Gungahlin Uniting Church

108 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin, ACT 2912

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Order of Service – September 6

September 4, 2020 by Darren Wright

Call to Worship

Come, you who hunger to taste the bread of life! 
Come, you who thirst for living water!
Come, you who hunger for justice and peace, 
and you who thirst for God’s kin-dom
to drop like rain upon the world:
come, let us journey together as a community of faith, 
come, let us worship God.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Psalm 119:33-40

God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

Message Translation

Song:

Flourishing by Sandra McCracken  

Readings:

Exodus 12:1-14
Romans 13:8-14

Song: When I Needed A Neighbour

Reflection

https://vimeo.com/454373090

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

God of all creation,
God of the universe,
of the stars in the sky,
of the grains of sand on the beach,we marvel at the wonder of all you have created and we marvel at our place in all of that.

You, Lord of all, care for us.
Lord, we confess that too often
we do not pause to realise your majesty.
We move through life with a sense of entitlement yet we are nothing without you.
you created all
and gift your creation to our safe keeping.

Forgive us, Lord,
when we so readily squander your gifts, when we mess up what you made perfect, when we despise what you call good.

Forgive us and call us back,
time and again, to gratitude and praise
for all that you are and all you created us to be and, as we recognise how blessed we are,
may we share that blessing with others
in honour of you, Lord of all.

Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Song:

Give Us Love (Feat. Freddy Washington & Will Reagan)

Prayer for Others

Our loving God 

So much of our concerns these days surround the Coronavirus.  It seems to pervade our lives and rightly so as these generations have never experienced this before. And so we continue in prayer as we have all year to ask that you walk with us and may we know that you are here by our side. 

You have never promised us lives without trial and we ask today that we are aware and thankful that we know you as a God of the hard times,  the God of the journey to a better place. 

Of course our prayers are with those who suffer from this virus and all those both directly and indirectly who help us through this vale of tears. 

Be with those who make vital decisions about our wellbeing.  Be with them in the dark sleepless nights, in times of public scrutiny and times where we look to them for guidance and condolence.

As this virus dominates our thoughts let us not forget that life goes on.  Some are hungry,  some are homeless,  some are victims of violence,  others have health issues other than the coronavirus.

It has been and will continue to be a year of trial but as you have so often promised you will be there with us.  May we nurture the faith that affirms that.

Amen.

Chris Dodd

Sending:

May your week be one of blessing,
when your hearts are full,
your mind at rest,
your soul stirred to action.

May you find God the Father guiding you,
Jesus the Son walking with you,
and the Holy Spirit inspiring your days.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Filed Under: Blog, September 6, 2020

Home Brewed Worship – August 30, 2020

August 28, 2020 by Darren Wright

This week’s Exodus reading is the story of Moses and the Burning Bush from Exodus 3:1-15. As we’re still telling the story of Moses this week’s material includes a lot of the videos and material from last week.

For those of you who want to make a space to worship on Sunday we’ve put together an order of service that you can use to reflect in music, read the scripture and pray in worship,

For those of you who feel that you only have cracks and crevices in your week available to intentionally spend time with God we’ve created this material as a kind of playlist for you to use through your week to dive in and out of when you can make space in your work, home, car or whenever you find yourself open to spend time with God.

Perhaps you might choose one prayer to pray daily, or commit to listening to two songs each day, or reading one of the bible verses every two days?

Aid to worship at home:

Order of Service – August 30, 2020

Aid to worship for people worshipping with young people

This resource has a number of videos and idea to help people explore the story from Exodus and pray together as a household. 

Worship at Home with Youth/Children – August 30, 2020

Worship Online

Join us on Zoom for community worship online this week, message us for the link.

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

Singing The Scripture

This is a playlist of music that helps us all dive into the scripture readings for this week

The Story of Moses

The Saddleback kids videos on Moses help tell the story of Moses, this is a playlist of 6 videos including a kids song to learn

Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c

We shout your name and give you thanks, LORD;
……..we will tell everyone what you have done for us.
We sing your praises in your presence,
……..and publicise your wonderful achievements.

We put your name up in lights, your name alone;
……..our hearts burst with joy when we approach you.
It is you we want most of all, you and your strength;
……..we try to keep near to you all the time.

Like all the descendants of Abraham and Jacob,
……..and all your chosen children,
we remember all the astonishing things you have done
……..and the breath-taking wisdom of your decisions.

