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The service- alternative

formThe Service – This form

of the holy communion service is from page 6 of the Supplement to Lutheran Hymnal, which was authorised by the Lutheran Church of Australia at its 1987 General Synod.

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SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

  

13th May, 2012 

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Opening sentenceM: Jesus said: 'This is my

commandment, C: that you love one another as I have

loved you. M: No one has greater love than this, C: to lay down one's life for one's

friends.' (John 15:12,13 NRSV)

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PREPARATION

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

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Opening HymnWe sing our opening hymn:

Praise God the Saviour

LHS 890 CAL 293Lobet den Herren

Paul Gerhardt 1607- 1676 (1653)Tr. Friedemann Hebart 1939

Praise God the Saviour 1. Praise God the Saviour,give him thanks for ever;let us with gladness to his name

be singing,glory and honour to his altar

bringing:Praise God the Saviour.

Praise God the Saviour 2. Lord, you have made us,and the life you gave usall night was safely in your care

and keeping.You have awakened us with joy

from sleeping:Praise God the Saviour.

Praise God the Saviour 3. That we can dailyuse our senses freely,our hands and feet, our tongue

and lips at leisure -all this we owe to his most

gracious pleasure:Praise God the Saviour.

Praise God the Saviour 4. O true defender,fountain of all splendour,let your protecting hand continue

o’er us,by day and night your goodness

go before us:Praise God the Saviour.

Praise God the Saviour 5. Lord, grant protection,that by your directionwe go our way with nothing to

impede us;and everywhere this day may

your grace lead us:Praise God the Saviour.

†

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: Friends in Christ: Let us draw near to God our Father with a true heart to confess our sins, and ask him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Our help is in the name of the Lord.C: ♫ He máde heavên and earth.M: I said, I will confess my sins to

the Lord.C: ♫ Then hé forgave the guilt of

my sin.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

C: Almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor helpless sinner, confess to you all my sins, and repent of all the evil I have done. I have deeply displeased you and deserve your punishment in time and in eternity.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

But I am sorry for my sins, and I ask you, for the sake of the holy innocent sufferings and death of your dear Son Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me. Amen.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: I ask each of you in the presence of God who searches the heart:

Do you confess that you have sinned, and do you repent of your sins?

I do.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: Do you believe that Jesus Christ has redeemed you from all your sins, and do you desire forgiveness in his name?

C:I do.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: Do you intend with the help of the Holy Spirit to live as in God's presence, and to strive daily to lead a holy life, even as Christ has made you holy?

C: I do.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: Christ gave to his church the authority to forgive the sins of those who repent, and to declare to those who do not repent that their sins are not forgiven.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Therefore, upon your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the word, announce the grace of God to all of you, and on behalf of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

Peace be with you.Amen.

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LORD, HAVE MERCY

M: Lord, have mercy.C: Lord, have mercy.M: Christ have mercy.C: Christ, have mercy.M: Lord, have mercy.C: Lord, have mercy.

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HYMN OF ADORATION: GLORY TO GOD IN THE

HIGHESTM: Glory to God in the highest,C: ♫ and on earth peace, among

those with whom he is pleased.

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HYMN OF ADORATION: GLORY TO GOD IN THE

HIGHESTC: We praise you, we bless you,

we worship you, we glorify you,we give thanks to you for your great glory, O Lord God, heavênly king,God, the Father almighty.

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HYMN OF ADORATION: GLORY TO GOD IN THE

HIGHESTO Lord, the only begotten Son,

Jesus Christ,O Lord God, Lamb of God,Son of the Father,you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.

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HYMN OF ADORATION: GLORY TO GOD IN THE

HIGHESTYou are seated at the right hand of

God the Father;have mercy on us.For you alone are holy,you alone are Lord,you alone, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit,are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

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Liturgy of the WORD

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GREETING

M: The Lord be with youC: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY M: Let us pray that we love one another. C: Jesus, our loving friend and

Saviour, you have promised to give us your Spirit to be with us forever. Stay within our hearts, so that we love one another as you have loved us.

PRAYER OF THE DAY For you live and reign with the Father

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

first READINGActs 10:44-48 CEV

The Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit

R: The first Reading for The Sixth Sunday of Easter is written in Chapter 10 of Acts, beginning at Verse 44.

Acts 10:44-48 44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy

Spirit took control of everyone who was listening.

45Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles.46Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.

Acts 10:44-48 Peter said, 47"These Gentiles have

been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them." 48Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days. 

This is the Word of the Lord.C: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 98 CEV R: The Psalm is Psalm 98

1Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory.  

C: 2The LORD has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice.  

Psalm 98 CEV R:3God has been faithful in his love for

Israel, and his saving power is seen everywhere on earth.

C: 4Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs in praise of the LORD.  

Psalm 98 CEV R: 5Make music for him on harps. Play

beautiful melodies!   C :6Sound the trumpets and horns

and celebrate with joyful songs for our LORD and King!

Psalm 98 CEV R: 7Command the ocean to roar with all

of its creatures, and the earth to shout with all of its people.  

C: 8Order the rivers to clap their hands, and all of the hills to sing together.  

Psalm 98 CEV R: 9Let them worship the LORD! He is

coming to judge everyone on the earth, and he will be honest and fair. 

C: Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

As it was in the beginning is now, and will be for ever. Amen

SECOND READING1 John 5:1-6 CEV

Faith gives us victory over the world

R: The Second Reading is written in Chapter 5 of First John, beginning at Verse 1.

1 John 5:1-6 If we believe that Jesus is truly Christ,

we are God's children. Everyone who loves the Father will

also love his children. 2If we love and obey God, we know that we will love his children. 3We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.

1 John 5:1-6 4Every child of God can defeat the

world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God. 

1 John 5:1-6 6Water and blood came out from the

side of Jesus Christ. It wasn't just water, but water and blood. The Spirit tells about this, because the Spirit is truthful. 

This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

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RESPONSE

C: ♫ Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

gospelM: The Holy Gospel is written in

Chapter 15 of the Gospel according to St John, beginning at Verse 9

C: ♫ Glory to you, O Lord.

John 15:9-17 NRSVJesus calls us his friends

John 15:9-17 Jesus said:9As the Father has loved me, so I have

loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 1I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:9-17 12‘This is my commandment, that you

love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you.

John 15:9-17 15I do not call you servants any longer,

because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

John 15:9-17 16You did not choose me but I chose

you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.C: ♫ Praise to you, O Christ.

gospelM: This is the Gospel of the LordC: ♫ Praise to you, O Christ.

Prayer after the gospel

M: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and making us your friends. Help us to obey you and to love one another.

C: Amen.

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C: We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

NICENE CREED

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We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

NICENE CREED

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For us* and for our salvationhe came down from heaven,was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.

* This means: us human beings

NICENE CREED

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On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

NICENE CREED

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We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son,who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets.

NICENE CREED

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We believe in one holy catholic† and apostolic church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.

† or: Christian; 'catholic' here means 'universal'

NICENE CREED

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Hymn

We sing :

Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus

LHS 155 CAL 293Jesus, Jesus, nichts als Jesus

Ludamilia Elisabeth of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (1640-1672)

Tr. August Crull, 1880, alt.

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Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus 1. Jesus, Jesus, only JesusCan my heartfelt longing still.Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus,Evermore to do His will;For my heart, which He has filled,Ever cries: Lord, as Thou wilt.

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Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus 2. One there is for whom I’m living,Whom I love most tenderly;Unto Jesus I am givingWhat in love He gave to me.Jesus’ blood hides all my guilt;Lord, O lead me as Thou wilt.

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Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus 3. What to me may seem a

treasure,But displeasing is to Thee,O remove such harmful pleasure;Give instead what profits me.Let my heart by Thee be stilled;Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt.

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Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus 4. Let me earnestly endeavourThy good pleasure to fulfil;In me, through me, with me, ever,Lord, accomplish Thou Thy will.Let me die, Lord, on Thee built,When and where and as Thou wilt.

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Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus 5. Jesus, constant be my praises,For Thou unto me didst bringThine own self and all Thy graces,That I joyfully may sing:Be it unto me, my shield,As Thou wilt, Lord, as Thou wilt.

†

68Sermon

Hymn

We sing as our free will offering is received.

What a friend

LH 426 CAL 293Joseph Scriven (1820-1886)

What a friend  

1. What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

What a friend  

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

What a friend  

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He’ll take and shield you, You will find a solace there.

