ST. JOHN'S

Worship at Home Service for Deliverance from the Coronavirus​

 

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The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 20, 2021

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Welcome

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"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them"

MATTHEW 18: 31-46

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These are extraordinary times. Though we are unable to gather together for worship this morning due to the precautions surrounding COVID-19, we still have an opportunity to worship at home, and as we each do so, we do so together, united in spirit as we seek God together.

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Opening Sentence

 

A great prophet has arisen among us! God has visited his people! 

 

Luke 7: 16

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Gathering the Community

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Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Opening Hymn

'Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God' 

Collect for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

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O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

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Hymn

'God of the Sparrow' 

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Gospel

Mark 4: 35-41

 

Homily

Silence for Reflections

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Prayers of the People

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We have committed to “seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation” (Five Marks of Mission) 

 

Remembering this and inspired by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for our troubled world, our community and all those in need, saying, “Lord, hear and have mercy.” 

 

We continue to pray for peace in our troubled world, that the darkness of injustice may be replaced by the light of peace and love. We pray for world leaders; may they be guided by God’s love and wisdom. We pray that we will truly learn to love our neighbours as ourselves. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy 

 

We continue to pray for the church of Christ that it may faithfully proclaim the good news of salvation and that it may care for the needs of people in all corners of the world. 

We pray for our Bishop, Susan Bell, for Fr. Audrius and for all clergy leaders working in these difficult times. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy 

 

We pray for the world as it battles this pandemic; we pray for government leaders, scientists, and health care workers, that they may be strengthened for their service and be given wisdom in their decisions. We give thanks for the progress that has been made and we pray for patience as countries and regions strive to control the spread of the virus. May our world learn to be generous and considerate as we work together and share resources to overcome this Covid pandemic. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy 

 

We pray for all those in need of our prayers: the homeless, the unemployed, the hungry, the sick and the stressed. May we be aware of the needs of our neighbours and may we be strengthened and guided to reach out with care and compassion during these extraordinary times. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy 

 

We pray for our friends and for our families. Today we give thanks for fathers and we pray especially for Fr. Audrius, his wife, Audra, and his children Arija and Aleksandras as they mourn the unexpected loss of Zenonas, a loved father and grandfather. 

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort, deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy 

 

We pray for all who are facing challenges. May they feel God’s presence and care. Today we pray especially for Dorothy, Joan, Eric, Betty, Linda, Iona, Gerry and her son, Tim. 

R- Lord, hear and have mercy

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Closing Prayer:

Holy God, you are light to the lost, bread to the hungry, deliverance to the captive, healing to the sick, eternal vision to the dying, and harbour to every soul in peril. Gather the wanderers from every corner of the world into the community of your mercy and grace, that we may eternally praise you for our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer

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Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us –

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Diocese of Niagara Prayer (Corona Virus)

 

 

Loving God, whose peace passes all our understanding; as we face this present pandemic, and experience fear and anxiety, may we hear your voice, bringing calm to the storms of our time.

 

Strengthen those who work to limit the spread of infection, and those who seek to care for the sick, and keep us mindful of those most vulnerable.

 

May we shape our living to protect one another, and may our changing habits, practices and sacrifices, be for the greater love of our community and all your people. Amen

 

Doxology

 

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen

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Sending Forth

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May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia!