BOARD MEMBER ON DUTY – Pastor Robert 

GREETING – Pastor Robert Clark

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we stand. We pay our respects to them and for their care of the land. May we walk gently and respectfully upon the land. 

Let us now with all the saints living and dead worship our God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I invite you to open your hearts, and lift up your voices in praise of our Holy God as we sing our first hymn; 

OPENING HYMN: ‘For All The Saints’ please stand if you are able

For all the saints, who from their labours rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia! 

You were their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; You, Christ, the hope that put their fears to fight;
And in their darkness, their one sure true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia! 

O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
And all are one in You, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia! 

O may we follow, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia, Alleluia! 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Jesus Christ is the joy of all the saints; may that joy be with you all. And also with you. 

Today we give thanks to God for those special Christians whom we tend to see as great saints, and also for all who have departed this life in faith and love – many of whom remain especially dear to your hearts. 

Come, celebrate the work of all those people who established this church.
Holy God, with grateful hearts, we offer our words of praise for their faithfulness.
Come, let us remember that even though there were struggles, there were triumphs through Jesus Christ.
Holy God, with grateful hearts, we recognize the victory that faith brings over our struggles.
Open our ears and our spirits, Lord, and make us ready to be witnesses to your love.
Open our hearts, Hoy God, and give us wisdom and joy. AMEN.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below.

Praise God above you Holy Ones, Praise God the Holy Three in One. Amen. 

CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS

Happy are we when our happiness is found not just in power, prestige or possessions. So let us ask forgiveness from God and each other for scandalizing others by not living up to the faith we profess in Christ. 

Happy are we when our knowledge is tempered by mystery. God of mercy, forgive us.

Happy are we when our pain is held in the balm of love. God of mercy, hear us.

Happy are we when our delight comes from beyond ourselves. God of mercy, hear us. 

This saying from scripture is sure and worthy of full acceptance, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”  Hear then Christ's word of grace to us: Your sins are forgiven.  Thanks be to God. Amen. 

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray … pause … ALL-HOLY God, you call your people to holiness. As we keep this festival of your saints, give us their meekness and poverty of spirit, a thirst for righteousness and purity of heart. May we share with them the riches of your ‘commonwealth of love’ and be clothed with the glory you bestow.  Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Chosen One, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

PASSING THE PEACE

May the peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, guard your hearts and your thoughts
in Jesus the Christ. May his peace be always with you.  And also with you. 

Let us offer to each other the sign of Christ’s peace.  The peace is passed among all the worshippers. 

A Reading from Revelation 7:9-17 reader Laurel Patane

(NRSV) I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to damage earth and sea, saying, "Do
not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the people of Israel: After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could
count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"  And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in
white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."   … (PAUSE) … The Word of God.  For the people of God. 

REFLECTION HYMN: ‘Your Word’ Please remain seated

Chorus: Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (repeat) 

When I feel afraid think I've lost my way still you're there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be near me to the end. Chorus; Your Word is … 

I will not forget Your love for me and yet my heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide hold me to your side and I will love you to the end. Chorus: Your Word is … 

A Reading from the Gospel Matthew 5:1-12 reader Thang Ngo

(NRSV) When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  "Blessed are those who are persecuted for  righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

… (PAUSE) … The Good News of the Risen One. Praise to you, O Jesus Christ. 

SERMON – Pastor Gavin Ward (Associate Pastor at MCC Good Shepherd)

(There will be time for silent reflection after the sermon)

OUR CREED – please remain seated

I put my trust in God, Source and Soul and Summation of all things. There are many names for God, but God is One: the glory that is above all, and with all, and through all. There are many divine qualities, both known and unknown to us, but the one that is above all others is Love. There are many seers and prophets, teachers and guides, but only one divine Christ, the true Son of God. There are many deeds of salvation, but the greatest of all is found on a Cross. There are many God-sent counsellors and friends, but only the Holy Spirit never falters or tires. There are many churches and denominations, but only one Lord, one faith one re-birth. I put my trust in God, Source and Soul and Summation of all things.    (Written by: Rev Bruce Pruer, Uniting Church) 

HYMN OF RESPONSE: No 110/1 ‘Strong and Constant’ please stand as you are able 

CELEBRATING OUR STEWARDSHIP

Collection in now taken up and then the Offertory Prayer is prayed
Loving Generous God, we humbly dedicate these tithes and offerings to your use. As believers, we are comforted by the knowledge that you will multiply these gifts. Allow this money to become a resource that lifts the shadows of despair from the dark corners of people's lives. We recognize that only you can restore faith to the faithless, hope to the hopeless, and love to the loveless. May your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven! Amen.

