Hi everyone - welcome to worship!
It's great that we can join in this time together, where we stop from all the busyness and quiet, and other bits and pieces of life, and take some time to praise the One who calls us His people and calls us to worship.
Hope you are all doing well and hanging on in there in these strange times.
Over this last month we've been thinking about prayer, particularly the prayer we find within public worship. Today brings us to the end of our series, and we finish by reflecting on the prayer of
intercession - also referred to as prayers of concern, or petition - where we prayer for the world, for
others... and also, ourselves.
You can find the WORSHIP LINK HEREthat will take you across to our YouTube channel for the service, while below, there are several notices, including a link directing you to a site that gives examples of how to use the Psalms to help your personal prayer when praying for others and yourself. I hope you enjoy our time of worship and come away refreshed, and with something to take with you into the week ahead.
NOTICES/
A lovely piece of news first: Our vestibule window, which had come out second-best with a football a wee while ago, has now been given a new lease of life! The big wooden board was taken down on Wednesday afternoon, and in its place, our brand new window was installed - simple, sympathetic, and elegant.. Huge thanks to our resident stained glass artist and church member, Fiona Foley for her generous gift of time and talent - it's so fab to see out into the daylight and an improvement not only on the old wooden board, but of the previous opaque window... now our welcome team will be able to see who's coming into the building. Job well done indeed. Will get a picture up by next Sunday...
Speaking of coming into the building: TO OPEN OR NOT TO OPEN... for private prayer?
You may have heard discussion in the news about the easing of regulations around lockdown, including the possibility for church buildings to open - for private prayer only. This is very different
to opening the building for public worship, as we would normally do on Sunday mornings.
At the moment, the Kirk Session is considering what we might do.
While opening the church building for private and personal prayer is not really something we'd normally do, nor is it really a part of our Presbyterian tradition, nevertheless, given the strange circumstances we find ourselves in, perhaps people in the church and wider community might find it a helpful thing to offer.
So... we are discussing this.
And as we do, we're also discussing how this might be done to ensure all are safe, undertaking a risk assessment, filling out a safety checklist, and working out best practice for using the building - should we decide to open for private prayer, in the first instance... and then, later, when we are allowed to hold services of public worship once again.
Once we've considered all of this, filled out the paperwork, installed sanitiser stations, etc., our report goes to Presbytery - who either would give us permission to open, or not...
This will take several weeks to organise and put in place.
Do bear with us.
PRAYER HELPS:
Having reflected on prayer over this month, as we think about praying for others, we know that at times, we can get a little stuck on what and how to pray. There's a really useful wee site that gives some helpful examples for finding ways into prayers of intercession by way of making use of the psalms. For access just click on THIS LINK to take you there. When praying for the world, and for others outside our own immediate sphere, it's good to link into the news - USE THIS LINK to take you to a page that gives some tips in making use of the papers/ online media when praying more widely.
WAYS INTO PRAYER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE:
There's a great wee resource from BRF to help the younger members of the community think about prayer, and suggestions for ways into prayer - you can access it BY THIS LINK
It might also come in handy over the course of our time in worship.
DONATING ONLINE:
Thanks to those of you who've already made use of the donations online link over this last week.
We're delighted to have got a working solution for those of you who had been expressing a desire to make their offering in this way, due to lockdown.
For those of you who missed last week, there is now a dedicated 'online giving' page up in the tabs above the blog post... and also, the LINK HERE to save you scrolling back up.
Welcome/
Hello, and welcome to our blog, and to online worship - the link for that is a little further below.
I hope you're all keeping safe and well, and have been able to catch up with family and friends
a little more, given the gentle easing of our COVID-19 lockdown.
Over June, we're exploring prayer - the types usually found within a service of worship.
So, we began with the prayer of adoration, moved on to confession, and today we'll be
reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving... giving thanks to God... and thinking about gratitude.
We have two readings from the psalms, one of which is read by Ursula Baillie... the other is more
of a 'dramatic' reading via a YouTube clip...
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and below, you'll find a couple of church notices - so you might just want to have a quick read of them before going over to our YouTube channel for worship.
NOTICES/
A couple of notices before we move across to the service however. First: church opening.
You may have heard in the news or via the First Minister, that churches may consider opening
for personal prayer - this is not at all to be confused with gathering together for corporate worship.
Now, given this is something we've not offered before, as it tends not to be part of Church of Scotland tradition (we gather together for community prayer in the building... we are at home, or on the hills, or anywhere for personal prayer) the Session will be discussing this matter to see if it might be
something that we can offer even while we can't yet gather together.
Our main objective is to make sure that whatever we may or may not do, that everyone's safety is
paramount. Before any decisions are taken, we need to put together an action plan, undertake suitable risk assessments and suchlike. So, bear with us, and we'll keep you up to date.
At the moment, however, we are not permitted to open the building... so, this is just flagging up
something that may happen as lockdown eases.
As to gathered worship and communal prayer, that will be a wee while off yet, and even when we can gather, worship will
feel quite different. Again, once the Session puts a plan together, and once we are permitted, we will keep you posted as to what we're able to offer.
So, it's slow-going yet, but we are looking ahead, and we aren't rushing in without making sure safety procedures are in place first.
Online donations made easy -
Thank you to those of you who give via direct debit, or who are gathering a collection of envelopes, or who have popped cheques in the mail - all for the ongoing work and upkeep of the church.
It's very much appreciated. For those of you who'd like to donate, and usually do so via the offering plate, did you know that you can now donate online?
If you go to the Church of Scotland website [THIS IS THE LINK]at 'step one' just click on 'donate to a congregation' and type in 'Upper Clyde' and you can give that way - and thanks in advance!
And a big thank you, too, for the many other ways you have been and continue to use your gifts and skills to help others.
Community support groups -
On the right hand side bar of our blog, you'll see a section of links to organisations that are there to
lend a hand in a variety of ways. If you are finding this time of lockdown a particular struggle, check out the links for help whether it's via a listening ear with the Samaritans, or you're needing help with food through the work of the food bank - and the minister is able to write referrals for the food bank, so do get in touch with her [01864 502139 or minister.upperclyde@gmail.com] and let her know. Nikki is also available for a chat, should you need a friendly listening ear
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Hello and welcome as we gather to worship the One whose loving kindness lasts forever,
and whose mercy is wider than all of creation.
I hope that your week has been a good one, as we continue on in our time of lockdown.
