Sunday 9 May 2021

Sixth Sunday of Easter COLLECT Risen Lord, you first chose us and now call us your friends: set our hearts on fire with love for you and one another that we may live and reign in the Unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen READING: Acts 10: 44-48 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 45 The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God's greatness. Peter spoke up: 47 “These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. GOSPEL ACCORDING TO John 15: 9-17 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 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 make a joyful noise to the Lord; In obedience to Jesus, love others in celebration that he loved you; In submission to the Holy Spirit who draws us into fellowship with the Godhead, live in friendship with God; © RDW And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen Commissioning/Sending Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. alleluia, alleluia. In the name of Christ. Amen. alleluia, alleluia