Your people turned up in Egypt;
……..yes, Jacob migrated to Africa.
You let them breed there like rabbits, LORD,
……..and they grew stronger than the native population.
The Egyptians grew fearful and bitter
……..and plotted to force your people into slavery.

You sent your trusty worker, Moses,
……..and his chosen right hand man, Aaron.

You are the greatest, LORD!

©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Prayers

Prayer

for what shall we pray, O God?
where there is death,
let us offer life,
where there is brokenness,
let us be healers,
where there is loneliness,
let us offer a welcome.
for what shall we pray, O Jesus?
where there is cruelty,
let us seek justice,
where there is bitterness,
let us sow kindness,
where there is hatred,
let us offer hands of love.
for what shall we pray O Spirit?
where there is anger,
let us be the breath of hope,
where there is violence,
let us be peacemakers,
where neighbourhoods are in ruins,
let us rebuild communities.
for what shall we pray?
for more tenderness than tensions,
for more listening than lecturing,
for more forgiving than pointing fingers,
for more concern for the forgotten than the favoured,
for more humanity than hatred.
hear our prayers, God in Community, Holy in One,
hear our prayers, Amen.

Source:  2020 Thom M. Shuman

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Holy God,
we approach in awe.
We come into your presence
as Moses did:
slowly, cautiously, unsure of ourselves,
unsure of what, or whom we encounter.
Holy God, may we feel welcome in your presence, may we be bold and brave as we come.
Accept our prayers of love
yet, even as we approach,
we become aware of our place, our weakness and our lives. In silence now we name our shadows…
things which lurk in the darkness,
away from your burning light.
Silence
Holy God, forgive us we pray,
accept our humble petitions
so that freed from our burdens we may worship you In this place,
this day.
Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Prayers for Others

Compassionate God, we thank you for your great love.  In a world which, for many, feels turbulent and uncertain, we call for your guidance and peace.

We pray for all who have lost their jobs or their businesses. We pray for those who are worried and anxious about their future. Guide them and grant them the hope they need.

We lift up the medical teams, heath professionals and researchers who continue to play a crucial role during the pandemic. Protect and restore them, providing new energy as they provide care and solve problems each day.

We pray for political and business decision makers in our nation and community. Grant them wisdom. May they lead with empathy, justice and compassion.

We continue to pray for greater wisdom and responsibility in our stewardship of this earth. May the world community and individuals answer your call to share resources to alleviate poverty, injustice and disease.

Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are troubled by illness and for those who care for them. Send healing and strength. We ask for your comfort and peace for those who grieve.

We pray for those who feel isolated or lonely. Send your light and love to give them the assurance and hope they need. May they find the support they need through family, friends and other services.

We pray for all who touch our lives – our family, our friends and those within the community. We pray for deepening friendships and relationships, and a greater awareness of the needs of others for support and encouragement. Help us to respond to those needs and show your love.

We lift up these prayers in Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Brooke Kilah

Go Deeper:

  • The Working Preacher Podcast – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
  • By The Well – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
  • Commentary on Exodus 3

Pete Ruins Exodus

The Bible For Normal People podcast ran a series on Exodus, if you’d like to dive into the story and theme of Exodus then this is a series for you.

  • Pete Ruins Exodus 1
  • Pete Ruins Exodus 2
  • Pete Ruins Exodus 3
  • Pete Ruins Exodus 4
  • Pete Ruins Exodus 5
  • Pete Ruins Exodus 6

Filed Under: August 30, 2020, Blog, Home Brewed Worship

Order of Service – August 30, 2020

August 28, 2020 by Darren Wright

When We Share God’s Dream by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan Colligan is a simple and great song, you can find the lyrics here

Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c

We shout your name and give you thanks, LORD;
……..we will tell everyone what you have done for us.
We sing your praises in your presence,
……..and publicise your wonderful achievements.

We put your name up in lights, your name alone;
……..our hearts burst with joy when we approach you.
It is you we want most of all, you and your strength;
……..we try to keep near to you all the time.

Like all the descendants of Abraham and Jacob,
……..and all your chosen children,
we remember all the astonishing things you have done
……..and the breath-taking wisdom of your decisions.

Your people turned up in Egypt;
……..yes, Jacob migrated to Africa.
You let them breed there like rabbits, LORD,
……..and they grew stronger than the native population.
The Egyptians grew fearful and bitter
……..and plotted to force your people into slavery.