Given the slight easing of regulations, I also hope you've managed to catch up for a socially
distanced visit - whether in your garden or elsewhere.
As ever, if there's any way I can be of help, don't hesitate to get in touch, and I'll be happy to assist as I can.
We are still some way off, I suspect, to be in a position where we can gather safely together for
worship in the parish church. However, conversations within the Church of Scotland are happening
as we look ahead and make preparations for the time when we can, once again, open the doors
to the building. Lanark Presbytery will be meeting online on Tuesday night, and a further conversation will take place at an online meeting on Thursday regarding the way forward.
I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I'll keep on with providing worship online via our blog and
YouTube site.
Over the course of June, we're exploring prayer - and in particular, the types of prayer we encounter within our time of worship. Last week, we began with the prayer of adoration. This week, we move on to the prayer of confession, and there's truth in the old saying that 'confession is good for the soul.'
So, let's worship God. Head across to our YouTube channel by clicking on...THIS LINK FOR WORSHIP
Hello and welcome to worship on this Trinity Sunday - a day in the church year where we ponder
the indescribable God. But why the picture of John Wayne dressed as a Centurion? Ahhh, you'll discover across on our YouTube channel when you head over for worship...!
As we continue in lockdown, although we're scattered, we are united in that we are God's people -
one of the hymns in our hymn book states that: 'the church is wherever God's people are praising'... so, whether gathered, or scattered, we remain the church, Christ's body here on earth.
Over the month of June, we'll be exploring the subject of prayer - and in particular, the types of prayer we find within the context of worship. Today, even as we're reminded of God as One, yet Three... and as Three and yet, One... we'll be reflecting on the first prayer we encounter within worship - the prayer of adoration. How do you praise an almost indescribable God? Well... click on the worship link below and let's see where our explorations in worship take us.
The usual pastoral note:
I hope you're doing well in the midst of lockdown and that by now, you've found a routine to keep you going, along with other ways of getting through this waiting time.
Don't forget that I can make referrals to the food bank, so if you, or someone you know, may need use of that service, do please get in touch and I will be happy to get the process rolling.
Also, if you, or someone you know, would like a listening ear or just a friendly chat, don't hesitate to call and I will be only to glad to help as I can.
Very few notices this week, so without any further ado, see you over at our YouTube channel for worship - CLICK THIS LINK to take you there.
On Sunday the 31st of May, we celebrate Pentecost - the 'birthday' of the church.
This week, along with all the Church of Scotland parishes throughout Scotland, England, and internationally, we've been invited by the Moderator to join together in worship at 10am - although scattered, yet we are one in the Spirit of God. The service itself is recorded - and you may see a familiar face from Shetland who grew up here in the parish...
To access the service, click on ... THE LINK HERE
Given the very slight easing of the lockdown rules in Scotland, should you wish an outdoor socially distanced visit with the Minister, do let me know! I'd be able to do one per day, given the rules, but would be very happy to bring my thermos of tea and catch up safely for a chat should you wish.
Otherwise, the usual notices: if you know of someone who could do with some help by way of a referral to the Food Bank, or just a listening ear, give me a call and let me know.
Hope you're enjoying this glorious weather and the slight easing of restrictions - and have caught up with family... I know there's no hugs as yet, and I know some of you are missing cuddles from grandchildren and family members, but at some point, hopefully, we will get to a place where that can safely happen again.
In the meantime, do pass on any hymn requests you have, and I'll either put them within weekly worship, or add to a list for a Songs of Praise style service in early July.
This notices is going up earlier than Sunday just so you can be aware of the 10am start this week.
Until next week, take care
Nikki
Hello, and welcome to online worship.
Our time of worship explores John 17:1-11, where we find Jesus at prayer -
and we get to overhear his conversation with God...
If you've ever wondered who and what Jesus prays for, you may just find out today!
As we've been doing over this last wee while, you'll find the service in a format of 'rolling' clips
on our YouTube channel. Just click on the worship link and you'll be taken across there to our
worship playlist for the 24th May.
All you need to do is click the box at the bottom right hand of the small viewing screen to
enlarge the picture, then sit back, and enjoy a time of worship.
Thanks go to Ursula Baillie this week for doing our reading.
Before you click on the link, there are some church notices below, and a link for some all-age,
family-friendly worship activities to access.
Church notices/ Pastoral/
First, I hope you're all well, and that you've been managing this long spell of staying safe at home.
If there's any practical or pastoral assistance that you, or someone you know, might find helpful,
as ever, don't hesitate to get in touch - 01864 502139. And, don't forget, I'm authorised to do
food bank referrals as needed.
Worship with the Moderator/
This coming Sunday marks the end of the season of Easter - it's Pentecost Sunday.
And, in a change from our now regular pattern of online worship, we, along with all
the parishes within the Church of Scotland, have been invited to join in sharing online
worship with our new Moderator. PLEASE NOTE THE START TIME IS 10.am for the live stream. By Saturday evening, I'll have the link posted up here on
the blog, along with any particular church notices to be aware of.
Minister's time off/
Because it's a rare opportunity for me to not have to prepare for worship this week, I'll be
trying to take a little time out for myself this week, so I can do a little work on my book.
While I'll obviously still be in the manse due to lockdown, I'm aiming to be off duty Mon-Fri unless any pressing matter comes up, and you need to be in contact.
Looking ahead at worship/
Over the course of Sundays in June, we'll be picking up on the subject of prayer, considering the
types of prayer we find in public worship.
Also - if you have any particular hymns you'd like to hear and sing along to, do let me know and
I'll try to accommodate your wish! I'm hoping that we might try for an online Songs of Praise
service - probably at the beginning of July. So, get in touch and nominate your favourites for
inclusion!
And finally...
All-age, family-friendly resources/
Age accessible prayers and activities to complement today's time of worship can be found at
this ALL-AGE LINK HERE
Hope you enjoy worship, and that you have a good week.
May you feel God's presence close by,
Nikki...
In Sunday's worship, there was a short clip entitled 'Love is'
The full text, which didn't all make it to the clip, is below.
A lovely piece from the Rev. Roddy Hamilton, which I shamelessly borrowed!
WELCOME and CHURCH NOTICES/
Hello and welcome!
Our worship is online once again over on our YouTube channel.
Don't forget to have a quick look at our notices before you click on the link... WORSHIP LINK HERE
CHURCH NOTICES/ 'Heart and Soul'/ General Assembly:
This time of year is normally when the Church of Scotland holds its General Assembly.
