A Light on the Hill

Order of Service – 7th September 2025

The Order of Service follows below.

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Brougham Place Uniting Church
Kardlayirdi Karnungga
A Light on the Hill

Sunday September 7, 2025, 10.00am
Preacher: Rev Linda Driver
Season of Creation Week 1. Aqua
Communion

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional carers of the land on which our church is built.

As you wait for worship to begin, please turn your phone to silent.

Prelude

Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country

Naa marni?  (Are you all good?)
Marni Ai!     (Good I am)

Lighting of the Candles

Introduction

Call to Worship

Hey everyone! Give praise to God!
God dreamed you and called you and here you are!
Seas and oceans, tranquil waves and turbulent currents, praise God.
God dreamed you and called you and here you are!
You fish and whales and squid, sing praise in the deep.
God dreamed you and called you and here you are!
So listen out for the Name that is above every Name,
sing out with all the love and joy you can find:
all you are is made by God,
all you have is gift from God.
Calling all creation – come and be found in praise!

Opening Prayer

God of oceans and inland lakes,
source of our life and keeper of earth’s waterways,
open our hearts within the vastness of creation.

With awe and respect,
we ponder the precious gift of life shared across the waters.
Channel our empathy not from above, but from beside—
as kin among creatures,
as siblings to the sea,
as people who learn from the ocean how to praise.
Amen.

We sing: Where wide sky rolls down

Together in Song 188

  1. Where wide sky rolls down and touches red sand,
    where sun turns to gold the grass of the land,
    let spinifex, mulga and waterhole tell
    their joy in the One who made everything well.

  2. Where rain-forest calm meets reef, tide and storm,
    where green things grow lush and oceans are warm,
    let every sea-creature and tropical bird
    exult in the light of the life-giving Word.

  3. Where red gum and creek cross hillside and plain,
    where cool tree-ferns rise to welcome the rain,
    let bushland, farm, mountain-top, all of their days
    delight in the Spirit who formed them for praise.

  4. Now, people of faith, come gather around
    with songs to be shared, for blessings abound!
    Australians, whatever your culture or race,
    come, lift up your hearts to the Giver of grace.

Prayer of Thanks and Lament

Great God of creation,
thank you for the wonders of the natural world.
We praise you for the oceans that surround our lands,
for the diverse life they contain—
plankton and whales, coral and seaweed, sharks and dolphins.
The sea sings of your glory, O God.
May we learn her song.

Thank you for the many ways we value the sea:
enjoying days fishing, water sports, walking by the beach,
sharing the harvest of the sea at meals with family and friends.
The ocean gives and gives.
We confess how little we have listened to her need.

We are humbled as we learn
how much we depend on the health of the oceans for our own well-being.
We are not above the ocean; we are her kin.
When she suffers, so do we all.

We are shocked when we discover
how small particles of waste discarded on land
find their way to vast areas of ocean rubbish.
The sea is choking, O God.
Have mercy on what we have done.

We are dismayed as we hear
how coral reefs are dying, and precious animal species are becoming extinct.
The coral grieves; the fish flee.
Creation cries out.

We are scared by news of warming oceans and rising sea levels.
It makes us feel vulnerable and afraid.
Holy One, may our fear be turned to reverence.
May our sorrow deepen into love.
The sea laments. May we lament with her.

Restore our kinship, O God.
Teach us to walk gently along the shore,
to speak blessings, not burdens,
to let the oceans teach us again
how to live in praise.
The sea still sings.
We listen, we will learn, we will love. Amen.

Short silence

Words of Assurance

Don’t be afraid!
Hear God’s call to care for the earth and protect the oceans.
Know that God shows loving kindness for all life and
offers us the ways and the will to bring greater wholeness to creation.
Thank you for your love. We hear your call to care. Amen.

Passing of the Peace

The peace of our God be with you.
And also with you.

Community News and Notices

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Children’s Time (Exploring the Theme)

Communion

The children are invited to sit with their families.

Invitation

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us give our thanks to God:

The Earth is God’s and everything in it.
God’s glory covers the earth
as the waters over the sea.

The trees of the field clap their hands.
The birds of the air sing songs of praise.

If we should stop expressing our worship,
even the rocks and stones would cry out in praise!

