THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY THEME: DIVINE INTERVENTION (EXODUS 3:8) October 1st, 2023 WORLD-WIDE Sunday SUB THEME: JESUS, OUR PASSOVER LAMB (1Peter 1:18-19) 2023
MOST REV. MIRACLE AJAH, PhD Principal Clerk of General Assembly 01 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Rt. REV. ANIEFIOK VICTOR EKOP Deputy Clerk of General Assembly 02 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Rt Rev. Effiom Opla Secretary, CMD +2348034052756 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUB THEME: JESUS, OUR PASSOVER LAMB (1Peter 1:18-19) OCTOBER 1ST, 2023 Prepared By: Congregational Ministries Department, Published by Publications Department, Board of Faith and Order and Printed by Presby Press Ltd. Rt. Rev. Engr Ndukwe Daniel Ndukwe Chairman, Congregational Ministries Dept. (+234) 8035962281 [email protected] For Suggestions and more information, contact: 03 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday THEME: DIVINE INTERVENTION (EXODUS 3:8)
JESUS, OUR PASSOVER LAMB “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19 NKJV) As with all the biblical festivals, Passover foreshadows the coming of Jesus, our Deliverer and our Savior. He is the One who made eternal atonement for our sins. The New Testament establishes a relationship between this prototypical Passover lamb of the Old Testament and the consummate Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter links the lamb without defect with Christ, whom he calls a “lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). He was crucified during the time that the Passover was observed. In this way, John the Baptist, seeing Jesus coming toward him, cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). God the Father was willing to pay the ransom for us by giving up as the Passover lamb, the life of the One He loved most, His own Son, the only other being in all of creation that lived life on the same level as He did. He freely made this sacrifice in exchange for our liberty from our bondage to Satan and our debt to death at the same time. Likewise, the son willingly volunteered to be the payment in full. This action which is translated from the Passover is the Holy Communion which we celebrate in commemoration of the Lord's sacrifice at the Cross. CHRISTAS OUR PASSOVER ØThe first instructions for the Passover are in Exodus 12 and begin with the lamb. On the 10th day of the first month of the year, a lamb was to be selected, brought home, and inspected for five days to check for blemishes. The lamb had to be perfect. The lamb slain at Passover was to be unblemished, no bones were to be broken. It was the blood of this pure and spotless lamb that made a way to freedom. Because “the life of the flesh is in the blood… for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Leviticus 17:11). 04 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
ØAt the institution of the Passover in the book of Exodus, the blood sprinkled at the lintel was a sign to the angel of death to “pass over” the homes of God's people when it went through Egypt. Because of it, Israel's firstborns were saved, while Egypt's firstborn died. The Old Testament Passover lamb, although a reality at that time, was a foreshadowing of the better and final Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life and sacrificial death, Jesus became the only one capable of giving people a way to escape death and a sure hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:18-19). ØVerse 18 of 1 Peter 1 emphasizes "knowing." The Christian lives his life knowing the redemption Christ accomplished. The price of our redemption is the value we place on the Life given for our forgiveness. Our former lives were "aimless" because of the value we placed on possessions and our own satisfaction. Now our lives have direction because we count Christ's sacrifice as priceless. ØVerse 19 stresses the value of His sacrifice by using the word "precious," translated as "honour" three times in chapters 2 and 3. The Greek word means "to place a value upon," and this is exactly what we are to do in preparation for the Holy Communion. We are to assess the value of His sacrifice to us personally. What would you be willing to pay for His sacrifice? ØJesus on the night he was betrayed tells His disciples, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). During the meal He identified the unleavened bread and wine with His own body and blood. The Apostle Paul recounts this night in 1 Corinthians 11. The apostle reiterated that every time we take this meal, we do this in remembrance of Jesus's death and resurrection. We do this to honor Him. This is the intimacy and the love that Paul indicates when he says, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” (Philippians 3:10). 05 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Reflecting on Jesus as ourPassover lamb. Reflecting upon what Christ accomplished as he gave his life for us as the Passover lamb is sobering and should also reflect in the life we live. 1. It should certainly lead us to the deepest gratitude we can offer. 2. It should prompt us to live a life of sacrifice, trying to present to others the life Jesus presents to us. 3. A commitment to Holy living, as a people sanctified by precious blood unto a Holy God. 4. To participate in the Lord's super regularly, remembering and acknowledging He died for us. 5. Live a life of complete surrender and love for God. 6. Live a life of worship and service to God. Rt Rev Ndukwe Daniel Ndukwe Chairman, Congregational Ministries Department Board of Faith and Order 06 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