As we know, ‘normally’ is not quite where we’re at right now, with lockdown, so the Assembly has been cancelled, however, one event that happens on the Sunday of Assembly is a big gathering in Princes St called ‘Heart and Soul’ – and it’s a great event. Now, while that won’t be happening in Princes St, technology has stepped in and this afternoon, there’ll be an online version of it - on livestream. Just click this LINK FOR THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND website and you'll find yourself at the right web page... all you have to do then is click on the live link to join in.
It begins at 2pm, and there'll be music, some good conversation and the chance to have a look around at what the Church of Scotland is doing in the many presbyteries and parishes around Scotland.
Worship - music:
A wee note about worship: I’d planned this year on having two Songs of Praise services – one for spring and one for autumn. So, those plans have come a little unstuck, but I was wondering... it doesn’t have to stop you nominating some of your favourite hymns – we could have a go of it online, I think – or, at the very least, I could include them in our online services over the next wee while. So, do get in touch with me by phone or email, and let me know what hymns or other praise songs you’d like. Also, for those of you who do readings, and, who have a mobile phone, I’m wondering if we could do some recording of readings by you, so that it’s not just my voice throughout worship. You’ll hear a little later that we have managed to have a go at that this week. So do let me know if you’d be willing to record a reading. Thanks in advance.
Pastoral matters:
From the pastoral side of things, again, just the usual thank you for all you’re doing while we’re in lockdown: I know that some of you have been supporting community groups like the foodbank, some donated to Christian Aid last week during Christian Aid week, some of you are saving your stamps for Crossreach...
There are those of you doing the work of prayer, others who are ringing around and checking in on folk. In the many ways you’re doing it, thank you for showing your love and your compassion for friends and neighbours both near and far – practising love in action.
The usual request from me: if you know of anyone who might need a referral for the foodbank, or who might just like a listening ear, do let me know.
All-age, family-friendly worship resources:
What Is Love?all age
You will need: highlighter pens, copies of 1 Corinthians 13
(you can readily copy the text from https://www.biblegateway.com/ ... print off)
Two different ways of doing this:
as a family, or each child individually...
make sure everyone has a copy of 1 Corinthians 13 and a highlighter pen.
Look through the passage and find all the things that love is or does (all the attributes of love)
and when you find something about love highlight it with the highlighter pen.
Compare your findings as a way into the story today.
Crafts Heart Badges age 3-5
You will need: red card cut into heart shapes, coloured pens, coloured pencils,
self-stick stickers, sticky tape, safety pins, clear self-adhesive plastic.
Give each child a heart shape and ask them to decorate it using the materials provided.
Make the heart shape into a badge with the children by helping them to cover their heart
with self-stick clear plastic, which also helps to keep their design in place, and by attaching
a safety pin to the back of the badge with sticky tape.
The children can then wear their heart badges.
Talk with the children about love and how a heart is often used as a symbol for love.
Talk about the people who love them and how they know that they are loved.
How do people show they love them?
Talk about God’s love and how they might show God’s love to others.
Love Biscuits age 6-8
You will need: a supply of small heart-shaped biscuits, tubes of coloured icing, paper plates,
doilies, felt pens, cling-film, stick on parcel bows.
Give each child four heart-shaped biscuits and ask them to pipe with the icing the letter ‘L’ on one,
‘O’ on another, ‘V’ on another and ‘E’ on the last one. While the icing on their biscuits is setting
ask them to decorate the border of their paper plate.
Give each child a doily and ask them to place it on their plate.
Now they can arrange their biscuits on the plate to spell out ‘LOVE’ and then wrap the whole
plate in cling film. A decorative bow can then be added to the top of their cling-film.
Talk with the children about love and the people they love.
Discuss the different ways we can show someone we love them.
Talk with the children about who they might like to give their ‘Love’ biscuits and why they
chose that person or those people.
A Gift Of Love age 9-12
You will need: red card, a box, pencils, scissors, coloured felt-tip pens, PVA glue,
glue spreaders, heart shaped stickers, tissue paper, either small red scented tea-lights
or small packs of love hearts.
Give each child a box and ask them to decorate it.
On the lid use decorative writing using 'Love is...'
(e.g. you could use bubble writing which is then coloured in using the words ‘Love is...’)
Now explain that they are going to complete that phrase by using words from the passage
(for example: patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, bears all things, never ends and so on)
and write one of their different endings to the phrase on each face of the box again in decorative
writing. They can then decorate the other spaces on the box using patterns or stickers.
The box can then be filled with a little tissue paper and either a scented tea-light or some
‘Love Heart’ sweets and be given to someone they love.
Talk with the children about love and how we can show love to others.
With this age-group it would be interesting to ask them to read some of the verses aloud but
replace the word love with their name and then discuss with them what that should mean for
them and how they should behave and show God’s love to others.
Growing Love all age
You will need: white paper towel, plastic disposable plates, pens (not felt tips, they will run!),
cress seeds, water.
Give each child a sheet of paper towel and ask them to draw a heart shape in the centre of the sheet.
Ask the children to place the sheet on the plastic plate and then using some of the water dampen
the paper. Giving the children cress seeds ask them to sprinkle them carefully within the heart
shape only. Explain that if the paper is kept damp the cress seeds will grow in a heart shape and
when grown the cress can then be cut and shared with others in the family.
Talk with the children about love and how a heart is often used as a symbol for love.
Discuss different ways we can show God’s love and ask them to think about how God’s love can
be grown. Talk about how the seeds they have sown could be seen as seeds of love and how
these seeds of love will grow and how that love can then be shared with others allowing
God’s love to grow even more.
Due to this year's General Assembly being cancelled due to COVID-19, the installation of our
new Moderator will still happen, but in socially distanced, online way...
The service will be live-streamed from 11.30am.
Should you wish to watch it, you can see it by clicking on THIS LINK
which will take you there.
Our prayer today comes from the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev. Colin Sinclair.
This will be his last recorded prayer as Moderator.
On Saturday, the Rev. Martin Fair will become the new Moderator for the Church of Scotland, on what would have been the opening day of General Assembly... but which has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
Don't forget: this week is Christian Aid Week.
If you'd like to support their excellent work, please do CLICK THIS LINK which will take you to their giving page.
Hello and welcome to worship at UCPC. It's great that we can gather, even as we're scattered,
and continue as a community, and as followers of Jesus, to worship. As one of our readings for
today reminds us, we are the church, for we are 'living stones' and with that in mind, picking up
on our other reading, 'do not let your hearts be troubled' - wherever we are, so, too, is God.
