Covenant Renewal with Holy Communion – Live Streamed – Sunday, 21 September 2025
Presiding Minister: Revd George Mwaura
Gathering Music
Opening Words
Brothers and sisters, as we gather to worship God and renew our covenant,
let us pray with hope and trust that the vision of unity will one day be made complete,
unfolding in God’s time, at God’s pace, and in the way God’s Spirit leads the Church into the future.
May we open our hearts to that promise as we begin our worship together.
God of love and freedom, you are the source of all unity and love.
Help us to grow that we may pray, live and work together
to manifest clearly the unity of your Church in Jesus,
that filled with your Spirit, we may accomplish here the mission of your Church.
Amen
Greetings and Introduction
Opening Hymn: The church’s one foundation
The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word;
from heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride,
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.
Elect from every nation,
yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.
’Mid toil, and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace for evermore;
till with the vision glorious
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great Church victorious
shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is one:
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we,
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.
S.J. Stone (1839–1900)
CCL31580
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession
Gracious and loving God, we gather today with grateful hearts,
remembering the covenant made among our churches so many years ago.
We thank you for every step of the journey since 1992, for friendships that have weathered change,
for moments of shared worship and service,
and for your faithfulness in seasons of abundance and in times of challenge.
We thank you for the vision of unity you planted in us, echoing the prayer of Christ:
‘that they may all be one.’
As we reflect on the words of Isaiah, we give thanks for your promise of peace,
swords beaten into ploughshares, nations learning war no more.
And as Paul urged the Ephesians, we are grateful for the bond of peace you have given us,
and for the one Spirit who calls us together.
Yet, Lord, we confess that we have not always lived as one.
We have let differences divide us, and at times have clung to comfort, security, or tradition
rather than stepping out in faith together
In our weakness, we have been slow to forgive, quick to judge, and hesitant to reach beyond our walls.
Forgive us, we pray.
Where we have fallen short of your calling, restore us.
Where we have grown weary or anxious, renew our hope.
Where our hearts have been closed, open them again to your love and to one another
On this UN Peace Day, as we recommit ourselves to the covenant, fill us afresh with your Spirit.
Make us instruments of your peace in Milton Keynes and beyond.
Unite us in purpose, deepen our compassion, and lead us forward in faith,
so that the world may believe.
We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
[Silent reflection]Kyrie
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all. In Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
Amen. Thanks be to God.
Prayer of the Week
God of peace, you have made us one family in Christ,
called us from many traditions, and sent us to serve together in your world.
Grant us, we pray, the courage to keep our covenant, the grace to forgive and heal,
and the hope to persevere in faith,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Ministry of the Word
Isaiah 2: 2–5
Read by Don Head
The Mountain of the Lord
2 In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways
so that we may walk in his paths.’
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
NIV®
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn: A new commandment I give unto you
A new commandment I give unto you,
that you love one another as I have loved you,
that you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples,
if you have love one for another.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples,
if you have love one for another.
A new commandment I give unto you, …
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Without my help you can do nothing.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Without my help you can do nothing.
A new commandment I give unto you, …
I am the true vine, my Father is the gardener.
Abide in me: I will be with you.
I am the true vine, my Father is the gardener.
Abide in me: I will be with you.
A new commandment I give unto you, …
True love is patient, not arrogant nor boastful;
love bears all things, love is eternal.
True love is patient, not arrogant nor boastful;
love bears all things, love is eternal.
A new commandment I give unto you, …
Anonymous, based on John 13: 34–35)
CCL31580
Ephesians 4: 3–6
Read by Richard May-Miller
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
NIV®
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.
Sermon
By Revd George Mwaura
Musical Meditation
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in one God: Who calls us from every tradition, every background,
and gathers us as one people.
We believe in Jesus Christ: Who prayed that we might all be one,
and who leads us on the path of peace.
We believe in the Holy Spirit: Who breaks down walls and builds bridges,
uniting us in hope and compassion.
On this day, we give thanks for the covenant that binds our churches,
for the years behind us, and for the journey ahead.
Though our numbers may be fewer and our resources less secure,
our resolve is strong to love as Christ loves, to work for peace in our city and our world.
We trust in God’s faithfulness, and we recommit ourselves to walk in unity,
so that all may know the love and peace of Christ.
Amen
The Renewal of the Covenant
Having committed ourselves to serve God as a family at Cornerstone,
we remember the covenant that makes us one Christian community here in Central Milton Keynes,
and we renew it together.
