Faith & Worship

In the lengthening of days,
Snowdrops emerging,
from winter's frozen ground.
A. WE SEE THE CREATOR'S HAND

In the sight of a tiny lamb
joyfully bounding
across hillside farm
A. WE SEE THE CREATOR'S HAND

Creator God, forgive our moments of ingratitude,
the spiritual blindness that prevents us
from appreciating the wonder that is this world,
the endless cycle of nature,
of life and death and rebirth.
Forgive us for taking without giving,
reaping without sowing.
Open our eyes to see,
our lips to praise,
our hands to share,
and may our feet tread lightly
on the road that, together, we travel.

 

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Springtime!
Your message of hope
to a world tiring of winter’s starkness,
longing for that first crocus
to push through snow’s icy blanket
and spread its leaves,
like arms outstretched,
to its creator.
Springtime!
Our yearly reminder, if we needed one,
that to a world that was dark and cold,
a world devoid of love’s sweet warmth,
you sent your Son
to break through sin’s icy blanket,
and, arms outstretched
on a cross,
he brought us
hope.
Thank you

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A sleeping world emerges to new possibilities,
weakening winter's icy grip,
and birdsong and bleating lamb
announce to all the promise
that in due season
creation bursts into life.
And whilst leaves that fell in winter
lie upon the ground,
soon to feed the earth,
in nature's wondrous cycle
of death and rebirth,
within the tree is a stirring of new growth.

 

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There is real wisdom, Lord, in the adage
'It is always Springtime in the heart that loves God.'
Springtime is a season of optimism and hope,
and the Christian lives a faith centred on hope.
Winter, with its cold and dark days has gone,
just as Good Friday has passed to Easter and beyond.
We live a resurrection life
reflected in the new life springing up around us.
Thank you, Lord, for the hope that you bring,
the renewal that you bring,
both to this world and to our hearts and lives.

 

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For the cycle of life
which brings death and rebirth
A. We rejoice in the promise of Spring

For lengthening days
and sunlight's warmth upon the soil
A. We rejoice in the promise of Spring

For a snowdrop's beauty
reflecting its Creator's artistry
A. We rejoice in the promise of Spring

For new born lambs
their joy and exuberance
A. We rejoice in the promise of Spring

for all of creation
and the majesty of its Creator
A. We rejoice in the promise of Spring

 

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This is your garden, Creator God,
a thing of beauty
beyond understanding,
a poem that is being written
not in words
but in colours,
wind's whisper,
soaring bird,
snowdrop's petal,
gentle rain,
sunlight's warmth,
This is your garden, Creator God,
A thing of beauty
beyond our understanding

 

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Creator God,
at the start
of this New Year,
when thoughts turn again
to beginnings,
starting afresh,
new leaves
and turning skeletons
free from cupboards,
be with us
as we gaze into the distance
of fresh mission grounds,
of hopes and dreams,
opportunities for service,
challenges
and uncertainties.
Take our fears
and turn them into strengths.
Take our lack of faith
and empower us,
through the Spirit
who breathes life into this world,
whose presence is reflected
in the icy chill
of winter's breath,
as well as the comforting warmth
of a summer breeze.
Walk with us into this New Year
of opportunity