Sunday 7 November 2021 | Madiba's legacy

COLLECT God of compassion and grace, your concern for widows and strangers is from of old: stand among us in Christ and give us generous hearts to care for those whom the world passes by; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen READING from Ruth 3: 1-5, 4: 13-15 1 Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a home for you so that you may find security? 2 Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you were, our relative? Tonight, he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Bathe and perfume yourself and put on your best clothes. Go down to the floor, but do not let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down to sleep, note the place where he is lying. Go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what you should do.” 5 She said to her, “I will do whatever you say.” 17 The neighbour women gave him a name, saying, “A son is born to Naomi.” They called him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. READING from Hebrews 9: 24-28 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, so that he now appears in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it his purpose to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters into the sanctuary year after year with the blood that is not his own. THE GOSPEL according to Mark 12: 38-44 38 As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! 40 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." 41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." PRAYER for 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 – 29/04/2021. BENEDICTION Go out and share God’s love with all. Do not slave for things that are not life-giving, but trust in God’s provision, and give generously of all you have. And may God watch over you and provide for you; May Christ Jesus be to you a restorer of life; and may the Holy Spirit lead you in the ways of humble generosity. COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.