Worship Day 5
Getting dressed from God's clothing factory
July 15, 2024
Each day of the 17th Assembly meeting has begun with a Spirit-filled time of worship, teaching, prayer, singing and connection. Worship has been led by Assembly liturgists, Assembly members and by the President, and the music by the amazing 17th Assembly band.
On Day 5, the Call to Worship song ‘Into My Heart’ was sung in Portuguese and Niuean. An Acknowledgement of Country was given.
"Beloved friends, let us carry our worship into our work"
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17th Assembly liturgists Rev Pablo Nunez, Rev Hee Won Chang and Rev Ellie Elia led members in prayer.
“Gracious God, we bring you the worn and torn parts of ourselves. Hem us in before and behind.”
“We bring you the joyful parts of ourselves. Weave us together in hope and prayer.”
“God of new life, we bring our doubts and faith knotted together in our hearts. Unravel our doubts, weave faith in our hearts, draw us together in hope and faith we pray.”
Daniel Broadstock brought a heartfelt and passionate reading of Colossians 3:12-17.
Rev Dr Jason Kioa brought the teaching, inviting members to reflect on the spiritual clothing we are invited to wear as the people of God. Jason is the minister at Mascot Wesley Uniting Church in Sydney.
“I’m looking at this reading, and I’m thinking of a clothing factory! Twice in this reading, Paul is asking us to clothe ourselves in good things, in these fruits of the Spirit.”
“This clothing that Paul is taking about – it comes from the clothing factory that Paul has identified in his theology as the crucified and risen Lord.”
“I think this clothing from God’s clothing factory is one size fits all.”
“We clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and we can stand in the faithfulness and steadfast love of God through generations.”
Members took part in the daily ‘Body Prayer’, spoken in Spanish, Korean and English, an invitation to open themselves to the day and to each other.
The Assembly had the opportunity for talanoa around the questions: What is the pattern of clothing we are to wear as God’s chosen, holy and beloved? And culturally, who decides the pattern?”
Members of the Assembly were invited to continue the practice of writing down their prayers of the people on pieces of cloth which are added to a weaving wheel.
Following the singing of the final song, ‘Tapestry: Weave Us Together’, President Rev Charissa Suli offered a benediction.
“Beloved friends, let us carry our worship into our work. Pay attention to the spiritual clothing we will offer to each other, as we continue to pray: O God, weave us together. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be always with you."
Seini Taufa gave a theological reflection to close the day, calling to mind the love, grace and movement of the Holy Spirit in this "big day".
"We rest and bring ourselves to be still in God’s love."
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