You sent your trusty worker, Moses,
……..and his chosen right hand man, Aaron.

You are the greatest, LORD!

©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Sing: Let Your Presence Fall

Call to Worship

Here in this place where we worship,
we stand on holy ground!

Here in this place
where songs of praise are sung,
we stand on holy ground!

Here in this place where prayers are said,
we stand on holy ground!

Come and hear God speak to your needs.

Come and let go of the burdens you carry.
Come and expect an encounter with God.

Be fully here in this sacred space.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Sing: God of Abraham Praise

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Holy God,
we approach in awe.
We come into your presence
as Moses did:
slowly, cautiously, unsure of ourselves,
unsure of what, or whom we encounter.
Holy God, may we feel welcome in your presence, may we be bold and brave as we come.
Accept our prayers of love
yet, even as we approach,
we become aware of our place, our weakness and our lives. In silence now we name our shadows…
things which lurk in the darkness,
away from your burning light.
Silence
Holy God, forgive us we pray,
accept our humble petitions
so that freed from our burdens we may worship you In this place,
this day.
Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Prepare to hear today’s scripture

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

Story:

*Temporary Password GUNGUCFF2020

https://vimeo.com/452523332

Sing: How Great Is Our God

Reflection

https://vimeo.com/452462748

Prayers for others – 30 August 2020

Compassionate God, we thank you for your great love.  In a world which, for many, feels turbulent and uncertain, we call for your guidance and peace.

We pray for all who have lost their jobs or their businesses. We pray for those who are worried and anxious about their future. Guide them and grant them the hope they need.

We lift up the medical teams, heath professionals and researchers who continue to play a crucial role during the pandemic. Protect and restore them, providing new energy as they provide care and solve problems each day.

We pray for political and business decision makers in our nation and community. Grant them wisdom. May they lead with empathy, justice and compassion.

We continue to pray for greater wisdom and responsibility in our stewardship of this earth. May the world community and individuals answer your call to share resources to alleviate poverty, injustice and disease.

Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are troubled by illness and for those who care for them. Send healing and strength. We ask for your comfort and peace for those who grieve.

We pray for those who feel isolated or lonely. Send your light and love to give them the assurance and hope they need. May they find the support they need through family, friends and other services.

We pray for all who touch our lives – our family, our friends and those within the community. We pray for deepening friendships and relationships, and a greater awareness of the needs of others for support and encouragement. Help us to respond to those needs and show your love.

We lift up these prayers in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Brooke Kilah

Prayer

for what shall we pray, O God?
where there is death,
let us offer life,
where there is brokenness,
let us be healers,
where there is loneliness,
let us offer a welcome.
for what shall we pray, O Jesus?
where there is cruelty,
let us seek justice,
where there is bitterness,
let us sow kindness,
where there is hatred,
let us offer hands of love.
for what shall we pray O Spirit?
where there is anger,
let us be the breath of hope,
where there is violence,
let us be peacemakers,
where neighbourhoods are in ruins,
let us rebuild communities.
for what shall we pray?
for more tenderness than tensions,
for more listening than lecturing,
for more forgiving than pointing fingers,
for more concern for the forgotten than the favoured,
for more humanity than hatred.
hear our prayers, God in Community, Holy in One,
hear our prayers, Amen.

Source:  2020 Thom M. Shuman

Sing: I The Lord of Sea and Sky

Sending

We walk on holy ground
every day of our lives.
We take God with us from this place to bless and guide our steps
this day and always.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Filed Under: August 30, 2020, Blog

Home Brewed Worship – For Families

August 28, 2020 by Darren Wright

This week’s Exodus reading is the story of Moses and the Burning Bush from Exodus 3:1-15. As we’re still telling the story of Moses this week’s material includes a lot of the videos and material from last week.

If you only had time to share a part of his story then this week you get a bit more time and space to delve into the story and person of Moses.

This week would be a great time to talk about holy ground, what makes a place holy or vocation, what are you called to, how does God call people?

*Be aware that if you’re sharing this story with young kids three are some parts of the story that may be difficult for them to hear. Stories of kings wanting children killed and mothers who abandon their child are complex stories, but they’re stories we’re familiar with in fairytales and other stories… so be prepared for hard chats.

