Sunday 5 February 2023 | The importance of education

Theme: Education Sunday COLLECT Jesus our Lord, you have taught us that judgment begins in the house of God: Save us from our self-satisfaction, rigidity and corruption, and make us salt and light for the world; For you live and reign in the unity of the blessed Trinity, One God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING Isaiah 58: 1-9 The Lord says, “Shout as loud as you can! Tell my people Israel about their sins! 2 They worship me every day, claiming that they are eager to know my ways and obey my laws. They say they want me to give them just laws and that they take pleasure in worshiping me.” 6 “The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. 7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. 8 “Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. READING 1 Corinthians 2: 1-12 5 Your faith, then, does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power. 6 Yet I do proclaim a message of wisdom to those who are spiritually mature. But it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world—powers that are losing their power. 7 The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made. 8 None of the rulers of this world knew this wisdom. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as the scripture says, “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” GOSPEL according to Matthew 5: 13-20 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. PRAYER for Africa God, refresh Africa and all the world, Protect and grow our children. Convict with justice and truth, all our leaders And fill all hearts with your peace. For Jesus Christ sake. Amen. THE BLESSING You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others that seeing your justice, mercy and compassion they may give glory to God in heaven. Tune: Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (John Hughes) *Text: Rodney Whiteman (January, 2018) 1. God of playground and of classroom God of language, and of maths. Help us always give attention, So we may improve our lives. God of playground, God of classroom Give us insight so we learn 2. God of learner and of teacher, God of science and of gym Help us with our contribution And to grow our intellect. God of learner, God of teacher Bless the classroom atmosphere. 3. God our loving Educator, God of human life and love. Help us to embrace your wisdom, Which will lead us into life. God our loving Educator Form us, grow us, make us whole. The Chosen season 2, episode 8 (sermon on the mount): https://watch.thechosen.tv/episode/season-2-episode-8-beyond-mountains