The Gathering
The ministers enter in silence.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
All Amen.
Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’
Matthew 16.24,25
Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace.
Ephesians 2.13,14
An appropriate greeting may be given.
A minister may introduce the service and then says
Let us pray.
A brief moment of silence follows.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All Amen.
All Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.