Worship

The Chaplain to this year's Assembly was the Revd Alistair Smeaton. He led Assembly in prayer during each session - where possible prayers appear here after they have been offered.

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Saturday Evening

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God’.

Calling God, in Jesus you have become our teacher and you have called us to follow and learn – to be disciples. It is that road of discipleship that has led us here. In gathering, we do not altogether leave behind our own world but have stepped to one side. We have left behind people, places and projects for a few days but help us to entrust what we have left to you.

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him All who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door.

Caring God, we have taken our leave of people we care for. Some of these live in our own homes, some in our community. Some will miss our help, or just our company. Some of have not been able to come at the last minute – because of their own ill health or that of a loved one. Strengthen and uphold them.

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’.

Strengthening God we are not behind locked doors or in fear of disturbance but we are anxious about many things, how we will sleep, whether we will understand what is going in, how this is relevant to our local churches, the future of the URC. Speak these simple words to us ‘Peace be with you’.

They urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him; and he vanished from their sight.

Ever Present God tomorrow we too will break bread together and celebrate your presence among us. But for now as we disperse for rest, reading and reflection – or perhaps late conversation helps to keep in mind your presence among us.

Lord Jesus Christ, the day is nearly over.
Though we cannot see you before us,
Enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
That we may recognise your presence
And know that you are with us,
And will stay beside us,
This night and for evermore.

Amen.

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