1 Action for Children Sunday TIME TO TRANSFORM TOTIME TO

2 King Solomon’s reflections on time and change tell us that it is important to respond to changing seasons – a time to take stock, a time to turn things around. As Action for Children goes through the process of transforming to help disadvantaged children, they are reflecting on what works and what needs to change for the better.

3 Come let us sing of a wonderful love (S/Faith 443, H/P 691) First Hymn

4 Isaiah 43:16-21 God promises to do a new thing Bible Reading

5 Blest are the pure in Heart (S/Faith 244, H/P 724) Second Hymn

6 Prayer for Action for Children Sunday 2016 (also printed on the prayer card) Loving and compassionate God, our hearts go out to children as we thank you for the work and ministry of all involved with Action for Children. We thank you for all who have worked and are working today with your precious children and their families through this organisation.

7 We thank you for those who put your love into action, listening and caring for families and responding to their needs. We thank you for those too who take time to campaign for change in legislation which would enhance the lives of children and families on their life’s journey.

8 For Action for Children we give thanks and pray that you continue to inspire their work as they share your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

9 Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 The way of love

10 Holy Love… Holy love is gentle and calm, A gentle love can never harm Holy love is protecting and forgiving A forgiving love makes life worth living Holy love seeks justice for all God’s voice is truly in that call. Holy love comes from mind and heart And is kind and generous in every part And as we journey on the Christian road Our demanding God helps us with our load. For the holy blessing from above Is love eternal from our King of Love. Reflection

© Action for Children Loving God we thank you for walking with us, never leaving our side as we journey through life. Today we hold to you those who are enduring hardship on their life’s journey, especially for children far from home and suffering hardship, for refugees, especially those who are orphaned or separated from their families. Prayers of Intercession

© Action for Children Lord, protect them with your love and in the midst of their uncertainly and turmoil, may they know your peace. (Short silence) We pray for all children who care for their parents, often forfeiting the joy of their own childhood. We lift them and the confusion and pain of their lives into your supportive and healing love. (Short silence) Prayers continued..

13 Prayers continued.. And finally for ourselves, we pray that as we walk with you our God of love we too reach out generously to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

14 Father God as we thank you for your constant love in our lives, it’s in love we present these offerings of money for the work of Action for Children. Enable them to use the gifts to bring practical care, compassion and support to disadvantaged and marginalised children, young people and families and grant that in our partnership together we may bring hope, support and comfort to those in need as they walk the difficult journey of life. Amen. An offering prayer

15 Who would true valour see (S/Faith 486: H/P 688) or One more step (S/Faith 476: H/P 746) Final hymn