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Welcome and Introduction

“The righteous… will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh & green.” Psalm 92:14

The Lord is here His Spirit is with us Holy God, Holy and Mighty One, Holy and Strong One, Abide in us.

Holy God, Holy and Incarnate One, Holy and Indwelling One, Abide in us. Holy and Life-giving One, Holy and Guiding One,

Be still for the presence of the Lord Hymn (StF 20) Be still for the presence of the Lord David J. Evans (1957 -)

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The Holy One, is here; Come bow before Him now With reverence and fear: In Him no sin is found - We stand on holy ground. The Holy One, is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around; He burns with holy fire, With splendour He is crowned: How awesome is the sight - Our radiant King of light! Is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place; He comes to cleanse and heal, To minister His grace: No work too hard for Him - In faith receive from Him. Is moving in this place.

“Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31

“The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their grey hair.” Proverbs 20:29

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12

NT Reading Luke 2:25-40

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles     and for glory to your people Israel.’

33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Nunc Dimittis: My own eyes have seen your salvation Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel.

O God, you search me and you know me Bernadette Farrell (1957-) Hymn (StF 728) O God, you search me and you know me Bernadette Farrell (1957-)

O God, you search me and you know me. All my thoughts lie open to your gaze. When I walk or lie down, you are before me, Ever the maker and keeper of my days.

You know my resting and my rising. You discern my purpose from afar, and with love everlasting you besiege me: In ev'ry moment of life or death, you are.

Before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you have known its meaning through and through. You are with me beyond my understanding: God of my present, my past and future too.

Although your Spirit is upon me, still I search for shelter from your light. There is nowhere on earth I can escape you: Even the darkness is radiant in your sight.

For you created me and shaped me, gave me life within my mother's womb. For the wonder of who I am, I praise you: Safe in your hands, all creation is made new.

Senior Moment By Ann Lewin

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn (StF 394) Spirit of God, unseen as the wind Margaret V. Old (1932-2001)

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind, Gentle as is the dove, Teach us the truth and help us believe, Show us the Saviour’s love.

You spoke to us long, long ago, Gave us the written word; We read it still, needing its truth, Through it God’s voice is heard.

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind, Gentle as is the dove, Teach us the truth and help us believe, Show us the Saviour’s love.

Without your help we fail our Lord, We cannot live his way; We need your power, we need your strength, Following Christ each day.

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind, Gentle as is the dove, Teach us the truth and help us believe, Show us the Saviour’s love.

Copyright Material in this service is covered by various copyright rules and permissions must be sought locally before use. All prayers are © MHA and permission for their use in worship is granted. The scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, and are used by permission. Hymns are covered by either CCL or Calamus and their use must be recorded in your local Church returns.