†

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OFFERTORY SONG: LET THE VINEYARDSC: ♫ Create in me a clean heart, O

God,and put a new and right spirit within me.Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

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OFFERTORY SONG: LET THE VINEYARDSRestore to me the joy of your

salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Response

M: Ever-loving God, in your mercyC: Hear our prayer

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LITURGY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

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PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.C: ♫ And also with you.M: Lift up your hearts.C: ♫ We lift them up to the Lord.M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our

God.C: ♫ For that is fitting and right.

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PREFACE

M: It is indeed right and good, Lord God, holy Father, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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PREFACE

But most of all we praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son, the true Passover Lamb, who has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising again he has restored life.

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PREFACE

And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the other witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we adore and praise your glorious name:

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HOLY, HOLY, HOLYC: ♫ Holy, holy, holy, Lord God

of hosts;heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in the highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

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LORD’S PRAYERC: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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LORD’S PRAYER

C: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

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WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, and said: Take and eat; this is † my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

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WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: In the same way he took the cup, after the supper, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, Drink of it, all of you; this is † my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

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PEACE

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

COMMUNION INVITATIONM: Jesus says: 'Those who eat my

flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.’

C: Thanks be to God.M: Come, everything is ready.

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LAMB OF GODC: ♫ O Christ, Lamb of God, you

take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

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During the distribution the Minister or his assistant says:

Take and eat, this is the body of Christ, given for you.

Take and drink, this is the blood of Christ, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

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Communion hymn

Saviour, to the Father’s side

LHS 843 CAL 293H.P.V. Renner 1927- (1986)

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Communion hymn

1. Saviour, to the Father’s sideyou as king ascended,that you might with us abidetill our life is ended.

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Communion hymn

2. Come, dear Lord, ascended king,

host our celebration;through your holy supper bringtreasures of salvation.

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Communion hymn

3. Feed us with your sacred bread -body slain and risen;joined to you, our living head,we escape death’s prison.

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Communion hymn

4. Pour for us your sacred wine -blood from side once riven;graft us in you, living vine,make us heirs of heaven.

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Communion hymn

5. Gather, Lord, your scattered sheep;

to your feast invite us;in your love your people keep;in your death unite us.

†

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DISMISSAL

M: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ and his precious blood strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life eternal. Go in peace.†

C: Amen.

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POST-COMMUNION SONG: THANK THE LORD

C: ♫ LORD, NOW let your servant depart in peace,according to your word,for my eyes have seen your salvation,which yóu have prepared in the presence of äll people;

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POST-COMMUNION SONG: THANK THE LORD

a light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father and the Sonand the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now,and wíll be forevermore. Amen.

GREETINGM: The Lord be with you.C: And also with you.

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THANKSGIVING VERSE M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he

is good. Hallelujah!C: For his love endures forever.

Hallelujah!

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Post-Communion PrayerM: Let us pray.C: Almighty and merciful God, by the

gift we have received in this sacrament, may we produce the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace.

We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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CONCLUSION : BLESSING

M: Let us bless the Lord.C: ♫ God be praised forevermore.

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CONCLUSION : BLESSING

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favour,† and give you peace. C: ♫ Amen. Amen. Amen.

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DISMISSAL

M: Go in peace. You have been chosen by God.

C: In the name of Christ. Amen.

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Closing hymn

Nearer, my God, to thee,

LHS 872 CAL293V 1, Sarah Flower Adams 1805-1848

vv 2-4, Hervey Doddridge Ganse 1822-1891

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Nearer, my God, to thee

1. Nearer, my God, to thee,nearer to thee!E’en though it be a crossthat raiseth me,still all my song shall be:Nearer, my God to thee,nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

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Nearer, my God, to thee

2. Nearer, my Lord, to thee,nearer to thee!who to thy cross didst comedying for me.Strengthen my willing feet;hold me in service sweet,nearer, O Christ, to thee,nearer to thee!

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Nearer, my God, to thee

3. Nearer, O Comforter,nearer to thee!who with my loving Lorddwellest with me.Grant me thy fellowship;help me each day to keepnearer, my guide, to thee,nearer to thee!

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Nearer, my God, to thee

4. But to be nearer still,bring me, O God, not by the visioned steepsangels have trod.Here, where thy cross I see,Jesus I wait for thee,then evermore to be,nearer to thee! †

Go in peace. You have been chosen by God.

Please stay a while and have a cuppa and chat with us.