Hope in a chaotic world

 
1. How is everyone? Who has reached what point in decorating their home for Christmas?
 
2. Call to worship
All who need to renew their hope, come.
All who hope for hope itself, come.
All who hope and long for peace, come.
All who hope the world will discover love of neighbor, come.
All who hope for unending joy, come.
 
Worship, for the hope of the world has come.
Worship for the hope of the world is in our midst.
Worship for the hope of the world comes again to open hearts. AMEN


 
 
3. Worship – Light of the world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJPJzIJOxKM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1auFzG98YFf_VWmFV66v9HsbmcsZ3KC6Ru2RHZCwzV70wJp3NhLwo1_uY from 57.26
 
 
 
4. First two weeks of advent – thoughts
 
Advent One:
Overall, where are you on the Hope meter? Are you feeling hopeless, somewhat hopeful, very hopeful? (scale of 1-10 with 1 being hopeless and 10 being super hopeful)
What is creating the most chaos in your world right now?
 
Advent Two:
What are the top 3 challenges to your peace?
Racial stress, COVID, politics, finances, healthcare, family
In the midst of our chaotic world, what do you do to nurture your inner peace?
 
 
 
 
5.  Prayers
 
Let us pray for people in every corner of the earth. In God’s infinite love we have each been called to prepare for the coming of Jesus by making this world a place where justice and peace have embraced. May our lives reflect that call. Lord hear us. Response: Come Lord Jesus.
 
As we wait for the Day of the Lord, let us pray that our minds and hearts may be filled with all that is good, pure and noble and so live lives worthy of God. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
We pray for all who work for understanding and acceptance in our multi-faith multi-ethnic world. We pray especially that we, will take the lead in building bridges of friendship and understanding with others and so make a community where righteousness will be at home. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
We pray for all those suffering as a result of the Pandemic, the sick, the hungry, homeless and unemployed. May those with the responsibility, those with the power make a real difference and help the poorest in society. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
We remember all who are sick, those in hospital and those who are housebound. We remember especially our own families wherever they may be. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
We pray for ourselves and our community. We pray for those who need to renew their hope, all who hope for hope itself, all who hope and long for peace, all who hope the world will discover love of neighbor, all who hope for unending joy. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
We remind ourselves of our desire to keep themes of black history month and caring for creation alive in our hearts and in our service to you. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
Community prayers – name people or situations that need prayer, aloud or in the silence of our hearts. Lord hear us: Come Lord Jesus.
 
6. Silence is kept.
 
7. Advent prayer
 
Lord, you call out to us all
in this special time of Advent grace,
and especially to the downhearted,
to those who suffer, to those whose spirits are low,
to those who feel the weariness of life.
 
You call us to look up, to raise our hearts,
to find our hope and salvation in you.
 
Help us to turn to you each day
in this precious time of Advent.
Show us your love, and renew us in hope.

1. How is everyone? Up or down since last week? Any joys and any sadness?  
 
2. Psalm of praise
Leader: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
People: You have set your glory high above the heavens.
Leader: When I look to the heavens, I see the work of your fingers.
People: In the heavens, you have established the moon and the stars.
Leader: What are human beings that you should pay attention to us?
People: Why would you care about us mortals?
Leader: You have made us a little lower than the angels.
People: You have crowned us with glory and honor.
Leader: You have given us dominion over the works of your hands.
People: You have put all things under our care,
Leader: All sheep and oxen…
People: The beasts of the field…
Leader: The birds of the air…
People: The fish of the sea.
Leader: All these things you have put under our care.
People: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!

3. Song to centre us: She sits like a bird
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Du78dyu-Vc&t=598s from 13.20

4. Holy notices …. Push those barriers! Early in the cycle?

• World AIDS day next Tuesday at 7.30 (‘enhanced housegroup’): any thoughts or willingness to lead prayers and participate?
• Let us actually think and discuss …. think about a potential action from the house group of indeed the church, or how to keep this agenda rolling?
  