I hope that despite the current lockdown that you’re safe and well - and if not, then may
you know the comfort of the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.
As we've done over the last couple of weeks, our service of worship today is via our YouTube
channel, through the playlist for 'worship 10 May' and done in a rolling format of clips.
But before you click on the link [below] that which will take you to the playlist, just a couple
of notices:
For those of you with younger people in the house, we have some all-age-friendly worship
resources that you can use – just click on THIS LINK and you can download at your leisure.
Also: this is Christian Aid Sunday, you’ll find a link to the Christian Aid donations page:
If you’re feeling as if your stuck at home and not easily able to lend a helping hand, this is one
way that you can be of immense help in peoples’ lives.
To support the good work of Christian Aid, just click on THIS LINK, which will take you directly to their donate page.
On a pastoral note: if you know of anyone who could do with a listening ear and might appreciate
a phone call – please, do let me know. Also, I am able to do food bank referrals, so again, if you
know of someone who might need a hand in that way, encourage them to get in touch with me -
01864 502139 or to send an email using the 'contact us' space on the side bar of the blog.
Also on the side bar, you'll find a 'links' section that may be helpful, such as Clydesdale Food Bank,
and the Samaritans.
And, with all those notices, so, let's worship God - HERE'S THE YOUTUBE LINK for our
worship today... or whenever you choose to watch. See you over there...
Welcome to worship on this 'Good Shepherd' Sunday.
I hope that you are all keeping well, and safe, and that you've settled into this time of lockdown.
Don't forget: if you'd like a listening ear or just to have a friendly chat, do get in touch with me, Nikki at the manse on:
01864 502139
And, if you know of others who might appreciate a call, please do let me know, and I'll follow that up.
As with last week, our worship will be over on our YouTube channel, in the form of 'rolling' clips. So once you've clicked on THIS LINK, which will take you to our rolling playlist for 3 May, all you need to do is click on the box at the bottom right hand of the small viewing box - this will change it into full screen mode for easier viewing. The clips will follow on automatically one after the other through to the end.
But before you click on that link, for those of you with younger people in the house, you'll find another LINK HERE which will take you to some all-age-friendly worship resources - There's age-appropriate stories, prayers, activities, and reflections...
I suggest you head there first, download what you need, and then head across to the Parish YouTube space for a time of worship.
Also, I'd like to acknowledge the great work that the Clydesdale Food Bank have been doing during this difficult time - they are amazing.
If you'd like to support their excellent work please click ON THIS LINK which will take you to their website and to their donations page. They have been so supportive of some of our own neighbours within this parish, and I, for one, am very grateful for all they do.
And a reminder:
in my capacity as Minister, I'm authorised to make referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank. If you are in need of the service, please do get in touch -
and, if you know someone who could do with the help, please pass my contact info. on to them.
Also, if you happen to be passing by the front door of the manse on your daily exercise, or essential travel, and you have items you'd like to donate to the food bank, feel free to drop them at my front door and I can organise a pick up when they next come through this way.
I hope you enjoy our parish worship this week - it was a little windy in the backyard this week, so there are some 'shuggly' bits on occasion! This week a microphone arrived... next week a special mobile phone friendly tripod - which should help make videos a little less shuggly!
Have a good week, and may you know God's blessing ...
Lord Jesus Christ,
in this world where hopes are so often dashed
and dreams so often broken,
we remember today the faith in the future you brought to so many,
both through your coming and through your resurrection from the dead.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how Mary and Joseph looked forward
to the day of your birth,
how shepherds and magi caught their breath in wonder
as they knelt before you,
how the hearts of Anna and Simeon leapt in anticipation,
and how your disciples
and the crowds that flocked to hear you gave thenks,
convinced that you were the Messiah, the one God had promised,
the long-awaited deliverer come to set them free.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how that vision of the future
was shattered by events to follow –
your pain, humiliation, suffering and death –
hope ebbing away as the lifeblood seeped from your body –
an end to their dreams, an end to everything.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how the news spread that the tomb was empty,
the stone rolled away, your body gone,
and how despite it all,
your followers could scarcely bring themselves to hope –
afraid to take the risk of faith
in case they should face the heartache of losing you once more.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
But we remember finally how you appeared,
in all your risen glory –
in the garden,
in the upstairs room,
on the Emmaus road,
by the Sea of Galilee –
and the dream was born again,
the smoldering embers of faith rekindled.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
Lord Jesus Christ, a world is waiting,
hurting,
longing,
searching for hope,
crying out for meaning,
hungry for some reason to believe in the future.
Come again in your living power,
and bring new life to all.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
WELCOME/
Hi - welcome to UCPC online worship: whether within the Parish or elsewhere, whatever time you may be joining in, it's good to see you here. Even though we can't meet face to face, and even though we're physically scattered/ socially isolating, we are still a part of Christ's body, and still a community albeit, gathering in a slightly different format for the time being.
Today, something of an experiment! We're going to try to do a 'rolling' style of worship over on our YouTube channel [yes, we do have one, we just hadn't really done much with it!].
If you click the link below, it should take you there and you'll find the playlist for worship 26 April. It's set so that each wee clip should follow on automatically and play in order. Don't forget when you're looking at the viewing panel to enlarge the video by clicking on the box below the video screen to your right - it'll make singing along to the hymns a tad easier!! Also, apologies for the occasional flashes of blinding light during the sermon... I hadn't quite moved round with the sun! Bear with me as I continue to learn and get to grips with the tech! :-)
For those of you with younger ones at home, before you click the YouTube link, scroll down to the bottom of the blog post and you'll find some worship accessible activities for all-ages.
Also, below, you'll find a couple of church notices...
In the meantime, the Order of Service is below...
And... if you CLICK ON THIS LINK it will take you across to our time worship
where all the elements of the service - hymns, prayers, sermon etc will play one after the other in the correct running order as if you were at Church.
NOTICES/ Pastoral care... if you, or anyone you know in the parish could use a listening ear, please don't
hesitate to get in touch with me [Rev. Nikki]. And, if you just want a wee blether, that's okay too!