THE APPROACH 1. VESTRYPRAYER: 2. PROCESSIONALHYMN: RCH 38 1. Songs of praise the angels sang, Heaven with hallelujahs rang, When creation was begun, When God spake, and it was done. 2. Songs of praise awoke the morn, When the Prince of Peace was born; Songs of praise arose when He Captive led captivity. 3. Heaven and earth must pass away; Songs of praise shall crown that day; God will make new heavens, new earth; Songs of praise shall hail their birth. 4. And can man alone be dumb, Till that glorious Kingdom come? No! the Church delights to raise Psalms, and hymns, and songs of praise. 5. Saints below, with heart and voice, Still in songs of praise rejoice, Learning here, by faith and love, Songs of praise to sing above. 6. Borne upon their latest breath, Songs of praise shall conquer death; Then, amidst eternal joy, Songs of praise their powers employ. 3. PRELUDE: RCH 152 1. Thy Kingdom come, O God; Thy rule, O Christ, begin; Break with Thine iron rod Thy tyrannies of sin. 07 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
2. Where is Thy reign of peace And purity and love? When shall all hatred cease, As in the realms above? 3. When comes the promised time That war shall be no more, And lust, oppression, crime, Shall flee Thy face before? 4. CALLTO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 9) Minister: We will praise the Lord with our whole hearts. We will be glad and rejoice in the Lord. The Lord deserves our praise and adoration. The Most High is worthy to be worshipped in His Holy temple. People: Let every creature sing His praise! 5. HYMN OFPRAISE: RCH 25 1. The Lord is King! Lift up thy voice O earth, and, all ye heavens, rejoice; From world to world the joy shall ring, 'The Lord Omnipotent is King. 2. The Lord is King! Who then shall dare Resist His will, distrust His care, Or murmur at His wise decrees, Or doubt His royal promises? 3. The Lord is King! Child of the dust, The judge of all the earth is just; Holy and true are all His ways: Let every creatures speak His praise. 4. He reigns! Ye saints, exalt your strains; Your God is King, the Father reigns, And He is at the Father's side, The man of Love, the Crucified. 4. We pray Thee, Lord, arise, And come in Thy great might; Revive our longing eyes, Which languish for Thy sight. 08 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
5. Come, make your wants, your burdens known; He will present them at the throne; And angel bands are waiting there His messages of love to bear. 6. One Lord, one empire, all secures; He reigns, and life and death are yours: Through earth and heaven, one song shall ring, 'The Lord Omnipotent is King!' 6. SENTENCES: Psalm 78:1-7, 12-16 (To be read in alternate verses and end with the gloria) Minister: vs 1. Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. People: vs 2.I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Minister: vs 3.Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us People: vs 4. “We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. Minister: vs 5. For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, People: vs 6.That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, Minister: vs 7.That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; People: vs 12. Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 09 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Minister: vs 13. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap. People: vs 14.I In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, And all the night with a light of fire. Minister: vs 15. He split the rocks in the wilderness. And gave them drink in abundance like the depths. People: vs 16. He also brought streams out of the rock, And caused waters to run down like rivers. Minister: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. People: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen 7 . P R AY E R S O F A D O R ATI O N , C O N FES S I O N A N D SUPPLICATION A. ADORATION: The gospel band will lead the songs: 1. Be thou exalted oh Lord above all heavens 2x Let thine glory be above all the earth. 2. Be lifted high, be lifted high Oh Lord be lifted high For you are holy, righteous and worthy Oh Lord be lifted high Dear God, we exalt you. From the east to west and from North to South, the mystery of your glory is revealed. From the Deserts to the Sea, the mystery of your glory is revealed. In the eyes of the young and the wisdom of those who have sojourned with you, the mystery of your glory is revealed. Your glory is over all the earth and we bless your holy name. Today we honor the victory in your right hand. Your victory is the promised peace which rescues those you love. Your peace comes from a level playing field, where love is higher than the heavens and faithfulness reaches the clouds. Great is your love, and great is your faithfulness to us, 10 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