 
5. A little bit of fun ….
  
6. Listen and reflect
 
https://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/f/2/3f2c78681eec831a/Everybody_Now.mp3?c_id=85965740&cs_id=85965740&expiration=1604433933&hwt=dc3c43b40a825ed541765bc8496fb24e
 
1:16:43-1:22:00 Some personal reflections to consider
 

• Do you turn from capitalism at your baptism?
• History of civil disobedience in the country! Want to follow Prince Charles?
• Environmentalism = sacred service … anti the status quo.
• When have you experienced church in a different way?

 
7.  Prayers … we thank God for people who follow the examples we heard in our testimony
 
One: We pray for the Church: that we may be a beacon of hope throughout the world, reminding us all of our responsibility to care for and protect God’s precious gift of creation. Lord, in your mercy … Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for the world, our common home: that through God’s grace we may hear its cry of the damage done and be moved to protect it for future generations to enjoy. Lord, in your mercy... Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for those people who are already facing droughts, floods and storms: that God may grant them strength and hope for the future as they work to adapt to the changing climate. Lord, in your mercy... Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for the waters of the world, that they may be restored to health and filled with bountiful life.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth. Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for world leaders: that God may grant them wisdom to make just decisions which respect the earth and all that lives in it, especially those who are poorest and most vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for the world we live in: that God may open our eyes to recognise the goodness of all creation and help us to do what we can to restore and care for the wonderful gift that we have been given. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.
 
One: We pray for ourselves. Community prayers. Feel free to name places or situations that need our prayers. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.
 
 
8. Irish blessing – our song for November house group (fade at 3.10)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wekp8XB4AoE
 
 

1. How is everyone? Anything positive to report during lockdown? We will name things we want to pray about later.
 
2. Recognition of where we are. Many join in the bold.
 
A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

How shall we praise you, Lord, our God?
When we are locked down,
how shall we praise you?
When the doors to your house are barred,
and your people cannot assemble?
 
When those desperately in need of money and work
cannot even wait in the market-place
When we have to circle round people in the street,
and to queue for shops maintaining safe distance?
 
When we can only communicate
by hearing on the phone,
or seeing on the screen
or digitally messaging,
or even just waving through a window?
 
When we cannot meet our parents and children,
grandparents and grandchildren,
or other family members and friends?
When we cannot touch them in their flesh and blood,
to know they are really alive?
 
How shall we praise you?
How, like Thomas, shall we not see yet believe
that your son is raised among us?
 
How shall we praise you?
How can I praise you, Lord?
 
Are you plaguing us with this virus
to punish us because we have all done wrong,
or thought wrongly,
or felt wrongly,
or just been wrong?
 
If so, why do only some die,
and those, apparently, the ones who are the least worst or most caring amongst us?
Or are you trying to teach us a lesson?
If so, why is it so hard to learn?
 
And how are we to find the answer
when we do not even know the question?
 
Or are you still the same loving God,
coming to us in our sufferings
and opening up the way to new life in Jesus?
 
Lord, I will try to praise you.
Through gritted teeth,
I will try to praise you.
I will try to remember that you have created all things,
and this virus is part of your creation.
 
I will try not to hate it
but seek to mitigate its harm.
 
I will try to keep myself and others safe.
I will work to pray for them
and seek to help in whatever way I can.
 
Lord, when I cannot pray or worship
help me be aware of all your people
and your saints and angels
hovering around me,
lifting me up.
 
When I feel alone,
let me feel you near me,
even if only for a moment that enables me to go on.
 
Let me hear you say
“Peace be with you”
Lord, I will praise you.
Let all the peoples praise you.

 
 
 
3. Song of determination – Jesus Christ is waiting
I have taken this from the service on Sunday gone – to link our prayers and thoughts to our whole community. Listen and sing as you feel appropriate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1E3Zug1nIg&t=3469s from 47.17
 
4. Listen, reflect, discuss.
 
https://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/f/2/3f2c78681eec831a/Everybody_Now.mp3?c_id=85965740&cs_id=85965740&expiration=1604433933&hwt=dc3c43b40a825ed541765bc8496fb24e
 
32.02 First theologian
 

• Natural evil versus moral evil? Any thoughts?
• Revelatory moment. How can we play our part in this?
• How can we imagine our relationship with the world around us?

