New Year’s Eve Contemplation
As we say farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, some of us will be gathering online to share a Communion meal and a time of quiet praise. You are invited to use this selection of prayers from the service as part of your own personal reflection and as a sharing of our worship together.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
God of wisdom and truth, at the end of another mixed year,
we look back and we look forward.
In the year that has passed
we experienced joy and we experienced sorrow;
we felt blessed and we felt challenged.
Some things went by much too fast,
and some things lingered for far too long.
We are reminded that you are present through it all.
We are reminded that we are never alone.
We are reminded that nothing can separate us from your love.
So on the cusp of a new year, we pause to reflect on the year passed.
We remember the things from this past year for which we are most thankful.
We recall the moments we were the happiest.
We consider the times we felt most alive.
We recognize the times we gave and received the most love.
We are grateful, God, that you were present in those times.
We also remember the things from this past year for which we are least thankful.
We recall the moments we were anxious or overwhelmed.
We consider the times we felt life draining from us.
We recognize the times we gave and received the least love.
We are grateful, God, that you were present in those times too.
Gracious God, at the beginning of a new year,
we also look forward to the year to come.
We are confident that you will be with us still,
when we are thankful and when we are not;
when we are happy and when we are sad;
when we feel alive and when we feel drained;
when we give and receive love and when we do not.
God, the world we live in is messy and challenging.
Yet, God, you are with us always and the light of your love can never be extinguished.
So give us grace and give us courage
to live faithfully in this imperfect world.
Remind us always of the promise of your kingdom,
emerging around us and through us.
May we be troubled by injustice and be moved to act.
May we be led by compassion and be moved to serve.
May we be a living example of your gracious love,
not only in word but in deed.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Call to Reconciliation
Perhaps this year be a time of new life, new ways for us; or perhaps we will fall back into some of our old, unhealthy patterns. Let us spend a moment in stillness as we reflect on the changes we need to make; offer to God our past failures; seek forgiveness; and welcome God’s strength for a change of ways.
Time of silence
Assurance of Pardon
2021 is almost done.
Our words, our thoughts, our deeds are in the past.
Today, we begin anew. Today, and every day, God offers us new life and hope.
Here, now, forever – we are forgiven and healed. This coming year, let us live as such people.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Reflection
I wonder what burdens from the past year you want to lay down.
I wonder what fears, and hopes, you have for the new year.
I wonder if you have any resolutions, commitments or plans to live more faithfully or fully this coming year –
to let your light shine bright.
I wonder what you want to say to God of the year to come.
I wonder what God might want to say to you.
As Marcia and all our printers/couriers have a well-deserved break until 9th January
we want to thank them once again for all the time and energy
they put into keeping our church family connected and cared for,
Thanks all – you’re absolute stars!