and for this, we give you thanks, for this too is the mystery of your glory. Amen. B. CONFESSION: The Choir or gospel band may lead the hymn: RCH 689 1. I HEAR Thy welcome voice That calls me, Lord, to Thee For cleansing in Thy precious blood That flowed on Calvary 2. I am coming, Lord, Coming now to thee Wash me, cleanse me in the blood That flowed on Calvary. Minister: When we come together and confess, we recognize our humanity and pray for peace over our brokenness. Together, let us pray the prayer of confession: People: Jesus, we ask that you take these prayers to the heart of God. We know the ways in which sin separates us from God. We confess our reticence to claim the sin in our lives. Today may we move past the prideful notions of our piety and look closer at what we don't do. For sometimes the greatest sin of all is our own complicity with what is wrong in the world. We want to love as you commanded, Jesus, but too often catch ourselves justifying the injustice of hunger, poverty, war, and all the prejudices we didn't know we had. Forgive us so that we may catch ourselves righting our wrongs. Forgive us so that the lessons we learn at the Spirit's nudging may help bring the peace and love you seek in our families, the church, and the world. Help us to be more holy in our hearts. Amen. 11 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
C. SUPPLICATION: The gospel band will lead the song: I will make my life your dwelling place I will build your throne in my life Come Father, come Son, come Holy Spirit Come and take your place in my life O Lord, who has called us to be holy as You are holy; grant us power to walk worthy of our high calling in Jesus Christ. Strengthen us against temptation. Teach us to do Your will. Cause us to abound more and more in faith and Love, in holy desires, in kind and brotherly affections, in pure and peaceable dispositions, and through patient and humble service; that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us. O God of peace, sanctify us wholly, unto You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be glory and praise, world without end. AMEN. 8. ANTHEM-The Choir THE WORD 9. THE OLD TESTAMENTREADING: 1st Lesson: Exodus 12:1-13 10. SPECIALRENDITION - Youth Choir/ Musical Band 11. THE NEW TESTAMENT READING: 2nd Lessons: 1 Peter 1:17- 20, John 1:29-34 12. HYMN FOR THE SERMON – RCH 198 (O word of God Incarnate,) 1. O word of God Incarnate, O wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky, We praise Thee for the radiance That from the hallowed page, Alantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age. 2. The Church from her dear Master Received the gift divine, 12 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
And still that light she lifteth, O'er all the earth to shine; It is the golden casket Where gems of truth are stored; It is the heaven-drawn picture Of Christ, the living Word: 3. It floateth like a banner Before God's host unfurled; It shineth like a beacon, Above the darkling world; It is the chart and compass That, o'er life's surging sea, 'Mid mists and rocks and quicksands, Still guides, O Christ, to Thee. 4. O make Thy Church, dear Saviour, Alamp of purest gold, To bear before the nations Thy true light, as of old; O teach Thy wandering pilgrims By this their path to trace, Till, clouds and darkness ended, They see Thee face to face. 13. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION: 14. SERMON: “Jesus, Our Passover Lamb” 15. ASCRIPTION OFGLORY THE RESPONSE 16. THE NICENE CREED I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, Begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of light, Very God of very God, 13 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the world to come, Amen. 17. HOLYCOMMUNION HYMN FOR COMMUNION:RCH 138 1. Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne. Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone. Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood. Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood. 14 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
2. Alleluia! not as orphans, Are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! He is near us, Faith believes, nor questions how; Though the cloud from sight received Him When the forty days were o'er Shall our hearts forget His promise, “I am with you evermore”? 3. Alleluia! bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay; Alleluia! here the sinful Flee to Thee from day to day: Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth's Redeemer, plead for me, Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea. 4. Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own; Alleluia! born of Mary, Earth Thy footstool, Heav'n Thy throne: Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh our great High Priest; Thou on earth both priest and victim in the Eucharistic feast. 18. THE GRACE Minister: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all People: And also with you 19. INVITATION Minister: On this day around the world, the table has been set, and at this moment we are one family at one table. Imagine the world seated with Christ at a sumptuous feast. Today, we have a glimpse of that with World Communion Sunday. 15 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
