Sunday 4 July 2021

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost COLLECT Lord Jesus Christ, we are often blind to the miracles you work among us: conform our minds to yours, and sustain us by your mighty power; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in the Unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." 10 So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. THE GOSPEL according to Mark 6: 1-13 1 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." PRAYER IN THE TIME OF COVID Author of life, Saviour of the nations COVID is humbling, your grace is sufficient. The deaths, we mourn; For the recoveries, we give thanks; The compassionate care, we applaud; For the vaccines, we are grateful; For compliance, we plead; For the common good, we pray; In the healing name of Jesus. Amen © Rodney Whiteman BLESSING Go now, and wherever people will hear you, proclaim the life-changing love of God. Do not fear your weakness, for when you are weakest, Christ’s strength is known. Travel lightly, live simply, and honour those who welcome the gospel. And may God be your protection and safe haven; May the power of Christ Jesus dwell in you; and may the Holy Spirit be your guide forever. COMMISSIONING Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen, Amen, Amen In the name of Christ. Amen. Amen, Amen.