Jim 8 th October 2016

A lectionary and list of readings for the venue Knowledge of anything that might be planned for the service (more of that later) Resources: Bible, commentaries, internet etc. Something to make jottings.... A knowledge of the congregation (context) / parish issues Internet access

Read the reading (s) and pray (about readings & congregation too!) Make some jottings Pray and read (the readings) some more Make some jottings Read some other stuff Commentaries Other sermons / Roots / Church Times The news / Parish Magazine Pray and make some jottings

This could be: Witten long hand for reading Cue cards and notes PowerPoint bullets PowerPoint pictures In your head It will be: Prayed about Thoroughly prepared (where possible!) Rehearsed (in some fashion!)

You won’t forget anything..or dry up! Uniform! If you preach it more than once You can give it to someone hearing impaired (or anyone who wants a copy) Disadvantages of Notes Advantages of Notes Reading can be stilted Not easy to adapt on the fly Does not make it easy for the Holy Spirit to inspire at the last moment. You can’t post it to your blog.

Where am I going to preach from? Why am I going to preach from there? Is there a microphone & does it work? What prayer will I use beforehand? Why have I chosen that prayer? What mannerisms / habits do I have that might ‘get in the way?’ Ask Yourself :

They read the wrong gospel reading You discover that you have brought a letter from the bank and not your sermon. The PA system starts to ‘feed-back’ Someone tells you there is a hastily arranged baptism in the service and can you ‘keep it short’ On the morning of your sermon there is a terrorist act / huge natural disaster / accident involving a local family......

You have an illustrated sermon and the projector does not work... Or the loudspeakers for the film clip.... You have prepared an Erudite & Learned, theologically sound sermon on justification by faith when 25 Scouts & Guides appear with banners to join in the procession. You develop a ticklish cough

Speak more slowly than you think you are speaking Eye contact Vary pace, volume and pitch Use pauses and silence Be aware of your body movements / mannerisms Check the sound system Have some suitable stories for children as a backup plan Be prepared to add / change / dump at the last minute in response to the Spirit / other happenings. Don’t forget that the Holy Spirit is working in the listener as well as the preacher.

Starfish! (read in Lydia’s sermon) The budgie – for kids The Rabbi & The Monastery

The Pearson Room Library

Be prepared to feel emotional Be prepared to feel exhausted Do not expect anyone to comment on content Do not be surprised if comments are about a sermon you have not preached DO REVIEW YOUR SERMON PRAYERFULLY and learn from it!

D A4 D The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want. G A4 A He makes me lie in pastures green. G A4 A7 D G He leads me by the still, still waters, Em7 A4 A7 D His goodness restores my soul. And I will trust in you alone. And I will trust in you alone, For Your endless mercy follows me, Your goodness will lead me home.

D A4 D He guides my ways in righteousness,. G A4 A And he anoints my head with oil, G A4 A7 D G And my cup, it overflows with joy, Em7 A4 A7 D I feast on his pure delights. And I will trust in you alone. And I will trust in you alone, For Your endless mercy follows me, Your goodness will lead me home.

D A4 D And though I walk the darkest path G A4 A I will not fear the evil one, G A4 A7 D G For you are with me, and your rod and staff Em7 A4 A7 D Are the comfort I need to know. And I will trust in you alone. And I will trust in you alone, For Your endless mercy follows me, Your goodness will lead me home.

(Capo 3rd Fret)Intro: G Em C9 D G My hope is built on nothing less C9 D Than Jesus' blood and righteousness Em D I dare not trust the sweetest frame C9 D G But wholly trust is Jesus' name C9 Em D Christ alone, Cornerstone G/B C9 Em D Weak made strong in the Saviour's love G C9 Through the storm Em D He is Lord G Lord of all

When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil Em C9 He is Lord D G Lord of all When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh may I then in Him be found Dressed in His righteousness alone Faultless, stand before the throne