Believing that the unity of the Church is the will of God, we,
the members and ministers of the congregations at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone,
hereby covenant upon the foundation of the recognition that we have one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
for we share a Gospel which effects reconciliation between God and humankind
and between nations and peoples.
Travelling as pilgrims on a journey that has already started, and which will lead we know not where,
we are pleased to place our trust in God, in whose hands the future lies, and to be led forward by Him.
In order to proclaim the Gospel by common witness and service in the community and the world,
and in obedience to God’s call, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
we therefore joyfully covenant with one another;
to work together in love to pray and care for one another and for our neighbour
to serve together the community based in the City Centre
and to live together in fellowship to the greater glory of God.
Amen
Offering
including Covenant Renewal Cards
and commissioning the Sunday School teachers
Gracious God, we thank you for the dedication and gifts of our Sunday School teachers,
who help nurture faith and unity in the hearts of our children.
As we commission them for the new term, fill them with your wisdom, patience, and joy.
May they teach with love, serve with humility, and model the peace and unity that Jesus prayed for.
Bless their work, guide their words, and let your Spirit be present in every lesson.
Through their teaching, may our children grow in faith, in hope, and in the knowledge of your love.
Amen
Hymn: Will you let me be your servant
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together
of Christ’s love and agony.
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
Richard Gillard (b. 1953)
CCL31580
Prayers of Intercession
Led by Peter Steeds, Stuart Kean, June Halstead, Liz Ruthven and Joy Enenche
Led by people from different denominations, each offering a prayer:
For the Unity of the Church: Faithful God,
we give thanks for the covenant made among our churches in October 1992.
For every step we have taken together since then,
for friendships formed, and for the witness of unity in our city.
We praise you Lord for your faithfulness in all these years.
Help us to grow ever closer in understanding and love.
Heal old wounds, soften hard hearts, and guide us to work as one body in Christ.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For the Peace of the World: God of peace, on this United Nations Peace Day,
we commit ourselves afresh to the ways of justice and reconciliation.
We remember places torn apart by war, violence, or hatred.
Bring peace to every nation, every city, every heart.
Give wisdom to leaders, courage to peacemakers, and hope to all who long for an end to conflict.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For the City of Milton Keynes and its People: Loving God, we thank you for Milton Keynes,
for its diversity, its creativity, and the many people who call it home.
Bless our neighbours, our schools, our workplaces, and our streets.
May your Spirit move among us, bringing compassion, welcome, and a sense of belonging to all.
Help us, as your Church, to serve this city with open hands and open hearts.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For those in need: God of compassion, we pray for all who are struggling today,
the poor, the sick, the lonely, the marginalized.
Where there is hunger, bring food; where there is despair, bring hope;
where there is pain, bring healing.
Show us how to be your hands and feet, sharing your love with those who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For the ongoing work of the Covenant Churches:
Gracious God, strengthen the witness and mission of our covenant churches.
May our partnership continue to grow, bearing fruit for your kingdom.
Help us to discern your will for the years ahead, and to serve together with joy and humility.
May our unity be a sign to the city and the world of your deep and abiding love.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Gracious God, gather all our prayers, spoken and unspoken, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Peace
On this day, as we remember our covenant and join with people around the world longing for peace,
we recall the words of Jesus: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’
We are one body, called to unity, called to love, called to share the peace that only Christ can bring.
So let us greet one another not just as friends, but as sisters and brothers united in God’s family.
Friends, may the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be always with you
and also with you.
Let us share with one another a sign of Christ’s peace and wave to those watching on the live stream.
Holy Communion
Friends, on this Covenant Renewal Sunday, we gather as one people, drawn from many backgrounds and traditions, united in Christ. As Isaiah dreamed, ‘In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the highest of the mountains, and all nations shall stream to it.’
We come, people of every nation and walk of life, to seek God’s ways, to walk in God’s paths.
This table does not belong to any one church or tradition, it is Christ’s table, and all who seek him are welcome. As Isaiah saw, all nations are invited; as Paul reminds us, there is one body. So come, bring your hunger, your hope, your need for renewal.
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy God, from the beginning you have called your people into covenant. You formed us in your image, you led us from slavery to freedom, you spoke through prophets, calling us to walk in your ways. You sent Jesus Christ, who broke bread with outcasts and sinners, who embodied your love and reconciled us to you. By you Spirit, you gather us as one body. And so, with your church on earth and the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in the ancient hymn crying together:
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.
