The Guild

WORSHIP March 2008
Finance and General Purposes
Catherine Robb, convener, opened the meeting with the following worship;
Reading
Luke 12; 22 to 31

Reflection
Have you ever really stopped to consider the lily and how it grows? The Greek word which translates into English as ‘consider’ means to learn thoroughly, examine carefully, consider well. Are we being advised to learn what we can from the growth process of the lily so that we can apply it in our spiritual lives?
Plants grow by photosynthesis which means building with light. The light combines with carbon dioxide and water to produce the growth. That is how the lilies of the field grow and Christians grow by spiritual photosynthesis  - building with light. God has established that we are the plant, and the Bible tells us that Jesus is the light we need to live and grown spiritually. 
So Jesus is the spiritual light that we need to grown, but what about the water that is necessary?
In the Bible, water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God. When we receive this, it opens our minds to be able to understand how God works. Physically speaking we grow daily by taking in food and water to nourish and strengthen our bodies. Spiritually speaking we also grow daily by that intake of light or food and water. When we are part of this spiritual photosynthesis, then we can achieve that necessary growth because God will help us. 
Consider the Lilies of the field, how they grow, allows us to understand the physical process of growth by light and water. We can then take this physical process and relate it to the spiritual process of photosynthesis so that we can grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. If we involve the light and life of God in our growth then we will be able to grow spiritually as God will provide what we need. 
So each day of your life, as you eat and drink to sustain your physical life take the time to stop and consider the lilies of the field and work hard to bring about the spiritual growth which is so vitally necessary.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,We praise and thank you for your presence here today at our meeting. You have called us to serve you. Help us to work hard to develop the spiritual growth we need in our daily lives. May our fellowship strengthen our faith.
May your wisdom, light and love guide us in our discussions and enable us to be balanced in our judgements and decisions. May we hear and listen to each other and be guided by our common goals. Inspire our members to serve you with enthusiasm and commitment, remembering the aim of the guild.
Teach us, through your spirit, to walk your way of light, to live your way of truth and in all things to act and love with compassion.
These prayers we bring before you now in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Closing prayer
Alone with none but thee my God
I journey on my way
What need I fear when thou art near
O King of night and day
More safe am I within thy hand 
Thank if a host did round me stand


Marketing and Publicity
Mary Notman, convener, opened the meeting with the following worship:
Reading
Psalm 19 Max Lucado’s Bible
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the privilege of being part of the Christian family – your family. May we live in a way that pleases you; listening to your voice; studying your word; and as it speaks to us, may our lives be lived to your honour and glory – as a team of your people and also helping each other. In Jesus’ name we ask this Amen.