BOARD MEMBER ON DUTY – Evelyn Sanders 

GREETING – Paul Prior

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. 

As we remember the death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ in this service, I also invite you to be mindful this week on Tuesday the 11th November of Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day - the event it commemorates – it is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V of England, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war. The symbol of the red poppy has become the special emblem for this remembrance. It originated from the poem ‘I Flanders Fields’ was written by John McCrae. The poems reads like this; "In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw. The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields."

 

Let us receive  all that God wants to give to us during this service. We worship and serve a living God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us then with open, generous and loving hearts stand as able, to sing our first hymn; 

OPENING HYMN: No 54/1 ‘I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say’  please stand if you are able 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come to us, Lord Jesus! Come and wake us from our drowsiness.
Clear away the clouds of doubt and despair. Pour the brightness of your love upon us.
Open our hearts to feel your powerful love. Open our eyes and our spirits to see your presence here. 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.

 

REMEMBRANCE  DAY PRAYER

Gracious God, on this weekend, we remember and give thanks for all those who during World War I, gave their lives in the service of our country. When the need was greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we enjoy, and to win the same for others. O God, you yourself have taught us that no love is greater than that which gives itself for another. These honoured dead gave the most precious gift they had, life itself, for loved ones and neighbours, for mates and country – and for us. Help us to honour their memory by caring for the family members they have left behind, by ensuring that their wounded comrades are properly cared for, by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms for which they gave their lives, and by demanding that no other young men and women follow them to a soldier’s grave unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just. Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free. There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear. Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure that freedom would be our legacy. Though their names may fade with the passing of generations, may we never forget what they have done for us. Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice, O God, help us to be worthy. Amen. 

CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS

If only we had been more aware how often we meet the Lord in daily life! Let us ask him to forgive us. pause

Lord Jesus, you seem absent when we struggle with suffering, but you are there with your strength:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus Christ, often we forget you in the cares of everyday life, but you are there with us:
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

 

Lord Jesus, so often we neglect to care for you in our sick and neglected brothers and sisters, but you want us to serve you in them: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Forgive us all our sins, and help us to look for your presence each day. Walk with us and lead us to the feast of everlasting life. Amen. Thanks be to God.

 

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray … pause … God of Justice, you want us to encounter your Son Jesus here on earth as our companion in daily life. Keep us always awake and responsive to his love, which he offers us in this celebration, in his forgiveness, in the events of life, in our brothers and sisters he entrust to us. Let him be our peace in our tensions, our joy even when we suffer, our life and happiness beyond death. Let him admit us to your lasting feast of joy, for he is our brother and Saviour now and 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 the Prophet Amos 5:18-24 reader Teddy Martin

(NRSV) Alas for you who desire the day of the LORD! Why do you want the day of the LORD? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. Is not the day of the LORD darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream … (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; Thy 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: Thy Word is … 

A Reading from the Gospel Matthew 25:1-13 reader John Donohoe

(NRSV) "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, "Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'  Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, "No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, "Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. … (PAUSE) … The Good News of the Risen One. Praise to you, O Jesus Christ. 

SERMON – Rev Daniel Paulraj (MCC Pastoral Team)

(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 12/2 ‘Comfort All My People’ please stand as you are able 

CELEBRATING OUR STEWARDSHIP

Collection in now taken up and then the Offertory Prayer is prayed
God of Wisdom, we faithfully believe in the promise of your Heavenly Dominion. Yet, we allow our personal living to determine our personal giving. Enable us to be generous givers whose giving is not controlled by our personal wants. Awaken our spirit to the knowledge that we have a limited time to give to your ministries. We pray in the name of your Son, who will come again as Jesus the Christ. 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

We are a people of hope, for we have a Saviour who died for us and who rose from the dead. We look forward to his future coming in hope as we pray: God, hear us. God, hear our prayer.

For all MCC Churches in Australia:  that we may be united in one Spirit, bear witness to the truth, and be a source of hope to all who struggle. God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

For the Churches of the East, especially in Iraq, India, and China: that God will give them strength, renew their zeal for the Gospel, and protect them from violence God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

For all who exercise ministry in this church, especially Pastor Robert and Pastor Gavin as he prepares  for his ordination: that God will renew them in Spirit, guide them in bringing God’s love and truth to the world, and inspire them to bring forth all the gifts needed by the Body of Christ. God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

For all who have been wounded by members of the Church: that God will heal their pain, open their hearts to God’s love, and renew their communion with God and the people of God. God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

For all who have gathered here in faith: that God will continually renew us through a deeper relationship with Christ and loving service to one another. God, hear us. God, hear our prayer.

For Peace in our world: that God will change hearts and open minds to new ways to end violence and resolve disputes. God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

For all who are suffering from injustice: that God will break down the barriers of prejudice, corruption, and selfishness, and open the gates of freedom and opportunity to all who are oppressed.  God, hear us. God, hear our prayer. 

Author of all life and justice, you alone know the day and the hour of all things and every person. Do not let the cares of the daily life close our hearts to your coming. Meet us now and in the joy that lasts for ever. 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: Steve Webb; Rev Daniel Paulraj; Rev Don Wright; Keith Clark – back pain; Allan Connors (Cliff’s Dad) diagnosed with prostate cancer; Bob Murphy, recovering from a mugging;  Daphne Wilson (Westmead Hospital aged 97), thrombosis; Evelyn Sanders; 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 16^th LEADING: Evelyn Sanders. READING: Dr John Dingle & Rev Philip. PREACHING: Rev Greg Smith.

November 23^rd LEADING: Pastor Robert. READING: Laurel Patane & Thang Ngo. PREACHING: Rev Robert Griffin.

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; 28^th Piet Potgieter; 29^th Stephen Webb; 30^th Tony Radosevic.

TRAVEL MERCIES:  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 

“Sing Noel” Informal Bible Study, 7.30pm-9pm, November 27^th, December 4^th, 11^th 18^th, 23^rd and January 8^th. Contact Fr Stephen – 0414 184 940. 

Speakers Edge Workshop: Saturday December 6^th, 11am – 3pm. Please complete enclosed Application Form if attending. 

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. Kenny 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 $8.00. 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 has been being formed, see Pastor Robert or Philip Godfrey. All ages, all levels at Marrickville Bowling Club, Wed. 5.30pm Sunday, 2pm.

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.

CONCLUDING HYMN: No 135/2 ‘Song of Human Rights’ Stand if able 

COMMISSION & BENEDICTION – Pastor Robert Clark 

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

MCC GOOD SHEPHERD Mission Statement: