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This script cannot exactly reflect the transmission, as it was prepared before the service was broadcast. It may include editorial notes prepared by the producer, and minor spelling and other errors that were corrected before the radio broadcast.

It may contain gaps to be filled in at the time so that prayers may reflect the needs of the world, and changes may also be made at the last minute for timing reasons, or to reflect current events.

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OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT: 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4. At ten past eight, it’s time for the Sunday Worship for this week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It comes from Seaforde, County Down and is led by the Reverend Adrian Dorrian. The service is introduced by the preacher, the Very Reverend Henry Hull, the Dean of Down.

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DEAN HULL

God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you

and also with you.

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It is my pleasure to welcome you all to our service Seaforde is a lovely village which nestles just a few miles from where the majestic mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. The name of the parish is Loughinisland and over 25 years ago Loughinisland was the scene of the killing of six people by Loyalist para-militaries, something I will refer to in my sermon. It still shocks for such killings to have happened in such an unspoilt setting.

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But today at the beginning of this week of prayer for Christian Unity we come together and take part in this service s Christians from different traditions in our community, to offer worship and praise to God.

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Our opening hymn calls us to worship – Come, let us join our cheerful songs with angels round the throne

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ÌýCOME LET US JOIN OUR CHEEERFUL SONGSÌý (NATIVITY)

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REV A DORRIANÌý

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We have come together in the name of ChristÌý

to offer our praise and thanksgiving,

to hear and receive God's holy word,

to seek the forgiveness of our sins,

and to pray for the needs of the world,

that by the power of the Holy Spirit

we may give ourselves to the service of God.

And this morning we’re using the new form of Morning Prayer for use on Sundaysin the Church of Ireland

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O Lord, open our lips,

and our mouth will proclaim your praise.

Let us worship the Lord.

All praise to his name.

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Blessed are you, Sovereign God, Lord of the Church,

to you be glory and praise for ever.

In your great love for us,

you prayed of the Father that we all may be one.

Let the light of your love dawn in our hearts

and so turn our hearts to you;

that we may be drawn closer in your Church

and bear witness to the Unity into which we are called.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

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PARISH PRIEST

Our Lord Jesus Christ says, ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.’Ìý Let us confess to almighty God our failure to accept his love and to share it with others.

There is one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Christ, have mercy.Ìý

Christ, have mercy.

There is one God and Father of us all, above all and through all and in all.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from your sins, heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.Ìý Amen.

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REV A DORRIAN

As we prepare to reflect on God’s word, this Hymn echoes the words we have just heard. They’re words of Jesus as he calls us to unity – A new commandment I give unto you.

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CHOIR A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU,

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Your word is a lantern to my feet

and a light upon our path.

O Lord, your word is everlasting:

it stands firm for ever in the heavens.

Let us then receive the word of the Lord.

So may the light of your presence shine into our hearts.

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READER A reading from First Corinthians.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their LordÌýand ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Ìý I give thanks to myÌýGod always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,Ìýfor in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—Ìýjust as the testimony ofÌýChrist has been strengthened among you—Ìýso that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.ÌýHe will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.ÌýGod is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 133 stresses the importance of living together in unity

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CHOIR PSALM 133 (Anglican Chant)

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READER A reading from the gospel of John.

Jesus said: ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word,Ìýthat they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us,*Ìýso that the world may believe that you have sent me.ÌýThe glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one,ÌýI in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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Our next Ìýhymn speaks of the power of God’s love, which is a source of unity for his Church – Love Divine, all loves excelling.

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CHOIRÌý LOVE DIVINE ALL LOVES EXCELLING (BLAENWERN)

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DEAN HULL

This year we’re are celebrating three hundred years of worship in this church building on the edge of the village of Seaforde, although we know that worship in this area has been offered since the middle ages. Nearby at Loughinisland there are the ruins of three medieval churches, the earliest of which dates back to the thirteenth century. In fact one of the churches, after the Reformation, was shared by both the Roman Catholic and Anglican congregations until the beginning of the eighteenth century.

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The story goes that one wet Sunday morning one congregation was reluctant to leave and let the other in and, as a result, two separate churches were built. That might seem quite a trivial reason to separate but I presume there were other factors at work as well.

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That historic link has meant that Loughinisland remains the traditional name of our parish even though the church is now located in Seaforde village. Unfortunately, the nameÌý Loughinisland is also synonymous with one of the darker tragic events of our recent history. Just over twenty five years ago a terrible incident occurred when gunmen burst into the Heights Bar in Loughinisland, opening fire and killing six men and wounding five others as they watched Ireland play Italy in the 1994 World Cup. The hurts, pain and unanswered questions about that evening still remain, as they do for so many other victims of violence in our wider community.

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The Sunday after that dreadful event a shared morning service was broadcast on Radio Ulster and since then there has continued to be a desire within our churches to find other ways to come together. For the past twenty five years a united Christmas Carol service has been held - one simple way of bringing healing and good out of something evil.

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I believe any opportunity for Christians to come together in prayer and worship is good because one of the great tragedies in the history of the Christian Church is the sin of division.

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We do know that even from earliest times disputes and disagreements arose in the church. However as the centuries went by different disagreements led to division, separation and even hostility amongst Christians.

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Sadly this is so contrary to the will of Jesus.

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In our Gospel reading we read of how that on the night before he died Jesus prayed for the church. In his great high priestly prayer he prayed for all who will believe in Him and that includes us today. In that prayer he asks that we may be one, as he and the father are one. He prays that we may be completely one. His heart is for a visibly united church that would be a witness for him to the world.

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To parahrase St John’s complex prose I ask on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me may they become completely one,

may know that you have sent me

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Tragically even though we claim to believe in Jesus; even though we claim to believe in the scriptures as his inspired word; we seem to be so reluctant to be obedient to his prayer that we might be completely one.

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That is why this week of prayer for Christian Unity is so important. It calls us back to this central message of the gospel, to this heart felt prayer of Jesus for His Church, that we might be one. All around the world this week Christians are praying for the unity of the Church and some of the resources for this year have been prepared by the church in Malta.

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Hospitality is the theme highlighting a much needed virtue in our search for Christian unity. It calls us to a greater generosity to those in need. Christians in Malta reflecting on how the gospel came to their island, as recorded in Acts of the Apostles, noted how the people who showed unusual kindness to Paul and his companions who did not yet know Christ. Yet it was through their unusual kindness that people were brought to faith.

Our own Christian unity will be discovered not only through showing hospitality to one another, but also through loving encounters with those who do not always see things the way we do.

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One of the things I have discovered is that as Christians come together, often in more informal settings ,to listen and learn from one another that much can be gained

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My own personal ecumenical experience began through contact with the late Rev Cecil Kerr, who has been the Anglican Chaplain at Queens University Belfast, and then leader of the Christian Renewal Centre in Rostrevor, I found in meeting and worshipping with Christians from different traditionsÌý and hearing their faith storiesÌý helped me see that although we might express our faith in different waysÌý it is the same common faith we share in Jesus. Often, as we learn from each other’s experience, it enriches and deepens our own our faith.

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So that is why I am so encouraged that here in Seaforde and LoughinislandÌý and across the Ìýthis area of South Down .known as Lecale we are trying in small ways, as we come together in worship, as we are today, and on other occasions, in kindness and hospitality, we are overcoming some of the divisions of the past.

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I believe that unity and reconciliation are at the heart of the Gospel message. Unity and reconciliation between us as individuals and God; and unity and reconciliation between us and one another.

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the Gospel message is good news in that God can change and transform; divisions can be overcome; and good can triumph over evil.Ìý So as well praying for unity within the church we are also praying that the newly established Executive at Stormont will take positive steps forward to bring healing and reconciliation in our wider society.

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My prayer is that all Christians might come together in united worship ,as we are today, to seek to be obedient to the words of Jesus in praying for the unity of his church and in committing ourselves to going forward walking together in the way of Christ

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Ìý‘IF YE LOVE ME’

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REV A DORRIANÌý

If ye love me’ by Thomas Tallis

Let us affirm together our Common Faith:

We believe in God the Father, from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us with power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Ìý Amen.

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READERS:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

As the Lord Jesus prayed to the Father for the Unity of his Church,

so let us bring our prayers to Almighty God:

For the Church around the world:

that Christians from every tradition

may continue to find and celebrate their common faith.

We remember all those who are marking this week of Prayer for Christian Unity,

asking especially that you bless the Church in Malta.

Lord of the Church: hear our prayer.

For the Church in this community:

that the bonds of fellowship which have drawn us together,

even in the face of adversity,

may continue to bear good fruit.

Lord of the Church: hear our prayer.

For the Church at risk:

that all those who live in fear of persecution

in the name of faith

may come to know freedom of worship.

Lord of the Church: hear our prayer.

For the Church as it responds to the needs of the world:

that all those who know pain,

sorrow and suffering

may experience your healing touch.

We pray too for those entrusted with the administration of government,

giving thanks for the restoration of power sharing here in Northern Ireland.

Lord of the Church: hear our prayer.

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Heavenly Father, you have called us in the body of your Son Jesus Christ to continue his work of reconciliation and reveal you to the world: forgive us the sins which tear us apart; give us the courage to overcome our fears and to seek that unity which is your gift and your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Ìý Amen.

Gathering our prayers and praises into one, we pray:Ìý

Our Father in heaven,

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý hallowed be your name,

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý your kingdom come,

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý your will be done,

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Forgive us our sins

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý now and for ever. Amen.

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Blessed are you, Holy God,

creator, redeemer and life-giver;

you have spoken the world into being

and filled it with wonder and beauty.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý For every blessing we have received

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý we give you thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, Holy God,

for people of every language and culture

and for the rich variety you give to life.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý For every blessing we have received

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý we give you thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, Holy God,

for your Spirit, the fire of love burning in our hearts,

bringing us to faith, and calling us to holiness

in the Church and in the world.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý For every blessing we have received

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý we give you thanks and praise.

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We go into the world to walk in God’s light,

to rejoice in God’s love and to reflect God’s glory.

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DEAN HULL May God the Father, who called us from darkness into light, make us true bearers of God’s light. May God the Son, who redeemed us by His precious blood, empower us to follow His example in serving others. May God the Holy Spirit, who is Lord and giver of life, strengthen us to endure the shipwrecks of life and reach the shores of salvation. May the Almighty and Merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless and protect us, now and forever. Amen.

Let us set out together, to proclaim the wonders of God’s love.

Amen! Alleluia! Amen!

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THY HAND O GOD HAS GUIDEDÌý (Thornbury)

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CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT: Today’s Sunday Worship came from Seaforde in County Down and was led by the Reverend Adrian Dorrian. The preacher was the Very Reverend Henry Hull, the Dean of Down.Ìý The music was directed by Michael McCracken and the organist, Stephen Hamill. The producer was Bert Tosh.

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ÌýSunday Worship for Holocaust Memorial next week comes live from St Peter’s School York

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