 
54.34 Second theologian
 

• Re-wilding the environment; have you experienced this?
• Crisis has shown vitality and interconnectedness
• There is a great crisis coming AND stand firm and be confident that you are reconciled and loved
• Do we believe him? Oops …..?

 
 
 
 
5.  Prayers
 
For people living with the effects of climate change now: 
 
One: For the sake of those facing rising temperatures, drought and water shortages,
Many: Creator God, in your mercy, renew this damaged world.
 
 One: For the sake of those facing unpredictable weather, disrupted seasons and failed crops,
 Many: Creator God, in your mercy, renew this damaged world. 
 
One: For the sake of those facing flooding, land loss and salination of vital water supplies, 
Many: Creator God, in your mercy, renew this damaged world. 
 
One: For the sake of all those who fear the changing climate, 
Many: Creator God, in your mercy, renew this damaged world. 
 
One: For the sake of the poor, the vulnerable, and the refugee 
Many: Creator God, in your mercy, renew this damaged world. 
 
One: For the sake of us all, 
Many: Creator God, in your mercy, recreate our hearts that we might partner with you to renew this damaged world.
Community prayers – name people or situations that need prayer, aloud or in the silence of our hearts.
One: God in your mercy
Many: hear our prayer
 
 
 
6. Silence is kept.
 
Among out thoughts and prayers, let us think forward to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), as our services will have these foci over the month too.
 
7. Action: please continue to think about a potential action from the house group of indeed the church.
 
8. Irish blessing – our song for November house group (fade at 3.10)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wekp8XB4AoE
 
 
 

1. Apologies for not meeting in real time; please let us pray together over both time and space.

2. Recognition of where we are. We will use this as one of our readings on Sunday. We are in odd times. We have the American election results – and potential challenges. We have a potential vaccine – and still a long lead in time. Much emotion in the dark months. This will be reflected in our sermon on Sunday.

A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

How shall we praise you, Lord, our God?
When we are locked down,
how shall we praise you?
When the doors to your house are barred,
and your people cannot assemble?

When those desperately in need of money and work
cannot even wait in the market-place
When we have to circle round people in the street,
and to queue for shops maintaining safe distance?

When we can only communicate
by hearing on the phone,
or seeing on the screen
or digitally messaging,
or even just waving through a window?

When we cannot meet our parents and children,
grandparents and grandchildren,
or other family members and friends?
When we cannot touch them in their flesh and blood,
to know they are really alive?

How shall we praise you?
How, like Thomas, shall we not see yet believe
that your son is raised among us?

How shall we praise you?
How can I praise you, Lord?

Are you plaguing us with this virus
to punish us because we have all done wrong,
or thought wrongly,
or felt wrongly,
or just been wrong?

If so, why do only some die,
and those, apparently, the ones who are the least worst or most caring amongst us?
Or are you trying to teach us a lesson?
If so, why is it so hard to learn?

And how are we to find the answer
when we do not even know the question?

Or are you still the same loving God,
coming to us in our sufferings
and opening up the way to new life in Jesus?

Lord, I will try to praise you.
Through gritted teeth,
I will try to praise you.
I will try to remember that you have created all things,
and this virus is part of your creation.

I will try not to hate it
but seek to mitigate its harm.

I will try to keep myself and others safe.
I will work to pray for them
and seek to help in whatever way I can.

Lord, when I cannot pray or worship
help me be aware of all your people
and your saints and angels
hovering around me,
lifting me up.

When I feel alone,
let me feel you near me,
even if only for a moment that enables me to go on.

Let me hear you say
“Peace be with you”
Lord, I will praise you.
Let all the peoples praise you.



3. Prayer of praise: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
I have taken this from the service on Sunday gone – to link our prayers and thoughts to our whole community. Listen and sing as you feel appropriate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp7ZJwqtsPU


4. Prayers – we join each other across time and space. Let us read the ‘many’ and say the ‘one’, knowing that we do so together.

