Sunday 17 July 2022 is the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
The main scripture this week is about Jesus’ encounter with the sisters, Mary and Martha, as told by Luke in his Gospel at Luke 10:38-42.
This week’s service comes at end of a week-long children’s holiday club held in the Church, called Showstoppers. The service features two songs sung frequently in the club – both composed by Doug Horley – God Loves me and I’m gonna jump up and down. Our thanks go especially to Carol, Chris and Sarah from Out of the Box (Scotland) for leading the club and, in the process, providing masses of fun and inspiration for the children who attended and the volunteers – from St. James’ Church and also from St. Gerardine’s Church.
Main scripture this week
Luke 10:38-42 (from The Message translation of the Bible)
Mary and Martha
38-40 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”
41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
Order of Service
Welcome and Intimations
Call to Worship
Praise: MP1350 Speak O Lord
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Children’s Address
Praise: God loves me (Youtube)
I’m gonna jump up and down
Readings: Amos 8:1-12 & Psalm 52
Praise: MP590 Seek ye first the kingdom of God
Readings: Colossians 1:15-28 & Luke 10:38-42
Sermon
Praise: MP799 All I once held dear
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Praise: MP796 When we walk with the Lord
Benediction & Threefold Amen
Video recording of today’s service
I would like to suggest to you that the story is so often completely misunderstood. How often have you heard this story presented as a contrast between Martha; the doer, the activist, and Mary; the listener, the contemplative? Martha versus Mary and Jesus rather surprisingly judges that Mary is the winner.
rev. geoff mckee
Musical Selection
This version of the hymn Breathe on me breath of God was composed by Roger Jones of Christian Music Ministries and is included in the new and revised edition of Roger’s musical “Saints Alive”.
The lyrics were written by Edwin Hatch (1835-1889).
Saints Alive is a musical telling the story of the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost, showing the dramatic change which took place in the apostles, turning them from frightened and hopeless men to people who turned the world upside down.
This hymn is a prayer and reminds us of the creation (Genesis 2:7) and also of Jesus breathing on his disciples and saying to them “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
