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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300428T000000
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UID:10002125-1903564800-1903654740@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 4: 32-35			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	There was an extraordinary harmony in the group of those who had put their trust in Christ. They shared a common heart and a common spirit. They also shared their possessions\, giving up claims of private ownership and holding everything in common. With electrifying effect\, the apostles shared the stories of their experience of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The evidence of God’s generous love and mercy was apparent in all they did. No one among them was left battling to make ends meet\, because those who owned houses and land sold up and handed over the proceeds to the apostles\, with no strings attached\, and the money was distributed to each person according to their needs. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 133			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	What a great thing it is\, LORD\,\nwhen people can get along with one another\,\nand live together in unity and mutual respect. \nIt is even more satisfying than holding the cup aloft\nand dancing in the rain of champagne\non Grand Final day. \nIt is even more desirable than sitting by an open fire\nsharing chocolates and fine wine with a loved one. \nIt is even more beautiful than the monsoon rains\nturning the desert into a sea of wildflowers. \nFor you LORD created us to be one people\,\ncommitted to one another\, honouring one another\,\nsharing the land and its blessings forever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 1:1 - 2:2			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	That which was in place from day one\,\n  which we have heard\,\n   which we have seen with our own eyes\,\n     and which we have examined and touched with our own hands;\nthat which is all about the word of life\,\n  a life which was brought out into the open\n   and which we have seen and spoken up about\,\n     and which we are telling you is the unstoppable life\n      that came from the Father and was unveiled to us; \nthat – all of that – is what we are announcing to you. \nHaving seen it and heard it ourselves\, we are announcing it to you so that you may join us in friendship and partnership. In fact\, the partnership we enjoy and are inviting you in on is with God and with God’s Son\, Jesus the Messiah. We are putting all this down in print so that the joy we get from sharing it may be all the more complete. \nIf we were to sum up the message Jesus taught us and which we are now teaching you\, it would be this: God is pure light. There is not even a hint of anything shadowy in God. \nIf we claim that we are in partnership with God while we are still living our lives in the shadows\, then we are lying\, and failing to live out the truth. But if\, on the other hand\, we live our lives openly in the light\, just as God does\, then we will be in full partnership with one another. In that case\, the blood which God’s Son Jesus shed will not have been wasted on us\, but will have succeeded in cleaning up the sin which had corrupted our lives. If we claim to be uncorrupted\, we are kidding no one but ourselves\, and what we are really missing is honesty and integrity. If we own up to our corrupt actions\, the One who is unswervingly faithful and just will give us a full pardon and clean up all that is polluted and twisted within us. If we claim that we have not done anything corrupt\, then we are calling God a liar\, and God’s word has clearly not taken root within us. \nI love you like my own children\, and I am writing these things to you to help you to steer clear of corrupt ways. But if one of you does do something wrong\, it is not the end of the world. There is one who goes in to bat for us with God – Jesus the Messiah\, the One who always gets things right. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the process of dealing with our corruption and the corruption of the entire world\, so that it would not cut us or anyone else off from God. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 20: 19-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	It was a Sunday – the first day of the week – when the tomb was found empty. That same evening\, the disciples met together. They locked all the doors of the house where they were meeting because they were afraid of being tracked down by the religious authorities. Suddenly\, Jesus appeared and stood among them saying\, “Good evening to you all!” \nHe proceeded to show them the deep scars in his hands and side. The disciples\, of course\, were over the moon at seeing the Lord again. Jesus spoke again\, saying\, “All the best to you. God sent me into the world\, and in the same way\, I’m sending you.” \nHaving said that\, he breathed a big breathe onto them and said\, “Receive the Holy Spirit; all of you. If you forgive anyone who has sinned\, then their sins are forgiven. If you withhold forgiveness for any sins\, they remain unforgiven.” \nWhen this happened\, Thomas – known as “the Twin” and one of the twelve – was missing. The other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord\, but they couldn’t convince him. “I’m not falling for that one!” Thomas replied. “I’d have to see the nail holes in his hands before I’d believe it. In fact I’d have to feel the holes myself\, and touch the spear wound in his side.” \nA week later\, the disciples again gathered behind locked doors in the same house\, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors\, Jesus came and stood among them again and said\, “Good evening to you all!” \nThen he turned to Thomas and said\, “Here are my hands\, Thomas. Put your finger here in the wound.” And pulling up his shirt\, he said\, “And here is my side. You can put your hand in the hole. Let go of your doubts and trust me.”\nThomas\, of course\, was blown away\, and said\, “You are my Lord and my God!” \nJesus said to him\, “Believing is not that hard when you’ve seen me\, is it? Imagine how much God will smile on those who put their trust in me without ever having seen me!” \nThe disciples saw Jesus do many other things that demonstrated to them the reality of who he was\, but they have not all been written down in this book. But what has been written here has been written for you\, dear readers\, so that you will know enough to see that Jesus is the anointed One – the Son of God – and so that by putting your trust in him you can come to have real life: the life that he lived and shares. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead\nand by your grace we have life in his name. \nFrom the very beginning\, the Word of life was with you\,\ncreating everything in earth and heaven.\nYou rescued your people from death\nand called them to follow you\, walking in the light. \nYou sent your Word of Life into the world\,\nin your Son\, Jesus\,\nshining your light into our darkness\,\nthat the sins of the world might be forgiven.\nThough he was killed by those who walk in darkness\,\nyou raised him to resurrection life\nand now he lives at your side for ever\,\nadvocating mercy for all who stumble into sin.\nThrough his great grace\nwe are able to live in fellowship with you\nand in peace with one another\,\nin one heart and mind. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your risen Son\, Jesus\,\nwho shines your light into our darkness\,\nthat the sins of the world might be forgiven\,\nand we that might live in fellowship with you\nand peace with one another\,\nin one heart and mind. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead\nand by your grace we have life in his name. \nFrom the very beginning\, the Word of life was with you\,\ncreating everything in earth and heaven.\nYou rescued your people from death\nand called them to follow you\, walking in the light. \nYou sent your Word of Life into the world\,\nin your Son\, Jesus\,\nshining your light into our darkness\,\nthat the sins of the world might be forgiven.\nThough he was killed by those who walk in darkness\,\nyou raised him to resurrection life\nand now he lives at your side for ever\,\nadvocating mercy for all who stumble into sin.\nThrough his great grace\nwe are able to live in fellowship with you\nand in peace with one another\,\nin one heart and mind. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If we confess our sins\,\nthe one who is faithful and just\nwill forgive us our sins\nand cleanse us from all unrighteousness. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, sent by the one who was sent by God.\nWalk in the light;\ntestify to the resurrection of Christ;\nforgive the sins of all\,\nand live at peace with one another. \nAnd may God bless you with life forever;\nMay Christ Jesus breathe his Spirit and peace into you;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit lead you into the life and light of God. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nChrist is Risen\, so what’s next?A sermon on John 20:19-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBeyond Doubt? Perhaps Not.A sermon on John 20:19-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRedeeming ThomasA sermon on John 20:19-31  by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nForgiveness Comes with ScarsA sermon on John 20:19-31 & 1 John 1:1 – 2.2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPeace Be With YouA sermon on John 20:19-31 & 1 John 1:1 – 2.2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nAn Economy of AbundanceA sermon on Acts 4:32-35 and 1 John 1:1-2:2 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nDoubters\, Failures\, and other Model ChristiansA sermon on John 20:19-31 & 1 John 1:1 – 2.2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nMerely-Reserving-Judgement ThomasA sermon on John 20:19-31 & 1 John 1:1 – 2.2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nShame\, Redemption\, and the Terror of ResurrectionA sermon on John 20:19-31 & 1 John 1:1 – 2.2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBehind Locked DoorsA sermon on John 20:19-31 by Paul Sheppy\n\n\n\nWhat Shall We Do Now?A sermon on Acts 4:32-35 & John 20:19-31 by Guilherme Almeida
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b33/2030-04-28/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300505T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300505T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200826T040028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T111344Z
UID:10002126-1904169600-1904255999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:3rd Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 3: 12-19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	A crowd flocked around Peter and John after they had healed a crippled man at the Temple Gate. Peter addressed them\, saying: \n“People of Israel\, why does this come as such a surprise to you? And why are you staring at us? Don’t make the mistake of thinking that we have any special magical powers or spiritual secrets that enabled us to make him walk. The God of our ancestors\, the God of Abraham\, Isaac and Jacob\, has done this and given all the glory to Jesus. This Jesus was God’s servant\, but you lot turned him in to the Romans and shafted him in Pilate’s court. He was the Holy and Righteous One\, and even Pilate could see that he was innocent\, but you shafted him and asked for the release of some murdering scumbag instead. You killed the Author of Life\, but God has raised him from the dead. We know this first hand. The healing of this man today is all to do with Jesus – the authority of his name\, and our trust in his authority. You know this man well\, and you can see with your own eyes what has happened to him. It is the faith inspired by Jesus that has given this man a perfectly healthy body right here before your very eyes. \n“Friends\, I know that you didn’t understand what you were doing\, and neither did your leaders. Through your ignorant actions\, God’s Messiah copped the full bucket of human suffering\, just as God had foreshadowed through the prophets. So wake up to yourselves and turn your lives around. Get yourselves back on track with God\, and God will scrub out the black marks against your name.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 4			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O God who always does what is right\,\nanswer me when I cry for help.\nYou gave me breathing space last time I was in a tight spot;\nbe generous to me again\, and hear my prayer. \nHow long will these people get away with it\,\ndragging my name through the mud?\nHow long will they go on spinning their propaganda\nand manufacturing lies and deceit? \nWhen will they wake up to the fact that you\, LORD\,\nhave singled out those who are faithful for your special care.\nYour hear\, LORD\, when we cry out to you. \nNo matter how much pressure anyone is under\,\nthere is still no excuse for doing the wrong thing by others. \nHelp us instead to quieten our minds down\,\nto meditate on the truth\nand get a good night’s sleep.\nWe put our trust in you alone\, LORD\,\nand offer you all we have in gratitude. \nCynics whinge that they never see any goodies from you\, LORD\,\nand that you never seem to smile on them. \nBut as for me\, you have filled my heart with joy\,\nand I’d take that any day\,\nover all the goodies their money can buy. \nI can go to bed with a clear conscience\nand sleep in peace\,\nfor you\, and you alone\, LORD\,\nare my security\, day and night. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 3: 1-7			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Think about the extraordinary gift of love the Father has given us in allowing us to be known as God’s own children. Indeed that is what we now are. Of course\, the world around us has never recognised God\, and so it doesn’t recognise us as being God’s children either. My dear friends\, we are God’s beloved children already. What we are destined to become goes beyond even that\, but the details have not yet been made known to us. This much we know already: Christ will return to centre stage in clear view of everyone\, and when that happens\, we who will recognise him for who he really is will be just like him. Everyone who is living in eager anticipation of this will work at making themselves as pure as Christ. \nEveryone who does what is wrong is rightly charged with opposing what God wants. ‘Doing wrong’ and ‘opposing what God wants’ are one and the same thing. You know that Christ was brought onto the scene to wipe out our wrongdoing. There is nothing corrupt in him at all. Those who live their lives in him do not do what is wrong; and anyone who does do what is wrong has obviously not recognised him and does not understand him. You are God’s little children\, so do not let anyone pull the wool over your eyes about these things. Everyone who is doing the right thing is on the right track in just the same way as Christ himself is on the right track. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 36b - 48			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Suddenly Jesus himself appeared\, standing among his gathered followers. “Greetings!” he said\, “Peace be with you.” \nTaken by surprise\, they thought he was a ghost\, and were scared spitless. Jesus said to them\, “What have you got to be afraid of? Why are you letting your doubts get the better of you? Here\, take a look at my hands and feet. See for yourselves that it really is me. Reach out and touch me and you will know that I am made of flesh and bone. No ghost can claim that!” \nAs he spoke\, he showed them his hands and feet. It all seemed too good to be true; so wonderful that they couldn’t believe their eyes. Their heads were bursting with joy and disbelief! Jesus asked them\, “Have you got anything here I can eat?” \nThey gave him a piece of grilled fish and he took it and ate it in front of them. Then he said to them\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in great love you have made us your children\nand destined us for life in union with your Son\, Jesus Christ. \nYou are the creator of heaven and earth\nand the author of life.\nYou revealed your purposes\nthrough the law of Moses\, the prophets and the psalms\,\nand declared your intention to suffer as a servant among us\nso that you might bring forgiveness to the nations. \nYour Word came to fulfilment in your servant\, Jesus\,\nthe Holy and Righteous One\,\nwho was rejected and handed over to death.\nHe was killed through our ignorance\,\nbut after three days in the tomb\nyou raised him from the dead.\nNow he embraces us with hands still holed\,\nand disturbs our fears and doubts\nwith words of peace\nand the promise of life yet to be revealed. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your risen Son\, Jesus\,\nthe Holy and Righteous One\,\nwho embraces us with hands still holed\,\nand disturbs our fears and doubts\nwith words of peace\nand the promise of life yet to be revealed. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give all thanks and praise to you\, O God\,\nfor in great love you have made us your children\nand destined us for life in union with your Son\, Jesus Christ. \nYou are the creator of heaven and earth\nand the author of life.\nYou revealed your purposes\nthrough the law of Moses\, the prophets and the psalms\,\nand declared your intention to suffer as a servant among us\nso that you might bring forgiveness to the nations. \nYour Word came to fulfilment in your servant\, Jesus\,\nthe Holy and Righteous One\,\nwho was rejected and handed over to death.\nHe was killed through our ignorance\,\nbut after three days in the tomb\nyou raised him from the dead.\nNow he embraces us with hands still holed\,\nand disturbs our fears and doubts\nwith words of peace\nand the promise of life yet to be revealed. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	In Jesus Christ there is no sin\,\nand he has been revealed to the world to take away sin.\nAll who repent and turn to God\nhave their sins wiped out\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We have eaten together with the risen Christ.\nGo out then\, as witnesses of these things.\nAttend to your heart\,\nworship with integrity\,\ntrust in the Lord.\nProclaim forgiveness and healing in his name to all. \nAnd may God raise you from death to life\,\nfrom brokenness to perfect health;\nMay Christ Jesus cast out your fear and doubt;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit give your heart joy\,\neven as the bread and wine give your body life. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nOpen Minds and Narrow ThinkingA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nMinds Opened to the ScripturesA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nResurrected for What?A sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the Victim ReturnsA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTouch and SeeA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTo Understand the ScripturesA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nI Am MyselfA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 & 1 John 3.1-7 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nEnthralled by Death or LifeA sermon on Luke 24:36 – 48\, Acts 3:12-19 & 1 John 3:1-7 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nResurrection ImaginationA sermon on Acts 3:12-19\,  1 John 3:1-7 & Luke 24:36 – 48 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nHonouring Disfigured FleshA sermon on Luke 24.36-48 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b34/2030-05-05/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/34.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300512T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300512T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200826T042136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003405Z
UID:10002839-1904774400-1904860799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:4th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 4: 5-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Peter and John were arrested after preaching to the crowds who gathered when they healed a crippled man at the Temple gate in Jerusalem. The next day they were brought before an assembly of the temple authorities\, the political leaders and the religious lawyers. The assembly included Annas the high priest\, Caiaphas\, John\, and Alexander\, and the whole high-priestly family. When the prisoners were on the stand in their midst\, the assembled authorities inquired\, “By what power\, or on whose authority did you do what you have done?” \nPeter was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he answered them\, saying\,  \n“Honourable members of the Assembly\, respected dignitaries\, ladies and gentlemen: if we are being questioned today over an act of kindness towards a person who had a disability; and if what you are wanting to know is how this man came to be made whole\, then I am happy to give the answer to you and to all the people of Israel. Let it be on the public record that this man was healed\, and is now standing before you in perfect health\, on the authority of Jesus of Nazareth\, the Messiah. This Jesus in the one who you had killed on a cross\, but who God raised from the dead. It is just as the scriptures said of him: \n‘the stone that you builders got rid of\nhas become the centrepiece\non which everything depends.’ \n“It is through Jesus that we must all be saved and made whole\, because there is no other authority on earth to which anyone can appeal that can save them and make them whole.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You\, LORD\, are my guide in the wilderness;\nthere is nothing more I could need. \nYou set up camp in places of beauty and shelter;\nyou lead the way on secluded tracks\nbeside creeks of cool clean water.\nI feel my spirit breathing freely again;\nyour reputation puts me at ease;\nI leave the navigating to you\, and follow. \nEven if we hike through a perilous valley\,\nwhere crows keep a menacing watch\,\nfear will still not get the better of me.\nAs long as I stick with you\nI know I’ll make the distance;\nwith a knife and a bit of rope\nyou seem able to tackle any challenge. \nYou cook up a feast for me\,\nas those who wanted to feed on me watch\, frustrated.\nYou pamper me like an honoured guest\nand constantly top up my glass. \nMy life feels charmed\, each and every day.\nLove\, mercy and all good things\nkeep falling into my lap. \nI’m with you for life\, LORD\,\nwhere you go\, I’ll go;\nwhere you live\, I’ll live. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 3: 16-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	It was the example that Jesus set in laying down his life for us that put us in the know about real love. If we would love\, then we need to do likewise\, and lay our lives on the line for one another. How on earth can people claim that the love of God is at home in their hearts if they turn their backs on their needy brothers and sisters\, even though it is quite within their means to help? \nMy dear friends\, let us love; really love. Let us make sure we’re not just talking the talk\, but walking the walk: being fair dinkum about our love and expressing it in action. This kind of integrity between what we say and what we do is a sure sign that our lives are genuinely grounded in God’s truth. It enables us to hold our heads high when we approach God\, even though self-doubts may be trying to make us feel guilty and fearful. Our record of integrity can reassure us at such times\, because God knows everything and can overrule our self-accusations. So when we are doing what God tells us to do\, and thus living lives that please God\, we can rest assured that when we approach God with our requests\, we will get a positive response\, whether we feel we deserve it or not. \nAnd what is it that God tells us to do? It is this: to throw in our lot with God’s Son\, Jesus the Messiah\, and all that he stands for\, and to love one another just as Jesus instructed us to do. All who live as God tells us to live are living in God\, and God is living in them. And if we want further proof that God is living in us\, then we have the evidence of the Spirit that God has given us. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 10: 11-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“I am like a first-rate farmer. Have you noticed how easy it is to pick the difference between the real farmers and their hired hands. The real farmers would die for their herd if they had to\, but the hired hands\, who don’t own the stock themselves\, don’t really care what happens to them. If a bushfire threatens the farm\, the only thing the hired hands are concerned about is getting themselves to safety. They hit the road straight away\, because they don’t give a toss what happens to the herd. The fire roars in\, unopposed\, and the stock are killed or scattered in all directions. I am the real thing. I know my own herd well\, and they know me. It is just like the relationship between me and the Father – we know each other intimately. And I lay down my life for the stock. Not all the stock that belong to me belong to this herd\, but they will respond to my voice just the same. It is my job to round them up too and unite them all in the one new herd with me as the farmer over them all. If you want to know why the Father loves me\, it is because I lay down my life in order to start life anew. No one can take my life against my will\, but I can choose to sacrifice it. I have the power to lay down my life\, and I have the power to take it up again. This is the assignment the Father has given me.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor with you as our shepherd\, we need nothing more. \nAt the dawn of time you spread creation out like a banquet\nand in love brought forth all life on the earth.\nThrough your prophets you promised a good shepherd\,\nwho though rejected\, would become the cornerstone\nof salvation for every creature under heaven. \nYour promise has been fulfilled in your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us the fullness of love\nthat lays down even its own life for others.\nHe was crucified\, but you raised him from the dead\,\nand through his love we have the boldness to approach you.\nBecause he abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice\,\nour cup overflows with goodness and love\nand our feet find safe paths leading to your house\nwhere we will live forever. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us your shepherding love\nand laid down his own life for others\,\nand who now abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor with you as our shepherd\, we need nothing more. \nAt the dawn of time you spread creation out like a banquet\nand in love brought forth all life on the earth.\nThrough your prophets you promised a good shepherd\,\nwho though rejected\, would become the cornerstone\nof salvation for every creature under heaven. \nYour promise has been fulfilled in your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us the fullness of love\nthat lays down even its own life for others.\nHe was crucified\, but you raised him from the dead\,\nand through his love we have the boldness to approach you.\nBecause he abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice\,\nour cup overflows with goodness and love\nand our feet find safe paths leading to your house\nwhere we will live forever. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ is the good shepherd\nwho lays down his life for his sheep.\nThough we have fallen short of his commandments\,\nthrough faith in his name we are saved\nand raised to new life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now with your trust in the good shepherd\,\nand let us love\, not just in words\,\nbut in truth and action.\nBelieve in the name of Jesus Christ\,\nand love one another\, just as he has commanded us. \nAnd may God be at your side\, even in valleys of death.\nMay Christ Jesus be the cornerstone of your life.\nAnd may the Holy Spirit abide in you\n....and tend you with love and mercy all the days of your life. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe advertiser is my shepherd??A sermon on Psalm 23 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBlood and Guts ShepherdingA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNo Other NameA sermon on Acts 4: 5-12\, 1 John 3: 16-24 & John 10: 11-18 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA personal response to Psalm 23A sermon on Psalm 23 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nAdding to the FlockA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove and Laying Down One’s LifeA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLiving Out the Love of God!A sermon on 1 John 3: 16-24 & John 10: 11-18 by Chekrovei Cho-o
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b35/2030-05-12/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/35.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300512T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300512T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200826T042136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240519T105501Z
UID:10002127-1904774400-1904860799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:4th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 4: 5-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Peter and John were arrested after preaching to the crowds who gathered when they healed a crippled man at the Temple gate in Jerusalem. The next day they were brought before an assembly of the temple authorities\, the political leaders and the religious lawyers. The assembly included Annas the high priest\, Caiaphas\, John\, and Alexander\, and the whole high-priestly family. When the prisoners were on the stand in their midst\, the assembled authorities inquired\, “By what power\, or on whose authority did you do what you have done?” \nPeter was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he answered them\, saying\,  \n“Honourable members of the Assembly\, respected dignitaries\, ladies and gentlemen: if we are being questioned today over an act of kindness towards a person who had a disability; and if what you are wanting to know is how this man came to be made whole\, then I am happy to give the answer to you and to all the people of Israel. Let it be on the public record that this man was healed\, and is now standing before you in perfect health\, on the authority of Jesus of Nazareth\, the Messiah. This Jesus in the one who you had killed on a cross\, but who God raised from the dead. It is just as the scriptures said of him: \n‘the stone that you builders got rid of\nhas become the centrepiece\non which everything depends.’ \n“It is through Jesus that we must all be saved and made whole\, because there is no other authority on earth to which anyone can appeal that can save them and make them whole.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You\, LORD\, are my guide in the wilderness;\nthere is nothing more I could need. \nYou set up camp in places of beauty and shelter;\nyou lead the way on secluded tracks\nbeside creeks of cool clean water.\nI feel my spirit breathing freely again;\nyour reputation puts me at ease;\nI leave the navigating to you\, and follow. \nEven if we hike through a perilous valley\,\nwhere crows keep a menacing watch\,\nfear will still not get the better of me.\nAs long as I stick with you\nI know I’ll make the distance;\nwith a knife and a bit of rope\nyou seem able to tackle any challenge. \nYou cook up a feast for me\,\nas those who wanted to feed on me watch\, frustrated.\nYou pamper me like an honoured guest\nand constantly top up my glass. \nMy life feels charmed\, each and every day.\nLove\, mercy and all good things\nkeep falling into my lap. \nI’m with you for life\, LORD\,\nwhere you go\, I’ll go;\nwhere you live\, I’ll live. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 3: 16-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	It was the example that Jesus set in laying down his life for us that put us in the know about real love. If we would love\, then we need to do likewise\, and lay our lives on the line for one another. How on earth can people claim that the love of God is at home in their hearts if they turn their backs on their needy brothers and sisters\, even though it is quite within their means to help? \nMy dear friends\, let us love; really love. Let us make sure we’re not just talking the talk\, but walking the walk: being fair dinkum about our love and expressing it in action. This kind of integrity between what we say and what we do is a sure sign that our lives are genuinely grounded in God’s truth. It enables us to hold our heads high when we approach God\, even though self-doubts may be trying to make us feel guilty and fearful. Our record of integrity can reassure us at such times\, because God knows everything and can overrule our self-accusations. So when we are doing what God tells us to do\, and thus living lives that please God\, we can rest assured that when we approach God with our requests\, we will get a positive response\, whether we feel we deserve it or not. \nAnd what is it that God tells us to do? It is this: to throw in our lot with God’s Son\, Jesus the Messiah\, and all that he stands for\, and to love one another just as Jesus instructed us to do. All who live as God tells us to live are living in God\, and God is living in them. And if we want further proof that God is living in us\, then we have the evidence of the Spirit that God has given us. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 10: 11-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“I am like a first-rate farmer. Have you noticed how easy it is to pick the difference between the real farmers and their hired hands. The real farmers would die for their herd if they had to\, but the hired hands\, who don’t own the stock themselves\, don’t really care what happens to them. If a bushfire threatens the farm\, the only thing the hired hands are concerned about is getting themselves to safety. They hit the road straight away\, because they don’t give a toss what happens to the herd. The fire roars in\, unopposed\, and the stock are killed or scattered in all directions. I am the real thing. I know my own herd well\, and they know me. It is just like the relationship between me and the Father – we know each other intimately. And I lay down my life for the stock. Not all the stock that belong to me belong to this herd\, but they will respond to my voice just the same. It is my job to round them up too and unite them all in the one new herd with me as the farmer over them all. If you want to know why the Father loves me\, it is because I lay down my life in order to start life anew. No one can take my life against my will\, but I can choose to sacrifice it. I have the power to lay down my life\, and I have the power to take it up again. This is the assignment the Father has given me.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor with you as our shepherd\, we need nothing more. \nAt the dawn of time you spread creation out like a banquet\nand in love brought forth all life on the earth.\nThrough your prophets you promised a good shepherd\,\nwho though rejected\, would become the cornerstone\nof salvation for every creature under heaven. \nYour promise has been fulfilled in your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us the fullness of love\nthat lays down even its own life for others.\nHe was crucified\, but you raised him from the dead\,\nand through his love we have the boldness to approach you.\nBecause he abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice\,\nour cup overflows with goodness and love\nand our feet find safe paths leading to your house\nwhere we will live forever. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us your shepherding love\nand laid down his own life for others\,\nand who now abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor with you as our shepherd\, we need nothing more. \nAt the dawn of time you spread creation out like a banquet\nand in love brought forth all life on the earth.\nThrough your prophets you promised a good shepherd\,\nwho though rejected\, would become the cornerstone\nof salvation for every creature under heaven. \nYour promise has been fulfilled in your Son\,\nJesus of Nazareth\,\nwho showed us the fullness of love\nthat lays down even its own life for others.\nHe was crucified\, but you raised him from the dead\,\nand through his love we have the boldness to approach you.\nBecause he abides in us\,\nand in all who listen to his voice\,\nour cup overflows with goodness and love\nand our feet find safe paths leading to your house\nwhere we will live forever. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ is the good shepherd\nwho lays down his life for his sheep.\nThough we have fallen short of his commandments\,\nthrough faith in his name we are saved\nand raised to new life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now with your trust in the good shepherd\,\nand let us love\, not just in words\,\nbut in truth and action.\nBelieve in the name of Jesus Christ\,\nand love one another\, just as he has commanded us. \nAnd may God be at your side\, even in valleys of death.\nMay Christ Jesus be the cornerstone of your life.\nAnd may the Holy Spirit abide in you\n....and tend you with love and mercy all the days of your life. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe advertiser is my shepherd??A sermon on Psalm 23 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBlood and Guts ShepherdingA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNo Other NameA sermon on Acts 4: 5-12\, 1 John 3: 16-24 & John 10: 11-18 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA personal response to Psalm 23A sermon on Psalm 23 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nAdding to the FlockA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove and Laying Down One’s LifeA sermon on John 10:11-18\, Psalm 23 & 1 John 3:16-24 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLiving Out the Love of God!A sermon on 1 John 3: 16-24 & John 10: 11-18 by Chekrovei Cho-o
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b35/2030-05-12/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/35.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300519T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300519T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T024641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T054404Z