And so, we lift up our hearts and we lift up our voices.
We offer thanksgiving and praise to God, Creator of all.

Words of Institution

Blessed are you, Creator God,
for from seeds sown into the earth
you have given us the gift of bread
to feed and nourish us.

At Jesus’ last meal with his friends,
before facing the cross,
it was bread that he chose to take.

He blessed it and broke it.

He passed it amongst his friends, saying:
“Take, eat; this is my body
which is given for you.
Do this to remember me.”

Blessed are you, Creator God,
for from grapes which grow ripe and sweet on the vine,
you have given us the gift of wine
to refresh and heal us.

At Jesus’ last meal with his friends
before facing the cross,
it was wine that he chose to take.

He blessed it.

He passed it amongst his friends, saying:
“Drink from this, all of you;
this is my life in the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many,
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this to remember me.”

And now we come to your table again, Jesus…

… Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices,
with the faithful of every time & place and with all of creation,
we bless & praise your glorious name:

Holy, holy, holy God,
Wisdom, strength and hope
Heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of our God.
Hosanna in the highest!

Come Holy Spirit,

… and ready us to take our role
as agents of healing and change.

Through Christ,
with Christ,
and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours,
God of love,
now and for ever.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let’s pray together a variation of the Prayer that Jesus taught us:

Life-Giver, Pain-Bearer, Love-Maker.
Source of all that is and that shall be.
Loving Parent of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo
through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by all peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done
by all created beings!
Your kin-dom of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today,
feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another,
forgive us.
In times of temptation and test,
strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure,
spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil,
free us.

For you reign in the glory
of the power that is love,
now and forever.
Amen.

The Communion

Prayer After Communion

Children and Young People may go downstairs for Sunday School and Youth. Parents, you are welcome to join your child in Sunday School if you feel your child may need your assistance. Alternatively, you may wish for your child to remain with you for the duration of worship. Activity packs are available at the entrances.

We sing: We Sing the Almighty Power of God

Words: Together in Song 119. Tune: Together in Song 361 (Ellacombe 1)

  1. We sing the almighty power of God
    that made the mountains rise,
    that spread the flowing seas abroad,
    and built the lofty skies.
    We sing the wisdom that ordained
    the sun to rule the day;
    the moon shines full at God’s command,
    and all the stars obey.

  2. We sing the goodness of the Lord
    that filled the earth with food;
    God formed the creatures with God’s word,
    and then pronounced them good.
    There’s not a plant or flower below
    but makes your glories known;
    and clouds arise and tempests blow
    by order from your throne.

  3. All creatures, numerous as they be,
    are subject to your care;
    there’s not a place where we can flee
    but God is present there.
    God’s hand is my perpetual guard,
    God guides me with God’s eye;
    why should I, then, forget the Lord,
    who is for ever nigh?

Scripture Reading: Job 31:1-18 and Luke 5:1-11

Job 38:1-18

From out of a storm,

the Lord said to Job:

Why do you talk so much

when you know so little?

Now get ready to face me!

Can you answer

the questions I ask?

How did I lay the foundation for the earth?

Were you there?

Doubtless you know who decided

its length and width.

What supports the foundation?

Who placed the cornerstone,

while morning stars sang,

and angels rejoiced?

When the ocean was born,

I set its boundaries

and wrapped it in blankets

of thickest fog.

Then I built a wall around it,

locked the gates, and said,

“Your powerful waves stop here!

They can go no farther.”

Did you ever tell the sun to rise?

And did it obey?

Did it take hold of the earth

and shake out the wicked

like dust from a rug?

Early dawn outlines the hills

like stitches on clothing

or sketches on clay.

But its light is too much

for those who are evil,

and their power is broken.

Job, have you ever walked

on the ocean floor?

Have you seen the gate

to the world of the dead?

And how large is the earth?

Tell me, if you know!

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, teaching the people as they crowded around him to hear God’s message. Near the shore he saw two boats left there by some fishermen who had gone to wash their nets. Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon and asked him to row it out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down in the boat to teach the crowd.

When Jesus had finished speaking, he told Simon, “Row the boat out into the deep water and let your nets down to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” They did this and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t come near me! I am a sinner.” Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too.

Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.” The men pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything and went with Jesus.

The Gospel of Christ, Light of the world.
Thanks be to God.

Message

We sing: God, You Made Your Good Creation

Tune: Together in Song 493 BEACH SPRING

  1. God, you made your good creation
    and you hold it in your care —
    From each starry constellation
    to each forest under-layer.
    Tiny creatures, mountain splendor,
    rivers, lakes and ocean floors —
    You are loving, kind and tender
    in your care for what is yours.

  2. Yet, O God, the earth is crying,
    times are changing, storms are strong.
    Now the coral reefs are dying,
    floods are raging, droughts are long.
    Though the circumstances differ,
    when the earth is in distress,
    See! The poor are first to suffer
    from our greed and selfishness.

  3. God, you love this world we live in,
    so you sent your only Son.
    “Here on earth as in your heaven,”
    God, we pray, “Your will be done.”
    By your Spirit, may we listen
    to the earth and to the poor;
    May we care for all you’ve given
    till creation is restored.

Prayers of the People

Response:

God of the oceans,
hear our prayer.

Prayer for Father’s Day

Offering

To give electronically please go to bpuc.org/give

Alternatively, there is an offering bowl near the lectern on the left-hand side as you exit the church.

Offering Prayer

May these gifts move with the current of your love,
to bring your life and love to those most in need,
In the name of Christ,
who calms the storm and walks the shore.
Amen.

We sing: I the Lord of Sea and Sky

Together in Song 658

  1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
    I have heard my people cry.
    All who dwell in dark and sin
    my hand will save.
    I who made the stars of night,
    I will make their darkness bright
    Who will bear my light to them?
    Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night;
I will go, Lord, if you lead me;
I will hold your people in my heart.

  1. I, the Lord of snow and rain,
    I have borne my people’s pain;
    I have wept for love of them.
    They turn away.
    I will break their hearts of stone,
    give them hearts for love alone.
    I will speak my word to them.
    Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night;
I will go, Lord, if you lead me;
I will hold your people in my heart.

  1. I, the Lord of wind and flame
    I will tend the poor and lame;
    I will set a feast for them.
    My hand will save.
    Finest bread I will provide
    till their hearts are satisfied.
    I will give my life to them.
    Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night;
I will go, Lord, if you lead me;
I will hold your people in my heart.

Sending Forth and Benediction

The God of thunderous waves and rippling seas,
of ocean depths and sandy beaches,
of fragile plants and mighty sea creatures,
lift your vessel into the week ahead.
Go with the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
We go in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Postlude

Come and share morning tea together, in the basement. There are stairs behind the organ and a ramp between the church and the car park. All are welcome!

Thank you for joining us for worship!
If you would like to get in touch or request a prayer, please make use of the Contact Cards in the pews and next to the Offering Bowl. Alternately, you can email our Minister, Rev Linda Driver:

This service has been prepared with assistance from

Liturgy, Learning, & (Purposeful) Life (L3) – Season of Creation
Viv Whimster, John Carr, Susan Burt
© 2025, Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia

Call to Worship adapted from ‘Psalm 148’
Silvia Purdie
Adapted and used by permission

Communion words adapted from Liturgies
John Van De Laar, Thom Shuman and Uniting in Worship 2.

Prayer for Father’s Day
Rev. Chuck Currie. Posted on the Jesuit Resource page of the Xavier University website.
Bible Readings are from the Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society

Cover Photo by Karan Hudson

Congregation Hymns/Songs:

Where wide sky rolls down
Elizabeth J. Smith 1956-
Together in Song 188. Words © E. J. Smith – All rights reserved.

We sing the almighty power of God
Words: Together in Song 119
Tune: Together in Song 361 (Ellacombe 1)
Issac Watts. Melody from the ‘Scottish Psalter’, 1635, as given in John Playford’s ‘Psalms’, 1671

God, You Made Your Good Creation
Tune: Together in Song 493 BEACH SPRING
Text: Copyright © 2016 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Email:  New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com

I the Lord of Sea and Sky
Together in Song 658
Daniel L. Schutte 1947 – Suggested by Isaiah 6. Words by permission Oregon Catholic Press. All rights reserved. One License, License #A‑604444.

www.bpuc.org