Celebrant: Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga
Visiting Preacher: Revd Dr Terry Boyle,
Regional Pastor, Insight for Living UK

Gathering Music

Welcome

Father God, whether our hearts are full of songs of joy, or songs of sadness,
we come before you this day, offering you all that we are,
that our whole lives may become a song of praise to you.

[Silence]

Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We have come from all the corners of the earth.

Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We come as we are; we bring our life, our stories, our journey.

Welcome, brothers and sisters.
We are the rainbow people of God.

Welcome, chosen people.
May God our companion bind us in his love.

Amen

Hymn: O Lord, my God

O Lord my, God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die – I scarce can take it in:
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home – what joy shall fill my heart!
Then shall I bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, …

Russian hymn by Carl Boberg (1850–1940) tr. Stuart K. Hine (1899–1989)
CCL31580

Confession

Faithful God, we are sorry for the times when we have deepened the sorrows of others:
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.

We are sorry for trampling on the dreams of others
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.

We are sorry when we have responded negatively to another’s good news:
forgive us and help us to listen to the songs of all.

Kyrie

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace and forgiveness, that frees us to sing a new song,
lifts from us the burdens of the past, opens new windows on our future,
encourages us to follow your way and enables us to serve you in your world today.

Amen

Prayer of the Week

We sing our song of thankfulness
to you, Creator God, for beauty, life and adventure.
We sing our song of praise
to you, Lord Jesus, for Scripture, forgiveness and hope.
We sing our song of appreciation
to you, Holy Spirit, for joy, fellowship and grace.
We sing our song of faith
to you, Holy Trinity,
with all our heart and mind and strength.

Amen

Ministry of the Word

Joshua 5: 13–15

Read by Joy Enenche

The Fall of Jericho

¹³ Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

¹⁴ ‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

¹⁵ The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.

NIV®

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Hymn: Bless the Lord, my soul

[Congregation] Bless the Lord my soul and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord my soul, who leads me into life.

[Choir] It is God who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with love and compassion.

[Congregation] Bless the Lord my soul …

[Choir] The Lord is compassion and love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
God does not treat us according to our sins
nor repay us according to our faults.

[Congregation]Bless the Lord my soul …

[Choir] As a father has compassion on his children,
the Lord has pity on those who fear him;
for he knows of what we are made.
he remembers that we are dust.

[Congregation]Bless the Lord my soul …

© Ateliers et Presses de Taizé
CCL31580

Matthew 26: 47–56

Read by Richard May-Miller

Jesus Arrested

⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ ⁴⁹ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

⁵⁰ Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

⁵² ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’

⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

NIV®

This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.

Meditation

By Revd Dr Terry Boyle, Regional Pastor, Insight for Living UK

[Silence]

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in the Creator:
the maker of all things

We believe in the Son:
the redeemer of our broken world

We believe in the Spirit:
The sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.

Creator Father, beloved Son and living Spirit.

Amen

Prayers and Intercessions

Led by Rosie Boyle

The Peace

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord.

The peace of God be always with you.
and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Hymn: The Servant King

From heaven you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served, but to serve,
and give your life, that we might live.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.

There in the garden of tears,
my heavy load he chose to bear;
his heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but yours,’ he said.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.

Come see his hands and his feet,
the scars that speak of sacrifice,
hands that flung stars into space
to cruel nails surrendered.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.

So let us learn how to serve,
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other’s needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we’re serving.
This our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.

Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
CCL31580

Holy Communion

The Thanksgiving

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.

Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become our spiritual drink.

Blessed be God for ever.

The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.

Almighty God, good Father to us all, your face is turned towards your world.
In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death.
Your Word goes out to call us home to the city where angels sing your praise.

We join with them in heaven’s song:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

We bless the name of Jesus, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,
whose brokenness and suffering makes love real,
who on the night in which he was betrayed took bread,
gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying,

Take, eat. This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

After supper he took the cup saying,

Drink from this, all of you, this is my blood given for you.
Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.

This is the mystery of our faith.

Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.

Therefore, as we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we acknowledge brokenness as a path to truth.
We long for the bread of tomorrow: eternally broken and so able to nourish.
We long for the new wine of the kingdom: continuously poured out that thirst may be quenched.

Send your Spirit on us now,
that by these gifts we may feed on Christ with opened eyes and hearts on fire.
May we and all who share this food offer ourselves to live for you
and be welcomed at your feast in heaven, where all creation worships you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.

Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.

