Welcome
Call to worship Isaiah 61: 1 – 3
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendour.”
Opening prayer – Naomi
Hymn Rescuer
Sword drill
Hymn Cynthia
Reading Mark 5: 1 – 20
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. – Danni
Thought – “Go and tell them what the Lord has done for you!”
Hymn By faith Collection taken during the hymn by Mavis and Lorraine
Prayers of thanks – Lorraine
1 Corinthians 11: 23 – 27
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – Lisa
Hymn Who you say I am
Lord’s Supper
We are going to share the Lord’s Supper together in a moment. This simple meal reminds us of the meal that Jesus shared with His friends the night before He was betrayed and hung on a cross. We share this meal because Jesus told us to do so when we gather together.
Paul wrote to his friends in Corinth to help them understand the Lord’s Supper. Here’s what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11: 23 – 27
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
We will use Paul’s message to guide us as we take the Lord’s Supper together. But before we begin, we should think about who should share in this meal. You shouldn’t celebrate the Lord’s Supper just because you feel you have to or to fit in with everyone else. You should celebrate it if you love the Lord and want to love Him more – you don’t have to be perfect to take part.
So, let us celebrate the Lord’s Supper together this morning.
In verse 24, Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” As you take the bread, remember that Jesus gave His body to be broken on the cross for you because He loves you. Think about how much Jesus loves you and find strength and hope to serve God today and every day.
In verse 25, Jesus takes the cup, gives thanks, and offers it to His disciples, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” When Jesus spoke of “His blood poured out for the new covenant,” He was saying His death on the cross would establish a new, grace-filled relationship with God. This new covenant is based on forgiveness, faith, and inner transformation, rather than on external rituals or sacrifices. Through His blood, we are given direct access to God, a renewed heart, and the promise of eternal life.
Before you come forward to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, take a moment to thank God for all that Jesus has done for you because He loves you.
When you are ready, come forward to get the bread and the wine and return to your seat. As you take the bread and wine, remember what they mean and give thanks for Jesus and His love for you.
People come forward to receive the bread and wine Gillian and Lisa to distribute the elements.
Lord’s prayer
Share the peace
Hymn King of Kings
Blessing
“May the Lord bless you
and keep you;
may the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
may the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
Grace –