UID:10002128-1905379200-1905465599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:5th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 8: 26-40			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord’s messenger said to Philip\, “Get moving and head south until you hit the Jerusalem-to-Gaza road.” \nSo Philip headed off and found the outback track to which he had been sent. A chariot came along the track\, carrying a high ranking Ethiopian official who had travelled to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back home. He was the treasurer in the court of Queen Candace of Ethiopia\, but because he was a eunuch\, he was excluded from full participation in worship at the Jerusalem temple. He was reading the writings of the prophet Isaiah as he rode along in his chariot. The Spirit said to Philip\, “Catch up with that chariot and walk alongside it.” \nSo Philip got running\, and as he pulled up alongside\, he heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. He asked\, “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?” \nThe official replied\, “How am I ever going to understand it without someone to help get me on the right track?” \nHe then offered Philip a lift and they sat side by side and looked at the passage of scripture together. The passage said: \n“Silent as a lamb that trots to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer\,\nhe never whinges or protests. \n“His public humiliation made a mockery of justice.\nNo one will ever speak of his descendants\,\nfor in the prime of life\, he is wiped off the earth.” \nThe eunuch said to Philip\, “Now here’s a question for you: who is the prophet saying these things about? Is he talking about himself\, or about someone else?” \nThen Philip launched into an inspired response\, and with this passage of scripture as his starting point\, he spelt out the great news about Jesus to the official. As they continued along the road\, they came to a water hole\, and the eunuch said\, “Look\, here is some water! Is there anything to stop me being baptised here and now?” \nHe gave the order to pull over and park the chariot. The two of them went down into the water together\, and Philip baptised the eunuch. When they came up out of the water\, the Spirit of the Lord whisked Philip away. The official never saw him again\, but continued his journey home\, bursting with joy. Philip turned up at Azotus\, and set off from there\, broadcasting the great news in every town he passed through in the area\, all the way to Caesarea. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 22: 25-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Whenever people gather to worship\,\nmy heart overflows and I sing your praises.\nOut in the open for all to see\nI’ll do all that I promised. \nAt your table\, God\, the needy will feast;\nthose who hunger for you will be fed till they burst with praise!\nThey will be able to live it up\, now and forever! \nIn every corner of the earth people will wake up to themselves\nand turn back to you\, LORD.\nEvery race\, nation\, tribe and family\nwill offer themselves to you in worship\,\nfor you have the last word on everything;\nwhat you say goes. \nEven the dead will bow down to you\, LORD;\nthose who are trampled in the dust will look to you in hope\,\nand I will live for you and you alone. \nOur kids and their kids will serve you\, LORD;\nas we pass the message down from one generation to the next.\nPeople not even born yet will hear the story;\nthey will be told of what you have done to set us free. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 4: 7-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear friends\, let us love one another\, because all love originates in God. Everyone who truly loves is able to do so because of their relationship with God: God has given birth to them and they are well acquainted with God. Those who do not love certainly do not know God\, because God is love. God’s love was made known to us in the act of sending the one and only Son of God into the world so that\, through him\, we might find authentic life. The reality of love is not discovered in our love for God\, but in the love God showed for us in sending the Son to make the ultimate sacrifice and wipe out the record of our corruption. Dear friends\, since God has loved us to such an extraordinary extent\, we ought to take our lead from that\, and love one another. No one can see or catch hold of God\, but if we love one another\, God will be living within us and God’s love will grow to maturity in us. \nOur confidence that we are living in God and that God is living in us is based on the evidence of God giving us a share of the Spirit. We know\, from first hand experience\, that the Father sent his Son on a mission to rescue the world. We have said it openly and we will continue to do so. God lives in those who are open about their belief that Jesus is the Son of God\, and they live in God. Through living in God in this way\, we have come to know and trust in God’s love for us. \nGod is love. Those who go on living in love go on living in God\, and God goes on living in them. In this way\, love is being brought to full maturity among us\, and it will ensure that on the day of judgment\, we can stand with our heads held high. You see\, as we and God live in each other\, we are becoming what God is\, right here in the midst of the world. We will stand with heads held high because those who truly love have nothing to fear. Indeed\, perfect love banishes fear. It is the thought of punishment that makes people fearful\, and so those who are still fearful have still got some way to go before love is fully grown within them. We can love only because we have first received love from God. If we claim to love God while refusing to love each other\, we are liars. How can any of us expect to express love for an invisible God if we won’t even commit ourselves to loving the people we see and interact with? We have clear instructions from Jesus on this: those who love God must love their sisters and brothers too. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 15: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“I am the true vine. My Father is the chief gardener who regularly gets out the pruning saw to clean up the vine. Any branches that fail to bear fruit are cut clean off\, and the fruitful branches are cut back clean so that they will bear even more fruit. You have already been cleaned up by the message I have been preaching to you. Go on living in me\, just as I live in you. No branch can bear fruit if it has been cut off and can no longer draw its life from the vine. Neither can you unless you continue to live your life in me. I am the whole vine\, and you are my branches. Those of you who remain united to me and allow me to live my life in you will produce a solid harvest of good fruit. By contrast\, if you are cut off from me\, you won’t produce a thing. Those who try to go it alone rather than drawing their life from me will be disposed of like broken branches. Such branches are tossed aside to dry out before being bundled up and burned on the fire. If you go on living in me and my words go on receiving a home in you\, then you can ask for whatever you hope for and it will be done for you. My Father receives due glory when you begin following in my footsteps\, and showing it by bearing plenty of fruit.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent your Son as the Saviour of the world\nand your Spirit to graft us into the vine of life. \nYou created the universe and everything in it\,\nand revealed your perfect love\nin your commitment to your people\nand your care for the poor and afflicted. \nThrough your prophets you promised a righteous servant\nwho would suffer humiliation and injustice\nand\, like a sheep to the slaughter\, have his life taken away.\nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwe have seen your promises fulfilled\,\nand through his resurrection\,\nhe has broken the power of death to hold the righteous.\nIn his perfect love\, our fear is cast out\,\nand now\, like branches of a vine\,\nwe live in him and draw our life from him\,\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwhose perfect love casts out our fear\,\nand in whom we live\, like branches of a vine\,\ndrawing our life from him\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent your Son as the Saviour of the world\nand your Spirit to graft us into the vine of life. \nYou created the universe and everything in it\,\nand revealed your perfect love\nin your commitment to your people\nand your care for the poor and afflicted. \nThrough your prophets you promised a righteous servant\nwho would suffer humiliation and injustice\nand\, like a sheep to the slaughter\, have his life taken away.\nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwe have seen your promises fulfilled\,\nand through his resurrection\,\nhe has broken the power of death to hold the righteous.\nIn his perfect love\, our fear is cast out\,\nand now\, like branches of a vine\,\nwe live in him and draw our life from him\,\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God loved us and sent his only Son into the world\nso that we might live through him.\nTrue love is known\, not in our love for God\,\nbut in God’s love for us\, sacrificing his son\nto overcome the burden of our sins. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, and love one another\,\nbecause love is from God.\nProclaim God’s salvation to every generation.\nRemain in Jesus Christ\,\nand like branches of a vine\, draw your life from him. \nAnd may God the vine grower tend you and make you fruitful;\nMay Christ Jesus abide in you and give you life;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit cast out all fear and fill you with God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nAbiding in God’s LoveA sermon on Acts 8. 26-40; 1 John 4.7-21 & John 15. 1-8 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nChrist in the Stranger’s GuiseA sermon on Acts 8:26-40 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nChrist of the CoonawarraA sermon on John 15: 1-8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhat is to Exclude Them?A sermon on Acts 8:26-40; Acts 10:44-48 & John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nCan We Crucify Penal Substitutionary AtonementA sermon on 1 John 4.7-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the Family Line is Cut OffA sermon on Acts 8:26-40 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b36/2030-05-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/36.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300519T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300519T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T024641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002837-1905379200-1905465599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:5th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 8: 26-40			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord’s messenger said to Philip\, “Get moving and head south until you hit the Jerusalem-to-Gaza road.” \nSo Philip headed off and found the outback track to which he had been sent. A chariot came along the track\, carrying a high ranking Ethiopian official who had travelled to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back home. He was the treasurer in the court of Queen Candace of Ethiopia\, but because he was a eunuch\, he was excluded from full participation in worship at the Jerusalem temple. He was reading the writings of the prophet Isaiah as he rode along in his chariot. The Spirit said to Philip\, “Catch up with that chariot and walk alongside it.” \nSo Philip got running\, and as he pulled up alongside\, he heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. He asked\, “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?” \nThe official replied\, “How am I ever going to understand it without someone to help get me on the right track?” \nHe then offered Philip a lift and they sat side by side and looked at the passage of scripture together. The passage said: \n“Silent as a lamb that trots to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer\,\nhe never whinges or protests. \n“His public humiliation made a mockery of justice.\nNo one will ever speak of his descendants\,\nfor in the prime of life\, he is wiped off the earth.” \nThe eunuch said to Philip\, “Now here’s a question for you: who is the prophet saying these things about? Is he talking about himself\, or about someone else?” \nThen Philip launched into an inspired response\, and with this passage of scripture as his starting point\, he spelt out the great news about Jesus to the official. As they continued along the road\, they came to a water hole\, and the eunuch said\, “Look\, here is some water! Is there anything to stop me being baptised here and now?” \nHe gave the order to pull over and park the chariot. The two of them went down into the water together\, and Philip baptised the eunuch. When they came up out of the water\, the Spirit of the Lord whisked Philip away. The official never saw him again\, but continued his journey home\, bursting with joy. Philip turned up at Azotus\, and set off from there\, broadcasting the great news in every town he passed through in the area\, all the way to Caesarea. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 22: 25-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Whenever people gather to worship\,\nmy heart overflows and I sing your praises.\nOut in the open for all to see\nI’ll do all that I promised. \nAt your table\, God\, the needy will feast;\nthose who hunger for you will be fed till they burst with praise!\nThey will be able to live it up\, now and forever! \nIn every corner of the earth people will wake up to themselves\nand turn back to you\, LORD.\nEvery race\, nation\, tribe and family\nwill offer themselves to you in worship\,\nfor you have the last word on everything;\nwhat you say goes. \nEven the dead will bow down to you\, LORD;\nthose who are trampled in the dust will look to you in hope\,\nand I will live for you and you alone. \nOur kids and their kids will serve you\, LORD;\nas we pass the message down from one generation to the next.\nPeople not even born yet will hear the story;\nthey will be told of what you have done to set us free. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 4: 7-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear friends\, let us love one another\, because all love originates in God. Everyone who truly loves is able to do so because of their relationship with God: God has given birth to them and they are well acquainted with God. Those who do not love certainly do not know God\, because God is love. God’s love was made known to us in the act of sending the one and only Son of God into the world so that\, through him\, we might find authentic life. The reality of love is not discovered in our love for God\, but in the love God showed for us in sending the Son to make the ultimate sacrifice and wipe out the record of our corruption. Dear friends\, since God has loved us to such an extraordinary extent\, we ought to take our lead from that\, and love one another. No one can see or catch hold of God\, but if we love one another\, God will be living within us and God’s love will grow to maturity in us. \nOur confidence that we are living in God and that God is living in us is based on the evidence of God giving us a share of the Spirit. We know\, from first hand experience\, that the Father sent his Son on a mission to rescue the world. We have said it openly and we will continue to do so. God lives in those who are open about their belief that Jesus is the Son of God\, and they live in God. Through living in God in this way\, we have come to know and trust in God’s love for us. \nGod is love. Those who go on living in love go on living in God\, and God goes on living in them. In this way\, love is being brought to full maturity among us\, and it will ensure that on the day of judgment\, we can stand with our heads held high. You see\, as we and God live in each other\, we are becoming what God is\, right here in the midst of the world. We will stand with heads held high because those who truly love have nothing to fear. Indeed\, perfect love banishes fear. It is the thought of punishment that makes people fearful\, and so those who are still fearful have still got some way to go before love is fully grown within them. We can love only because we have first received love from God. If we claim to love God while refusing to love each other\, we are liars. How can any of us expect to express love for an invisible God if we won’t even commit ourselves to loving the people we see and interact with? We have clear instructions from Jesus on this: those who love God must love their sisters and brothers too. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 15: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“I am the true vine. My Father is the chief gardener who regularly gets out the pruning saw to clean up the vine. Any branches that fail to bear fruit are cut clean off\, and the fruitful branches are cut back clean so that they will bear even more fruit. You have already been cleaned up by the message I have been preaching to you. Go on living in me\, just as I live in you. No branch can bear fruit if it has been cut off and can no longer draw its life from the vine. Neither can you unless you continue to live your life in me. I am the whole vine\, and you are my branches. Those of you who remain united to me and allow me to live my life in you will produce a solid harvest of good fruit. By contrast\, if you are cut off from me\, you won’t produce a thing. Those who try to go it alone rather than drawing their life from me will be disposed of like broken branches. Such branches are tossed aside to dry out before being bundled up and burned on the fire. If you go on living in me and my words go on receiving a home in you\, then you can ask for whatever you hope for and it will be done for you. My Father receives due glory when you begin following in my footsteps\, and showing it by bearing plenty of fruit.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent your Son as the Saviour of the world\nand your Spirit to graft us into the vine of life. \nYou created the universe and everything in it\,\nand revealed your perfect love\nin your commitment to your people\nand your care for the poor and afflicted. \nThrough your prophets you promised a righteous servant\nwho would suffer humiliation and injustice\nand\, like a sheep to the slaughter\, have his life taken away.\nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwe have seen your promises fulfilled\,\nand through his resurrection\,\nhe has broken the power of death to hold the righteous.\nIn his perfect love\, our fear is cast out\,\nand now\, like branches of a vine\,\nwe live in him and draw our life from him\,\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwhose perfect love casts out our fear\,\nand in whom we live\, like branches of a vine\,\ndrawing our life from him\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent your Son as the Saviour of the world\nand your Spirit to graft us into the vine of life. \nYou created the universe and everything in it\,\nand revealed your perfect love\nin your commitment to your people\nand your care for the poor and afflicted. \nThrough your prophets you promised a righteous servant\nwho would suffer humiliation and injustice\nand\, like a sheep to the slaughter\, have his life taken away.\nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwe have seen your promises fulfilled\,\nand through his resurrection\,\nhe has broken the power of death to hold the righteous.\nIn his perfect love\, our fear is cast out\,\nand now\, like branches of a vine\,\nwe live in him and draw our life from him\,\nthat we might bear much fruit to your glory. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God loved us and sent his only Son into the world\nso that we might live through him.\nTrue love is known\, not in our love for God\,\nbut in God’s love for us\, sacrificing his son\nto overcome the burden of our sins. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, and love one another\,\nbecause love is from God.\nProclaim God’s salvation to every generation.\nRemain in Jesus Christ\,\nand like branches of a vine\, draw your life from him. \nAnd may God the vine grower tend you and make you fruitful;\nMay Christ Jesus abide in you and give you life;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit cast out all fear and fill you with God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nAbiding in God’s LoveA sermon on Acts 8. 26-40; 1 John 4.7-21 & John 15. 1-8 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nChrist in the Stranger’s GuiseA sermon on Acts 8:26-40 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nChrist of the CoonawarraA sermon on John 15: 1-8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhat is to Exclude Them?A sermon on Acts 8:26-40; Acts 10:44-48 & John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nCan We Crucify Penal Substitutionary AtonementA sermon on 1 John 4.7-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the Family Line is Cut OffA sermon on Acts 8:26-40 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b36/2030-05-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/36.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300526T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300526T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T024735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240602T114039Z
UID:10002129-1905984000-1906070399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:6th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 10:44-48			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Peter was preaching in the home of Cornelius\, an officer from the Italian regiment. The gathered people were taking his words to heart\, and even before he had finished his speech\, the Holy Spirit fell upon them. The other believers who had come with Peter were all good Jews\, and they were absolutely gob-smacked when they saw that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on people who weren’t even Jewish. There was no disputing it though\, because they could hear these outsiders speaking in unknown languages and singing the praises of God. Then Peter turned to his companions and said\, “Can there be any justification for refusing to baptise these people into the community of Christ’s followers\, when it is clear that God has treated them exactly the same as us\, and given them the Holy Spirit in the same way?” \nSo\, on Peter’s say-so\, they were baptised in water into a declared allegiance to Jesus the Messiah. At their invitation\, Peter stayed on in Cornelius’s home for the next few days. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music.\nWith a brass fanfare and a dancing beat\nwe loudly celebrate your reign over us. \nThe whole creation joins in the celebration:\nthe ocean and its creatures roar their approval;\nthe land and its animals\, cheer and stomp;\nrivers and lakes give a standing ovation\,\nmountains and hills erupt in applause. \nWe put on the whole show in your presence\, LORD\,\ncelebrating your arrival as you finally bring justice.\nWith you in charge we know things will be put right;\nnow every one on earth will get a fair go. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 5: 1-6			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	All those who put their trust in Jesus as the Messiah are the offspring of God. Everyone who loves the parent will also love the parent’s offspring. Loving God and loving God’s offspring are bound up together\, and when we are living by the instructions God has given us\, we can be sure that we are doing both. You see\, the essential way to express our love for God is to follow God’s instructions for living right. There is no great difficulty in this; God’s instructions do not weigh us down. Anything that God has given birth to will win\, hands down\, in the struggle against the corrupt ways of the world. Our faith\, expressed in love and obedience\, is the sure-fire winner\, and there is nothing the world can put up against it to stop its march to certain victory. Who can defeat the powers that would drag us down into the world’s mire? The one who trusts in the human Jesus as the Son of God\, that’s who! When Jesus Christ came into the world\, he was not just united with us in our struggle through a baptism of water\, but through a baptism of blood. The Spirit is the one who has testified to all this\, and the Spirit is truth itself. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 15: 9-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“I have loved you in the same way that I have been loved by the Father. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you live by the instructions I have given you\, you will be living in my love. I do the same\, following the instructions and living in the love of my Father. I have let you in on these things so that you can share my joy and be completely fulfilled. \n“My number one instruction for you – in fact take it as an order – is this: love one another in the same way that I have loved you. No one can outdo the love that is shown by people who lay down their lives for those they love. You are my loved ones if you do what I have instructed you to do. I am not going to call you my labourers any more\, because labourers just do as they’re told without knowing what the boss is on about. I now call you personal friends\, because I have let you in on everything my Father has told me. But it was not you that chose to forge this friendship; it was me. I gave you the tap on the shoulder and sent you out to bear fruit\, fruit that will last. And when you’re working on my behalf\, you can ask for whatever you need and the Father will give it to you. I am giving you these instructions so that you can truly love one another.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the Lord of wonderful deeds\nwho fills the earth with mercy\, justice and love. \nYou created the world and all that live there;\nand the seas\, rivers and hills roar their praise.\nThrough your people you revealed your commandments\nand your merciful love to all the world. \nYou came among us in your beloved Son\, Jesus.\nwho makes us your friends\nby planting your word within us\nand leading us to abide in your love forever.\nHe was crucified and buried\,\nbut through your victorious power\nhe was born again from the deep waters of death\,\nand his resurrection power will conquer the world.\nNow he is pouring out your Holy Spirit on all who believe\,\nwithout distinction\,\nand bringing everyone who loves you and follows your ways\nto new birth as your children. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your beloved Son\, Jesus\,\nwho pours out your Holy Spirit without distinction\nand makes us your friends\nby planting your word within us\nand leading us to abide in your love forever. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the Lord of wonderful deeds\nwho fills the earth with mercy\, justice and love. \nYou created the world and all that live there;\nand the seas\, rivers and hills roar their praise.\nThrough your people you revealed your commandments\nand your merciful love to all the world. \nYou came among us in your beloved Son\, Jesus.\nwho makes us your friends\nby planting your word within us\nand leading us to abide in your love forever.\nHe was crucified and buried\,\nbut through your victorious power\nhe was born again from the deep waters of death\,\nand his resurrection power will conquer the world.\nNow he is pouring out your Holy Spirit on all who believe\,\nwithout distinction\,\nand bringing everyone who loves you and follows your ways\nto new birth as your children. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God’s justice and merciful love have been revealed\nthrough the Son\, who laid down his life for all.\nAll who trust in Jesus as God’s Son\nare given mercy for their sins\nand power to overcome the ways of the world. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, and bear fruit for God\, fruit that will last.\nAs Christ has loved you\, so love one another\,\nand abide always in God’s love\,\nthat your joy may be complete. \nAnd may God give you all you ask for in Christ’s name;\nMay Christ Jesus reveal to you God’s ways and call you his friends;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit confirm the truth within you and make your joy complete. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nDo they let anyone in here?!!A sermon on Acts 10:44-48 & 1 John 5:1-6 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nResurrection EthicsA sermon on Acts 10: 44-48; 1 John 5: 1-6 & John 15: 9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove: make yourself at home in itA sermon on John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove that Overcomes the PowersA sermon on 1 John 5: 1-6 and John 15: 9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nI Call You My FriendsA sermon on John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t get better than this!A sermon on Acts 10: 44-48 and John 15: 9-17 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nWhat is to Exclude Them?A sermon on Acts 8:26-40; Acts 10:44-48 & John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\n‘Love as you have been loved’ and toxic masculinityA sermon about domestic violence drawing on John 15:9-17 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b37/2030-05-26/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/37.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002814-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/38.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002835-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/38.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T044507Z
UID:10002130-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/38.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002820-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/38.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002825-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/38.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300530T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T044009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003404Z
UID:10002830-1906329600-1906415999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Dear Theophilus\,  \nIn my first book\, The Gospel according to Luke\, I wrote an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the time he started until the day he said goodbye and was taken up to heaven. Before he left\, he gathered the apostles\, who he had chosen through the Holy Spirit\, and spelled out his final instructions.  \nFor forty days after his suffering and death\, he repeatedly showed up and proved in many ways that he really was alive again. Face to face with the apostles\, he spoke with them about the culture of God. While he was still meeting and sharing meals with them\, he put them on notice that they were not to leave Jerusalem yet. “Instead\,” he said\, “you must wait here for the gift I told you about - the gift my Father promised. You remember how John baptised with water. Well\, you will be baptised with Holy Spirit in just a few days time.”  \nWhen they were all together for the last time\, the apostles had one burning question: “Lord\, is this the time? Will you regain our freedom now and give us our own king to reign over Israel?”  \nJesus replied\, “Only the Father can decide such things and the timing is none of your business. Just focus on this: the Holy Spirit will flood over you and drench you with power\, giving you the passion and courage to be my witnesses. Then you will be able to tell everyone about me\, in Jerusalem\, all over Judea and Samaria\, and even to the ends of the earth.”  \nThat was it - his last words. Right before their eyes\, he was carried up into the air where he soon disappeared into the clouds. They just stood there stunned\, staring into the sky. Suddenly two men appeared next to them\, dressed in white robes! They said\, “You Galileans! What are you standing here for\, staring into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven\, but don’t worry. He’ll be back\, just as surely - and just as mysteriously - as he left.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 47			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We applaud you\, LORD\, as everyone should;\nwe roar your name and sing for joy. \nYou are an awesome God;\nnumber one in the universe;\nthe great ruler of all the earth. \nYou have subdued those who attacked us;\nput hostile nations at our mercy. \nYou picked out the best land for us;\nyou favoured us with a prized inheritance. \nTake your place at the top of the dais\, LORD God\,\nas we sound trumpets and cheer in your honour. \nYou are our God\, and we’ll sing your praises;\nyou are our ruler\, and we’ll sing your praises. \nYou are the God who rules over all the earth;\nwe’ll sing your praises in all our songs. \nYou are the God who rules over the nations;\nthe throne where you sit is one of a kind. \nLeaders gather from every people on earth\nand\, like Abraham’s descendants\,\ngive their allegiance to you\, God.\nThey lay down their weapons\nand honour you as their ultimate superior. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 93 (alternative psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, you are the great ruler.\nMajesty enfolds you like a royal robe\nand strength radiates from you.  \nYou have fixed the world firmly in its place.\nYour throne is immovable\, LORD;\never was and ever shall be.  \nSurging floods have risen\, O LORD\,\nsurging up with a mighty roar;\nengulfing everything in thunderous sound.  \nYou are more impressive than the surging waters\,\nmore powerful than the crashing waves;\nyou are number one in all the universe\, LORD!  \nWhatever you say is set in stone.\nThe place you live\, O LORD\, is clearly sacred;\nits holiness will outlast time. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 15-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Having heard of your deep trust in the Lord Jesus and your active love for his people\, I could hardly stop thanking God for you. And I’m praying for you too. I ask the glorious God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will fill you with wisdom and insight as you get to know God. That way you’ll get a clear picture of all that God wants you to see: \n\n\n\nthe promised goal of the mission to which you are called;\nthe extravagant generosity of God’s provision for us;\nand the immense capacity of the dynamic power which is put to work in us when we trust God.\n\n\n\nThis dynamic power is the same energy that God put to work in the Messiah when he raised him from death and enthroned him in heaven. Now the Messiah sits at God’s right hand\, reigning over the entire universe\, and there is not a single authority that can overrule him\, now or ever. Every religious hierarchy and military regime; every legal jurisdiction and people-power movement; every economic imperative and moral principle; God has put them all under the feet of the Messiah. God has decreed that all things will answer to him. The church\, then\, is central to what the Messiah is doing\, for it is his body\, already filled with the presence of the one who is filling each and every part of the entire universe. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 24: 44-53			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the last day that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection\, he said to his disciples\, “The things I have said while I was with you amount to this: everything written about me in the law of Moses\, the prophets\, and the psalms is to be fulfilled.” \nAs he spoke they began to see how to read the scriptures with open minds so as to understand what God was saying in them. Jesus said to them: \n“What was written will now be clear to you: that the Messiah is to suffer and then rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that the people of every nation must be told of the Messiah’s call to turn their lives around and receive forgiveness for their toxic ways. You can get started here in Jerusalem. You have witnessed these things first hand\, so you can tell everyone what you have seen and heard. And don’t miss this: I myself am sending you the gift that my Father promised\, so wait here in the city until you have been fitted out with God’s power.” \nJesus then led his disciples out as far as Bethany\, where he lifted up his hands and spoke a blessing over them. Even as he was blessing them\, he parted from them and was carried into heaven. Falling to their knees\, they worshipped him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy and\, after that\, they were always in the temple praising God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you carried up into heaven\nand seated at your right hand\nso that he might be everywhere present\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise with shouts of joy\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to a rich hope\nand a glorious inheritance among the saints. \nYou fixed the world in place\nand rule over all from your sacred throne.\nYou formed a people for yourself\nand through Moses and the prophets you spoke to them\nof the Christ who fills all in all. \nAs it was written\, he suffered and was killed\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\nand he walked again with his chosen ones\,\nspeaking to them of your glorious kingdom.\nYou carried him into heaven on the clouds\nand made him head over all things for the church\,\nseating him at your right hand\nfar above all rule and authority\, power and dominion\,\nand above every name that is named\,\nnot only in this age but also in the age to come. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As Jesus Christ instructed his followers\,\nthe forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name\nfrom the holy city to the ends of the earth. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nand in your words and in your lives\nbear witness to the Christ who has ascended\nto be everywhere present. \nAnd as you come to know him\,\nmay God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation\,\nmay Christ Jesus lift up his hands and bless you\,\nand may the Spirit open to you all the riches of Christ’s inheritance. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Ascension: Christ’s superabundant presenceA sermon on Acts 1. 6-14 & John 17:1-11 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nStretching those WingsA sermon for the Feast of the Ascension by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Knowing Where to LookA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLook around you!A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Ascension of the High PriestA sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 & Luke 24: 44-53 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc38/2030-05-30/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300531T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300531T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200830T121453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T030936Z