At the moment, I'm also able to go to the store to collect and deliver prescriptions if needed, so let me know if I can be of help with that. My phone number again is 01864 502139
or you can email me by making use of the 'contact us' box on the right side column of the blog. Food bank referrals... just a reminder that in my capacity as Minister, I'm authorised to make
referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank. If you are in need of the service, please do get in touch -
and, if you know someone who could do with the help, please pass my contact info. on to them.
Also, if you happen to be passing by the front door of the manse on your daily exercise, or essential travel, and you have items you'd like to donate to the food bank, feel free to drop them at my front door and I can organise a pick up when they next come through this way.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to the work of the food bank via their website -
here's the LINK
When you get to the page, scroll down until you get to the green 'donate' button.
ALL-AGE WORSHIP RESOURCES/ This LINK will take you to the resources by 'Roots' - there's prayers, an all-age friendly version of the Emmaus story, suggested activities, and at the bottom of the page, downloadable printable activity sheets.
A MID-WEEK PRAYER/
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lillies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
Amen.
WELCOME/
Hello and welcome to our online blog-style worship - although scattered, we are still community, and we can still find ways to worship even during the time of lockdown.
How has the week been for you?
Hope you're managing to find ways that help you through this odd time and to generally stay positive. I've kept up my Lent [and Advent] practice of stopping at the end of each day and taking time to find three people/things to be grateful for over that day. It's a wee practice that I've found really useful, and something that helps me keep some personal perspective at the moment. Let me know how you're doing - do feel free to get in touch, I'm always up for a blether or to be listening ear.
In the meantime, our worship theme continues with Easter, where we remember and reflect on the story of an upper room at night, gathered disciples, and a follower of Jesus called Thomas.
Those of you with younger folk at home will find a link to family friendly resources/ prayers/ activities for today's theme.
Wherever you are, whatever time it is:
let's worship God....
CALL TO WORSHIP/ Come to me,
all you who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death!
On you has the light shone!
For Jesus Christ is the light of the world
and this is the story;
the light shines in the darkness
and the darkness could not put it out!
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. I am the bright and morning star.”
So let us join with the faithful
down through the ages and proclaim:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia
Come, let us worship God. HYMN/ Christ is alive, let Christians sing!
PRAYER/ Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
Living God,
we are among the ones whom Jesus said were blessed.
We have seen no risen body,
no walking through walls,
no nail-pierced hands and side.
And we believe—in something—
even when we are not always sure what.
Blessed we may be, but like others in that dubious elite—
the poor, the hungry, the persecuted, the grieving ones—
we would really rather it were not so.
How much easier it would be if we had seen with our own eyes;
if we knew where he was, and could invite others to come and see for themselves.
But that is not how it is, nor ever was meant to be.
Resurrection is not an argument,
but an experience of a relationship that death cannot sever.
It is an act of trust, not a test of logic or a feat of willpower.
Loving God,
we give thanks for every experience of resurrection that we have known, however fleeting:
for hope returning after the darkness of despair;
for a comforting touch;
a word of peace.
We, too, have met him around a table, sharing bread and wine with friends.
Other people have been the risen Christ for us, as we, amazingly, have for them.
We ask forgiveness,
not for our doubting,
but for our failure to be honest about what we do believe,
and what we struggle to affirm.
Not for asking questions,
but for stopping short of the really hard questions
that would take us closer to the deepest truth.
We pray, as we always do, for your presence with us in our worship.
May we be surprised, astonished, delighted, when our prayers are answered,
and move from this time knowing that we have been with
the One who lived and died and is alive for evermore,
Jesus Christ, our companion and friend...
the One who taught us to pray by saying: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen
REFLECTION/ Every day is Easter
When Thomas touched the wounds
and set himself free
it was Easter day
When Peter’s three “yes’s” to Jesus
finished his three denials
it was Easter day
When Mary ready to embalm the dead
ran in fear from the empty tomb
it was Easter day
When the disciples looked from afar
at a breakfast of fish on the beach
it was Easter day
When Emmaus became synonymous
with welcome, and the breaking of bread
with strangers
it was Easter day
When Paul was blinded by the light
and recognised the voice niggling in his head
it was Easter day
When the hungry are fed at the table
the same table as the rich
it is Easter day
When weapons are beaten to ploughshares
and peace is a word to be shouted
it is Easter day
When the stranger is welcomed in community
and the lonely are restored to relationship
it is Easter day by Roddy Hamilton
Let's turn our minds to scripture and continue on from our reading last week...
READING/ John 20:19-31 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said,
‘Peace be with you.’ 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again,
‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;
if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him,
‘We have seen the Lord.’
But he said to them,
‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and
my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.
Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said,
‘Peace be with you.’ 27Then he said to Thomas,
‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.
Do not doubt but believe.’ 28Thomas answered him,
‘My Lord and my God!’ 29Jesus said to him,
‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and
yet have come to believe.’
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in
this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah,
the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
HYMN/ In the tomb so cold - Christ is risen
SERMON/
Apologies for the quality of the sound - you may have to turn it up a wee bit!
I've put the text below if you'd prefer reading...
[scroll past if you've listened]
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all our hearts
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen...
On Easter Sunday last week, in our gospel reading from John, there was a lot of running about:
at first, it begins with a walk –
we have the solitude of Mary heading to the garden tomb in the pre-dawn darkness,
to mourn her beloved Rabbi, only to find the tomb is empty and he’s not there.
She runs.
At the end of that particular run through the early morning streets of Jerusalem...
where the light is now dawning, she finds Peter and a beloved disciple.
She tells them the news that the grave is empty. They run.
They have to see it for themselves.
Then they return back to where they’ve been staying.
Mary, meanwhile, has returned to the garden in what is now the full light of the morning.
It’s there, in that full morning light, that she meets Jesus, the One who is the Light of the world.
Throughout the Gospel of John there’s a very deliberate use of darkness and light –
and there, in the garden on that Easter morning, the light is shining.
The sun beams down upon Jesus, Son of God, revealing – showing us –
that God is with us:
just as God showed up in the incarnation –
in Bethlehem as the child of Promise,
so God shows up still, in the resurrection –
in a Garden having fulfilled the promise...
forgiveness,
death – that old enemy – defeated,
and new life - a new way of living...
a promise for now and for all of eternity.
Our reading focus from John’s gospel at this point finds us still in that first Easter –
it’s clearly been a busy and confusing day for the followers of Jesus.
And note the time that this account begins.
It is night.
Our gospel writer is pointing that out for a reason –
he likes his metaphors of darkness and light, remember.
