Last week we had our inclusion Sunday, where we focussed on making God’s house a welcoming place for all people. For example, we had additional signs on the doors of the toilets to help those using Makaton widgets. (You can find Makaton resources here.) The overwhelming reaction was, “Why didn’t we have those before? We’re going to keep them, right?” Yes, we are.
The intergen slot (always aiming to be accessible, of course) was the Parable of the Mustard Seed and had a great response. I don’t think you can see it in the camera, but there were people standing in their chair all through the congregation. You can download the script here and see it in action below.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iNRc-wjQLCo?si=6zodkvOFalCF41cr&t=1890
As we were doing sound checks before the service, some one said, “it would be good to sign one of the songs.” Indeed it would (pity no one mentioned it more in advance), so I hope you enjoy The Blessing (one of my all-time favourites) in BSL.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iNRc-wjQLCo?si=ow8Eo6lQdGu3F7Bi&t=5315
Liturgy Resources for Proper 12
Psalm 145:10-18, Ephesians 3:14-21
Confession and Absolution
The Lord is faithful in all his words
and gracious in all his deeds.
Lord, you are faithful indeed and we call upon your grace as we confess our sins to you.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
Lord, we are bowed down with the weight of our failings, especially …
The Lord is just in all his ways
and kind in all his doings.
You are just, O Lord, you are just, and we acknowledge that we deserve your judgement; but you are also kind and we cry to you for mercy.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
We thank you, O Lord, that you are near to us and you hear us when we call. Forgive and restore us, revive and refresh us,
and strengthen us to live as your forgiven people.
Amen.
Blessing and Dismissal
May you, with all the Lord’s holy people, rooted and established in love,
have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
May you know this love that is far beyond knowledge,
may you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
And to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen.
The Reflectionary 