UID:10002965-1906416000-1906416000@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Samuel 2: 1-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After the birth of her son\, Samuel\, Hannah prayed the following prayer: \n“Thanks to you\, LORD\, I am full of joy;\nthanks to you\, I can stand strong and proud.\nI can return the insults that were hurled at me\,\nand kick up my heels\, because you have set me free. \nThere is no other god like you\, LORD\,\nno one who can hold a candle to you;\nnot even the ancient rock is as dependable as you. \nI can tell the proud to stop their boasting;\ntell the arrogant to put a sock in it.\nYou\, LORD\, know us inside and out;\nyou see whether or not we live up to our words. \nYou\, LORD\, disarm the powerful\,\nand redistribute their strength to the helpless.\nThose who consumed to excess are now queuing at soup kitchens\,\nbut those who were deprived now feast in splendour.\nInfertile couples are having children\, one after the other\,\nwhile those who flaunted their children\nfind their families falling apart. \nLife is yours to give or to take\, LORD;\nyou can send someone to the land of the dead\,\nand you can bring them back again. \nYou\, LORD\, can make us or break us;\nyou can put us on a pedestal or knock us off.\nYou lift up those who have been trodden into the dirt;\nyou put the poor and outcast back on their feet.\nYou give them a place among the guests of honour\,\na seat with the dignitaries and celebrities.\nYou can do all this because the earth is yours;\nyou set it up and you wrote the rules. \nTo those who are faithful\, you guarantee safe passage;\nthose who are corrupt soon lose sight of any light to steer by\,\nfor no matter how strong people are\,\nthey can’t make it alone. \nYou are the LORD!\nThose who try to obstruct you\nfind that it is like standing in the path of a train\nas you thunder towards your destination.\nYou\, LORD\, have the final word on all that is done on earth.\nYou will give strength and power to your chosen ruler.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 113			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You are the greatest\, LORD! \nWe\, your servants\, can’t stop singing your praises;\nthe mere mention of your name sets us singing! \nFrom now on and forever\,\nyour name will be held sacred\, LORD. \nFrom east to west\, from dawn to dusk\,\nyour name will inspire songs of praise. \nYou are ranked number one\, LORD\,\nway above even the greatest nations\,\noutshining even the sun and the stars. \nCan anyone compare with you\, LORD?\nIs there anyone else even close to your league?\nNot likely! You are seated so high\nthat you look down even to see the sky! \nYou lift up those who have been trodden into the dirt;\nyou put the poor and outcast back on their feet.\nYou give them a place among the guests of honour\,\na seat with the dignitaries and celebrities. \nYou give the infertile couple a family\nfilling their lives with the laughter of children. \nYou are the greatest\, LORD! \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Romans 12: 9-16b			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	See to it that your love is for real and without pretence. Avoid corruption like the plague. Dig your heels in and don’t be budged from the side of good. Love one another\, and not just in theory but with warmth and friendly affection. If you need something to compete over\, see who can score the most points for treating everyone else like royalty. Don’t let your enthusiasm get slack\, but keep yourselves on the boil and work hard for the Lord. Celebrate in anticipation of all that is to come. When you are being put through the wringer\, tough it out\, and pray all the harder. Do what you can to help out other Christians who are in need\, and work at making strangers feel welcome and at home among you. \nWhen others persecute you\, wish them all the best and pray that God will look after them. Seek the best for them; don’t wish disaster on them. When others are celebrating\, celebrate with them. When others are hurting\, share the pain with them. Stay in tune with one another\, living a shared life based on common commitments. Don’t be full of yourselves\, but hang out with those who the world writes off as nobodies. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Luke 1:39-57			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When the angel told Mary that both she and her relative Elizabeth were going to have babies\, Mary took the first opportunity to make the trip to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth lived with her husband Zechariah in a Judean town in the hills. Mary sang out as soon as she arrived at their house\, and when she heard the greeting\, Elizabeth felt the baby jump in her womb. The Holy Spirit welled up in Elizabeth and she cried out with joy\, saying: \n“You have been blessed like no other woman!\nAnd doubly blessed is the child in your womb!\nAnd what about me? Why am I so blessed\,\nthat my Lord’s own mother should knock at my door?\nThe moment your greeting reach my ears\,\nthe baby in my womb began bouncing with glee!\nClearly you are God’s favoured one\,\nbecause you believed what God said to you;\ntrusting God to follow through on every promise. \nMary too was bursting with joy. She said: \n“Let me turn the spotlight on God’s greatness!\nWith all that I am I dance with joy over God\, my saviour!\nGod has smiled upon me\, though I was no one special.\nNow I’ll be remembered forever as the favoured one.\nThe supreme God has done wonderful things for me.\nNo other name is in the same league as God’s. \nIn every generation\, those who treat God with respect\nare rewarded with showers of mercy.\nWith sleeves rolled up\, God has made a show of strength\,\nand sent packing those who were so full of themselves. \nGod has kicked the power mongers out of office\,\nand lifted the downtrodden back to their feet.\nGod has put on a feast for those who were hungry\,\nand slammed the door on the rich without giving them a bite. \nThe Lord’s servant Israel receives a helping hand.\nGod always remembers them with tender care.\nThis is exactly what God promised long ago\,\na vow made to Abraham and Sarah for every generation.” \nMary didn’t return home for about three months\, but stayed until Elizabeth’s baby was born. Elizabeth gave birth to a boy who was given the name John. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc45/2030-05-31/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300602T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300602T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200827T051407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T090304Z
UID:10002131-1906588800-1906675199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:7th Sunday of Pascha - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Acts 1: 15-17\, 21-26			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	One day\, after Jesus had been taken into heaven\, there was a gathering of about one hundred twenty of his followers. Peter stood up and addressed them\, saying: \n“Friends\, the scripture had to be fulfilled. What the Holy Spirit said through David about Judas has now happened. He was one of us\, taking his place alongside us in this ministry\, but in the end he was the one who showed the lynch mob where to arrest Jesus.\n“So we need a replacement for Judas — someone to stand with us as a primary witness to the resurrection life of Jesus. It should be someone who was in our company for the whole time Jesus was among us\, right through from the day he was baptised by John to the day when he was taken into heaven. \nThere were two nominations: Joseph Barsabbas\, nicknamed Justus\, and Matthias. The group prayed saying\, “Lord\, you know us all\, through and through. Make it clear to us which of these two you are choosing to take on the task of ministry and leadership that Judas turned his back on.” And then\, trusting God\, they tossed a coin. On the fall of the coin\, Matthias was declared to be the twelfth apostle. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 1			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, how good it will be for those\nwho turn a deaf ear to the advocates of greed;\nwho steer clear of corrupt short-cuts;\nand avoid those who sneer at goodness. \nInstead they relish your word\, LORD.\nCalming their minds\,\nthey savour the scriptures day and night. \nYou make them strong and healthy\,\nlike a Redgum tree with its roots deep in a river bank\,\nflowering abundantly every season\,\nand always laden with healthy leaves.\nAll that they do is vibrant with life. \nBut what a different story it is for the wicked;\nthey are about as secure as dry leaves in a cyclone. \nThey will have no defence\nwhen they are brought to justice\,\nand no friends among people of integrity. \nLORD\, you keep a protective eye\non all who walk a straight path of peace and justice\,\nbut nothing will save those who leave that road. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 John 5: 9-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If we are willing to believe what people tell us\, surely we will be even more willing to put our trust in what God tells us\, and we now have God’s own statement concerning his Son. Those who put their trust in the Son of God have taken to heart what God has said. Those who do not believe what God has said about his Son are in effect calling God a liar. In a nutshell\, this is the message that God is asking us to believe: God gives us infinite life\, and this life is received and lived in his Son. Those who accept the Son receive life\, but anyone who rejects the Son of God is rejecting life itself. \n  My reason for writing all this to you is simple: I want to ensure that you who trust in God’s Son will know beyond any doubt that you now have life without limit. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 17: 6-19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After the supper\, and after giving his final teaching to his followers\, Jesus prayed to God\, saying: \n“Father\, you have given me some followers from this world\,\nand I have given them the full picture of what you are like.\nThey were yours to begin with\,\nbut you gave them to me\,\nand they have done what you asked of them.\nNow they know for sure that everything I have\nwas given to me directly by you.\nI gave my followers the same message you gave to me.\nThey took it on board and were convinced that I came from you. They believe that it was you who sent me.\nI pray for them. \nMy prayer is not for this hell-bent world\nbut for the followers you gave me\,\nfor they are rightfully yours.\nEverything that is mine is yours\,\nand everything that is yours is mine\,\nand my image lights up in them.  \nI will no longer be seen in the world\,\nbut they will continue on in the world\nwhile I come back to you.\nHoly Father\, protect them\nby writing your name on them\,\ngiving them the same identity you gave me\,\nso that they will be one with each other\,\njust as you and I are one in heart and mind. \nWhile I was with them\, I kept them safe\nby assigning to them the name you gave me.\nI stood guard over them\, and didn’t lose a single one\,\nexcept the one who was lost from the beginning\,\nthe one whose demise showed the Scriptures to be true. \nNow I am on my way to you. \nI say these things while the world is still in earshot\,\nso that those who listen may\, like me\,\nexperience a joy that goes right off the scale.\nI have given them your message\,\nand now this godless world can’t stand them\,\nbecause they won’t play by the world’s rules\,\njust as I never played by the world’s rules. \nI am not asking you to take them out of the world\,\nbut I do ask that you keep them safe from the evil one.\nThey don't take their cues from this world\,\nbecause my dance has a different tune. \nImmerse them in truth to make them a sacred people\,\nfor your word is the truth which makes things holy.\nJust as you sent me into the world on your mission\,\nso now I am sending them into the world.\nI have dedicated myself one hundred percent\, for their sake\,\nso that they in turn may commit themselves totally to the truth.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have put your testimony in our hearts\nso that we might know that our life is in you. \nYou created the earth and the heavens\nand marked out the way of the upright.\nThrough the prophets you called us to accept life\,\nand none are lost to your love and protection\nexcept those who turn to their own ways and reject life. \nYou sent your Son into the world\nand entrusted to him those who accepted your Word.\nHe made you known to us\nand prayed that we might share the identity you gave him\nand so be one with each other in your love.\nThough he was killed by this hell-bent world\,\nyou raised him from the dead\nand through your sanctifying Word of truth\nyou call us to share eternal life in him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your beloved Son\nto whom entrusted to him those who accepted your Word.\nHe made you known to us\nand prayed that we might share the identity you gave him\nand so be one with each other in your love. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have put your testimony in our hearts\nso that we might know that our life is in you. \nYou created the earth and the heavens\nand marked out the way of the upright.\nThrough the prophets you called us to accept life\,\nand none are lost to your love and protection\nexcept those who turn to their own ways and reject life. \nYou sent your Son into the world\nand entrusted to him those who accepted your Word.\nHe made you known to us\nand prayed that we might share the identity you gave him\nand so be one with each other in your love.\nThough he was killed by this hell-bent world\,\nyou raised him from the dead\nand through your sanctifying Word of truth\nyou call us to share eternal life in him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, who knows everyone’s heart\,\ngives us mercy and life in his Son.\nWhoever accepts the Son of God receives life\nin the name of Jesus Christ. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now. Christ sends you into the world\njust as he himself was sent into the world.\nDelight in the Lord’s teaching\,\ntestify to his resurrection life\,\nand share in the ministry of his people. \nAnd may God protect you from the evil one;\nMay Christ Jesus give you God’s word and make you his own;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit sanctify you in the truth\,\nand fill you with the joy of God. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nFacing the TruthA sermon on 1 John 5: 9-13 & John 17:6-19 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nChurch and WorldA sermon on John 17:6-19 & Acts 1:15-17\,21-26 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Leadership LotteryA sermon on Acts 1:15-17\, 21-26 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLiving up to an inherited nameA sermon on John 17:6-19 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Character and Condition of the RighteousA sermon on Psalm 1 by Deonie Duncan
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b39/2030-06-02/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300609T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300609T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200830T132120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240617T042919Z
UID:10002132-1907193600-1907279999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Day of Pentecost - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1st Reading: Acts 2: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the Feast Day of Pentecost all the believers were together in one place. Suddenly\, as if out of nowhere\, there was a sound like a raging cyclone - and nothing could be heard above it anywhere in the house. And then the Holy Spirit burst in among them like a bushfire\, with sparks and fireballs leaping out to engulf every one there. With fire in their guts and the Holy Spirit unleashing their tongues\, they began to speak of God in languages they had never learned. \nNow in Jerusalem at that time\, there were faithful Jewish pilgrims from all over the world. The wild noise among the believers quickly drew a crowd. What they heard bewildered them because everyone\, no matter where they were from\, heard their native language being spoken by the believers. Almost unable to believe their ears\, they asked: \n“Don’t all these people come from Galilee? How come we can all hear them speaking our own native languages? Some of us are Parthians\, some Medes\, others Elamites. There are people visiting here from Mesopotamia\, Judea and Cappadocia\, Pontus and Asia\, Phrygia and Pamphylia\, Egypt and the Cyrenene occupied parts of Libya. There are immigrants from Rome\, both ethnic Jews and converts. Some here are even Cretans and Arabs! But these Galileans are speaking all our languages and telling us about the extraordinary things God has done.”  \nThey were all in a spin\, unable to make head nor tail of what was happening. They kept asking one another what was going on and what it could all mean. Others though\, just sneered and said\, “They’ve been on the turps. They’re just a bunch of drunks.”  \nPeter stood up with the other eleven and addressed the crowd as loudly and clearly as he could: \n“Men and women of Jerusalem\, locals and visitors\, listen up and I’ll let you in on what this is all about. If you think that these people are drunk\, you are wrong. Think about it - the pubs aren’t even open this early in the morning. No\, what is happening here was explained long ago in the words of the prophet Joel:  \n“This is what I will do\nwhen time reaches its climax\, God declares:  \nI will pour out my Spirit on everyone. \nYour sons and your daughters\nshall speak as prophets.\nThe young among you will see visions\,\nand the old will dream dreams.  \n  I even have men and women among those\nwhose rights no one cares about\,\nand in those days\nI will pour out my Spirit upon them too;\nand they shall proclaim my justice.  \n  I will perform miraculous signs in the sky above\nand awesome wonders on the earth below\,\nblood\, and fire\, and clouds of smoke.  \n  The sun will go black and the moon blood-red\nbefore the dawning\nof the awesome and glorious day of the Lord.  \n  And everyone who cries out to the Lord\nshall be saved.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Ezekiel 37: 1-14 (alternative 1st reading)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The LORD took hold of me and the LORD’s Spirit carried me away and dropped me off in the middle of Death Valley. I took a look around but there was nothing to be seen but bones – old human bones\, baked dry in the sun – thousands and thousands of them. The LORD questioned me saying\, “Ezekiel\, mortal man\, can these bones come back to life?” \nI replied\, “Lord GOD\, only you can answer such a question.” \nThen the LORD told me to preach boldly to the bones\, saying: \n“All you dry bones\, listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Though you are long dead\, I\, the Lord\, will put breath into you again\, and you will live. Muscles\, ligaments\, organs\, veins; all these I will give you\, wrapped in healthy new skin. You will have whole new bodies and I will breathe life into you. Then you will know for sure that I am the LORD.” \nSo I did what the LORD told me and I preached to the bones. Even while I was in full flight\, the noise of rattling bones began to echo through the valley. They were coming together\, linking up\, one bone to another. As I watched\, muscles appeared and grew. Bodies filled out with new flesh\, and fresh skin was wrapped around them. But they were still lifeless. \nThen the LORD told me to call to the winds\, saying: \n“North Wind\, South Wind\, East Wind\, West Wind\, listen to what the LORD is telling you to do. Come from everywhere and blow the breath of life into these corpses\, so that they can live again.” \nAgain I spoke as the LORD had said\, and even as I did\, gusts of wind swirled among the bodies\, resuscitating them before my very eyes. Rising to their feet like a finals’ crowd\, they could have easily filled the biggest stadium. \nThen the LORD explained to me what it all meant: \n“Ezekiel\, mortal man\, my people are just like old dry bones. They are always whingeing that life has become one long drought and they’ve been left for dead with no reason to hope that the future might be any better. So preach boldly\, Ezekiel\, and tell them this: \n“All you people\, listen to what the LORD is promising: I am going to dig up your graves\, and open your coffins. I will bring you back as my people to the promised land. When I do this for you\, my people\, when I restore life to your bodies\, then you will know for sure that I am the LORD. My Spirit will be within you like the breath in your lungs\, and so you shall live. I will once again plant your feet on your own patch of dirt. Then there will no longer be any doubt that I\, the LORD\, have spoken and that what I say goes.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 104: 24-34\, 35b			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O LORD\, what a wildly fabulous world!\nWorking hand in hand with wisdom\nyou have made\nan earthful of wonderful creatures.  \nJust look at the deep wide sea\,\nswarming with life beyond our imagining\,\nfrom coral to crayfish\, from mussels to marlin. \nShips plough the waves\,\nwhile mythical monsters cavort in the depths. \nLike seagulls at a picnic\,\nevery creature looks to you for food. \nThey gather around in eager expectation\,\nand gorge themselves when you open your hand.  \nIf you turned your back\, they’d be panic stricken;\nif you withdrew your Spirit\nthey would have nothing to breathe\,\ntheir bodies would quickly crumble. \nBut when you breathe your spirit into them\,\nlife sprouts up fresh and fragrant again\nand the earth itself is revived. \nGlorious is all you do\, LORD\,\nmay you be honoured forever.\nMay everything created be a joy to the LORD. \nOne look from the LORD makes even the earth quiver;\none touch and even the mountains erupt. \nWith every breath I will sing to the LORD;\nas long as there is life in me\,\nI will give honour to my God in song. \nEven my unspoken thoughts I offer to the LORD\,\nfor the LORD is a delight to me.  \nMay wickedness be wiped from the earth\,\nmay enemies of life no longer be found. \nO bless the LORD\, everything within me.\nPraise the LORD!  \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2nd Reading: Romans 8: 22-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The time of deliverance is near. After a long pregnancy\, the whole creation is now groaning and shuddering in the final stages of labour. And we are not just witnesses to this birth. We ourselves\, having been impregnated by the Spirit\, are labouring to bring the new life within us to fruition. For then\, with our bodies set free\, our longing to be God’s children will be fulfilled. This joyous expectancy ensures that our deliverance will come. If there was never to be anything more than our present reality\, these longings within us would be in vain. But we are eager to see a promised new reality\, and this hope sustains us. \nThere will be times when our strength fails us and we will feel like just accommodating ourselves to the way things presently are\, but the Spirit will always be there for us. Even when our prayer dries up and words fail us\, the Spirit is there within us\, keeping the communication lines open by turning our deepest achings and yearnings into prayers that pass wordlessly from heart to heart. And God\, being of one mind with the Spirit\, is able to hear the cries of our hearts because the Spirit offers them\, along with the prayers of all God’s people\, in a language that connects with the cries of God’s heart. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Acts 2: 1-21 (alternative 2nd reading)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the Feast Day of Pentecost all the believers were together in one place. Suddenly\, as if out of nowhere\, there was a sound like a raging cyclone - and nothing could be heard above it anywhere in the house. And then the Holy Spirit burst in among them like a bushfire\, with sparks and fireballs leaping out to engulf every one there. With fire in their guts and the Holy Spirit unleashing their tongues\, they began to speak of God in languages they had never learned. \nNow in Jerusalem at that time\, there were faithful Jewish pilgrims from all over the world. The wild noise among the believers quickly drew a crowd. What they heard bewildered them because everyone\, no matter where they were from\, heard their native language being spoken by the believers. Almost unable to believe their ears\, they asked: \n“Don’t all these people come from Galilee? How come we can all hear them speaking our own native languages? Some of us are Parthians\, some Medes\, others Elamites. There are people visiting here from Mesopotamia\, Judea and Cappadocia\, Pontus and Asia\, Phrygia and Pamphylia\, Egypt and the Cyrenene occupied parts of Libya. There are immigrants from Rome\, both ethnic Jews and converts. Some here are even Cretans and Arabs! But these Galileans are speaking all our languages and telling us about the extraordinary things God has done.”  \nThey were all in a spin\, unable to make head nor tail of what was happening. They kept asking one another what was going on and what it could all mean. Others though\, just sneered and said\, “They’ve been on the turps. They’re just a bunch of drunks.”  \nPeter stood up with the other eleven and addressed the crowd as loudly and clearly as he could: \n“Men and women of Jerusalem\, locals and visitors\, listen up and I’ll let you in on what this is all about. If you think that these people are drunk\, you are wrong. Think about it - the pubs aren’t even open this early in the morning. No\, what is happening here was explained long ago in the words of the prophet Joel:  \n“This is what I will do\nwhen time reaches its climax\, God declares:  \nI will pour out my Spirit on everyone. \nYour sons and your daughters\nshall speak as prophets.\nThe young among you will see visions\,\nand the old will dream dreams.  \n  I even have men and women among those\nwhose rights no one cares about\,\nand in those days\nI will pour out my Spirit upon them too;\nand they shall proclaim my justice.  \n  I will perform miraculous signs in the sky above\nand awesome wonders on the earth below\,\nblood\, and fire\, and clouds of smoke.  \n  The sun will go black and the moon blood-red\nbefore the dawning\nof the awesome and glorious day of the Lord.  \n  And everyone who cries out to the Lord\nshall be saved.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 15: 26-27; 16: 4b-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the night that he was betrayed\, Jesus said to his disciples\, “I am going to send the Spirit to you from the Father. The Spirit will be your companion\, your advocate and supporter\, and will confirm for you the whole truth about me. You too are to speak up for the truth\, because you have been with me ever since we started.  \n“Up until now I have always been with you\, so there was no need to explain these things\, but now I am going back to the One who sent me. None of you have even asked me where I am going. Instead you are just sitting there getting more and more down in the dumps with each thing I say. All the same\, I’ll say it again: the truth is that you will be better off after I’ve gone. You see\, the Spirit can’t come to be with you until I leave. Once I’m gone though\, I will send the Spirit to you.  \n“The Spirit will come and show everyone just how wrong the world has been in its opinions about sin and righteousness and judgment. As the Spirit will show\, people have the wrong idea about sin because they don’t trust my ways. They have the wrong idea about righteousness because they don’t know that it only comes from the Father. It won’t be any easier to see now that I’m going back to its source. They have the wrong idea about judgment because they think it’s all in the future\, when in reality\, sentence has already been passed on the one who steered this world into its godless ways.  \n  “There is a whole lot more I would love to say to you\, but it would all be too much for you at the moment. The Spirit will come\, full of truth\, and will lead you by the hand into the pathways of truth. The Spirit does not speak independently\, but on my behalf. Through the Spirit\, I will let you know what is going to happen and what it all means. I will be honoured by everything the Spirit says\, because they are my words delivered to you. All that the Father has is mine. So now you understand why I have been saying that the message the Spirit will deliver to you is actually coming from me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you pour out your Spirit on all flesh\nand amaze us with your deeds of power. \nIn your infinite wisdom\, you created the earth\nand made it pregnant with new life.\nYou raised living creatures from the dust\,\nby the power of your Word\nand breathed into them the breath of your Spirit. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, taught us your truth\nand\, before being given up to death\,\nhe promised to send us the Holy Spirit\nto support us in both strength and weakness\nas we labour with you\nto bring to birth the promised fulfilment\nof our deepest hopes and yearnings.\nIn these last days you have poured out\nthe new wine of the Spirit\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give you thanks for pouring out the new wine of the Spirit\nin these last days\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you pour out your Spirit on all flesh\nand amaze us with your deeds of power. \nIn your infinite wisdom\, you created the earth\nand made it pregnant with new life.\nYou raised living creatures from the dust\,\nby the power of your Word\nand breathed into them the breath of your Spirit. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, taught us your truth\nand\, before being given up to death\,\nhe promised to send us the Holy Spirit\nto support us in both strength and weakness\nas we labour with you\nto bring to birth the promised fulfilment\nof our deepest hopes and yearnings.\nIn these last days you have poured out\nthe new wine of the Spirit\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The one who has corrupted this world\nhas already been condemned\,\nbut everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord\nwill be saved. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world\,\nand labour to bring forth new life.\nDream dreams\, pursue visions\nand speak of God’s goodness\nin the words of those who would hear. \nAnd may the God who breathed life into creation be your delight.\nMay Christ Jesus give hope to your dreaming\,\nand may the Holy Spirit\, your advocate and supporter\,\nset your hearts ablaze with a passion for peace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nSetting the Church AblazeA sermon on Ezekiel 37: 1-14 & Acts 2: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the New Wine ArrivesA sermon on Acts 2.1-21; Ezekiel 37.1-14 & Psalm 104.24-35b by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nLoosing TonguesA sermon on Acts 2:1-21 & John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDivinely IntoxicatedA sermon on Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27 & John 15:26-27; 16:4-15 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPentecost: Gifted and SentA sermon on Acts 2: 1-21 by Gilbert Joyce\n\n\n\nLanguages of ReconciliationA sermon on Acts 2:1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nMuch Needed Miracles of CommunicationA sermon on Acts 2: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b40/2030-06-09/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300609T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300609T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200830T132120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003403Z
UID:10002808-1907193600-1907279999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Day of Pentecost - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1st Reading: Acts 2: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the Feast Day of Pentecost all the believers were together in one place. Suddenly\, as if out of nowhere\, there was a sound like a raging cyclone - and nothing could be heard above it anywhere in the house. And then the Holy Spirit burst in among them like a bushfire\, with sparks and fireballs leaping out to engulf every one there. With fire in their guts and the Holy Spirit unleashing their tongues\, they began to speak of God in languages they had never learned. \nNow in Jerusalem at that time\, there were faithful Jewish pilgrims from all over the world. The wild noise among the believers quickly drew a crowd. What they heard bewildered them because everyone\, no matter where they were from\, heard their native language being spoken by the believers. Almost unable to believe their ears\, they asked: \n“Don’t all these people come from Galilee? How come we can all hear them speaking our own native languages? Some of us are Parthians\, some Medes\, others Elamites. There are people visiting here from Mesopotamia\, Judea and Cappadocia\, Pontus and Asia\, Phrygia and Pamphylia\, Egypt and the Cyrenene occupied parts of Libya. There are immigrants from Rome\, both ethnic Jews and converts. Some here are even Cretans and Arabs! But these Galileans are speaking all our languages and telling us about the extraordinary things God has done.”  \nThey were all in a spin\, unable to make head nor tail of what was happening. They kept asking one another what was going on and what it could all mean. Others though\, just sneered and said\, “They’ve been on the turps. They’re just a bunch of drunks.”  \nPeter stood up with the other eleven and addressed the crowd as loudly and clearly as he could: \n“Men and women of Jerusalem\, locals and visitors\, listen up and I’ll let you in on what this is all about. If you think that these people are drunk\, you are wrong. Think about it - the pubs aren’t even open this early in the morning. No\, what is happening here was explained long ago in the words of the prophet Joel:  \n“This is what I will do\nwhen time reaches its climax\, God declares:  \nI will pour out my Spirit on everyone. \nYour sons and your daughters\nshall speak as prophets.\nThe young among you will see visions\,\nand the old will dream dreams.  \n  I even have men and women among those\nwhose rights no one cares about\,\nand in those days\nI will pour out my Spirit upon them too;\nand they shall proclaim my justice.  \n  I will perform miraculous signs in the sky above\nand awesome wonders on the earth below\,\nblood\, and fire\, and clouds of smoke.  \n  The sun will go black and the moon blood-red\nbefore the dawning\nof the awesome and glorious day of the Lord.  \n  And everyone who cries out to the Lord\nshall be saved.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Ezekiel 37: 1-14 (alternative 1st reading)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The LORD took hold of me and the LORD’s Spirit carried me away and dropped me off in the middle of Death Valley. I took a look around but there was nothing to be seen but bones – old human bones\, baked dry in the sun – thousands and thousands of them. The LORD questioned me saying\, “Ezekiel\, mortal man\, can these bones come back to life?” \nI replied\, “Lord GOD\, only you can answer such a question.” \nThen the LORD told me to preach boldly to the bones\, saying: \n“All you dry bones\, listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Though you are long dead\, I\, the Lord\, will put breath into you again\, and you will live. Muscles\, ligaments\, organs\, veins; all these I will give you\, wrapped in healthy new skin. You will have whole new bodies and I will breathe life into you. Then you will know for sure that I am the LORD.” \nSo I did what the LORD told me and I preached to the bones. Even while I was in full flight\, the noise of rattling bones began to echo through the valley. They were coming together\, linking up\, one bone to another. As I watched\, muscles appeared and grew. Bodies filled out with new flesh\, and fresh skin was wrapped around them. But they were still lifeless. \nThen the LORD told me to call to the winds\, saying: \n“North Wind\, South Wind\, East Wind\, West Wind\, listen to what the LORD is telling you to do. Come from everywhere and blow the breath of life into these corpses\, so that they can live again.” \nAgain I spoke as the LORD had said\, and even as I did\, gusts of wind swirled among the bodies\, resuscitating them before my very eyes. Rising to their feet like a finals’ crowd\, they could have easily filled the biggest stadium. \nThen the LORD explained to me what it all meant: \n“Ezekiel\, mortal man\, my people are just like old dry bones. They are always whingeing that life has become one long drought and they’ve been left for dead with no reason to hope that the future might be any better. So preach boldly\, Ezekiel\, and tell them this: \n“All you people\, listen to what the LORD is promising: I am going to dig up your graves\, and open your coffins. I will bring you back as my people to the promised land. When I do this for you\, my people\, when I restore life to your bodies\, then you will know for sure that I am the LORD. My Spirit will be within you like the breath in your lungs\, and so you shall live. I will once again plant your feet on your own patch of dirt. Then there will no longer be any doubt that I\, the LORD\, have spoken and that what I say goes.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 104: 24-34\, 35b			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O LORD\, what a wildly fabulous world!\nWorking hand in hand with wisdom\nyou have made\nan earthful of wonderful creatures.  \nJust look at the deep wide sea\,\nswarming with life beyond our imagining\,\nfrom coral to crayfish\, from mussels to marlin. \nShips plough the waves\,\nwhile mythical monsters cavort in the depths. \nLike seagulls at a picnic\,\nevery creature looks to you for food. \nThey gather around in eager expectation\,\nand gorge themselves when you open your hand.  \nIf you turned your back\, they’d be panic stricken;\nif you withdrew your Spirit\nthey would have nothing to breathe\,\ntheir bodies would quickly crumble. \nBut when you breathe your spirit into them\,\nlife sprouts up fresh and fragrant again\nand the earth itself is revived. \nGlorious is all you do\, LORD\,\nmay you be honoured forever.\nMay everything created be a joy to the LORD. \nOne look from the LORD makes even the earth quiver;\none touch and even the mountains erupt. \nWith every breath I will sing to the LORD;\nas long as there is life in me\,\nI will give honour to my God in song. \nEven my unspoken thoughts I offer to the LORD\,\nfor the LORD is a delight to me.  \nMay wickedness be wiped from the earth\,\nmay enemies of life no longer be found. \nO bless the LORD\, everything within me.\nPraise the LORD!  \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2nd Reading: Romans 8: 22-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The time of deliverance is near. After a long pregnancy\, the whole creation is now groaning and shuddering in the final stages of labour. And we are not just witnesses to this birth. We ourselves\, having been impregnated by the Spirit\, are labouring to bring the new life within us to fruition. For then\, with our bodies set free\, our longing to be God’s children will be fulfilled. This joyous expectancy ensures that our deliverance will come. If there was never to be anything more than our present reality\, these longings within us would be in vain. But we are eager to see a promised new reality\, and this hope sustains us. \nThere will be times when our strength fails us and we will feel like just accommodating ourselves to the way things presently are\, but the Spirit will always be there for us. Even when our prayer dries up and words fail us\, the Spirit is there within us\, keeping the communication lines open by turning our deepest achings and yearnings into prayers that pass wordlessly from heart to heart. And God\, being of one mind with the Spirit\, is able to hear the cries of our hearts because the Spirit offers them\, along with the prayers of all God’s people\, in a language that connects with the cries of God’s heart. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Acts 2: 1-21 (alternative 2nd reading)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the Feast Day of Pentecost all the believers were together in one place. Suddenly\, as if out of nowhere\, there was a sound like a raging cyclone - and nothing could be heard above it anywhere in the house. And then the Holy Spirit burst in among them like a bushfire\, with sparks and fireballs leaping out to engulf every one there. With fire in their guts and the Holy Spirit unleashing their tongues\, they began to speak of God in languages they had never learned. \nNow in Jerusalem at that time\, there were faithful Jewish pilgrims from all over the world. The wild noise among the believers quickly drew a crowd. What they heard bewildered them because everyone\, no matter where they were from\, heard their native language being spoken by the believers. Almost unable to believe their ears\, they asked: \n“Don’t all these people come from Galilee? How come we can all hear them speaking our own native languages? Some of us are Parthians\, some Medes\, others Elamites. There are people visiting here from Mesopotamia\, Judea and Cappadocia\, Pontus and Asia\, Phrygia and Pamphylia\, Egypt and the Cyrenene occupied parts of Libya. There are immigrants from Rome\, both ethnic Jews and converts. Some here are even Cretans and Arabs! But these Galileans are speaking all our languages and telling us about the extraordinary things God has done.”  \nThey were all in a spin\, unable to make head nor tail of what was happening. They kept asking one another what was going on and what it could all mean. Others though\, just sneered and said\, “They’ve been on the turps. They’re just a bunch of drunks.”  \nPeter stood up with the other eleven and addressed the crowd as loudly and clearly as he could: \n“Men and women of Jerusalem\, locals and visitors\, listen up and I’ll let you in on what this is all about. If you think that these people are drunk\, you are wrong. Think about it - the pubs aren’t even open this early in the morning. No\, what is happening here was explained long ago in the words of the prophet Joel:  \n“This is what I will do\nwhen time reaches its climax\, God declares:  \nI will pour out my Spirit on everyone. \nYour sons and your daughters\nshall speak as prophets.\nThe young among you will see visions\,\nand the old will dream dreams.  \n  I even have men and women among those\nwhose rights no one cares about\,\nand in those days\nI will pour out my Spirit upon them too;\nand they shall proclaim my justice.  \n  I will perform miraculous signs in the sky above\nand awesome wonders on the earth below\,\nblood\, and fire\, and clouds of smoke.  \n  The sun will go black and the moon blood-red\nbefore the dawning\nof the awesome and glorious day of the Lord.  \n  And everyone who cries out to the Lord\nshall be saved.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 15: 26-27; 16: 4b-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	On the night that he was betrayed\, Jesus said to his disciples\, “I am going to send the Spirit to you from the Father. The Spirit will be your companion\, your advocate and supporter\, and will confirm for you the whole truth about me. You too are to speak up for the truth\, because you have been with me ever since we started.  \n“Up until now I have always been with you\, so there was no need to explain these things\, but now I am going back to the One who sent me. None of you have even asked me where I am going. Instead you are just sitting there getting more and more down in the dumps with each thing I say. All the same\, I’ll say it again: the truth is that you will be better off after I’ve gone. You see\, the Spirit can’t come to be with you until I leave. Once I’m gone though\, I will send the Spirit to you.  \n“The Spirit will come and show everyone just how wrong the world has been in its opinions about sin and righteousness and judgment. As the Spirit will show\, people have the wrong idea about sin because they don’t trust my ways. They have the wrong idea about righteousness because they don’t know that it only comes from the Father. It won’t be any easier to see now that I’m going back to its source. They have the wrong idea about judgment because they think it’s all in the future\, when in reality\, sentence has already been passed on the one who steered this world into its godless ways.  \n  “There is a whole lot more I would love to say to you\, but it would all be too much for you at the moment. The Spirit will come\, full of truth\, and will lead you by the hand into the pathways of truth. The Spirit does not speak independently\, but on my behalf. Through the Spirit\, I will let you know what is going to happen and what it all means. I will be honoured by everything the Spirit says\, because they are my words delivered to you. All that the Father has is mine. So now you understand why I have been saying that the message the Spirit will deliver to you is actually coming from me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you pour out your Spirit on all flesh\nand amaze us with your deeds of power. \nIn your infinite wisdom\, you created the earth\nand made it pregnant with new life.\nYou raised living creatures from the dust\,\nby the power of your Word\nand breathed into them the breath of your Spirit. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, taught us your truth\nand\, before being given up to death\,\nhe promised to send us the Holy Spirit\nto support us in both strength and weakness\nas we labour with you\nto bring to birth the promised fulfilment\nof our deepest hopes and yearnings.\nIn these last days you have poured out\nthe new wine of the Spirit\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give you thanks for pouring out the new wine of the Spirit\nin these last days\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you pour out your Spirit on all flesh\nand amaze us with your deeds of power. \nIn your infinite wisdom\, you created the earth\nand made it pregnant with new life.\nYou raised living creatures from the dust\,\nby the power of your Word\nand breathed into them the breath of your Spirit. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, taught us your truth\nand\, before being given up to death\,\nhe promised to send us the Holy Spirit\nto support us in both strength and weakness\nas we labour with you\nto bring to birth the promised fulfilment\nof our deepest hopes and yearnings.\nIn these last days you have poured out\nthe new wine of the Spirit\,\nintoxicating us with visions and dreams\,\nawakening within us your marvellous gifts\nand firing our tongues with everlasting songs of joy. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The one who has corrupted this world\nhas already been condemned\,\nbut everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord\nwill be saved. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world\,\nand labour to bring forth new life.\nDream dreams\, pursue visions\nand speak of God’s goodness\nin the words of those who would hear. \nAnd may the God who breathed life into creation be your delight.\nMay Christ Jesus give hope to your dreaming\,\nand may the Holy Spirit\, your advocate and supporter\,\nset your hearts ablaze with a passion for peace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nSetting the Church AblazeA sermon on Ezekiel 37: 1-14 & Acts 2: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the New Wine ArrivesA sermon on Acts 2.1-21; Ezekiel 37.1-14 & Psalm 104.24-35b by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nLoosing TonguesA sermon on Acts 2:1-21 & John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDivinely IntoxicatedA sermon on Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27 & John 15:26-27; 16:4-15 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPentecost: Gifted and SentA sermon on Acts 2: 1-21 by Gilbert Joyce\n\n\n\nLanguages of ReconciliationA sermon on Acts 2:1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nMuch Needed Miracles of CommunicationA sermon on Acts 2: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b40/2030-06-09/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/40.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300616T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300616T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105100
CREATED:20200830T134122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T093532Z
UID:10002134-1907798400-1907884799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Trinity Sunday - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 6: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I had a vision of the Lord during the year that King Uzziah died. The Lord was high above\, sitting on an imposing throne. The Lord’s presence dwarfed everything else so totally that just the cuffs of his robe filled the temple. Awesome fiery creatures\, known as Seraphim\, were there\, serving the Lord. Each Seraph had three pairs of wings. They used one pair to shield their faces\, one to shield their bodies\, and the third for flying. They cried out to one another saying: \n“Holy! Holy! Holy!\nHoly is the LORD who rules over everything.\nThe whole earth is full of God’s glory.” \nThe sound of their voices shook the place to its foundations\, and clouds of smoke billowed through the temple. And I said: \n“This is the end of me.\nI’ll never get out of here alive.\nIf I so much as open my mouth\nthe ugliness inside is exposed for all to see\,\nand the same could be said of everyone I know;\nyet I’ve stumbled into the presence of the Ruler of Heaven.\nHere I am\, naked before the all-consuming\nholiness of the LORD!” \nThen one of the seraphim flew right up to me carrying a pair of tongs in which it held a red hot coal – straight from the fire on the altar. The seraph touched my mouth with the glowing coal and said: \n“Look! This holy fire has touched your lips.\nYour sinfulness is forgiven.\nYour slate is wiped clean.” \nAfter this I heard the voice of the Lord saying \n“Is there someone I can send?\nIs there anyone who will go on our behalf?” \nAnd I said\, “Here am I. Send me if you will!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD God\, like your angels in heaven\nwe speak of you in glowing terms\,\nfor your glory and strength deserve rave reviews.\nWe give you a huge rap\, LORD;\nwe put up you name in lights\nand hold a huge ticker tape parade\nbut it still falls short of the worship you deserve. \nYour voice\, LORD\, rings out like thunder;\nresounding over the waters\,\ndrowning out even the waves of the sea.\nYour voice echoes with power;\nit would bring anyone to their knees. \nYour voice\, LORD\, shatters the Ironbark tree\,\nand splinters the Mountain Ash like match sticks.\nYour presence makes Mount Bogong jump like a calf;\nUluru like a rock wallaby. \nYour voice\, LORD\, strikes fire from stone.\nThe sound of your voice convulses the wilderness;\nthe Simpson Desert shudders in labour. \nYour voice\, LORD\, is like a cyclone\,\nhowling through a rainforest\,\nstripping the leaves from the trees. \nWe all gather to worship and cheer with all our might;\nfor you rule forever\, LORD\,\nand neither surging flood\nnor tidal wave can undermine you.\nGive strength to your people\, LORD!\nBless your people with peace! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Romans 8: 12-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The truth is\, brothers and sisters\, that we owe nothing to the preoccupations of our former life. We need no longer have our lives dictated by the mindless pursuit of fashionable dreams and selfish desires. After all\, the attraction was fatal. But thanks to God’s Spirit\, we can now be rid of all that — give it a decent burial and get on with our new lives. All those who dance to the Spirit’s tune are God’s beloved children. We were not sold into slavery where we would grovel timidly in the dust\, afraid to put a foot wrong. Rather we were adopted into a family full of love and joy. Like eager children crying\, “Daddy! Mummy!” we come running to God\, and with loving arms\, God’s Spirit gathers us up\, demonstrating clearly to whom we belong. And since we are children of God\, we are actually on the same footing as Christ. With him we will inherit all that has been kept in trust for God’s children. But we have to take the good with the bad\, and we know the price he paid. We need to be willing to cop it on the chin with him now if we want to share the glory with him later. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 1-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	There was a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Pharisee party and a leader in the Jewish nation. Late one night he came to speak with Jesus. He said\, “Rabbi\, we recognise that God has sent you as a teacher and that God is with you. How else could you do these things which are so clearly the work of God?” \nJesus answered him\, “Right you are. And let me tell you this: no one will see the full life of God without being born into it from above.” \nNicodemus was taken aback. “How can this be?” he asked\, “A person can only be born once. None of us can go back to the womb and be born again.” \nJesus replied saying: \n“Listen again\, for it is important that you get this. There is only one way into the full life of God\, and it is through a birth of water and Spirit. A baby that emerges from a womb got its body from the bodies of its parents. But a growing person is not just a body\, and the life-force within them emerges from the womb of the Spirit. So don’t be surprised that I said you have to be born from above. You can’t control or predict these things. They are like the wind. You can hear it coming and see what it does\, but what’s driving it or where it is going next is anyone’s guess. God’s Spirit is like the wind\, and so are all those who are born of the Spirit.” \nBut Nicodemus said\, “I’m not with you. How can these things be?” \nJesus replied: \n“How can you set yourself up as one of the teachers of Israel when you are struggling to get your head around the basics? \n“Listen carefully because I’m speaking the truth. We know these things from our own experience\, we’ve seen them with our own eyes\, and yet you fob us off as though we were reporting a rumour we’d heard in the street. If I told you the sky was blue\, you’d blink and take another look\, so what chance is there of you believing anything I have to say about the ways of God? How are you going to check out what I say? None of you have ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you loved the world so greatly that you gave your Son\,\nso that all who trust him may have eternal life. \nYour powerful voice\, thundering over the waters\,\nspoke into being the new-born creation.\nFrom your holy throne\, surrounded by seraphim\,\nyou called your prophets to carry the message of life\nto those who were enslaved to selfish desires. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus Christ\, into the world\nand when the enemies of life lifted him up to die\,\nyou raised him from the grave\nand made him the source of life\nfor all who look to him in trust and hope.\nAnd now your Holy Spirit bears witness within us\nthat we are indeed your children\,\nborn from above of water and spirit\,\nand destined to share with Christ\nin his sufferings and his glory. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\nwho you gave in your great love for the world\,\nso that all who trust him\nmay be born from above of water and spirit\,\nand have eternal life\,\nsharing with him in his sufferings and his glory. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you loved the world so greatly that you gave your Son\,\nso that all who trust him may have eternal life. \nYour powerful voice\, thundering over the waters\,\nspoke into being the new-born creation.\nFrom your holy throne\, surrounded by seraphim\,\nyou called your prophets to carry the message of life\nto those who were enslaved to selfish desires. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus Christ\, into the world\nand when the enemies of life lifted him up to die\,\nyou raised him from the grave\nand made him the source of life\nfor all who look to him in trust and hope.\nAnd now your Holy Spirit bears witness within us\nthat we are indeed your children\,\nborn from above of water and spirit\,\nand destined to share with Christ\nin his sufferings and his glory. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God did not send the Son into the world to condemn us\,\nbut in order that the world might be saved through him.\nThe refining fire of God has touched you. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out and in all of life\, worship the Lord.\nEntrust yourself to the winds of God’s Spirit;\nput to death selfish desires\,\nand offer yourself for God’s mission in the world. \nAnd may God give strength to you and to all;\nMay Christ Jesus bless you with peace;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit\, whispering within your hearts\,\n    give you assurance that you are God’s children. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nTrinity and CommunityA sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nStumbling into the Love Dance of the TrinityA sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTrying to Pin Down the Experience of GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8 & Romans 8:12-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nQuestioning the Integrity of GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17 & John 3:1-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nContemplating the TrinityA sermon on the Icon of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDoes the Trinity add up?A sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nChildren of the Triune GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17 & John 3:1-17 by Nathan Nettleton \n\n\n\nThe Bible\, the Trinity\, and the WarA sermon by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nIt matters\, but you don’t have to explain it!A sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b41/2030-06-16/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300616T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300616T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200830T134122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003403Z
UID:10002806-1907798400-1907884799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Trinity Sunday - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 6: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I had a vision of the Lord during the year that King Uzziah died. The Lord was high above\, sitting on an imposing throne. The Lord’s presence dwarfed everything else so totally that just the cuffs of his robe filled the temple. Awesome fiery creatures\, known as Seraphim\, were there\, serving the Lord. Each Seraph had three pairs of wings. They used one pair to shield their faces\, one to shield their bodies\, and the third for flying. They cried out to one another saying: \n“Holy! Holy! Holy!\nHoly is the LORD who rules over everything.\nThe whole earth is full of God’s glory.” \nThe sound of their voices shook the place to its foundations\, and clouds of smoke billowed through the temple. And I said: \n“This is the end of me.\nI’ll never get out of here alive.\nIf I so much as open my mouth\nthe ugliness inside is exposed for all to see\,\nand the same could be said of everyone I know;\nyet I’ve stumbled into the presence of the Ruler of Heaven.\nHere I am\, naked before the all-consuming\nholiness of the LORD!” \nThen one of the seraphim flew right up to me carrying a pair of tongs in which it held a red hot coal – straight from the fire on the altar. The seraph touched my mouth with the glowing coal and said: \n“Look! This holy fire has touched your lips.\nYour sinfulness is forgiven.\nYour slate is wiped clean.” \nAfter this I heard the voice of the Lord saying \n“Is there someone I can send?\nIs there anyone who will go on our behalf?” \nAnd I said\, “Here am I. Send me if you will!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD God\, like your angels in heaven\nwe speak of you in glowing terms\,\nfor your glory and strength deserve rave reviews.\nWe give you a huge rap\, LORD;\nwe put up you name in lights\nand hold a huge ticker tape parade\nbut it still falls short of the worship you deserve. \nYour voice\, LORD\, rings out like thunder;\nresounding over the waters\,\ndrowning out even the waves of the sea.\nYour voice echoes with power;\nit would bring anyone to their knees. \nYour voice\, LORD\, shatters the Ironbark tree\,\nand splinters the Mountain Ash like match sticks.\nYour presence makes Mount Bogong jump like a calf;\nUluru like a rock wallaby. \nYour voice\, LORD\, strikes fire from stone.\nThe sound of your voice convulses the wilderness;\nthe Simpson Desert shudders in labour. \nYour voice\, LORD\, is like a cyclone\,\nhowling through a rainforest\,\nstripping the leaves from the trees. \nWe all gather to worship and cheer with all our might;\nfor you rule forever\, LORD\,\nand neither surging flood\nnor tidal wave can undermine you.\nGive strength to your people\, LORD!\nBless your people with peace! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Romans 8: 12-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The truth is\, brothers and sisters\, that we owe nothing to the preoccupations of our former life. We need no longer have our lives dictated by the mindless pursuit of fashionable dreams and selfish desires. After all\, the attraction was fatal. But thanks to God’s Spirit\, we can now be rid of all that — give it a decent burial and get on with our new lives. All those who dance to the Spirit’s tune are God’s beloved children. We were not sold into slavery where we would grovel timidly in the dust\, afraid to put a foot wrong. Rather we were adopted into a family full of love and joy. Like eager children crying\, “Daddy! Mummy!” we come running to God\, and with loving arms\, God’s Spirit gathers us up\, demonstrating clearly to whom we belong. And since we are children of God\, we are actually on the same footing as Christ. With him we will inherit all that has been kept in trust for God’s children. But we have to take the good with the bad\, and we know the price he paid. We need to be willing to cop it on the chin with him now if we want to share the glory with him later. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 1-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	There was a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Pharisee party and a leader in the Jewish nation. Late one night he came to speak with Jesus. He said\, “Rabbi\, we recognise that God has sent you as a teacher and that God is with you. How else could you do these things which are so clearly the work of God?” \nJesus answered him\, “Right you are. And let me tell you this: no one will see the full life of God without being born into it from above.” \nNicodemus was taken aback. “How can this be?” he asked\, “A person can only be born once. None of us can go back to the womb and be born again.” \nJesus replied saying: \n“Listen again\, for it is important that you get this. There is only one way into the full life of God\, and it is through a birth of water and Spirit. A baby that emerges from a womb got its body from the bodies of its parents. But a growing person is not just a body\, and the life-force within them emerges from the womb of the Spirit. So don’t be surprised that I said you have to be born from above. You can’t control or predict these things. They are like the wind. You can hear it coming and see what it does\, but what’s driving it or where it is going next is anyone’s guess. God’s Spirit is like the wind\, and so are all those who are born of the Spirit.” \nBut Nicodemus said\, “I’m not with you. How can these things be?” \nJesus replied: \n“How can you set yourself up as one of the teachers of Israel when you are struggling to get your head around the basics? \n“Listen carefully because I’m speaking the truth. We know these things from our own experience\, we’ve seen them with our own eyes\, and yet you fob us off as though we were reporting a rumour we’d heard in the street. If I told you the sky was blue\, you’d blink and take another look\, so what chance is there of you believing anything I have to say about the ways of God? How are you going to check out what I say? None of you have ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you loved the world so greatly that you gave your Son\,\nso that all who trust him may have eternal life. \nYour powerful voice\, thundering over the waters\,\nspoke into being the new-born creation.\nFrom your holy throne\, surrounded by seraphim\,\nyou called your prophets to carry the message of life\nto those who were enslaved to selfish desires. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus Christ\, into the world\nand when the enemies of life lifted him up to die\,\nyou raised him from the grave\nand made him the source of life\nfor all who look to him in trust and hope.\nAnd now your Holy Spirit bears witness within us\nthat we are indeed your children\,\nborn from above of water and spirit\,\nand destined to share with Christ\nin his sufferings and his glory. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\nwho you gave in your great love for the world\,\nso that all who trust him\nmay be born from above of water and spirit\,\nand have eternal life\,\nsharing with him in his sufferings and his glory. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you loved the world so greatly that you gave your Son\,\nso that all who trust him may have eternal life. \nYour powerful voice\, thundering over the waters\,\nspoke into being the new-born creation.\nFrom your holy throne\, surrounded by seraphim\,\nyou called your prophets to carry the message of life\nto those who were enslaved to selfish desires. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus Christ\, into the world\nand when the enemies of life lifted him up to die\,\nyou raised him from the grave\nand made him the source of life\nfor all who look to him in trust and hope.\nAnd now your Holy Spirit bears witness within us\nthat we are indeed your children\,\nborn from above of water and spirit\,\nand destined to share with Christ\nin his sufferings and his glory. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God did not send the Son into the world to condemn us\,\nbut in order that the world might be saved through him.\nThe refining fire of God has touched you. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out and in all of life\, worship the Lord.\nEntrust yourself to the winds of God’s Spirit;\nput to death selfish desires\,\nand offer yourself for God’s mission in the world. \nAnd may God give strength to you and to all;\nMay Christ Jesus bless you with peace;\nAnd may the Holy Spirit\, whispering within your hearts\,\n    give you assurance that you are God’s children. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to explain it!A sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTrinity and CommunityA sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nStumbling into the Love Dance of the TrinityA sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTrying to Pin Down the Experience of GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8 & Romans 8:12-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nQuestioning the Integrity of GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17 & John 3:1-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nContemplating the TrinityA sermon on the Icon of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDoes the Trinity add up?A sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nChildren of the Triune GodA sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17 & John 3:1-17 by Nathan Nettleton \n\n\n\nThe Bible\, the Trinity\, and the WarA sermon by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/b41/2030-06-16/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300623T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300623T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200901T060031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240721T121405Z
UID:10002138-1908403200-1908489599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 7 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Samuel 17: (1a\, 4-11\, 19-23)\, 32-49			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Philistines were ready for war and their troops took up positions for an attack on the Judean town of Socoh. \nThe Philistine army had a champion named Goliath who came from Gath. He was a mountain of a man\, towering over everyone around him. He was kitted out in the latest military gear with heavy bronze armour on his chest and legs and a gleaming helmet on his head. His chest armour alone was heavier than most men could lift. He carried a bronze sword strapped to his back. His spear was too thick for the average man to get his hand around and it had a head like a sharpened shot put. Another soldier walked in front of him carrying a huge shield. \nGoliath strutted out from among the ranks and shouted at the Israelite army: \n“Why should we waste time with a full battle? Let’s put up two men to have it out for us – winner takes all. I’m ready to represent the Philistines. Why don’t you lot in Saul’s army choose yourselves a champion to come down and take me on? If your man can kill me\, then our army will surrender and our people will be your slaves. But if I win\, then you’ll be our slaves. So come on\, let’s see what you Israelites are made of. Send down your best man and we’ll see if he has what it takes to match me!” \nGoliath’s defiant taunting threw Saul and his army into a panic. Scared witless\, they couldn’t do a thing. \nWhile all this was happening in the Elah Valley\, David was back home\, working on his father’s sheep station. Early one morning\, at his father’s request\, he left the sheep in someone else’s care and headed off to deliver some extra rations to his brothers in the army. He reached the army camp just as they were taking up their positions and sounding the battle cry. There was a stand off as the Israelite army and the Philistine army faced each other. David left the rations with the supply officer\, and then ran up to the ranks to find his brothers and see how they were getting on. While he was talking with them\, Goliath stepped forward from among the Philistine army\, and began taunting the Israelites again. When David heard Goliath’s scoffing and saw the fear among the Israelite soldiers\, he went and addressed King Saul\, saying\, “Your majesty\, why are we letting this Philistine make our army look like a bunch of wimps. I’ll go out and deal with him for you!” \nSaul replied\, “You’ve got to be kidding. You’d have Buckley’s. You’re only a kid and he’s a top-gun\, an elite soldier with more scalps to his name than you’ll ever have.” \nBut David held his line: \n“Your majesty\, I work sheep for my father; and whenever a lion or a bear drags off one of those sheep\, I go after it and beat the living daylights out of it until it gives up the sheep. And if it makes the mistake of turning on me\, I grab it by the throat and kill it. I have killed both lions and bears; and this godless Philistine will be a piece of cake. No one defies the army of the living God and gets away with it! The LORD didn’t let the lions or bears get their claws into me. The same LORD is more than a match for this Philistine.” \n“All right\,” said Saul\, “Go and fight him\, and God help you! You’ll need it.” \nSaul offered David his own uniform and armour\, and even his bronze helmet. But when David put on the armour and strapped on Saul’s sword\, he could hardly walk. So he said to Saul\, “I can barely stand up in this stuff because I haven’t trained in it\,” and he took it all off. Instead he headed out carrying nothing but a hiking stick\, a sling shot\, and five smooth stones from the creek bed which he popped into his pockets. Out he marched\, ready to face Goliath! \nGoliath strutted arrogantly towards David\, with the soldier carrying the shield still in front of him.  When he got close enough to get a good look at David\, he laughed out loud because David looked just like any other fresh-faced kid. “What do you think I am? A dog? Do you think I might heel and roll over for you if you wave your little stick around?!” \nAnd he called down curses from his gods on David and threw every insult in the book at him. “Come on then\,” he sneered\, “Let’s have you. I’ll make dog meat out of you. I’ll hang you out for the crows to pick your bones.” \nBut David was undaunted and spoke back: \n“You are so sure of yourself\, trusting as you do in your fancy weapons of war. But I don’t need them\, because my trust is in the LORD who commands the armies of heaven. This is the God you have insulted – the God of the armies of Israel.  You’ve seen your last sunrise\, Mister. With the help of the the LORD\, I’ll knock you down for the count. I’ll cut off your head\, and the only dog meat here will be you. The crows can feast on the carcasses of your Philistine mates. Then the whole world will know that the real God is Israel’s God. Everyone here will see that the LORD doesn’t need weapons to save his people. This battle is all over\, bar the shouting\, because the LORD has got your measure.” \nAt that\, Goliath started towards David. David ran forward to meet him and reaching into his pocket\, he pulled out a stone for his sling shot and let fly. He only needed one shot. It hit Goliath square on the head and cracked his skull. One small stone\, and the giant fell on his face\, as dead as a doornail. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  AND   Psalm 9: 9-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You\, O LORD\, are a safe haven for the oppressed\,\na refuge when times are tough.\nYour name inspires trust\,\nfor you have never let down\nthose who turned to you.  \nWe look to Zion\, your home\, and sing our praises\,\nannouncing to everyone what you have done.\nFor you\, O LORD\, track down those\nwho spill innocent blood\nand keep a record of every victim’s cry.  \nGive me a break\, LORD.\nYou’ve seen how much I’ve been kicked around;\nyou’ve even stepped in yourself\nto pull me out of danger.\nI’ll never stop talking about what a hero you are.\nI’ll shout it on the streets\nand broadcast it on the air\nuntil everyone knows how you saved us. \nThe nations that backed away from you\nhave fallen into their own traps:\nthe steel jaws they so carefully hid\nhave slammed shut on their own legs.\nYou hid nothing from them\, LORD.\nYour requirements were well publicised.\nJudgment has come\, just as you said;\nthe schemes of the wicked backfire on them.\nThis time they are their own victims! \nCallous and ruthless nations\nhave spurned your ways\, LORD\,\nand written their own ticket to hell.  \nBut the deprived will not always be disregarded\,\nand those who dream of a day of plenty\nwill live to see it. \nUp and at it\, LORD! It’s time for action!\nDon’t let these people have their way.\nCall them to account for what they’ve done;\nthem and the nations they lead.\nPut the fear of God into them\, LORD;\nstrip them of their pretensions\nso that everyone can see them\nfor what they really are. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   1 Samuel 17:57 - 18:5\, 10-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After killing Goliath the Philistine\, David was granted an audience with King Saul. He was still carrying the severed head of the Philistine when he was introduced to the King by Abner\, the commander of the army. Saul asked him\, “Whose people do you come from\, young man?” \nDavid answered\, “I am the son of your servant Jesse\, from Bethlehem.” \nAfter David had finished speaking to Saul\, he met Saul’s son Jonathan. The two were soul mates from the word go\, and Jonathan loved David as much as his own life. From that day on\, Saul gave David a position in the royal household and would not let him return to his family home. Jonathan bound himself to David in a formal alliance\, because he loved him so much. He took off his own royal robe and put it on David\, and handed over to him his own military uniform and weapons. \nSaul sent David out on numerous military campaigns\, and wherever he went\, he was successful. As a result\, Saul gave him command of the whole army. David was becoming so popular with all the people that even Saul’s closest officials approved of his promotion. \nHowever\, David’s popularity started to get under Saul’s skin. One day an evil spirit from God seized him and he lost the plot completely\, raving like a madman in his house. David was there playing some soothing music for the king on his lyre\, as he did each day. Saul had a spear in his hand\, and in his madness he twice threw it\, trying to pin David to the wall\, but David managed to duck clear each time. \nSaul was increasingly afraid of David\, because it was clear that the LORD had given up on Saul and was now backing David. So Saul kicked him out of the house and put him in command of a thousand soldiers on the front line. David led the unit out\, and before long he was back with another great victory under his belt. He had success in everything he took on\, because the LORD was backing him. When Saul saw how successful he had become\, he was quaking in his boots. But all the people of Israel and Judah worshipped the ground David walked on\, because it was him who led them into battle and brought them safe home again. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  AND  Psalm 133			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	What a great thing it is\, LORD\,\nwhen people can get along with one another\,\nand live together in unity and mutual respect. \nIt is even more satisfying than holding the cup aloft\nand dancing in the rain of champagne\non Grand Final day. \nIt is even more desirable than sitting by an open fire\nsharing chocolates and fine wine with a loved one. \nIt is even more beautiful than the monsoon rains\nturning the desert into a sea of wildflowers. \nFor you LORD created us to be one people\,\ncommitted to one another\, honouring one another\,\nsharing the land and its blessings forever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Corinthians 6: 1-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are working together\, shoulder to shoulder with God\, and we urge you not to take God’s extravagant generosity for granted. \nIn the scriptures God says\, \n“At exactly the right moment\,\nI heard your call.\nThe day you needed help\,\nI was there to bail you out.” \nWell\, this is it — the exact right moment. This is the day to throw off the shackles and walk free! It won’t be our fault if you don’t take this chance — we’re doing everything in our power not to get in anyone’s way. There’s no point in nit-picking over the details of our work. We have endeavoured to be faithful servants of God and we’re confident that we’ve got the runs on the board. It’s not as though we’ve had it easy either. We have hung in there through hard times\, tough times and horrendous disasters. We’ve been bashed\, lynched and locked up. We’ve worked ourselves into the ground when things needed to be done\, sometimes even going without sleep and food. And through all this we have maintained our integrity — our intentions have been pure and our heads have been clear. We have managed to hold on to our patience\, generosity\, and holiness of spirit. Our love has been genuine\, our speech truthful\, and God has continued to work powerfully through us. We have armed ourselves with nothing but an iron commitment to doing what’s right\, and we’ve grasped the work of justice with both hands. Sometimes we’ve been honoured and sometimes slandered. We have been true to our word and yet denounced as charlatans. We’ve been treated as nobodies even though everyone knows who we are. We’ve been written of as dead\, but here we are\, brimming with life. We’ve been flogged to within an inch of our lives but never quite killed. We’ve almost drowned in tears and yet we are still bubbling with joy. They say we are poor\, and yet many are enriched by us. They say we have nothing to offer\, and yet everything is ours to share. \nMy dear friends in Corinth\, what we say is the honest truth — our hearts are wide open to you. We are not holding back on our affection for you; we are laying ourselves open to you. But you are being so stunted in your response. Your hearts are full\, but you live like misers. I’m speaking to you as I would to my own children\, with all the love and clarity I can muster. Open up your hearts. Live generously and expansively! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 4: 35-41			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	One evening\, after Jesus had spent the day teaching the crowds on the shore of Lake Galilee\, he said to his followers\, “Let’s go. Let’s sail across to the other side.” \nSo they piled into the boat\, just as they were\, and left the crowds behind. They weren’t completely alone though\, because a few other boats came with them. Suddenly a huge storm whipped up\, and the waves were smashing against the boat. It was a desperate situation – they were taking on water fast\, but Jesus was sound asleep with his head on a cushion at the back of the boat. His terrified followers shook him awake\, yelling\, “Teacher\, don’t you care that we are all about to die here?” Jesus got up and began barking orders at the wind and the waves: “Calm down! Let’s have some peace here!” \nRight on cue\, the wind dropped to a whisper and the sea was as smooth as glass. Jesus turned to his astonished followers and said\, “Why are you so gutless? Where’s your faith?” \nNow they were really quaking in their boots! “Who is this man?” they asked one another\, “Even the wind and the sea fall into line at his command!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 38: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the midst of a cyclone\, the voice of the LORD answered Job\, saying: \n“Who are you to mouth off against me\nwhen you’ve got no idea what you’re talking about?\nStand up straight like a man\nand see if you can give answers when I ask the questions. \n“Were you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?\nIf you’re so smart\, tell me all about it.\nWho drew up the plans and decided how big it would be?\nWho held the tape measure and marked it out?\nSpeak up – surely you know!\nWhat do the foundations sit on\, and how far down do they go?\nWho turned the first sod? Who laid the cornerstone?\nDo you remember what the morning stars sang at the celebration?\nIt brought everyone in heaven to their feet cheering. \n“Perhaps you remember who closed the floodgates\nto contain the ocean\nwhen it gushed up from the womb of the earth?\nI was there. I clothed it in mist\nand tucked it up in a thick blanket of fog.\nI decided where it should start and finish.\nI closed the gates and built the levy banks.\nI said to the sea\, ‘I’ve drawn a line in the sand that you must not cross.\nYour powerful waves can pound to here\, but no further.’” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 107: 1-3\, 23-32			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Thank you\, LORD! Thank you for being so good.\nYour rock-solid love will never end. \nLORD\, we freely and openly acknowledge\nthat it was you who got us out of trouble;\nyou who put us back on the right track.\nYou gathered us from the four corners of the globe\,\nfrom wherever we had been lost or exiled. \nSome of us went to sea;\nmade our living sailing the ocean\nYour awesome power was clear to see\, LORD\,\nin the restless energy of the deep.\nOne word from you and storms whipped up;\nfurious waves crashed and tore at us.\nHurled to the sky and slammed back down\,\nour courage failed and we feared the worst.\nTossed like a cork; staggering like drunks;\nnothing to do but cling on and pray. \nIn sheer despair\, we cried out to you\, LORD\,\nand in a flash\, you came to our rescue.\nYou calmed the storm\nand the waves fell quiet.\nOverwhelming relief left us speechless\nas you piloted us safely into a sheltered bay. \nSo let us tell you how grateful we are\, LORD.\nThank you for your rock-solid love\nand for the great things you do for everyone.\nLet us talk you up whenever your people gather\,\nand sing your praises when the leaders meet. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are a safe haven to those in trouble\nand we rejoice in your deliverance. \nOn the day of creation\, you calmed the chaos\nand with a word\, brought forth the earth and its riches.\nYou never forget the cries of the victims of oppression\nor let the hope of the poor perish forever.\nYou have delivered those who trust in you\,\ndefeating their powerful enemies\,\nnot with the sword\, but with the weapons of righteousness. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nand in him we have encountered a peacemaker\nwho is undaunted even in the wildest storms.\nThough the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nfor though the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are a safe haven to those in trouble\nand we rejoice in your deliverance. \nOn the day of creation\, you calmed the chaos\nand with a word\, brought forth the earth and its riches.\nYou never forget the cries of the victims of oppression\nor let the hope of the poor perish forever.\nYou have delivered those who trust in you\,\ndefeating their powerful enemies\,\nnot with the sword\, but with the weapons of righteousness. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nand in him we have encountered a peacemaker\nwho is undaunted even in the wildest storms.\nThough the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Now is God’s chosen time.\nNow is the day of salvation.\nThe Lord meets you in grace and mercy\,\nlifting you from the gates of death. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, trusting in God\, even in the midst of the storms.\nArm yourselves only with the weapons of righteousness\nand stand firm before the enemies of life.\nPut no obstacle in anyone’s way\,\nbut in every way commend yourselves as servants of God. \nAnd may God deliver you from all that would destroy you;\nMay Christ Jesus calm all that would terrorise you;\nand may the Holy Spirit sustain you in patience\, kindness\, truthfulness and genuine love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGiving yourself away and looking after yourselfA sermon on 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nAgainst Overwhelming OddsA sermon on 1 Samuel 17 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the Ship is Going DownA sermon on 1 Samuel 17 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBeyond the Limits!A sermon on Mark 4:35-41 & 1 Samuel 17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPeace\, be still.A sermon on 1 Samuel 17: 1a \, 4-11\, 19-23\, 32-49 and Mark 4:35-41 by John Fowler
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp07/2030-06-23/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P07.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300623T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300623T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200901T060031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T003403Z
UID:10002802-1908403200-1908489599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 7 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Samuel 17: (1a\, 4-11\, 19-23)\, 32-49			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Philistines were ready for war and their troops took up positions for an attack on the Judean town of Socoh. \nThe Philistine army had a champion named Goliath who came from Gath. He was a mountain of a man\, towering over everyone around him. He was kitted out in the latest military gear with heavy bronze armour on his chest and legs and a gleaming helmet on his head. His chest armour alone was heavier than most men could lift. He carried a bronze sword strapped to his back. His spear was too thick for the average man to get his hand around and it had a head like a sharpened shot put. Another soldier walked in front of him carrying a huge shield. \nGoliath strutted out from among the ranks and shouted at the Israelite army: \n“Why should we waste time with a full battle? Let’s put up two men to have it out for us – winner takes all. I’m ready to represent the Philistines. Why don’t you lot in Saul’s army choose yourselves a champion to come down and take me on? If your man can kill me\, then our army will surrender and our people will be your slaves. But if I win\, then you’ll be our slaves. So come on\, let’s see what you Israelites are made of. Send down your best man and we’ll see if he has what it takes to match me!” \nGoliath’s defiant taunting threw Saul and his army into a panic. Scared witless\, they couldn’t do a thing. \nWhile all this was happening in the Elah Valley\, David was back home\, working on his father’s sheep station. Early one morning\, at his father’s request\, he left the sheep in someone else’s care and headed off to deliver some extra rations to his brothers in the army. He reached the army camp just as they were taking up their positions and sounding the battle cry. There was a stand off as the Israelite army and the Philistine army faced each other. David left the rations with the supply officer\, and then ran up to the ranks to find his brothers and see how they were getting on. While he was talking with them\, Goliath stepped forward from among the Philistine army\, and began taunting the Israelites again. When David heard Goliath’s scoffing and saw the fear among the Israelite soldiers\, he went and addressed King Saul\, saying\, “Your majesty\, why are we letting this Philistine make our army look like a bunch of wimps. I’ll go out and deal with him for you!” \nSaul replied\, “You’ve got to be kidding. You’d have Buckley’s. You’re only a kid and he’s a top-gun\, an elite soldier with more scalps to his name than you’ll ever have.” \nBut David held his line: \n“Your majesty\, I work sheep for my father; and whenever a lion or a bear drags off one of those sheep\, I go after it and beat the living daylights out of it until it gives up the sheep. And if it makes the mistake of turning on me\, I grab it by the throat and kill it. I have killed both lions and bears; and this godless Philistine will be a piece of cake. No one defies the army of the living God and gets away with it! The LORD didn’t let the lions or bears get their claws into me. The same LORD is more than a match for this Philistine.” \n“All right\,” said Saul\, “Go and fight him\, and God help you! You’ll need it.” \nSaul offered David his own uniform and armour\, and even his bronze helmet. But when David put on the armour and strapped on Saul’s sword\, he could hardly walk. So he said to Saul\, “I can barely stand up in this stuff because I haven’t trained in it\,” and he took it all off. Instead he headed out carrying nothing but a hiking stick\, a sling shot\, and five smooth stones from the creek bed which he popped into his pockets. Out he marched\, ready to face Goliath! \nGoliath strutted arrogantly towards David\, with the soldier carrying the shield still in front of him.  When he got close enough to get a good look at David\, he laughed out loud because David looked just like any other fresh-faced kid. “What do you think I am? A dog? Do you think I might heel and roll over for you if you wave your little stick around?!” \nAnd he called down curses from his gods on David and threw every insult in the book at him. “Come on then\,” he sneered\, “Let’s have you. I’ll make dog meat out of you. I’ll hang you out for the crows to pick your bones.” \nBut David was undaunted and spoke back: \n“You are so sure of yourself\, trusting as you do in your fancy weapons of war. But I don’t need them\, because my trust is in the LORD who commands the armies of heaven. This is the God you have insulted – the God of the armies of Israel.  You’ve seen your last sunrise\, Mister. With the help of the the LORD\, I’ll knock you down for the count. I’ll cut off your head\, and the only dog meat here will be you. The crows can feast on the carcasses of your Philistine mates. Then the whole world will know that the real God is Israel’s God. Everyone here will see that the LORD doesn’t need weapons to save his people. This battle is all over\, bar the shouting\, because the LORD has got your measure.” \nAt that\, Goliath started towards David. David ran forward to meet him and reaching into his pocket\, he pulled out a stone for his sling shot and let fly. He only needed one shot. It hit Goliath square on the head and cracked his skull. One small stone\, and the giant fell on his face\, as dead as a doornail. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  AND   Psalm 9: 9-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You\, O LORD\, are a safe haven for the oppressed\,\na refuge when times are tough.\nYour name inspires trust\,\nfor you have never let down\nthose who turned to you.  \nWe look to Zion\, your home\, and sing our praises\,\nannouncing to everyone what you have done.\nFor you\, O LORD\, track down those\nwho spill innocent blood\nand keep a record of every victim’s cry.  \nGive me a break\, LORD.\nYou’ve seen how much I’ve been kicked around;\nyou’ve even stepped in yourself\nto pull me out of danger.\nI’ll never stop talking about what a hero you are.\nI’ll shout it on the streets\nand broadcast it on the air\nuntil everyone knows how you saved us. \nThe nations that backed away from you\nhave fallen into their own traps:\nthe steel jaws they so carefully hid\nhave slammed shut on their own legs.\nYou hid nothing from them\, LORD.\nYour requirements were well publicised.\nJudgment has come\, just as you said;\nthe schemes of the wicked backfire on them.\nThis time they are their own victims! \nCallous and ruthless nations\nhave spurned your ways\, LORD\,\nand written their own ticket to hell.  \nBut the deprived will not always be disregarded\,\nand those who dream of a day of plenty\nwill live to see it. \nUp and at it\, LORD! It’s time for action!\nDon’t let these people have their way.\nCall them to account for what they’ve done;\nthem and the nations they lead.\nPut the fear of God into them\, LORD;\nstrip them of their pretensions\nso that everyone can see them\nfor what they really are. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   1 Samuel 17:57 - 18:5\, 10-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After killing Goliath the Philistine\, David was granted an audience with King Saul. He was still carrying the severed head of the Philistine when he was introduced to the King by Abner\, the commander of the army. Saul asked him\, “Whose people do you come from\, young man?” \nDavid answered\, “I am the son of your servant Jesse\, from Bethlehem.” \nAfter David had finished speaking to Saul\, he met Saul’s son Jonathan. The two were soul mates from the word go\, and Jonathan loved David as much as his own life. From that day on\, Saul gave David a position in the royal household and would not let him return to his family home. Jonathan bound himself to David in a formal alliance\, because he loved him so much. He took off his own royal robe and put it on David\, and handed over to him his own military uniform and weapons. \nSaul sent David out on numerous military campaigns\, and wherever he went\, he was successful. As a result\, Saul gave him command of the whole army. David was becoming so popular with all the people that even Saul’s closest officials approved of his promotion. \nHowever\, David’s popularity started to get under Saul’s skin. One day an evil spirit from God seized him and he lost the plot completely\, raving like a madman in his house. David was there playing some soothing music for the king on his lyre\, as he did each day. Saul had a spear in his hand\, and in his madness he twice threw it\, trying to pin David to the wall\, but David managed to duck clear each time. \nSaul was increasingly afraid of David\, because it was clear that the LORD had given up on Saul and was now backing David. So Saul kicked him out of the house and put him in command of a thousand soldiers on the front line. David led the unit out\, and before long he was back with another great victory under his belt. He had success in everything he took on\, because the LORD was backing him. When Saul saw how successful he had become\, he was quaking in his boots. But all the people of Israel and Judah worshipped the ground David walked on\, because it was him who led them into battle and brought them safe home again. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  AND  Psalm 133			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	What a great thing it is\, LORD\,\nwhen people can get along with one another\,\nand live together in unity and mutual respect. \nIt is even more satisfying than holding the cup aloft\nand dancing in the rain of champagne\non Grand Final day. \nIt is even more desirable than sitting by an open fire\nsharing chocolates and fine wine with a loved one. \nIt is even more beautiful than the monsoon rains\nturning the desert into a sea of wildflowers. \nFor you LORD created us to be one people\,\ncommitted to one another\, honouring one another\,\nsharing the land and its blessings forever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Corinthians 6: 1-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are working together\, shoulder to shoulder with God\, and we urge you not to take God’s extravagant generosity for granted. \nIn the scriptures God says\, \n“At exactly the right moment\,\nI heard your call.\nThe day you needed help\,\nI was there to bail you out.” \nWell\, this is it — the exact right moment. This is the day to throw off the shackles and walk free! It won’t be our fault if you don’t take this chance — we’re doing everything in our power not to get in anyone’s way. There’s no point in nit-picking over the details of our work. We have endeavoured to be faithful servants of God and we’re confident that we’ve got the runs on the board. It’s not as though we’ve had it easy either. We have hung in there through hard times\, tough times and horrendous disasters. We’ve been bashed\, lynched and locked up. We’ve worked ourselves into the ground when things needed to be done\, sometimes even going without sleep and food. And through all this we have maintained our integrity — our intentions have been pure and our heads have been clear. We have managed to hold on to our patience\, generosity\, and holiness of spirit. Our love has been genuine\, our speech truthful\, and God has continued to work powerfully through us. We have armed ourselves with nothing but an iron commitment to doing what’s right\, and we’ve grasped the work of justice with both hands. Sometimes we’ve been honoured and sometimes slandered. We have been true to our word and yet denounced as charlatans. We’ve been treated as nobodies even though everyone knows who we are. We’ve been written of as dead\, but here we are\, brimming with life. We’ve been flogged to within an inch of our lives but never quite killed. We’ve almost drowned in tears and yet we are still bubbling with joy. They say we are poor\, and yet many are enriched by us. They say we have nothing to offer\, and yet everything is ours to share. \nMy dear friends in Corinth\, what we say is the honest truth — our hearts are wide open to you. We are not holding back on our affection for you; we are laying ourselves open to you. But you are being so stunted in your response. Your hearts are full\, but you live like misers. I’m speaking to you as I would to my own children\, with all the love and clarity I can muster. Open up your hearts. Live generously and expansively! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 4: 35-41			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	One evening\, after Jesus had spent the day teaching the crowds on the shore of Lake Galilee\, he said to his followers\, “Let’s go. Let’s sail across to the other side.” \nSo they piled into the boat\, just as they were\, and left the crowds behind. They weren’t completely alone though\, because a few other boats came with them. Suddenly a huge storm whipped up\, and the waves were smashing against the boat. It was a desperate situation – they were taking on water fast\, but Jesus was sound asleep with his head on a cushion at the back of the boat. His terrified followers shook him awake\, yelling\, “Teacher\, don’t you care that we are all about to die here?” Jesus got up and began barking orders at the wind and the waves: “Calm down! Let’s have some peace here!” \nRight on cue\, the wind dropped to a whisper and the sea was as smooth as glass. Jesus turned to his astonished followers and said\, “Why are you so gutless? Where’s your faith?” \nNow they were really quaking in their boots! “Who is this man?” they asked one another\, “Even the wind and the sea fall into line at his command!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 38: 1-11			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the midst of a cyclone\, the voice of the LORD answered Job\, saying: \n“Who are you to mouth off against me\nwhen you’ve got no idea what you’re talking about?\nStand up straight like a man\nand see if you can give answers when I ask the questions. \n“Were you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?\nIf you’re so smart\, tell me all about it.\nWho drew up the plans and decided how big it would be?\nWho held the tape measure and marked it out?\nSpeak up – surely you know!\nWhat do the foundations sit on\, and how far down do they go?\nWho turned the first sod? Who laid the cornerstone?\nDo you remember what the morning stars sang at the celebration?\nIt brought everyone in heaven to their feet cheering. \n“Perhaps you remember who closed the floodgates\nto contain the ocean\nwhen it gushed up from the womb of the earth?\nI was there. I clothed it in mist\nand tucked it up in a thick blanket of fog.\nI decided where it should start and finish.\nI closed the gates and built the levy banks.\nI said to the sea\, ‘I’ve drawn a line in the sand that you must not cross.\nYour powerful waves can pound to here\, but no further.’” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 107: 1-3\, 23-32			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Thank you\, LORD! Thank you for being so good.\nYour rock-solid love will never end. \nLORD\, we freely and openly acknowledge\nthat it was you who got us out of trouble;\nyou who put us back on the right track.\nYou gathered us from the four corners of the globe\,\nfrom wherever we had been lost or exiled. \nSome of us went to sea;\nmade our living sailing the ocean\nYour awesome power was clear to see\, LORD\,\nin the restless energy of the deep.\nOne word from you and storms whipped up;\nfurious waves crashed and tore at us.\nHurled to the sky and slammed back down\,\nour courage failed and we feared the worst.\nTossed like a cork; staggering like drunks;\nnothing to do but cling on and pray. \nIn sheer despair\, we cried out to you\, LORD\,\nand in a flash\, you came to our rescue.\nYou calmed the storm\nand the waves fell quiet.\nOverwhelming relief left us speechless\nas you piloted us safely into a sheltered bay. \nSo let us tell you how grateful we are\, LORD.\nThank you for your rock-solid love\nand for the great things you do for everyone.\nLet us talk you up whenever your people gather\,\nand sing your praises when the leaders meet. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are a safe haven to those in trouble\nand we rejoice in your deliverance. \nOn the day of creation\, you calmed the chaos\nand with a word\, brought forth the earth and its riches.\nYou never forget the cries of the victims of oppression\nor let the hope of the poor perish forever.\nYou have delivered those who trust in you\,\ndefeating their powerful enemies\,\nnot with the sword\, but with the weapons of righteousness. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nand in him we have encountered a peacemaker\nwho is undaunted even in the wildest storms.\nThough the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nfor though the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are a safe haven to those in trouble\nand we rejoice in your deliverance. \nOn the day of creation\, you calmed the chaos\nand with a word\, brought forth the earth and its riches.\nYou never forget the cries of the victims of oppression\nor let the hope of the poor perish forever.\nYou have delivered those who trust in you\,\ndefeating their powerful enemies\,\nnot with the sword\, but with the weapons of righteousness. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus the Christ\,\nand in him we have encountered a peacemaker\nwho is undaunted even in the wildest storms.\nThough the waves of death crashed over him\,\nyou raised him up and gave him the power\nto subdue even the tempest of death\,\nand to release from its terrors all who trust in him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Now is God’s chosen time.\nNow is the day of salvation.\nThe Lord meets you in grace and mercy\,\nlifting you from the gates of death. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, trusting in God\, even in the midst of the storms.\nArm yourselves only with the weapons of righteousness\nand stand firm before the enemies of life.\nPut no obstacle in anyone’s way\,\nbut in every way commend yourselves as servants of God. \nAnd may God deliver you from all that would destroy you;\nMay Christ Jesus calm all that would terrorise you;\nand may the Holy Spirit sustain you in patience\, kindness\, truthfulness and genuine love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGiving yourself away and looking after yourselfA sermon on 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nAgainst Overwhelming OddsA sermon on 1 Samuel 17 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen the Ship is Going DownA sermon on 1 Samuel 17 & Mark 4:35-41 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBeyond the Limits!A sermon on Mark 4:35-41 & 1 Samuel 17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPeace\, be still.A sermon on 1 Samuel 17: 1a \, 4-11\, 19-23\, 32-49 and Mark 4:35-41 by John Fowler
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp07/2030-06-23/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300630T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300630T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200902T063953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240728T104733Z
UID:10002139-1909008000-1909094399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 8 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 1:1\, 17-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	David returned from a successful campaign against the Amalekite army\, and during a two day break in Ziklag he received news that King Saul had been killed in battle. David composed a song of lament in memory of Saul and his son Jonathan. He called it “The Song of the Bow” and it was written down in the Book of Jashar. David gave orders to his army musicians to teach the song to everyone in Judah. The words went like this: \nIsrael\, your most decorated soldiers\nlie dead on the hills!\nYour glorious heroes have been cut down!\nDon’t let news of this reach the streets of Gath;\ndon’t breathe a word of it in Ashkelon\,\nor the godless Philistine women\nwill mock us in our misery\,\ngloating and dancing with joy. \nA curse on Mount Gilboa\nwhere our heroes’ blood was spilt:\nmay the sun never shine there\,\nand the rain never fall;\nmay it never see a flower bloom again.\nCursed be the place where Saul bit the dust\,\nwhere his polished armour\nwas smeared with blood. \nOur great heroes never flinched under fire:\nwith bow in hand\,\nJonathan’s aim was deadly;\nwith sword in hand\,\nSaul cut the enemy to pieces. \nSaul and Jonathan\, how easy it was to love them!\nLike father\, like son\, in life and in death;\nthey made eagles look slow\,\nand lions look weak. \nWomen of Israel\, cry your eyes out for Saul!\nIt was him you had to thank\nfor your stunning wardrobes\,\nyour designer gowns\nand your elegant jewellery. \nOur finest men have fallen\,\ncut down in the heat of the battle! \nJonathan lies dead on Mount Gilboa.\nMy heart is broken for you\, my brother Jonathan;\nI loved you more than words can say.\nYour love was my greatest delight\,\nmore precious than the love of women. \nThe heroes who filled us with pride have fallen.\nTheir weapons\, once feared\,\nare tossed on the scrap heap! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 130			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the depths of despair\, from rock bottom\,\nI cry to you\, O LORD.\nI beg you to listen!\nPlease tune in and hear what I’m asking! \nIf you put black marks against our names\nfor every failing\,\nLord\, wouldn’t you have to write off everyone? \nBut forgiveness is much more your style\,\nand for this we adore you. \nI wait in eager anticipation for your presence\, LORD.\nEverything inside me yearns for you\nand your promises fill me with hope. \nDeep in my guts there is a hunger for you\, LORD\,\nmore pressing than a woman\nwaiting for the birth of her baby\,\nmore impatient than a child\nwaiting for a birthday;\ncrossing off the days\, one by one. \nO People of Israel\, put your trust in the LORD!\nThe LORD’s love never lets us down\,\nand is always ready to rescue us from danger. \nIt is the Lord who will bail us out\nwhen we are caught in the consequences\nof our own sin. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Corinthians 8: 7-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Everything you people put your hand to turns to gold. You seem to be the best at everything. You have outstanding faith. You’re articulate. You have great knowledge and insight. Your energy and enthusiasm seem boundless. Even in love you seem to outshine everyone else. So then\, we are hoping that you will also come out tops in generosity\, as you contribute to the relief fund for the church in Judea. \nI’m not trying to force you into anything. I’m simply telling you about the generosity of others so that you’ll know where the benchmark is. I will be watching to see how your love measures up. Of course\, if you really want a standard to aspire to\, think about the extravagant offering of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich in everything\, but he gave it all up for you. He accepted poverty in order to make you rich. \nSo if you want my advice on this matter\, here it is: it is time to put your money where your mouth is. You talked big last year about how willing you were to help when you first heard about the need. Now it’s time to show that you’re not all hot air. It is time to dig deep and show everyone that you are as generous with your actions as you are with your promises. I’m not concerned about how much actually ends up in the hat when you pass it around. It’s more a question of how what you give compares with what you have. No matter how eager you are\, no one expects you to give what you don’t have. \nPlease don’t think that I am trying to make life a bed of roses for others by putting the squeeze on you. You have got plenty at the moment\, and they’re doing it tough. Next time it might be the other way around. It’s like swings and roundabouts — it all balances out after a while. As the scriptures say\, \n“Those with the most let nothing go to waste\,\nand those with the least will not go without.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 5: 21-43			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus arrived by boat back on the Jewish side of Lake Galilee. A huge crowd gathered to meet him on the beach\, and a man named Jairus – a respected leader of the synagogue – was among them. Jairus fell on his knees at Jesus’s feet and begged him repeatedly\, “My precious little girl is on the verge of death. Come and lay your hands on her and make her well\, so that she will live.” Jesus agreed and went with him. Much of the crowd tagged along\, all jostling and pushing\, trying to be near him. \nHiding in the crowd was a woman suffering from prolonged bleeding. For the previous twelve years her condition had meant that everyone treated her as defiled and contagious. She had spent all her money on doctors and healers who had prescribed everything under the sun. Despite all their remedies and promises\, her problem just kept getting worse. She had heard about Jesus and was sure that he was her last chance. Unnoticed\, she pushed her way through the crowd and managed to touch the edge of his coat. She was thinking to herself\, “Surely even touching this man’s clothes will be enough to make me well.” \nSure enough\, the moment she did it\, she felt the bleeding stop. She could feel a real change in herself and she knew that she was finally free of the illness. Jesus felt something too\, a sudden release of energy from within. He spun around\, looking at the crowd\, and asked\, “Who touched me?” \n“Who hasn’t?!” his followers asked incredulously. “If this crowd get any closer they’ll have to hoist you onto their shoulders\, so there’s not much point in asking who touched you.” \nBut Jesus knew that it was something more than that and kept looking around to see who it was. The woman knew he meant her\, and she knew that she was going to be found out. Shaking with fear\, because she had defiled everyone she had touched\, she fell at his feet and spilled out the whole story. But Jesus lifted her by the hand and said to her\, “Daughter\, you took a risk of faith and it has paid off for you. Welcome back to the world of the healthy! May peace\, health and happiness be yours\, and may your illness be gone for good.” \nAs he was saying this\, some people arrived from Jairus’ home and said\, “It’s too late. Your daughter is dead. It’s no use bothering the teacher now.” \nBut Jesus heard what they were saying\, and said to Jairus\, “Don’t give up. Trust me.” \nHe sent the crowd on their way and wouldn’t let anyone come with them except Peter and the brothers\, James and John. When they arrived at the home of the synagogue leader\, it was in a state of chaos. Everywhere there were people crying\, and you could hardly move for funeral directors\, neighbours\, and people bearing condolences and casseroles. Jesus didn’t mince his words: “That’s enough. The child is not dead. She’s only asleep.” \nBut they rubbished him. They knew she was dead. Unperturbed\, Jesus took charge of the situation and kicked them all outside. Taking only the child’s parents and his three companions\, he went into the room where the child was laid out. He clasped her hand tenderly and said to her\, “Talitha koum!” which is Aramaic for “Little girl\, get up.” That was all it took – she was up and walking around\, as healthy as she had been for the previous twelve years! Of course everyone there was blown away – overcome with joy and amazement. Jesus gave them strict instructions not to breathe a word of this to anybody. Then he said\, “The girl’s probably hungry. Find her something to eat.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Wisdom of Solomon 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God is not the author of death.\nGod created all things so that they might live.\nDeath never brings a smile to God’s face. \nThe natural way of the earth is to generate life.\nThe forces of nature are not destructive or poisonous.\nThe kingdom of death does not govern the planet. \nA life lived in truth and integrity is immune to death\,\nbecause God created us for life without limit;\npermanent and incorruptible\, just like God. \nBut the devil got jealous and screwed it all up.\nHis greed and envy infected the world with death\,\nand for those who side with him\, it will prove fatal. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Lamentations 3: 23-33 (canticle)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Your love and loyalty never die\, LORD.\nYour generous mercy never runs dry.\nThey are created new every morning\nand you are as trustworthy as the solid rock. \nSo I keep telling myself that you are all I need\nand that I can still trust you to come through for me. \nYou are good to those who hang in there for you\, LORD;\nto those whose hearts continue to search for you. \nThe life for which you save us\, LORD\,\nis worth patiently waiting for. \nIt is a good thing to shoulder unfair burdens\nwhile we are still young;\nto put up with solitary confinement\nif that is what the LORD has imposed;\nto eat dust\nwithout giving up hope;\nto turn the other cheek with courage\nand cop the insults that are dished out. \nI can’t believe\nthat the Lord will write us off forever. \nThe Lord might be dishing out grief to us now\nbut not willingly. \nThe Lord’s rock-solid love\nwill pour forth compassion for us\nfor the Lord does not take pleasure\nin causing trouble or pain. \n©2014 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Psalm 30			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I’ll be singing your praises\, every chance I get\, LORD\,\nbecause you got me out of deep trouble\nand spared me the gloating of my enemies. \nI pleaded for help\, LORD God\,\nand you stepped in and healed me. \nThey were nearly ready to pronounce me dead\nbut your brought me back\, LORD;\nyou put me back on my feet\nwhen I was about to be carried to the morgue. \nSo I’m singing your praises\,\nand I’m encouraging everyone to do the same;\nto name you with joyful thanks. \nWe manage to get you angry at times\,\nbut it blows over in a moment\nbecause your mercy keeps on keeping on.\nWe may have an evening of bitter tears\,\nbut by morning your mercy has us smiling again. \nI was guilty of taking your goodness for granted;\nI thought I had it made.\nYou had put me on top of the world\nbut I got all too full of myself.\nYou stepped aside – made me stand alone —\nand I turned to jelly! \nI realised how much I needed you\, LORD\,\nand in my panic I begged you for mercy. \n“What good is my blood to you?” I cried.\n“How will it help if I’m in the grave?\nCan a corpse sing your praises?\nWill a gravestone publicise your goodness?\nGive me another chance\, LORD.\nPlease\, LORD\, bail me out one more time.” \nAnd sure enough\, you did\, LORD.\nYou turned my tears to laughter;\nyou set my dragging feet dancing;\nyou dusted me off and dressed me up for a party.\nSo now I’m singing your praises\nfrom the bottom of my heart\,\nand no one can shut me up! \nYou are my God\, LORD\,\nand I’m eternally grateful. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nyou hear our cry for mercy and lift us to life. \nFrom the depths of chaos you pulled the newborn earth\nand filled it with love and beauty.\nWhen we tore apart the glory of your creation\nand left innocence slain upon our battlefields\,\nyou continued to reach out to the grieving world\nwith a love more wonderful than any other. \nYour surpassing generosity took flesh in Jesus Christ\,\nwho\, though he was rich\,\ngave up everything\nso that we might lack nothing.\nWhen he was killed\, you raised him\,\nand hope dawned over the dark night of grief.\nFrom him radiates the energy that heals us\,\nand at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nhe comes to us and at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are healed and reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nyou hear our cry for mercy and lift us to life. \nFrom the depths of chaos you pulled the newborn earth\nand filled it with love and beauty.\nWhen we tore apart the glory of your creation\nand left innocence slain upon our battlefields\,\nyou continued to reach out to the grieving world\nwith a love more wonderful than any other. \nYour surpassing generosity took flesh in Jesus Christ\,\nwho\, though he was rich\,\ngave up everything\nso that we might lack nothing.\nWhen he was killed\, you raised him\,\nand hope dawned over the dark night of grief.\nFrom him radiates the energy that heals us\,\nand at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If the Lord recorded our sins\, no one could survive\,\nbut God’s capacity for forgiveness is awesome.\nThe Lord will bring mercy and grant full pardon.\nIn Jesus Christ we are lifted to life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, among the outcast and the grieving\,\nand speak the word of life and hope.\nDo not fear\, but trust in God’s word.\nWatch for the Lord with eager expectation\,\nand be generous with all God has given you. \nAnd may God respond to your every cry with mercy;\nMay Christ Jesus take you by the hand and lift you to life;\nand may the Holy Spirit build you up in faith\, in speech\,\nin knowledge\, in passion and in love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Table of GriefA sermon on 2 Samuel 1:1\,17-27 & Psalm 130 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nAre You Worth More Than a Touch?A sermon on Mark 5: 21-43 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRevulsion and Contagious LoveA sermon on Mark 5: 21-43 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe God of WinterA Winter Solstice sermon on Mark 5:21-43; 2 Samuel 1:17-27 &  Psalm 130 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp08/2030-06-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P08.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300630T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300630T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200902T063953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000535Z
