Sunday 8 February 2026 led by Ann Evans
Welcome and notices given by Elder on duty Cheryl Thornett
Call to Worship
Let us come to truly worship, focusing on God. Forgetting the daily distractions, let us expect to hear from God. May we be willing to respond to God’s call wherever it may lead us. May our faith rest not on earthly wisdom, Lord, but on your power. May our worship arise, not from our familiar practices, but by the moving of your Spirit. May our lives reflect not just what we have learned, but how we are changed by you, that we may be bold to do your work in our world.
Amen.
Hymn 625 God of freedom, God of justice
Opening prayers
God of this moment and of all time, you call us to do more than just be here.
You call us to stand up for justice: and we will.
You call us to speak for the voiceless: and we will.
You call us to worship with integrity: and we will.
For you are our God and we are your people: Alleluia. Amen.
Living God, we celebrate your desire for justice and mercy. When others stay silent we will speak up, for you are the living Word. When others stand down if things get tough we will stand up in the power of your Spirit, for you are our inspiration; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Forgive us, merciful God, when we disappoint you with our complacency, our half-heartedness, our hypocrisy. Forgive us when we are all words and no action, or all action and no integrity. Forgive us when we let you down, when we let down those around us, when we let ourselves down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness
Eternal God, in you we trust for grace to begin again, for faith to act justly, for strength to stand up courageously and for humility to recognise our need of all these things and more. Amen.
Sharing Good News
LYCIG (Leading your church into growth) Prayer said together
God of Mission,
Who alone brings growth to your Church,
Send your Holy Spirit to give,
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
Joy to our worship
And power to our witness.
Help our church to grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading(s) Isaiah 58.1-12, Matthew 5.13-20 Cheryl Thornett
Hymn 641 We pray for peace
Reflection
Hymn 636 The church of Christ in every age
Prayers for the people
Lord, we come before you in prayer, sharing our concerns for our world, our church, our neighbours and friends and ourselves. We don’t ask lightly; we accept you may call us as part of the answer, and we trust that you will give us strength and courage to stand up for justice and to make a difference.
Creator God, you formed this earth, with all its beauty and abundance, ensuring provision for all and charging humankind to be stewards of creation. We pray for all who go hungry or thirsty or who are impoverished through the greed of others; for those close to home needing food banks and those further away needing emergency aid. The rising cost of living, natural disaster, climate change, war, governmental policy – all may contribute to increasing poverty. We remember those who are homeless or living in unsatisfactory accommodation. We pray that those who have enough may receive your spirit of generosity. Equip us to speak out and act for a more equitable distribution of resources.
Lord, where there is injustice, grant us courage to make a difference.
Loving God, you created humankind in all its diversity, calling all to live in relationship with you and with one another. Nationality, ethnicity, appearance, sexuality, gender, age, economic status, mental health: there are so many ways we judge and label people as different. Lord, we pray for those who experience prejudice or persecution, hostility or isolation. We pray for places where there is division, especially where those with power or influence use the media and social media to promote distrust or hatred between neighbours. At this time we pray especially for Iran, Sudan, Gaza, America and we pray for our own country.
Lord, where there is injustice, grant us courage to make a difference.
Parent God, you welcome all to be part of your family, the church. Through their faith, equip people to work together to fulfil your calling to justice, mercy and love. We pray for the work of those Christians and others who take brave steps to protect the rights of others, whether at risk of ridicule or at risk to their own lives. We pray for the persecuted church in countries such as North Korea, Somalia and Iran, and for those imprisoned for their faith.
Lord, where there is injustice, grant us courage to make a difference.
Compassionate God, who cares for each one of us and whose plans are to prosper and not to harm us, we pray for all those in need of your loving care this day. We name before you in our hearts those known to us who are in any kind of trouble (silence) . We pray for all those whose needs are known only to themselves and to you (silence). And, trusting in your mercy and love, we bring before you our own needs and concerns (silence). We ask our prayers in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Offertory prayer
Loving God, you give to us beyond human measure; You give to us without pausing to count the cost. Accept these our gifts of money and with them the gift of our lives to be lived justly in your service today and every day. Amen
Hymn 620 For the healing of the nations
Blessing
Ever-present God, as we leave our time of worship, may we also take on the challenge of hearing your call to justice, and know that we do not leave that behind when we leave here. May we know true worship that brings growth, spreads light, and lifts the oppressed, and know that we do not leave that behind when we leave here.
Amen.