One: We pray for the Church: that we may be a beacon of hope throughout the world, reminding us all of our responsibility to care for and protect God’s precious gift of creation. Lord, in your mercy … Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for the world, our common home: that through God’s grace we may hear its cry of the damage done and be moved to protect it for future generations to enjoy. Lord, in your mercy... Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for those people who are already facing droughts, floods and storms: that God may grant them strength and hope for the future as they work to adapt to the changing climate. Lord, in your mercy... Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for our parish and our local community: that through the grace of God we may hear the urgent cry of the earth and of the poor and be inspired to respond at this crucial time. Lord, in your mercy... Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for the world we live in: that God may open our eyes to recognise the goodness of all creation and help us to do what we can to restore and care for the wonderful gift that we have been given. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for world leaders: that God may grant them wisdom to make just decisions which respect the earth and all that lives in it, especially those who are poorest and most vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for our local community: that through God’s grace we may be good neighbours to each other and to the whole of creation, restoring and caring for all that God has made. Lord, in your mercy… Many: hear our prayer.

One: We pray for the waters of the world, that they may be restored to health and filled with bountiful life.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth. Many: hear our prayer.

5. Silence is kept.

Among out thoughts and prayers, let us think back to Remembrance Sunday and forward to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), as our services will have these foci over the month too.

6. Praise – from Psalm 8

Leader: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
People: You have set your glory high above the heavens.
Leader: When I look to the heavens, I see the work of your fingers.
People: In the heavens, you have established the moon and the stars.
Leader: What are human beings that you should pay attention to us?
People: Why would you care about us mortals?
Leader: You have made us a little lower than the angels.
People: You have crowned us with glory and honor.
Leader: You have given us dominion over the works of your hands.
People: You have put all things under our care,
Leader: All sheep and oxen…
People: The beasts of the field…
Leader: The birds of the air…
People: The fish of the sea.
Leader: All these things you have put under our care.

People: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!

7. Action: please continue to think about a potential action from the house group of indeed the church.

8. Irish blessing – we will use this on Sunday coming in the main body of the service; again to ground our house group within the life of the church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wekp8XB4AoE





Looking forward to seeing you next week (being part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I cannot imagine the internet not working within a week of typing this)

1. How are we all? What are you doing tomorrow evening for the last time in a month?
 
2. For the beauty of the earth (from 7:22)

3. Recognition of where we are. Listen as someone reads (join in bold):
A Psalm of lament and praise in a time of coronavirus

How shall we praise you, Lord, our God?
When we are locked down,
how shall we praise you?
When the doors to your house are barred,
and your people cannot assemble?
 
When those desperately in need of money and work
cannot even wait in the market-place
When we have to circle round people in the street,
and to queue for shops maintaining safe distance?
 
When we can only communicate
by hearing on the phone,
or seeing on the screen
or digitally messaging,
or even just waving through a window?
 
When we cannot meet our parents and children,
grandparents and grandchildren,
or other family members and friends?
When we cannot touch them in their flesh and blood,
to know they are really alive?
 
How shall we praise you?
How, like Thomas, shall we not see yet believe
that your son is raised among us?
 
How shall we praise you?
How can I praise you, Lord?
 
Are you plaguing us with this virus
to punish us because we have all done wrong,
or thought wrongly,
or felt wrongly,
or just been wrong?
 
If so, why do only some die,
and those, apparently, the ones who are the least worst or most caring amongst us?
Or are you trying to teach us a lesson?
If so, why is it so hard to learn?
 
And how are we to find the answer
when we do not even know the question?
 
Or are you still the same loving God,
coming to us in our sufferings
and opening up the way to new life in Jesus?
 
Lord, I will try to praise you.
Through gritted teeth,
I will try to praise you.
I will try to remember that you have created all things,
and this virus is part of your creation.
 
I will try not to hate it
but seek to mitigate its harm.
 
I will try to keep myself and others safe.
I will work to pray for them
and seek to help in whatever way I can.
 
Lord, when I cannot pray or worship
help me be aware of all your people
and your saints and angels
hovering around me,
lifting me up.
 
When I feel alone,
let me feel you near me,
even if only for a moment that enables me to go on.
 
Let me hear you say
“Peace be with you”
Lord, I will praise you.
Let all the peoples praise you.

