing our praise
Sharing the joy that fathoms all grieving
Glad in the hope that lightens dark ways
Strong in the Spirit, facing earth’s darkness
We will inherit, peace at God’s side
Made by love’s mercy, holy and blameless
Risen, rejoicing, with Christ who died
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We have heard the Macedonian call today,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a golden offering at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!
Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a Christlike spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Chorus [x2]
Sermon: Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
Our Response: “I The Lord of Sea and Sky”
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
I who made the stars and night
I will make the darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them
Whom shall I send?
Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!
Benediction: Moderator
Chorus: Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go Lord, If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.
I the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people's pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone
Fill their hearts with love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?
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I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
(Words: Daniel L. Schutte, 1981)
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Offertory: Instrumental
CELEBRATING LIFE AND WITNESS
 50 YEARS OF MINISTRY
- Response: Rev. Earl Thames
 DELEGATES TO COUNCIL/SYNOD
 MINISTERS/LAY PASTORS WHO EMBODY THE SPIRIT
OF RENEWAL & TRANSFORMATION
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
“I am the True Vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off
every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that
does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit
by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit
unless you remain in me.”
- Jesus to His Disciples (John 15:1-4)
Hymn of Invitation:
1.
Come away from rush and hurry
To the stillness of God’s peace;
From our vain ambition’s worry,
Come to Christ to find release.
Come away from noise and clamor,
Life’s demands and frenzied pace;
Come to join the people gathered
Here to seek and find God’s grace.
2.
Coming home, Jesus, coming home
Not running down no more
Coming home, Lord into heaven
Singing on the promised shore.
The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green, green pastures.
The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want.
He leads me beside the still, still waters.
He restoreth my soul, He restoreth my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His own name’s
sake.
Yea, though I walk in the valley, the valley of death,
Though I walk in death’s valley I’ll fear no evil,
For Lord, Thou art with me: Thy rod and Thy staff,
Thy rod and Thy staff shall bring me comfort.
Thou preparest a table in the presence of my enemies,
Thou anointest my head with oil and my cup runneth over.
Yea, surely goodness and mercy, they shall follow me.
And I will dwell, and I will dwell in God’s house forevermore.
And I will dwell, and I will dwell in God’s house forevermore.
The Lord is my shepherd and I shall never want.
Words adapted from Psalm 23 by Noel Dexter; Music: Noel Dexter
Prayer of Thanksgiving : Rt. Rev. L. Christopher Mason
Closing Hymn: “Send the Light”
There’s a call comes ringing over the restless wave,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!
In the pastures of God’s goodness
We lie down to rest our soul;
From the waters of God’s mercy,
We drink deeply, are made whole.
At the table of God’s presence
All the saints are richly fed;
With the oil of God’s anointing,
Into service we are led.
Refrain: Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, and let its radiant beams
light the world forevermore!
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invites us to drink from His cup of salvation and blessing.
3.
People: Everytime we eat and drink, we remember, and the
memory brings us to the moment of re-connection and
re-commitment.
AGNUS DEI
Moderator: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world:
People: Have mercy on us
Moderator: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the World:
People: Have mercy on us
Moderator: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the World
People: Grant us peace.
Songs for Communion:
Words: Marva J. Dawn (1999); Tune “Promise” (Natalie Sleeth)
THE INVITATION
Moderator: People of God! This is the table of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Here disciples are nourished. Here disciples receive new
strength for the journey of faith.
General Secretary: At this table we the “trees” of God’s garden
remember. At this table we re-commit to deepen our roots, spread
our branches of love, and bear fruit for the nourishing of
humanity. At this table we are renewed
I come to the cross like a small boat
I come to the cross like a small boat
Sailing across the reef
And the calm of my Christ is waiting
Behind the waves of grief
Coming home, Jesus, coming home
Not going to sail no more
Coming home Lord into heaven
Sailing to the promised shore.