On the night he was betrayed, our Lord was having a meal with his disciples when he took bread and gave you thanks as we do now. He broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
‘Take, eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.’
In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
‘Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’
This is the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Living God, send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be for us the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Unite us with all who share this feast, that we may be one in ministry and peace throughout the earth.
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.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen
Prayer after Communion
Gracious God, we thank you for feeding us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. As we have renewed our covenant before you, send us out to walk in your light and peace, that, as Isaiah dreamed and Paul declared, we may live as one body, welcoming all, serving all, loving all, for your glory and the healing of the world.
Amen
Notices
Membership Renewal and Stewardship Campaign
If you are a church member, please remember to collect the envelope addressed to you which will be in Reception on Sunday. The envelope contains important information about renewing your membership and also details of the stewardship campaign which is starting today.
This campaign asks all members of the Congregation to think carefully about their weekly/monthly offerings. Please read the information in the envelopes and consider it prayerfully.
If you are not yet a church member, ‘Welcome’ envelopes are available which contain details of how to join our membership list if you would like to do so. These envelopes will also contain details of our stewardship campaign.
Peter Cope
New Wednesday Bible Study:
‘Weakness Made Strong. the Stories of Moses and Rahab’
Ever wondered if God can really use people with messy pasts and nagging doubts? Join us for a new six-week study as we follow the journeys of Moses and Rahab. Two Old Testament legends who had every reason to be counted out, yet were chosen by God for something extraordinary. We’ll see how God works through failure, fear, and the parts of our stories we’d rather forget. This isn’t just history; it’s hope for every one of us who’s ever felt unqualified or overlooked.
Come expecting honest conversation, fresh perspective, and a reminder that God still uses ordinary people for his greatest work. Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a deeper dive, this is a series you won’t want to miss! Our first study is on Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 7.00 pm on Zoom.
Revd George
Starting this Wednesday (24 September 2025) at 7.00 pm by Zoom
Week 1: God Calls the Unlikely (Moses’ Beginnings & Rahab’s World)
Theme: God often chooses those the world overlooks or disqualifies.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 2:1–15 (Moses’ early life and failure); Joshua 2:1–7 (Rahab’s introduction
If you would like an invitation to the Zoom sessions, please contact robin_kyd@yahoo.co.uk.
URC East Midlands Synod on Tour
Monday, 29 September 2025 at Christ the Cornerstone
The URC East Midlands Synod team, led by Revd Geoffrey Clarke, the Synod Moderator, will be visiting Cornerstone between 2.00 and 8.00 pm on Monday 19 November 2025. They would be delighted to meet anyone from Cornerstone and from any other church in Milton Keynes and surroundings. You will be welcome to drop in for an opportunity to discover what support is available for local churches, to ask questions, to hear about our Talking Faith initiative or simply to enjoy an informal chat over a hot drink.
International Day of Peace
3.00–5.00 pm Sunday, 21 September 2025 at MK Rose, Campbell Park, MK9 4AJ
Join Truby’s Garden, MKPSC and MK Communities for Peace and Justice for remembrance and prayers through recitation, songs, music and words. Bring flags, ribbons and share your message for peace in Palestine and throughout the world.
The Joint Public Issues Team of the URC, Methodists and Baptists; Churches Together in Britain and Ireland; and the World Council of Churches are all asking us to pray for peace in Palestine and Israel this week.
David Chapman and the Social Justice Group
Hymn: We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord, [×2]
And we pray that all unity
will one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians
by our love.
We will walk with each other,
we will walk hand in hand, [×2]
and together we’ll spread the news
that God is in our land.
And they’ll know we are Christians …
We will work with each other,
we will work side by side, [×2]
and we’ll guard each man’s dignity
and save each man’s pride.
And they’ll know we are Christians …
All praise to the Father
from whom all things come,
and all praise to Christ Jesus,
his only Son,
and all praise to the Spirit,
who makes us one.
Peter Scholtes (1938–2009)
CCL31580
Blessing
As we go from this place, may the God who calls us into unity strengthen us for the journey ahead.
May Christ, whose prayer is that we may all be one, fill our hearts with peace.
And may the Holy Spirit empower us to serve, to heal,
and to bring hope to Milton Keynes and to the world.
Go now in the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
renewed in your covenant, committed to unity, and sent to be makers of peace.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen
Dismissal
Church, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ, we will.
Amen