Set your space for worship

Invite your family to create a sacred space in your home this week, whatever that might look like for them. 

Add a candle and light it, I like saying something like “There once lived a someone who said such amazing things and did so many wonderful things that people followed him. One day they asked him who he was and he answered “I am the Light of the world”

Invite your household to share something they’re grateful for this week and give thanks for it.

Bible Readings

This week’s scripture readings are:

Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

All-Age Prayer

Use this prayer every morning as a way to start the day with your household. Say it together this week, each time with bare feet, as you do we hope the place where you live will begin to feel like holy ground.

God of all ages,
all places,
all times.

We praise you,
we come, bare foot on this holy ground,
as we feel the ground underfoot,
we become more aware of you, your presence with us.

God of the Holy Places, may this place,
where we live, also be a holy place:
a placed blessed by your presence with us,
in us,
for us,
above and below us,
protecting and guiding us in all we do,
this day and always.

Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Sing

Spend some time in song together, here are a couple great songs for you to try at home

A fun song to sing by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan Colligan, lyrics are in the video for you to learn together
When We Share God’s Dream by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan Colligan is a simple and great song, you can find the lyrics here
I Will Sing Of Your Love, Love, Love is a beautiful and repetitive song written and sing by Christopher Grundy.
https://vimeo.com/422037417
This song by Cathy Pino has become a favourite in our household
We Are A Part of the Family is a great song to sing at home, you can access the lyrics here.

For Prayer

Pray for the world around you by talking with each other about the things that are on your heart, who do you want to send love to today? Where do you want to see God’s peace this week?

Perhaps you might like to draw your prayers together, and place them on your fridge this week.

Maybe you can agree to say a short 1 line prayer of thanks every time you open the fridge this week.

Another opportunity for prayer is to write a grace for your meals this week, say it together every time you eat together (or sing it if you’re musical). If you feel comfortable email us your grace and we can share it with others.

If you need help try this: “God we pray your peace fill the world, your love fill our hearts”

Holy Moly – Exodus

*temporary password: GUNGUCFF2020

This story goes beyond last weeks story and explores the story of Exodus, beginning with he burning bush.

https://vimeo.com/452523332

Re:Form – The Story of Moses

*temporary password: GUNGUCFF2020

https://vimeo.com/449694892

Saddleback Kids -The Story of Moses (Playlist)

Saddleback’s videos are great introductions to characters, this series introduces us to the story of Moses. You can find the entire playlist of Moses stories here.

The Prince of Egypt

Perhaps this week you might want to cook some popcorn and sit together to watch the Dreamworks film Prince of Egypt.

For Conversation – Exploring the story:

I really like the questions posed by Godly play, they’re simple and invite the household into a conversation, read through 

  • I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
  • I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
  • I wonder what part was about you or what part you were in?

For Conversation – Exploring the reflection:

https://vimeo.com/452462748
  • Do you have any special places where you feel close to God? Where are they, what makes these places special?
  • How do you see God at work in the world?
  • How can be more open to noticing God around you?
  • What do you think God would like you to do?
  • What do you think God is calling your family/household to do? How do you think you can live that out?

Activity – Sacred Space

  • Build a model of a place that you feel close to God, use lego or anything else you can find in the house.
  • What makes a place holy? What makes this place special?
  • How can you pay attention to God this week?
  • How might you listen for God this week?

Filed Under: August 30, 2020

Home Brewed Worship – August 23, 2020

August 22, 2020 by Darren Wright

This week’s Home Brewed Worship material invites us to spend some time with the beginning of the book of Exodus.

For those of you who want to make a space to worship on Sunday we’ve put together an order of service that you can use to reflect in music, read the scripture and pray in worship,

For those of you who feel that you only have cracks and crevices in your week available to intentionally spend time with God we’ve created this material as a kind of playlist for you to use through your week to dive in and out of when you can make space in your work, home, car or whenever you find yourself open to spend time with God.

Perhaps you might choose one prayer to pray daily, or commit to listening to two songs each day, or reading one of the bible verses every two days?

Aid to worship at home:

Order of Service – August 23, 2020

Aid to worship for people worshipping with children

This resource has a number of videos and idea to help people explore the story from Exodus and pray together as a household.

Worship at Home with Youth/Children – August 23, 2020

Live Stream Worship

We are live streaming worship from the building this week, if you’d like access please let us know and we’ll send you the link. Accessing the worship service is very simple, you do not need to download the Zoom App in order to join in.

