– this will be held OUTSIDE under the cherry tree, by request of parents who would prefer their children to be in a space with better ventilation. The weather should be fine. Bring a rug if you want somewhere comfortable to sit! Chairs will also be available.
11pm: Midnight Mass in the church
CHRISTMAS DAY, Sat 25 Dec
9am: All Age Eucharist in the church (NB no morning tea will be served)
BOXING DAY, Sun 26 Dec
10am: a simple said Eucharist, followed by morning tea in the Annex
This year we are marking the traditional feast of All Souls Day by holding a gentle contemplative Eucharist. It will be a time to remember all the suffering and losses of this strange and challenging year, to hold before God all our loved ones who have died, and together to take a step of hope.
31 October marks our return to Sunday worship in person at Holy Cross after two months of lockdown. We will be celebrating All Saints Day at our 9am Eucharist.
Today is also our “Offering Sunday”, as we give thanks to God for all the many blessings we have received. Copies of the offering cards we’ll be using in our service can be found below.
We will be continuing to offer the option of attending all our services via Zoom for the foreseeable futures. To join us via Zoom, click here.
Good morning and welcome to Holy Cross on this beautiful spring day.
This is our final Sunday service exclusively on Zoom; we will be resuming in-person worship on Sunday 31 October (though Zoom will still be an option for all our principal services). Today we are celebrating “Gratitude Sunday”, giving thanks to God for all that God has given us.
(The psalm, reading, and collect for each day can be found on the free epray app downloadable here. The Holy Cross epray code is 6806. A print-friendly version of the liturgy can also be found at the foot of the page.)
Opening Responses
Lord open our lips And our mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
A Time of Open Praise
Opening Prayer
The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.
Psalm
Bible Reading
For the word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
A Time of Quiet Meditation
Benedictus
In the morning, Lord, I come into your house, Alleluia.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel: who has come to God’s people and set them free. The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour: born of the house of God’s servant David.
Through the holy prophets, God promised of old: to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us, To show mercy to our forebears: and to remember God’s holy covenant.
This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship God without fear: holy and righteous before God, all the days of our life.
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the Lord to prepare God’s way, To give God’s people knowledge of salvation: by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God: the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death: and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
In the morning, Lord, I come into your house, Alleluia.
A Time of Open Intercession
Lord in your love, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Collect
Closing Responses
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia.
At this time many members of our community are self-isolating, in quarantine, or having to stay within their local community. Whether you are unable to visit our site in person, or you are choosing to stay at home for the safety of yourself and our community, the peace of God can offer solace for all pilgrims. We invite you to find rest and renewal in meeting the Creator, the Redeemer and the Spirit as you take a prayerful virtual walk through our Trinity Labyrinth with us.
