Festival Praise
Welcome to our worship today.
Thank you to all readers, musicians and singers for your part in this Festival Praise.
Tea, coffee, and juice will be served in the Parish Room after the service.
Ringing Saint Paul’s Bell (1733-1821)
The Lord be with you: and also with you.
Please be seated
Welcome and Introduction
Rostrevor Children’s Choir, Ros Ni Dhubhain
I heard the Bell of Bronagh ringing out through all the land and it sang a song of freedom and of peace for every man and it called the saints of heaven and the great angelic band and the blessèd Bell of Bronagh sounded forth throughout the land.
In a valley ‘neath the mountains blessèd Bronagh heard the call and the women of the countryside they answered one and all and they built a house of prayer where the gentle stream began and the blessed bell of Bronagh rang again throughout the land.
Then the holy house was pillaged by a wandering Viking hoard and they threatened blessèd Bronagh with the fire and with the sword but she gained immortal glory with the saints of God on high and the men who worshipped Odin heard the Bell as Bronagh died.
Then Karl the Viking chieftain put his sword into the ground and his pagan heart was softened as he heard that glorious sound as it sang a song of freedom and of peace for every man and the blessèd Bell of Bronagh rang again throughout the land.
Psalm 34
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Please stand
Congregational Hymn Liz Farnan (organ)
I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship, should set his love upon the sons of men, or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers, to bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary when Bethl'em's manger was his only home, and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured, and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.
I cannot tell how silently he suffered, as with his peace he graced this place of tears, or how his heart upon the cross was broken, the crown of pain to three and thirty years. But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear and lifts the burden from the heavy laden; for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.
I cannot tell how he will win the nations, how he will claim his earthly heritage, how satisfy the needs and aspirations of east and west, of sinner and of sage. But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory, and he shall reap the harvest he has sown, and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.
I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship, when at his bidding every storm is stilled, or who can say how great the jubilation when every heart with love and joy is filled. But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture, and myriad, myriad human voices sing, and earth to heav'n, and heav'n to earth, will answer,
'at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!' W. Y. Fullerton 1857-1932
Please be seated
Confession
O God, our loving Father in heaven, we confess that we have sinned against you; we have broken your commandments; we have often been selfish, and we have not loved you as we should. For these, and all our sins, forgive us we pray: Through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
May the Father of all mercies cleanse you from your sins, and restore you in his image to the praise and glory of his name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lorraine Matthews
As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you; you alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
Please remain seated
You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield: you alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy; you alone are the real joy-giver and the apple of my eye.
You’re my Friend and you’re my Brother even though you are a king: I love you more than any other, so much more than anything.
Martin j Nystrom 1956-
Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 16:8-15
Handbells
Joyful, joyful, we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flow'rs before you, op'ning to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
All your works with joy surround you, earth and heav'n reflect your rays, stars and angels sing around you, centre of unbroken praise;
Please stand
field and forest, vale and mountain, flow'ry meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain praising you eternally!
Always giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest! Loving Father, Christ our Brother, let your light upon us shine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus, which the morning stars began; God's own love is reigning o’er us, joining people hand in hand. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.
African American Heritage Hymnal, (2001)
Please be seated
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:44-46
Rose Brennan and Danny McGreevy Lord, to whom can I go?
You alone speak the words of life. You alone on the earth or in heaven above are my Saviour and my Lord.
I found the treasure in a field, that neither time nor death can steal. I will sell what I have, give all that I am, to hold this treasure as my own.
Jesus, Lord of my life, I can ask for nothing more than to see and believe that my life lies in you, in the kingdom of my Lord.
Daniel Laurent Schutte 1947-
Blessed are you, Holy God, for people of every language and culture and for the rich variety you give to life.
For every blessing we have received we give you thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Holy God, for Jesus Christ our Saviour, truly divine and truly human, living and dying for us, and going before us into heaven.
For every blessing we have received we give you thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Holy God, for your Spirit, the fire of love burning in our hearts, bringing us to faith, and calling us to holiness in the Church and in the world.
For every blessing we have received we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
Please remain seated
Rostrevor Children’s Choir, Ros Ni Dhubhain
I danced in the morning when the world was begun I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth at Bethlehem I had my birth.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be, I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Blessed are you, Holy God, creator, redeemer and life-giver; you have spoken the world into being and filled it with wonder and beauty.
For every blessing we have received we give you thanks and praise.
I danced for the Scribe and the Pharisee, but they would not dance and they wouldn't follow me. I danced for the fishermen, for James and John they came with me and the Dance went on.
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame; the holy people, they said it was a shame. They whipped and they stripped and they hung me on high, and they left me there on a Cross to die.
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black it's hard to dance with the devil on your back. They buried my body and they thought I'd gone, but I am the Dance and I still go on.
They cut me down and I leapt up high I am the life that'll never, never die; I'll live in you if you'll live in me –I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
The Old Church Bell
Sydney Carter 1915-2004
Please remain seated
It hangs today where it has hung for fifty years or more, but some who loved its silver tones the church-yard covers o'er, and many are the times since then, with deep and solemn knell, has tolled for dear departed ones the Old Church Bell!
Within a latticed tower it swings, high up above the street, and every Sabbath morn is heard the music clear and sweet which floats above the village roofs, and over hill and dell, upborne upon the vagrant wind, from the Old Church Bell!
Full many a change the hand of time has in the village wrought, and passing years have often been with grief and anguish fraught, yet age has never changed its tones, and years cannot dispel the magic of the music from the Old Church Bell!
