Saint Leonard’s Service for 4 th Sunday after EASTER Welcome to our OpenCast church service - on-line. There are prayers, readings, hymns and music; just as you would have in church. As you read through this service you may care to say aloud the bold text. To hear the music and the readings, click on each title (red, underlined text) (and remember to adjust the volume on your speakers). Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. Let us pray: Risen Jesus, we gather today to celebrate .. we gather to share in the joy of your resurrection. The stone has been rolled away, you have overcome death and the powers of darkness. May we know your risen presence with us. Alleluia! Amen. Hymn: “I will follow Him” André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing live in Maastricht, 2014. We praise the Lord Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Bible Readings: Testament: Psalm: New Testament: Gospel: Acts 11.1-18 148.1-6 Revelation 21.1-6 John 13.31-35 Collect Risen Christ, faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep. teach us to hear your voice and to follow your command, that all your faithful people may be gathered into one flock, to ght Glory of God the Father. Amen. Special Prayer for these times God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen Archbishops Justin Welby & Stephen Cottrell Intercessions http://pilgrimwr.unitingchurch.org.au Lord, we ask for the courage of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. We pray for those prepared to suffer and even to die for what they believe in. We pray for those whose lives and rights are sacrificed in the name of power and greed. We pray for those who risk themselves by accompanying others along paths of deep suffering through valleys of fear and despair. Lord we ask for the compassion of the good shepherd who leads his sheep to safe pasture. We pray for those who work to feed and shelter and educate the poor peoples of our world. We pray for those skilled at nursing and healing those who are suffering or ill In body, mind or spirit. We pray for those who care, for the victims of our society, those unable to cope with life, the neglected, the abused. Lord, we ask for the love of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name. We pray for our church, for minister and office bearers, for its preachers and teachers and all engaged in pastoral care. We pray for those we know, relatives or friends who are facing difficult times. (Silence) We pray for ourselves that we might hear the call from our Good Shepherd and follow his way of love. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen Worship Song “Hosanna song” Paul Zach & Jon Guerra Lyrics & Chord sheet Closing Prayers Merciful Father, you gave your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the ‘good shepherd and, in His Love, to lay down His Life for us, and to rise again; keeps us always under His protection, and give us the Grace to follow in His footsteps. Amen. May the God of glory be with you, always, the risen Christ Jesus reign in your hearts, and the Holy Spirit inspire and challenge you; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. God of resurrection glory; Jesus was raised and, as we go into the days which lie ahead, may we know his risen power and strength, and may the light of the risen Christ shine through us with joy. Amen. Through everything I experience this coming week, with all its ups and downs and various emotions … … help me to hold fast to the joy and hope your resurrection brings. ____________________________________________ Postlude Organ Sonata No. 4 in E Minor Movement: Andante J.S. Bach BWV 528 Marie-Claire Alain