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Introduction by Frances Carrol  

Good morning and welcome.

Today is the 27th of September and the seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.

The Bells of the Old Parish Church are ringing out a call to worship. Not as yet back in the building that we all miss in these Covid times. But able to worship in our own homes, and give praise to God.

The theme today is authority.

 

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Love and Law

HYMN: O Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness

PRAYER

Read by Rev John Smith

To fulfil the ancient promise of salvation, O God, you made a covenant with our ancestors and pledged them descendants more numerous than the stars.
Grant that all people may share in the blessings of your covenant,  accomplished through the death and resurrection of your Son and sealed by the gift of your Spirit.
Through dreams and visions, O God, you broaden the horizon and hope of your people, that they may discover the meaning of your covenant, even in the midst of trial and exile.
Increase the number of those who believe in your word so that all people may joyfully respond to your call and share in your promises. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

LESSON

Read by Mary Wight (St Peter's) 
Matthew 21; 23-32

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet."
So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
"What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'
He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went.
The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go.
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Reflection

HYMN: Lord Jesus Christ

Said by Rev John Smith

Lord God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus has untied our burdens and healed our spirits. We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world.
God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.
Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

PRAYER IN TIME OF CRISIS

Lord Jesus,  In the midst of a storm, You said, ‘Peace, be still’.
Bid our anxious fears subside, Sustain your church in faith, hope and love.
Bring our nation, and our world through this tumult.
Grant wisdom to those with heavy responsibilities, And healing and hope to all those who are infected.
Amen.

HYMN: Immortal Invisible

BENEDICTION

Said by Rev John Smith

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
And may the blessing of God, Creator, Saviour and Sustainer be with you today and and in all the days to come. Amen.

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