Together we now sing:

 

All things are yours! We make that true when we return our gifts to you.

And so we give, and so we share, in Christ’s strong name expressing care.

“Give out of love,” your Word commands. We are your head, your heart, your hands.

Your Word you now confirm with deeds by using us to answer needs. 

WE PRAY FOR THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD

As we recall the blessed ones who have gone before us, let us offer prayers to God who adorns the poor with victory. 

With the angels and archangels and the spirits of the blessed. Lord, have mercy.

With Mary, mother of Jesus and bearer of God. Lord, have mercy.

With the holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs. Lord, have mercy.

With all the saints, witnesses to the gospel. Lord, have mercy.

For Robert and Gavin our pastors, for this holy gathering, and for the people of God in every place.

Lord, have mercy.

For all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages. Lord, have mercy.

For the sick and the suffering, the hungry and the thirsty, the poor and the meek, and all who are persecuted.

Lord, have mercy.

For the dead and those who mourn. Lord, have mercy.

For our city and those who live in it, and for our families, companions, and all those we love. Lord, have mercy.

For our ancestors and all who have gone before us witnessing to their faith in Christ. Lord, have mercy. 

Blessed are you, O Holy God, for the triumph of Christ in the lives of your saints. Receive the prayers we offer and help us to live our lives with faith, so that we may come to your eternal dwelling; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

God is with you. And also with you. Let us lift up our hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. You have made from one every nation and people to live on all the face of the earth. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord; praise and honour are yours, for you alone are worthy to receive the glory and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord; praise and honour are yours, for you alone are worthy to receive the glory and praise. Lord, receive the glory and praise. Lord, receive the glory and praise.

On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his
disciples, and said: "Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."  So we proclaim in faith; This is the Body of Christ. Amen. When the supper was over he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: "Take this all of you, and drink from it; this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, it will be shed for you that sins may be forgiven. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  So we proclaim in faith; This is the Blood of Christ. Amen. And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.  When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death Lord Jesus; until you come in glory, until you come in glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honour and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever. Amen. United with Jesus let us pray as he taught us singing:  Our parent who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.(repeat) Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us, forgive us our trespasses. Our parent etc…. Oh Lord, lead us not into temptation. But save us from evil. And the kingdom, the power, and the Glory forever will be yours. Our parent etc….  The bread, which we break, is a sharing in the Body of Christ. The Cup, which we bless, is a sharing in the Blood of Christ. Here is holy food, for God’s holy people. Let us prepare our hearts for communion with Christ as we pray: Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, Grant us your peace This table is open to all who wish to come and partake from it. This is the table of Jesus Christ; a table of inclusive love and healing.  Jesus said; “anyone who comes to me I will not turn them away.” All is now prepared, so come and receive these gifts by faith, you are loved by God. Come all is ready.  We give thanks for the days Jesus walked this earth. We give thanks for the love of Jesus even as he died. We give thanks for Jesus’ continued life even now. Amen. Alleluia! 

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray … (PAUSE) … Praise God from whom all blessings flow! With thanksgiving, let us celebrate our new life in Christ giving thanks to God our Creator and Sustainer: Loving and gracious God, thank you for this holy meal. Thank you for Jesus and his all-inclusive love for humanity. Thank you for this day on which we worship and serve you. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & BIRTHDAYS – Pastor Robert Clark

Church  Notices

A Christian Church founded in the Gay Community for All the Community.

MCC Good Shepherd acknowledges and honours the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, past and present, as Traditional Custodians of this Country. 

PRAYER CONCERNS.  Welfare Officer John Donohoe: contact John re anyone ill on 0424 005 153.

