We’re not able to meet together as church family today and for the coming weeks. Although, by necessity, we have to stay apart physically, we’re standing together to love, support and encourage one another. So, in around 75 different homes, we’ll sing the same songs, pray the same prayers and look together at John 14:1-6. There are some activities for those aged 11 or under to do and a bible talk from Richard for us to listen to.
For each person in your home, you’ll need a copy of this service sheet , a bible, print outs of the children’s sheets (if needed) and your computer or tablet to click on the links below. Please note that the songs are being played from YouTube, if one of the annoying adverts pop up, click on the ‘skip ad’ button.
The service sheet can be downloaded here
The Rip Rap help sheet is here
A colouring sheet for younger children is available here
The thinking behind the song choices is explained in italics
WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER
Watch the video of Richard’s welcome and intro by clicking here.
We don’t know or fully understand what is happening through this pandemic. But we know that we have a Saviour who loves and lives and is always there for us.
SONG – listen by clicking here
I am not skilled to understand
what God has willed, what God has planned.
I only know at His right hand,
stands one who is my Saviour
I take Him at His word and deed.
‘Christ died to save me’; this I read
and in my heart I find a need,
for Him to be my Saviour.
That He would leave His place on high,
And come for sinful man to die.
You count it strange, so once did I,
before I knew my Saviour.
My Saviour loves, my Saviour lives,
my Saviour’s always there for me.
My God He was, my God He is,
my God He’s always going to be!
Yes, living, dying, let me bring,
my strength, my solace from this spring;
that He who lives to be my King,
once died to be my Saviour.
BITESIZE
Some church members have some exciting news to share! – Check out the video!
Let’s say Psalm 46 together as a way of acknowledging God’s help in the past, and expressing our confidence of his help in all that lies ahead.
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
In our next song, we’re going to ask that in all the circumstances of our lives that God would be blessed, that he would be praised.
SONG – listen by clicking here
Blessed be your name
in the land that is plentiful.
Where your streams of abundance flow,
blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name
when I’m found in the desert place.
Though I walk through the wilderness,
blessed be your name.
Every blessing you pour out I’ll
turn back to praise.
When the darkness closes in, Lord,
still I will say…
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
blessed be your glorious name.
Blessed be your name
when the sun’s shining down on me.
When the world’s ‘all as it should be’,
blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name
on the road marked with suffering.
Though there’s pain in the offering,
blessed be your name.
Every blessing…
You give and take away.
You give and take away.
My heart will choose to say,
“Lord, blessed be Your name.”
[Say aloud the prayers that are printed here on the sheet. If there’s more than one of you, you might like to take it in turns who says the prayer out loud. If it’s just you or you’re with people who aren’t able or confident in reading then say them all yourself!]
Loving heavenly Father, we commit to you the current situation with the coronavirus. We know that nothing takes you by surprise and everything remains under your control. We pray that you would help us to trust you, even though everything seems very uncertain. Please give great wisdom to those making decisions, especially for the government. And we pray that you would strengthen those in the health service who are treating those suffering from coronavirus. Please would this disease soon be gone and not return. Amen.
We pray for our church family at Emmanuel and we thank you very much for one another. We pray for those currently suffering with this virus that you would keep them safe and soon make them well again. We pray for those having to stay at home, that they would know you with them and know the love and support of their church family.
We pray for children who can’t go to school or nursery and for parents taking care of them. Please would all of us not get bored and would we really enjoy the things we’re able to do. Amen.
We pray for our mission partners, Debs Hunt and Luke Edis working with Crossteach. Please would you give them wisdom on how to carry on the work of Crossteach in the coming months. Please would you inspire them and would the school they work in see that they live what they teach about hope in Jesus. Continue to use them to teach many children and young people about Jesus. Amen.
Please would you help us all to endure through these difficult days. Help us to trust Jesus and we pray that our relationship with you would grow and strengthen in the coming weeks and that we would love one another really well. Amen.
Let’s all say The Lord’s Prayer together
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
In our next song we remind ourselves that through the storm, Jesus is Lord of all.
SONG – listen by clicking here
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all
When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all
Watch the bible talk video for the reading and bible talk by clicking here
BIBLE READING
John 14:1-6
BIBLE TALK from Richard Hopkins
Promise of heaven
Talk outline
1. Jesus promises us heaven
2. Jesus promises us we’ll be with him
3. Jesus promises us he’s the way to God
As we’ve been thinking about from the bible: Jesus has made a way to the Father and to heaven for us
SONG – listen by clicking here
Who, O Lord, could save themselves?
their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea;
your grace is deeper still.
And you alone can rescue,
you alone can save.
You alone can lift us from the grave.
You came down to find us,
led us out of death:
to you alone belongs the highest praise.
You, O Lord, have made a way,
the great divide you healed,
for when our hearts were far away,
your love went further still.
Yes, your love went further still.
We lift up our eyes, we lift up our eyes:
You’re the giver of life!
(repeat)
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus went to the cross to prepare a place in your house for us. Thank you that he is the way to you. Please help us to trust him today and always.
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all forevermore. Amen
That’s the end of our service. But this is Emmanuel – maybe now have a cup of something? And maybe a bit of cake if you’ve got some in?! And let’s connect with one another. We’ve all got smartphones so let’s make some video calls today to encourage and support one another!