Acts 11, Rev 21, John 13

Next weekend I hope to join the annual Little Gidding Pilgrimage, this year featuring poet Malcolm Guite. I recommend a visit to his blog and a look at his books, such as Parable and Paradox: a collection of sonnets based on the sayings of Jesus.

From the blurb:
Cambridge poet, priest and singer-songwriter Malcolm Guite transforms 70 lectionary readings into inspiring poems for use in regular worship, seasonal services, meditative reading or on retreat.

I’m hoping we’ll hear a few of these as we walk through the Huntingdonshire countryside from George Herbert’s church at Leighton Bromswold to Nicholas Ferrar’s tomb at Little Gidding. If you’re interested in knowing more, follow the link at the top.

Besides the walking and meretricious devotion there will, of course, be tea and cake in abundance. (We are British, after all.)

Now, back to the studio for this week’s resources. Liturgy based the RCL passages is at the end, below these links to previously-published crafts, reflections and goodness knows what else.

Other Resources

Bonus special!

Nothing whatsoever to do with anything else, here is a video of last week’s intergen slot at my church featuring the miracle of turning water into wine – with added Igor!

Would folks be interested in a book of science-and-faith experiments with talks like this?
(Apologies for video quality, we had a few tech glitches.)

Liturgy for the Fifth Sunday in Easter

Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35

Confession and Absolution

“A new commandment I give to you: love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”

Lord God, you gave us but one command, and we have failed.

We have failed to love those who are different from us.
We have failed to love those with whom we disagree.
We have failed to love those who believe or worship differently.
We have failed to love those for whom you gave your life.
Lord God, forgive us.
Lord God, forgive us.

Forgive us for not seeing with your eyes of grace.
Forgive us for not blessing with the mercy you bestow on us.
Forgive us for not welcoming the lost sheep of your kingdom.
Forgive us for putting boundaries on your love.
Lord God, forgive us.
Lord God, forgive us.

pause

“A new commandment I give to you: love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”

People of God,
know that God forgives all who truly repent,
strengthening us to become more like Jesus,
and to live a life worthy of the calling we have received.
Know yourself forgiven.
Amen.

Blessing and Dismissal

May the God who makes everything new grant you newness of life in full abundance.
May the God who wipes every tear from your eye grant you joy in every circumstance.
May the God who dwells among mortals grant you to know his presence and comfort.
And may the blessing of our Lord God,
the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
be upon you and remain with you
this day and always.
Amen.

Go now, and spread the peace and glory of heaven on earth
and love as God loves you.

With the help of God, we will.
Amen.

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