For our long distance members and friends: John and Diane Gorham, South West Rocks; Dianne Hutchinson &  Emma Palmer in Repton; Jeffrey Ramsey & Domenic in Tasmania; Rev Julie and Lola in Beechworth; Amanda, James  Ava and  Leo in Bathurst; Eve and Jenny in Cronulla;  Rev John McCaul (NZ); Pat Rutter in Tasmania; Rev Greg and Kim in Cambodia; Struan Robertson in Kiah.

Special Prayer Needs and Healing: Allan Connors (Cliff’s Dad) diagnosed with prostate cancer; Bob Murphy, recovering from a mugging;  Daphne Wilson (Westmead Hospital aged 97), thrombosis; Fr Peter Johnson’s partner Graham; Evelyn Sanders;  Walter Mason; Rev Joshua Goodacre and his wife Mary (Marc’s Dad and Mum);  Elaine Bailey (friend of Philip Godfrey); Philip Young’s Father & Mother;  Margaret Whyte, Bruce’s Mum;  Robyn Griffin (Partner of Meg Sweeney); Les Grant;  Meryl Watson; Kevin (Joe Natoli’s partner); Ron Rippin;  Bernice and Warren Lynch.

Church Roster.

November 9^th LEADING:  Paul Prior. READING: Teddy Martin & John Donohoe. PREACHING: Rev Daniel

November 16^th LEADING: Evelyn Sanders. READING: Dr John Dingle & Rev Philip. PREACHING: Rev Greg Smith.

November Birthdays. 2^nd Keith Clark; 3^rd Len Martin; 6^th Fredrick Or; 10^th Miguel Paradies; 26^th Ric Thomas, Ken Smith;

27^th Michael Leglise; 29^th Stephen Webb; 30^th Tony Radosevic.

TRAVEL MERCIES: Piet and Marius as they holiday in South Africa; Philip Young in NZ; Walter Mason in Vietnam for two months; Alan Floyd on a cruise around Australia.

REVM In Australia, (Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry in MCC) and Clergy Retreat, November 20-22, 2008, @ MCC Sydney: Cost $50.  Interviews: Thursday and Friday, Clergy Retreat Friday evening, until 12pm Saturday. NB Gavin Wards Ordination will commence at 3pm November 22^nd at St Stephen’s Macquarie Street Sydney. 

World Aids Day Service November 30^th: We are endeavoring to have a screen presentation of Partners, Family, Friends and Close Associates that have passed on through the Aids Epidemic. If you would like to send a photo and name of the person concerned to be part of this presentation, please do so by November 15^th to Fr Stephen at angelicum@optusnet.com.au 

COMMUNITY SERVICES offered by the Church: Justice of the Peace & Civil Marriage Celebrant, Commitment Ceremonies, Baptisms, Affirmation of Vows, Funerals. 

Remember Us In Your Will-

Look What Else Is Happening!

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.

• Rebellion Canterbury/Bankstown: Website www.rebellion.org.au  Email: rebellion@rebellion.org.au Ph. 0439 730 414.
• Rainbow Recovery Club.  For AA and other 12 Step Program people. Meets weekly.  AA Helpline 9387 7788.
• MAG at ACON, 2^nd and last Saturday of the month. Kennny Primrose, Ross Mackinnon, or Kevin Walsh for more details

·         New South Wales Gay Father’s Group,  Email: dom@aquagility.com.au Web: info@gaydadsnsw.com.au The following events are planned: Dinners; 2^nd Monday of each month excluding Jan and Dec.  Kids Social Events, last Sunday of month. Fathers Day Picnic, Sun  Sept 2nd. Pre Schoolers Play Group first Wed of the month. For more information contact the Website or Robert Ryan on rryan62@yahoo.com

• Heavens Social Group: From January 31^st 2009 and then the last Sat of every month at the Parramatta Golf Club, Park Parade Parramatta. Show 10.30 & 12.30. Cost $8.  Lets support the local gals! Website www.heavensocialgroup.zoomshare.com
• Trivia Nights with Portia Turbo, every Wednesday 7pm The Penrith Hotel, High St., Penrith.
• Jupiter’s Nightclub, 1^st Wed of every month, 253 Windsor Rd Richmond. Showtime 9.30pm. Entry $5.
• Dolphins Parramatta, @ Parramatta Golf Club 1^st and 3^rd Sat of the month. Show 11.30pm, entry$8. Predominantly for Lesbians.

