91Èȱ¬

Please note: This script may not exactly reflect the transmission. It may include editorial notes prepared by the producer, and minor spelling and other errors.

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Radzi: Good morning and welcome to Sunday Worship with me, Radzi Chinyanganya and Reverend Grace Thomas. We’re standing here at the foot of Scafell, the tallest mountain in England, nestled in amongst the wild and bleak Cumbrian hills. Looking up, it’s not possible to see its peak, at 978 meters, shrouded as it is by the clouds and the rocky landscape, our aim today is to drink in these surroundings and let the creation speak to us.

It’s an ancient scene – as old as the hills if you like, we’re reflecting on an institution not quite as old as Scafell Pike above us, in fact it’s just one hundred years old, the 91Èȱ¬ itself. Like these mountains, Auntie has always seemed to have been with us, as we react to programmes which are meant to be catering for everybody’s tastes.

Grace: Thanks, Radzi. I must admit to being both excited and a little daunted at the prospect of a mountain climb and am wondering what I’ll discover along the way. I’m hoping my legs will cope with the challenge!!! (Radzi respond)

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HYMN: Who would true valour see let him come hither (Maddy Prior version)

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Radzi: Creator God, throughout our lifelong journey, you are present -Ìý guiding, supporting, renewing and sustaining. May we take each step in grateful knowledge of this. When we fall, stumble or feel like we can’t go on, may we lean into your support, knowing we cannot do this journey in our strength alone, but only through You. Amen

Music: Spirit of the Lord - Halle Choir

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Grace: The steadfastness of Jesus is powerfully brought to life by Paul in this extract from his letter to the Colossians. The firstborn of all creation, in whom all things were created, and who holds all things together. As with the psalm, the reading evokes a call to look for God in our surroundings. Looking both upwards and downwards - up towards what is often thought of as heaven, and down towards the earth below - we are reminded here that all that we see, and even the landscape beyond our vision, has been reconciled to God through Jesus.

Reading: Colossians 1:15 ff

HYMN: Will you come and follow me

Elgar Dream of Gerontius

Hymn : Brother sister

The Lark Ascending, by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Soloist Iona Brown. The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

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Reading: Psalm 121 (A song of ascents)

I lift up my eyes to the hills—

from where will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

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He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

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The Lord is your keeper;

the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

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The Lord will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

The Lord will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time on and for evermore.

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Hymn -Ìý Our God Reigns - the Maranatha! Singers

Hymn -Ìý Jerusalem - Truro Cathedral Choir

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Prayers of intercession

Creator God, the natural world is wild and beautiful. Teach us to have reverence for your abundant creation and a sense of responsibility for its preservation. Help us to be true neighbours to our global siblings. Guide people in power in ways of climate justice and action.

Be our companion Lord, as we seek to be faithful keepers of the Earth.

Loving God, awaken us to those whose journeys are perilous and dangerous, fleeing war, poverty, persecution, and the effects of climate change. Open our eyes to the challenges many face, caught in cycles of work and exhaustion, unable to take the rest and retreat they need.

Be our companion, Lord, as we seek to be faithful companions to each other

Eternal God, inspire us all by the example of the disciples, who stepped into the unknown without hesitation, to follow the way of One who called them. Guide us in the footsteps of many pilgrims who has ventured out before us, into journeys of understanding and transformation.

Be our companion, Lord, as we seek to be faithful participants in acts of hope that stretch love into the future

Amen

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As our saviour taught us, so we pray

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Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,

For ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing

May the One who creates

Pour blessings upon you this day

May the One who redeems

Bear your burdens and share in your joys

May the One who renews,

Sustain and strengthen you in all your journeys

And may the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

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HYMN -ÌýÌýJerusalem - Truro Cathedral Choir

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