Since it was placed within the tower, in days of long ago, the tempests wild have round it raved, and many a driven snow has sifted through the slats up there, and mantled as it fell in robes of white its dwelling place, and the Old Church Bell!
Though gone from earth and earthly thingsforever passed awaythe faithful ones who loved while here its summons to obey now rest beyond the tide of Time, with rapture long to dwell, for there their footsteps guided were by the Old Church Bell!
George W. Doneghy 1848-1917
Please remain seated
The Kelly Family
The Lord is dawn in darkness, he is light for day. He knows our weakness, yet he walks our ways; he is steady love to ev'ry creature that lives, he is mighty Lord.
For he is mighty Lord, God of all, he is love and Lord of us all. For he is mighty Lord, God of all, he is love and Lord of us all. And let the heavens praise him in the sun and moon. Let stars give thanks to him at night and noon. Praise him, all the earth, the mountains, hills and the trees, he is mighty Lord.
O, serve the Lord with gladness. Serve the Lord with song, and know he made us he has loved us long. He is steady love and he alone is our God. He is mighty Lord.
O, teach us Lord to go with you to walk your ways; to love your light to know your brightness stays. Help us help each other with the love that you are.
You are mighty Lord. John Foley SJ 1936-
Bible Reading: John 14:25-27
Handbells
Please stand
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of endless power and might, the earth, the heavens are full of your love. Sing hosanna! Glory to God!
Blest is he, the one who is sent in the name of God the Most High. O holy, holy, holy our Lord! Sing hosanna! Glory to God!
Michael Lindsay Forester 1946-
Please be seated
Thought for the Day
the Rev Canon Charlie Leeke
Congregational Hymn
Please stand
Liz Farnan (keyboard) and Andrea Blain (violin)
Spirit of the Lord, come down, spreading your protective wing over all that you have made, over every living thing.
Come in storm-wind, cleansing fire, sweeping through a world unclean; come in every gentle breeze: breath of God, unheard, unseen.
Holy Spirit, blessèd Light, guide and strengthen mind and will; comfort every grieving heart, and our inmost being fill.
Through the Father and the Son, by whose blood our life was bought, fill our empty hands with gifts: come with grace unearned, unsought. Community of Stanbrook Abbey.
Please remain standing
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed humankind?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God?
I believe and trust in him.
This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith, we believe and trust in One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Lorraine Matthews
Please be seated
Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and to guide.
Angel of God be ever near, cast away every fear, guide my path with glorious light, oh guiding star! Oh radiant light!
Angel of God be at my side, under your wings let me abide; until I reach heaven's door, my home, my home, forevermore. Amen.
Please remain seated for prayer
Affirmation of Faith
Do you believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world?
I believe and trust in him.
Intercessions
This response is sung after each section
♫
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.
Blessed are you, eternal God.
Hear us as we pray for your holy Church throughout the world, make us all one; that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you; that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name; give them courage to proclaim your Gospel.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority in the nations of the world; guide them in the ways of justice and peace. Make us alive to the needs of our communities; help us to share each other’s joys and burdens. Look with kindness on our homes and families; grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Deepen our compassion for all who suffer from sickness, grief or trouble; in your presence may they find their strength. We remember those who have died; Father, into your hands we entrust them. We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory; bring us all to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Hear our prayer, Lord God, and make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever.
Please stand
Offertory hymn
Liz Farnan (keyboard) and Andrea Blain (violin) Angel voices, ever singing round thy throne of light; angel harps, for ever ringing, rest not day nor night; thousands only live to bless thee, and confess thee, Lord of might.
Yea, we know that thou rejoicest o’er each work of thine; thou didst ears and hands and voices for thy praise design; craftsman’s art and music’s measure for thy pleasure all combine.
In thy house, great God, we offer of thine own to thee; and for thine acceptance proffer, all unworthily, hearts and minds, and hands and voices, in our choicest psalmody.
Honour, glory, might, and merit, thine shall ever be, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, blessèd Trinity.
Of the best that thou hast given, earth and heaven render thee.
Francis Pott 1832-1909
Going out as God’s people
Let us give thanks to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
For the love of our Father, the maker of all, the giver of all good things, let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
For Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lived and worked among us, let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For his suffering and death on the cross and his resurrection to new life, let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
For his rule over all things and his presence in the world, let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
For the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, who teaches us and guides us, let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
For the grace of the Spirit in the work of the Church and the life of the world, let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Amen.
Be with us Lord, as we go out into the world. May the lips that have sung your praise always speak the truth; may the ears which have heard your Word listen only to what is good and may our lives as well as our worship be always pleasing in your sight, for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen.
All singers and musicians are invited to stand in the chancel as we sing the recessional hymn!
Please stand
Congregational Hymn, Liz Farnan (organ)
Rop tú mo baile, a Choimdiu cride.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that thou art; thou my best thought in the day and the night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my great Father, and I thy true heir, thou in me dwelling, and I in thy care.
Be thou my breast-plate, my sword for the fight; be thou my armour, and be thou my might; thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower, raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor vain empty praise, thou mine inheritance through all my days; thou and thou only, the first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art!
High King of heaven, when the battle is done, Grant heaven’s joys to me, O bright heaven’s sun,
Christ of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Early Irish, tr. Mary Byrne (1880-1931). Versified Eleanor Hull (1860-1995) altd.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Saint Bronagh’s Bell c. 900 Saint Paul’s Bell 1733-1821