So you have:
darkness and fear;
light and freedom to love...
darkness and death in all its finality;
light and life in all fullness...
darkness and sin;
light and purity...
darkness and lack of knowledge, lack of understanding;
light and understanding - where all is now more fully comprehended.
And as we look on at these followers of Jesus,
hemmed in by the darkness of the night,
hemmed in by the fear that moves them to lock the door of the familiar room they’ve returned to
what we see is that, although the light of revelation has opened Mary’s mind,
in contrast, as far as the disciples are concerned, they are all still very much in the dark.
After all the running around to the empty tomb in the morning,
now, in the evening, they're just running on empty.
They sit and argue among themselves and wonder what on earth is going on
until the Light of the World comes among them –
moving through that locked door,
moving through their fears,
moving into hearts and minds that are closed.
...God, in Jesus, shows up.
God, in Jesus, offers words of peace –
not once, but twice –
to ease their fears,
their troubled minds and hearts,
to move them from the darkness and chaos of confusion
into the light of understanding and comprehension
that, with God
anything is possible –
even death can’t nail him down.
They rejoice at his return.
But there’s more.
While Jesus is there among them,
there is one who is not: Thomas.
Thomas is at least open to the possibility of not allowing his fear
to keep him in a locked room.
We aren’t told where he is –
perhaps he’s an essential worker –
but he’s out in that city somewhere
even though he may be recognised
as one of the followers of the radical rabbi who has been dealt with only a few days before.
Thomas may have unfairly been left with the label ‘doubter’ for generations –
but he is perhaps more courageous than some of the other followers.
When he returns to where they’re all gathered,
and they tell him that Jesus has been among them,
he’s not asking for anything beyond what the other disciples have experienced:
a little unfair, then, to stick him with that ‘doubter’ label, really.
In fact, just as Peter and the unnamed disciple had run to the tomb
that very morning after Mary had told them of the empty grave
to see for themselves,
so, too, he has to see it for himself.
He even sets up his conditions:
unless I see the nail marks...
unless I put my finger where the nail marks were...
unless I put my hand in his wounded side...
Often we use the words at communion: ‘taste and see that the Lord is good.’
In the case of Thomas, it’s a matter of ‘touch and see that the Lord is real.’
A full week passes.
Even after Jesus has shown up among them,
shared his words of peace with them,
breathed his Spirit upon them,
still they sit in that locked room, somehow unable to move on and out.
And as they sit there, this time with Thomas,
God, in Jesus, shows up yet again.
Jesus doesn’t dismiss or diminish Thomas for his words,
for the conditions he’s set out as a requirement to believe.
He moves among them again,
speaking peace into their hearts and troubled minds... again.
He approaches Thomas and meets him where he is –
invites him to touch and see and believe
that resurrection is real...
that belief is possible.
And where the disciples, having seen Jesus the week before, rejoice,
Thomas does something different;
he cranks things up a notch.
The disciples, upon seeing Jesus were basically saying ‘Wow, this is awesome.’
Thomas, instead, says the equivalent of ‘Wow, you are awesome.’
Where the disciples rejoice, Thomas praises.
With the light of realisation, Thomas not only sees the resurrected Jesus,
he makes the deeper connection:
Jesus truly is the Messiah,
Son of God,
human
and
divine...
and so he worships the risen Lord.
God, in Jesus, shows up.
God, in Jesus, offers us words of peace to ease our fears
to ease our troubled minds and hearts
to move us from this present darkness
into the light of his peace,
into the light that reveals again and again and again and forever
that, with God,
anything – indeed, everything – is possible.
And while we can rejoice with the disciples and go ‘wow that’s amazing’
we can also praise and worship with Thomas and say of Jesus ‘wow, you’re amazing’
Friends, whether you’re out and about doing essential work, or whether you’re doing your bit by staying home and keeping yourselves and your neighbours safe...
may you know the light and love of Jesus, and remain in his peace.
Amen.
An Easter Affirmation
We believe in a bright and amazing God
who has been to the depths of despair on our behalf;
who has risen in splendour and majesty;
who decorates the universe with sparkling water, clear white light,
twinkling stars and sharp colours,
over and over and over again.
We believe that Jesus is the light of the world;
that God believes in us and trusts us,
even though we make the same mistakes over and over again.
We commit ourselves to Jesus,
to one another as brothers and sisters,
and to the Maker’s business in the world.
God said: let here be light,
Amen. by Helen Lambie. From Lent and Easter readings from Iona. Wild Goose Publications 2001 PRAYER/ Lord of all, we come to you, Lord of all, our saviour be, come to bless and to heal with the light of your love.
Lord, there are so many people and situations
that need the light of your love today,
that need the peace you offer.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the darkest places where violence, hate and abuse
have free reign over people,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the hearts of all
who are lonely, bereaved or ill,
who are suffering and afraid,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the minds of all
who have power and authority
all who lead in government or other institutions,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the souls of all
who have yet to discover the risen Christ,
of all who are seeking a higher power,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the lives of all people in the world:
the young and the old,
the able and the less able,
the believer and the doubter,
the seen and the unseen,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
So be it. Amen.
REFLECTION/ I’ve had people promise me things;
promises that were never fulfilled!
The empty words of others:
well-meaning, perhaps, but hardly worth the uttering!
Others have had me promise them things;
promises that were never fulfilled!
The empty words of mine:
well-meaning, perhaps, but hardly worth the uttering.
Good intentions:
so much easier than words;
Words:
so much easier than actions;
Actions:
so often difficult to carry out.
God’s promises?
The promise of love,
the promise of mercy,
the promise of peace.
the promise of the Holy Spirit
to come down,
come in
and come amongst us?
Promises, promises, promises;
uttered and fulfilled!
Promises, promises, promises;
intentions and words and actions!
Promises, promises, promises.
Our God is a faithful God,
who has come down,
come in
and come amongst us!
Hallelujah!
HYMN/ Lord of the dance
FINAL PRAYER AND BLESSING/ Holy God, Lover of your children:
the tomb has been opened,
and we dance into your future.
Your life has dawned on us,
and we surround you with our praise.
You reach out your hand,
and lead us into joy.
Jesus Christ, Faithful Witness:
you pick open the locked doors
of our hearts
and come in to be with us forever.
You breathe peace into our souls,
so we may bring healing
to a troubled world.
Holy Spirit, Breath of Peace:
you show us our hearts,
so we may give love to others.
You show us our hands,
sending us to serve the needy.
You show us your hope,
so we may live in your joy.
