An Annual Rededication Service for those who wish to be disciples of Jesus. Using modern versions of prayers and promises dating back to the time of John and Charles Wesley (the founders of Methodism), we invite those present to commit themselves afresh to follow Jesus and to serve him as and when needed.
This year the services will be held at:
Western Road Methodist Church on Sunday 5th January 2020 at 10am
Queens Park Community Church on Sunday 12th January 2020 at 11am
What God offers through the Covenant is a loving relationship.
It is not a business contract set up between God and humanity
for the provision of certain goods and services. Rather, it is the
means of grace by which we accept the relationship God offers
and then seek to sustain it:
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a
new covenant … I will put my law within them, and I will write
it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my
people. Jeremiah 31.31, 33 (NRSV)
These words are read out as part of the Covenant Service.
The focal point of the service is the Covenant Prayer (below). It
embraces the whole of life, in all its parts. Most people find it
quite tough to say this and really mean it. It is uncomfortable
and challenging. It asks questions of our faith and demands
that we examine our relationship with God.
The Covenant Prayer has been compared by some to a set of
New Year resolutions, but ones that emphasise the importance
of doing and being as much as believing. But more than that,
the prayer represents a commitment to being a disciple and
putting God first in our lives and in everything about our
lives: what we do, what we say and who we are. It is both a
surrender to, and a trust in, God.
The final few words are a gracious reminder: ‘You are mine
and I am yours’. We don’t pray and live just in our own
strength – but in God’s.
The Main Covenant Prayer
Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
wherever you may place me,
in all that I do and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me and when there is none;
when I am troubled and when I am at peace.
Your will be done
when I am valued and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking;
when I have all things, and when I have nothing.
I willingly offer
all I have and am
to serve you,
as and where you choose.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth
be fulfilled in heaven. Amen.
