Resources for Families 

Informal Service of the word for the 2nd Sunday in Easter 19th April 2020

The Greeting  

Christ is risen!     The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!.

Opening Prayer     

Loving God, we give thanks for the opportunity that we have to come together, to share this time of fellowship, to read the scriptures, to pray for those in need and to sing your praises.

Keep us mindful of those in our community who are not as fortunate as we are, esp those who are on their own or concerned about their well being.

 

Hymn 252 Alleluia, Alleluia Give Thanks to the Risen Lord   

 

Confession.    Let us confess our sins to God our Father.

 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned in thought and word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may walk in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

 

Absolution

 

Collect     

Almighty Father,
you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification:
Grant us so to put away the leaven
of malice and wickedness
that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel, John 20: 19-31

The presence of the risen Jesus dispels fear and brings peace to his friends

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Short Homily / Thought    

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    

Let us declare our faith in God:

We believe in God the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

 

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith,

and fills us with his love.

 

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us with power from on high.

 

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Modern Hymn,  Be Bold Be Strong for the Lord your God is with you    

 

Prayers

Lord Jesus Christ, you appeared to your disciples and brought them peace.May your Church rejoice in your presence and life giving spirit.

Bring us through any doubts that we may have to proclaim you as Lord and God.

For those in Healthcare   

Loving God,

We give thanks for all who work in

healthcare at this difficult time.

Keep them save and strong as they care for all

who are unwell and may feel anxious or distressed.

Be with them as they bring healing and hope

to those who come to them in need,

Amen.

 

For those who are studying at the moment for exams  

Loving God, Be with all those who are preparing for exams

Calm any anxiety that they may feel.

Help them to remember what they have studied, to express it

clearly & to answer the questions as best they can.

Let the work that has been done stand to them.

Grant them self confidence and the assurance that you

are with them at this time Through Jesus Christ our lord.Amen

 

Working from home

Loving God we give thanks for our employment and for the blessing of working from home through this difficult time.

Be with us as adjust our routines and to concentrate as young children the delight of our lives, look for our time, attention and love, Help us as we strike a balance between family and work so that all will be satisfied. Amen.

Loved Ones who living and working in other lands, 

Loving God we pray for our loved ones who live far from us, but who are never far from our thoughts and always on our hearts. Keep them safe. We pray for those from this community who were  working in other places and are now unable to come home because of travel restrictions.Grant them reassurance and the knowledge that all is been done to help them through this difficult period. Amen.

Prayer for those affected by the coronavirus

Keep us, good Lord,

under the shadow of your mercy.

Sustain and support the anxious,

be with those who care for the sick,

and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may find comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

 

Lords Prayer 

The Grace

BLESSING

 

Hymn          Alleluia, Alleluia ‘

 

Dismissal

Go in the peace of the Risen Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!