Call to Worship
We come in worship to God, in our need, and bringing with us the needs of the world.
We come to God, who comes to us in Jesus and who knows by experience what human life is like.
We come with our faith and with our doubts we come with our hopes and with our fears
We come as we are, because it is God who invites us to come
And God has promised never to turn us away.
From the Iona community
Candle Lighting
Today we light the Christ Candle in honour of the One who brings light to the world.
Lord, bring light to all who are in places of darkness.
Today we light the Christ Candle in honour of the One who gives abundant life.
Lord, restore all who live in fear and in need.
Today we light the Christ Candle in honour of the One who redeems the world.
Lord, deliver the world from evil, and us from complacency.
Today we light the Christ Candle
in honour of the One who revealed the Father
and sent the Spirit to be our guide and constant companion.
Today may our worship be pleasing to the Triune God. Amen.
Connect
Gospel Reading
Mark 12:38-44
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.
Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Reflection
An offering of grace
Offering
Communion
Prayers of the People
Blessing
O God of life, of all life, of each life, we lay our lives before you:
we give our lives to you, from whom nothing in us is hidden.
You are before us, God, you are behind.
You are around us, God, you are within.
O God of life, O generous Spirit,
renew us and all your people with your Life
Today, tomorrow and always.
Amen.