As we end this time of worship...
Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord,
And the blessing of God:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
be with you
- and those you love and who love you...
Amen.
A WEE BIT OF FUN/
A cartoon for our times in these days of online meetings:
ALL-AGE RESOURCES/
Click on the link HERE for downloadable/ printable resources to help younger people access worship
Easter doesn't end on Easter Sunday - a wise person once said 'now every day is Easter.'
Traditionally, the season of Easter lasts for 50 days to Pentecost.
Christian faith communities across the world read again the Bible stories reflecting the
appearance of Jesus...
In the spirit of Easter, two poems for meditating upon this week
CHRIST OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS (Inspired by the painting 'Christ of St. John of the Cross' by Salvador Dali.)
And still his head is bowed,
The cross uncluttered now
By family and friends,
Adrift;
Unearthly brightness ghosts his outstretched arms,
God's well-belovèd son.
The storm is spent.
No ripples break the water's calm.
Two fishermen seek comfort
In their nets
And, in the eastern sky,
A new day dawns. by Dee Yates
EASTER IONA
Listen. There is nothing except the wind.
The sheep lie in boulders in the fields,
The first few lambs shelter to the south-east of their mothers.
The moon swims through cloud, a rim of gold,
Yet never flows clear into open sky, never burns the sea with light.
Is there a God in all this blackness,
The huge emptiness of night? How small we are
When our lights go out, when all we can comfort our dark with
Are candles. In the end, each and every invention is not sufficient
To cure our loneliness, to take away our fear,
To solve the riddle of death. We can fly to the moon,
But we cannot heal the flaw in a broken soul.
Easter. How we took the only one who ever truly knew us
And murdered him. That night the dark must have seemed so close,
The emptiness so huge. The disciples
Blown away into troubled corners of Jerusalem,
Their hope broken, their lives lost.
Far away east, a black blood stains the sky;
The cold is bad, like a wound, it hurts the heart,
Twists like a rusted knife. Morning is many miles away;
Resurrection, awakening, they seem nothing more than a story
In some half-forgotten book, and yet Easter is becoming real
A little every second, the candles are being born across the hills
Until, at last, they conquer night, they light an impossible morning,
A beautiful hope.
WELCOME/
Well, it may be one of the strangest of Easter Sundays, but nevertheless these words still ring true:
Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Welcome to physically-distanced, yet community, worship - and a blessed Easter to you;
may you know God's deep peace and joy this day.
So... how are you getting along?
Are you settling into some kind of rhythm while you're in lockdown?
I don't really think there's any right or wrong way of making your way through this particular time -
some of us are 'here's a few projects to take on' people, for others concentration is quite hard to
maintain and you feel like you're not accomplishing much... and for some, just getting out of bed
is a big victory. Perhaps the take away here is not to be too hard on yourself - or others, for that
matter - do what you can, as you can, when you can... and if what you need to do is rest, or take
on six impossible things before breakfast, then just do that. And, stay in touch: just because we're
all having to be physically distanced doesn't mean we have to be isolated... pick up that phone,
or use that internet and stay connected: like the old BT slogan used to tell us 'it's good to talk.'
Even though we are still in lockdown, the fact of lockdown does not stop us, as people of faith,
from celebrating the breaking of a different lockdown: the breaking open of a tomb in a garden
nearly 2 000 years ago, and of new life - the amazing story of the resurrection.
Death itself could not contain the Son of God and, in faith, we hang on to that, and give thanks.
Our blog worship this morning picks up Mary's visit to the garden tomb. There's also quite a few
opportunities to say an 'Alleluia' - released at last from Lenten captivity once more!
At the end of this blog post, you'll find some notices, and below that, there are some suggestions
for all-age Easter activities to enjoy.
I hope you find this Easter blog post a helpful way to remember the wonder that is Easter
and just how great is the God who calls us by name, and loves us so very much.
CALL TO WORSHIP/
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the stone roll,
the grave clothes being folded,
the body rise,
it was like a whispered ‘alleluia’
in the stillness of the dawn,
but it was real.
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the angels’ muffled laughter a
as the women reached the tomb,
the dawn break over the garden
revealing footprints in the dew,
the mountains bow in slow grandeur
just out the corner of your eye,
it was like something shifting
at the edge of your sight,
but it was real.
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the world holds its breath,
the stars hesitate,
the sun lingers,
creation fill its lungs,
the air swells
so that the whole earth can proclaim:
‘Christ is risen’.
This is resurrection morning!
Alleluia!
Let us worship...
And what better way than to begin with that great Easter hymn... HYMN/ Jesus Christ is risen today
PRAYER/
‘Living God!’
Let us say that again:
‘Living God!’
May the life you have redeemed
from death
be alive in us,
that in our living and being
we proclaim
a life that never dies
yet is so full of alleluias,
of the love of justice and the making of peace,
it can never die.
May we find a million ways
to proclaim you are alive
in word and in deed,
in hope and in action,
in longing and being,
in singing and speaking,
in laughter and care,
in questions and wonder,
in faith and belief.
May we be your resurrection people,
alive to life
and ready to share it
with the world.
Hear us.
Living in us,
reshape us,
call us anew
and again
into life
and it’s fullness.
So be it.
Amen
Our reading today speaks of early morning, a journey to a garden, an unsettling discovery.
Grief is replaced by confusion, which in turn is replaced by astonished joy.
Let's spend time reading God's word...
BIBLE READING/ John 20:1-18 1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them,
‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13They said to her,
‘Woman, why are you weeping?’
She said to them,
‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ 14When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know
that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her,
‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’
Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him,
‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ 16Jesus said to her,
‘Mary!’
She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her,
‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and
say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
‘I have seen the Lord’;
and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Amen. And may God bless and inspire us with His word.
REFLECTION/ How To Speak Of God
Risen,
alive,
back,
breathing,
resurrected…
What new ways to describe you today, O Love!
We ended up speaking of you as:
dead,
broken,
crucified,
but now:
restored,
dynamic,
awake,
aware,
resurrected.
On Friday the words ran out
we had nothing left to say.
Now we have new words:
vibrant,
vivid,
laughing,
living,
resurrected.
May we speak again
in this new way,
and give the world
new words:
hope,
grace,
light,
faith,
love…
each word
filled with resurrection promise
and alleluias.
