A Light on the Hill

Order of Service – 25th January 2026

The Order of Service follows below.

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Brougham Place Uniting Church
Kardlayirdi Karnungga
A Light on the Hill

January 25, 2026
Preacher: Rev Diane Holden
Day of Mourning

Day of Mourning Official Artwork

The beautiful image on the first page is by Guwa Koa and Kuku Yalanji woman Zoe Belle and is one of the two official artworks for the Uniting Church 2026 Day of Mourning.

Zoe writes: “These artworks depict the story of Christ’s presence being amongst First Peoples of these lands of his creation for generations. His teachings have long been known within the stories, songs, dances and ceremony First Peoples have used to connect with God as great Creator and teacher for our communities.”

Welcome to Brougham Place Uniting Church.

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

We sing: Christ be our Light

  1. Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
    Longing for truth, we turn to you.
    Make us your own, your holy people,
    light for the world to see.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.

  1. Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
    Longing for hope, many despair.
    Your word alone has power to save us.
    Make us your living voice.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.

  1. Many the gifts, many the people,
    many the hearts that yearn to belong.
    Let us be servants to one another,
    making your kingdom come.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.

Call to Worship

Please remain standing

Our God is alive amongst all things of creation.

Lift your hands to your ears

The sounds of the rivers in motion, the waves of the seas.

Make a motion of the waves with your hands

The scents of the gum trees and native flowers on the winds.

Stand still with your legs firmly planted, take some deep breaths, stretch up both arms and sway like a tree in the breezes.

You made the earth to give us life and daily sustenance
and it is on Country that we find a place to retreat and walk alongside you in whispering conversation.

Rub hands together to make the sound of a whispering conversation

Today we come together, and we bring our full voices, to lift them in praise of our triune God.

Lift arms wide to praise God together

We ask for forgiveness for not always being the givers of love and hospitality.

Bring hands together in prayerful pose

And, we look to have our hearts made clean.

Use your right hand to catch the love of Christ and rub it onto your chest over your heart

Our God of unconditional love,
we come in repentance and hope.

Jesus, son of guiding and teaching love,
we come to listen, learn and act with courage.

Holy Spirit of multiplying love,
we come with humble awe and wonder
of what you might move within our hearts
and the hearts of those with whom we share life.

We sing: How Long?

  1. How long must we cry out
    ’til justice rolls down like a river?
    How long will this night last
    and when will we all be together?

Refrain:
Teach us to do what is right:
work in the darkness, trust in the light.
And may love be the path we walk upon.

  1. How long will these bombs fall,
    and bodies get twisted and broken?
    How long will these voices
    keep shouting loud insult and slogan?

Teach us to do what is right:
work in the darkness, trust in the light.
And may love be the path we walk upon.

  1. How long? Will your creatures
    be trampled, degraded forever?
    How long must we cry out
    ’til justice rolls down like a river.

Teach us to do what is right:
work in the darkness, trust in the light.
And may love be the path we walk upon.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we, the Second Peoples of this land, acknowledge with sorrow the injustice and abuse that has so often marked the treatment of the First Peoples of this land.

We acknowledge with sorrow the way in which their land was taken from them and their language, culture and spirituality despised and suppressed.

We acknowledge with sorrow the way in which the Christian church was so often not only complicit in this process but actively involved in it.

We acknowledge with sorrow that in our own time the injustice and abuse has continued.

we have been indifferent when we should have been outraged,
we have been apathetic when we should have been active,
we have been silent when we should have spoken out.

Gracious God, forgive us for our failures, past and present. By your Spirit transform our minds and hearts so that we may boldly speak your truth and courageously do your will.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Hear the words of Christ’s forgiveness to us all:

Your sins are forgiven, and you are cleansed and made new again.
Go now and live as my reconciled people.
In the name of Christ, Amen.

Passing of the Peace

May God’s unending peace be with you,
And also with you.

Community News and Notices

You can sign up to receive BP E-news by email and read past issues on our website: www.bpuc.org

Children’s Time (Exploring the Theme)

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: Like a Candle

  1. Like a candle burning wildly,
    raging soft and against the night,
    spark that leaps to clear the shadows,
    sending warm disturbing light.
    We are called to live the passion.
    Hope stands strong against all pain.
    For it’s only in the burning
    that the candle shows its flame.

  2. Like a river running freely,
    rapids swirl beside our feet,
    swiftly flowing from the highland,
    comes to rest, still waters meet.
    All our journeys rising, falling,
    making turns we least expect,
    when the Spirit churns within us,
    know God’s power through the test.

  3. Like an angel walking lightly
    on this fragile earth of clay,
    touching folk with raw compassion
    laughing, playing on the way,
    Freely living every moment
    in the mystery of grace.
    Giving, dying, living, rising
    – see the beauty of God’s face.

  4. See the hope that burns in darkness,
    show compassion strong and kind,
    bind the hurt and broken-hearted,
    be God’s hands and voice and eyes.
    Sing a new song ev’ry sunrise,
    climb to places out of reach,
    walk in freedom in God’s Spirit,
    as we die so we shall live.

  5. We are called to live the passion.
    Hope stands strong against all pain.
    For it’s only in the burning
    that the candle shows its flame.

Scripture Readings

Joshua 1:7-9

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

From this shines forth the Word of God.
Thanks be to God.

Message: Rev Diane Holden

“Strong and Courageous: Walking Together on the Journey of Justice and Reconciliation”

We sing: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky

  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.

Prayers of the People

Response:
God, you are good,
Fill our hearts with love and compassion.

The Lord’s Prayer

And now with the confidence of the children of God, let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us saying…

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your name,

your Kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen.

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

Generous God, we give thanks for all that you have provided, we gladly share our resources this day for the work of your Church. Bless our Offerings and bless us as we continue to serve you. Amen

Sending Forth and Benediction

We sing: For You, Deep Stillness

For you, deep stillness of the silent inland;
for you, deep blue of the desert skies;
for you, flame red of the rocks and stones;
for you, sweet water from hidden springs.

From the edges, seek the heartlands,
and when you’re burnt by the journey,
may the cool winds of the hovering Spirit
soothe and replenish you.
In the name of Christ,
In the name of Christ.

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: lindad@bpuc.org

This service has been prepared with assistance from


‘Day of Mourning 2026’
Uniting Church Assembly


Bible Readings are from the New International Version

Congregation Hymns/Songs:


Christ Be Our Light
All Together OK, 313.
Words and music: Bernadette Farrell. © 1993 Bernadette Farrell.
Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.

How Long?
© Robin Mann 2011. All rights reserved.

Like a Candle
Craig Mitchell, Tim Beale and Roger Imms. Copyright © Craig Mitchell.
Words used with permission of Craig Mitchell.

I, the Lord of Sea and Sky
Daniel L. Schutte 1947 – Suggested by Isaiah 6.
Words by permission Oregon Catholic Press. All rights reserved.

For You, Deep Stillness
Robin Mann and Julie Perrin. © 2001 Open Book Publishers.
All rights reserved.

www.bpuc.org