SPORT

• Golf – interested? Next match Nov – St Georges River Golf Club  Contact Pastor. ( Dec – The Coast).
• League Ten Pin Bowling: Every Monday night at the Manhatten Bowling Centre Mascot – come along and support our team The Rev’s Boys.
• Social Ten Pin Bowling: TBA– see David Rolfe.
• Tai Chi Classes:  Saturday Mixed group. Bookings essential. Contact Evelyn Sanders 9798 0117. Either at Good Shepherd or the Leichhardt Baptist Church.
• Aqua Aerobics: Thursday night 6.30pm at Asfield Pool, contact Robert Ryan 0438 772 397. Class $10.
• Lawn Bowls: Interested - a new gay group is in the process of being formed, see Pastor Robert or Philip Godfrey. All ages, all levels at Marrickville Bowling Club.

OUTREACH

• PFLAG Western Sydney Meeting:  25th November 2008 AGM and Christmas Party, Wesley Lodge Motel, Westmead 7.30pm.  Contact Rudi Van der Hart 9602 9547:  Penrith PFLAG: 7pm @ The Cottage, Penrith: contact Vicki or Adolpho, 4730 4660 or Carol, 47354680: PFLAG Mosman,  30 The Crescent,  Mosman; contact, Maree 9939 7706; Northwest NSW, PO Box 101 Gunnedah 2380; Central Coast/Newcastle, Shelagh, 49773271.
• The Haven @ Blacktown, a respite Centre for those suffering HIV/Aids. Contact 8807 4697.
• Pingaree House, Dundas Valley & St Giles, Werrington, Residential Centres for the Homeless. Contact Archbishop Ron on 98729636 (Pingaree); Bro Luke (St Giles) 9623 3736.
• The Salvation Centre in Cambodia – educating/supporting Cambodian Children. Contact: Rev Greg Smith for direct contributions: revgregsmith@hotmail.com.
• Sydney Street Choir who practice at Heffron Hall Darlinghurst – see Pastor.
• Queer Out West every Monday 10pm @ 89.3FM.
• Lesbians On Air, every Tuesday evening 10pm on 89.3FM. Contact: Karess on 9822 8893 or 0408 679 045 if you would like to participate on the show.

INVITATIONS.

·         YOUNG AGAIN CHRISTIANS (YACs): 2^nd Sunday of month, 12.30pm with the Leichhardt Baptist Church- contact Deacon Terry Kennedy on 0412 634 827 or Deacon Colin Fitt on 9690 2283.

• “Escaping the Poverty Tray,” UWS Open Forum, Wednesday November 12^th 5.30pm for 6pm @ the Female Orphan School UWS Parramatta Campus. Speakers: Professor Tony Vincent & Dr John Valzon acknowledged researchers on poverty, advocates and social commentators.
• Quorem Monday November 24th at the Taxi Club Darlinghurst. Speakers on The Arts: Alana Valentine award wining playwright & Malcolm Poole, expressionist painter.

CONFERENCES.

• General Conference 2010.  Acapulco Mexico at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess. See the Web at www.fairmont.com/acapulco This conference will be a melting pot from all our churches around the world with new churches in Kenya, Central Europe and Asia participating for the first time. Start saving now for this inspirational event.

CONCLUDING HYMN: No 59/2 ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ Stand if you are able 

COMMISSION & BENEDICTION – Pastor Gavin Ward

Go now, in the freedom of the gospel of Christ. Encourage one another to lead holy lives, worthy of God
and walk together in service and humility. Let your words and your lives be one in Christ.

You are blessed and sent; In the name of the God of lasting love; Amen.
In the name of Jesus Christ the Desire of every heart; Amen.
And in the Name of the Holy Spirit who leads us into the promise of eternal life; Amen. 

Until we meet again, go in peace, to love and serve our God, In the name of Christ. Amen.

MCC GOOD SHEPHERD Mission Statement: