Mission
Mission
During this time, we focus on the ways
in which Christ empowers us by his grace
to share the Gospel with others
and join in with his on-going mission in the world.
It allows a time of reflection between the celebrations
surrounding Jesus’ birth and the
challenging themes of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
Opening Sentence
Jesus said, “You did not choose me but I chose you
and appointed you so that you may go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”
(John 15:16a)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
We have come together in the name of Christ
to offer our praise and thanksgiving,
to hear and receive God’s holy word,
to pray for the needs of the world,
and to seek the forgiveness of our sins,
that by the power of the Holy Spirit
we may give ourselves to the service of God.
Opening Responses
O Lord, open our lips:
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
O God make speed to save us:
O Lord make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now and shall be for ever. Amen
Confession
The gospel calls us to turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.
As we offer ourselves to him in penitence and faith,
we renew our confidence and trust in his mercy.
Silence is kept.
Let us return to the Lord our God and say to him:
Father,
we have sinned against heaven and against you.
We are not worthy to be called your children.
We turn to you again.
Have mercy on us,
and bring us back to yourself
as those who were once dead
but now have life through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Absolution
May the Lord enrich us with his grace,
and nourish us with his blessing:
may the Lord defend us in trouble
and keep us from all evil;
may the Lord accept our prayers
and absolve us from our offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Collect
Let us gather our prayers together:
Almighty God,
who called your Church to witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
First Reading
Gospel Reading
Address
Affirmation of Faith
Let us declare our faith in God.
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Let us pray in the quiet for our own needs and for the needs of the world:
Lord, meet us in the quiet.
And hear our prayer.
- For the world (for peace, for all leaders, for those suffering or in need)
- For the church (for our bishops, clergy, the diocese, local churches)
- For our community (for leaders, groups, and those in need or distress)
- For our friends and family (for those we love and those no longer with us)
- For ourselves (we give thanks and we ask for help and guidance)
Let us pray:
O Lord,
to be turned from you is to fall,
to turn to you is to rise,
and to stand in your presence is to live for ever.
Grant us in all our duties your help,
in all our perplexities your guidance,
in all our dangers your protection,
and in all our sorrows your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Seeking the salvation of the world, as our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory
are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Prayer before Communion
Let us prepare to share in communion together:
As we eat and drink this holy meal,
may we be reminded of your unconditional love for us,
and may our eyes be opened
to recognise Jesus in each other.
We ask this prayer in his name
Amen.
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord is here
His spirit is with us
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give him thanks and praise
We praise you, heavenly Father,
for your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who in the same night that he was betrayed,
took bread and gave you thanks.
He broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying,
“Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way after supper,
he took the cup, and gave you thanks;
he gave it to them, saying,
“Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it,
in remembrance of me.”
We praise and thank you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we obey your command,
send your Holy Spirit,
that this bread and wine may be for us
the body and blood of your precious Son.
Amen.
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ
Though we are many we are one body because we all share in one bread.
Dear Friends,
receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
with faith and thanksgiving.
Remember that he gave himself for you.
Remember that he died for you,
and allow him to feed and nourish
your body, mind, and spirit.
The Distribution
Prayer after Communion
Let us give thanks to God for this meal:
May the bread and companionship we share
nourish our hearts and minds,
and with our spirits refreshed,
may we live our lives to your praise and glory,
now and forever.
Amen.
A Song of the Anointing of the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1-4, 11)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me:
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring good news to the poor:
and to bind up the broken-hearted.
To proclaim liberty to the captives:
and the recovery of sight to the blind.
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour:
a day of recompense from our God.
To comfort all who mourn:
to give them the oil of gladness instead of mourning.
They shall be called oaks of righteousness:
planted by God for his glory.
They shall rebuild the ancient ruins:
and restore what has long laid waste.
For as the earth brings forth shoots and makes new things grow:
the Lord will make integrity and praise spring up before all nations.
Prayer
Let us dedicate ourselves to the service of God:
Eternal God, giver of life and power,
your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world
to preach the gospel of his kingdom:
confirm us in this mission,
and help us to live the good news we proclaim;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Blessing
May the Father whose glory fills the heavens,
cleanse us by his holiness and send us to proclaim his word.
Amen.
May the Son, who has ascended to the heights,
pour upon us the riches of his grace.
Amen.
May the Holy Spirit, the Comforter,
equip us and strengthen us in our ministry.
Amen.
And may the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among us and remain with us always.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ, Amen.