UID:10002800-1909008000-1909094399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 8 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 1:1\, 17-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	David returned from a successful campaign against the Amalekite army\, and during a two day break in Ziklag he received news that King Saul had been killed in battle. David composed a song of lament in memory of Saul and his son Jonathan. He called it “The Song of the Bow” and it was written down in the Book of Jashar. David gave orders to his army musicians to teach the song to everyone in Judah. The words went like this: \nIsrael\, your most decorated soldiers\nlie dead on the hills!\nYour glorious heroes have been cut down!\nDon’t let news of this reach the streets of Gath;\ndon’t breathe a word of it in Ashkelon\,\nor the godless Philistine women\nwill mock us in our misery\,\ngloating and dancing with joy. \nA curse on Mount Gilboa\nwhere our heroes’ blood was spilt:\nmay the sun never shine there\,\nand the rain never fall;\nmay it never see a flower bloom again.\nCursed be the place where Saul bit the dust\,\nwhere his polished armour\nwas smeared with blood. \nOur great heroes never flinched under fire:\nwith bow in hand\,\nJonathan’s aim was deadly;\nwith sword in hand\,\nSaul cut the enemy to pieces. \nSaul and Jonathan\, how easy it was to love them!\nLike father\, like son\, in life and in death;\nthey made eagles look slow\,\nand lions look weak. \nWomen of Israel\, cry your eyes out for Saul!\nIt was him you had to thank\nfor your stunning wardrobes\,\nyour designer gowns\nand your elegant jewellery. \nOur finest men have fallen\,\ncut down in the heat of the battle! \nJonathan lies dead on Mount Gilboa.\nMy heart is broken for you\, my brother Jonathan;\nI loved you more than words can say.\nYour love was my greatest delight\,\nmore precious than the love of women. \nThe heroes who filled us with pride have fallen.\nTheir weapons\, once feared\,\nare tossed on the scrap heap! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 130			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the depths of despair\, from rock bottom\,\nI cry to you\, O LORD.\nI beg you to listen!\nPlease tune in and hear what I’m asking! \nIf you put black marks against our names\nfor every failing\,\nLord\, wouldn’t you have to write off everyone? \nBut forgiveness is much more your style\,\nand for this we adore you. \nI wait in eager anticipation for your presence\, LORD.\nEverything inside me yearns for you\nand your promises fill me with hope. \nDeep in my guts there is a hunger for you\, LORD\,\nmore pressing than a woman\nwaiting for the birth of her baby\,\nmore impatient than a child\nwaiting for a birthday;\ncrossing off the days\, one by one. \nO People of Israel\, put your trust in the LORD!\nThe LORD’s love never lets us down\,\nand is always ready to rescue us from danger. \nIt is the Lord who will bail us out\nwhen we are caught in the consequences\nof our own sin. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Corinthians 8: 7-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Everything you people put your hand to turns to gold. You seem to be the best at everything. You have outstanding faith. You’re articulate. You have great knowledge and insight. Your energy and enthusiasm seem boundless. Even in love you seem to outshine everyone else. So then\, we are hoping that you will also come out tops in generosity\, as you contribute to the relief fund for the church in Judea. \nI’m not trying to force you into anything. I’m simply telling you about the generosity of others so that you’ll know where the benchmark is. I will be watching to see how your love measures up. Of course\, if you really want a standard to aspire to\, think about the extravagant offering of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich in everything\, but he gave it all up for you. He accepted poverty in order to make you rich. \nSo if you want my advice on this matter\, here it is: it is time to put your money where your mouth is. You talked big last year about how willing you were to help when you first heard about the need. Now it’s time to show that you’re not all hot air. It is time to dig deep and show everyone that you are as generous with your actions as you are with your promises. I’m not concerned about how much actually ends up in the hat when you pass it around. It’s more a question of how what you give compares with what you have. No matter how eager you are\, no one expects you to give what you don’t have. \nPlease don’t think that I am trying to make life a bed of roses for others by putting the squeeze on you. You have got plenty at the moment\, and they’re doing it tough. Next time it might be the other way around. It’s like swings and roundabouts — it all balances out after a while. As the scriptures say\, \n“Those with the most let nothing go to waste\,\nand those with the least will not go without.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 5: 21-43			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus arrived by boat back on the Jewish side of Lake Galilee. A huge crowd gathered to meet him on the beach\, and a man named Jairus – a respected leader of the synagogue – was among them. Jairus fell on his knees at Jesus’s feet and begged him repeatedly\, “My precious little girl is on the verge of death. Come and lay your hands on her and make her well\, so that she will live.” Jesus agreed and went with him. Much of the crowd tagged along\, all jostling and pushing\, trying to be near him. \nHiding in the crowd was a woman suffering from prolonged bleeding. For the previous twelve years her condition had meant that everyone treated her as defiled and contagious. She had spent all her money on doctors and healers who had prescribed everything under the sun. Despite all their remedies and promises\, her problem just kept getting worse. She had heard about Jesus and was sure that he was her last chance. Unnoticed\, she pushed her way through the crowd and managed to touch the edge of his coat. She was thinking to herself\, “Surely even touching this man’s clothes will be enough to make me well.” \nSure enough\, the moment she did it\, she felt the bleeding stop. She could feel a real change in herself and she knew that she was finally free of the illness. Jesus felt something too\, a sudden release of energy from within. He spun around\, looking at the crowd\, and asked\, “Who touched me?” \n“Who hasn’t?!” his followers asked incredulously. “If this crowd get any closer they’ll have to hoist you onto their shoulders\, so there’s not much point in asking who touched you.” \nBut Jesus knew that it was something more than that and kept looking around to see who it was. The woman knew he meant her\, and she knew that she was going to be found out. Shaking with fear\, because she had defiled everyone she had touched\, she fell at his feet and spilled out the whole story. But Jesus lifted her by the hand and said to her\, “Daughter\, you took a risk of faith and it has paid off for you. Welcome back to the world of the healthy! May peace\, health and happiness be yours\, and may your illness be gone for good.” \nAs he was saying this\, some people arrived from Jairus’ home and said\, “It’s too late. Your daughter is dead. It’s no use bothering the teacher now.” \nBut Jesus heard what they were saying\, and said to Jairus\, “Don’t give up. Trust me.” \nHe sent the crowd on their way and wouldn’t let anyone come with them except Peter and the brothers\, James and John. When they arrived at the home of the synagogue leader\, it was in a state of chaos. Everywhere there were people crying\, and you could hardly move for funeral directors\, neighbours\, and people bearing condolences and casseroles. Jesus didn’t mince his words: “That’s enough. The child is not dead. She’s only asleep.” \nBut they rubbished him. They knew she was dead. Unperturbed\, Jesus took charge of the situation and kicked them all outside. Taking only the child’s parents and his three companions\, he went into the room where the child was laid out. He clasped her hand tenderly and said to her\, “Talitha koum!” which is Aramaic for “Little girl\, get up.” That was all it took – she was up and walking around\, as healthy as she had been for the previous twelve years! Of course everyone there was blown away – overcome with joy and amazement. Jesus gave them strict instructions not to breathe a word of this to anybody. Then he said\, “The girl’s probably hungry. Find her something to eat.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Wisdom of Solomon 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God is not the author of death.\nGod created all things so that they might live.\nDeath never brings a smile to God’s face. \nThe natural way of the earth is to generate life.\nThe forces of nature are not destructive or poisonous.\nThe kingdom of death does not govern the planet. \nA life lived in truth and integrity is immune to death\,\nbecause God created us for life without limit;\npermanent and incorruptible\, just like God. \nBut the devil got jealous and screwed it all up.\nHis greed and envy infected the world with death\,\nand for those who side with him\, it will prove fatal. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Lamentations 3: 23-33 (canticle)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Your love and loyalty never die\, LORD.\nYour generous mercy never runs dry.\nThey are created new every morning\nand you are as trustworthy as the solid rock. \nSo I keep telling myself that you are all I need\nand that I can still trust you to come through for me. \nYou are good to those who hang in there for you\, LORD;\nto those whose hearts continue to search for you. \nThe life for which you save us\, LORD\,\nis worth patiently waiting for. \nIt is a good thing to shoulder unfair burdens\nwhile we are still young;\nto put up with solitary confinement\nif that is what the LORD has imposed;\nto eat dust\nwithout giving up hope;\nto turn the other cheek with courage\nand cop the insults that are dished out. \nI can’t believe\nthat the Lord will write us off forever. \nThe Lord might be dishing out grief to us now\nbut not willingly. \nThe Lord’s rock-solid love\nwill pour forth compassion for us\nfor the Lord does not take pleasure\nin causing trouble or pain. \n©2014 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR   Psalm 30			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I’ll be singing your praises\, every chance I get\, LORD\,\nbecause you got me out of deep trouble\nand spared me the gloating of my enemies. \nI pleaded for help\, LORD God\,\nand you stepped in and healed me. \nThey were nearly ready to pronounce me dead\nbut your brought me back\, LORD;\nyou put me back on my feet\nwhen I was about to be carried to the morgue. \nSo I’m singing your praises\,\nand I’m encouraging everyone to do the same;\nto name you with joyful thanks. \nWe manage to get you angry at times\,\nbut it blows over in a moment\nbecause your mercy keeps on keeping on.\nWe may have an evening of bitter tears\,\nbut by morning your mercy has us smiling again. \nI was guilty of taking your goodness for granted;\nI thought I had it made.\nYou had put me on top of the world\nbut I got all too full of myself.\nYou stepped aside – made me stand alone —\nand I turned to jelly! \nI realised how much I needed you\, LORD\,\nand in my panic I begged you for mercy. \n“What good is my blood to you?” I cried.\n“How will it help if I’m in the grave?\nCan a corpse sing your praises?\nWill a gravestone publicise your goodness?\nGive me another chance\, LORD.\nPlease\, LORD\, bail me out one more time.” \nAnd sure enough\, you did\, LORD.\nYou turned my tears to laughter;\nyou set my dragging feet dancing;\nyou dusted me off and dressed me up for a party.\nSo now I’m singing your praises\nfrom the bottom of my heart\,\nand no one can shut me up! \nYou are my God\, LORD\,\nand I’m eternally grateful. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nyou hear our cry for mercy and lift us to life. \nFrom the depths of chaos you pulled the newborn earth\nand filled it with love and beauty.\nWhen we tore apart the glory of your creation\nand left innocence slain upon our battlefields\,\nyou continued to reach out to the grieving world\nwith a love more wonderful than any other. \nYour surpassing generosity took flesh in Jesus Christ\,\nwho\, though he was rich\,\ngave up everything\nso that we might lack nothing.\nWhen he was killed\, you raised him\,\nand hope dawned over the dark night of grief.\nFrom him radiates the energy that heals us\,\nand at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nhe comes to us and at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are healed and reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor no matter how deep we sink in sin and despair\,\nyou hear our cry for mercy and lift us to life. \nFrom the depths of chaos you pulled the newborn earth\nand filled it with love and beauty.\nWhen we tore apart the glory of your creation\nand left innocence slain upon our battlefields\,\nyou continued to reach out to the grieving world\nwith a love more wonderful than any other. \nYour surpassing generosity took flesh in Jesus Christ\,\nwho\, though he was rich\,\ngave up everything\nso that we might lack nothing.\nWhen he was killed\, you raised him\,\nand hope dawned over the dark night of grief.\nFrom him radiates the energy that heals us\,\nand at the touch of his hand\nthe outcasts are reconciled\nand the dead awake to fullness of life. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If the Lord recorded our sins\, no one could survive\,\nbut God’s capacity for forgiveness is awesome.\nThe Lord will bring mercy and grant full pardon.\nIn Jesus Christ we are lifted to life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, among the outcast and the grieving\,\nand speak the word of life and hope.\nDo not fear\, but trust in God’s word.\nWatch for the Lord with eager expectation\,\nand be generous with all God has given you. \nAnd may God respond to your every cry with mercy;\nMay Christ Jesus take you by the hand and lift you to life;\nand may the Holy Spirit build you up in faith\, in speech\,\nin knowledge\, in passion and in love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nThe Table of GriefA sermon on 2 Samuel 1:1\,17-27 & Psalm 130 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nAre You Worth More Than a Touch?A sermon on Mark 5: 21-43 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRevulsion and Contagious LoveA sermon on Mark 5: 21-43 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe God of WinterA Winter Solstice sermon on Mark 5:21-43; 2 Samuel 1:17-27 &  Psalm 130 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp08/2030-06-30/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300707T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300707T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200902T082531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240804T110002Z
UID:10002140-1909612800-1909699199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 9 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 5: 1-5\, 9-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After David had been king of Judah for some time\, the leaders of the tribes of Israel came to meet with him at Hebron. They addressed him\, saying:\n“Look\, we are family – your own flesh and blood. For a long time\, even though Saul was officially our king\, it has been you that we all looked up to\, and you that we took our marching orders from. The LORD promised that it was only a matter of time before you would rule Israel and be the caretaker of all God’s people.” \nDuring this meeting at Hebron\, the tribal elders of Israel negotiated a deal with David and signed it in a sacred ceremony\, with the LORD as their witness. As part of the deal they crowned David king of Israel\, pouring sacred olive oil on his head to show that he was the chosen one. \nDavid was thirty years old when he became king\, and his reign lasted forty years. For the first seven and a half years\, while based in Hebron\, he only ruled over Judah. Then for a further thirty-three years he ruled over both Israel and Judah from his new capital in Jerusalem.  The fortified centre of Jerusalem had held out against David\, but he eventually captured it and moved in\, declaring it to be the city of David. He had the city rebuilt around it starting from the landfill area on the east side. \nDavid’s position was becoming stronger all the time\, because the LORD\, the ruler of everything\, was on his side. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 48			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Great is the LORD – worthy of our highest praise —\nand great is the city where God lives.\nThe mountain of God’s presence\nis a spectacular sacred site\,\na source of joy for all the earth.\nOn Mount Zion stands the city of the great Ruler.\nThere in God’s sheltering presence\nwe have been given a place of safety. \nRulers of nations\, despots and tyrants\,\nunited to overthrow God’s dominion\,\nbut one look at God’s sure defence\nand their arrogant plans were blown.\nIn sheer panic\, they took off in all directions.\nThey were as shaken as a woman in labour\,\nor a storm-tossed ship smashed on the reef. \nWe had heard of God’s great city\,\nand now we have seen it with our own eyes\nThe LORD who rules over everything\nwill see that this city stands firm forever. \nO God\, here in your holy Temple\,\nwe meditate on your unfailing love.\nYour reputation\, O God\, spreads throughout the earth\,\nand wherever you are named\,\npeople shout for joy.\nYour rule of justice has the last word everywhere.\nLet Mount Zion celebrate\,\nand every city and town throw a party\nbecause God’s decisions\nbring justice and righteousness. \nCome\, let us walk around the holy mountain.\nLet us examine our God from every angle.\nCount up the towers of safety.\nInspect the sheltering places\nwithin the presence of God.\nPass all this on to your children\nand your children’s children\nso that they too will know that this is our God.\nThis God is our God forever and ever\,\nthe God who will lead us in peace\nfor all time to come.  \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Corinthians 12: 2-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	There was a certain person — a Christian person who I know well — who fourteen years ago was swept up into the heights of heaven. I’m not sure whether this was a physical experience or an ecstatic vision. Only God really knows. \nAs I say\, God only knows whether or not it was a whole-body thing\, but this certain person was snatched up into Paradise\, and there he heard things that are too wonderful for words\, things that he dare not repeat to a living soul. Now if you want to hear about such amazing things\, then I’m willing to talk freely about this certain person\, but I don’t want to go blowing my own trumpet. Of course if you want me to talk about weaknesses I could talk about myself all night! \nMind you\, there is no reason to think I’d end up with egg on my face if I did talk big about my own experiences. It would be the whole truth and nothing but the truth\, but don’t get me started! I’d rather let my actions do the talking for me. Let me be judged simply by the value of what I teach and what I do. Any spectacular revelations I may have experienced in the past should not inflate your opinion of me. \nAnd believe me\, God has seen to it that they haven’t given me an over inflated opinion of myself. To balance them out and keep my feet firmly on the ground\, I have been given a special gift — a real thorn in the flesh\, a condition that torments me and causes great anguish in my body. Satan used it to try to derail me\, but it is probably what has kept me on track. Of course I couldn’t see that at first. Three times I put everything else aside and gave all my time and energy to seeking the Lord for healing and deliverance. But the Lord said to me\, “My generous love is enough for you. Your weakness clears the deck and opens you to my strength.” \nSo then\, if it means that Christ’s strength will be all the more active in me\, I will gladly wear my weaknesses like a badge of honour. Indeed\, given the opportunity to talk about them\, you can’t shut me up! So nowadays\, what ever comes my way — failure\, bad-mouthing\, tough times\, harassment\, tragedy —I take it all in my stride and just allow Christ to come to the fore. You see\, it is when I am at my weakest that I find the greatest strength. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 6: 1-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus returned to his Nazareth\, his hometown\, and his closest followers went with him. On the Sabbath he gave a public lecture in the local synagogue. Many of those who attended were surprised and impressed by what he had to say. “Who would have guessed that a local lad would have done so well?” they said. “Where did he pick up such wisdom? And look at the miraculous things he does with just a touch of his hands!” \nBut the next minute they were getting their noses out of joint. “Who does he think he is? Mr Big-shot! He’s just a carpenter – Mary’s boy – no better than any of us. We know his brothers – James\, Justin\, Jude and Simon. His sisters all live here\, and they’re no different from us.” So they ended up resenting him. \nJesus responded to all this\, saying\, “It’s always the way. Prophets are appreciated everywhere except at home among the friends and relations they grew up with.” \nThere was very little he could do there. He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them\, but that was about it. He couldn’t get over how stubborn and skeptical they were\, so he moved on and did a teaching tour through the neighbouring towns. \nJesus called his chosen twelve together and sent them out in pairs. He commissioned them to deal with any spirit of evil they might encounter. He gave them orders to travel lightly and live simply – no carting luggage around or buying things along the way. He told them\, “If anyone invites you to stay in their home\, do so until it’s time to move on. No shopping around for a better place! And if you arrive somewhere and they refuse to welcome you in or hear what you have to say\, just move on. Turn your backs and walk away. Scratch their names off your map and forget them.” \nSo they hit the road. Everywhere they went they preached with enthusiasm\, calling people to turn their lives around and get back on track. They flushed out numerous demons\, and healed a lot of people of various illnesses\, anointing them with oil and praying that God would make them whole. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ezekiel 2: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	A voice spoke to me and said\, “Ezekiel\, young man\, stand up on your feet and listen to what I have to say to you.” \nWhen I heard this\, a spirit moved inside me and stood me up on my feet\, and I heard the voice speaking to me. The voice said to me: \n“Young man\, I am sending you to my people. They are a nation of scabs who turned against me. Just like their ancestors\, they have repeatedly done the wrong thing by me and they are continuing to do so. This latest generation is the most callous and pigheaded yet. I am sending you to them\, and it is your job to announce whatever the Lord GOD has to say to them. Maybe they will listen\, maybe they won’t\, because they are such a defiant mob. Either way\, they will be left in no doubt that there has been a prophet among them.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 123			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	It is to you that we look for help\, LORD;\nto you who rules from the throne of heaven! \nWhen people are injured\,\nthey look to the doctors for help;\nwhen they lie in hospital\,\nthey look to the nurses for compassion;\nand in the same way\nwe look to you\, the LORD our God:\nwe depend on your kindness and care. \nTreat us with compassion\, LORD\, treat us with compassion.\nWe’ve endured more than our fair share of contempt. \nWe have had an absolute gutful\nof being put down by the arrogant\nand treated like dirt by those who’ve got it easy. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\n— joy of all the earth —\nfor your grace is sufficient for us\,\nand your strength is always there in our weakness. \nYou created the heavens and the earth and all that live in them\nand gave yourself to us to be our guide forever.\nYou gave your people great leaders\, like David\,\nto shepherd them in peace and righteousness. \nYour son\, Jesus\, came teaching with astounding wisdom\nand bringing freedom and healing at the touch of his hands.\nLike the prophets he was not honoured in his own town\,\nand was crucified by his own nation\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\,\ndisplaying your perfect power in his weakness.\nNow he has entrusted us with his mission\nof casting out evil and proclaiming your steadfast love\nfrom the holy mountain to the ends of the earth. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your son\, Jesus\,\nwhose trusted your perfect power in his weakness on the cross\,\nand who has entrusted us with his mission\nof casting out evil and proclaiming your steadfast love\nfrom the holy mountain to the ends of the earth. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\n— joy of all the earth —\nfor your grace is sufficient for us\,\nand your strength is always there in our weakness. \nYou created the heavens and the earth and all that live in them\nand gave yourself to us to be our guide forever.\nYou gave your people great leaders\, like David\,\nto shepherd them in peace and righteousness. \nYour son\, Jesus\, came teaching with astounding wisdom\nand bringing freedom and healing at the touch of his hands.\nLike the prophets he was not honoured in his own town\,\nand was crucified by his own nation\,\nbut you raised him from the dead\,\ndisplaying your perfect power in his weakness.\nNow he has entrusted us with his mission\nof casting out evil and proclaiming your steadfast love\nfrom the holy mountain to the ends of the earth. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ sent out his apostles to call us all to repentance.\nGod has promised that all who turn to Christ for mercy\nwill receive forgiveness for sin\,\nfor in our weakness\, God’s strength is sufficient. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, and wherever people will hear you\,\nproclaim the life-changing love of God.\nDo not fear your weakness\,\nfor when you are weakest\, Christ’s strength is known.\nTravel lightly\, live simply\,\nand honour those who welcome the gospel. \nAnd may God be your protection and safe haven;\nMay the power of Christ Jesus dwell in you;\nand may the Holy Spirit be your guide forever. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nDon’t Count on ApplauseA sermon on Mark 6:1-13 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nShoot the MessengerA sermon on Mark 6:1-13 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\n“Trusting God” for People who Have EverythingA sermon on Mark 6: 1-13\, 14-15\, 21-23 & 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 by Andrew Woff\n\n\n\nMaking the Covenant – Making the ChurchA sermon on 2 Samuel 5: 1-5\, 9-10 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Stumbling Stone SermonA sermon on Mark 6:1-13 by Samara Pitt\n\n\n\nThorns\, Warts and AllA sermon on 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 & Mark 6:1-13 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen Churches Picket Each OtherA sermon on 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 & 2 Samuel 5:1-5\, 9-10 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp09/2030-07-07/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300714T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300714T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200904T015600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200904T015600Z
UID:10002798-1910217600-1910303999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 10 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 6: 1-5\, 12b-19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	David called up thirty thousand top soldiers\, the cream of Israel’s army\, and led them up to Baalah in Judah to collect the sacred Ark of God. The Ark bore the name of the LORD who rules over everything\, and the gold cherubim on its top were recognised as God’s throne on earth.  They removed the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab\, secured it on a new cart\, and set off down the hill with it. Abinadab’s two sons\, Ahio and Uzzah\, were at each end\, steering the cart which carried the Ark of God. A crowd of Israelite people accompanied them\, forming a joyful procession\, all singing and dancing in honour of the LORD. David led them with great enthusiasm\, and they were accompanied by all sorts of musical instruments. \nThey parked the Ark of God in the house of Obed-edom for a while after an accident\, but eventually they were ready to set out again and bring it to the city of David. It was a huge celebration. This time the Ark of God was carried on the shoulders of some chosen men. Each time they had taken six paces\, they would stop and David would sacrifice a bullock and a prime-beef yearling. Bare chested and with only a linen cloth round his waist\, David danced with uninhibited joy and great energy to honour the LORD. To the sounds of trumpets and loud cheering\, David and all the people of Israel brought the Ark of the LORD up into Jerusalem. \nAs they came through the city gates\, David’s wife Michelle was watching from a window. She was the daughter of Saul\, and when she saw King David making such a display of himself\, leaping around in his dance\, she was disgusted. \nDavid had set up a special marquee for the sacred Ark of the LORD\, and they carried it in and set it in its place. David led the people in worship\, offering animal sacrifices to the LORD by burning them on an altar. When the offerings were over\, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD who rules over everything. He sent them all on their way with gifts of food. Every man and woman in Israel was given a platter laden with bread\, roast beef\, and fruit cake. So\, with the celebrations over\, everyone headed home. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The whole planet belongs to you\, LORD —\nthe earth and everything that lies in it\,\ngrows from it\, or walks on it.\nYou raised the land above the seas\,\nand secured its foundations in the depths.  \nWho will be granted a permit\nto climb your sacred mountain\, O God?\nWho may scale the summit to your holy presence?  \nThose who have played a straight bat\,\nacting with integrity\,\nnot selling themselves out to delusions\,\nor playing fast and loose with the truth.  \nYour rich goodness will come their way\, LORD\,\nand you will declare them innocent\nand set them free.  \nThese are the people who take no shortcuts\nin their search for you.\nTheir greatest hunger is to know you\,\nthe God of their ancestors.  \nWe hear the call:\n“Wake up! On your feet!\nOpen the gates and form a guard of honour!\nRoll out the red carpet\nbefore the glorious sovereign.” \nWho is this majestic ruler?\nIt is you\, LORD\, supreme and dynamic\,\nthe conqueror of conflict.  \nWe hear it again:\n“Wake up! On your feet!\nOpen the gates and form a guard of honour!\nRoll out the red carpet\nbefore the glorious sovereign.” \nWho is this majestic ruler?\nIt is you\, the LORD who rules over everything.\nThis majestic ruler is you\, our God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 3-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Blessed be God! All praise and honour be to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has gathered up all the spiritual blessings of heaven and given them to us in our union with Christ. This followed on from decisions that God had made even before laying the foundations of the world. Way back then\, God was anticipating our arrival and laying down plans for us. God was getting ready to immerse us in divine love so that we would emerge ready\, willing and able to dedicate our lives totally to God. \nGod set the wheels in motion for us to be adopted as his own children. This was to be done through Jesus Christ\, because God takes great delight in doing such things through him. God wanted his beloved Son to get all the credit for the boundless love that was being lavished on us. Christ paid the ultimate price\, shedding his own blood in his endeavour to reclaim us for God’s family. Given how often we’d turned our backs on God\, he could easily have given up on us\, but he was so extravagant in his love and reckless in his generosity that he just forgave us for everything and put his life on the line to save us. \nGod\, who can see and understand perfectly what we could never comprehend\, has let us in on the mystery of the divine plan. God took great delight in opening this up and giving us a preview in Christ. This is how it will unfold when the time is right: God will unify all things into one perfect communion in Christ\, reconciling everything\, from the depths of the earth to the farthest reaches of heaven. \nIn Christ we are identified as God’s beneficiaries and our future is secured. God’s plans always find a way\, and right from the word go we have been a part of those plans. This was to ensure that we\, being the first people to throw in our lot with Christ\, would be able to live lives that clearly reflected the wonderful goodness of God. It didn’t stop with us though — you’re in on this too! The message of God’s rescue mission reached you\, and once you realized it was fair dinkum and put your trust in Christ\, you became part of him\, just like us. At that moment your future was signed and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Now you know it will be delivered! Everything planned for God’s people will be yours — a life overflowing with the glory and splendour of God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 6: 14-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The word was getting around about Jesus\, and soon even King Herod had heard what was being said. Everyone had an opinion. Some people thought he was a reincarnation of John the baptiser and that that explained his miraculous powers. Others were of the view that he was Elijah or one of the other great prophets of the past. Herod was backing the John the baptiser theory. “It’s John for sure\,” he said. “I had his head cut off\, but he’s come back anyway\, and more trouble than ever.” \nIt had been on Herod’s orders that John had been arrested\, chained and put in prison in the first place. He had done this at the insistence of Herodias. She had been the wife of Herod’s brother Philip\, but she had left him and married Herod. She had it in for John because he had been publicly denouncing their relationship as adultery. Although Herodias simmered with murderous rage against John\, she couldn’t touch him because Herod held him in an almost superstitious awe. He was convinced that John was a unique holy man\, and he was afraid of what might happen if he didn’t protect him. Herod took a perverse pleasure in listening to John speak. Everything John said aggravated him\, and yet he kept coming back for more. \nBut it was only a matter of time before Herodias got her chance. On his birthday\, Herod threw a huge birthday party and all the silver-tails and top brass were there – everybody who was anybody in Galilee. Herodias had a very attractive and alluring daughter who came in to the party and danced for the men. Herod and his guests were so mesmerised by her charms that the king said to her\, “Anything you want\, I will give you. Just ask!” He was so entranced by her that he shot his mouth off without thinking. “I swear I will give you whatever you ask\, even half my kingdom.” \nThe girl went out and consulted her mother. “What should I ask for?” \nHerodias had no hesitation. “The head of John the baptiser\,” she said. \nIntoxicated by this thought\, the girl raced back to the king and placed her order. “I want the head of John the baptiser. I want it served up on a platter\, right here\, right now.” \nThat took the wind out of his sails quick smart\, but he could hardly go back on his word in front of all his guests. It was lose face or lose John\, so he caved in and gave the order. The executioner was sent for and John was dragged out of his cell and beheaded. His head was then carried in on a serving platter\, and presented to the girl. She in turn gave it to her mother. \nWhen the gruesome news reached John’s followers\, they came and collected his body so that they could give him a decent burial. