(Before we begin this act of worship, can I encourage us all to spend a moment praying about the events in Forbury Gardens last night. Three people have died, and three others have been seriously injured. Let’s pray for grace for those who are grieving, healing for the wounded, and peace for those who are afraid. Pray too that the perpetrator would repent and seek forgiveness. Come, Lord Jesus.)
Welcome & Invitation to Worship
A short welcome from Laurence
Today we are continuing our journey through the Acts of the Apostles with the theme ‘How to tell people about Jesus’, and taking time to celebrate and reflect this Father’s Day.
And all the people said “Amen”!
In our passage today we read the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision telling him not to be afraid for God was with him and had work for him in Corinth. As we worship today let’s take hold of God’s promise to be with us in every situation, saying together:
“So do not fear, for I am with you Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10
Song of Worship
God our FATHER welcomes us as his CHILDREN. We can say with confidence ‘I am chosen, not forsaken, you are for me… I am a CHILD OF GOD.
Confession
Lord God, our maker and our redeemer,
this is your world and we are your people:
come among us and save us.
We have wilfully misused your gifts of creation; Lord, be merciful: forgive us our sin.
We have seen the ill-treatment of others and have not gone to their aid; Lord, be merciful: forgive us our sin.
We have condoned evil and dishonesty and failed to strive for justice; Lord, be merciful: forgive us our sin.
We have heard the good news of Christ, but have failed to share it with others; Lord, be merciful: forgive us our sin.
We have not loved you with all our heart, nor our neighbours as ourselves; Lord, be merciful: forgive us our sin.
May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This mornings activity sheet contains colouring in, craft, spot the difference, Father’s day quiz, and some Father’s day coupons to give to Dad (if you forgot its Father’s Day!!)
Bible Reading – Acts 18:1-18a (In Corinth)
1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptised.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”
14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off.
17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever. 18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
Use this sheet to take notes on today’s sermon
Sermon
Sharing our faith can be tricky! If you’d like a free copy of Paul William’s ‘Intentional’, please just let me know by email.
Song of Worship
‘The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save’ – Zeph 3:17
Intercessions
Prepared by Hannah Smith
The following response is used: Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Song of Worship
We long for everyone to come to know Jesus, to see His Kingdom come here on earth. We can play our part but ultimately it is God who will brings the changes… who moves the mountains, who can heal our land. For our part: “Christ alone, in you we stand.”
Final Blessing
Keep us, Father, in this community of faith, the Church of your Son Jesus Christ, and help us to confess him as Messiah and Lord in all we say and do; and may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.