prepared by Rev. Dr. David Jebb – 31st May 2026
Welcome
Peace be with you in this home. We gather in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today we remember that the same God who created the heavens and the earth is the same God who rose from the grave and promises to be with us always.
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, you spoke light out of darkness and life out of dust. As we meet in this home, hover over us again by your Spirit. Open our ears, calm our doubts, and prepare our hearts for your Word. Amen.
Hymn – STF 82 ‘O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder’
| O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed; Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art! When through the woods and forest glades I wander and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze: Then sings my soul… | And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die – I scarce can take it in that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin: Then sings my soul… When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation and take me home – what joy shall fill my heart! Then shall I bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, ‘my God, how great thou art!’ Then sings my soul… |
Prayer of Confession
Let us confess the ways we have turned creation’s order back into chaos.
Silence for personal reflection
Lord God, we have not been faithful gardeners. We have chosen worry over worship, silence over witness, and fear over faith. Forgive us.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: In Jesus Christ, the “very good” of creation is being restored. Your sins are forgiven. Walk in the new life of the Risen One. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a (Please do bring and use your Bible during the service. Thank you)
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16 – 20
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A short silence – Let the words sink in.
Sermon / Reflection – ‘The Holy Trinity: Invited into the Dance of Love’
Today, we celebrate the great mystery of the Christian faith: the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. On the church calendar, this is the Sunday after Pentecost, a kind of graduation day where we move from the specific events of Jesus’s life and the coming of the Spirit to focus on the very nature of God Himself.
And when we look at our readings for today, we see a beautiful pattern. We see that God is not a distant, solitary ruler, but a community of love that draws us in. We are not meant to gaze at the Trinity from the outside. We are invited into the dance.
First, the Majesty of the Father. In our first reading, Isaiah the prophet is given a vision that stops him in his tracks. He sees the Lord “high and lifted up,” and the seraphim are crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” What does Isaiah do? He falls apart. He cries out that he is a man of “unclean lips,” completely undone by the sheer greatness and perfection of God. This is the first movement of the Trinity in our lives: we are confronted with the holiness of the Father—the source of all being, the Creator who is so pure and powerful that our first response is simply awe and humble confession. But in that confession, God responds not with judgment, but with cleansing grace. God is not a terrifying judge to be feared, but a holy Father who restores.
Second, the Intimacy of the Son and Spirit. After seeing God’s glory, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and he answers, “Here am I; send me.” Notice the pronouns: God asks who will go for us? There is a conversation happening, a divine communion even in heaven’s throne room.
Then, in the Gospel, we see this divine plan in action. In John 3, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” The Father sends the Son on a mission of rescue, not condemnation. And this mission is not a distant memory. The Holy Spirit is the personal bond of love between the Father and Son, and that very Spirit is poured into us so that we might share in that same intimate relationship.
Here is the heart of the Trinity: the Father plans salvation, the Son accomplishes it, and the Spirit applies it to us. It is a dance of love, and we have been pulled onto the dance floor.
Finally, our Mission. We are not just saved from something; we are saved for something. The hymn of the seraphim—”Holy, holy, holy”—is the great song of heaven. But on Trinity Sunday, we realize that this song is not locked away in a celestial temple. The same “Lord God Almighty” who filled the temple in Isaiah’s vision is the same God whose Spirit fills our hearts, making us cry out, “Abba, Father!”
Because the Spirit of the Son now lives in us, we join in that eternal conversation. The goal of the Trinity is not just to be admired, but to be joined. As the apostle Paul writes, we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” We are brought into the very life of God.
Therefore, like Isaiah, we are sent. Having witnessed the love of the Father, been cleansed by the grace of the Son, and now filled with the Spirit of adoption, we are equipped to echo the prophet’s ancient but urgent response to God: “Here am I, send me!” The beautiful mystery of the Trinity is unveiled for us each Sunday, and it is simply this: You are not just a believer, and you are not just a servant. Because of Jesus, you are family. Amen.
Song: STF 477 – Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart
| Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart Teach me to move in the power of your Spirit Teach me to walk in the light of your presence Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart Teach me to love with your heart of compassion Teach me to trust in the word of your promise Teach me to hope in the day of your coming Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart | You wrote the rhythm of life Created heaven and earth In You is joy without measure So, like a child in your sight I dance to see your delight For I was made for your pleasure Pleasure Let all my movements express A heart that loves to say ‘yes’ A will that leaps to obey you Let all my energy blaze To see the joy in your face Let my whole being praise you Praise you. Graham Kendrick and Steve Thompson © 1993 |
Prayers of Intercession
Leader: Let us pray to the Lord, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one God in perfect love, who hears our every cry.
A short silence is kept after each petition.
For the United Kingdom
Heavenly Father, we lift before You our nation. We pray for wisdom and integrity for our political leaders, for all who serve in Parliament, in local councils, and in the civil service. Where division, cynicism, racism or injustice has taken root, sow seeds of reconciliation and fairness. Bless the United Kingdom in its diversity of peoples and regions; strengthen the bonds of community and compassion. And may this land once again turn its heart toward You, the source of all true peace.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
For the St Albans & Welwyn Methodist Circuit
Lord Jesus, Head of the Church, we pray for our own family of faith in the St Albans & Welwyn Methodist Circuit. Bless every congregation, ministers, lay leaders, and members. Where there is weariness, renew our strength; where there is decline, breathe fresh vision; where there is hope, fan it into flame. Guide our Circuit as we seek to witness to Your love in our towns and villages. Unite us in purpose and in prayer, that we may be a beacon of Methodist witness in Hertfordshire, faithful to the gospel and open to Your Spirit.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
For the World
Holy Spirit, who moves over all creation, we intercede for our broken and beautiful world. Bring an end to war and violence especially in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, Lebanon and every place where conflict destroys life. Have mercy on refugees, displaced families, and all who flee from terror. We pray too for the earth itself: for a just transition to clean energy, for an end to environmental greed, and for a deep respect for Your creation. Stir the leaders of nations to choose cooperation over competition, and justice over power.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
For People Who Are Struggling
Merciful God, we bring before You all who are struggling this day:
- Those who cannot afford food, heating, or housing in the cost-of-living crisis.
- Those who are ill in body or mind, and those who wait anxiously for treatment.
- Those who grieve, carrying a loss too heavy to name.
- Those who feel abandoned, lonely, or forgotten – including prisoners, the elderly in care homes, and the isolated in our own communities.
- Those whose faith feels fragile, and those who have no one to pray for them.
Draw near to each one, O Trinity of love. Send them help through human hands, and let them know they are not alone.
Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
The Lord’s Prayer
All say together:
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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
May the God who hovered over the waters hover over this home.
May the Son who rose from the dead walk with you every step.
May the Holy Spirit turn your chaos into new creation.
And may you know that you are never alone, today and always. Amen
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
All respond: Thanks be to God!
