SOMETHING TO REFLECT UPON PRIOR TO SUNDAY 8^TH MARCH COMBINED SERVICE

As previously advised, on Sunday 8^th March we will be having a combined service of worship at 10am, which will be followed by a congregational meeting at which we’ll be presenting some preliminary feedback from our recent Forward with Purpose workshops. The worship service will incorporate a number of elements:- welcome of new members as well as acknowledgement of those who’ve been worshipping here for some time but perhaps haven’t been ‘formally’ welcomed before; acknowledging the service of those who have stepped down from roles, as well as acknowledging those who continue to serve in many and various ways; and finally a renewal of covenant.

This last element of Covenant Renewal is based upon John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, first used at a worship gathering of about 1800 people in 1755. The prayer and its accompanying charge became significant in the Methodist movement, particularly as an annual renewal of faith and commitment to God. Prior to this service, I believe it is worthwhile to take some time and reflect upon the words of covenant renewal, as the words are deeply challenging. I am challenged each time I read the words. It is a prayer of deep surrender, the sort of surrender that may just take a lifetime’s effort, in fits and starts, before one can finally ‘let go’ in such a profound way. I share it with you now, to reflect upon, prior to Sunday 8^th March.

The Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will,

rank me with whom you will;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;

let me be employed for you or laid aside for you;

exalted for you or brought low for you;

let me be full, let me be empty;

let me have all things, let me have nothing;

I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things

to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

you are mine and I am yours,

to the glory and praise of your name.

Amen.