GATHERING SONG Jesu, tawa pano Jesus, we are here (StF 27) Jesu, tawa pano; tawa pano, mu zita renyu.

Jesus, we are here Jesus, we are here, we are here for you.

Saviour, we are here, we are here for you.

Master, we are here, we are here for you.

Spirit, we are here, we are here for you. © Patrick Matsikenyiri, 1990

AND INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE

Praise with joy the world’s Creator, God of justice, love and peace, HYMN Praise with joy the world’s creator (to tune, Praise my soul (StF 83, H&P 13)) Praise with joy the world’s Creator, God of justice, love and peace, source and end of human knowledge, force of greatness without cease. Celebrate the Maker’s glory - power to rescue and release.

Praise the Son who feeds the hungry, frees the captive, finds the lost, heals the sick, upsets religion, fearless both of fate and cost. Celebrate Christ’s constant presence - Friend and stranger, guest and host.

Praise the Spirit sent among us, liberating truth from pride, forging bonds where race or gender, age or nation dare divide. Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure - foolishness none dare deride.

Praise the Maker, Son and Spirit, one God in community, calling Christians to embody oneness and diversity. Thus the world shall yet believe, when shown Christ’s vibrant unity. © 1987, WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland. wgrg@iona.org.uk; www.wgrg.co.uk. Reproduced by permission.

PRAYERS OF ADORATION, CONFESSION AND THANKSGIVING Creator God, you have called us here: We have come to worship you. Jesus, our risen Lord and Saviour, you invite us daily to follow you: We want to live in your presence.

Holy Spirit, source of energy and life, you lead us into the truth: We call upon you to inspire our worship and transform our lives. Lord of love, as we draw near to you, we become aware of our lack of love. We confess that we do not love you with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. – Pause – Lord, forgive us and transform us.

We do not love our neighbour as you have told us to do. – Pause – Lord, forgive us and transform us. We do not even love ourselves.

Hear these words of truth and grace: Christ Jesus died for you and rose again victorious. God forgives you; God welcomes you; God takes delight in you. Thanks be to God! Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER [a paraphrase] Our heavenly Father, like a Mother and a Father you love us unconditionally. We worship your name, you are holy and worthy of all our praise. Your kingdom come, your realm of love, peace and wisdom be real, here and now. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,

help your children in the way of obedience, that creation will be restored. Give us today our daily bread, grant us food for our bodies, your word for our spirits and your Son’s body and blood for our growth in grace. Forgive us our wrongdoing, your generous grace is more than we deserve. As we forgive those who have wronged us, help us to reflect your mercy and to love our enemies.

Do not bring us to a time of trial, and protect those we love. Rescue us from evil, help us to fight for justice and good in the world. Amen. © Michaela Youngson from The Weaver, the Word and Wisdom (Inspire, 2007). Used with permission.

In the Lord I’ll ever be thankful (StF 776) SONG In the Lord I’ll ever be thankful (StF 776) In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God, do not be afraid; lift up your voices, the Lord is near; lift up your voices, the Lord is near. © Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, 71250 Taizé, France. Used by permission. READING Genesis 18:1-10

SONG In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God, do not be afraid; lift up your voices, the Lord is near; lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

SONG In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God, do not be afraid; lift up your voices, the Lord is near; lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

HYMN Let us build a house (StF 409) Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dream and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; here the love of Christ shall end divisions: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true, where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew. Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace; here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat: a banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet. Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space; as we share in Christ the feast that frees us: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known. Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face; let us bring an end to fear and danger: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word. Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace, let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Marty Haugen © 1994 by GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 www.giamusic.com 800.442.1358 All rights reserved. Used by permission.

READING Luke 7:36-50 (or presented as a dramatic monologue written by Deacon Denise Creed) ADDRESS “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)

OFFERTORY AND DEDICATION OF EASTER OFFERING Lord, your word teaches us to contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers. We bring these gifts to you because we want to share your wonderful message of hope with all people. May your kingdom grow. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below. There is One Among Us (© Wild Goose Publications, 2000) (with optional circle dance)

We thank you Lord, that you give us opportunities to learn more about your world as we support the work within our Partner Churches. We pray especially for those engaged in mission in areas of conflict and danger, that you will protect, strengthen and transform your people by your risen presence. Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below.

We thank you Lord that you have created a world where there is no need for anyone to go hungry. We pray for those who work to provide food and shelter for those who are in need because of war, injustice or natural disaster. May they, in turn, receive your blessing as you reveal yourself in those they serve. Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below.

We thank you Lord that we have a gospel of hope We thank you Lord that we have a gospel of hope. We pray for those who are fearful or grieving, bewildered or weighed down with regrets or with guilt. Guide messengers of hope to transform such darkness into light. Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below.

We thank you, Lord, that our churches can be places of hospitality and safety. Teach us how to welcome both friend and stranger in ways that affirm and value each person. Increase our awareness of God within everyone that we might greet you in them. Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below.

We thank you, Lord, for those who have been generous towards us, sharing their time, their homes, their possessions, their concerns and their faith. As they have been open to us, may we also be open to others and find you daily in our midst. Sung response: There is one among us, whom we do not know. Host of highest Heaven, present here below.

RESPONSE O God we thank you that no sin is too great for your forgiveness. Grant us the humility, tears and kisses of the woman with the alabaster flask of ointment that we may grow closer to you through simple acts of love. As she once anointed you, may you anoint us and bless us. Amen. © Ruth Duck from Touch Holiness (Pilgrim Press,1990). Used with permission.

ACTION [optional] Invite members of the congregation to dab fragrant oil (from a bowl with a cotton wool ball) on the back of the hand of the person to the immediate right of them.

HYMN God, save us from the platitudes (written for this service) (to tune Abingdon (StF 499, H&P 500) or Mount Sion (StF 661, H&P 767)) God, save us from the platitudes, the empty prayers and hollow praise that blind us to hypocrisy of every thoughtless word or phrase. O take us, mend us, make us one until your work on earth is done.

When pride and selfishness demand our rights when others suffer hurt, when greed and use of wealth exploit and push our neighbours in the dirt. Yes, take us, mend us, make us one until your work on earth is done.

Within a world of fear-built walls of colour, social class or creed, God, help us look with Christ-lit eyes for Christ within another’s need; O take us, mend us, make us one until your work on earth is done.

O God of fundamental grace in which your church has grown and stands, great God of self-denying love may hatred die in every land. Yes, take us, mend us, make us one until your peace on earth is won.

Then graceful hospitality may welcome angels unaware, until your all inclusive love spans through all time, is everywhere, for by your grace we now are one, your hope is gained, your work is done. © Andrew Pratt, 2011.

draw us nearer to each other. God in Trinity, CLOSING PRAYER God of mystery, draw us nearer to you. God of relationship, draw us nearer to each other. God in Trinity, draw us into deeper understanding through your gift of faith and the outpouring or your love. © Joy Tetley from Prayers Encircling the World (SPCK, 1998). Used by permission.

SUNG OR SPOKEN BLESSING May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors. © ‘May the peace of the Lord Christ’ from the Northumbria Community’s Celtic Daily Prayer. Used by permission.