Our next hymn begins with a solo... and then moves into wider congregational singing... [from Songs of Praise] HYMN/ Now the green blade rises
EASTER SERMON/
[I've had a go at trying to do a sermon video - not promising to do this every week but as it's Easter!! If anyone would prefer the text only version of the sermon, get in touch and I'll email it to you]
PRAYER/ We give thanks to you,
Gracious God,
for you have done marvellous things!
When the world was walking in darkness,
you came as light.
Not the light of a bright star alone—
but the light of Jesus, Prince of Peace.
When we were kneeling in weakness,
you came as teacher.
Through his parables and conversations,
Jesus of Nazareth opened our eyes
to a new way of being -
to create communities of compassion and care.
When some were feeling worthless,
you came as friend and physician.
By the healing love of Jesus your Son,
many were shown acceptance
and were brought to new life.
When we were needing forgiveness,
you came as sacrifice.
By the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
mercy came in the form
of unconditional and unabated love.
For all of this we give you thanks,
on this holiest of days.
Compassionate God, we come before you with an active focus
on those people in the world who are suffering...
We live in strange, unsettling times
and many this day live with real challenge in their lives.
We pray for the grieving and the lonely,
for the young who spend their days walking on eggshells at home,
and the old who deserve the best we can give,
for families cramped in city flats who long to go to the play park;
for those who are prejudiced against others
and who live behind barriers of fear and suspicion,
and those who have been damaged by the actions of others.
We bring before you
all who live in fear,
those ones who are immuno-compromised,
those who are sick at home or in hospital;
we remember all who work in the NHS in whatever capacity,
and especially the ones treating patients with Covid-19...
we also pray for all who maintain the necessary links
that provide food and other necessities -
giving you thanks, too, for all who are able to volunteer
and support their neighbours and communities.
We grieve with those who grieve
and remember all who have died as a result of the Corona virus...
may their families, friends, and colleagues feel the comfort of your love.
We pray too, for all who are particularly on our minds and in our hearts
at this time, and we pray for our own needs
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
God of love, promise and hope,
this day reminds us of a new dawn and of a different world.
Let us live, united in spirit,
and ready to serve our brothers and sisters in the world,
that they too may know the blessings of your generous love.
Purple changes to gold
darkness to light grey to colour.
This is a day of transformation,
yet it is more.
Sadness to celebration,
graveyards to gardens,
silence to laughter.
This is a day of revolution,
yet it is more than that.
Death to life,
passion to proclamation,
future to now.
In this day of resurrection
may we tangle our thanks
and our praise together,
lost for words that speak of what it is
to be your renewed community
and know what we always wanted to know
and believe what we sometimes
dared not believe:
that your love
is the most powerful thing in all creation,
and even death,
and even graves,
and even sin,
and even nothing in all creation,
can stop love bursting to life once more.
This is love’s day
and Lord Jesus,
we have chosen to celebrate...
As your people,
scattered, yet community,
we pray the prayer your Son taught us:
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 debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever.
Amen
REFLECTION/
Say to the world today
what was thought absurd is now imaginable:
the tomb is empty and death is broken.
Say to the world today
what was impossible yesterday is possible today:
the old preconceptions are shattered.
Say to the world today:
the stone has rolled,
the light streams in and the darkness has cracked.
Say to the world today
all that was uncertain is now certain:
the truth is alive and the lies have crumbled.
Say to the world today
the tomb is empty,
hope is back,
the alleluias have begun
and the silence has snapped.
Say to the world today
death is broken,
preconceptions shattered,
darkness is cracked,
lies crumble,
silence is snapped.
This is the good news that cannot be contained.
Alleluia!
I truly can't think of a better hymn to conclude an Easter Sunday service -
this one gets the 'Songs of Praise' treatment... and perhaps gives us a glimpse
of a time when we can all be physically present - gathered together again to sing God's praise. HYMN/ Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son
BLESSING/ The stone has been rolled away!
Christ is risen!
Love wins!
With joy in our hearts,
thanksgiving on our lips
and a spring of hope in our step,
let us love and serve the risen Lord
and
May the blessing of God almighty -
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be with you today, tomorrow and always.
Amen. NOTICES/ Pastoral care... if you, or anyone you know in the parish could use a listening ear, please don't
hesitate to get in touch with me [Rev. Nikki]. And, if you just want a wee blether, that's okay too!
At the moment, I'm also able to do a prescription delivery if needed, so let me know if I can be of help with that. My phone number again is 01864 502139
or you can email me by making use of the 'contact us' box on the right side column of the blog. Food bank referrals... just a reminder that in my capacity as Minister, I'm authorised to make
referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank. If you are in need of the service, please do get in touch -
and, if you know someone who could do with the help, please pass my contact info. on to them.
Also, if you happen to be passing by the front door of the manse on your daily exercise, or essential travel, and you have items you'd like to donate to the food bank, feel free to drop them at my front door and I can organise a pick up when they next come through this way.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to the work of the food bank via their website -
here's the LINK
When you get to the page, scroll down until you get to the green 'donate' button.
ALL-AGE EASTER ACTIVITIES/ Create/ Celebration cards
You will need: sheets of A4 card, scissors, pens, coloured tissue paper, glue, envelopes...
Pre-prepare by folding the sheets of card in half to form a greetings card for each person.
Cut a large, cross-shaped hole in the front cover of each card.
Ask everyone to write ‘The joy of Easter shines through’ on the front, and a message inside their card.
Inside the card, they can then cover the cross ‘window’ carefully with tissue paper, creating a stained-glass effect.
Help the children to carefully stick and seal all the edges with glue.
Leave for a few minutes to dry.
Then encourage the children to place the finished cards in the envelopes.
Invite them to send their card to a friend or family member.
A simple craft activity for younger children Easter bunting
Make Easter bunting from card with the letters spelling out ‘Joy’ -
repeated as many times as needed to create the length to decorate your space.
Invite everyone to decorate the pennant shapes with pens, stickers and sparkles.
The emoji Bible
Invite those with mobile phones to look at emojis and either draw them on paper
or use them within a message on their phones to create a storyboard.
Find suitable emoji images to represent each key point and create a sequence of emojis
to tell the Easter story.
When everyone has finished, invite people to share their stories with each other.
Think/reflect Chocolate prayers
Give out foil-wrapped chocolate eggs.
Ask everyone to unwrap their egg carefully and save the foil.
As you read the story again, invite them to eat their egg and enjoy the taste.
Then ask the young people to create a cross using their foil wrapper.
Reflect together on the journey from the cross to the joy of Easter Day.
