See also UCA Anniversary and Refugee Week resources
Readings
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23): The Israelites are taunted by the giant Goliath, but the shepherd boy David volunteers to fight him, and defeats by striking him on the forehead with a stone from his sling.
Psalm 9:9-20: A song of faith in God’s care for the poor and weak, and a plea for God to bring down the wicked, reveal to the nations that they are merely human, and rescue the psalmist from his enemies so that he can praise God again.
2 Corinthians 6:1-13: Paul pleads with the Corinthian Christians that they would accept that the time of salvation is now, and that they would open their hearts to the apostles, because they have proven themselves through committed ministry and faithful service in spite of the terrible suffering and difficulties they have endured.
Mark 4:35-41: Jesus asks the disciples to take him across the lake in their boat, but as they sail across, with Jesus sleeping in the boat, a storm breaks out. In their terror, they wake Jesus and he calms the storm, causing them to wonder who he is.
(Summaries by John van de Laar, Sacredise)
Handout of readings – landscape, double sided format COCU44B.Readings
Sermons
Andrew Prior’s thought provoking sermon is here.
Rev Dr Avril Hannah-Jones sermon (2018) is here.
Rev Dr Paul Walton sermon (2018) here.Opening prayer
Mighty God, who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea;
Caring God, who nudges us away from fear and towards faith;
Ever-present God, who fills us with awe
but also raises many questions without easy answers;
Open our eyes to see you in our boat – today.
Strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead.
Open our ears this hour to hear the word you speak.
This we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Source: St Peter’s De Beauvoir, June 2018)
Contemporary image– Rev Mark Hewitt.
Peace, be still. Artist – Mark A Hewitt. 20 June 2012
Components of worship
Gathering
Prayer of thanksgiving
Prayer of confession/prayers of who we are
Words of Assurance
Prayer for Illumination
Readings
Prayers for others
Lord’s Prayer
Prayer of Dedication
Benediction and sending out
(Communion)
