Cruden Parish Church

10.00am, Sunday 11 October 2020

‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2: 10)

Welcome

Welcome to Cruden Parish Church. We are a congregation of the Church of Scotland serving the communities of Cruden Bay, Winnyford, Hatton, Longhaven, and the many scattered farms, cottages and dwellings in this beautiful part of the world. Whether you are joining us in the church or online via Facebook you are welcome! We pray you will be blessed and enriched by our words and worship.
More details about the church can be found on our Website (crudenchurch.org.uk) and Facebook Page.

Call to Worship

Please feel to join in the words printed in bold.
God is our salvation,
guiding us out of the darkness of the world.

Redeeming God,
as trees stretch towards the sun,
we seek your healing light.

God is our salvation,
when we hunger for direction and meaning.

Sustaining God,
as branches bear fruit,
your word feeds our souls.

Come now, put down the burdens of your days.

God is our salvation.
We rest in the garden of God's reconciling love.

Hymn: We plough the fields and scatter

We plough the fields and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God's almighty hand;
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine
and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above,
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
for all his love.

He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the wind and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us his children,
he gives our daily bread.

We thank you, then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food:
accept the gifts we offer
for all your love imparts;
and that which you most welcome,
our humble, thankful hearts.

(Matthias Claudius)

Prayers of Approach to God

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

Ephesians 2: 1-10

Made Alive in Christ

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Acts 13:36

Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors.

Sermon What is God’s purpose for your life?

Points for reflection

It does not matter who you are, where you have been or in what circumstances you find yourself Jesus is calling each of us to follow Him and be part of His work in the world.
Have you ever been aware of playing your part in God’s will?
God’s purpose can sometimes be far from clear. It is full of mystery and ambiguity. It will often come as a surprise.
Prayer over this verse and commit your life to serving the Saviour!

Church News (Intimations are the end of the Order of Service)

Prayers of Intercession

We bring before God our concerns for the people in our hearts at this present time, our church, community and world.

Father God, through your power and through your people,
Let your kingdom come

Prayer of Dedication

Gather the gifts of our hands and hearts, living Spirit.
Use these gifts to build not monuments to your distant glory,
but testaments to your intimate love.

Creating God, guide us to put first things first in our lives.
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Christ our Lord, enable us to follow your example.
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Spirit Alive, shine your light that our choices may be a reflection.
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Amen

Hymn I the Lord of sea and sky

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
(Numbers 6:24-26)

Scottish Charity number SC 011353
Cruden Parish Church CCL licence No 17874
Streaming licence number 1606813

WHAT'S ON AT CRUDEN PARISH CHURCH

Online Study & Discussion Group
Restarts on Sunday 25th October – more details soon.

Pastoral Care
The latest Covid-19 guidelines include restrictions on visiting people in their homes. However, this does not affect pastoral visits by the minister or representative of the church where the purpose is to offer pastoral care or a religious rite (Home Communion, prayer etc.). However, these visits can only take place by invitation. For more information or to request a pastoral visit, please contact Sean, tel.07791 755976.

Online Community Coffee Morning
Due to ongoing lockdown we are restarting the coffee morning, meeting every Thursday at 10.45 am, beginning on Thursday 29th October. The Coffee Morning is open to everyone – not just members and friends of the congregation. If you would like a copy of the link, please contact Sean.

Walking for Health and Well-being
Meet this Tuesday at 10.30 am outside the St Olaf Hotel, Cruden Bay. Everybody welcome. (This is a permitted activity under the current Covid-19 rules and an officially recognised ‘Health Walk.’) Group members are requested to make use of the track and trace smartphone app. Sorry no canine companions!

Worship
We meet every Sunday at 10.00 am. In order to provide a safe environment, we are strictly following the appropriate rules and guidance, including social distancing. Members and visitors are asked to reserve seating by contacting Robert Esson either by phone on 01779 813049 or by email at robertesson@btinternet.com before 7.00pm on the Saturday evening prior to the service.

Facebook
Our morning service will be broadcast live via the Church Facebook Page. In order to follow the service, you may have to reload the page just before the broadcast begins at 10.00 am.