Cruden Parish Church
(Church of Scotland)

A hospital for sinners & a school for saints!'

 The Fifth Sunday of Lent
10.00am, Sunday 21 March 2021

[Watch this service on You Tube]

A hospital for sinners & a school for saints (part 2!)

Welcome & Call to Worship

Jesus comes along side us and calls us by name:

  “[your name], come follow me.”

Gentle and patient, careful and persistent.

  “[your name], come follow me.”

In grieving and in praise, in joy and in sadness

  “[your name], come follow me.”

Unexpected and planned, in the still small voice and in power

  “[your name], come follow me.”

Spontaneous and unprepared, willing or reluctant

  “[your name], come follow me.”

Our God is always calling us, wherever we are in our journey.

  “[your name], come follow me.”

Let us worship the God who calls us by name
and numbers every hair on our heads

 

Hymn 500 Lord of creation

  1. Lord of creation, to you be all praise!
    Most mighty your working, most wondrous your ways!
    Your glory and might are beyond us to tell,
    and yet in the heart of the humble you dwell.

  2. Lord of all power, I give you my will,
    in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
    Your bondage is freedom; your service is song;
    and held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.

  3. Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
    rich truth that surpasses my knowledge to find.
    What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
    is taught by your Spirit and shines from your Word.

  4. Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;  
    I praise and adore you for all you impart;
     your love to inspire me, you counsel to guide,
     your presence to shield me, whatever betide.

  5. Lord of all being, I give you my all;
    if I should disown you, I stumble and fall;
    but led in your service your word to obey,
    I’ll walk in your freedom to the end of the day.

            
Prayers of Approach & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
you 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.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen

Bible Readings

Romans 12: 1-8 

A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Matthew 22: 34-40

The Greatest Commandment
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Sermon      ‘ A hospital for sinners & a school for saints part 2

Church News

Prayers of Intercession

Response:

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

 Hymn 549 How deep the Father’s love for us

  1. How deep the Father’s love for us,
    How vast beyond all measure,
    That He should give His only Son
    To make a wretch His treasure.
    How great the pain of searing loss –
    The Father turns His face away,
    As wounds which mar the Chosen One
    Bring many sons to glory.

  2. Behold the man upon a cross,
    My sin upon His shoulders;
    Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
    Call out among the scoffers.
    It was my sin that held Him there
    Until it was accomplished;
    His dying breath has brought me life –
    I know that it is finished.

  3. I will not boast in anything,
    No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
    But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
    His death and resurrection.
    Why should I gain from His reward?
    I cannot give an answer;
    But this I know with all my heart –
    His wounds have paid my ransom.

A blessing for the season of Lent

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
fill you with radiance.
and scatter the darkness from your path.
Amen.

Christ, the Sun of Righteousness,
gladden your eyes and warm your heart.
Amen.

Christ, the Dayspring from on high,
draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.
Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Time for coffee…


CRUDEN PARISH CHURCH NEWS

Worship
The Kirk Session met this week and decided to restart public worship from Sunday 11th April. (This will still involve social distancing, the wearing of facemasks, no singing and an enhanced cleaning regime.)

Also, as we will be unable to sing in church, the session have also suggested a Zoom Songs of Praise of Service to be held after Easter. More details soon!

Recording of Services
As we are now using Zoom the service can no longer be relayed live via Facebook. However, from this Sunday onwards, we will be recording the service which will be made available via the church website. If you do not wish your name or face displayed on the recording, please switch off your camera or change your name you use for the broadcast.

Walking for health and well-being
The group meets every Tuesday morning at 10.00 am, outside the St Olaf Hotel. Everybody welcome. (In case of inclement weather please check the Facebook page to ensure the group is going ahead!).

Pastoral Care
Please advise the minister if you know of anybody would appreciate a pastoral phone call. Sean can be contacted on 07791 755976 or sswindells@churchofscotland.org.uk

Coffee & Chat
Takes place at the end of the service. Please stay online if you wish to participate.

LENT & EASTER 2021

Reflection
Each day of Lent there will be a reflection posted on the church Facebook Page. Contributions from friends and members would be appreciated! For me details contact Sean. [Go to the Reflections Page]

Lent Discussion Group
The final meeting of our 'online' Lent discussion group takes place  tonight at 7.00 pm. We will be continuing to explore the theme of God's help in times of crisis through selected readings from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. New participants to the group are always welcome.

Holy Week Reflections
For each day of Holy Week (Palm Sunday - 28th March to Holy Saturday - 3rd April) there will be a video reflection, seeking to link the story of Jesus’ final week with places in and around the Parish of Cruden.

Easter Coffee Morning
Come and join our virtual Easter coffee morning on Thursday 1st April from 10.30 am to 12.00 noon. (No April fool jokes!)

Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday Virtual Communion Service – 7.00 pm, Thursday 1st April. The link to the service will be available nearer the time.

More information, please contact
Sean @ sswindells@churchofscotland.org.uk   Tel. 07791 755976