Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

May the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
be with you all.

Introduction

Option A
We are the new people of God, the vineyard planted and cared for by Christ. God looks to us to produce the fruits of justice, holiness, and peace. This is a great privilege? but also a great challenge. (pause)

Option B
We are God's chosen people - the 'vineyard of the Lord' according to today's readings. But we also face a challenge - we cannot take our privileged position for granted. Has the word of God's Son really found a home in our hearts? Does it bear fruit in the way we live? (pause)

Litany of Praise

Lord, you make us as your cherished plant
and expect good fruits from us:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, you send messengers to remind us
to live good lives:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, you tell us to direct our lives
to all that is true, honorable and just.:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
Yours, O God, is the vineyard and the harvest,
yours the kingdom of justice and peace.
You call your people to tend its growth.
Bless the work entrusted to our hands,
that we may offer you
an abundance of just works,
a rich harvest of peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Option B
Just and merciful God,
you care for your people
and do not abandon them.
Cultivate your church, we pray;
enrich it always with new shoots,
so that, grafted onto Christ, the true Vine,
your people may bear fruit in abundance
and produce a rich harvest for eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever . AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P       St. Paul encourages us to let our requests be made known
         to God by prayer and supplication, so let us pray.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear the people that you love. (Please repeat)

1. That Christians everywhere may always remember
   their dignity as the Lord's cherished plant
   - his special possession -
   and strive to produce fruits of goodness and justice..
   We pray:
   
2. That educators will cultivate in the youth
   a desire for all that is excellent, true, beautiful and holy.
   We pray:
   
3. For an increase of the spirit of prayer in our families
   so that our minds may be filled with the peace
   of God which brings eternal joy and lasting happiness.
   We pray:
4. For all who worship here in this Church: (pause)
   that we may realize our personal responsibility
   within the vineyard of the Lord,
   and that there may be many laborers to work in it.
   We pray:

[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]

P     Creator God,
       may we really become what you have called us to be -
       your vineyard, your holy people,
      who respond to your love in Christ Jesus our Lord . AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Creator God,
we bring these gifts before you -
bread from wheat,
wine from grapes.
Let them become for us -
the bread of life
and our spiritual drink.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
With Jesus, let us now make our requests
known to God by prayer and supplication:
Our Father ...

Option B
Called to labor in the vineyard of the Lord,
let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant us your peace?
a peace which surpasses all understanding.
Direct our thoughts to all that is true,
all that is honorable, beautiful and good,
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples:
"I am the vine, you are the branches.
United with me you will bear much fruit."
Lord, strengthen the bonds that unite us
with you and one another,
so that we may enjoy the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
The peace of God 'which is so much greater than we can understand'
is given to us to share with one another. Let us do that!

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      May this blessed bread, now broken for all,
        be a symbol of your love
        and a reminder of the charity
        that we are called to share with one another.
        Like the grapes that have been pressed
        into this holy wine, press us together
        in your love and understanding.
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus, the true vine.
It is in him that we bear fruit for eternal life.
Blessed are we who are called to his table.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   

Lord of creation,
you are the landowner, you are the vinedresser;
we are the vineyard where you have planted your word.
May it produce in our lives
the fruit that will promote your kingdom.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May the blessing of God, which surpasses all understanding,
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
AMEN

May the Lord bless you with everything that is true,
honorable, and just.
AMEN.

Keep on doing the things that you have learned
and received from Christ and the God
of peace will be with you. AMEN.

And may the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
+ bless you now and forever. AMEN.

Dismissal     

As laborers sent into the vineyard to work for an abundant harvest,
go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.