Bible Readings

This week’s scripture readings are:

  • Exodus 1:8-2:10
  • Psalm 124
  • Matthew 16:13-20

We’ve focussed on the Exodus story for this week’s resources.

Singing the Scripture – August 23, 2020

This is a playlist of music that helps us all dive into the scripture readings for this week

Video

The Saddleback kids videos on Moses help tell the story of Moses, this is a playlist of 6 videos including a kids song to learn

Meet Shifra and Puah

This is a great video that introduces the two main characters in this week’s Exodus reading, had you heard the story of Shifra and Puah before?

Prayer For Others

Dear Heavenly Father,
We give thanks and praise for your wonderful love and compassion.
Thank you for answered prayers.

Lord, across our beautiful world there is trouble,
many have become infected with the Coronavirus, and the death toll is vast.
Many have lost employment and businesses have closed.
Whole states have been locked down and borders closed to travellers.
People are weary of the restrictions
and look for different ways to supplement their income.
Mental health is on the rise and tempers are frayed.

Help us to contact those we know with a friendly call or visit,
a casserole or cake to make life brighter and ease some of the stress in their lives.

Give us hope Lord, that there will be an end to this pandemic
and that a satisfactory vaccine is developed, ready for use in the near future.

We pray for all who are feeling depressed, for those who are disheartened,
for the unemployed, the lonely, and the forgotten.
Give them hope for a brighter and meaningful future.

Loving God, we bring before you all who are in need of your healing touch today.
We pray for the terminally ill, those going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
those whose independence is slowly slipping away,
and those who have difficulty with memory.
Be with them Lord, and give them comfort, strength and compassion.

You call us to pray and work for peace.
We pray for those who lead the different nations,
that they might rule with justice and concern for all.
Where there is division between nations,
let cool heads prevail for continued world peace.

We pray for ourselves, that with your Holy Spirit working through us,
we may reflect your glory and love to others.

Surprise our limited understanding with new glimpses of your love and compassion.

May we grow in your grace, in Jesus name.

Amen

Pauline Loughhead

The Story of Irena Sendler

The By The Well Podcast (Mentioned in “Going Deeper” below) names the story of Irena Sendler as a story that invites us to hear the story of the midwives in more current context.

Research the story of Irena Sendler online and discuss with others this week how you think it links with this week’s story from Exodus.

Can you think of other people’s lives that may also link with this week’s story? People who seemed to not not have any power finding ways to stand against oppression and violence and stand for justice?

Holocaust Matters – Who was Irena Sendler

Go Deeper

Working Preacher Podcast – August 23, 2020

By the Well Podcast – August 23, 2020

Working Preacher Commentary – August 23, 2020

Film – Prince of Egypt This is a family movie based on the life of Moses. It’s going to be a cold wet weekend, perhaps you might like to watch the film with someone and a big bowl of popcorn.

Commentary on Exodus 1:8-2:10

Commentary by B.R. Howard

Commentary by Amy Merrill Willis

Commentary by Richard Niell Donovan

Commentary by Rev Dr Anna Grant-Henderson

Commentary by Dennis Olson

Commentary by David Lose

Filed Under: August 23, 2020, Home Brewed Worship, Prayers

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About GUC

We are a community on a journey, we’ve grown from a small faith community planted in Ngunnawal in the early years of Gungahlin’s development to a thriving inclusive, intergenerational & multicultural community. As Gungahlin has grown we have seen a lot of change.

We are an open and inclusive community, everyone is welcome to use their gifts in worship, prayer, leadership, hospitality and teaching.

Find out more…

Worship With Us

Every Sunday, 9:30am
Gungahlin Uniting Church and Community Centre
108 The Valley Avenue
Gungahlin, ACT, 2913

Worship is for all ages, (0 to 93!) and seeks to be meaningful in different ways for us all.

In Jesus Christ we see how he drew near to each and all and so we hope our worship expresses this nearness too.

Find out more…

Finding us

We worship at the Gungahlin Uniting Church & Community Centre.
Find us on Google Maps here

Car
Free parking is available in our on-site car park.

Light Rail
We are less than a 5 minute walk from the Gungahlin Place Light Rail Station.

Bus
The ACT has a number of bus options for people travelling around, or to Gungahlin. Timetables available here.

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