Queer Church Birmingham: Sun 1 December First Week of Advent - Quaker Worship

Today we are focusing on the first week of Advent. We will be integrating elements of Quaker worship into today’s service.

Open Reflection:

Come to us Holy one
To challenge our complacency Come to us Holy one
To fill the hungry with good things Come to us Holy one
To exalt the lowly and meek.

Lords Prayer:

We say the prayer that Jesus taught us. You can either join in with your own translation or remain silent.

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25–38 in the New International Version UK (NIV UK):

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 ‘There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig-tree and all the trees.
30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.
31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 ‘Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

34 ‘Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

 

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35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.’

Jesus’ Teaching at the Temple

37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,
38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

Centering Question & Queries:

Q: Where do you see signs of hope in your life or the world today?

● Am I open to receiving hope in unexpected ways this Advent season?" ● "How can I prepare my heart for the coming of Christ?
● How many of us have given up on hope?

Silent Worship:

Let us enter into a time of silent worship, a time to reflect on the hope that God offers us, and to listen for God's still, small voice in our hearts. A song will start and finish the silent worship:

‘Into the darkness of this world” https://youtu.be/qXKOxub5obc “O Come O Come” https://youtu.be/DPHh3nMMu-I

Sharing out silence:

If anyone feels moved to share a thought, a prayer, or a word of hope, you are welcome to speak.

Prayers of Petition - holding in light

This is a time for people to ask for prayer from our community. They can be anything from personal prayers for you or someone you know or for national or international events that are on your mind. You can either ask out loud or silently in your heart. There then will be a moment of silent prayer and then prayers for those who have asked and for all those in our community.

Closing Prayer - a simple gesture of unity

A moment of silence to internalise the message of hope and peace

We pray for our world, our country, our family and friends at this Advent time and especially we remember the asylum seekers who lost their lives this week and their families. Lord in your mercy. Hear our Prayers