Worship on the Web STARTERS FOR SUNDAY 18th May 2008 This Sunday is known as Trinity Sunday, the first after Pentecost. Readings Genesis 1: 1-2; 4a This passage forms part of the great hymn in honour of God’s work of creation. Indeed, it is an overture to the whole of Scripture that chronicles the long relationship between Creator and creation; most particularly God and humanity. Specifically, this passage affirms God as the creator of matter which is in contradiction to the widely held ancient view that matter is eternal and creation is simple the reordering of it. Stadelmann said of light that, ‘as the first of the Creator’s works, it manifests most adequately the divine operation in a world which, without it all is darkness and chaotic’. Further, Light is often used as a metaphor for life (Psalm 56.14), salvation (Isaiah 9.1), commandments (Proverbs 6.23) and the presence of God (Exodus 10.23). Finally, whilst the word 'good' in English draws attention to quality, in Hebrew it is more closely related to the mind and opinion of God. Therefore, it use here emphasises that God is the one who is good and his goodness is reflected in his works. (Reference: World Biblical Commentary (Vol 1) by Gordon J Wenham)   Psalm 8 There are few psalms which better raise the questions of nature in Hebrew thought and theology. Yet nature is not its central theme for, as the Psalmist makes clear, it does not in itself contain any inherent qualities of revelation. Contemplation of the grandeur of the universe alone will not show humanity its place in it. Indeed, it reveals only its insignificance. That understanding needs a special and specific revelation. Indeed, Jesus uses this psalm in a fashion that brings out more profoundly its true meaning. It is used by him on the Mount of Olives when he is criticized by the Pharisees. Therefore it is his followers that have a clearer idea of what the psalm means than does his detractors. They can sense the unique revelation in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The early church goes further by suggesting that this psalm’s description of humankind’s dominion in the world is brought to glorious fulfilment in the risen Christ. (Reference: World Bible Commentary (Vol 19) by Peter C Craigie) 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13 This letter, like almost every other letter of Paul, hastens towards its end in disconnected sentences. Here he uses ‘farewell’ to express his unchanged love for his readers. Some suggest that the correct translation should be - ‘rejoice’. However, others feel this is too strong under the circumstances that the letter was written. For, there is still much that needs rectified and remain potential causes of fiction. Yet whilst the Corinthians may have felt downhearted, Paul reassures them of the support of God through ongoing love and peace. Therefore, they are invited to greet each other with a kiss; the symbol of Christian unity as one family. Since, even if this was done for purely form sake, this action would solemnly obligate each to love one another and put their differences aside. Then and only then will they see themselves as Saints just as they are already externally acknowledged to be. Matthew 28: 16-20 In the Great Commission, the defeat of Golgotha is transformed into the triumph of Galilee. For this passage draws the gospel to a close with a dynamic conclusion which is more a beginning than an end. With its echoes of the gospel’s opening chapter, Jesus’ universal sovereignty is re-emphasised through his proven enthronement as the King of all the nations (Davies). So the initial ‘God with us’ (baby) has become the risen Lord ‘and I am with you always’. Further, Jesus universal lordship demands a global mission as the restrictions of only going to Israel is now lifted. Finally, there is a strong ethical emphasis in this summary of Christian mission because, the process of the making of disciples is not complete unless it leads to lives that observe Jesus' commandments. (Source: Tyndale NT commentaries - Matthew by R T France) Prayers Collect (Common Order, page 674) Almighty and eternal God, through your Word and Spirit you created all things. In Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, you reveal your salvation in all the world. Through your Holy Spirit you give us a share in your life and love. Keep us firm in faith, and fill us with the vision of your glory, that we may serve and praise you all our days: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Through Christ we have access to the Father in the one Spirit (Ephesians 2: 18) Prayers of Approach and Adoration Creator God, the one who sprinkled stars in space and scattered bluebells in woods; we marvel at the works of your hand. Lord Jesus, who lived and died and rose again so that we can have ever lasting life; we praise you. Holy Spirit who comes to change, to heal and to counsel; we welcome you. Father, forgive us that we do not think enough of your mighty acts of creation; of the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; of your gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us Lord when we fail to trust you; when we fail to come to seek your will. We forget that you are more ready to give than we are to ask and that your offer of pardon is always available to those who are truly sorry. Help us, through your grace, to know true repentance and the joy of your forgiveness; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen Prayers of Thanksgiving and intercession First Version Loving heavenly