The invitation to this table is for all. We are all welcome to this Christ's table. People: From east and west, from north and south, we come to take our places at God's banquet and shall yet take our places in the banquet in the Kingdom of God. 20. THANKSGIVING God, we give thanks for being brought together by your Spirit. In your presence, we come to know the true depths of your love for us. And it is good. In your presence, our eyes are opened and we see the best of your creation. And it is good. In your presence, the fullness of grace teaches us to love one another as you love us. And that is good. We come together at this table to remember this sacrament. Minister: The Lord be with you People: And also with you Minister: Lift up your hearts People: We lift them up unto the Lord. Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our Thanks and Praise Minister: It is right to praise you, for you are the One from whom we came and the One to whom we will return. Yes, it is right to give you thanks and praise for the life you lived among us, speaking our language, learning our ways, sitting at our tables, listening to our complaints and never giving up on us. Yes, it is right to give you thanks and praise for loving the unlovable, touching the untouchable, forgiving the unforgivable, recognizing the gold beneath the dross, the potential beneath the pain and never taking an easier path. Therefore, with your people of all places and times, and with our loved ones who are gathered round your Heavenly table we praise you saying: People: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might, Heaven and Earth are full of Your Glory, O Lord Most High. 16 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Minister: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the lord. People: Hosanna in the Highest. Minister: Yes, blessed is He who was born among us. Who grew up without privilege or status, who walked the way to heaven through the back streets of this world, who told the deepest truths in ordinary language, who touched and healed, who showed inclusive love in all its unconditional glory; who, for all this, was crucified, died and was buried, who for all this and for all of us, rose again; who, though high in heaven, is present with us here and now. Blessed is He in all His love and beauty. God beyond holiness. Dear Lord, as we do what Jesus once did, we pray you to send down Your Holy Spirit to move among us to settle on (here the Minister may lay hands) this bread and this wine. That there may become for us the body and the blood of Christ. And let that same Spirit stir our souls so that as we share this sacrament, we may recognize our Lord and receive Him that He may be in us and we in Him forever. People: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 21. THE LORD'S PRAYER Minister: And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us we are bold to pray, singing: People: Our Father which art heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; 17 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. BREAKING OFTHE BREAD: Minister: Our Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it (here the minister lifts and breaks the fraction) and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, he took the cup also, after supper, (the minister lifts the chalice and continues) saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Minister: Jesus, Lamb of God, People: Have mercy on us Minister: Jesus Bearer of our sins, People: Have mercy on us Minister: Jesus, Redeemer of the world, People: Grant us peace. (Amoment of silence may be kept) 22. THE DISTRIBUTION (The Minister partakes of the bread and wine along with other assisting Ministers. The Elders may also be served. And then the Minister says) Draw near with faith; receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for you, and His blood which was shed for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy are those who find refuge in God. (In giving the bread, the Minister says:) Take, eat. This is the body of Christ which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Him (the bread may now be distributed to the congregation). 18 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
(In giving the cup, the Minister says:) This is the new covenant sealed by Christ's blood which was shed that the sins of many might be forgiven. Drink from it all of you. (The wine may be distributed to the congregation). HYMNS FOR COMMUNION: RCH 411 1. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come. 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come. RCH 438 1. The King of Love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine for ever. 2. Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul He leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth. 3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed; But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home rejoicing brought me. 4. In death's dark vale I fear no ill, With Thee, dear Lord, beside me; Thy rod and staff my comfort still, 6. Just as I am – Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come. 7. Just as I am, of that free love The breadth, length, depth and height to prove, Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come. 19 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Thy Cross before to guide me. 5. Thou spread'st a table in my sight; Thy unction grace bestoweth; And O what transport of delight From Thy pure chalice floweth. 