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  • Rossendale Circuit
    • Aug 8, 2020
    • 6 min read

Sunday Service - 9th of August - Battered by Storms


Video Service


Scroll down to view the written transcript (not exact to the videos) and click here to view directly in youtube.


Part 1

Hymn:


MP 799 All I once held dear, built my life upon



Part 2

Hymn:


MP 331 In Heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear



Part 3

Hymn:


STF 645 Will your anchor hold in the storms of life





Part 4

Hymn:


STF 351 In Christ alone my hope is found





Written Service


Please note, the video does divert from these exact words at times.


Matthew 14:22-33 Battered by the Storm!


Call to Worship:


Lord, in the storms of life, bid us come to you, that we, who are aware of our weakness, may be made strong; through the power of Christ our Lord. Amen


Hymn:


MP 799 'All I once held dear, built my life upon'



Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18


“Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.”

Opening Prayers


Lord of all faithfulness, thank you for never giving up on us and for always welcoming us home.


We are sorry for the times when our trust in you wavers when we take our eyes off you because we are more concerned with ourselves. Help us to stay oriented towards you and faithful in all we do. Amen.


Jesus bringer of hope, thank you for giving us a hope that sustains us and a future with you that we can be sure of. Thank you for your death and resurrection, which makes it possible for us to enter into new life. Help us to live in light of this reality with gratitude and praise. Amen.


Gracious Father, thank you for your love for our world your care and imagination in its creation and your grace and mercy in its redemption. Thank you for not abandoning us in our rebellion but in your Son, making a way possible back to you. We are grateful for this restored relationship and the wonderful acceptance we receive. Amen.

(copyright © Twelvebaskets 2020)


The Lord’s Prayer


Bible Reading Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walks on water


Hymn:


MP 331 'In Heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear'


Photo by Michael Benz via Unsplash


Battered by the storms?


Will your anchor hold in the storms of life? We live in very strange times. How are you coping?


The Covid–19 pandemic has changed the world; things will never be the same again.

We have been locked in, worried about and unable to meet family and friends, very anxious about being infected, is the virus under control, what about friends in hospital and care homes. How are we going to be able to get food? Is it safe to go to the Supermarket ourselves? How are we coping physically and mentally? When are we going to be able to do anything in the community and in church? Our friends and neighbours have been working from home, home schooling their children, some dealing with financial worries, and concerns over losing jobs. What next? What about the future?


What’s your story of the last few months? It’s been so strange being shut in. For me it’s been a time of complex and sometimes confusing emotions. At the beginning we were scared as we watched what was happening in China and Italy. At first I followed all the news and government briefings with endless discussions about the NHS coping, effect on NHS staff, Hospital Beds, PPE care homes, masks, testing and trace etc. What did lockdown mean and what were the implications for our economy? Often feelings of fear, sadness, worry, frustration, and uncertainty. I have so much to be thankful for. My wife, family and friends. We have a lovely home and garden. We are greatly blessed. I’ve discovered Christian TV. Had great fun and joy using Zoom to see and chat with friends. We’ve made great new friendships amongst our neighbours, enjoyed community quizzing, sharing puzzles and on-line Fun Murder Mystery’s. There’s been loads of laughter. We’ve been greatly inspired by many peoples’ stories from NHS workers, by joining the national weekly applause for our NHS and essential workers, by children raising money and by people like Captain Tom. These are storms of life like we’ve never seen before. Perhaps as Christians we’ve been grappling with vital questions like: what’s God up to? Where is Jesus in all this? What should we do? Will there be a future for the church? What will church life be like?


Let’s think about the gospel record of the time when Jesus walked on water. After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sends the disciples off in a boat to go to the other side of the lake and goes up a hill to pray. In the middle of the lake a storm brews up and the boat is tossed about by the wind and waves all night. The disciples became wet and exhausted and were afraid. We can almost hear them saying: anyone know where Jesus is when we need him? Early in the morning Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water. They screamed with fear. “Courage” says Jesus, “It is I, do not be afraid”. Jesus calls Peter to walk towards him, which he does until he notices the strong wind and begins to sink. “Save me Lord” and Jesus grabs hold of him, they get in the boat and the wind drops. The disciples worship Jesus and exclaim “Truly you are the Son of God”

Photo by Felix Mittermeier via Unsplash


In the storms of life we are not alone. When we cry out “save me Lord” Jesus comes to us and says courage, have faith, and saves us.

I am reminded of the story of an experience of one of the greatest theologians of all time. On 14th October 1735, aged 32 years, John Wesley accompanied by his brother Charles and friends boarded the sailing ship Simmonds and set sail for America. One day a terrible storm hit the ship. The mainsail was split in two and huge waves poured into the vessel. The English settlers screamed and panicked at the danger but a group of German Christians, called Moravians, remained calm, praying and singing hymns until the storm had passed. This example of trust and faith had a profound effect on John.


Paul urged the Thessalonians to “Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”


When you feel battered by the storms of life, when you feel overwhelmed by all that’s happening, when you can’t see the future and wonder what’s going to happen next, cry out to Jesus for help, pray at all times, try to be joyful and thankful. Our future and the future of our church family is in God’s hands.

Always remember:


We have an anchor that keeps the soul

steadfast and sure whilst the billows roll;

fastened to the rock which cannot move,

grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.


Hymn:


STF 645 'Will your anchor hold in the storms of life'




Prayers of Intercession


When we are in danger of being overwhelmed, increase our faith. When troubles beset us, let us hear you say “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.” Give to your church a new vision of yourself and of your saving power. Go with us as we share your love. We pray for areas where the church is struggling or being overwhelmed, for all ministers who are overworked or in danger. We pray for all who reach out in faith towards you. Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation


We pray for areas of the world where there have been floods or other natural disasters, for all who are swamped by poverty or hunger, for all who are battered by wave after wave of oppression or violence, for those who have no freedom, for all who are sinking beneath a load of care and anxiety. We particularly pray for the people of Beirut in their tragedy. Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.


We give thanks for all who have supported us in times of trouble or distress. We pray for friends who are in need at this time. We remember all who are finding caring for their home overwhelming. Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

We pray for all who are down, the fearful, the weary, the despairing. We pray for all who are unable to help themselves. We remember all who give a helping hand. We pray for carers, home helps, social workers. We remember those who are suffering in their care of another. Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.


We give you thanks for those who are beyond the storms of this world and have come to the haven of rest. Though our faith is weak, we reach out to you, for you are almighty. Grant that we may come to be with your saints in life eternal. Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.


Photo by Sebastien Gabriel via Unsplash


Hymn:


STF 351 'In Christ alone my hope is found'




Blessing


Go now in peace. Knowing God is with you, knowing you will be richly blessed, knowing that you are called to make a difference, knowing that God will bless others through you, knowing the overwhelming love of the living God. Amen.

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