11A – Epiphany 3A

10A - Epiphany 2A12A - Epiphany 4A
 
See also my posts from 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023

 
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD (from Psalm 27)
The LORD is my light and my salvation, the stronghold of my life.
Whom shall I fear? And from whom shall I tremble in dread? 
My opponents and enemies drew near, intent on devouring me,
but they stumbled and fell.
Issues in my life sit like an army encamped against me, 
   but my heart shall not fear, even if they all rise up against me. 
One thing I have asked from the LORD.
This will I seek; 
   to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
   to catch the vision of the kindly ways of the LORD.
For the LORD God will hide me like treasure, in a booth,
on that miserable day;
hiding me in the secret folds of his tent.
And now the LORD will raise my head, above my enemies round about me.
And I will sacrifice in the tent of the LORD sacrifices of joy;
     I will sing, and make music to the LORD.

Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation, the stronghold of my life.
Whom shall I fear? And from whom shall I tremble in dread? 
My opponents and enemies drew near, intent on devouring me,
but they stumbled and fell.
Issues in my life sit like an army encamped against me, 
     but my heart shall not fear.
 If they all rise up against me, even so, I am confident. 
One thing I have asked from the LORD.
This will I seek; 
   to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
   to catch a vision of the kindly ways of the LORD,
     indeed, simply to inquire in the temple of the LORD.
For the LORD God will hide me like a treasure in a booth
on that miserable day;
hiding me in the secret folds of his tent;
     and set me high on a rock, his holy hill.
And now the LORD will raise my head,
above my enemies round about me.
And I will sacrifice in the tent of the LORD sacrifices of joy;
     I will sing, and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice, O LORD, when I call, and be gracious andanswer me.
My heart said to you, “I have sought your face.”
Your face, O LORD, will I seek.
Do not hide your face from me;
do not turn away your servant in anger.
Do not forsake me and do not abandon me, O God of my salvation.
Even though my father and my mother have forsaken me,
       the LORD with gather me up.
Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a right and true path, because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the desire of my enemies,
because false witnesses have risen up against me;
  indeed, violent witnesses.
I believe that I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD. Be strong, let your heart be bold; 
     but wait for the LORD.

OFFERING
Gracious, eternal, mysterious God,
we bring our gifts
with hopeful and faithful spirits.
Bless the offering
of these gifts and our lives
that new hope and new possibilities
are made real in the lives of those
whom we serve in following Jesus. Amen

For use in worship, with acknowledgement. © Jeff Shrowder 2000, 2014.


A CREATIVE MOMENT – Matthew 4:12-23
The worship space could continue feature the main thematic symbol over the past two weeks – a good length of blue cloth (mid- to dark blue). This week, as well as a reminder of the past weeks lections, it symbolises the fishing/lake context from which the first disciples are called. It could be hung as a large plain banner or draped in a manner appropriate for your worship space.
In addition, consider using a recording of wave action and birds during the reading of the gospel.
See also the Creative Moment for Epiphany 5 in Year C


THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(A prayer, usually with connection to one or more of the lections for the day, to gather the spoken and silent concerns/joys/thanks expressed by the congregation and lead into a more structured Intercession. Sometimes this prayer also borrows lightly from other sources e.g. Uniting in Worship 2 or publications of the Iona Community.)

Comforting spirit of grace,
sustain those who live at the edges,
encourage those whom we name on our lips
and in our silence,
and be present to those
whose troubles are known only to you …
         (The Prayers of the People continue)


Looking for contemporary music and song resources?
Try David MacGregor’s Together to Celebrate
Or metrical psalms? Try Dale A. Schoening’s Sing the Psalms

HYMN SUGGESTIONS FOR EPIPHANY 3 – YEAR A
Christ is the world’s true light TIS 238
Forth in thy name O Lord I go TIS 571
God is my strong salvation TIS 15
How firm a foundation, you people of God TIS 578
Jesus calls us! O’er the tumult TIS 589
Lord, your almighty word TIS 447
Who would true valour see TIS 561
Isaiah 9:1-4
Christ whose glory fills the skies TIS 306
Jesus has come and brings joy as our Saviour TIS 208
O come! O come, Emmanuel TIS 265
O day of God draw near TIS 616
O God of every nation TIS 621
The people that in darkness walked TIS 274
To us a child of royal birth TIS 308
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
Abide with me TIS 586
All praise to our redeeming Lord TIS 442
Christ is the world’s true light TIS 328
God is my strong salvation TIS 15
In heavenly love abiding TIS 588
The Lord is my light, my light and salvation TIS 747
Who would true valour see TIS 561
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Christ, from whom all blessings flow TIS 440
Father, Lord of all creation TIS 631
Filled with the Spirit’s power, with one accord TIS 411
Help us accept each other TIS 648
Lord Christ, at your first eucharist you prayed TIS 521
Where ther is charity and love TIS 434
Matthew 4:12-23
Dear Father, Lord of humankind TIS 598
I want to walk as a child of the light TIS 643
Jesus calls us! O’er the tumult TIS 589
Lord, in the strength of grace TIS 483
Take up your cross the Saviour said TIS 583
The King of Glory comes TIS 279

2 thoughts on “11A – Epiphany 3A”

  1. Hi Jeff. The problematic teaching on unity looks more like an ice cube in a heat wave year by year! Thanks for your website, still helpful and time saving. I must say the Americans have an interesting take on the spiritual meaning of unity. Helen and I are still immersed in the Murraylands. I finished supply at Mildura about 2 months ago. Season’s greetings. Brad.

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