6. And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise Within Thy house for ever SS&S 134 1. Jesus, keep me near the Cross: There a precious fountain, Free to all—a healing stream— Flows from Calvary's mountain. Chorus In the Cross, in the Cross, be my glory ever; Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. 2. Near the Cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me; There the Bright and Morning Star Shed its beams around me. RCH 106 1. When I survey the wondrous Cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride 2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my God; All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood. 3. Near the Cross! O Lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me; Help me walk from day to day, With its shadow o'er me. 4. Near the Cross, I'll watch and wait. Hoping, trusting ever, Till I reach the golden strand, Just beyond the river. 20 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
3. See! From His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e'er such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. OLD RUGGED CROSS 1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best For a world of lost sinners was slain. Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown. 2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary. 3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, Awondrous beauty I see, For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me. 4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me someday to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share 23. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION: Holy Triune God, we thank you for this meal that proclaims the peace and 21 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
healing of the nations. We thank you for this meal where a little is enough to change our lives; where a little is more than enough to feed those whose hearts yearn for communion in community. May this bread and wine nourish us so that we may grow in the faith and knowledge that in You, we are one in Christ. May the fellowship from this table strengthen our faith in these times of trial where our society is threatened by news of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgence, violence against women, children, men and economic hardship. Help your Church to remain strong in prayers and kingdom service in Jesus' name. Amen. THE PEACE Minister: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you People: Amen Minister: In the joyful presence of our risen Lord, let us give one another a sign of peace: (the people may greet one another with a wave of hand or a smile and say). People: The peace of Christ 24. ANNOUNCEMENTS 25. OFFERINGS: a. Tithe b. Plate Offering c. Freewill Offering 26. DEDICATION OFOFFERING 27. CLOSING HYMN: RCH 415 1. My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour Divine; Now hear me while I pray; Take all my guilt away; O let me from this day Be wholly Thine. 2. May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, Aliving fire. 3.While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my Guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside. 4. When ends life's transient dream When death's cold, sullen stream Shall O'er me roll, Blest Saviour, then in love, Fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, Aransomed soul 22 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
BLESSING AND CHARGE Minister: Jesus is our peace! He came to proclaim this to all, near and far. With this blessing, we have free-flowing grace and unprecedented access to God and Christ's welcome table. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People: Alleluia! Minister: So now take Paul's charge to Tabitha, “Get up!” Get up and go do good works and proclaim the peace that will pass all understanding, saying this is the good news of Christ. People: Amen. 28. BENEDICTION You are called to this table You were fed at this table You were united at this table Now, you are sent from this table Into all the world. Go therefore into the world, with courage. Set a plate for all who hunger. Fill the cup of all who thirst. And as you go, May the Spirit of power and love uphold you May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ uphold you, And may the great faithfulness of our God sustain you, Now and forever. Amen. Minister: Unto God's gracious mercy and protection I commit you. The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lifts up light of His countenance upon you, and give you peace, both now and evermore. People: A– men, A– men, A– - - men. 29. RECESSIONALHYMN- Joyful recessional by the Choir 23 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Note 24 WORLD-WIDE COMMUNION 2023 Sunday OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
Most Rev Daniel E. Etim Chairman Board of Faith and Order Rt. Rev. Dr. Omaka Ngele Secretary, Board of Faith and Order Rt Rev. Engr Ndukwe Daniel Ndukwe Chairman, Congregational Ministries Department Rt. Rev Effiom Opla Sec, Congregational Ministries Dept