5.  Prayers
 
We pray for the waters of the world, that they may be restored to health and filled with bountiful life.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for Earth’s soil, that its richness be protected to assure abundant harvests for all.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for all creatures who share Earth with us, that their beauty and diversity will be preserved.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for our siblings and friends around the world who have been and will be directly impacted by the effects of climate change.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for future generations, may they learn from our environmental irresponsibility, and be good stewards living simply and in harmony with all your creation.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for all human beings, that we will be filled with a spirit of concern for the future of our environment; bring an end to the exploitation of the earth’s scarce resources; and live as responsible stewards protecting and respecting this gift of creation God has placed in our hands.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
We pray for wisdom for decision makers in this place and around the world, that wealthy nations may make amendments for the harm they have done to the environment and find creative and just solutions to protect all of creation and ensure climate justice.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
For all of the intentions we hold silently in our hearts.
Response: God of Creation, help us to respect and renew the Earth.
 
 
6. Praise
 
Leader: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
People: You have set your glory high above the heavens.
Leader: When I look to the heavens, I see the work of your fingers.
People: In the heavens, you have established the moon and the stars.
Leader: What are human beings that you should pay attention to us?
People: Why would you care about us mortals?
Leader: You have made us a little lower than the angels.
People: You have crowned us with glory and honor.
Leader: You have given us dominion over the works of your hands.
People: You have put all things under our care,
Leader: All sheep and oxen…
People: The beasts of the field…
Leader: The birds of the air…
People: The fish of the sea.
Leader: All these things you have put under our care.
 
People: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
 
7. Action: house group trees?
 
8. Irish blessing 

1. How is everyone? Tea at the ready?
 
2. Song: ‘faithful one’ (from 58.34)

• What have we learnt over the past four weeks? How have we changed?
• What should our next steps be as a community in relation to this?

5 Silence is held
 
6 Prayer
Loving God,
We thank you for the significance of this month.
We lift up and thank you for our Black siblings who have shaped history.
We thank you for the opportunity to learn and reflect particularly at this time, here and now.
We pray that the learning happening in schools, homes and workplaces will be meaningful and deep-rooted.
We pray for open hearts and minds,
And spirits willing to learn and be transformed by you.
May we continue our time of curiosity and sharing,
Conversations and celebrations,
Challenge and encouragement.
Loving God, help us to dig deeper,
Look closer, and think bigger.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
 
 
7 Reading
One: You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Many: How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
 
Holy notices: please, help me do this week by week – will you read, pray, dance and sing?
 
8. Final song

Freedom is coming
O yes I know
Justice is coming
O yes I know

1. How is everyone? Tea at the ready?
 
2. Our BLM house group reading as our prayer
One: You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Many: How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
3. Sermon of the late Rev Vicky Gibbs: a guide to receiving the Holy Spirit
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/us/vickey-gibbs-dead-coronavirus.html
Rev. Vickey Gibbs, Activist in a Progressive Church, Dies at 57
Ms. Gibbs used her pulpit in Houston to treat broken parishioners in a broken social world. She died of the coronavirus.
In the last sermon she preached, the Rev. Vickey Gibbs tied together the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the refusal to wear masks, the minimum wage, slavery, the destruction of Native Americans, Ta-Nehisi Coates, reparations, immigration policy, excessive executive pay and “the desire for power and money.”
It was June 7, Pentecost Sunday, and the 900-seat Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in Houston, where Ms. Gibbs was associate pastor, was empty because of the pandemic. The congregants were in virtual attendance, watching a video feed at home.
As a nation, she told them, “We have not had our Pentecost moment,” referring to the religious belief that, after Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit descended on his disciples to begin Christianity’s mission in the world. Her answer: “Repent, be baptized, seek and give forgiveness, begin to build bridges of reconciliation.”

4 Silence is held
 
5 Prayer and reflection
Quotes taken from the sermon
Let us not be silent, let us not be complicit, let us not be complicit in injustice, let us be bridges over troubles waters.
We pray for our pentecost moment.
Let our hearts be open to the possibility of unity, of compassion, of transformation by the Holy Spirit. Let us be full heirs of God’s dominion.
We pray for our pentecost moment.
‘To hell with your money’. Let us not be tempted by power or money.
We pray for our pentecost moment.
We name people or situations that we want us all to pray for.
 
