Cruden Parish Church
The Baptism of Jesus – 10.00 am, Sunday 10th January 2021
“He is my chosen one, and I am pleased with him.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will reveal justice to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:1
Welcome & Call to Worship
On the first Sunday of the new lockdown, we gather to declare our hope in Jesus - who is the light of the world.
Let us kneel in the darkness,
Until we see God’s light emerge.
Let us wait with hope filled hearts,
As Christ’s image grows within us and shows us life.
Let him speak to us and teach us love,
Until we open our hearts to be his home.
Hymn 279: Make way, make way
- Make way, make way for Christ the King
In splendour arrives;
fling wide the gates and welcome him
into your lives
Make way! (make way!)
make way! (make way!)
for the King of kings;
(for the King of kings)
make way! (make way!)
make way! (make way!)
and let his kingdom in.
- He comes the broken hearts to heal,
the prisoners to free;
the deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance,
the blind shall see.
- And those who mourn with heavy hearts,
who weep and sigh,
with laughter, joy, and royal crown
he'll beautify.
- We call you now to worship him
as Lord of all,
to have no gods before him,
their thrones must fall!
Graham Kendrick
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 Reading Mark 1:1-11
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”—
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Sermon ‘How to mess up Christianity!’
Church News
Prayers of Intercession
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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?
© 1981, Daniel L Schutte
Dismissal & Blessing
Loving God
We give ourselves into the hand of your continuing creativity;
Our past, with its joys and triumphs, its failures, and regrets,
Our present, with its struggles and accomplishments,
its hopes and setbacks,
Our future, with its fears and freedom,
its pain and possibility,
trusting the Spirit that breathes life,
trusting the love that will not let us go,
trusting the promise of the Word made flesh.
Amen
A Holy Land Blessing
May the babe of Bethlehem bring you peace;
May the child of Nazareth bring you joy;
May the man of Galilee bring you strength;
May the Christ of Calvary bring you courage;
May the risen Jesus bring you hope;
And the ascended Christ a foretaste of his glory.
Amen
CHURCH NEWS
Due to the latest lockdown caused by Covid-19 the church is closed for Sunday Worship until further notice.
Our Sunday morning services will now be broadcast live via Zoom at 10.00 am every Sunday morning. For a copy of the link please contact Robert or Sean. (07791 755976)
This also means that our Sunday worship will not be broadcast on Facebook.
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
Prayer meeting
Sunday 10th January, 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Due to the public health crisis facing our communities, there will be a special prayer meeting held tonight via Zoom from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. If you would like to join us, please contact Sean for the link
Walking for health & well-being
The group is currently suspended due to the lockdown and will restart at the earliest opportunity. However, part of the group was a short exercise session promoting flexibility and balance. As a trial, Sean will be leading a short session via the group Facebook Page, live at 10.30 am, Tuesday 12th January. Everybody welcome!