Online worship resources for Sunday 14 March

We are gathering for face-to-face worship at Richmond Uniting on Sunday 14th March at 10am. Everyone is very welcome. For those who cannot join us in person, we are offering online resources for worship at home.

For now, the online audio consists of the biblical reading(s) and the reflection (sermon). You may like to spend time in silent prayer before – and after – listening to the audio. Or you may like to utilise the written liturgy. This simple, inclusive liturgy is created to be used in conjunction with the audio. It seeks to create the shape for worship and to give space for your own prayers and reflections.

Download the Simple Liturgy for Use At Home

Readings

  • Psalm 107.1–3, 17–22
  • John 3.14–21

The journey from fear into love

This Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, Rev Dr Sally Douglas invites us to dive into Jesus’ claims in John 3 that G*d’s movement, G*d’s nature and G*d’s being are shaped by love and not judgement. Today we are challenged to explore the call of journey from fear into love in our daily lives.

Sally reads out the poem ‘The Moment’ by Catherine Lewis from her book Coming Home: Meditations, Prayers Poems. Montrose: Poetica Christi Press, 2020. Find more information here.

Listen to this week’s service using the embedded player below. You can also copy this link into your podcast player of choice if you would like to receive updates as they are released: https://anchor.fm/s/c70d97c/podcast/rss

Wondering questions

  • Can you trace times in recent years when you have deeply known that you are loved – by others and by God? Spend some time giving thanks to God for this season.
  • Can you trace times in recent years when you have lived in the grip of fear and desolation? Bring this time to God, do not judge yourself, just bring your truth to God, trusting (even a little) that you are loved.
  • When we are captured by fear, practices can help us to reorient our internal compass. What helps you to rest and journey in God’s love – trusting that God moves in healing, not judgement? Practices might include a mantra e.g. ‘Lord Jesus Christ’ or resting in nature, or memorising a portion of a Psalm to keep you steady.