Sunday 2 May 2021

Fifth Sunday of Easter Theme: Grafted in his risen life to bear the fruit of love Collect: God of love, you sent your Son into the world, that we may abide in him: graft us into his risen life, that we may bear the fruit of love for you and one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Reading: Acts 8: 26-40 26 An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get ready and go south to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27-28 So Philip got ready and went. Now an Ethiopian eunuch, who was an important official in charge of the treasury of the queen of Ethiopia, was on his way home. He had been to Jerusalem to worship God and was going back home in his carriage. As he rode along, he was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that carriage and stay close to it.” 30 Philip ran over and heard him reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. He asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Gospel: John 15: 1-8 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. PRAY together AT THE TIME OF COVID-19 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 – 29/04/2021. COMMISSION & BLESSING Like Phillip, open your lives to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit; As the Psalmist, proclaim God’s deliverance to those yet unborn; Heed to the command of Jesus, to love one another, because love comes from God; And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. alleluia, alleluia. In the name of Christ. Amen. alleluia, alleluia.