 
We pray for our pentecost moment.
 
Holy notices: please, help me do this week by week – will you read, pray, dance and sing?
 
6. Final song

1. How is everyone? Tea at the ready?
 
2. Song
Join with us (mute yourself) and sing as if no-one was listening.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise

3. Prayer
By Kierra Stuvland (gifts coordinator/development officer at Bread for the World)
 
The presence of the Lord is here. We feel it in the atmosphere.
This holy hour, we bring ourselves into your presence, O God. To you we offer our prayers, our praise, and our supplications.
This month, we celebrate Black History Month and honour the culture of our brothers and sisters. We remember the legacy of those who came before us – who not only paved the way but carried the bricks on broken backs that then built that road. We remember the songs, stories, and fiery hope of old men and little girls, granny midwives and marvellous musicians, great orators and leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators – those who are earth-tone brown, black as night, fair like the sands of Egypt. We are kings and queens. We are descendants of royalty.
Lord, when it’s too hard living, we remember you are the great “I am” and our source of strength and purpose for each new day. Help us in our advocacy efforts with Bread for the World – to honour you with our work for justice, healing, and peace in our day. Help us as we labour for the end of hunger. Help us to stay educated and active as we read the unacceptable statistics that point to the fact that 1 in 4 African-American households is food-insecure as compared with 1 in 10 of white households, and that more than 1 in 3 African-American children live in food-insecure households compared to 1 in 7 white children.
God, help us to value diversity beyond variety. Help us value diversity with a vision for a progressive future that acknowledges our strength together as well as the power, creativity, ideas, and part that we all bring when we are all welcome – to come to the table and taste and see that the Lord is good.
Help us labour on until we all can sing, for good and right reasons: Oh happy day! Amen.
 
4 Clips to ponder upon and discuss
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-52939694 specifically, ‘a new play, written and performed by Paterson Joseph, tells the story of Britain's first black voter’, and, ‘David Matthews tells the story of his great-uncle who fought in World War One’.
5. Comments, discussion
We discussed last week about focusing both on hardship and liberation. Must both be present?
The actor talked about what it is to be ‘stranger’ and being ‘not much abused’. We can see this in ourselves, how can we make sure we see this in others?
The ‘windrush generation’ was unknown to many. What else is hidden? What can we do?
There were comments as to keeping knowledge relevant today, rather than simply a glimpse into the past. Is there something practical we can do? The service planned in 10 days’ time is open for discussion!  
6 Prayer and reflection
Silence is held
God of the nations, you bless us in creation with endless diversity. May we participate in this ongoing creation by enabling life in ongoing variety and expression. Help us to see what is acceptable.
Spirit of Love, receive our prayer.
God of the political, you give us free will to govern and manage our community living. May we choose our leaders wisely by changing patterns and voices in leadership, so that all needs are being addressed.
Spirit of Love, receive our prayer.
God of anger, you rage at the choices we make on earth even as we claim to do your will. May we learn to see ourselves with clarity, and learn to feel the rage you feel when we treat people, the earth and its creatures with contempt and disrespect.
Spirit of Love, receive our prayer.
God of the intimate, you speak to us in whispers and shouts, and it is up to us to pay attention. May we turn our attention to you, especially when it is painful, because we know love means having to make sacrifices.
Spirit of Love, receive our prayer.
 
7 Bible reading for this month
Extracts from Psalm 139
 
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
Holy notices: please, help me do this week by week – will you read, pray, dance and sing?
 
8. Final song. Difficult to watch compared to last week … prohpetic not just prayerful.

 2. Song
Join with us (mute yourself) and sing as if no-one was listening.(skip to 1:02:33)

3. Prayer
Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,
We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,
But so often passed over,
Those stories that when told are shared because
Of what someone is, not who they are.
This month in our nation's character
Is Black History month.
Help us to realize that Black history is
All our histories.
May the day come when these stories
Are so wildly taught that no month need
Be separately divided.
We know this day will not come until we as a people
Make different choices.
We pray now for those new choices.
May we come to see a day where the prison system
Becomes redemptive, not punitive.
A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts,
And the not colors of our skin.
A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand.
May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive,
And not be taken down for their rich heritage.
We know this will require a shift in power.
And this can be scary for some.
Give those full of fear - hope.
May we come to know grace,
So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us.
There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.
And we need to get the chance to hear them.
Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month,
And every month,
Come to be known as our history too.
We are most human when we see the humanity in others.
 