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Amos 7: 7-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God gave me a vision. I saw the Lord holding a plumb line against a wall to see whether it was straight. As I looked\, the LORD said to me\, “Amos\, what do you see?” \nI answered\, “A plumb line.” \nThen the LORD said: \n“I am using this plumb line\nto show how crooked my people Israel have become.\nI will not turn a blind eye again.\nThe private shrines of Isaac’s descendant will be flattened.\nIsrael’s so-called sacred sites will be scorched earth.\nI will declare war on the royal family of Jeroboam.” \nAmos was getting into hot water over his preaching. Amaziah\, the priest at the shrine in Bethel\, sent a message to Jeroboam\, the King of Israel\, saying\, “Amos is sowing the seeds of rebellion right in the heart of Israel. All his talk of doom and gloom will paralyse the nation. Have you heard what he is saying about you? \n‘Jereboam will be killed\,\nand the people of Israel\nwill be marched off into exile in a far off land.’” \nAmaziah also tried to send Amos away himself\, saying\, “Hey preacher-man\, get out of town! Buzz off back to Judah where you came from and ply your trade there. Harangue them with your prophesies\, but don’t open your mouth here in Bethel again. This is the royal chapel – the King’s worship place – and we don’t need your kind around here.” \nBut Amos answered back\, “I am no professional preacher; nor was I raised to be a preacher. I was happy making my living droving cattle and cutting timber. But the LORD called me in from the bush and said\, ‘Go and preach to my people Israel.’ \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 85: 8-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are eager to hear all you have to say\, LORD God\,\nfor your words bring peace and wellbeing\nto those who stick with you\nand leave behind their foolish ways. \nSurely for all who respect you\,\nthe life you saved us for is within reach.\nOur land will be ablaze with your presence. \nWhat a life it will be!\nLove and loyalty will link arms;\njustice and peace will become lovers. \nFaithfulness will sprout and reach for the sky;\nintegrity will beam down on the earth. \nYou will give us every good thing\, LORD\,\nand the land will give bumper crops. \nJustice and integrity will spring up as you approach\,\nlining the road to welcome you among us. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in Christ you are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children. \nEvery created thing is yours\,\nfor you founded the earth\nand gave life to all who live on it.\nEven before that\, you chose us\nand planned for our inclusion into your life\nof wholeness\, holiness and glorious splendour. \nWith all wisdom and insight\nyou made known to your people the mystery of your will.\nThough tyrants have opposed your truth\,\ncutting down your prophets\,\nand crucifying your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have not left us to death's powers.\nWhen you raised Christ from the dead\,\nyou opened the ancient gates to us\nand sealed us with your promised Holy Spirit\,\nso that we might enter your resurrection life\,\nleaping and dancing\,\nand receive every blessing of heaven. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for Christ\,\nyour crucified and risen Son\,\nin whom and through whom\nyou are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children\,\njust as you planned before the foundation of the world. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in Christ you are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children. \nEvery created thing is yours\,\nfor you founded the earth\nand gave life to all who live on it.\nEven before that\, you chose us\nand planned for our inclusion into your life\nof wholeness\, holiness and glorious splendour. \nWith all wisdom and insight\nyou made known to your people the mystery of your will.\nThough tyrants have opposed your truth\,\ncutting down your prophets\,\nand crucifying your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have not left us to death's powers.\nWhen you raised Christ from the dead\,\nyou opened the ancient gates to us\nand sealed us with your promised Holy Spirit\,\nso that we might enter your resurrection life\,\nleaping and dancing\,\nand receive every blessing of heaven. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	In Jesus Christ we have redemption\nand the forgiveness of our sins\,\nfor in the richness of his grace\nChrist determined to save us\neven at the cost of his own life-blood. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and live lives that glorify God.\nAct with integrity.\nDo not sell yourself out to delusions\nor give your word deceitfully.\nStand up for the truth and rejoice in the Lord. \nAnd may God give you all the blessings of heaven;\nMay Christ Jesus gather you into his family;\nand may the Holy Spirit deliver you safely\ninto the rich destiny prepared for God’s people. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGiving GloryA sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nIsn’t that a bit extreme?A sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 14-22 & Mark 6:14-2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWow!A sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Liturgy of The DanceA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:15; 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nOrigin and DestinyA sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14; 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 12-19 & Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNothing to be embarrassed aboutA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 14-22 and Ephesians 1:3-14 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Children of the KingA sermon on Mark 6:14-29 and Ephesians 1:3-14 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nA Caveful of CompassionA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-19; Ephesians 1:3-14 & Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Things UnsaidA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:15; 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29 by Craig Bartlett\n\n\n\nBaying for BloodA sermon on Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp10/2030-07-14/2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300714T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300714T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200904T015600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240811T104422Z
UID:10002141-1910217600-1910303999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 10 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 6: 1-5\, 12b-19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	David called up thirty thousand top soldiers\, the cream of Israel’s army\, and led them up to Baalah in Judah to collect the sacred Ark of God. The Ark bore the name of the LORD who rules over everything\, and the gold cherubim on its top were recognised as God’s throne on earth.  They removed the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab\, secured it on a new cart\, and set off down the hill with it. Abinadab’s two sons\, Ahio and Uzzah\, were at each end\, steering the cart which carried the Ark of God. A crowd of Israelite people accompanied them\, forming a joyful procession\, all singing and dancing in honour of the LORD. David led them with great enthusiasm\, and they were accompanied by all sorts of musical instruments. \nThey parked the Ark of God in the house of Obed-edom for a while after an accident\, but eventually they were ready to set out again and bring it to the city of David. It was a huge celebration. This time the Ark of God was carried on the shoulders of some chosen men. Each time they had taken six paces\, they would stop and David would sacrifice a bullock and a prime-beef yearling. Bare chested and with only a linen cloth round his waist\, David danced with uninhibited joy and great energy to honour the LORD. To the sounds of trumpets and loud cheering\, David and all the people of Israel brought the Ark of the LORD up into Jerusalem. \nAs they came through the city gates\, David’s wife Michelle was watching from a window. She was the daughter of Saul\, and when she saw King David making such a display of himself\, leaping around in his dance\, she was disgusted. \nDavid had set up a special marquee for the sacred Ark of the LORD\, and they carried it in and set it in its place. David led the people in worship\, offering animal sacrifices to the LORD by burning them on an altar. When the offerings were over\, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD who rules over everything. He sent them all on their way with gifts of food. Every man and woman in Israel was given a platter laden with bread\, roast beef\, and fruit cake. So\, with the celebrations over\, everyone headed home. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The whole planet belongs to you\, LORD —\nthe earth and everything that lies in it\,\ngrows from it\, or walks on it.\nYou raised the land above the seas\,\nand secured its foundations in the depths.  \nWho will be granted a permit\nto climb your sacred mountain\, O God?\nWho may scale the summit to your holy presence?  \nThose who have played a straight bat\,\nacting with integrity\,\nnot selling themselves out to delusions\,\nor playing fast and loose with the truth.  \nYour rich goodness will come their way\, LORD\,\nand you will declare them innocent\nand set them free.  \nThese are the people who take no shortcuts\nin their search for you.\nTheir greatest hunger is to know you\,\nthe God of their ancestors.  \nWe hear the call:\n“Wake up! On your feet!\nOpen the gates and form a guard of honour!\nRoll out the red carpet\nbefore the glorious sovereign.” \nWho is this majestic ruler?\nIt is you\, LORD\, supreme and dynamic\,\nthe conqueror of conflict.  \nWe hear it again:\n“Wake up! On your feet!\nOpen the gates and form a guard of honour!\nRoll out the red carpet\nbefore the glorious sovereign.” \nWho is this majestic ruler?\nIt is you\, the LORD who rules over everything.\nThis majestic ruler is you\, our God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 1: 3-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Blessed be God! All praise and honour be to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has gathered up all the spiritual blessings of heaven and given them to us in our union with Christ. This followed on from decisions that God had made even before laying the foundations of the world. Way back then\, God was anticipating our arrival and laying down plans for us. God was getting ready to immerse us in divine love so that we would emerge ready\, willing and able to dedicate our lives totally to God. \nGod set the wheels in motion for us to be adopted as his own children. This was to be done through Jesus Christ\, because God takes great delight in doing such things through him. God wanted his beloved Son to get all the credit for the boundless love that was being lavished on us. Christ paid the ultimate price\, shedding his own blood in his endeavour to reclaim us for God’s family. Given how often we’d turned our backs on God\, he could easily have given up on us\, but he was so extravagant in his love and reckless in his generosity that he just forgave us for everything and put his life on the line to save us. \nGod\, who can see and understand perfectly what we could never comprehend\, has let us in on the mystery of the divine plan. God took great delight in opening this up and giving us a preview in Christ. This is how it will unfold when the time is right: God will unify all things into one perfect communion in Christ\, reconciling everything\, from the depths of the earth to the farthest reaches of heaven. \nIn Christ we are identified as God’s beneficiaries and our future is secured. God’s plans always find a way\, and right from the word go we have been a part of those plans. This was to ensure that we\, being the first people to throw in our lot with Christ\, would be able to live lives that clearly reflected the wonderful goodness of God. It didn’t stop with us though — you’re in on this too! The message of God’s rescue mission reached you\, and once you realized it was fair dinkum and put your trust in Christ\, you became part of him\, just like us. At that moment your future was signed and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Now you know it will be delivered! Everything planned for God’s people will be yours — a life overflowing with the glory and splendour of God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 6: 14-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The word was getting around about Jesus\, and soon even King Herod had heard what was being said. Everyone had an opinion. Some people thought he was a reincarnation of John the baptiser and that that explained his miraculous powers. Others were of the view that he was Elijah or one of the other great prophets of the past. Herod was backing the John the baptiser theory. “It’s John for sure\,” he said. “I had his head cut off\, but he’s come back anyway\, and more trouble than ever.” \nIt had been on Herod’s orders that John had been arrested\, chained and put in prison in the first place. He had done this at the insistence of Herodias. She had been the wife of Herod’s brother Philip\, but she had left him and married Herod. She had it in for John because he had been publicly denouncing their relationship as adultery. Although Herodias simmered with murderous rage against John\, she couldn’t touch him because Herod held him in an almost superstitious awe. He was convinced that John was a unique holy man\, and he was afraid of what might happen if he didn’t protect him. Herod took a perverse pleasure in listening to John speak. Everything John said aggravated him\, and yet he kept coming back for more. \nBut it was only a matter of time before Herodias got her chance. On his birthday\, Herod threw a huge birthday party and all the silver-tails and top brass were there – everybody who was anybody in Galilee. Herodias had a very attractive and alluring daughter who came in to the party and danced for the men. Herod and his guests were so mesmerised by her charms that the king said to her\, “Anything you want\, I will give you. Just ask!” He was so entranced by her that he shot his mouth off without thinking. “I swear I will give you whatever you ask\, even half my kingdom.” \nThe girl went out and consulted her mother. “What should I ask for?” \nHerodias had no hesitation. “The head of John the baptiser\,” she said. \nIntoxicated by this thought\, the girl raced back to the king and placed her order. “I want the head of John the baptiser. I want it served up on a platter\, right here\, right now.” \nThat took the wind out of his sails quick smart\, but he could hardly go back on his word in front of all his guests. It was lose face or lose John\, so he caved in and gave the order. The executioner was sent for and John was dragged out of his cell and beheaded. His head was then carried in on a serving platter\, and presented to the girl. She in turn gave it to her mother. \nWhen the gruesome news reached John’s followers\, they came and collected his body so that they could give him a decent burial. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Amos 7: 7-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God gave me a vision. I saw the Lord holding a plumb line against a wall to see whether it was straight. As I looked\, the LORD said to me\, “Amos\, what do you see?” \nI answered\, “A plumb line.” \nThen the LORD said: \n“I am using this plumb line\nto show how crooked my people Israel have become.\nI will not turn a blind eye again.\nThe private shrines of Isaac’s descendant will be flattened.\nIsrael’s so-called sacred sites will be scorched earth.\nI will declare war on the royal family of Jeroboam.” \nAmos was getting into hot water over his preaching. Amaziah\, the priest at the shrine in Bethel\, sent a message to Jeroboam\, the King of Israel\, saying\, “Amos is sowing the seeds of rebellion right in the heart of Israel. All his talk of doom and gloom will paralyse the nation. Have you heard what he is saying about you? \n‘Jereboam will be killed\,\nand the people of Israel\nwill be marched off into exile in a far off land.’” \nAmaziah also tried to send Amos away himself\, saying\, “Hey preacher-man\, get out of town! Buzz off back to Judah where you came from and ply your trade there. Harangue them with your prophesies\, but don’t open your mouth here in Bethel again. This is the royal chapel – the King’s worship place – and we don’t need your kind around here.” \nBut Amos answered back\, “I am no professional preacher; nor was I raised to be a preacher. I was happy making my living droving cattle and cutting timber. But the LORD called me in from the bush and said\, ‘Go and preach to my people Israel.’ \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 85: 8-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are eager to hear all you have to say\, LORD God\,\nfor your words bring peace and wellbeing\nto those who stick with you\nand leave behind their foolish ways. \nSurely for all who respect you\,\nthe life you saved us for is within reach.\nOur land will be ablaze with your presence. \nWhat a life it will be!\nLove and loyalty will link arms;\njustice and peace will become lovers. \nFaithfulness will sprout and reach for the sky;\nintegrity will beam down on the earth. \nYou will give us every good thing\, LORD\,\nand the land will give bumper crops. \nJustice and integrity will spring up as you approach\,\nlining the road to welcome you among us. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in Christ you are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children. \nEvery created thing is yours\,\nfor you founded the earth\nand gave life to all who live on it.\nEven before that\, you chose us\nand planned for our inclusion into your life\nof wholeness\, holiness and glorious splendour. \nWith all wisdom and insight\nyou made known to your people the mystery of your will.\nThough tyrants have opposed your truth\,\ncutting down your prophets\,\nand crucifying your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have not left us to death's powers.\nWhen you raised Christ from the dead\,\nyou opened the ancient gates to us\nand sealed us with your promised Holy Spirit\,\nso that we might enter your resurrection life\,\nleaping and dancing\,\nand receive every blessing of heaven. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for Christ\,\nyour crucified and risen Son\,\nin whom and through whom\nyou are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children\,\njust as you planned before the foundation of the world. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in Christ you are gathering all things into one communion\nand adopting us as your own beloved children. \nEvery created thing is yours\,\nfor you founded the earth\nand gave life to all who live on it.\nEven before that\, you chose us\nand planned for our inclusion into your life\nof wholeness\, holiness and glorious splendour. \nWith all wisdom and insight\nyou made known to your people the mystery of your will.\nThough tyrants have opposed your truth\,\ncutting down your prophets\,\nand crucifying your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have not left us to death's powers.\nWhen you raised Christ from the dead\,\nyou opened the ancient gates to us\nand sealed us with your promised Holy Spirit\,\nso that we might enter your resurrection life\,\nleaping and dancing\,\nand receive every blessing of heaven. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	In Jesus Christ we have redemption\nand the forgiveness of our sins\,\nfor in the richness of his grace\nChrist determined to save us\neven at the cost of his own life-blood. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and live lives that glorify God.\nAct with integrity.\nDo not sell yourself out to delusions\nor give your word deceitfully.\nStand up for the truth and rejoice in the Lord. \nAnd may God give you all the blessings of heaven;\nMay Christ Jesus gather you into his family;\nand may the Holy Spirit deliver you safely\ninto the rich destiny prepared for God’s people. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGiving GloryA sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nIsn’t that a bit extreme?A sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 14-22 & Mark 6:14-2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWow!A sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Liturgy of The DanceA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:15; 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nOrigin and DestinyA sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14; 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 12-19 & Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNothing to be embarrassed aboutA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-5\, 14-22 and Ephesians 1:3-14 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Children of the KingA sermon on Mark 6:14-29 and Ephesians 1:3-14 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nA Caveful of CompassionA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:1-19; Ephesians 1:3-14 & Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Things UnsaidA sermon on 2 Samuel 6:15; 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29 by Craig Bartlett\n\n\n\nBaying for BloodA sermon on Mark 6:14-29 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp10/2030-07-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300721T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300721T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200904T022220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240818T055419Z
UID:10002142-1910822400-1910908799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 11 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 7: 1-14a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	King David made himself at home in his new palace and\, thanks to the LORD\, there was no trouble from Israel’s enemies for some time.  One day the King consulted Nathan the prophet\, and said to him\, “It doesn’t seem right for me to be living it up in a palace built of the finest materials while the sacred Ark of God is still in a tent. It’s as though God was sleeping rough!” \nNathan replied\, “The LORD is with you\, so go ahead and do whatever you think should be done.” \nBut Nathan had spoken too soon. That same night\, the LORD gave him a different message to pass on to King David. This is what it said: \nDavid\, I am the LORD and you are my servant\, so listen to what I have to say to you. What makes you think that you are the one to build my house? I’ve been on the road with nothing more than a tent ever since I led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. I didn’t need a house then and I don’t need one now. You’re not the first caretaker I’ve appointed for the tribes of Israel\, and you won’t be the last\, so think about it – have I ever gone whingeing to any of them and demanded a fancy house? \nNow listen to me\, and listen good. I am the LORD who rules over everything. I made you what you are today – the leader of my people. If it wasn’t for me you’d still be cleaning up after the sheep. I’ve never let you down\, wherever you’ve gone. Whenever enemies have attacked you\, I’ve dealt with them\, right before your eyes. Thanks to me\, you will be known as one of the most famous people who ever lived. \nI have chosen a place for my people Israel\, a place where they can put down roots\, a place to call their own. They won’t need to be looking over their shoulders all the time\, because there won’t be any more trouble from the barbarians who have plagued them for so long. For the first time since the days when I sent the legendary heroes to bring justice to my people\, Israel will be at peace. \nWhat’s more\, I the LORD give you my word that I will make you the foundation stone of a great house. I will see to it that by the time your number’s up and you’re buried alongside your ancestors\, you will have fathered your own successor.  Yes\, a son of yours will be king. I will back him all the way\, anchoring his kingdom and establishing his dynasty forever.  He is the one to whom I shall give the privilege of building my sacred temple. I will be a father to him\, and he shall be my son. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 89: 20-37			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Long ago\, in a vision\, you spoke to your faithful people\, saying: \n“I have crowned a great hero.\nAmong you\, my people\,\nI found one fit for the throne.\nMy search ended with my servant David.\nPouring holy oil on his head\,\nI have set him apart as the chosen one.\nHe’ll always be able to look to me for strength;\nwhen he needs some muscle\,\nI’ll  be there to back him up. \nThe enemy will not get under his guard\,\nthe wicked will never drag him down.\nI’ll knock flat those who oppose him;\ndespise him and you answer to me!\nMy love for him is unshakable;\nI’ll be faithful to him for ever.\nOn my say so\, he’ll rule supreme and unchallenged.\nI will put everything in his hands\,\nfrom coast to coast with all that lies between them.\nHe will cry out to me\, ‘Oh\, my Father\, my God\,\nyou are the rock I cling to for safety!’ \nI will make him number one in all the world\,\nhe’ll outrank even the superpowers.\nForever and always\, I will be true in my love\,\nand the covenant we’ve made\nwill never be broken. \nI will see that his family name always has an heir\,\nand guarantee his throne to his descendants\nas long as night follows day.\nIf his children turn their backs on my ways\nand step off the paths I’ve marked out;\nif they tear up the instructions I’ve given them\nand go against my clear directives\,\nthey’ll pay for it.\nThey’ll cop the maximum sentence for their crime.\nI’ll make them lie in the bed they’ve made.\nBut even then I won’t take back my love\,\nand the vows I made to David will still ring true. \nThere is no way I would break my promise\nor try to take back what I’d already said.\nI have given my word\, once and for all\,\nand staked my whole reputation on it.\nI will never lie to David. \nHis family tree will be an unbroken line\nand his dynasty as sure as the sun.\nIt shall be as fixed as the orbit of the moon\,\nas dependable as the lights in the night sky. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 2: 11-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Always remember where you came from\, or you’ll begin to take what God has done for granted. Don’t ever forget that you were once outsiders\, and were treated as such by those who had always been insiders. Back then you had no contact with Christ and you were foreigners to his people\, Israel. You knew nothing of the rich heritage of promises and mutual responsibility that shaped Israel’s relationship with God. You knew nothing of them and you had no access to their benefits. In the world\, but alienated from God — your situation was hopeless. But Christ Jesus has changed all that. No matter how far away you were\, through his own blood\, sweat and tears\, Christ has brought you right into the centre of things. \nChrist placed his own body in the gap so that now\, through our common link to him\, our two separate groups may unite as one. With his own hands he has torn down the barricades of ignorance\, suspicion and hostility that divided us. We used to relate to God on the basis of the law\, with its detailed regulations and prescriptions\, but Christ has done away with all that. He saw that the law had divided humanity in two\, since not everybody had access to it\, and he wanted to create one united world. This unity would not be in the law\, but in Christ himself\, in his own body. Christ set out to make peace — offering himself to us both equally\, suffering on the cross for us both equally — so that in him we might find one shared basis for reconciliation with God. If that’s not enough to eradicate the hostility between us\, nothing will! \nSo with that agenda in mind\, Christ came preaching peace to both of us — to you foreign outsiders and to us Jewish insiders. Now we are all equal\, because we all have access to God in exactly the same way — through Christ\, in one Spirit. It’s a whole new ball game. You will never be homeless exiles again. You have been granted citizenship in the province of God and you have the same rights of access as any of the saints. \nPerhaps you could think of it this way. God is constructing a wonderful temple using every kind of material that comes to hand\, regardless of its origins. The foundations are the apostles and prophets and all they did and said. Now all of us are being added\, one at a time\, with Christ Jesus himself as the central pillar that holds he whole structure together. With every part inseparably linked to him\, the whole structure grows day by day into a holy temple dedicated to the Lord. So there you are. United in Christ we become a place where God’s Spirit is proud to live. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 6: 30-34\, 53-56			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After travelling through the villages preaching\, Jesus’s chosen ambassadors returned and met up with him again. They filled him in on everything they had been doing and teaching on the road. Jesus said to them\, “It’s time to put your feet up for a bit. Let’s head off to a deserted beach somewhere and get some well earned rest.” \nThey certainly needed it. With all the coming and going of people wanting this and that\, they hardly even had time to take proper meal breaks. So off they went. They piled into the boat and headed off by themselves for a secluded beach. It was no use though. Several people saw them leaving and managed to figure out where they were headed. Word travelled faster than the boat\, and by the time they pulled ashore a crowd was already gathering from the nearby towns. Walking up the beach among the growing crowd\, Jesus could feel his heart going out to them. They were like a ship without a rudder\, so despite himself\, he went straight back to teaching. \nMuch the same thing happened the next day. They had crossed back over in the boat and pulled ashore at Gennesaret. They had barely secured the boat and climbed onto the jetty when someone recognised Jesus and a buzz went through the town. All over the region people were rushing off to their sick friends or relatives and bringing them to wherever they heard Jesus had gone. There were stretcher crews coming from all directions. The story was beginning to repeat itself everywhere he went. City\, town or outback road station – if the grapevine said that Jesus was there\, there would be people queuing up in no time\, bringing the sick for his attention. Day and night they came\, all reaching out to him for help\, begging for the chance to even just touch the sleeve of his coat. And all who did so were healed. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Jeremiah 23: 1-6			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	This is what the LORD\, the God of Israel\, says: \nThe writing is on the wall for you leaders of my people. You are supposed to be like shepherds\, keeping an eye on my flock and seeing that they are kept united and safe. But you have butchered them and scattered them. You have driven them off and left them defenceless. But I can assure you that I\, the LORD\, have been keeping my eye on you! I will see that you get what you deserve for your crimes against my people. \nI will bring back what’s left of my people; bring them home from the lands where I sent them when they fled as refugees. Back home where they belong\, they will regain their strength and flourish once again. I\, the LORD\, will raise up new leaders for them who can be trusted to care for them like real shepherds. My people will no longer have any reason to fear or despair\, and none of them will be lost. \nYou can be sure that the time is coming when I\, the LORD\,\nwill raise up a true king from the family of David;\none who will rule with wisdom and do the right thing;\nwho will bring justice to the land and set things right. \nAs long as he reigns the land will be secure\nand my people will enjoy peace.\nWhenever his name is mentioned\, people will say\,\n“Ah! The LORD has put everything right!” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You\, LORD\, are my guide in the wilderness;\nthere is nothing more I could need. \nYou set up camp in places of beauty and shelter;\nyou lead the way on secluded tracks\nbeside creeks of cool clean water.\nI feel my spirit breathing freely again;\nyour reputation puts me at ease;\nI leave the navigating to you\, and follow. \nEven if we hike through a perilous valley\,\nwhere crows keep a menacing watch\,\nfear will still not get the better of me.\nAs long as I stick with you\nI know I’ll make the distance;\nwith a knife and a bit of rope\nyou seem able to tackle any challenge. \nYou cook up a feast for me\,\nas those who wanted to feed on me watch\, frustrated.\nYou pamper me like an honoured guest\nand constantly top up my glass. \nMy life feels charmed\, each and every day.\nLove\, mercy and all good things\nkeep falling into my lap. \nI’m with you for life\, LORD\,\nwhere you go\, I’ll go;\nwhere you live\, I’ll live. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you draw all things together in Christ\nand build us up as a holy temple to your glory. \nYou created the world and made it your dwelling place.\nWhen you led your people out of oppression\nyou travelled with them like a homeless refugee.\nYou made a covenant with your servant\, David\,\nanointing him to shepherd your people\nand promising peace to those who followed your ways. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, came\,\nfilled with compassion for all who were without hope.\nThough he preached peace and healed the sick and broken\,\nhe was ensnared and killed by your enemies.\nYou raised him from the dead\,\nand\, in him\, you prepared a new covenant\n— open to all people\, near and far —\na covenant that breaks down every wall of hostility\,\nand reconciles us to you as one people. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\, who came to us\nshowing compassion and healing our brokenness.\nIn him you break down every wall of hostility\,\ndrawing all things together\nand building us up as a holy temple to your glory. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you draw all things together in Christ\nand build us up as a holy temple to your glory. \nYou created the world and made it your dwelling place.\nWhen you led your people out of oppression\nyou travelled with them like a homeless refugee.\nYou made a covenant with your servant\, David\,\nanointing him to shepherd your people\nand promising peace to those who followed your ways. \nYour Son\, Jesus\, came\,\nfilled with compassion for all who were without hope.\nThough he preached peace and healed the sick and broken\,\nhe was ensnared and killed by your enemies.\nYou raised him from the dead\,\nand\, in him\, you prepared a new covenant\n— open to all people\, near and far —\na covenant that breaks down every wall of hostility\,\nand reconciles us to you as one people. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Though we have abandoned God’s ways\,\nGod’s love and faithfulness will not be withdrawn.\nIn Christ Jesus there is forgiveness and healing.\nAt the cost of his own blood\, he has reconciled us to God. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, remembering all God has done for you.\nBreak down the walls of hostility\,\nproclaim peace\,\nhave compassion for all\,\nand don’t forget to take time for yourself also. \nAnd may God be with you wherever you go;\nMay Christ Jesus heal you and replenish you;\nand may the Holy Spirit encircle you and strengthen you. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nOur Future Belongs to GodA sermon on 2 Samuel 7: 1-14a; Ephesians 2: 11-22 & Mark 6: 30-34\, 53-56 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSeeking HealingA sermon on Mark 6: 30-34\, 53-56 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nExiles and asylum seekersA sermon on Ephesians 2:11-22 by Ian Cook\n\n\n\nDemolishing Sacred BuildingsA sermon on 2 Samuel 7:1-14a & Ephesians 2:11-22 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nJesus – Sledge Hammer ChampionA sermon on 2 Samuel 7:1-14a & Ephesians 2:11-22 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSilence and RelationshipsA sermon on Mark 6: 30-34\, 53-56 & Ephesians 2: 11-22  by Jeff Wild\n\n\n\nSalvation in an Age of TribalismA sermon on Ephesians 2:11-22 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp11/2030-07-21/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300728T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300728T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200907T111624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000535Z