Amen

The Communion

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Amen

We come to this table, not because we must, but because we may,
not because we are strong, but because we are weak.
We come, not because any goodness of our own gives us a right to come,
but because we need mercy and help.
We come, because we love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
We come, because he loved us and gave himself for us.
We come and meet the risen Christ, for we are his Body.

Amen

Post Communion Prayer

Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Notices

Revd Dr Terry Boyle, Visiting Preacher

Terry and Rosie Boyle represent Insight for Living UK. This is a locally registered charity under the umbrella of Insight for Living, which is the radio Bible teaching ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Starting out in 1979 on a few local stations in the US, Chuck’s teaching is now heard on more than two thousand stations worldwide, and is translated into eight key regional languages, enabling solid Bible teaching to be heard in over eighty countries around the world. Terry is responsible as the ministry pastor, and for hosting the radio programmes for English-speaking Europe. Rosie is our listener contact for people who call in with questions and donations. More information can be found online at www.insightforliving.org.uk.

Take action for a successful outcome from COP29 in Azerbaijan

COP29 is the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan 11–22 November 2024, when governments will have an opportunity to make bold commitments to provide the financing needed to tackle climate change, especially for countries in the global South. The Anglican Communion has delegates attending the conference and has produced a guide, ‘How Christians can get involved from home with UN conferences this autumn’ https://www.churchofengland.org/about/environment-and-climate-change/how-christians-can-get-involved-home-un-conferences-autumn. In addition to praying and writing to our MPs, the Oxford Diocese is encouraging us to support the ‘Faith for the Climate’ calling for action in support of the ‘Make Polluters Pay’ campaign, which is highlighting the unjust impacts of the climate crisis. We are invited to add our voices to this call for climate justice by signing the statement calling on the UK Government to make polluters pay and reminding the UK Government why it needs to make bold commitments to climate finance at COP29. The link to sign the statement is: https://faithfortheclimate.org.uk/sign-our-open-letter-ahead-of-cop29/.

Cornerstone Eco Church Core Group

Ecumenical Confirmation

6.00 pm Sunday, 24 November 2024 at Christ the Cornerstone

There will be Ecumenical Confirmation at Cornerstone at 6.00 pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024 with Bishop Steven. The Preacher will be Revd Ian Suttie, District Ecumenical Officer of the Northampton Methodist District. Please come to the Confirmation Service to support the candidates from across Milton Keynes, including the candidates from Cornerstone: Alex, Barbrah, Greg, Kelly, Ozaseme, Rebecca, Sandra and Zoe. Please remember them in your prayers as they continue their preparation.

Advent Bible study starts week beginning 24 November 2024

Tuesday evenings at 7.15 pm will be led by Rosemary Kearsey (rosemary.kearsey@btopenworld.com, or by text to 07768 407576). Wednesday will be at 7.00 pm led by Grace Hunting and Revd George Mwaura (contact Pat or Robin Kyd) and Thursdays will be led by Stuart Kean (stuart.kean@gmail.com) All sessions are by Zoom and the weekly email will have login details. There may be some demand for a daytime session. If you feel you could lead one of these, please contact Cheryl Montgomery (07795 237 888) or leave a note at reception.

Week 1 Waiting for the End of Days: Jeremiah 33:14–16; Luke 21:25–36

Week 2 The One who Comes before: Malachai 3:1–4; Luke 3:1–6

Week 3 Waiting in Hope: Zephaniah 3:14–20; Luke 3:7–18

Week 4 Pregnancy – Expectant Waiting: Micah 5:2–5; Luke 1:39-–9

Get the church ready for Advent

Saturday, 30 November 2024 from 9.00 am until 11.00 am. Help decorate the tree and the Worship Area for Advent and Christmas.

Offering

Final Prayer

Lord, as we go into this week,
may we be confident that our lives are built on the sure foundation of you, our Rock.

Amen

Hymn: Rejoice! The Lord is King!

Rejoice! The Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore;
mortals give thanks and sing,
and triumph evermore:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our stains,
he took his seat above:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

His kingdom cannot fail;
he rules o’er earth and heaven;
the keys of deth and hell
are to our Jesus given:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

He sits at God’s right hand
till all his foes submit,
and bow to his command,
and fall beneath his feet:
Lift up you heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
CCL31580

Blessing

God be in your head, and in your understanding;
God be in your eyes, and in your looking;
God be in your mouth, and in your speaking;
God be in your heart, and in your thinking;
God be at your end, and at your departing.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you today and always

Amen

Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ,

Amen