4th Sunday in Advent - 18 December 2005
December 6, 2005
This collect is part of a series produced for Anglican Youth Yeah! - Advent 2005 to Advent 2006. You can read the others that have been produced online, or alternatively download the full compilation.
Readings
First Reading 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
Second Reading Romans 16: 25-27
Gospel Luke 1: 26-38
Theme
Knowing and living God’s will
Sentence
“And the Angel came to Mary and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
Luke 1:29-31
Collects
God who does not discriminate
We are thankful that you choose to use us for your work
regardless of the labels that we and society place on us
Give us your good sense to mix with our questions and our faith.
Till next time
Amen
Mysterious Lord of the unexpected
You are awesome and powerful
You made your spirit come over Mary
To bring us your son
Help us not to be afraid of your power.
Help us to follow your great plan
Through your Son,
Amen
King over our fears, problems and testing times
We are in your high favour
We are weak and sometimes we think we are not worthy
Help us to know your will
And to carry out your will in the world.
Prepare us for the plans you have.
Thank you for your encouragement and guidance,
Amen
God you are scary
Your burden us with responsibilities
And challenge us to let your light shine through us
Show us the deeds, great or small,
That will bring your kingdom into our world
Through you may we gain courage.
Amen. Alleluia. Amen
God who is always in control of everything
God who showed us through the example of Mary how we can have faith and trust in you
When you call may we answer with confidence like Mary
Help us to know that we are called to do great things
Give us faith to discern your calling and to act with courage and wisdom
Through Jesus Christ our strength and hope
Amen
God who is always there
God who has no fear
God in whom we trust
We praise you for your guidance in our lives
Even though we don’t understand all of your plan
Help us to be happy in the plan for us
In all of life’s situations help us to put our trust in you
Let the Holy Spirit overcome all our fears and doubts
Help us to be strong in our faith as witnesses to the people
Let your message spread to all your favoured children
Help us find our strength in you, and not let other things turn us around
Help us know in our souls that we are not alone
Makes us open to when and where your message will come to us
God who is always there
Amen
Contributed by
The Youth of National Anglican Youth Forum: Tikanga Pakeha
The National Anglican Youth Forum; Tikanga Pakeha is for school goers (usually over 14
years old), university goers, and workers-as well as others who really care about young
people in the church. For the last three or four year around 60 young people from the seven diocese attend Forum. Sometimes there are up to 100. Forum meets once a year during the first week of the July school holidays. It is hosted by a different Diocese each year, so moves around the country. In 2006, Forum is being hosted by the Diocese of Waiapu and will be held in Rotorua, on July 2-6. Our purpose is to provide a space for young people; To experience the wider church and what it means to be a part of a network; learn the skills to speak for themselves in the wider church; and have a voice and know the adults present will remember and act on their ideas and visions. We hope that Forum will continue to develop and be a place of empowering young people to make a difference and to become the creative and forward thinking leaders our church needs. We hope that Youth Ministry will be seen as a core activity of all of church life, not something we do if we have time or resources left. This will mean that parishioners and clergy will make to time build relationships with young people. We also hope:
- That the habit of having services on Sunday mornings will be addressed and alternative ministry times for young people will be explored;
- That funding for youth staff, youth groups, youth events and youth initiatives are considered a priority and not just given what’s left over; and
- That young people are given opportunities to voice their concerns at all levels of the church, including synod and vestries. Youth must make their voice heard, so that others understand us.
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