Moderator: As we come, let us remind ourselves of those “trees”
who served well in God’s earthly garden and have secured a place
at the Heavenly table.
Hymn for Memorial: “For all the Saints” (verse 1)
For all the saints who from their labours rest
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed
Thy name O Jesus be forever blest
Hallelujah!
I come to the cross like a sea-stone
Wet in the saviour’s hand
He will polish me for His glory
Save in the promised land
Coming home Jesus, coming home
Not going to drown no more
Coming home, Lord into heaven
Home and dry on the shore.
I come to the cross like a river
Folding down to the sea
And the tide of love washes red-red
Down from the cross to me
Come then children, with your burdens –
Life’s confusions, fears and pain;
Leave them at the cross of Jesus,
Take instead His kingdom’s reign.
Bring your thirsts, for He will quench them,
He alone will satisfy;
All our longings find attainment,
When to self we gladly die.
IN MEMORIAM: Mrs. Rose Wedderburn - RDGS, SRMC
Hymn cont’d : For all the Saints” (verse 2)
Thou wast their Rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Hallelujah!
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(William Walsham How)
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Prayer of Blessings: Moderator
NARRATIVE OF THE INSTITUTION
Moderator: Hear the words of the institution of the Lord’s
Supper, according to St. Paul: The tradition which I handed to
you came to me from the Lord himself: that on the night of his
arrest, the Lord Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks to God,
broke it and said: “This is my body, which is for you; do this in
memory of me”
General Secretary: In the same way, he took the cup after
supper, and said: “This cup is the new covenant sealed by my
blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.” For
every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the
death of the Lord until he comes [1 Corinthians 11: 23-26]
Moderator: As the Lord the same night in which he was
betrayed, took bread, we take these elements of bread and wine to
be set apart from all common use to this holy use and mystery. As
he gave thanks and blessed them, let us draw near to God and
offer our prayers and our thanksgiving.
and again, speaking your invitation to return to your side, but we
did not believe them, despite what we heard and saw. So you sent
your Son, Jesus to us, the Gardener of your kingdom. Through his
death, burial and resurrection, the seeds and weeds of sin have
been destroyed, so we join the chorus of the Host of heaven to
declare:
People: Holy, holy, holy are you, God of every morning. All creation turns rejoices in your goodness and grace. Hosanna in the
highest! Blessed is the One you raise from the dead. Hosanna in
the highest!
General Secretary: On this new day, we gather around your
Table, where the simple gifts of bread and cup are made sacred by
the anointing of your Spirit. Strengthened by the Bread of life, we
will open the gates of justice for all oppressed by fear and hate.
Filled with the cup of grace, we will dry the tears of all who weep
from loneliness and grief.
And when that final day comes, our hidden lives will be revealed
as we gather with our sisters and brothers around the Table of Joy
in your presence, forever singing our praises to you, God in
Community, Holy in One. Amen.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Moderator: This is the moment of truth – the moment of ultimate
connection: the branch is connected to the vine; the disciple is
connected to God “in whom we live and move and have our
being”.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Leader: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you
Leader: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them to the Lord
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
People: It is right to give thanks to the Lord our God
Moderator: Gardener of all that is good, on the first day of
creation, you walked through the midst of chaos, and there in the
shadows, you spoke, calling forth life and beauty out of your
heart. Trees sprang up, swaying in soft breezes; meteors danced
in the skies; lilies trumpeted the joy of those moments. You
shaped us in your precious image, that we might be witnesses to
your imagination, but we went running into sin's embrace,
donning the garments woven by death. Prophets came, again
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General Secretary: As the branch draws nourishment from the
tree, so we are fed by the “True Vine” who Himself declared, “I
am the bread of life. Who comes to me will never go hungry, and
who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Moderator [takes bread]: Everytime we break and eat this
sacramental bread, it is a symbol of the spiritual nourishment we
enjoy because of our connection to the Divine.
General Secretary [takes cup]: Everytime we drink from the
cup, it represents our participation in the life of Christ who
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