4 Reading to ponder upon and discuss
The second reading is from the Quaker Faith and Practice (Fifth edition), Chapter 23:33, by Meg Maslin
Guided by the Light of God within us and recognising that of God in others, we can all learn to value our differences in age, sex, physique, race and culture. This enables mutual respect and self-respect to develop, and it becomes possible for everyone to love one another as God loves us. Throughout our lives, we see ourselves reflected in the facial expressions, verbal comments and body-language of others. We have a responsibility to protect each other’s self-respect.
Because of their commitment to social concerns, some Quakers may find it inconceivable that they may lack understanding of issues involving racism. Jesus stressed the unique nature and worth of each individual. It is unreasonable to expect assimilation or to ignore difference, claiming to treat everyone the same. This denies the value of variety, which presents not a problem, but a creative challenge to live adventurously.
Personality, sex, race, culture and experience are God’s gifts. We need one another and differences shared become enrichments, not reasons to be afraid, to dominate or condemn. The media have increased our knowledge of the world, but we need greater self-awareness if our actions are to be changed in relation to the information we receive. We need to consider our behaviour carefully, heeding the command of Jesus that we should love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
 
5. Comments, discussion, or awkward silence 😊
‘Throughout our lives, we see ourselves reflected in the facial expressions, verbal comments and body-language of others’. When have you seen this? Good or bad?
‘It is unreasonable to expect assimilation or to ignore difference, claiming to treat everyone the same’. Is it unreasonable? Is it evern reasonable?
‘A creative challenge to live adventurously’: have you any experiences of this?
‘The media have increased our knowledge of the world, but we need greater self-awareness if our actions are to be changed in relation to the information we receive’. Difficult to discern what is good or bad? Any examples of how we have learnt something and altered our actions?
 
6 Prayer and reflection
Silence is held
 
1.Reader: On Rights and Responsibilities, from Rosa Parks
I realized we should all be free people and we should have the same rights as other people. In the South, at that time, there was legally enforced segregation. There were places black people couldn’t go, and rights we did not have. This was not acceptable to me. A lot of other people didn’t disobey the rules because they didn’t want to get into trouble. I was willing to get arrested — it was worth the consequences.
All: We pray that the rights of all members of the African American community, and of all peoples, are respected, and that all take on the responsibilities of freedom.
 
2.Reader: Option for the Poor, Marian Wright Edelman, Founder, Children’s Defense League
God has blessed us with more riches than some of us know what to do with, yet we let millions of our children go hungry, without shelter, and without other basic necessities of life. Here we are blessed with the best of health technology, yet there are places where children’s lives are thrown away.We must take care of our children who suffer from poverty.
All: We pray that we see and respond to the poverty in the African American community and in all our communities.
 
3.Reader: Solidarity, from Maya Angelou, writer
 
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me. . .
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister’s eyes,
Into your brother’s face,
And say simply
Very simply
With hope, Good Morning.
 
All: We pray we stand with civility and in solidarity with all people including our African American siblings
 
4. Reader: Stewardship of Creation, from Alice
Walker, writer
Helped are those who love the entire cosmos rather than their own tiny country, city, or farm, for to them will be shown the unbroken web of life and the meaning of infinity.
Helped are those who love the Earth, their mother, and who willingly suffer that she may not die; in their grief over her pain they will weep and in their joy in her lively response to love, they will converse with all living things.
Helped are those who love and actively support the diversity of life; they shall be secure in their differences.
All: We pray that all members of our diverse human community respect Creation.
 
 
7 Bible reading
Extracts from Psalm 139
 
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
 
Holy notices: please, help me do this week by week – will you read, pray, dance and sing?
 
8. Final song before tea and Bake Off. Dance as if no-one is watching