UID:10002796-1911427200-1911513599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 12 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The onset of spring seems to arouse powerful men\, and military campaigns were usually undertaken after the winter ended. One year\, King David sent out the Israelite army under the command of Joab and his officers. They decimated the Ammonite army and marched on their capital city\, Rabbah. \nDavid himself had his feet up in Jerusalem while his troops laid siege to Rabbah. Late one day\, after an afternoon siesta\, David wandered out onto his rooftop balcony. Looking down into the homes of his neighbours\, he spied a woman undressing to take a bath. He couldn’t take his eyes of her beautiful body. His lust got the better of him\, and he sent a servant to check out who she was. The servant reported back\, saying\, “Your Majesty\, her name is Bathsheba\, the daughter of Eliam. She is married to Uriah the Hittite who is presently serving in your army.” \nDavid was unperturbed and hastily arranged for his guards to grab her and bring her to him. She was escorted into the palace and left alone with the King. He had sex with her and then sent her home again. If he wanted to get away with it\, he had picked the wrong time of the month. A few weeks later he received a message from Bathsheba saying\, “I am pregnant with your baby.” \nDavid hatched a scheme to cover his tracks. He contacted Joab and arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be sent as a courier with military reports for the palace. When Uriah arrived\, David made a great show of asking him all about the war and how Joab and the troops were getting on. Then he said to Uriah\, “You’ve earned some leave. Go home\, enjoy a night with your wife\, and I’ll send you back in a day or two.” \nUriah left and David even had the palace kitchen send food and wine around to his house. But Uriah didn’t go home to his wife. He spent the night in the barracks of the palace guard. When David heard about it in the morning he sent for Uriah and said\, “I gave you some leave\, Soldier. You’ve been on a tough assignment. Why didn’t you go home?” \nUriah replied\, “It wouldn’t be fair to my mates. They’re all out there in tents – the whole army\, Joab and the other commanders\, and even the sacred Ark. How could I go home to eat and drink and sleep with my wife when they’re still roughing it? On a stack of bibles I swear to you\, I couldn’t do it.” \nDavid was getting desperate. He said to Uriah\, “I need you to stay here another day and then tomorrow you can take a delivery back to Joab.” \nSo Uriah hung around in Jerusalem as instructed. David invited him to dinner and made sure that his glass was never empty. By the time Uriah left that evening\, he was quite drunk\, but he still didn’t go home to his wife. He slept on a stretcher in the barracks again. \nDavid had only one card left. In the morning he sent Uriah back to the front with a dispatch for Joab. It included a royal order saying\, “Send Uriah to attack the enemy’s strongest defence post. Then\, pull back the rest of the troops so he’ll be stranded and killed.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Heartless\, mindless scum kid themselves\nthat there is no God. \nThey are corrupt and callous.\nThe things they do would make you sick.\nThere is not an ounce of good among them.  \nThe LORD scans the human race\, one at a time\,\nlooking for any who are still wise;\nfor even one who still has a heart for God. \nBut it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!\nThey’ve all lost the plot.\nEveryone is caught up\nin their own perverse ways.\nEvery last one of them.  \nDon’t they know where all this will get them?\nThey never look to the LORD for anything;\nthey chew up God’s people and spit them out.  \nBut it will soon be their turn to cringe in fear\,\nbecause God sides with those who play straight. \nIf you think you can trample\nthe dreams of the battlers\,\nWatch out! The LORD will be there for them.\nWe can hardly wait to hear the songs of freedom\nas justice marches down from God’s mountain!  \nWhat a day it will be\nwhen the LORD redistributes the wealth\nand God’s people are compensated\nfor their suffering! \nOur ancestors will rise up with joy!\nThe streets will fill with singing and dancing! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 3: 14-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Because of the overwhelming goodness of all God has done for us in Christ\, I fall on my knees in gratitude. I pour out prayers of thanks and praise to the God who conceived us\, to this God in whom every people of every place find their life and their true identity. \nI offer up prayers for you too. God overflows with rich and vibrant life\, and I’m praying that through God’s Spirit this overflow will be channelled into you\, to put new steel into every fibre of your being. I pray that through your trust in Christ\, he may put down roots in your heart\, and that you may put down roots in his love. You can’t have your feet on any firmer ground than that! \nI’m also praying that you and all God’s beloved people might somehow be able to fathom the astonishing extent of the mysteries God has opened to us\, even though they stretch from the depths of the earth to the outer reaches of the galaxy\, from horizon to horizon\, and from here to eternity! And finally I’m praying that you will be intimately acquainted with the love of Christ — a love that goes far beyond anything we can get our heads around. For it is that love that will pump you full of life\, the rich and vibrant life of God. \nSo now\, credit where credit’s due — all glory to God. It is God whose Spirit\, working powerfully within us and through us\, is capable of things beyond our wildest dreaming — things so extraordinary we’d have never even thought to ask for them. So all the accolades belong to God. \nIn the church\, glory to God!\nIn the messiah\, Jesus\, glory to God!\nIn every generation\, glory to God!\nIn every age\, from now to forever\, glory to God!\nAnd so say all of us! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Shortly before the annual Passover\, a sacred Jewish festival\, Jesus took a trip over to the other side of Lake Galilee. As usual\, a sizable crowd followed him. Indeed\, every time he helped a sick person\, people said it was a sign\, and growing numbers began to follow his every move. After beaching the boat\, Jesus headed up the hill with his closest followers. As they sat down\, they looked back and sure enough\, there was the crowd coming up to join them. Jesus put a question to Philip: “Where can we buy bread to feed all these extra guests?” \nHe actually knew what he was going to do\, but he wanted to see how far he could stretch Philip’s thinking. Philip replied\, “Even if there was a bakery out here\, you’d need to take out a mortgage to pay for a slice each!” \nAnother of the disciples\, Simon Peter’s brother Andrew\, spoke up: “There is a lad over here with five bread rolls and a couple of fish. It’s a drop in the ocean for this mob though.” \nJesus said\, “Get everyone to sit down\,” and they did. The grassy clearing where they sat was quite spacious\, and it needed to be — there were close to five thousand people there. Jesus took the bread rolls\, and after giving thanks to God\, he began handing them out among the people sitting on the grass. He did the same with the fish\, and somehow there was enough to go around. More than enough in fact. When everyone had eaten their fill\, he sent his disciples to gather up the leftovers\, saying\, “Don’t let anything go to waste!” \nHaving started with only five bread rolls\, they gathered up twelve shopping bags full of bits that people couldn’t eat! When it began to dawn on people what he had done\, they started saying\, “It’s a sign! He’s got to be the great prophet who God promised to send into the world.” \nJesus realised that they were getting carried away and that if he wasn’t careful they’d be starting a revolution and proclaiming him king\, whether he liked it or not. Discretion seemed the better plan\, so he slipped off and went bush by himself. \nThat evening his disciples went back down to the lake. Jesus hadn’t come back but darkness had fallen\, so they loaded the boat and pushed off toward Capernaum. A squall blew up and they’d been pushing through rough waters for about an hour when they saw Jesus walking across the waves\, not far from the boat. It scared them half to death\, but Jesus called out to them\, “Look who I am. There’s no need to be afraid!” They pulled themselves together and were keen to bring him on board\, but suddenly the boat ran aground — in the exact place they had been heading for! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Kings 4: 42-44			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	During the famine\, a man arrived from Baal-shalishah\, bringing a sack of food as the required offering to God from the first fruits of his harvest. He gave the offering to Elisha\, as God’s representative. The sack contained twenty loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. Elisha told his servant to give it to the hungry people outside so that they could eat. But his servant said\, “There’s a hundred people outside. How am I supposed to give this to them without it seeming like a cruel joke?” \nBut Elisha stood his ground\, saying\, “Give it to the people and let them eat. It will be enough for them all and they’ll have some left over. We have the LORD’s word for it.” \nSo the servant handed it out to the people. They all ate and there was some left over\, just as the LORD had promised. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 145: 10-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, everyone and everything will thank you\, their creator\,\nand all who are loyal to you will sing your praises. \nAs your people\, we will promote the glory of your reign\,\nand broadcast the news of your power for good. \nWe will tell everyone about the great things you have done\nand about the magnificent splendour of your reign. \nYou will reign forever and ever\, LORD\,\nyour rule is in place for all generations to come. \nEverything you say can be relied on\, LORD\,\nand everything you do is generous and loving. \nWhen people fall\, you put them back on their feet;\nwhen people are crushed\, you stand them tall again. \nEveryone looks to you for what they need\,\nand you meet their needs when the time is right. \nYou open your hands\nand satisfy the desires of every living thing. \nJustice marks everything you do\, LORD\,\nand generous love colours your every deed. \nWhen honest hearts cry out to you\, LORD\,\nyou are right there alongside them. \nYou satisfy the desires of those who respect you;\nyou hear their cries and rescue them from death. \nYou watch out for those who love you\, LORD\,\nand wipe out corruption when it threatens. \nYour praises will be always on our lips\, LORD\,\nand with all who live\,\nwe will single out your name for the highest honour\nforever and ever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho comes to us\, striding over chaos and death\,\nfeeding us with your abundance\nand making known to us\nthe length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With a love that surpasses knowledge\,\nChrist comes to us saying\, “Trust in me. Do not be afraid.”\nThough we have nothing to offer but our broken selves\,\nhe brings forth an abundance of mercy beyond our imagining. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nSeek God\, and the wisdom of God.\nHide yourself from the corruptions of power and adulation.\nEntrust whatever you have to Christ\nfor with him\, there will always be more than enough. \nAnd may God strengthen you in your inner beings.\nMay Christ Jesus dwell in your hearts through faith.\nand may the Holy Spirit plant your roots deeply\nin the abundant richness of God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nIs Gratitude a Performance Enhancing Drug?A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPaul’s PrayerA sermon on on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Alan Marr\n\n\n\nAbundance & CorruptionA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTaking By ForceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting a RapistA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread That Breaks RulesA sermon on John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nToxic ChosennessA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp12/2030-07-28/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300728T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300728T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200907T111624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240825T124244Z
UID:10002143-1911427200-1911513599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 12 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The onset of spring seems to arouse powerful men\, and military campaigns were usually undertaken after the winter ended. One year\, King David sent out the Israelite army under the command of Joab and his officers. They decimated the Ammonite army and marched on their capital city\, Rabbah. \nDavid himself had his feet up in Jerusalem while his troops laid siege to Rabbah. Late one day\, after an afternoon siesta\, David wandered out onto his rooftop balcony. Looking down into the homes of his neighbours\, he spied a woman undressing to take a bath. He couldn’t take his eyes of her beautiful body. His lust got the better of him\, and he sent a servant to check out who she was. The servant reported back\, saying\, “Your Majesty\, her name is Bathsheba\, the daughter of Eliam. She is married to Uriah the Hittite who is presently serving in your army.” \nDavid was unperturbed and hastily arranged for his guards to grab her and bring her to him. She was escorted into the palace and left alone with the King. He had sex with her and then sent her home again. If he wanted to get away with it\, he had picked the wrong time of the month. A few weeks later he received a message from Bathsheba saying\, “I am pregnant with your baby.” \nDavid hatched a scheme to cover his tracks. He contacted Joab and arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be sent as a courier with military reports for the palace. When Uriah arrived\, David made a great show of asking him all about the war and how Joab and the troops were getting on. Then he said to Uriah\, “You’ve earned some leave. Go home\, enjoy a night with your wife\, and I’ll send you back in a day or two.” \nUriah left and David even had the palace kitchen send food and wine around to his house. But Uriah didn’t go home to his wife. He spent the night in the barracks of the palace guard. When David heard about it in the morning he sent for Uriah and said\, “I gave you some leave\, Soldier. You’ve been on a tough assignment. Why didn’t you go home?” \nUriah replied\, “It wouldn’t be fair to my mates. They’re all out there in tents – the whole army\, Joab and the other commanders\, and even the sacred Ark. How could I go home to eat and drink and sleep with my wife when they’re still roughing it? On a stack of bibles I swear to you\, I couldn’t do it.” \nDavid was getting desperate. He said to Uriah\, “I need you to stay here another day and then tomorrow you can take a delivery back to Joab.” \nSo Uriah hung around in Jerusalem as instructed. David invited him to dinner and made sure that his glass was never empty. By the time Uriah left that evening\, he was quite drunk\, but he still didn’t go home to his wife. He slept on a stretcher in the barracks again. \nDavid had only one card left. In the morning he sent Uriah back to the front with a dispatch for Joab. It included a royal order saying\, “Send Uriah to attack the enemy’s strongest defence post. Then\, pull back the rest of the troops so he’ll be stranded and killed.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Heartless\, mindless scum kid themselves\nthat there is no God. \nThey are corrupt and callous.\nThe things they do would make you sick.\nThere is not an ounce of good among them.  \nThe LORD scans the human race\, one at a time\,\nlooking for any who are still wise;\nfor even one who still has a heart for God. \nBut it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!\nThey’ve all lost the plot.\nEveryone is caught up\nin their own perverse ways.\nEvery last one of them.  \nDon’t they know where all this will get them?\nThey never look to the LORD for anything;\nthey chew up God’s people and spit them out.  \nBut it will soon be their turn to cringe in fear\,\nbecause God sides with those who play straight. \nIf you think you can trample\nthe dreams of the battlers\,\nWatch out! The LORD will be there for them.\nWe can hardly wait to hear the songs of freedom\nas justice marches down from God’s mountain!  \nWhat a day it will be\nwhen the LORD redistributes the wealth\nand God’s people are compensated\nfor their suffering! \nOur ancestors will rise up with joy!\nThe streets will fill with singing and dancing! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 3: 14-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Because of the overwhelming goodness of all God has done for us in Christ\, I fall on my knees in gratitude. I pour out prayers of thanks and praise to the God who conceived us\, to this God in whom every people of every place find their life and their true identity. \nI offer up prayers for you too. God overflows with rich and vibrant life\, and I’m praying that through God’s Spirit this overflow will be channelled into you\, to put new steel into every fibre of your being. I pray that through your trust in Christ\, he may put down roots in your heart\, and that you may put down roots in his love. You can’t have your feet on any firmer ground than that! \nI’m also praying that you and all God’s beloved people might somehow be able to fathom the astonishing extent of the mysteries God has opened to us\, even though they stretch from the depths of the earth to the outer reaches of the galaxy\, from horizon to horizon\, and from here to eternity! And finally I’m praying that you will be intimately acquainted with the love of Christ — a love that goes far beyond anything we can get our heads around. For it is that love that will pump you full of life\, the rich and vibrant life of God. \nSo now\, credit where credit’s due — all glory to God. It is God whose Spirit\, working powerfully within us and through us\, is capable of things beyond our wildest dreaming — things so extraordinary we’d have never even thought to ask for them. So all the accolades belong to God. \nIn the church\, glory to God!\nIn the messiah\, Jesus\, glory to God!\nIn every generation\, glory to God!\nIn every age\, from now to forever\, glory to God!\nAnd so say all of us! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Shortly before the annual Passover\, a sacred Jewish festival\, Jesus took a trip over to the other side of Lake Galilee. As usual\, a sizable crowd followed him. Indeed\, every time he helped a sick person\, people said it was a sign\, and growing numbers began to follow his every move. After beaching the boat\, Jesus headed up the hill with his closest followers. As they sat down\, they looked back and sure enough\, there was the crowd coming up to join them. Jesus put a question to Philip: “Where can we buy bread to feed all these extra guests?” \nHe actually knew what he was going to do\, but he wanted to see how far he could stretch Philip’s thinking. Philip replied\, “Even if there was a bakery out here\, you’d need to take out a mortgage to pay for a slice each!” \nAnother of the disciples\, Simon Peter’s brother Andrew\, spoke up: “There is a lad over here with five bread rolls and a couple of fish. It’s a drop in the ocean for this mob though.” \nJesus said\, “Get everyone to sit down\,” and they did. The grassy clearing where they sat was quite spacious\, and it needed to be — there were close to five thousand people there. Jesus took the bread rolls\, and after giving thanks to God\, he began handing them out among the people sitting on the grass. He did the same with the fish\, and somehow there was enough to go around. More than enough in fact. When everyone had eaten their fill\, he sent his disciples to gather up the leftovers\, saying\, “Don’t let anything go to waste!” \nHaving started with only five bread rolls\, they gathered up twelve shopping bags full of bits that people couldn’t eat! When it began to dawn on people what he had done\, they started saying\, “It’s a sign! He’s got to be the great prophet who God promised to send into the world.” \nJesus realised that they were getting carried away and that if he wasn’t careful they’d be starting a revolution and proclaiming him king\, whether he liked it or not. Discretion seemed the better plan\, so he slipped off and went bush by himself. \nThat evening his disciples went back down to the lake. Jesus hadn’t come back but darkness had fallen\, so they loaded the boat and pushed off toward Capernaum. A squall blew up and they’d been pushing through rough waters for about an hour when they saw Jesus walking across the waves\, not far from the boat. It scared them half to death\, but Jesus called out to them\, “Look who I am. There’s no need to be afraid!” They pulled themselves together and were keen to bring him on board\, but suddenly the boat ran aground — in the exact place they had been heading for! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Kings 4: 42-44			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	During the famine\, a man arrived from Baal-shalishah\, bringing a sack of food as the required offering to God from the first fruits of his harvest. He gave the offering to Elisha\, as God’s representative. The sack contained twenty loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. Elisha told his servant to give it to the hungry people outside so that they could eat. But his servant said\, “There’s a hundred people outside. How am I supposed to give this to them without it seeming like a cruel joke?” \nBut Elisha stood his ground\, saying\, “Give it to the people and let them eat. It will be enough for them all and they’ll have some left over. We have the LORD’s word for it.” \nSo the servant handed it out to the people. They all ate and there was some left over\, just as the LORD had promised. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 145: 10-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, everyone and everything will thank you\, their creator\,\nand all who are loyal to you will sing your praises. \nAs your people\, we will promote the glory of your reign\,\nand broadcast the news of your power for good. \nWe will tell everyone about the great things you have done\nand about the magnificent splendour of your reign. \nYou will reign forever and ever\, LORD\,\nyour rule is in place for all generations to come. \nEverything you say can be relied on\, LORD\,\nand everything you do is generous and loving. \nWhen people fall\, you put them back on their feet;\nwhen people are crushed\, you stand them tall again. \nEveryone looks to you for what they need\,\nand you meet their needs when the time is right. \nYou open your hands\nand satisfy the desires of every living thing. \nJustice marks everything you do\, LORD\,\nand generous love colours your every deed. \nWhen honest hearts cry out to you\, LORD\,\nyou are right there alongside them. \nYou satisfy the desires of those who respect you;\nyou hear their cries and rescue them from death. \nYou watch out for those who love you\, LORD\,\nand wipe out corruption when it threatens. \nYour praises will be always on our lips\, LORD\,\nand with all who live\,\nwe will single out your name for the highest honour\nforever and ever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho comes to us\, striding over chaos and death\,\nfeeding us with your abundance\nand making known to us\nthe length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With a love that surpasses knowledge\,\nChrist comes to us saying\, “Trust in me. Do not be afraid.”\nThough we have nothing to offer but our broken selves\,\nhe brings forth an abundance of mercy beyond our imagining. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nSeek God\, and the wisdom of God.\nHide yourself from the corruptions of power and adulation.\nEntrust whatever you have to Christ\nfor with him\, there will always be more than enough. \nAnd may God strengthen you in your inner beings.\nMay Christ Jesus dwell in your hearts through faith.\nand may the Holy Spirit plant your roots deeply\nin the abundant richness of God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nIs Gratitude a Performance Enhancing Drug?A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPaul’s PrayerA sermon on on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Alan Marr\n\n\n\nAbundance & CorruptionA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTaking By ForceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting a RapistA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread That Breaks RulesA sermon on John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nToxic ChosennessA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp12/2030-07-28/
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300804T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20300804T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T105101
CREATED:20200907T124624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T050356Z
UID:10002144-1912032000-1912118399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 13 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The news that Uriah had been killed in battle reached his wife\, Bathsheba\, and she went into mourning. When the customary time of mourning was over\, King David arranged for her to move into the palace. She became his wife\, and a son was born to them. But David’s actions had put him off side with the LORD. \nThe LORD sent the prophet Nathan to speak to David. Nathan addressed the King saying: \nConsider this case\, your Majesty. Two men lived on neighbouring properties. One of them was filthy rich. He owned huge mobs of sheep and cattle\, and plenty of land to graze them on. The other man was dirt poor. He rented his land and owned only one small lamb. The lamb was like a pet to him and his children. It even used to eat at their table and sleep on the end of their bed. People used to joke that he treated the lamb like one of his daughters. One day the rich man had a guest from out of town. He was too stingy to butcher any of his own animals to prepare a meal for his guest\, so he sent a servant over the fence to steal the poor man’s lamb. He had the lamb roasted and carved up for the evening meal.”\nDavid was so outraged he nearly exploded! He thumped the table and said\, “I swear by God\, such a cruel and callous crime will not go unpunished. Hanging’s too good for a man like that! I order that he be made to pay compensation at four times the value of what he stole.” \nNathan looked David straight in the eye and said\, “You are the man! You stand condemned by your own words! Now listen to what the LORD\, the God of Israel\, says to you: \nI chose you to be king of Israel. When Saul was trying to kill you\, I rescued you. I gave you his throne and his wives and made you king over both Israel and Judah. If that wasn’t enough\, you should have said so. I would have gladly given you whatever you asked for. So why do you spit in my face now? Why have you rejected what I taught you and committed such a horrible crime? You murdered Uriah the Hittite so you could get your hands on his wife. He was fighting for you against the Ammonites – he shouldn’t have had to guard his back against you! And now the cat’s out of the bag. Your despicable behaviour will sow seeds of violence and betrayal that will tear apart your family generation after generation. Watch your back. Rebellion will come from within your own family and I’ll hand over your wives to the rebel before your very eyes. He’ll have sex with them right out in the open. Your crime was hidden away where no one could see\, but your humiliation will happen in public where everyone can see.”\nDavid cried out to Nathan\, saying\, “I have sinned against the LORD.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 51: 1-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O God\, your love never gives up.\nHave mercy on me now! \nI’m relying on your record of generous mercy:\nplease wipe my slate clean! \nScrub away the filth I’ve been living in;\nScour away the stain of my sin. \nI know only too well what I’ve done;\nmy sins stare me in the face. \nIt is you I’ve double-crossed\, you I’ve betrayed;\nI’ve done things which I knew you despised. \nYou have all the facts and you know what I deserve;\nwhat ever you decide is fair enough.\nI’ve been on the wrong side of you forever.\nI turned my back on you before I was born. \nYou want honesty that comes from deep within\,\nso teach me your wisdom\,\nlet it take root in my heart. \nGet the bleach out and give me the treatment!\nSoak me and wash me\nuntil I’m as white as snow. \nOpen my ears to laughter and music.\nThough you ground me into the dirt\,\nlet me now rise to the sounds of joy. \nTurn a blind eye to my record;\ndisregard my prior convictions. \nRenovate me from the inside\, O God;\nrebuild my heart and rewire my brain;\ninstall in me a new fault-free operating system. \nDon’t cut me off from you now\,\nor withdraw your Holy Spirit from me. \nRekindle in me the joy of being safe in your care\,\nand fill me with an insatiable desire to follow you. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 4: 1-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I am still in this detention centre\, locked up for the Lord\, but you are free to live out the life God has called you to. It’s a high calling\, but on bended knee I beg of you — live up to it. Give it everything you’ve got! Don’t let your zeal make you aggressive though. In all your dealings\, stay humble\, gentle\, patient. Even when things get rocky among you\, hang in there with each other. Don’t let your love give up. In the Spirit you are one people\, held together in peace. Put every effort in to making sure that that vision is a lived reality and not just a pious ideal. \nThis unity is evident in everything. The Spirit is one; the body into which we have been incorporated is one; and the quest we are called to is one. We have only one Lord; we share one faith; and we all came into it through the one baptism. We are all children of the one God\, who surrounds everything\, permeates everything\, and embraces everything. \nThat doesn’t mean we’re a bunch of clones though. In his extraordinary generosity\, Christ takes care to give us each the gifts that are just right for us. As the scriptures say\, \n“When he rose to the heights\nhe took confinement itself a prisoner\,\nand handed out gifts to the people.” \nNow\, when you think about it\, it becomes clear that if he ‘rose to the heights’ he must first have come down to the earth — right down into the depths of the earth. He who plumbed the depths and he who rose to the heights are one and the same\, and he fills everything in the universe with his presence. \nIt was he who ‘handed out gifts to the people’. He gifted some to be apostles and some to be prophets; others to be missionaries; and still others to be pastors and teachers. All these gifts are given for the task of equipping everyone in the church for the work of ministry. In this way the church\, as the body of Christ\, can grow strong and healthy. The work continues until we are all truly one — united by the shared experience of knowing and trusting the Son of God. That’s our destiny — full maturity — the realisation of our quest to live up to our role-model\, Jesus Christ. \nSo it’s time immaturity became a thing of the past. We’ve been as gullible as little children\, easy prey to those who offer sugar-coated deceptions. Racketeers and snake-oil merchants are always offering yet another new gimmicky life-change plan for those who fall for one scam after another. It’s time we grew up! It’s time we had the guts to face the truth\, and to speak it with love. That’s what it will take for us to grow to be like Christ\, to be part of Christ. We’ve got to let him call the shots. He is like the brain\, which communicates through the nervous system to keep every organ and muscle functioning harmoniously. Only with every part answering to him will the conditions be right for the body to grow strong and robust\, bulked up in love. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 24-35			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When the crowd who Jesus had fed realised that he and his disciples were gone\, they piled into the boats and headed across to Capernaum to look for him. \nWhen they tracked him down on the far side of the lake\, they questioned him\, “Rabbi\, when did you arrive here?” \nJesus took them to task\, saying\, “If the truth be known\, you’re not looking for me because you saw signs of God in what I did\, but simply because you got a free meal out of me. You’ll never satisfy your real hunger with a belly full of food\, no matter how much effort you put into it. Put your energy instead into finding the life-giving food that will never stop nourishing you. The New Human will give it to you\, and he has been guaranteed by God the Father.” \nHearing that\, they asked\, “What do we have to do to get in on what God’s doing?” \nJesus replied\, saying\, “This is all God asks: that you stake everything on the One he has sent.” \nBut they began beating around the bush\, saying\, “Show us a sign. What proof can you give us so that we’ll know it is right to commit ourselves to what you say? Show us what you can do. Moses brought down bread from heaven for our ancestors to eat in the desert. It says so in the scriptures.” \nThen Jesus set them straight: “If the truth be known\, Moses wasn’t the one who gave you the bread from heaven. It is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread that God is offering you is the real stuff — bread direct from heaven that gives life to the world.” \n“We’ll take it\, Sir!” they said. “Give us this bread from now on.” \nJesus said to them\, “It’s me. I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes on board with me will never hunger or thirst again. Put your trust in me and you will always be satisfied.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Exodus 16: 2-4\, 9-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Once they were on their own in the outback\, the Israelite people began to lose their nerve and worry about how they were going to survive\, and the whole crowd started whingeing and criticising Moses and Aaron. The people were saying\, “We would have been better off waiting for the LORD to kill us back in Egypt. At least there was always a pot of stew on the boil there\, and as much bread as we could eat. But you two have dragged us out into the scrub so that you can starve us all to death out here.” \nThen the LORD said to Moses\, “I am going to make bread fall from the sky like rain for you. Each day the people are to go out and collect enough for that day only. I am going to test out the people to see whether or not they will do what I tell them. They are not to stockpile it.” \nThen Moses said to Aaron\, “Give this message to the whole Israelite congregation: ‘Draw close to the LORD\, for the LORD has listened to your complaints.’” \nAnd even as Aaron was addressing the gathered people\, they looked out across the desert and witnessed an awesome display of the LORD’s glory in the clouds. \nThe LORD spoke to Moses and said\, “Because I have listened to the people’s problems\, I want you to give them this message: ‘At sundown you will have meat to eat\, and in the morning you will have plenty of bread. Then you will know for sure that I am the LORD your God.” \nThat evening\, an enormous flock of game birds came in and settled all over the camp where the people could pick them off with ease. Then in the morning\, the ground was covered in dew\, and as the dew dried\, it left a layer of fine flaky stuff on the ground. It looked like a light sprinkling of snow on the desert floor. When the people saw it\, they had no idea what it was and began to ask one another\, “What on earth is this stuff?” \nMoses told them\, “This is the bread that the LORD has provided for you to gather up and eat.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 78: 23-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, when our ancestors were wandering in the outback\nyou gave orders to the sky\,\nand opened the storerooms of heaven;\nyou rained down manna for them to eat\,\nthe grain of heaven as a gift to them. \nMere human beings ate the bread of angels\,\nfor you sent them all the food they could eat. \nYou set the wind blowing in the sky\,\ngusting from south and east with your power;\nand on the wind you sent more food still;\ngame birds coming in like wind-blown sand\,\nfalling thick on the ground around the camp\,\nmeals-on-wings landing on their doorstep. \nThe people stuffed themselves happily\, LORD\,\nbecause you had given them just what they were craving. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent us bread from heaven\nto give life to the whole world. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have offered yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished and built up\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nin whom you offer yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished in truth\nand baptised into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to the one hope;\none Lord\, one faith and one baptism. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nYour Son\, Jesus Christ\, came among us\ndoing your works\nand speaking your truth in love\nthat we might be bound together\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, in tender mercy\, does not cast us aside\,\nor withdraw the Holy Spirit from us\,\nbut saves us\, washing away our sin\nand cleansing us from our guilt. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out from here and live lives worthy\nof the one calling which we all share.\nIn humility\, gentleness and patience\,\nspeak only what is true and loving\nand so grow into the unity that is ours in Christ. \nAnd may God the creator reshape your hearts;\nMay Christ Jesus\, the bread of life\, sustain you always;\nand may the Holy Spirit unite you in the bond of peace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nLove that Body!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread and CircusesA sermon on John 6:24-35 & 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGrow UpA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting the AlmightyA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a\, Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Question of RepentanceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThank God for Painful People!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Spirit of Oneness and OneingA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Karen Quah
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp13/2030-08-04/
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