Sunday 22 August 2021 | Theological Education Sunday

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost COLLECT Collect Lord Jesus Christ, you have the words of eternal life: set your living bread before us that, feasting around your table, we may be strengthened to continue the work to which you call us; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Collect for Theological Education Sunday God of wisdom, Jesus instructed his apostles to make disciples of all nations and to teach them to observe all that he taught. Thank you for calling women and men to serve you in the various ministries of your Church. Bless all undergoing theological education and enlighten those engaged in the research of theological works and teaching. Touch the minds and hearts of all in your Church, to faithfully sponsor and support theological education so that your Church may be built up for the purpose of mission, prophetic ministry, pastoral care and worship. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ the great teacher, who is our Saviour and Lord. Amen. Reading Ephesians 6: 10-20 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. THE GOSPEL according to John 6: 56-69 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 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 out, and make known the mystery of the gospel. Keep alert and pray at all times. Draw strength from God’s power and so stand firm against all that would corrupt you. And may God arm you with truth and righteousness; May Christ Jesus give you words of Spirit and life; and may the Holy Spirit draw you near to God’s presence and bless you with honour and grace. COMMISSIONING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. Amen, Amen, Amen In the name of Christ. Amen. Amen, Amen.