Father we thank you for the daily blessings you shower upon us. We thank you for plentiful food and clean water, for comfortable homes and a safe environment. We live in such a beautiful part of the world. We thank you also for the freedom we have to worship. Forgive us when we take this freedom so much for granted. We thank you for free health care and dedicated medical staff. Lord we are so fortunate to live in this land of plenty. We must now turn our thoughts and prayers to the people living in much poorer parts of the world. Places where food is scarce and people have to walk miles to get clean water. Places where medical care is non-existent. Yet we know you love these people who struggle daily to survive. We thank you for aid agencies that do their best to make a difference in such areas of deprivation. Protect and keep them in good health. We bring before you those who are sick and those who are lonely. Provide for them the care and the company, which they are so much in need of. Enfold them in your loving care and give them your peace. We pray for our armed forces trying to keep peace in countries torn apart by war. We remember their loved ones at home struggling to bring up their children without these precious family members. Lord love and support these families until they are reunited again. We bring these concerns and the concerns of our hearts to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Second Version Lord God We thank you for our many gifts and talents May we always use them in your service And in your honour For your Kingdom We particularly thank you for the gift of imagination May we always use it to see your Son’s story, for this world and for us, more clearly. May we see neighbour living in harmony with neighbour May we see community living in peace with community And may we nation living in cooperation with nation Indeed, this day we seek that concord for the all the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan And for cousins that cannot live together in the Holy Land In our imaginations we see human respecting human Where opinions can be expressed in freedom And where the collective will is for the good Therefore, we can imagine justice in Zimbabwe In Tibet and in Burma In our imaginations we see a perfect society here at home Where there is no drug abuse No child violence And where life always has value, meaning and opportunity. Above all, in our imaginations let us walk more closely with Christ So that those amongst us who are bereaved will know his comfort and our support. Those who are travelling will know his companionship and our love. Those who are anxious will know His peace and our concern. So that together We may again take up the rod and staff for the hilly road and again set sail on the wide sea in search of your eternal lands of hope, trust and reunion. Now in this moment of reflection let us just – imagine (Silence) Father God, In the name of Jesus Christ Let our imaginings Be our common reality And your Spirit’s greater glory. Amen Tearfund’s weekly prayer summary is also a valuable resource in preparing topical prayers of intercession Hymns and songs Hymn references are taken from Church Hymnary: fourth Edition, denoted as CH4, followed by the hymn number:- Glory be to God the Father (Regents Sq) CH4, number 110 Holy, Holy, Holy CH4, number 111 Loving Creation CH4, number 116 Oh, the life of the world CH4, number 141 Sing to God with gladness CH4, number 150 Now thank we all our God CH4, number 182 This the day CH4, number 194 Father, we praise you CH4, number 209 Today I awake CH4, number 211 Eternal Father strong to save CH4, number 260 Father of heaven, whose love profound CH4, number 483 I bind unto myself today CH4, number 639 Now go in peace CH4, number 789 (Thanks go to Claire Milne of St Luke’s Choir for this selection) It is also suggested that the section of CH4 entitled ‘The Being of God – Holy and One’ be explored for other suitable hymns. The following extra choices of hymns and songs have been selected by the Music Panel, from the Worship and Doctrine Task Group:- Loving Creator CH4, number 116 Holy, holy, holy CH4, number 111 I bind unto myself today CH4, number 639 Glory be to God the Father CH4, number 110 God the Father of Creation CH4, number 113 Womb of life CH4, number 118 Today I awake CH4, number 211 Father of heaven CH4, number 483 May the mind of Christ CH4, number 536 Jesus, name above all names (short song) CH4, number 774 Sing to the Lord (and other doxologies 811 ff) CH4, number 810 The psalm for the day, Psalm 8, is found in hymns 4 and 5. Themes for Preaching Today’s passages suggest the following preaching topics: - Christ as the fulfilment of God creation. - Humans in their self made imperfection have the opportunity for perfection through Christ. - Gradual revelation of the Trinity from creation through Jesus’ life on earth to the coming of the presence of the risen Christ through the Holy Spirit.   In addition, several series of sermons on a range of topics can be found at www.words4worship.co.uk. For the Children A Mars bar can be used to give a very simple introduction to the idea of the Trinity. For chocolate, nougat and caramel are all good; but a Mars bar is not a Mars Bar without all three in harmonious combination. A word or two about the author This week’s material was prepared by Ann Anderson, Worship Team Leader, and Rev Graham Taylor of St Luke’s and Queen St Church of Broughty Ferry. This information was printed from www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship